CHAPTER 20: DOUBLE QUEST

Jason got out of the taxi and briefly glanced at the familiar gates of his home. The trip from Crestwood had been lengthy, but the peaceful drive gave him time to reflect. In one hand, he held a slim brown envelope, securely sealed, which Melissa had given him. Inside were confidential investment documents and forecasts he had acquired from the Crestwood Investment Circle — information that, if used wisely, could open many opportunities.

"Back home," he thought, loosening his collar as he headed inside.

Halfway to the stairs, a soft voice called from the living room:

"Jason? You’re back."

Catherine appeared from behind the couch, a gentle smile spreading across her face. Her hair was casually tied up, and she wore a light house dress that accentuated her curves, making her look very appealing at that moment.

Jason smiled faintly, managing to look away from her chest.

"Yeah, just got in."

She chuckled softly and stepped closer, crossing her arms so her breasts rested on them, with a playful expression.

"You’ve been busy lately. Between traveling and meetings, I was starting to think you’d already moved out."

He laughed quietly.

"Nothing that extreme. I just had a lot on my plate. I’ve been getting involved in financial investments, trying to build some connections."

Catherine’s eyes brightened.

"Investments? That sounds serious and unexpected. You’re really growing up fast."

"I’m trying," Jason said, holding the envelope at his side. "There’s a lot of potential out there. I just need to make the right moves."

She gazed at him with affectionate pride.

"Keep it up, Jason. You’re doing great. It’s nice to see you focusing on something that will shape your future."

Her words held that familiar warmth that always subtly affected him.

Jason returned her gaze with a gentle smile.

"Thanks, Cathe. That really means a lot."

A brief silence passed between them. Then, as if recalling something, Catherine leaned in closer, lowering her voice as she glanced down at him.

Jason understood what was happening and didn’t resist, though he hadn’t realized Catherine had become so forward after their first intimate encounter.

Worried that he hadn’t seen Angela, he asked:

"Where did Angela go?"

"She left the country a few days ago. Didn’t she mention at dinner a couple of weeks ago that she was planning to?"

Jason blinked, trying to remember.

"Oh, right. You did say that. I just forgot."

He hadn’t really forgotten out of carelessness, but because he’d been preoccupied with investment matters and receiving calls almost every two hours since meeting Melissa, he had put Angela’s plans out of mind, though he intended to address them soon.

Catherine nodded.

"She left rather suddenly, something about needing to clear her head. But I’m sure she’ll come back."

Jason’s lips curved slightly.

"I’m sure she will."

Deep down, he already understood why Angela had left. The frustration and confusion she showed the last time they met made her want to get away. But she would return...

Catherine gently touched his arm.

"Anyway, I’m glad you’re home. You’ve been working hard. Don’t forget to rest, okay?"

"I will," he replied calmly.

She smiled once more.

"Come to my room tonight. I have a present for you."

Jason looked at her, noticing the faint sparkle in her eyes. He didn’t reply right away; instead, he reached out to lightly pat her head and gave a small nod.

"Of course!"

"Alright. I will."

Catherine smiled and turned away, softly humming as she walked off. Jason watched her leave, his gaze lingering on her backside before glancing again at the sealed envelope.

Without giving it another thought, he went upstairs, took a quick shower, and changed into more casual clothes. He then spent the rest of the evening going through files and researching on the new laptop he had recently purchased.

He was able to see where Crestwood’s powerful women invested their money, who held which shares, and which partnerships were built on shaky grounds—all of which he verified through the documents.

As night deepened, he closed his laptop, stretched, and exhaled quietly. His phone screen showed the late hour. Catherine’s words echoed in his mind, and after a brief pause, he stood up, buttoned his shirt halfway, and left the room.

The hallway lights glowed softly as he walked. Catherine’s door was slightly ajar, with a gentle light spilling through the narrow opening. He hesitated for a moment, then gently pushed the door open and stepped inside.

[A/N: I sincerely apologize, my cultured friends, for not including the scene this time. I promise to make it up with something even better in the upcoming Chapters. Hehehehe.]

***

The next morning arrived quietly. Jason woke up early and followed his usual routine by going to the gym before breakfast. He put on his workout clothes, grabbed a small towel, and left his room. The hallway was filled with bright morning sunlight streaming through the large windows.

As he went down the stairs, he noticed movement near the entrance. Daisy was there, holding a broom and dusting cloth, cleaning with surprising energy. Her hair was tied back in a loose ponytail, and she wore her typical tight shorts and a white reflective crop top that revealed her nipples, clearly without a bra underneath.

Jason paused briefly, looking around the house, and realized his stepmother wasn’t around. Catherine’s door upstairs was still closed, obviously still asleep after last night’s events.

Daisy saw him immediately but didn’t say anything as he walked into the living room and headed toward the exit.

Then, right in front of him, the system appeared, almost causing him to stumble as he walked.

’Damn. You almost made me fall to my death, bitch!’

[New Quest: Win over Daisy and Marinette within two weeks]

[Reward: $100,000,000, a Lamborghini, and a villa in Orleans, San Gabriel]

[No penalty for failure]

Jason blinked once, then a slow smile appeared on his face. He tossed the small towel hanging around his neck onto the couch, looking amused.

"You’ve got to be joking. Am I really married to the Goddess of Luck?"

No sooner had he thought this than something hit his back.

"Ouch!" he exclaimed, eyes wide and red, turning around quickly.

Daisy was standing behind him, holding the towel he had thrown on the couch, her face showing irritation.

"Can’t you see I’m cleaning? Come on, move with your towel, you little brat!"

Before Jason could respond, she grabbed his arm, pulled him toward the front door, and kicked him out with unexpected force.

The door slammed shut behind him.

Jason paused on the porch for a moment, a smirk playing on his lips as he adjusted his sweatshirt.

’Two weeks, huh?’

His smile grew wider.

’This could be interesting.’