Love's Change of Heart

Chapter 809 I Drank Too Much Last Night

Daniel clenched his teeth, desperate to voice his thoughts, yet Zoe averted her gaze and gently shut her eyes. "I'm tired and I'm going to sleep."

Daniel was rendered speechless.

The rain outside persisted with unwavering determination, refusing to relent.

Before long, Zoe's breathing gradually became steady, as if she had fallen asleep.

Daniel observed her silhouette, gently pressed his lips together, and pulled her waist closer, enfolding her in his embrace.

In the darkness, Zoe slowly opened her eyes, seemingly taken aback by his actions. She fixed her gaze upon the scenery soaked in rain, her thoughts veiled in mystery.

...

The following day, when Zoe awoke, Daniel was nowhere to be found in the room.

Even before she opened her eyes, she was greeted by the agonizing aftermath of a hangover. She retched a few times, but couldn't bring herself to vomit, overcome by a severe dizziness.

Zoe gingerly stretched her stiff and achy limbs, slowly dressing herself before heading to the bathroom for a refreshing wash. She lightly patted her face, sensing an overwhelming fatigue that permeated her entire body, and descended the stairs.

Just as she descended, Daniel happened to enter the hotel from outside. Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

Upon catching sight of him, Zoe managed a feeble greeting. "Good morning."

Daniel paused briefly, then uttered, "I asked the innkeeper to prepare a hangover remedy for you."

Zoe settled herself at the table and expressed her gratitude. "Thank you."

Soon enough, Daniel returned with the soothing hangover remedy and a breakfast spread, placing them before her. He remarked, "The car is still under repair. We'll take another one back later."

Zoe nodded as she sipped on the hangover remedy. "Alright."

Daniel sat before her, his countenance marked by uncertainty, his lips wavering as if engaged in a silent struggle with untold words.

Raising her head, Zoe met his gaze. "What's the matter?"

Daniel spoke up. "Don't you have anything you want to say?"

Zoe softly grumbled, massaging her aching waist. "This bed is too soft. I woke up with a sore back. Do you happen to know a skilled masseur? I'd love to get a good massage once we're back in the city."

A look of confusion crossed Daniel's face.

Zoe picked up the sandwich before her. "By the way, did I say anything foolish last night when I was

drunk? Please don't take it to heart. I apologize if I said something offensive to you."

Daniel was left speechless, unable to find the words to express himself.

A smile tugged at his lips as he reached for the glass of milk and took a sip.

Zoe took a bite of her sandwich and immediately choked upon witnessing the situation. She hastily exclaimed, "That's my milk!"

Daniel cast a brief glance, then placed the milk down heavily before turning away in exasperation.

Zoe struggled to swallow the food in her mouth, hesitated for a couple of seconds, and eventually picked up the glass.

Oh well, it can't possibly be poisoned. It's better than choking to death.

Upon finishing her breakfast and stepping outside, she found Daniel standing by a crimson sedan, engrossed in conversation with the innkeeper.

Zoe approached him, clearing her throat. "I'm done eating. Shall we leave?"

Daniel withdrew his gaze and replied, "Wait a moment, I forgot something."

Zoe immediately caught on. "My camera bag..."

"I'll bring it down for you."

"Alright, thank you."

As Daniel entered the hotel, a smile graced the innkeeper's face as they remarked, "Your boyfriend is quite a gentleman."

Taken aback, Zoe momentarily froze, quickly waving her hand as she responded, "No, he is not my boyfriend. He's just a regular friend."

The innkeeper continued to smile, remaining silent as they turned around to playfully toss a toy for the dog.

Zoe remained there for a moment, releasing a breath of relief.

The rain had ceased by then, leaving behind a refreshing atmosphere. The sun slowly ascended, casting a radiant halo in the sky.

Zoe tilted her head, capturing the scene with her phone.

Five minutes later, Daniel returned, handing her the camera bag. He swiftly opened the driver's door, prompting Zoe to stow away her phone and join him.

On the journey back, Zoe rested against the window, her eyes closed, savoring the gentle warmth of the morning sun and the refreshing breeze.

Daniel stole a sideways glance at her. "Are we still going to the River Silverstone today?"

Zoe shook her head. "No, we're not."

Curiosity flickered in Daniel's eyes. "Why's that?"

"Initially, I wanted to capture the sunset there, but I realized the sunset scenes I captured yesterday were just as beautiful. This world is filled with diverse landscapes, each with its unique characteristics. There's no need to obsess over one particular place."

Daniel tightened his grip on the steering wheel, his silence hinting at unspoken thoughts.

As they entered the city, Zoe rolled up the window. "I've booked a flight back to Highside tonight. I want to thank you for these past few days. When you visit Highside next time, I'll be your guide and show you around."

After all, he had no intentions of returning. It was spoken purely for the sake of politeness.

Daniel's gaze bore deeply into her eyes as if attempting to unravel the thoughts that lay within.

Zoe shifted her gaze to the side. "Oh, I almost forgot. I still need to make a trip to your company. Since I'll be heading back, I should inform Mr. Morris as well. It's a bother, but can you take me directly to the office?"

Daniel focused his gaze ahead, murmuring softly in agreement.

Half an hour later, the car pulled up in front of the Complex Group building.

As soon as Daniel entered the company, he was promptly summoned by his assistant.

Turning to Zoe, he directed, "Please wait for me in William's office."

Zoe nodded, smiling and waving at him. "Go ahead."

Daniel seemed to have something on his mind, but the assistant's urgency prevented him from speaking.

This marked Zoe's second visit to the Complex Group, and compared to her previous encounter, she felt a much greater sense of ease, liberated from the prior apprehension that had clung to her.

Upon reaching the floor where William's office resided, she relied on her recollection to navigate toward his workspace. However, before arriving at the door, her eyes were drawn to the sight of William's assistant emerging from within, carefully balancing a tray in their hands.

Resting on the tray were bloodstained bandages and an assortment of medications.

Zoe's expression froze as she took in the sight. "What's all this?"

The assistant replied, "William's old injury flared up again. We just finished treating it."

Zoe hastily inquired, "Is it serious?"

"Not too severe. It's primarily due to his hectic workload; he hasn't had the chance to rest and properly recover."

At that moment, the assistant's phone rang. He casually placed the tray on a nearby table and moved a short distance away to answer the call.

Zoe was momentarily stunned.

Does luck truly favor the unsuspecting, arriving effortlessly?

Casting a cautious glance around to ensure she remained unnoticed, she stealthily retrieved a sealed plastic bag from her bag. Swiftly picking up a bloodstained piece of gauze, she placed it inside the bag, hurriedly concealing it back within her belongings. Throughout the entire process, her heart raced with apprehension, fearful of being discovered.

With everything now accomplished, she finally released a sigh of relief. Knocking lightly on the door to William's office, she entered the room.

Meanwhile, not far away, the assistant turned around, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

Dialing a number, he spoke into the phone. "Mr. Pearson, I've carried out your instructions as requested. However, can you please enlighten me on the purpose behind these actions?"

On the other end of the line, Aidan's voice remained calm and distant. "In due time, you'll come to understand."

The assistant was left speechless. If it weren't for his firsthand experience working closely with Aidan during William's incapacitation and witnessing Aidan's unwavering integrity, he would have found it impossible to believe that such actions could be carried out behind William's back.