Maisie followed Nicole's gaze and noticed that the person walking toward them was Daniel. She didn't understand why Nicole appeared fearful upon seeing him. Nicole instinctively shielded herself behind Maisie.
"Nicole, what's wrong?" Maisie asked.
Nicole remained silent, her expression seeming off.
When Daniel saw Nicole, his gaze changed. It wasn't his usual coldness, but rather, there was a hint of pleading in his eyes.
This took Nicole by surprise. She couldn't believe the typically strong-willed Daniel would have such a gaze.
Maisie spoke softly. "Nicole. This is Mr. Daniel Quimby. He's also a family member of one of our students."
"Oh…" Nicole's voice quivered slightly, and she forced a smile. "Mr. Quimby's family member is here? Is Mr. Quimby... married?"
"No," Maisie clarified. "He's the child's granduncle."
"Yes," Daniel replied quietly. "I haven't gotten married."
He emphasized each word, looking at Maisie.
Maisie didn't catch the deeper meaning behind his words, but Nicole pulled her aside, hesitated for a moment, and then said, "Maisie, you... be careful."
Maisie believed Nicole was concerned about her brother-in-law, so she assured her, "Don't worry, this is an international kindergarten, and security is good. Even if he comes, he won't dare to harm me."
"I... I wasn't just talking about your brother-in-law, but also..."
Nicole hesitated, not elaborating. She cast a quick glance at Daniel nearby and instinctively held Maisie's hand tightly.
Two years ago, Nicole had witnessed Maisie's traumatic experience firsthand. Although she was timid, she was determined to do everything in her power to protect her younger sister. Now that Maisie had put her past behind her and was starting anew, Nicole couldn't let Daniel disrupt her life again.
Nicole took a deep breath. "Maisie, what I mean is, stay away from those family members too..."
Maisie paused, her face turning red. "You mean Mr. Quimby? Nicole, what are you thinking? I'm about to marry Graham. How could I…"
"Alright, alright, don't get agitated! I know you're not like that. But you can't guarantee that others aren't, right? It's not time to pick up the kids now. Why is Mr. Quimby hanging around the kindergarten? Is it because of you?"
"Nicole!"
"I'm just worried that you might get taken advantage of." Nicole patted Maisie's head.
She refrained from saying more. If she said too much, what if Maisie remembered everything from her past? For her, that would be a disaster, not a blessing.
Maisie nodded and handed Nicole the keys to her apartment.
After bidding farewell, Maisie turned to go back and noticed that Daniel hadn't left. He was still standing at the kindergarten's entrance.
He smiled at her and appeared eager to please.
Maisie's heart raced. She remembered Nicole's warning and decided to hurry inside without greeting him.
Daniel watched her with a tinge of desolation and pulled out his phone, instructing softly, "Maisie's sister is in Centrolis. Find out why she's here."
His subordinate was prepared. "Mr. Quimby, we've already checked. Nicole came to Centrolis to escape her husband. He's running a small company in Cumulus City, and it's not doing well. He owes a lot of money, including some high-interest loans..."
Daniel sneered. "Heh! Him again…"
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