CHAPTER 66: TWISTED FAMILY

Elias was silent at first, eyes fixed on the road ahead. Then he tilted his head slightly toward Daisy.

"She asked for a million," he said flatly. "I gave it to her... on the condition that she stays the hell away from you."

Jasmine blinked, stunned by his blunt honesty. Daisy’s eyes didn’t leave Elias, her expression unreadable.

"What?" he asked, meeting her gaze, a flicker of tension tightening his shoulders. His heart thudded. ’Was she angry?’

But Daisy suddenly leaned closer, cupped his cheeks, and kissed him lightly on the lips. "You did great, hubby."

Elias froze.

Then Daisy turned back to the woman outside, eyes hard and voice cool. "Got your money? Good. Now disappear." She rolled up the window and muttered, "Drive."

The whole ride back was silent.

Elias gripped the wheel a little tighter than necessary, sneaking glances at her every few seconds. But Daisy stared out the window, unreadable as ever.

She wasn’t yelling. She wasn’t crying. She wasn’t even sighing.

And that, somehow, was worse.

He cleared his throat. "I didn’t mean to do it," he said, eyes still on the road. "I just... I figured if it is the best way to keep her from you."

No response.

"I mean, I didn’t mean to interfere. But only because she..."

Still nothing.

He peeked at her again. "Daisy?"

She turned her head slowly. "Hmm?" His lips parted. Then closed. "Nothing."

She then smiled, soft and unfazed. "You’re overthinking, Elias. Anyway, thank you."

That did not help. Not at all.

Because she said thank you like someone who already drafted a PowerPoint titled "Reasons Why My Husband Has a Death Wish."

And Elias was now 90% sure he should’ve just run over Jasmine instead.

"Why did you tell her that you’re my husband?" Daisy spoke up suddenly.

Elias blinked, caught off guard. "Sorry?"

"Did you tell her who you really are?"

He glanced at her, then shook his head. "I just said I’m your husband. Why?"

She gave a small nod, eyes drifting back to the window. "Then let’s hope she doesn’t find out the rest."

Elias’s grip on the wheel tightened. "Did I do something wrong?"

"No, it’s just..." Daisy exhaled, the sound quiet but heavy. "It’s just my family. My mom, her side... they’re kind of twisted."

He didn’t interrupt, letting her go on.

"They always find a way to benefit from people and if she finds out who you really are..." Daisy trailed off, then sighed. "She won’t just ask for one million next time."

Elias glanced at her, then back to the road. "I think you’ve gotten a little too comfortable with me... that you forgot who Theo Kingsley is."

Daisy turned her head slowly, studying him.

His voice was calm, but there was steel underneath. "It won’t happen, don’t worry."

Her eyes searched his face for a moment longer before she leaned back against the seat.

"Good," she murmured. "Because she doesn’t understand anything less."

They didn’t speak much after that.

The rest of the drive was quiet, heavy with unfinished thoughts and worries they weren’t ready to unpack. When the car turned into the familiar driveway, Daisy barely reacted.

When they finally arrived at Theo’s mansion, Daisy stepped out without a word, walking up the steps with a calm expression.

But as soon as she stepped into the living room, she stopped short.

Against the wall, just beside the tall windows, were sleek gold clothing racks lined with dresses, coats, and even a few pairs of heels arranged neatly below. Several handbags sat on the ottoman nearby, and a few elegant jewelry trays were set out like a private showroom.

These hadn’t been here earlier.

She stared at them, then slowly turned her head. "What’s this?"

Elias stepped in behind her, casually muttered, "Clothes."

Her eyes narrowed. "Obviously."

He gave a slight shrug. "I asked Marla to bring in a selection. I figured you might want more than just my shirt." His eyes dropped briefly to the oversized shirt and pants she was still wearing since yesterday.

Daisy looked down at herself, then back at the clothing rack. Her expression didn’t change. "So thoughtful."

"You’re welcome," he said dryly.

She stepped closer to the rack, brushing her fingers lightly along the fabric. Silk, cashmere, fine wool with tasteful colors, clean lines, exactly her kind of style.

Her voice came quieter this time. "Did you tell Marla my size?"

"I didn’t have to," he replied. "She’s good at guessing and—oh..." He walked over to a box placed at the far end of the rack, picked it up, and handed it to her casually. "Figured this one might need a change too."

Daisy took the box, brows slightly furrowed. She glanced at him once, then flipped it open.

"Ah—" She snapped the lid shut and exhaled sharply through her nose, eyes squeezed shut. "Seriously?"

Elias raised both hands, feigning innocence. "And yes, that one? On me. I mean, I did tell Marla what size to pick."

Her head snapped toward him. "Elias!"

"What? You needed a clean one, and since it’d be too late to shop tomorrow, I just made an executive decision."

She stared at him, utterly incredulous. "You picked the size for my lingerie?"

"Well..." He squinted one eye and held one hand in the air, making a vague scanning gesture. "I guesstimated."

"Elias!" She clutched the box to her chest like it might protect her from his eyes.

"I mean... since we’re already that close, I can kind of guess your—"

"Stop! Stop talking!" She covered the box over her face as her cheeks burning. "You are so not allowed to say that!"

He grinned. "You’re welcome."

She shot him a glare over the top of the box, but her ears were still visibly pink. "I’m going up to take a bath..."

Without another word, she turned to the rack and grabbed the first dress she laid eyes on, then made a quick escape up the stairs.

"Wait—wait..." Elias reached out, but she was already gone. He stared after her, blinking. "Ah... why’d you grab the silk pajamas?"

With a sigh, he glanced at the rack, plucked another outfit from it, and casually headed upstairs.