She had expected this outcome. If that woman had actually been here, Daniel wouldn't have had the time to sit and talk with her.
Earlier, after leaving the Bently residence, she had received word that someone claiming to be Felix Turner's daughter had scheduled a meeting with Daniel to discuss business.
That was why she and Calvin had come to Enchanteur Bar. But instead of finding her, they had stumbled into the scene with Kate.
Without further delay, Chantelle and Calvin left the bar and drove away.
At the same time, Ashton helped a bruised and exhausted Kate toward Daniel's car.
Kate seethed with rage as she watched Chantelle leave the bar, looking flawless in her elegant dress and high heels.
Why was she the one humiliated by low-life thugs while that wretched Chantelle walked around with power and influence?
"Ms. Kate, please get in the car," Ashton urged her.
Kate stood frozen, staring into the distance as if lost in another world.
Daniel had already left, and they needed to catch up.
"Oh, right. Thank you," she mumbled weakly before climbing into the back seat.
"It's my duty," Ashton replied flatly.
He shut the door behind her, got into the driver's seat, and started the car without another word.
As they drove, Kate caught a glimpse of Chantelle's face through the window of her passing car.
Hatred burned inside her.
Just wait. Once I become the most powerful woman in Easthan, I'll crush you beneath my feet! she vowed, clenching her fists tightly.
Today had been a disaster, but there was a silver lining.
Daniel still cared for her. If he didn't, he wouldn't have sent someone to save her.
And now, she had just received even better news—the Bently residence had burned down.
Her father had nowhere to go.
This was the perfect chance for her to move into the Wilson estate, and no one could question it.
She just needed to be patient. She would use it to her advantage once she secured her place in the Wilson household.
"Mr. Jones, I just got terrible news—my home has burned down! Could you take me to the Wilson residence with you?" Kate pleaded to him.
"I... Mr. Wilson hasn't given me any orders to do that," Ashton hesitated.
"But I have nowhere else to go, and I don't want to be alone..." Kate murmured in a fragile, broken voice, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Ashton wasn't entirely immune to such tactics. With a reluctant sigh, he agreed. It would be best to let Mr. Wilson decide once they arrive.
Daniel had just stepped out of his car when they reached the Wilson estate.
As he was about to enter the house, he saw Kate running toward him.
His expression darkened instantly.
Daniel shot Ashton a murderous glare.
"What's going on?" he snapped.
Ashton swallowed hard. "Ms. Kate said the Bently house burned down, and she has nowhere to go..." he explained quickly, shaken by Daniel's furious expression.
"Daniel, please don't blame Mr. Jones," Kate said softly, her voice trembling. "I really have nowhere to go. Can I stay here, just for now?" She tugged timidly at his sleeve, looking up at him with pleading eyes.
Daniel didn't hesitate. "Ashton will take you to a hotel," he said coldly.
But Kate wasn't about to give up that easily. She had already made it to the door—she wasn't leaving without a fight.
"Daniel, too much has happened today. I'm terrified. Can't you stay with me, just for a little while?" she begged.
Daniel was about to refuse, but after a moment's thought, he reconsidered.
It was late, and it wasn't safe for her to be out alone.
Reluctantly, he gave in. "Have Mr. Charles take you to the guest room."
"Thank you, Daniel! I knew you still cared about me, even if just a little!" Kate's tear-streaked face lit up, and a shy blush spread across her cheeks.
But Daniel didn't stay to witness her act.
He abruptly pulled his sleeve from her grip as if avoiding something contagious and walked straight into the house without a second glance.
Kate had more to say, but his cold dismissal left her speechless.
Rage bubbled inside her, and she nearly choked on her words.
"Ms. Bently, please come with me." Mr. Charles approached her, having already received Daniel's orders.
Kate straightened her posture and followed the butler inside. Within seconds, she had regained her dignity and poise.
She carried herself with grace—just as the future mistress of the house should. The servants had to see her as someone worthy of respect.
She felt confident thinking about it.
Mr. Charles led her to a guest room on the first floor and made sure she was settled before leaving her.
It was far from Daniel's bedroom, but that didn't matter. This was the first time she had ever been allowed to stay in the Wilson residence.
That alone was a victory.
Men were weak to a woman's charm. As long as she stayed close and played the part of the helpless victim, Daniel would eventually give in.
Smiling to herself, Kate walked into the bathroom.
She needed to prepare carefully—her plan was about to begin.
At the same time, Kane stood on the third-floor balcony, peering through his telescope.
He focused on the garden and immediately frowned.
Kate was clinging to Daniel's sleeve, putting on a pitiful act.
Worse, Mr. Charles had let her inside the house.
Kane's mood soured instantly.
Wasn't my scumbag dad ditched that bad woman earlier? If so, why had he brought her back?
And were they holding hands just now?
His chubby fingers pressed the button on his telescope twice.
A photo of Kate's sorry state instantly appeared on his smartwatch.
He studied it closely. She looked filthy, her clothes a mess.
Without wasting time, he pulled up his chat with Chantelle and sent the photo and a message.
"Mommy, SOS! My scumbag dad dragged Big Bad Woman Kate out of the trash and brought her home!"
Chantelle sat at the bar in the living room, turning the gilded invitation card in her hands.
Her emotions were complicated.
My children's birthday.
It was also the worst day of her life.
She could still remember the storm that night.