Chapter 347 I Can't Afford to Offend Daphne
"I don't see any advantages," Summer said calmly, watching Daphne and the others fade from view. "Whether I succeed or fail, it's still a crime."
Aubrey stayed quiet.
"You know the Murphy family's connections," Summer continued. "I can't afford to mess with Daphne."
Summer wasn't naive; her two years with the Murphy family taught her a lot.
The Murphys had clout in business and powerful connections.
Even without families like the Winstons backing them, Daphne alone was a force to be reckoned with.
"You know my background," Aubrey said. "No matter how powerful the Murphys are, my family can crush them. Real power trumps wealth."
Summer hesitated. The Smith family's influence was indeed significant.
"If we team up, I guarantee you'll be safe after you help me take out Daphne," Aubrey promised. "Your and your mom's current situation is due to Daphne coming back, right?"
Summer gripped her phone tighter. After a pause, she asked, "Can you ensure my safety?"
"Yes," Aubrey assured. "The Smith family has that kind of power."
"I'll think about it," Summer said, torn.
Alexander had been good to her and Sophia, but her dad, Steven Carter, was about to get out of prison. Without protection, he'd definitely cause trouble.
Sophia had divorced with Steven, so he had no reason to bother her, but Summer was an adult now. If her dad demanded support, she couldn't avoid it.
"I'll give you half a month to decide," Aubrey was away from another country, her hatred for Daphne deep. "If you agree, don't act when Benjamin's around."
Benjamin could protect Daphne from all sudden threats.
Aubrey was desperate enough to drag Daphne down with her.
Summer didn't respond and hung up. She returned looking a bit lost.
Sophia noticed and asked, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Summer replied.
"Summer," Sophia called.
Summer paused in the living room, feeling the emptiness of the big villa.
She looked around and asked, "Mom, if you had a chance to rely on the Smith family but it came at a high cost, would you take it?"
Sophia looked puzzled. "The Smith family?"
"Yeah," Summer nodded.
"The Smith family has that kind of power?" Sophia seemed hopeful.
"Yes," Summer said, her heart heavy. "If we help them kill someone, they'll protect us for life, no criminal records. They'll handle everything."
"Who do they want to kill?" Sophia asked.
"Daphne," Summer said, her grip tightening, voice hoarse.
"Why not agree?" Sophia lost her usual calm. Mentioning Daphne reminded her of what she'd lost. "If it weren't for Daphne, I'd be married into the Murphy family by now, and you'd be part of the Murphy Group. It's all her fault we got kicked out. If someone else handles the aftermath, there's no reason not to agree."
Hearing this, Summer's heart trembled. "Killing is illegal, and Daphne's never really provoked us."
Thinking it over, it seemed like they were the ones always provoking Daphne, trying to take her father away.
Summer had hated Daphne, just like Sophia, blaming their situation on her return.
But lately, standing in this big villa and seeing her bank account grow, Summer felt a bit guilty towards Daphne.
"Haven't you always wanted to escape your current life? A better background?" Sophia suddenly said. "Now that you have the chance, you don't want to take it?"
"Mom," Summer said, feeling confused.
"Without status, you'll end up like me!" Sophia burst out. "At home, I have no respect. Your father hits and scolds whenever he wants."
Summer paused, remembering Steven's abuse. She had sworn never to marry someone like him. But could a borrowed background be reliable?
"Summer, I want the best for you," Sophia said, holding her hand. "If you can't do it, I'll do it. I'll do anything for your happiness."
Summer's mind was in a mess. She didn't know what was right or wrong.
"Let me think about it," she finally said, suppressing her emotions.
Summer wasn't sure if Aubrey's promises were real.
In this world, she had learned one thing: unless it's in writing, promises mean nothing. She didn't know much about the Smith family or Aubrey.
Her only impression was from a singles event where Aubrey greeted Daphne gracefully, looking stunning. But such a person had such dark thoughts.
Daphne knew nothing about this. After leaving the restaurant with Alexander and the others, she parted ways with them.
That night, after dinner, Daphne went to her study to handle some work.
Charles called Mark. To avoid betraying Daphne, Mark gave a vague answer. "From what Jesse says, Ms. Murphy shouldn't be afraid of ghosts."
"Shouldn't be?" Charles was annoyed.
"Jesse's just an assistant. Even if he knows a lot about Ms. Murphy's life, he doesn't know everything," Mark said. "If you really want to know, I can ask her father, sister, or friends."
"No need," Charles refused.
If Mark asked, Daphne would find out. She couldn't know yet.
"If there's nothing else, I'll hang up," Mark said cautiously.
Charles was already annoyed. "Pick me up first in the morning."
Mark was still in Ivrea City; how could he pick him up?
"Did you hear me?" Charles repeated.
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