Daniel ushered Maisie into the car and drove out of the narrow alley. Maisie's hands remained cold despite the warm car interior, and she shivered.

To ease her tension, Daniel tried to strike up a conversation. "By the way, do you live nearby?"

"It's a bit far from here," Maisie answered softly. "I usually don't take this route, but I left work late today, and it's more convenient, so I decided to use it. I didn't expect someone to follow me."

"It's important to be cautious when walking through dark, quiet alleys," Daniel advised.

Maisie nodded, and a thought suddenly crossed her mind. She gazed at him. "Mr. Quimby, why are you here too?"

Daniel couldn't admit to following her all this time. He had been secretly keeping an eye on her, concerned for her safety on her way home. He had convinced himself that her apartment was in a moderately safe downtown area surrounded by busy roads. But his concern became a reality today.

Daniel moistened his dry lips and had to craft a lie. "I have a friend with a bar nearby, and I came to support him. I had a drink earlier, so I went to the alley for some fresh air, and that's how I happened to run into you."

"You had a drink?" Maisie widened her eyes and sniffed the air but couldn't detect any alcohol in the car. She was worried. "You shouldn't drive if you've been drinking!"

"Huh?" Daniel realized the holes in his lie and calmly added, "Oh, no, it's not me who had too much to drink. It's my friend. I was just there to accompany him for some fresh air."

"What about your friend, then?"

"Uh..."

"You left your friend alone in the alley?"

"I..."

didn't understand why he could remain composed during

you okay?" Maisie asked with concern, sensing his discomfort. "Are you sure you haven't been drinking? They're really strict about drunk driving now,

fine." Daniel forced a smile. "I'll take you home first and then pick up my friend. He's a grown man. Nothing will happen to

"Really?"

Daniel stated firmly, "Absolutely."

and she smiled at him. "Thank

small favor. Don't worry about

the intersection, Maisie directed him to turn left, leading them to the entrance of her residential

car door for

stick to the main roads," he advised gently. "Don't

"Mm."

leave work a bit earlier. There's no need to overwork

be sure about that," Maisie said, lowering her head with a smile. "I have to wait for the last parents to pick up their children before I can leave. Some parents are very busy and often forget to pick up their children. After all, children like Persephone, who comes with

teddy bears for the kids. I noticed that one of them liked the bear last time, but I almost caused an accident. I feel bad about it. They'll arrive tomorrow, and each child will receive one. Could you please

warmth in her heart. Daniel looked

the one from before still

him. "I've been meaning to find a chance to return it to you. Hold on, I'll get

don't have to," Daniel said hurriedly. "Just

It was hers anyway.

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