Married a Secret Billionaire novel 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 work late 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 accompany 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 become like this. He didn't understand why he could remain composed during billion-dollar 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 discomfort. "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 relaxed 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 residential complex.

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."