Chapter 380 A Desperate Offer
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“I’d quit my job, donate every last dollar from my bank account, and hand over my house and car to friends and family,” Daniel said with a mischievous smirk. “Would that make me the same kind of person as you are?”
Zoe couldn’t help but laugh, shaking her head in disbelief.
She stared at him, lost for words.
Beneath the glow of the streetlight, his annoyingly handsome face wore a teasing grin that made her want to roll her eyes–or maybe punch his arm.
Zoe let out a quiet sigh and spoke slowly. “Why do guys act so recklessly sometimes? Even I can’t stand my own family situation. Shouldn’t you be running in the opposite direction from someone like me?”
“It’s not recklessness,” Daniel replied, his expression turning serious. His voice grew earnest. “Some people’s feelings are genuine. Not everyone weighs love based on outside circumstances.”
His words cut through the walls around Zoe’s heart like a sharp blade.
She stood frozen. The streetlight cast shifting shadows across his defined features. Those usually playful eyes now held a sincerity that made her chest tighten.
“Genuine feelings?” Zoe gave a faint, bitter smile, her fingers unconsciously twisting the fabric of her shirt. “What genuine feelings even exist in this world?”
“They do,” Daniel said, stepping closer until he could catch the light scent of gardenia in her hair. “Like right now–even though I know you’re pushing people away, I still want to be near you.”
Zoe felt suddenly flustered. She pressed a palm to his chest and gave a slight shove. “Back up a little.”
Daniel stumbled two steps backward, his serious look vanishing into a frown. “What’s with you? You’re stronger than you look.”
Just then, a cab drove by. Zoe stepped toward the curb and raised her hand.
The taxi pulled over. She quickly opened the door and slid inside–avoiding him as if he were bad news.
Daniel watched the cab drive off and stood alone on the sidewalk, completely lost in the deepening night.
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15:26 Thu, Jun 25
Chapter 380 A Desperate Offer
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Three days after the wedding, Iris returned to her family home with Julian and Harper.
That morning, Julian had loaded the car with an impressive array of gifts.
Dressed in crisp new outfits, the trio arrived at Whitmore Manor.
Cayden and Brandon had gotten up early to welcome them.
When they met, everyone’s faces lit up. Harper was the most excited, and Cayden swept her into his arms.
“Grandpa, I missed you so much,” Harper chirped, wrapping her small arms around his neck and planting a kiss on his cheek. Her sweet, tender voice melted Cayden’s heart, leaving him beaming with pride.
One by one, the presents were carried into the living room.
Brandon’s eyes swept over the collection–priceless antique paintings, rare vintage wines gathered over the years, imported delicacies from overseas–everything thoughtfully selected.
He felt a sudden swell of emotion.
Maybe this was what Zoe meant about coming from similar worlds.
After all, Iris‘ wedding gift had been nothing small either.
“Hey,” Iris walked over and asked softly, “everything okay?”
Brandon paused, then offered a slight smile. “What do you mean?”
“You were staring at my husband’s gifts with this really touched look.”
Brandon chuckled lightly. “No, I was just thinking. Your husband picked everything out perfectly–all things Dad loves. That’s really thoughtful.”
Iris smiled warmly, linking her arm with his as they moved toward the couch. “Don’t just stand there staring. Come sit.”
Seeing his sister so content put Brandon at ease.
He took a seat and reached out toward Harper. “Come here, sweetheart.”
Harper slipped from Cayden’s hold and scampered over to Brandon.
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15:26 Thu, Jun 25
Chapter 380 A Desperate Offer
“Uncle Brandon!” She leaped happily into his lap.
Brandon settled her comfortably and gently brushed her soft hair. “Harper, did you start preschool?”
“Yep! I’m in pre–K now, in the junior class.”
Brandon kept his voice gentle. “Are you having fun there?”
“So much fun…” Harper drew out the words, soft and adorable.
That alone was enough to make everyone in the room smile fondly.
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