Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl

Daniel wore a somber expression as he spoke, "Mrs. Lawson, I don't resent you. I understand your sentiments entirely. Were it my daughter, I would hesitate to see her with an anti-drug officer too." Shelly turned to look at Daniel, sensing in him a man of integrity. If not for his profession, marrying Sienna to him would be like winning the lottery.

"About Felix's medical bills-"

Shelly's words were cut short by Daniel's reassurance. "Mrs. Lawson, it's a small matter. There's no rush for repayment.

"Once Felix wakes up and recovers, he can take his time to repay me when he's financially stable. There's no deadline."

Shelly was moved beyond words. Her eyes brimmed with tears as she clasped his hand gratefully. "Thank you, and thank you on behalf of Felix," she choked out.

Daniel offered a gentle pat on her shoulder, feeling a pang of sadness. To him, matters that money could resolve were insignificant. As long as he could help Sienna, he would do so without hesitation or regret.

After a brief pause, Shelly suggested, "Captain Morrison, if you don't mind, you could become like a brother to Sienna..."

Daniel's expression darkened instantly, cutting her off. "Mrs. Lawson, that's unnecessary. I'm fine with the breakup, but becoming her brother? That's absurd."

Shelly felt a twinge of embarrassment and forced a smile. She felt guilty but had no clue how to make it up to Daniel.

Daniel felt mentally drained. Shelly knew exactly how to twist the knife.

Being a brother to Sienna meant they could still have a connection, but without romance, without crossing boundaries, and without sharing their lives together. He'd even have to witness Sienna's marriage and address her future husband as his brother-in-law. Even if it cost him his life, he couldn't do it.

Standing up, Daniel politely excused himself. "Mr. Lawson, I have some work to attend to. Feel free to call if you need anything."

Shelly replied, "Of course, go ahead."

With a nod of farewell, Daniel walked away.

As Shelly watched him leave, she sighed deeply. If only Daniel would quit his job as an anti-drug officer, that would solve everything. She wondered if he'd be willing tomake that sacrifice for Sienna.

Leaning back in her chair, Shelly sighed once more.

When Sienna learned that Felix's medical bills were taken care of, her first thought was of Daniel. Though Shelly didn't explicitly say it, Sienna knew it was Daniel's doing. When Shelly suggested that Daniel resign so they could be together, Sienna felt a mix of excitement and anger.

countered, "Mom, you can't make such unreasonable demands of Daniel. Don't force him to make a decision. Do you realize how despicable your actions

and said, "Captain Morrison is

contain her emotions. "Of course, he's a good person, but look at me. I come from a modest background, average education, job,

of women

already lucky that Daniel chose

you still want

his career? Isn't

selfish?"

that Sienna's words held some truth. She couldn't bring herself to make such selfish demands of

health improved, he was moved out

the hospital

be a cigarette butt in the

must have taken Esther. Maybe it was a crime done by

Then, he sadly shook his head. "This brand is found everywhere. It

she carefully wrapped the cigarette butt in a napkin. "We can check it for DNA. I have to find out who

"Should we go

will waste too much time. I'll call Wayne to come here, and I'll give it to him to

floor was muddy because it had just

might be

from an experienced police officer abroad. So, she was sure

restroom before taking her to a

Pearl couldn't tell if the car had

and said,

Surprised, Pearl asked, "Why?"

night, and the roads are straight with few turns. There are also police checking

pale thinking about the mountains. "Could it be

serious. "I

with human trafficking, they needed to act fast to save Esther. "Richard, go get your car. We'll head