?Chapter 167:


    When Derek strode towards Marissa, she stopped in her tracks. Unexpectedly, Derek demanded, “Marissa, you must leave Connor immediately.”


    “It’s none of your business,” she retorted, a smile ying on her lips


    “It’s a kind reminder, Marissa,” Derek said, his voice hardening. “You’re just a vige girl daring enough to impersonate Tiffany because you resemble her. These influential families are aplex web. If you don’t heed my advice, you’ll end up in misery.”


    “If that’s all, I’ll be going.” Turning on her heel, Marissa started to walk away


    “You…” Derek was furious. He reached out, gripping her arm and pulling her back. “Marissa, you’ve been my protector for a long time, so I owe you the honesty. Connor has a long list of enemies. Many of them want him dead. He’s crossed paths with an international criminal named Amiri recently. He’s going to meet his end on the Sunrise in a few days. You act as if you rule the world as the wife of the wealthiest man in the city, but in truth, Connor has dragged you into danger. You could be taken from this world without warning. Keep your distance from him, for your own safety. Do you understand?”


    Marissa blinked slowly, her mind racing. “How do you know he will meet his end on the Sunrise?”


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    It was meant to be a well-guarded secret, but Derek assumed revealing it to a simple vige girl like Marissa wasn’t a big deal and tried to frighten her off. Acting like some big shot, he continued, “As I said, many are plotting his demise. He ns to board the Sunrise soon, and various factions have joined forces to ensure he doesn’t leave. I heard you were apanying him. That puts you directly in harm’s way. Do youprehend the gravity of this?”


    Marissa’s thoughts sharpened. “Is your family one of the factions plotting against him?”


    Derek momentarily tensed, irritation ring in his eyes. “Stop prying! Just remember what I’ve told you and stay away from him!”


    Although she was aware of Neil’s discontent with Connor, she had always perceived it as nothing more than sibling rivalry within the Daniels family. Despite their age difference, with Neil being 23 years older, she never imagined that his resentment could be so profound. Derek’s revtions, however, painted a clear picture: Neil had aligned with others intent on Connor’s downfall. She had to acknowledge that Derek was right. These influential families were aplex web


    Seeing her remain silent, Derek pressed, “What are you thinking about? Have you taken my advice to heart?”


    Marissa decided to tease him a bit. “I can’t leave him. Without his support, I’d starve.”


    “I will support you,” Derek blurted out suddenly. He straightened his tie with a flourish, standing tall. “You must know I’ve be the top online celebrity in Blebert. I make over 100 million dors a day from selling things. Supporting you would be as easy as taking care of a pet dog.”


    “Really?” Marissaughed heartily. “I’m aware you’re a celebrated online personality who earns a fortune daily. But I have to ask, does that money actually end up in your pocket, or does it go straight into your father’s bank ount? Do you even have ess to it?”


    Her words struck a nerve, and Derek’sposure crumbled like a facade falling away to reveal the true structure beneath. Marissa didn’t hold back herughter. “You are a Daniels, indeed. You have the name but not the cash. Every month, your father hands you an allowance. Sure, you’ve made a name for yourself and money online, but it’s your father who controls how it’s spent. Am I right, my dear nephew-inw?”


    “Don’t call me that,” Derek snapped, his face turning a shade of red from embarrassment. “Who are you to belittle me? I am still more noble than a vige girl like you!”


    “I wasn’t belittling you,” Marissa replied, her hands raised in mock surrender. “You keep living your life as an heir of a wealthy family. I’ll stay as the wealthiest man’s fake wife. We stay out of each other’s lives and don’t put on airs in front of each other. Will that be okay with you?”


    Just then, she heard rustling behind a big tree. Marissa spun around and called out sharply, “Who’s there? Come out right now!”


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