Chapter 1601


    Daniel ushered Maisie into the car and drove out of the narrow alley. Maisie’s hands remained cold


    despite the warm car interior, and she shivered.


    To ease her tension, Daniel tried to strike up a conversation. “By the way, do you live nearby?”


    “It’s a bit far from here,” Maisie answered softly. “I usually don’t take this route, but I left workte today,


    and it’s more convenient, so I decided to use it. I didn’t expect someone to follow me.”


    “It’s important to be cautious when walking through dark, quiet alleys,” Daniel advised.


    Maisie nodded, and a thought suddenly crossed her mind. She gazed at him. “Mr. Quimby, why are you


    here too?”


    Daniel couldn’t admit to following her all this time. He had been secretly keeping an eye on her,


    concerned for her safety on her way home. He had convinced himself that her apartment was in a


    moderately safe downtown area surrounded by busy roads. But his concern became a reality today.


    Daniel moistened his dry lips and had to craft a lie. “I have a friend with a bar nearby, and I came to


    support him. I had a drink earlier, so I went to the alley for some fresh air, and that’s how I happened to


    run into you.”


    “You had a drink?” Maisie widened her eyes and sniffed the air but couldn’t detect any alcohol in the


    car. She was worried. “You shouldn’t drive if you’ve been drinking!”


    “Huh?” Daniel realized the holes in his lie and calmly added, “Oh, no, it’s not me who had too much to


    drink. It’s my friend. I was just there to apany him for some fresh air.”


    “What about your friend, then?”


    “Uh…”


    “You left your friend alone in the alley?”


    “I…”


    Daniel’s lie unraveled. He couldn’t fathom why he had be like this. He didn’t understand why he


    could remainposed during billion-dor business deals but couldn’t manage a simple lie in front of


    this girl.


    “Mr. Quimby, are you okay?” Maisie asked with concern, sensing his difort. “Are you sure you


    haven’t been drinking? They’re really strict about drunk driving now, and you don’t want to get caught


    by the police. If you’ve been drinking, please pull over. I can find my own way home.”


    “I’m fine.” Daniel forced a smile. “I’ll take you home first and then pick up my friend. He’s a grown man.


    Nothing will happen to him.”


    “Really?”


    Daniel stated firmly, “Absolutely.”


    Maisie’s tense brows rxed slightly, and she smiled at him. “Thank you, Mr. Quimby.”


    “Just a small favor. Don’t worry about it.”


    As the car approached the intersection, Maisie directed him to turn left, leading them to the entrance of


    her residentialplex.


    Daniel opened the car door for her.


    “From now on, stick to the main roads,” he advised gently. “Don’t take these small alleys. They’re not


    safe.”


    “Mm.”


    “Try to leave work a bit earlier. There’s no need to overwork yourself.”


    “You can’t be sure about that,” Maisie said, lowering her head with a smile. “I have to wait for thest


    parents to pick up their children before I can leave. Some parents are very busy and often forget to pick


    up their children. After all, children like Persephone, whoes with a whole entourage of nannies and


    bodyguards, are a rare sight in any kindergarten.”


    Daniel smiled. “Oh, by the way, I’ve ordered a batch of teddy bears for the kids. I noticed that one of


    them liked the bearst time, but I almost caused an ident. I feel bad about it. They’ll arrive


    tomorrow, and each child will receive one. Could you please help distribute them, Ms. Squire?”


    “Mr. Quimby…” Maisie was surprised but also felt warmth in her heart.


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    Daniel looked at her and smiled.


    “Uh…” He tentatively asked, “Is the one from before still in the ssroom?”


    “No, I brought it back when you didn’t take itst time,” Maisie replied, looking at him. “I’ve been


    meaning to find a chance to return it to you. Hold on, I’ll get it now!”


    “You don’t have to,” Daniel said hurriedly. “Just keep it.”


    It was hers anyway.


    “But…” Maisie wanted to say more, but Daniel had already left.


    She watched as he disappeared into the night. It felt like she had often seen this scene in her mind.


    Maisie took a deep breath, suddenly realizing that she was still wearing his coat. He had already left,


    so she would have to return it another time.


    She went back home.


    Nicole had already prepared dinner and invited her to eat. Maisie managed a tired smile but imed


    she had no appetite and retreated to her room.


    The little teddy bear sat on her bedside table. She looked at it, and a wave of emotions washed over


    her.


    Her temples suddenly throbbed, and she felt as if something was bothering her mind.


    Her phone rang—it was a voice call from Graham. Maisie focused her thoughts and eventually


    answered the call.


    “Hello? Maisie!” Graham sounded somewhat rushed. “What happened just now? Did you have a bad


    dream, or did you call by mistake?”


    Maisie massaged her temples, feeling like there was a heavy weight on her heart. She patiently replied,


    “I’m fine. Are you free now?”


    “Yes, I have a moment for a cup of coffee.”


    Maisie forced a smile. Graham’s work was extremely demanding, and he often worked tirelessly,


    sipping his coffee in just a few seconds. When he said he had time for a cup of coffee, it meant he had


    two minutes to spare.


    On a 24-hour day, he could only spare two minutes for her.