The Billionaire Stands Up for Me-Chapter 173: Daniel Carter Disappears

Wennie raised an eyebrow at me suggestively, "From what Melissa means, it sounds like things are really close between you and Mr. Carter."

"How could that be." I immediately denied it, fully aware in my heart that nothing about it has even started.

"Melissa, order some dishes, see what you like to eat, it’s my treat." I handed her the menu, changing the subject.

Wennie had other things to do, but she said she’d come back to sit with us later.

After she left, Melissa looked up at me, concerned, and asked, "Are you mad because my brother went on a business trip without telling you in advance?"

"No."

I smiled, genuinely not angry about it.

"He was busy working until late last night, it must be something important. I feel too sorry for him to be upset."

I spoke from my heart and looked at Melissa, hesitating before asking, "Melissa, your father came back, did he pressure him as well?"

Melissa’s expression slightly froze as she looked at the menu before raising her head to answer me, "To be honest, I don’t know what my dad talked about with my brother. They were in the study upstairs with the door closed."

I frowned, extremely surprised, "Are you saying that the father and son talked until three or four in the morning?"

"Probably."

"And then your brother left for a business trip before dawn?"

"Yes." Melissa finished ordering the dishes, called the server to place the order, and then continued, "After you called me, I also asked my mom, and she said my brother indeed just went on a business trip."

But I felt it wasn’t just that...

Thinking of that strange text message and combining it with what Melissa said, my instinct as a woman told me—Daniel Carter must be in some trouble.

The business trip was just an excuse.

Maybe it was because I looked too serious that Melissa started to feel puzzled too: "Lily, what are you worried about? Did my brother say something to you?"

"No, it’s because your brother said nothing that I’m worried." Seeing Melissa also starting to get concerned, I had to change the subject, "Hopefully, I’m just overthinking it, it’s nothing."

"Yeah, you’re definitely overthinking it. What could possibly happen to my brother," Melissa relaxed again.

During the meal, I thought about Daniel Carter accompanying me for a few days in Veyrona and couldn’t help but inquire with Melissa about her family’s reaction.

Melissa gave me a glance, clearly considering her words, "There wasn’t any particular reaction. My brother is an adult now, the family doesn’t interfere much."

"Jessica Sawyer visited Carter Manor during the Lunar New Year, right?"

"Hmm," when Jessica Sawyer was mentioned, Melissa pouted, clearly showing her dislike, "I really can’t bring myself to like her, but she’s so smooth and knows how to please everyone."

My heart sank.

"So does that mean your mom... was also totally swayed by her?"

Melissa sighed, looked at me, her eyes carrying a hint of sympathy.

"Lily, I know what you want to ask. To be honest, I can’t figure out what the adults are thinking either. I told them that finding a life partner is my brother’s business. Whoever he likes, whoever he’s with, that’s his choice. But the elders always have to weigh the pros and cons and say things like love isn’t important."

From Melissa’s words, I could tell she was genuinely on my side. She truly supported me and sincerely hoped that I could have a happy ending with Daniel Carter.

However, many real-life factors are in the way.

"What does it matter that you got your marriage certificate? You were aiming for marriage; it’s a serious and responsible attitude. It’s Adrian Gordon who’s too problematic, everyone knows that, and it’s not your fault. Now the Gordon Family is under investigation, causing unrest. It’s a result of their own actions—they reap what they sow. I think you’re fair and selfless, even capable of reporting when your own father makes a mistake; this is something most people can’t achieve, it’s precisely one of your strengths. I just can’t understand the elders’ mindset!"

Melissa kept talking on and on, continuing to console me.

"Oh, and also! You were with Adrian Gordon for six years, even got the marriage certificate, but you’re still clean; doesn’t that just prove your self-respect and purity? To speak bluntly, if my brother finds a new partner now, there’s no guarantee he could meet someone as decent. For example, Jessica Sawyer—I’ve asked around about her abroad; she’s had three boyfriends already, both Asian and foreign. Put simply, she’s worse than someone who’s been married. In terms of personal qualities, she’s not up to par with you; she just wins on family background."

Listening to the gossip about Jessica Sawyer, I couldn’t help but become a bit interested.

I recalled she had two boyfriends in college too.

That’s just what the outside world knows.

Looking at her colorful experiences, maybe there were even more fleeting partners.

However, I didn’t mention this to Melissa.

Wennie came over, sat down, and chatted with us, and the topic shifted back to the investigation of the Gordon Family.

With Daniel Carter not around, I couldn’t get much information.

However, Wennie’s father and brother were well-connected in the circle and had heard quite a bit of inside information.

