Chapter 2 I'll Catch You Another Time

Danielle was unlike Tricia who always showed up at the Harper family's residence in flashy attire, drenched in overpowering perfume that announced her arrival from the distance, craving the spotlight.

In contrast, Danielle opted for a simple yet graceful dress. Her hair was casually tied back, showcasing her striking collarbone and graceful neck. Her appearance was effortlessly pure, devoid of any makeup.

A flicker of surprise passed through Shawn's eyes as he recalled the voice of the woman in the background when he had spoken to his competitor. A mischievous twinkle lit up his eyes.

His future niece-in-law was turning out to be more intriguing than he had expected.

Carolyn was taken aback for a moment. She hadn't expected the biological daughter of the Elliotts to be so striking.

Danielle was not only beautiful but also polite and graceful, unlike Tricia, who she considered two-faced.

Pleased, Carolyn smiled at Danielle and invited, "You must be Danielle. Come here. Let me have a closer look at you."

As Danielle approached, Carolyn examined her more thoroughly and her appreciation grew.

The backstory of Danielle's return to her family was filled with complications. Recently she had discovered to have been switched at birth due to hospital negligence, the truth coming to light after Tricia fell ill and her blood type did not match her family's.

It had not been an easy adjustment for Danielle since her return.

As she reflected on this, Carolyn's smile dimmed slightly. It appeared that not only her grandson but also the Elliott family lacked discernment.

Carolyn's gaze softened with sympathy as she regarded Danielle.

"How has it been since you went back home?" she asked, holding Danielle's hand with a warm smile.

She felt almost certain that she was the right match for her grandson.

"My family has been very kind to me," Danielle stated, her expression unchanging.

Danielle chose not to speak ill of others behind their backs, a stark contrast to what Tricia might have done-likely filling the air with complaints.

As they conversed, Danielle looked up and caught Shawn's gaze. He fiddled with his coffee mug. Even seated, he maintained a straight posture, his rolled-up sleeves revealing his muscular arms.

Danielle felt like being targeted by a predator. When she looked again, Shawn had looked away, his face betraying no emotion.

"Is this Chris Harper?" Danielle wondered.

According to Tricia's description, she thought Chris must be a loser. However, he seemed different from what she had imagined.

"This is Shawn, Chris' uncle," Carolyn introduced. "After you marry Chris, he will be your uncle."

Hearing that name, Danielle's eyes flickered with emotion briefly before returning to normal.

Turning to her son, Carolyn prompted, "Shawn, say hello."

Contrary to expectations, Shawn disregarded her suggestion.

He casually swirled his teacup, a smile playing on his lips, and said, "It's hard to say what the future holds."

His response left Carolyn both awkward and slightly displeased. She wanted to retort, but just then, Shawn's phone lit up.

He grabbed the phone, one eyebrow arched, and said, "Mom, I've got something else on my plate. I'll catch you another time."

With that, he stood and made his exit.

As he strode past Danielle, Shawn's piercing gaze fixed on her momentarily, a deliberate pause that seemed to stretch longer than necessary, before he continued on as though nothing unusual had occurred.

Danielle breathed a sigh of relief once Shawn was gone. His brief look had sent a ripple of discomfort through her.

Carolyn, on the other hand, was visibly irritated. With Chris' absence, she had roped Shawn into staying. Her aim was to ensure Danielle didn't feel snubbed by the Harper family. Unfortunately, she miscalculated, possibly leaving a negative impression instead.

"Don't mind him," Carolyn said, squeezing Danielle's hand gently.

She paused, struggling to find the right words to explain. "He..." She trailed off, unsure of what to say.

Both her son and grandson were really troublesome.

She could demand Chris return and scold him, but she couldn't do anything to Shawn.

The Harper family was large with many members. It was Shawn who single-handedly supported the Harper family when Bryan Harper, his father, passed away. Shawn overcame all the obstacles and silenced those who sought to seize control. Without him, the Harper family would have fallen apart long ago. More importantly, he was indifferent when relatives came seeking favors.

Thinking of this, Carolyn sighed and looked at Danielle with care. "If anyone dares to bully you, just tell me."

"I will," Danielle responded.

"Chris happens to be busy today. When he returns and you two meet again, I will ask him to apologize to you."

......

After their lengthy conversation, Danielle left the study. The maid escorted her to the garden.

For some reason, Danielle suddenly thought of Shawn. She had been in Andstin previously and didn't know much about Croyta. However, she had heard a bit about the Harper family.

Rumor had it that Shawn was a ruthless man. Austin Gilbert, her friend, had clashed with him and suffered greatly. Without her assistance, he might have faced financial ruin.

With these thoughts, she sent a message to Austin.

To her surprise, he replied quickly, "What? You're at the Harper family's place? And you met Shawn Harper? Is he as hideous and mad as they say?"

Danielle could tell Austin still harbored anger and resentment towards Shawn. Back then, Austin, ambitious and newly venturing into business, deceitfully took two hundred million dollars from his own brother, and lost it all to Shawn.

Consequently, every time he went home, he consistently avoided his brother.

"You need to be cautious though. When I was on the phone with Shawn, I ended up boasting about the stock market whiz at my firm. You spoke just then, and I inadvertently let it slip. But no worries, I never mentioned your name," Austin assured.

Danielle's expression turned relieved as she pieced together Shawn's earlier reaction, realizing he probably hadn't recognized her voice.

Just then, she heard a man's icy voice from ahead.

Lost in thought, she didn't notice her surroundings until she abruptly found herself alone in a garden.

Shawn stood under the flower rack, draped in wisteria that bloomed around him. Under the dazzling sunlight, he appeared distant and imposing, sending a shiver through her. His voice held no emotion, yet it conveyed a sense of cruelty. "Clean it up. Don't leave any trouble."