At the celebration feast marking the completion of the theme park renovation, Linda spotted Daniel, whom she
hadn't seen in years. She was taken aback at first.
He no longer resembled the cheerful, innocent boy she remembered. Experience had given him a sense of
maturity and composure. His eyes held a coldness, and his demeanor exuded power that could instill fear in others.
Approaching Linda, they gazed at each other for a prolonged moment and exchanged smiles.
"You must be Cordelia, right?" Daniel asked, turning to the woman beside Linda. "You look just the same as when we
were young. You haven't changed a bit!"
Cordelia smiled and replied, "You're too kind with your words. It's been years. I even have a grandchild now. How
could I remain unchanged?"
"Both of you would still stand out in the crowd, even in your golden years," Daniel commented.
After a brief conversation with Cordelia, she departed, leaving Linda alone with her thoughts. Many things had
changed, but it felt as if nothing had.
Daniel broke the silence, gesturing on a screen toward the renovated theme park and offering a detailed
explanation. "I'm sure many kids will adore it," he said. "I can tell Sephy loves it!"
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtLinda smiled. "She mentioned that. She wants it to be like cotton candy, and you've truly made it that way. You're
spoiling her!"
"She's not only your granddaughter but also a Quimby descendant. How could I not spoil her?"
Linda hesitated. She knew Daniel had a specific reason for returning this time, and her worries seemed about to be
confirmed.
"I won't beat around the bush, sis," he said candidly. "Dad asked me to give you something before he passed away. I
came to Centrolis this time to give it to you."
Linda's expression darkened.
The news of her father's death had reached her. Nicholas had wanted to accompany her, but she hadn't gone. She
still hadn't forgiven him for abandoning his wife and daughter all those years ago.
"He left you an inheritance." Daniel continued. "The paperwork is with the lawyer, and you can handle it in a couple
of days. He felt guilty and left it for you. It's quite a substantial sum."
Linda smiled, realizing that money was unimportant to her now. What mattered more was keeping her family
together, ensuring her daughter and son-in-law's happiness, and having her loved ones and old friends around until
they grew old. She also cared about Daniel, hoping he could regain the kindness he once had.
"I heard you used some questionable tactics to acquire the Quimby Group in Cumulus City," she remarked.
Daniel looked taken aback but smiled subtly. "Are you implying that I've become ruthless, sis?" He finished his wine.
"Should I not have used such tactics? If I didn't, they would have destroyed me."
"But you hurt the person who loved you the most," Linda quipped.
His grip on the glass tightened, and his knuckles paled.
Linda thought she had said too much and didn't press the issue. Instead, she requested a glass of champagne and
sipped it slowly.
The dinner continued with enthusiasm. Sephy joyfully mingled with the crowd, pointing at the screen and showing
her peers the cotton candy-themed park, designed just for her.
Yet, the atmosphere between Linda and Daniel remained tense. They stood close, and Linda could feel an
undercurrent of darkness in him.
After some time, he asked, "Where is she now?"
Linda shook her head and sighed. "So you really came here for her."
"I won't lie, sis," he admitted, meeting her gaze. "I have two reasons for coming here. One is to deliver our father's
inheritance. I know your husband has provided you with a wonderful life, and money might not be your concern,
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmbut this is different. Dad left this for you, and you should take it.
"The second reason... She's in Centrolis now, and you're keeping her hidden, aren't you?"
Linda's expression changed. Cordelia overheard the conversation and walked over with a plate of snacks, gently
gripping Linda's arm.
She remembered the incident with Daniel and that girl from three years ago. Linda had gone to Cumulus City to
rescue the wounded girl and bring her to Centrolis. It struck Cordelia that the girl was close in age to Lina while
Daniel was in his 40s.
Cordelia thought their relationship had ended three years ago, so she was surprised he had come all the way to
Centrolis for her.
Linda disclosed, "She has a normal life now and a boyfriend. I heard she's getting married soon. She's healed from
her trauma. You should stop bothering her. It might bring a bad outcome."
Daniel maintained a flat expression, seemingly ignoring her words. He persisted, "Where is she?"
"Daniel!"
He looked up, grinning slyly. "You know what I'm capable of."
"What are you planning?" she asked.
"I just want to see her," he stressed. "If you don't tell me where she is, I can find her myself. But I might not be
happy if I have to resort to that. Don't blame me if I do something that upsets you."