"It’s said that the Gordon Family spent a fortune hiring an exceptional team of lawyers, striving to reduce the penalty to the minimum. But I think, given that Mr. Carter is the plaintiff, no matter how much money they spend or how brilliant the people they hire, it’s futile."

Wennie spoke with conviction, and after finishing, cast a glance my way, indicating I shouldn’t worry.

Actually, I wasn’t too worried about the Gordon Family.

After this, they’ll be thoroughly worn out; their wealth and luxury will certainly become fleeting.

My greater concern was for Daniel Carter.

After lunch, while accompanying Melissa shopping, I quietly sent a message to Daniel Carter on WeChat, asking him to message me back when he had time.

However, even after waiting for a while, there was no response.

By now it was already afternoon, and any flight departing from Fallhaven should have arrived by now, no matter the destination within the country.

Yet, there was still no news from him.

We reached a women’s clothing store, and Melissa picked a couple of outfits and went into the fitting room.

Seizing the opportunity, I simply called Daniel Carter directly.

"Sorry, the number you have dialed is temporarily unavailable..." The polite yet cold automated voice made my heart hang even higher.

What on earth is going on with Daniel Carter?

Recalling his instructions, I sent a WeChat message to Natalie Yates.

[Young Master Yates, I can’t reach Daniel Carter’s phone. Do you know what’s going on with him?]

Natalie Yates responded quickly: [Really? I haven’t called him today. Hang on.]

Two minutes later, Natalie Yates called me directly.

"Hello, Young Master Yates."

"Miss Miller, I called Daniel and couldn’t reach him either, and he hasn’t replied to my WeChat. However, he is on a business trip and might be too busy to attend to his personal phone. Don’t worry."

Natalie Yates was indeed a good friend of Daniel Carter, even calling to comfort me.

I could only politely smile, "I might be overthinking it."

"I know a bit about both of you. Don’t worry, Daniel will handle it. Just give him some time and don’t overthink."

"Okay, thank you, Young Master Yates."

Right after hanging up, I heard a sarcastic voice beside me.

"Oh, Lily, what a small world, meeting you here too."

I turned around and saw Jessica Sawyer.

She was accompanied by two other girls, all with silicone faces and scientifically enhanced bodies.

Pretty, but lacking character and uniqueness, like those "socialite training class" productions, conveyor belt beauties.

I rolled my eyes at her dismissively, not bothering to respond.

Just then, Melissa came out.

"Lily, how does this outfit look on me?" Melissa called out to me.

I instantly changed my expression and walked over with a smile.

Before I could speak, Jessica Sawyer was quicker, "Melissa, you’re here too? Shopping for clothes? Hmm, this outfit is really nice, sweet yet sophisticated, it matches your temperament perfectly."

I rolled my eyes again, unable to hold it back, and unceremoniously said, "They called for Lily, are you Lily?"

Jessica Sawyer helped Melissa Chandler tidy her collar and turned to look at me upon hearing that, "Is this something to fight about? I’m a shareholder in this store, of course, I need to keep an eye out when Melissa is shopping here."

What?

She’s a shareholder in this store?

"In that case, Melissa, let’s change to another store. I think the taste of this store’s clothes doesn’t match you."

Jessica Sawyer’s face instantly changed, "Lily, you’re jealous! Jealous that my career is better than yours, jealous that the Carter Family likes me more than you."

"What’s the point of being liked by the Carter Family anyway, when Daniel doesn’t like you? It’s all in vain."

I retorted, but deep down I understood what Melissa had said during dinner.

Jessica Sawyer is charming and versatile, really knows how to please people.

Such a person, even if the Carter Family knows she’s a bit flamboyant, deliberately flattering, they wouldn’t expose her.

After all, nobody dislikes hearing good things.

And indeed, in social circles, this skill is very advantageous, and maintaining connections with the Carter Family is a great benefit.

But my personality is awkward and stubborn.

Adrian Gordon’s mother once told me that my personality was bad, far inferior compared to Sophie Miller.

I never expected that after Sophie passed away, there would be a new "prototype" to starkly contrast with me once again.

Jessica Sawyer stood next to Melissa Chandler, glaring at me from a few meters away, clearly stung by my words.

But just for a moment, she quickly regained her enthusiastic smile, "Melissa, don’t listen to Lily. This one suits you very well. Try out all the ones you like, I’ll gift them to you as a New Year’s present."

"No need, I shouldn’t accept rewards without effort." Melissa Chandler smiled politely and turned to walk to the fitting room, "I’ll change out."

"Melissa, it’s not necessary! You really look great in it!" Jessica Sawyer followed her, persuading her.

