Chapter 541 Actually, I Am Quite Miserable
"No time," Daniel replied curtly.
On the other end of the line, Cade erupted, "Daniel, are you nuts? Do you even realize what kind of opportunity this is? And you say you have no time! She's the only daughter of the richest guy in Regal City. I haven't seen her picture, but she can't be that bad-looking. They're interested in you, and that's your lucky break! You gotta meet her, whether you want to or not!"
"I'm your father. Would I steer you wrong? If it weren't for your luck, you'd never be good enough for her."
Daniel was used to Cade's sarcasm and lack of approval, but it still hurt.
He tugged at his tie in frustration, glanced at his watch, and strode to the elevator. Lyric, dressed simply, was waiting for the employee elevator with breakfast in hand.
She overheard Daniel's impatient phone conversation, "Busy. Hanging up."
His voice was clearly strained.
For some reason, hearing his voice made Lyric think of their passionate night together.
She adjusted her black-rimmed glasses and greeted him, "Good morning, Mr. Taylor."
Daniel habitually looked up and glanced at her.
Her plain attire and unattractive glasses left a vague impression on him. A few days ago, she had closed a big deal, invited him to lunch, and even got his phone number and added him on WhatsApp.
Nothing else stood out.
He gave her a cold, indifferent look.
Even so, Lyric's cheeks flushed. She didn't know how to face him.
"Why are you blushing?" He said.
The elevator doors suddenly opened.
Daniel stepped into the executive elevator.
The doors slowly closed.
He didn't spare her another glance.
Was he really this indifferent after their night together?
Could he just treat her like a stranger?
Lyric felt a pang of sadness.
She couldn't focus on work, and her mind was elsewhere during meetings.
After lunch, she stood by the coffee machine, filling her cup.
Her mother, Remy, called, her voice full of concern, "Lyric, you've graduated. Why haven't you come back to Regal City? We're worried about you being out there alone."
Lyric adjusted her glasses, touched, "Mom, I told you, I want to prove I can live well on my own. I'm an adult now, you don't need to worry."
"Lyric, the world isn't simple. Without us to guide you, you'll face hardships."
"Mom, if I really can't make it, I'll come back and take over the family business." Lyric tried to reassure Remy, though she felt drained.
Lyric had grown up in a loving family, so she had a positive outlook on life.
Hearing she couldn't persuade her, Remy changed the subject, "Sweetie, your dad found a good match for you. You should meet him."
"No," Lyric refused without hesitation.
"Just meet him. I saw his picture, he's quite handsome, and you two look like a perfect couple."
"Not interested."
"I even asked a priest, and he said you two are destined to be together. How about I send you his picture? His family isn't as well-off, but he's capable. You need someone capable to rely on."
Lyric was annoyed, "Mom, I said no. I have someone I like now. Tell Dad to stop setting me up. I'm not desperate, I can find someone on my own. I want to spend more time with you guys."
"Who is this person you like? Are you sure he's not after our money? It's safer to choose someone we approve of."
"Mom, this isn't the old days. I'm not interested in arranged marriages. Talking about this just makes me not want to talk to you. I'm already stressed." Lyric balanced her phone on her shoulder, holding her coffee cup.
Remy sighed, "I'll discuss it with your dad. Think about our suggestion."
"No need. I'm not meeting him. Bye." Lyric hung up.
She leaned against the floor-to-ceiling window, holding her warm coffee cup. The steam rose, but her heart felt cold. She couldn't understand why he was so indifferent after recognizing her.
She thought to herself, 'Daniel, how could you be so heartless?'
"What are you daydreaming about?"
A familiar, gentle voice broke through her thoughts.
She stiffened, the spoon in her coffee pausing. She turned to see Daniel, in a suit, holding a coffee cup.
"Mr. Taylor, getting your own coffee?" Lyric looked up at him, biting her lip.
He filled his cup and then glanced at her, "The office was stuffy, so I came out for a walk."
Lyric noticed the marks on his neck, feeling embarrassed. Had she been that intense last night?
Luckily, she had left quickly, or she would have wanted to hide.
Her curious gaze was too obvious.
Daniel looked at her, puzzled, "What's wrong?"
She pointed to his neck, teasing, "Mr. Taylor, had a wild night with your girlfriend?"
She was testing him, trying to see how he viewed last night's woman.
Daniel thought about explaining he was single but decided it wasn't necessary for an intern. He sipped his coffee and changed the subject, "You seemed upset earlier. Got dumped?"
"No," Lyric laughed awkwardly. She had never lacked suitors but had no interest in dating, staying single for years.
She adjusted her glasses, "My family is pressuring me to get married and go on blind dates."
Daniel's mouth twitched. What a coincidence.
He had just been pressured too.
"Blind dates are just a way to meet people. You might find your true love. Your parents want the best for you; don't be too resistant." He offered casually.
Lyric didn't like hearing that. 'What a jerk,' she thought. After last night, he was encouraging her to date others. Maybe he was testing her feelings for him.
Lyric started to spin a tale, tears welling up, "Mr. Taylor, my life is tragic. Worse than any TV drama or novel heroine. I have a gambling father, a mother who favors my brother, and a single brother. They want to sell me off to get my brother a wife. I'm so miserable."