DANIEL'S POV

TWO DAYS AFTER THE INCIDENT WITH DARLA

I returned home beaming with excitement. Finally I'm back, and I can't wait to meet Darla. It has only been two days but I missed her company.

As I entered the mansion, accompanied by my bodyguards, I spotted Amaya on the staircase. Her face lit up with a bright smile, and she rushed towards me, arms open for a warm hug. We embraced, and her infectious laughter filled the air.

"I've missed you so much, brother!" she exclaimed.

I replied with sheer happiness, "It's great to be back. I missed home too."

“So, how was New York?” Amaya inquired politely.

“Don't worry, I bought gifts for you all.” I assured her.

As we chatted, our conversation was filled with laughter, but my mind kept wandering to Darla. Where was she?

Mother emerged from the dining room, welcoming me back with a warm hug. "How was the business deal?" she asked.

I simply replied, "It went well.”

Amaya's eyes sparkled with excitement, "More wealth for us, then?" she asked, making us chuckle.

“You must be so tired. Come join us for lunch and then you can have a well-deserved rest later.” My mom suggested.

I was looking forward to lunch with my family, but my mind kept wandering to Darla. I had missed her while I was away and was eager to see her again. I had even bought a ring in New York, planning to propose to her.

I am ready to manifest our conversation before my New York trip. I'm going to make her know that my intentions with her are serious.

As we sat down to eat, I scanned the room for her, expecting to see Darla among the staff serving us, but as the meal began and other maids attended to us, I felt a twinge of disappointment.

Did she not come to work today? Is she sick?

After I left for New York, I didn't call her and I know that's a fault on my part. She might be avoiding me because of it. I can't wait to show her what I have in stall. She'll be amazed.

As we ate, I casually asked, "Where's Darla?"

Amaya's response was laced with scorn, "You mean that ungrateful girl? She quit!"

I put down my utensils, disbelief etched on my face. "Darla quit? Why?”

My mother explained, "She claimed we didn't pay her enough, and she couldn't continue working for us."

I voiced out my disbelief, "Darla said that? I can't believe it."

Something's off. Darla wouldn't quit without talking to me first. What's going on?

Amaya revealed, "We even have proof."

I pressed for more information, "What proof do you have?"

Amaya smugly replied, "Her resignation letter, of course." My mind raced with doubts.

Darla can't just possibly resign. Not after everything we had planned out.

I tried to continuing eating, but Amaya's words stuck in my head. Darla quitting because of money? No way. She's not like that. She's diligent and compassionate, not money-minded. It doesn't add up.

I need to see that resignation letter.

I must have frowned, because Amaya noticed and smiled knowingly. “Can I see the resignation letter?” I asked, trying to sound nonchalant, leaning into my seat.

She smiled and left to get it. I ran my hands through my raven black hair, my mind racing.

What really happened while I was away?

Could it be because I didn't call her? No, that's not enough reasons for her to quit.

Amaya returned with the letter. I scanned it quickly, my eyes narrowing. This isn't Darla's handwriting. It looks close like it but it isn't. Darla has a special way of writing her ‘T’. And this letter doesn't show it.

I was right. Something is up

I maintained a neutral expression, but my gaze flickered up to meet the maids standing opposite from me and I caught their guilty glances, confirming my suspicions.

"Well then, find another maid to replace her," I said nonchalantly, tossing the letter on the table.

Amaya and my mom exchanged a satisfied glance, their faces gleaming with a devious grin.

“I'll be in my room.” I stood up, heading for the exit, but once I got there, I left the door open to eavesdrop.

"Mother, do you think he has any suspicion?" Amaya whispered.

"He doesn't, dear. He believes our story," my mom reassured her.

“These maids better keep their loose mouths shut. Because if Daniel finds out anything…” Amaya's voice was laced with threat and disgust.

I could sense their disdainful glances on the maids.

“Don't worry, they wouldn't dare.” My mother said.

I'd heard enough. I closed the door and headed to my room, determined to uncover the truth.

Little did I know that the truth was about to hit me like a ton of bricks, and my life would never be the same.

In the next few days that followed, I got into action.

I stalked through the halls, my eyes scanning for any maid who might crack under my glare. I spotted Maria first, her hands trembling as she polished a vase. "Maria, come here."

She approached me, her eyes downcast. "Yes, sir?"

"What do you know about Darla's resignation?" I demanded, my tone cold.

Maria's eyes flickered up to mine before darting away. "N-nothing, sir. I swear."

I raised an eyebrow, surprised she didn't cower further. "You expect me to believe that?"

She shook her head, her voice barely audible. "I don't know anything, sir. Please, don't fire me."

I dismissed her with a wave, my mind racing. Why are they all so tight-lipped? What are they hiding?

Next, I cornered Sophia in the kitchen. "What about you, Sophia? Do you know why Darla left?"

Sophia's eyes went wide, her lips pressed together. "No, sir. I don't know anything."

I narrowed my eyes, my tone dripping with menace. "You're not telling me the truth. You're all hiding something."

Sophia's eyes flashed with fear, but she remained silent.

I can't believe it. My own employees, too afraid to speak up. What had my family done to instill such fear?

Finally, I approached Nancy, my last hope.

"Nancy, can I have a word with you?" I asked her in the hallway, my eyes locked on hers.

She hesitated, glancing around nervously before following me to a quiet corner - my study. "What is it, sir?”

"Nancy, I need to know what's going on. Darla's resignation, the strange behavior from my family... something's not right.” I said, my voice low and urgent.

Nancy's eyes darted around the room before she leaned in close. "I didn't want to say anything, sir, but... Darla was told some things. Terrible things. By your family."

My grip on her arm tightened. "What did they say to her?"

Nancy's voice was barely audible. "They humiliated her, sir and threw her out of the house. Then they went further to get rid of her for good. I haven't heard from Darla. I think she might be dead, sir."

Nancy's words hit me like a punch to the gut. "I think she might be dead, sir." My mind reeled, refusing to accept the possibility. Darla, gone? No, it can't be. But the doubt crept in, like a chill.

"How… how could they do this?" I stuttered, my voice barely above a whisper. My thoughts raced, imagining the worst. Darla, humiliated and thrown out like trash. My family, capable of such cruelty.

"Tell me everything. Every detail. Every secret. I want to know it all," I demanded, my eyes fixed on Nancy.

Nancy's eyes widened, fear flickering across her face. "Sir, I've already said too much. Please, you have to protect me."

I leaned in, my voice dropping to a whisper. "Protect you? I'll protect you. But first, you'll tell me everything. Or so help me…”

I left the threat hanging, my hazel eyes blazing with a fierce determination.

As Nancy spoke, her words painted a vivid picture of betrayal and deceit. My family's actions, a stab in the back. Darla, innocent and kind, didn't deserve this.

No, no, no. This can't be happening. Darla, my Darla, gone?

I felt like I was drowning, suffocating under the weight of this news.

I forced myself to focus, to think. I had to find out if it was true. I had to know if Darla was still alive. My heart raced with a mix of fear and determination. I would get to the bottom of this, no matter what it took.

And if she's truly gone, my family will pay for this. Blood isn't thicker than water. Forget blood. Nothing is thicker than my wrath!