Chapter 1596


    Amidst the cheers and blessings, Arya looked deeply moved but somewhat shy. She extended her


    hand, allowing Toph to ce the ring on her finger. Toph put the ring on and then scooped her up like a


    princess.


    Colorful fireworks lit up the night sky, making the whole venue a dream.


    The banquet was lively, and everyone expected Toph to be his usual sociable self. However, with Arya


    by his side, he held back. Instead of joking around with his friends, he gazed at his future wife with a


    goofy grin, bing a quiet andposed gentleman.


    Dealing with the guests fell to Zuko and Lina, and they handled it gracefully, impressing the guests with


    their charm.


    Daniel stood in a corner, observing the festivities as if he were in a different world. He watched


    everything calmly, took a sip of red wine, and felt a hint of bitterness.


    Graham had flown back from overseas for this event. He stood by Maisie’s side, helping her with her


    shawl and recing her wine with grape juice.


    Daniel saw Maisie smile at Graham, and her eyes held a universe within them. His heart ached, feeling


    like that sparkling universe was meant to belong only to him.


    The banquet was mainly for the younger generation, while the elders had their own conversations.


    Zephyr and Cordelia chatted with Josiah and Kelly, and those seeking their favor started their charm-


    offensive and socializing.


    Nichs had a few drinks and became more talkative. He chatted andughed with his friends, even


    suggesting ying cards in a separate room.


    Linda assisted him in entertaining their guests. Once she had everything under control, she noticed


    Daniel, who was still standing in the corner.


    “Many politicians are here today,” she said softly as she walked over. “Their support will be crucial for


    your future in Centrolis.”


    “Heh!” Daniel chuckled. “I’ve managed in Centrolis before without their support.”


    Linda studied him for a moment. That was true. Daniel was a shrewd businessman with a few tricks up


    his sleeve. He had invested in a few minor ventures in Centrolis, like the hidden investor behind the


    Liz-Inn Hotel in the city’s south. While it might not rival the Hamerton Group’s hotels, it had a strong


    reputation in Centrolis.


    “Your business acumen is not a concern,” Linda said quietly. “But in terms of character, you still have


    some learning to do.”


    “Is that guy treating her well?”


    “What?” Linda furrowed her brows and followed his gaze. Daniel was coldly staring at Graham.


    She immediately grew anxious. “Daniel, what are you trying to do?”


    “I just think that guy isn’t treating her well,” Daniel said with a casual sneer. “Switching red wine to


    grape juice? Hah, doesn’t he know she hates grapes?!”


    Linda was worried he might cause trouble. “Daniel, I warn you, don’t create problems for Maisie again!


    She has already moved on from you, and we’ve been friends with the Bayers for many years. I don’t


    want to offend them because of you!”


    Daniel stayed silent, and a sharp glint shed in his eyes.


    Frustrated, Linda almost raised her hand to strike him.


    “Don’t worry. I won’t make trouble for you!” Daniel said before turning to leave.


    “Where are you going?”


    “I’m stepping out for a smoke!”


    Annoyed, Linda rolled her eyes and left him to it.


    –


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Outside.


    Daniel lit a cigarette. Unexpectedly, the smoke choked him, and he coughed. The more he thought


    about Graham’s hand on Maisie, the more agitated he became.


    He muttered under his breath, ready to leave early, but then he saw Maisie.


    Daniel’s heart skipped a beat. It took him several seconds to fumble to extinguish his cigarette. He


    remembered that Maisie disliked the smell of it on him, but littering wasn’t an option either.


    Daniel quickly picked up the cigarette butt he had stepped on and looked for a trash can. He even


    identally knocked over a flower pot by the stairs, which he hastily set back in ce.


    Afterpleting his impromptu cleanup, he let out a long sigh of relief. When he looked up, he found


    himself under Maisie’s surprised gaze.


    Did he appear foolish to her with his actions?


    In frustration, Daniel bit his lip.


    Maisie broke the tension with augh. “Hi.”


    “Oh… H-Hi.”


    “I just saw Persephone,” Maisie said softly. “She looks so beautiful today, like a little princess. I heard


    there will be a flower girl segmentter, and she’ll be the one delivering the flowers!”


    “Is that so?”


    Maisie noticed Daniel nervously sliding his hands into his pockets and then pulling them out as if he


    had suddenly grown an extra pair of hands and didn’t know where to put them.


    She said, “Uh, sir… I should get going now. Goodbye.”


    “Huh?” Daniel’s rationality finally returned slightly. “Where are you heading?”


    “I’m going home.”


    “So soon?” He was surprised. “The banquet has just started, and isn’t your boyfriend still…”


    “He has already left,” Maisie said with a forced smile. “He had something to do. His work keeps him


    very busy, and he had to catch a flight tonight.”


    Daniel suddenly felt irritated.


    At that point, he had already dismissed Graham from his thoughts. Part of his motivation was his


    hostility toward Graham, but part of it was his frustration that Graham had left Maisie, making her feel


    wronged, just to fulfill a workmitment.


    He took a deep breath and said, “Let’s go.”


    Maisie was surprised. “What?”


    Daniel smiled gently. “Come on. I’ll take you to an interesting ce.”