"Well, you were right," Mika muttered as Selena's jaw clenched.
"It was indeed them."
"What happened to the boy then?" Selena asked, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"They didn't harm him—just kidnapped him halfway. Seems like it was Lucas."
Selena nodded lightly and leaned back, crossing her arms. "They won't stop at this anyway."
Mika sighed. "What about you? Where are you staying now?"
"Maybe with Grandpa. I don't want to go back home—seeing them will only ruin my mood. And we don't know what traps they've laid. They can do anything for this." Selena looked at her watch, then out the window. "Would you mind dropping me at the old house?"
"Not at all," Mika said, stretching her arms.
"Oh, wait—" Selena gasped, scratching the cushion nervously. "Something happened at the café today."
Mika leaned forward. "What is it?"
"Actually… I accidentally bumped into Daniel Knight. But the thing is, I didn't know it was him and I… asked him about the contract marriage."
"What!" Mika screamed as Selena clutched the cushion tighter.
"Are you serious?"
Selena gave a small, guilty nod.
Mika scratched her forehead, whispering, "But I heard he's cold and arrogant—one of the only people in the business world without a single scandal all these years. Don't tell me you had a clash with him?"
Selena gulped. "No—nothing like that. Well, he is arrogant and a bit cold though. However, he didn't reject my deal completely."
Mika's eyes widened in disbelief.
"He asked me to meet him at the café tomorrow. Same time," Selena murmured, staring at the floor. "Did I make a mistake? If I'd known he was the Daniel Knight, I wouldn't have disturbed his peace." She frowned lightly.
"Okay, okay, let's see what happens tomorrow," Mika said, trying to lift her mood—though her heart was pounding even harder.
Soon, they reached the old house. Mika dropped Selena there and drove back to her apartment.
Selena walked in, calling out, "Grandpa! Where are you?"
"You're here?" Edward's voice came from the kitchen. "I was waiting for you."
"What are you doing in the kitchen?" Selena peeked in and gasped. "Woah! It's been a while since I've had your cooking."
Edward smiled, and they both sat down for dinner.
"I missed your food so badly, you know? Gosh, I ate too much," she said with a laugh.
Edward chuckled. "You're still that little stupid girl I knew."
She giggled. "Yes, of course."
After dinner, Selena went to her room, took a bath, and then wandered through the house. It's been so long since I last visited Grandpa… it feels too lonely now.
"Little girl, what are you looking at?" Edward teased.
"I'm just admiring your plants, Grandpa." She sat beside him, her face a little pale and tired.
"Haven't you been sleeping well lately? You look weak." Edward sighed, turning to her. "Listen, Selena, I know this company means a lot to you—and you don't want Isabelle to take over it. But you don't need to get so stressed. Your grandpa's still alive. You know how your father ignored his health, and you saw what happened in the end. Don't make the same mistake, okay? Go rest—it's been a long day."
Selena smiled softly and nodded. "Well, Grandpa, I wanted to ask you something."
"Tell me, what is it?"
"I'm quite new to the business world and not familiar with most of the big names. But I was curious about someone. It's about… Daniel Knight. Do you know him?"
Edward went silent. His face turned tense before he finally spoke. "What do you want to know about him?"
"People say he's cold and arrogant—some even call him heartless and merciless. You've been in business for decades… what do you think?"
"How he is isn't something you should dig into," Edward said firmly. "But let me tell you this—Knight Capital Group is our rival company. You shouldn't meddle in their affairs."
Selena's fingers turned cold as realization struck. She lowered her head, biting her lip, her fingers nervously brushing the necklace around her neck.
"Grandpa, but—"
"You should rest now. It's almost midnight," he said, glancing at the clock before standing up and leaving the room.
It seems like he really doesn't want me to dwell on this matter… But should I still go meet him tomorrow?
A shiver ran down her spine. After a while, she lay on the bed—and soon drifted into a restless sleep.