Because Michael and Juan intercepted them, they failed to move forward.
After greeting everyone, Kevin Clark led Daisy Zane toward the rest area: âGoing to see Olivia Lane? Theyâre in the inner hall, celebrating her birthday first.â
Daisy Zane asked, âAre all the Lanes here?â
âYep.â
âNo,â Daisy Zane replied. âItâs not appropriate for outsiders to go join her family.â
Kevin knew she didnât like meeting elders, so he didnât say anything further: âLetâs sit over there for a bit.â
âOkay.â
The two sat in the rest area.
Clark family members were standing all around, no one could get close.
Kevin worried Daisy was hungry, so he got someone to bring her some food.
Daisy ate and flipped through the auction manual.
âAnything you like?â
Daisy shook her head: âLetâs bid on this Luban lock set for Charles Amos. Itâs our contribution to the charity auction.â
âAlright.â
After celebrating her birthday with her family, Olivia came out to find Daisy. She texted Daisy for her location and went straight to the rest area.
âDaisy Zaneâ¦â Olivia exclaimed excitedly, but when she saw Kevin by her side, her smile vanished in an instant. She greeted him politely: âThird Uncle, youâre here too.â
Kevin eyed her and said, âYou should call me Auntie.â
Olivia pursed her lips.
Daisy Zane:
Olivia turned to Daisy for help.
Daisy stood up and said, âLetâs take a walk around the banquet hall.â
Kevin followed suit, but before he could fully stand up, Daisy said, âYou stay here.â
Kevinâs movement froze, and he sat back down:
Daisy left with Olivia.
Before leaving, Olivia sneakily glanced back at Kevinâs sulking face, and her mood improved drastically.
âWhy didnât you go inside?â Olivia asked.
Daisy handed her a cup of juice and took a glass of wine for herself: âYou came out.â
âI want to drink wine, too.â
âChildren canât.â
âWhoâs a child? Iâve come of age,â Olivia retorted.
âHigh school students arenât allowed to drink,â Daisy said.
Olivia:
Daisy smiled at her, then clinked her wine glass with Oliviaâs cup: âHappy birthday.â
Olivia hesitated, then said, âThank you.â
Daisy took a sip of wine: âThe present is in the car; Iâll have Michael bring it to you later.â
âThanks.â
âWhy are you so polite today?â
âAm I not allowed to be?â
âYou are.â
The two chatted casually. Olivia told Daisy about school life: âEveryoneâs studying very seriously now. Skyler Thomas says itâs all because of you. And the homeroom teacher of Class 8, I feel like sheâs gonna be pissed to deathâevery day she sees me with a pale face. So I walk past their class every day.â
Daisy smiled.
âBut William Butch hasnât returned to school,â Olivia added.
âHeâs in the hospital.â William Butch was undergoing therapy every day, so he simply stayed in the hospital.
âHuh?â Olivia asked, âWhatâs wrong with him? Did he get beaten up again?â
âHeâs fine. Iâll take you to see him when I have time,â Daisy promised.
âOkay.â
Olivia nodded and then saw her brother, William Lane, talking with someone nearby. âHave you met my brother?â
âNo.â
âLet me introduce you. Heâs a great guy; Iâm sure youâll like him.â
Daisy raised her eyebrows: sheâd like him? Kevin ⦠would be drowning himself in a vinegar jar.
Just as she was about to turn down the offer, someone called out to Olivia.
âMiss Lane.â
They both looked over.
It was Mrs. Davis and Liam Davis from the Johnson family in Truro City.
Liam glanced at Daisy before turning his gaze back to Olivia.
Mrs. Davis didnât even seem to notice Daisy. Her eyes were locked on Olivia.
Daisy watched the two with indifference.
Olivia had a vague sense of familiarity with the lady, but she couldnât recall her. And the man⦠she had never met him before.
âWhat can I do for you?â
âMiss Lane, weâve met before. Do you remember?â Mrs. Davis attempted to approach them, but Daisy pulled Olivia back and stepped in front of her.
Feeling Daisyâs hostility, Olivia asked, âWho are you?â
âIâm from the Truro City Johnson family.â Mrs. Davis didnât beat around the bush since Daisy was present: âThis is my son, Liam Davis.â