Chapter 182: Daniel Might Have Fallen Ill While Abroad

Zoe had never seen a woman with such quick mood changes!

Just moments ago, Jennifer had been so well-behaved that Zoe had begun to doubt Lia’s story.

Now, however, the tips of Jennifer’s eyebrows radiated audacity and allure.

For a moment, Zoe was under the illusion that this woman’s boldness surpassed her own had she been young.

Michael didn’t disappoint, either. He usually wouldn't let anyone come within a meter of him, yet he let her use his custom-tailored suit as a hand towel!

Sarah and Daniel didn’t dare breathe a word.

Just as they were worried that Michael might shake Jennifer’s hand off, he reached out and patted her head while taking her hand.

“Don’t drink cold beverages during your period from now on. Remember that.”

"Okay. I'll be good."

Jennifer's audacity in openly competing for a man right in front of Zoe instantly made Daniel realize why even someone as unapproachable as his uncle had been drawn to her.

She was incredibly bold.

This high-stakes tug-of-war sent Daniel’s blood boiling.

His whole body began to heat up uncontrollably—a physical reaction he couldn’t suppress. Before anyone noticed his unusual state, he slipped away quickly and unnoticed.

As for Zoe, although her face was a picture of displeasure, she couldn’t say anything in front of Michael. She made up an excuse and left.

Ultimately, Lia was the one gossiping behind everyone’s back.

After the crowd dispersed, Michael and Jennifer stood at the entrance of an almost empty movie theater.

Michael gazed at Jennifer with a look that held more depth and admiration than ever before.

The two simply stared at each other.

Although his gaze was intense, Jennifer refused to look away first.

Instead of admitting defeat, she took the hand he was holding and pressed it to her lips for a kiss.

“Did I do a good job just now?”

Michael’s lips curved into a smile. "Very good."

Her eyes glistened. "Now that I helped you turn down Ava, I've become the enemy of the Garcia sisters. How are you going to reward me?”

Michael narrowed his eyes meaningfully. “Any reward you want.”

“But before I receive my reward, shouldn’t you explain to me what old, shrewd, and stingy means? Hmmm?”

He released her hand from his lips and playfully brushed his rough fingers against her delicate cheek.

The two-hour movie had given her plenty of time to prepare her lines.

Jennifer tiptoed, wrapped her arms around his neck, and said in a coy, seductive voice, “I was right, wasn’t I?”

"You're quite the wordsmith." Michael stroked her face, fell silent, then said softly.

After a moment, he added, "Then you'd better remember this: Until the end of time—if even a single moment or second is missing, I’ll make you pay for it.”

Jennifer looked at Michael’s expression and was somewhat taken aback.

It was clearly a love confession, yet, coming from him, it lacked warmth and carried a hint of threat.

It was as if he truly would imprison her by his side should she fail to stay with him until the end of time.

Jennifer instinctively pulled her hand away.

"I'll make good on my word. You can count on that.”

Meanwhile, Daniel ran his fingers over the sobriety tag around his neck and took a step forward, then a step back. He couldn’t bring himself to walk into the bar, yet he couldn’t bear to leave.

Given his current condition, he couldn't drink any alcohol.

If he drank, neither Michael nor Felix would let him off the hook!

Sure enough, before Daniel could step inside the bar, Felix called.

"Daniel, if you dare take a single sip, I’ll lock you up and shock you with an electric current—believe it or not!"

Daniel’s nervous system worksed differently than most people's.

He’s been undergoing medication treatment for years, and the one thing his condition absolutely forbids is alcohol.

The labels on his medications clearly state that they must not be taken with alcohol.

Daniel had returned home early precisely because his condition had spiraled out of control.

Apart from Michael and Felix, not even Logan knew about this.

Given the gravity of the situation, it was no wonder they’d kept it from Sarah.

Daniel said, "Hey, Felix. You called me before I even stepped foot in the bar. I’m twenty now, you know? Stop having people follow me. I need privacy!”

"I don't care! Just remember: If you can’t control your urges, you can see a prostitute to let off steam. But you are not allowed to drink—do you hear me?!”

Daniel chuckled. "I know you're just talking. I’ve been a virgin for twenty years. Wouldn't it be a waste to give my virginity to a prostitute?"

“Stop spouting nonsense. Neither is allowed! Stay right where you are. I’m coming to pick you up right now!”

Shortly after Jennifer and Michael parted ways, she opened her phone and saw a message from Sarah.

The chat history was still on the message where she’d sent her location, to which Sarah had replied, Got it.

Sarah messaged her: Jennifer, you can’t let your guard down with Zoe. Although I don't think she'll do anything to you, it's better to be careful.

Jennifer was touched by Sarah’s concern.

However, she could also tell that Sarah’s first meeting with Daniel today—after so many years—hadn’t gone well.

Jennifer recalled the conversation she’d overheard between Felix and Michael at the nightclub that day. She pieced together some of the details.

She replied to Sarah, Sarah, don't take what Daniel said today too much to heart. I saw a psychiatrist recently, and he told Michael that he would give him Daniel’s medication next time.

Sarah’s mood shifted immediately. Is that so?

Yeah, I saw Daniel at the hospital too last time. I suspect Michael didn’t go to France because of this. Daniel might have gotten sick while he was abroad.

Jennifer was always perceptive.

However, Daniel seemed full of energy, so it was hard to tell what was wrong at first.

The two girls could only guess that it was a psychological issue.

As for the specifics—things even Logan didn’t know—it would be difficult for just the two of them to figure out.

Jennifer’s text had eased Sarah’s mind greatly.

She decided not to dwell on it for now.

Sarah looked at her face in the makeup mirror.

She had striking bone structure, well-defined features, and stunning looks—she certainly had the potential to be a superstar.

Sarah recalled the first thing Daniel had said to her after all those years apart.

"Huh, I’ll give you credit for not being blind."