I stood still, feeling inexplicably gratified watching this scene.

Have to admit, Melissa Chandler is truly supportive!

Throughout the Carter Family, she’s probably the only one standing by me now.

And I... will most likely end up disappointing her.

A few minutes later, Melissa Chandler changed back into her previous clothes and came out to look at me, "Lily, let’s go, let’s shop somewhere else."

"Mm." I smiled and nodded, linking arms with her.

Since she’s so supportive, I should be passionate too, and at necessary times, learn a thing or two from Jessica Sawyer.

We walked out arm in arm, and as we were about to leave the store, Jessica Sawyer’s voice rang again.

"Lily, if you don’t let go voluntarily, sooner or later you will harm him."

Her voice was serious and earnest, not like an empty threat—more as if she knew something.

I turned back to look at her, slightly squinting my eyes, "Would you deliberately harm him just to break up me and Daniel?"

"Heh... you’re giving me too much credit, I don’t have that capability. Even if I did, if it got uncovered later, I’d be deemed a criminal of the Carter Family. The only one who can harm him is you."

I stood frozen, unmoving, as those ominous premonitions came to mind once more.

Melissa Chandler took my hand, "Come on, don’t listen to her alarmist talk."

Out of the store, I still felt uneasy.

"Melissa, let me be honest with you, I received a text from an unknown number early this morning. I suspect it was Adrian Gordon who sent it. He said your brother might get into trouble... And now Jessica Sawyer is saying the same thing. Also, besides the WeChat message your brother sent me at three or four in the morning, there’s been no news from him, and I can’t reach him by phone or get a reply on WeChat..."

I stopped walking and turned to face her, my unease and premonitions unable to be dispelled.

"Melissa, I think something might have really happened to your brother, something even your mom might not know, but your father should know."

Melissa Chandler stared at me, looking panicked after I finished speaking, "No way... What could happen to my brother, he seemed fine when he came back last night—"

"I don’t know either, but I just have a bad feeling."

"Don’t worry, I’ll ask my mom when I go back tonight." 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

"What about your dad?"

"He’s super busy, left again after getting up this morning, there’s something going on in the province."

Thinking about it, someone with his status and position can’t possibly have time to rest at home.

After this conversation, Melissa Chandler didn’t feel like shopping anymore.

We wandered around the mall for a bit, then she said she wanted to go home. I didn’t try to persuade her to stay, and after saying goodbye, we each got into our cars and left.

Not wanting to sit around at home lost in thought, I drove over to my grandmother’s.

Aunt wasn’t around, and my grandmother immediately noticed I was troubled when she saw me.

"What’s wrong? Did you have a fight with Carter Junior?" my grandmother asked with concern.

I shook my head, turned and hugged my grandmother, only murmuring after a long silence, "Grandma, am I unworthy of happiness?"

"Nonsense." My grandmother looked down at me and pretended to be angry, tapped me on the shoulder, "Why wouldn’t you be worthy? You’re more worthy than anyone!"

"I don’t feel it..."

"Still saying you didn’t fight with Carter Junior? You’re even saying such silly things."

I remained hugging my grandmother, my eyes vacant and my mind slowly going blank.

Eventually, I couldn’t help but whisper, "I love Daniel Carter, love him more than I thought, but I... am going to break up with him."

"Why?" My grandmother was shocked.

I said nothing, tears irresistibly falling from my eyes.

Truly uncontrollable.

As soon as I think about leaving Daniel, never hearing his gentle, pampering voice again, unable to feel his meticulous care, I can’t stop the tears from streaming down.

It seemed my grandmother understood something, sighing, "With such a family background as Carter Junior’s, we really are reaching too high. There’s a reason why people have always valued equal social status in marriage, reaching too high is exhausting..."

"Mm, I’m tired..."

Striving, struggling, fighting against family, against those I once liked, fighting relentlessly.

For so many years, I am truly exhausted.

Exhausted to the point that I no longer have the strength to love the man I genuinely love.

Daniel Carter...

In my heart, I pray, you must be okay, you must come back soon.

However, heaven did not hear my prayer.

As the Spring Festival holiday ended, everyone returned to work.

I became busy once again.

Yet, even after several days, there was still no news from Daniel Carter.

I went to Daniel Carter’s workplace, that military factory, and found the secretary, William Harris, who was at work as usual.

But even he didn’t know exactly where Daniel had gone, only that he was on a business trip.

But I knew, it definitely wasn’t just a business trip.

I waited anxiously for a week, not waiting for Daniel to return, but instead for a visit from Mrs. Carter.