CHAPTER 328: CHAPTER 328: STEPHANIE’S SAFE

Two men in black were dragged out of the car, yelping as the dogs bit their butts.

The bodyguards near the gate were shocked, speechless at what they had just seen.

"Feel free to try the buttons, but don’t touch anything in Daddy’s room," Stephanie said with a yawn.

The butler then walked towards her and led her to the big bed.

The bodyguards, now buzzing with excitement, crowded around the control panel and began pressing the buttons except for anything linked to Daniel’s room. They left that part untouched.

They eventually forced all the men in black into the room filled with poison gas. After that, they informed Daniel that the situation was under control, though they sounded almost disappointed.

Daniel and his bodyguards, already wearing gas masks, entered the room. Even though they were prepared, they were still stunned by the sight. The men in black were scattered all over the place, looking completely defeated.

"How’s Stephanie?" Daniel asked. He was proud of what she’d done but tried to keep a straight face.

"She’s asleep, Mr. Daniel," one of the bodyguards said, giving him a thumbs-up. "She’s incredible, though!"

They had never experienced a night on duty as fun as this one.

By the time the doctors finished the surgery and removed the bullet from Daniel’s arm, it was almost dawn.

The villa had been cleaned. There was no sign of the earlier attack.

The men in black were turned over to the police. But before that, Daniel’s bodyguards questioned them and got the answers they needed.

Those men were hired by Trenton. Their mission was to go after Daniel. That’s why they didn’t chase Stephanie, even though they saw her heading toward the basement.

That’s all they had learned for now. The investigation into the truck accident from the other day was still ongoing.

Daniel walked into the basement safe room and felt worn out. When he saw his daughter sleeping peacefully, he couldn’t help but lean down and kiss her cheek.

My daughter is smart and fearless. She’s even better than my bodyguards.

"Daddy, your arm is hurt," Stephanie mumbled sleepily. Even half-asleep, she was worried about him. She reached out and touched his freshly bandaged arm.

"It doesn’t hurt at all, sweetie. Try to sleep a little longer," Daniel said softly. He knew she had stayed up late, and she needed rest.

"Sleep with me, Daddy," Stephanie whispered as she wrapped her arms around Daniel’s arm and clasped him tightly.

Daniel had a pile of work waiting for him in the study, but when he saw Stephanie’s pleading eyes, he let it go for now. He pulled the blanket over and lay down beside her.

He felt overjoyed that his daughter had finally called him "Daddy."

He just received a message from Philip earlier. Chantelle was awake, and her vital signs were stable.

Daniel closed his eyes and finally allowed himself to rest.

What Daniel didn’t know was that Chantelle was already awake at this moment and held a robot puppet that wasn’t hers.

When she opened her eyes, her head felt heavy. It took her a while to remember what had happened the other day.

She remembered drinking a lot of beer at a bar. Thea had arrived to fetch her, and they probably got into Ashton’s car after that.

She was already asleep when the accident happened, so she didn’t know anything about it.

"Mommy!" Kane jumped into her lap and buried his face like a playful puppy.

Chantelle’s thoughts shifted. She knew her son still felt guilty for choosing to stay when she asked if he wanted to go with her to Carcosa or stay with Daniel.

Earlier, she had felt a bit jealous, but that feeling was gone now.

These are my children. I raised them with my own hands. I shouldn’t have doubted their love for me.

"You’re a big boy now. Don’t cry," Chantelle said, noticing Kane and Rai’s red eyes. She could tell they hadn’t slept well, and she felt sad for them.

Rai walked over and held her hand. "Mommy, we were so worried about you," he said softly.

"I’m okay now. You don’t have to worry," Chantelle replied, gently pinching the back of his hand. "Both of you need more rest."

Kane climbed onto her bed. "I want to sleep with you, Mommy."

"Didn’t you say you’re a big boy now and don’t want to go to kindergarten anymore? Big boys don’t need their mommies to help them fall asleep, right?" Chantelle teased her son.

Kane pouted immediately. "I’ll be a little baby today. I can be a big boy tomorrow."

Chantelle laughed and gave his nose a gentle poke. She patted the other side of the bed. "Come up here, too, Rai."

Rai’s eyes lit up. He quickly took off his shoes and climbed onto the bed.

"Why don’t I tell you two a bedtime story?" Chantelle said with a smile. She didn’t ask about Stephanie. She knew the little girl always had her own way of thinking. There must be a reason she was sticking with Daniel right now.

She’ll tell me everything someday. Even if the boys like Daniel more, they’re still with me now. That’s what matters.

"Tell me the story of Don Quixote!" Kane said excitedly, raising his hand.

Chantelle rubbed her forehead and let out a sigh.

Kane quickly added, "Okay, how about Lord of the Rings? Or The Canterbury Tales? Mommy, I know you don’t want to tell us The Ugly Duckling, right?"

Chantelle laughed. She picked a fun sci-fi story and began reading.

The boys were excited at first. But being five-year-olds, they didn’t last long. Before she even got halfway through the story they fell asleep.

Chantelle lay in bed with the boys for a while until her phone buzzed. It was a reminder that today was the day she and Daniel were supposed to get divorced.

Right. I’ve already decided to end things with him.

She tried calling Daniel, but he didn’t pick up.

So, she sent him a message instead: "Let me know when you’re free so we can get the divorce done."

Just then, Philip walked into the room. "Chantie, how are you feeling?"

Chantelle had already cleaned up in the bathroom. She looked at the two boys sleeping on the bed and gently pressed a finger to her lips.

Once they walked into the living room, she said, "I’m feeling much better now. Thank you."

"You’re welcome. After all, you’re Mrs. Wilson," Philip said with a teasing grin.

Chantelle frowned. She was about to tell him that she and Daniel were getting divorced and that he shouldn’t call her that anymore.