?Chapter 18:


    When Connor heard Domenic’s report, his expression grew somber. He felt a throbbing pain in his heart, unsure whether it was from jealousy, anger, or embarrassment. He had been feeling offtely, particrly distressed upon discovering that Marissa had a fiancé and was eager to marry him. Now, learning that her so-called fiancé was his own nephew, he nearly lost his mind. He recalled an infamous historical figure who had taken his son’s wife, and even after thousands of years, that emperor was still condemned. If Connor married his nephew’s fiancée without cause and it became public, he would face severe criticism


    The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. He crumpled the document in his hand, his fingers whitening from the pressure. Domenic sensed Connor’s turmoil and quickly added, “Mr. Daniels, Marissa has ended things with Derek.”


    Connor paused abruptly and asked, “What happened?”


    Did Derek lose trust in Marissa because he had forced her into marriage? If so, Connor would feel guilty. He admitted he had taken a liking to Marissa, seeing her as different from others. But if she was involved with his nephew, how could he justify taking her for himself? Domenic pointed at the crumpled document and said, “Here’s the detailed investigation report. You should read it.”


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    After a moment, Connor smoothed out the document and read it intently. His furrowed brow gradually rxed as he absorbed the contents. Connor’s intelligence team, a top-notch international group, had thoroughly investigated the situation in Adagend


    The document included detailed information about Marissa and Derek. The Tucker family was too poor. Derek’s grandmother, realizing he might struggle to find a partner, persuaded a six-year-old Marissa to promise to marry Derek when she grew up. Most girls might forget such a promise after a few days, but Marissa was true to her word. Ever since then, Marissa had treated Derek kindly. She defended him in fights during their childhood, financed his education, and still intended to marry him as an adult. However, Derek proved unworthy. Once he was recognized as a member of the Daniels family, he callously discarded Marissa, despite her years of kindness. Derek even spread harmful rumors online to tarnish Marissa’s reputation. Connor finally understood why Marissa had beaten Derek up so fiercely at the hotel today. The tension between them had escted significantly


    At that moment, Domenic chimed in, “Mr. Daniels, the investigation shows that there’s never been real affection between them. Their rtionship was purely based on that childhood promise. Marissa has lived independently for years, rarely seeing Derek. I believe it’s fortunate for Marissa that Derek called off the engagement. After all, a marriage built on a promise alone is unlikely to be fulfilling. Marissa isn’t bound by that promise anymore, and Derek is living his life as a wealthy heir, which is a perfect situation for both of them. However, Derek went too far in his efforts to destroy Marissa.”


    Connor didn’t seem upset anymore; he even managed a smile. Domenic then asked, “Mr. Daniels, would you like to address the negative online rumors? Although it’s Marissa’s sister who’s the subject of gossip now, Marissa herself will soon be dragged into this. By that time, she won’t be able to lead a normal life.”


    Expecting his boss to order an immediate cleanup of the online nder, given his previous support for Marissa, Domenic was surprised when Connor remained silent


    Connor then returned to Daniels Manor. Marissa was chatting with Arabe. As soon as Connor exited his car, he could hear Arabe’sughter echoing from the main building. He strolled into the living room gracefully. Arabe was sitting on the sofa. He gently suggested, “Grandma, it’s gettingte. You should consider going to bed.”


    Arabe yawned, clearly tired yet stubbornly awake. “I’m not sleepy. I want to spend more time with my granddaughter-inw!”


    Connor smiled and assisted Arabe to her feet. He escorted her to her bedroom while yfully coaxing her, “Come on, Grandma. You need your beauty sleep. If you don’t rest, you won’t look your best. And if you’re not looking your best, your granddaughter-inw might not be fond of you anymore.”


    Arabe eventually settled into bed under his gentle persuasion. Connor returned to the living room. Noticing Marissa on the sofa, he softly proposed, “Shall we have a talk?”


    “Okay!” Marissa responded quickly


    The two then moved to Connor’s exclusive building to begin their second negotiation


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