?Chapter 548:


    The instant Connorid eyes on Marissa, he felt a strong urge to impress her, his smile tinged with caution.


    He had just discovered that the chief instructor of the Doomsday Base, known as ck Mallow, was none other than his own wife. ck Mallow’s identity was one of great significance,manding respect from countless influential figures. Her title was even more daunting than that of the mercenary queen, ck Snake.


    Although ck Snake was a famous and feared figure, she was a solitary hero,cking the support of a formidable force, which made her seem less influential inparison.


    On the other hand, ck Mallow was set to inherit the leadership of the Doomsday Base and one daymand one of the most powerful martial arts organizations in the world.


    In essence, ck Mallow had the loyalty of many ck Snakes, each ready to follow her orders. If ck Snake was akin to a valiant female general, then ck Mallow was akin to a queen who reigned over many such generals. Thus, challenging such a woman seemed unthinkable.


    Before meeting Marissa, Connor could never have imagined that the woman he had married held such tremendous power. The realization was so astonishing that it bordered on surreal.


    Lost in his thoughts, he was jolted back to the present by Marissa’s voice,ced with annoyance. “Connor, will you stay by my side while I sleep or not?”


    Regaining hisposure, Connor quickly closed the distance between them. Though he stood a head taller than Marissa and had to look down to see her, his presence seemed to shrink in herpany, as if he were a knight in the presence of his queen.


    Marissa was oblivious to the turmoil churning inside him. As she lifted her gaze to look at him, her eyes sparkled with irritation. “I told you, I’m exhausted. Why the dy?”


    “It’s my fault, totally my fault,” Connor said with an apologetic smile. He then stooped down, effortlessly lifting her into his arms, and dered, “Let’s go to sleep right now.”


    As the pair vanished from sight, Mare and Terry watched, their lips curling involuntarily. They exchanged amused nces,menting on the couple’s tant disregard for decorum.


    Suddenly, Mare’s expression shifted to one of realization. “Terry, did you notice something off about Mr. Daniels just now?”


    Terry, pondering deeply, nodded. “Yes, he did seem a bit off.”


    The two bodyguards rubbed their chins in unison, both sensing something amiss with Connor but unable to pinpoint what it was, which left them scratching their heads in confusion.


    Meanwhile, Connor was unconcerned with the bodyguards’ bewilderment. He carried Marissa to the lounge and gently ced her on the bed. She was fresh from a shower, her skin fragrant with the scent of body wash. As heid her down, he couldn’t help but nt a soft kiss on her cheek.


    Marissa’s expression soured instantly. “Connor, how many times must I tell you? Don’t kiss me casually!”


    She paused, her tone still firm when she continued, “And stop carrying me around so casually. We were right outside the office, and Mare and Terry saw everything. What if one of the secretaries had seen us? What would they think?”


    Connor chuckled softly. “Mrs. Daniels, you were urging me to sleep with you. If I hadn’t given you a kiss or hadn’t carried you, wouldn’t that make me seem less of a gentleman?”


    Marissa, caught off guard, realized she oftencked tact in her speaking when she urged him to sleep with her. Blushing with a mix of embarrassment and irritation, she nudged him away. “Go take a shower!”


    “No need,” Connor replied nonchntly. He theny down next to her without another word.


    Marissa stared at him, perplexed. “Didn’t you tell me you’re obsessed with cleanliness and can’t sleep unless you’ve showered?”


    Connor turned to face her, grinning. “I took one this morning. I don’t need another just because I had breakfast.”


    Marissa pursed her lips and decided to drop the subject. As she inhaled his familiar scent, a wide yawn escaped her, signaling her deep tiredness. She drew the nket up to her chin, wrapped her arm around Connor’s arm, and drifted off.


    Connor watched her peaceful expression for a moment before softly breaking the silence. “Marissa, do you think there’s any chance your organization could broker a peace with the Peridot Consortium?”


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