Chapter 3 Is He A Friend Of Yours

"Oh my god! Did I run into a significant secret?" she contemplated.

Danielle thought about sneaking away, but just then, Austin sent her another message. "You haven't answered my question yet. Is he especially unattractive?"

Shawn turned his head, revealing a cigarette between his fingers. His black suit suited him perfectly, his eyes were deep, and his features were sharply defined, like a sculpture.

He had managed to keep his composure. Once he saw it was Danielle, the murderous intent in his eyes vanished like smoke in the wind.

After studying him for a moment, lowered her gaze with a playful smile. He was just her type.

"Uncle Shawn," she began, "I'm lost. Can you help me find my way out?"

Shawn stubbed out his cigarette, and looking at Danielle, he felt somewhat dry in his throat. "You may not marry into our family. Don't call me that."

What should she call him, then? Daniella didn't respond. It was rude to eavesdrop on someone's phone conversation, but Shawn was perceptive enough to know she had overheard him.

She would be wise to maintain a wide berth from him, like ships avoiding treacherous waters.

Now, her utmost priority was self-protection.

The March sky was cloaked in gloom and whispered of impending rain.

No sooner had the thought crossed her mind than the rain began to fall.

It was unfortunate.

Shawn, ever stoic, wasn't one to dash through the rain.

It appeared they would have to trek back together in the rain.

Fortunately, the rain was more a gentle drizzle than a deluge, unlikely to soak them through.

Just as Danielle was about to speak, Shawn had already unfurled an umbrella, hoisting it protectively over his head.

Danielle cast a glance in his direction.

"Care to share?" Shawn murmured, his voice low, masking his feelings beneath a veneer of calm.

The rain was getting heavier.

Reluctant to endure the ridicule of being drenched, Danielle nodded.

"And how do you know Austin Gilbert?"

His suspicion was evident.

Danielle's expression flickered, barely perceptible, before she regained her composure. She tilted her head up, feigning ignorance. "Austin Gilbert? I'm fresh from the countryside. I hardly know anyone here. Is he a friend of yours?"

Gazing into Danielle's clear, unsuspecting eyes, Shawn gave a wry, knowing smile. "He's nobody important."

Had he believed her?

While Danielle was still piecing her thoughts together, Shawn's voice floated down from above. "Step closer!"

Without a second thought, she moved nearer, taking refuge under the shared umbrella.

Their proximity forced them closer, and although Danielle tried to keep a slight distance, avoiding contact, the faint rustle of their clothes brushing against one another was inevitable.

Was this pathway stretching on endlessly?

To avoid an awkward silence, she decided to break the ice by bringing up a topic. "What's with the umbrella?

Did you know it was going to rain?"

"No."

"Then," Danielle said after a brief pause, lightening the mood with a playful jest, mimicking the innocence of the young girl. "Did you pull that umbrella out of thin air?"

She immediately cringed at her own tone.

Before she could utter another word, Shawn had already cast her a meaningful glance. "You have quite an imagination."

A subtle hint of cologne clung to him, mingling with the scent of rain, creating a pleasant ambiance that dispelled Danielle's nervousness.

Yet, Shawn's presence also sent shivers down her spine, a mix of danger and unease.

"You're afraid of me," Shawn stated plainly.

"How could I be?" Danielle's heart raced, her palms growing clammy.

This sensation, unfamiliar and intense, had never gripped her in anyone else's presence before.

As they neared the end of the road, the distant call of a servant summoning Danielle drifted into earshot.

Just as she prepared to respond, Shawn intervened, halting her in her tracks.

His gaze was intense as he inquired, "Do you like it here?"

Danielle hesitated before shaking her head, guided by her true feelings.

"Let me take you away from here then."

Confusion clouded Danielle's expression as she pondered Shawn's true motives.

She offered a small smile and said, "Well, thank you... Shawn?"

Elsewhere, Tricia was plotting with several girls from the Harper family. They were determined to intimidate Danielle thoroughly.

The table before them was laden with an assortment of exquisite desserts.

"That country bumpkin, Danielle-she's probably never even seen desserts like these, much less tasted any! I can't wait to see her embarrass herself," Tricia mused with a self-satisfied smirk. She exaggerated Danielle's simplicity.

Her remarks were so cutting that many took her words as truth.

Tricia had been waiting for a while, but Danielle had yet to show up.

Growing impatient, Tricia scanned the room and her eyes landed on Jeremy, who had just rushed in.

Upon seeing Jeremy's troubled face, she questioned him and discovered that the project renewal talks with Shawn had fallen through. To her dismay and growing jealousy, Danielle had climbed into Shawn's car and they drove away together.

Why?

The question echoed in Tricia's mind, igniting a fierce jealousy that threatened to consume her, though she managed to mask her turmoil with a calm demeanor.

With a sigh of disappointment, she remarked, "Danielle didn't even bother to say goodbye. I had all these desserts prepared, thinking she'd join me for them."

Jeremy turned to look at Tricia.

He viewed her as truly innocent.

Despite having recently lost her fiancé, she had prepared a pastry spread, yet Danielle had pointedly ignored the invitation.

"Tricia, don't worry. I'll make sure you get what you desire," Jeremy assured her, his eyes resolute. A sense of satisfaction washed over Tricia.

"Thank you, Jeremy. You're always so supportive."

Confident with the backing of the entire Elliott family, she felt secure that Danielle couldn't undermine her position.

Meanwhile, Danielle's phone buzzed.

Austin had been waiting for a response and, growing impatient, he sent another text.

"Name your price to do me this favor."

"I want the new code you developed," Danielle replied.

Austin was furious. "You might as well demand everything I have!"

After pondering for a moment, Danielle inquired, "Will you give it to me?"

Austin was rendered speechless and texted back. "I'm being sincere. Please do me this favor."

"Go ahead, tell me."

"Kill Shawn Harper!"

Upon reading this, Danielle was left in utter disbelief.