"Let's go. Let me introduce you to everyone." Edward was just threatening him. He didn't attempt to teach Brian a lesson as Daisy's squinted eyes already implied danger. He could dismiss Brian, but not Daisy's feelings.
Do I have to? I'm not good at forcing a smile." As much as Daisy disliked these social engagements, she tried to present her best self for Edward's sake.
"Please join me. Don't worry. I'll be with you." Edward knew why Daisy was concerned, but he hoped to present a different side of himself, a businessman instead of a familyman. He didn't want to limit himself. He wanted Daisy to know every aspect of his life, his connections, his extraordinary accomplishments, and more. Edward was eager to show to her everything.
"But Brian..." Daisy looked at Brian hesitantly, not knowing what to do. She just saw him after many years; Daisy didn't want to leave him behind or have him complain about her behavior. Besides, she wanted to know everything that had happened to him these years.
"Daisy, I'll be fine by myself. You should go with Edward. We'll have plenty of time to shoot the breeze later." Brian answered while giving a handsome smile. He had seen through Edward already. On the one hand, Edward wanted to flaunt Daisy in front of his friends. On the other hand, he hoped to display his wisdom and sophistication in front of Daisy. Either way, Edward would win praise. He was calculative, thoughtful and determined. Sophistication was embedded in his DNA.
Edward lived up to the status of the business elite, even an outsider like Daisy admired his tactics and ability to overshadow others in casual conversation. Just like Edward said, as long as he was with her, she had nothing to worry about. All she needed to do was to say hello. Then Edward would take over and handle the rest.
Yet being next to such an extraordinary man didn't cheer up Daisy; instead, it worried her, because she wasn't sure whether Edward would get bored and leave her. After all, he was an extremely outstanding man in this world filled with temptations.
Throughout that night, Daisy was focused on Edward rather than the other way around. She kept a close watch on the luscious eyes fixed on Edward. It stung her heart. Edward was the brightest star at the party. That's why she was worried about losing him. That terrifying thought made her quiver unconsciously. She held him closer.
He smelled like strong alcohol. He drank quite a lot. He even gulped up the glasses toasted to her. That made her concerned about his health. Especially because he was drinking on an empty stomach.
"What's the matter? Are you tired?" Edward asked. While conversing with others, Edward kept an eye on Daisy all along. So when he noticed her troubled look, he began to worry.
No, I'm fine. I just zoned out. I will go to find mom and dad. See you around. Don't drink too much." Daisy curled her lips and gave an apologetic smile. She had to leave for now because Cynthia just waved to her.
"Okay, go. I'll meet you later." Edward figured that Daisy must be bored with all the introductions. She preferred peace and quiet. Besides, she shouldn't stand for too long as she had just recovered from a cold. So Edward let her go instead of compelling her to stand beside him.
"Daisy, it's still too early to be smiling. Haven't you heard of the adage, 'The higher you stand, the heavier you fall.'" Before Daisy approached Cynthia, Mary appeared in her way. Mary couldn't hold a candle to Daisy as Daisy was everyone's favorite. It was impossible for Mary not to hold a grudge against Daisy. She especially hated Daisy's poise and elegance. Just when she thought that Jessica was the ultimate attention-seeker, Daisy captured everyone with her mystifying charm and majestic personality. Daisy's aura was invincible, especially with an extraordinary man like Edward around. Every trace of Mary's confidence dispelled. Now she had no pride.
Is it a warning or a sign of your envy? It couldn't be out of care for me, could it? You don't strike me as a warm-hearted person." Daisy never provoked trouble, but she didn't dodge it either. Back in her childhood, she might have taken this as water under the bridge, but now she wouldn't accept getting bullied.
"I just want to enjoy the show. I wonder what will happen to you after Edward abandons you. I'm sure your pitiful look will be a delightful image for me." Mary sneered. She didn't believe Edward's words when he said that he'd love Daisy till death parted them. These sweet talks might be able to trick the gullible Daisy, but not her.
"Sorry, I'm not an actress, so there'll be no show. It looks like your little hopes will be smashed."
The truth was that even Daisy didn't know how long Edward would love her, but she would by no means expose her concern in front of Mary.
"Huh! Self-belief is good, but narcissism brings pain. Don't you think you are overconfident?" Mary hated to see Daisy's smug look. Daisy's radiant face aroused jealousy in her evil soul.
"Isn't it customary for the women of the Mu family to be confident? We have what it takes to be confident. If I remember it correctly, you must be Mary, right? Now what? Haven't you learned enough from the lesson Edward taught you last time? How come that memory didn't stick?"
Cynthia looked at Mary disdainfully. She had seen Daisy approaching, yet Mary unexpectedly stood in the way. She had no choice but to come to Daisy's rescue. Cynthia honestly didn't think anyone would ever like Mary's spiteful words. It seemed that if Mary couldn't have something she wouldn't let anyone else have it either. What a morbid thought!
"I..." Mary remembered Cynthia from last time. So when she saw her again, she lost the courage to say another word. She went blank.
Daisy, let's go. I'll take you to meet some friends." After giving her warning, Cynthia completely ignored Mary. She never paid any attention to the people she didn't like. Now all she could see was her sweet daughter-in-law.
Sure." Daisy took a deep breath, her head was filled with Cynthia's words, Edward had taught Mary a lesson? When did that happen? How come Edward had never told her about it? Was Edward also hiding other things from her? He explained himself only after she found out things, like the things with Leo and Jessica. He never offered to tell her anything. That thought made her heart sink. She began to lose her cool as she kept thinking about Mary's warning.
Uncle, Aunt, long time no see. How are you doing? Daisy was thrilled to see Belinda's parents here. She hadn't noticed that Cynthia was taking her to meet them. She hadn't seen them for years. In fact, she hadn't seen them since she went abroad for studying in the military school. Over a decade had passed. Many things had changed, but her affection for them remained as it was.
Belinda's home was like a heaven for her. She loved the soothing smile of Belinda's father and the gentle comfort of her mother. It was a treasured memory for her. After all these years, she still remembered it.