This Time, I'll Be the Villain's Favorite Daughter novel Chapter 173

Chapter 173 You Don’t Have to Be Useful

“My father had one–rule,” Raymond said. “If something isn’t useful, it gets thrown away.

“Growing up, many people died trying to protect me. I was the most useful one in the family. Before I met your mom, my life was simple.”

He smiled and tapped her cheek. “I killed people. And I worked hard to learn how not to get killed.”

To him, life had always been easy.

His future had been set from the start. He would take over the family. Raise the next generation. Live a life he could see all the way to the end.

“I could kill people I knew without a second thought,” he went on. “Because we were just working together. They didn’t matter.”

It had been a long time since Raymond talked to his daughter in such a serious manner.

He didn’t want to bring up the past, but it was hard to avoid.

“The more you care about people, the more they can hold you back.”

“I understand.” Maya tightened her arms around his neck and made a quiet promise. “I’ll grow up. I’ll become someone useful too.”

Just a moment ago, Raymond had raised his gun and shot the kidnapper. His voice stayed calm as he called her name.

Maya had to admit, it made her a little uneasy.

She understood something. No one helps others for free.

She couldn’t be sure she would always be chosen. So the only thing she could do was make herself as useful as possible.

“You don’t need to be useful to me.” Raymond paused, a little caught off guard. Then he let out a soft, helpless sigh. He had never met a child like her.

She knew how to give, how to offer herself, but he didn’t want her to grow up that way. “Even if I die, I don’t want you to be the one who saves me.

“This idea of being ‘useful, it only applies to people who don’t really matter. People you can use.”

He dragged out his last words a little, a faint smile on his face.

“And that idea has nothing to do with you. My daughter is a wonderful kid. You deserve a normal life. One step at a time. Safe and steady.”

That was all he wanted for her.

At the very beginning, when Raymond brought her home, he had prepared himself for the worst. He

thought Maya might burst into tears and run away at any moment

But she didn’t. She stayed

And little by little, like a young sapling, she took root and grew

Toby always called her a coward.

But Raymond didn’t see it that way. To him, she was the bravest and most special child he had ever met.

She didn’t stop just because she was afraid. Give her a tiny bit of hope, and she would hold on tight

A little stubborn. A little soft. The kind of kid that made your chest ache.

The first time he saw her, she reminded him of a stray kitten.

A bit wary, but still young enough to be easily lured in with a treat.

For a child covered in wounds, just walking up to someone was already hard. Coming into his home took real courage.

He didn’t want anything bad to happen in her life. He just wanted her to grow up safe and steady.

Trying to become “useful” wasn’t something he hoped for her.

“I killed those people on my way here,” Raymond said quietly, letting out a soft sigh. “You might think I’m scary. But I didn’t have a choice. They were just business to me. You’re not, Maya. I won’t treat you like that. We’re family. You don’t have to prove anything. Don’t be afraid of me.”

Maya blinked blankly and let out a small grunt. It took her only a second to understand. He wasn’t just explaining himself. He was telling her something else, I won’t treat you like that. We’re family. Don’t be afraid of

1. me.

“I’m not…” she said softly. Then she reached out and wrapped her arms tight around his neck. I’m not afraid of you. And I lie, when I said your hair looked ugly.”

She leaned close to his ear. Her voice was soft, like warm sugar melting. “You actually look–really, really handsome today, Daddy.”

r

The sudden, straight–up compliment hit Raymond out of nowhere. He froze for a few seconds.

“Thanks,” he said at last. His eyes curved as he smiled, copying her playful tone. “I got the message.”

At the same time, on the other side of the school.

The moment Raymond forced his way in with his team, George had already sensed trouble and made a

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