Chapter 108 He Still Holds Her Tight
When Daisy heard this, she found herself bewildered, thinking Vincent was making small talk for no reason.
But looking at his expression, it didn't seem that way it was as if this expression of gratitude was something deeply significant.
And Vanessa was standing right next to him, looking visibly uncomfortable. Luna was also looking up, curiously glancing back and forth between Daisy and Vincent.
Seeing them grouped together like that, a family of three, Daisy suddenly remembered something.
"No need to thank me. When can we finalize the divorce certificate?”
She had assumed Vincent would be more eager than she was.
But she still wanted to ask, since it had been delayed for so long.
Vincent’s eyebrows shifted slightly. “We’ll need to wait a little longer.”
"Why does it take so long?"
Vincent said, “Property division has to be settled first, mostly on my side. After that, the court process and scheduling will take time. I’ll update you the moment there’s progress.”
Daisy nodded, choosing not to push further, not thinking Vincent would deliberately delay things.
Still, the mention of property division made her wonder whether transferring shares to Vanessa would complicate the proceedings.
She knew little about legal matters and quickly pushed the thought aside. She wasn’t rushing to remarry anyway. If anyone should feel anxious, it was Vincent.
Although it was spring, the evening breeze was still quite cold. Daisy wrapped her coat tighter and was about to leave.
Suddenly, a dark figure rushed out from the side, stumbling and reeking of alcohol, cursing under his breath. Before Daisy could react, the drunk man slammed straight into her.
This sudden incident caught everyone off guard. Daisy's whole body tilted forward, stumbling, and was about to fall.
At that moment, a hand reached out and steadily caught her waist.
The hand was large, and with this pull and tug, almost half-embracing her, it drew Daisy into an embrace.
Daisy's face crashed hard into his chest, hitting so hard her nose stung and tears almost fell.
She smelled a familiar crisp scent at the tip of her nose. Daisy slowly lifted her head and met Vincent's worried face.
She hadn't yet recovered from the sudden fright, her mind still fuzzy, and Vincent's arm was still around her waist, not letting go.
By the time everyone reacted, the homeless man had already run far away.
Ethan coughed lightly nearby, and only then did Daisy come to her senses. She quickly pushed Vincent away and stood steady.
"Are you okay?" Vincent asked.
Daisy could still feel the echo of his heartbeat against her cheek and the warmth of his palm through her coat. Heat flooded her face as she awkwardly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
"I'm fine."
After a beat, she added softly, "Thank you."
Vincent’s expression remained composed, though his hands slipped into his pockets as he turned slightly away, gaze drifting into the distance.
"Let's go." Ethan said, stepping forward. He shot a brief glance at Vincent before addressing Daisy, "I'll take you home."
This time Daisy didn't refuse and left with him.
In the car, Ethan glanced over at her. “Are you really alright?”
"No, I was just pushed. It scared me."
"Scared me too." Ethan let out a light breath. "That guy was dressed pretty decently, didn't expect..."
He didn't finish the sentence, but changed the subject and asked, "What's really going on between you and Vincent?"
Daisy didn't quite understand. "What do you mean? Don't you already know?"
“From what I saw tonight, it feels… different from what I thought.” Ethan’s tone turned teasing, but his eyes were serious. “I was standing closer to you, yet I didn’t react in time. Vincent did.”
"You and him..." He thought for a moment and rephrased: "I feel like he's not completely without feelings for you. I'm really worried that when he beckons to you, you'll fall for it again."
Daisy let out a soft laugh. “That’s impossible. You saw how attentive he was to Vanessa at dinner. Why would he ever turn to me?”
“Interesting,” Ethan noted sharply. “You’re quick to deny his feelings for you, but you didn’t deny your own feelings for him.” His gaze sharpened. "Let me tell you, if you go back to him again, I won't pull you out."
"Not only won't I pull you out, I'll kick you a couple of times."
Daisy couldn't help but laugh, then put away her smile and said seriously, "Don't worry, I'll never go back. Even if I end up with someone else, I won't give up my career again."
Only then did Ethan breathe a sigh of relief.
Soon, the car arrived at the Collins Estate. Ethan stopped at the entrance. Daisy got out and walked through the grand gate alone.
Shawn's residence was behind the main house, about a twenty or thirty minute walk from the entrance.
The gravel path was long, and the moonlight was cool.
Daisy walked slowly, lost in thought, when her phone rang. It was Uncle Simon.
She answered.
"Daisy, are you asleep?" Simon's voice came through the phone, carrying some fatigue.
"Not yet, Simon. What's wrong?"
There was silence on the other end, as if Simon was choosing his words carefully.
"There's a problem with the project. Funds are a bit tight. I wanted to ask if you have any spare money on hand?"
Daisy was stunned. "How much do you need?"
Simon gave her a number.
Daisy was silent for a few seconds and said, "Let me see what I can figure out."
She calculated her assets. Not counting the compensation Vincent gave her in the divorce, between her salary during this period and bonuses from previous projects, she had about thirty million. Adding her previous savings, she could be considered wealthy, but this money was just a drop in the bucket for that huge R&D project.
Where else could she get money?
She thought for a moment and suddenly clapped her hands.
She remembered! When they got engaged, Vincent had given her a set of jewelry - top-grade jade pieces including a necklace, earrings, and ring, valued at one hundred and ten million at the time, symbolizing single-minded devotion.
The design had been far too flashy for her taste, so she had never worn it.
The divorce agreement had never mentioned the set. Vincent must have forgotten about it. It was likely still locked in the safe in her old room.
Given his immense wealth, he probably wouldn’t mind returning it.
She immediately called Vincent. He answered after the first ring.
Daisy explained the situation briefly. To her relief, Vincent agreed without hesitation and didn’t even ask what she needed it for, "It should still be in the safe. I'll have the butler find it. Come get it when you have time, or I can bring it to you."
Daisy felt relieved. "Okay, I'll come get it tomorrow."
Then she called Simon.
"The money issue is solved." Her tone was light. "But you need to help me contact an auction house."
"Auction house?" Simon asked in surprise. "What are you going to auction?"