?Chapter 1497:


    Dani smirked knowingly.


    “Carol was just making an offhandment. If you keep pampering her like this, she’ll be impossible to handle. Even your bonus won’t keep up.”


    Niks’ face turned earnest.


    “I’ve got a bid lined up today. If it goes well, I’ll get an early bonus—enough to buy even more.”


    Dani couldn’t help but chuckle. She hadn’t imagined Niks had this kind of side to him.


    She gave a slow nod.


    “All right then, better hustle. Carol’s got a big appetite and a picky taste. Not easy to keep her happy.”


    Niks just shrugged, unfazed.


    “I can handle it.”


    Dani fell silent. Carol stirred awake and emerged from the bedroom. The housekeeper called her toe eat the prepared filleted fish. At first, Carol’s face brightened, but when she learned Niks had arranged it, she rolled her eyes in disdain and retreated to the living room.


    Dressed sharply in his suit, Niks noticed Carol’s hesitation but kept quiet. He made no mention of the effort or cost behind the meal. If she refused, that was her choice. She had whims like anyone else, and to him, that was normal. Though oblivious to Carol’s true feelings, Niks’ genuine sincerity struck Dani as quietly amusing.


    Carol narrowed her eyes, watching Niks warily, fearing he might suddenly whip out the hidden blood bag and toss it at Dani.


    Not wanting to waste any more time, Dani seized a chance to visit Niks at his workce.


    She came alone—without Cedric or Carol.


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    Niks offered, “Want me to show you around thepany?”


    Dani, disinterested, sank into a chair and peeled an orange instead.


    It was busy work hours; everyone else was engrossed in their own tasks. Niks smiled brightly.


    “The bid went well today. Looks like there’ll be a bonus at month’s end.”


    Dani nodded, then asked,


    “Any problems along the way?”


    Niks shook his head.


    “None at all.”


    Dani added softly, “It’s not easy breaking free from the McCoy family. If you need a hand, just say the word.”


    Niks repeated firmly, “Really, nothing to worry about.”


    By midday, Dani found herself having lunch at Niks’ ce once more, yet there was still no sign of any move from him.


    Unable to contain a yawn, she finally blurted out, “When are you going to use that hidden blood bag? If you don’t act soon, I’m leaving.”


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