Lost Me Gained Regret



Dailey just stood there, silent, caught in a peculiar situation that seemed straight out of a modern fairy tale.

Here he was, a centuries-old fox spirit, somehow tangled up in trying to stir a bit of worldly affection in a heart that was meant to be devoted to higher pursuits.

Dailey had no choice but to brace himself, mentally preparing for what was to come.Property © NôvelDrama.Org.

He attempted a smile, one so forced it looked downright goofy.

"Ha, ha."

Christine scoffed, "Your smile is as dry as your apology."

Dailey did his best, heaving a sigh, "Is there anything else you need me to do then?"

"And how is doing something within your comfort zone considered a request?" she retorted, attempting to wriggle free from his hold.

"A sincere effort means doing what you find challenging, Mr. Clarkson. Now, would you kindly let go of me?"

Dailey looked down, his breath warm against her neck as he sighed deeply.

"I'm at your mercy."

With that, he lifted his gaze, trying again to smile.

He thought of Clarence's foolish grin, but it was no use. His expression remained lifeless, a mere twitch of the muscles, devoid of any real humor.

His dark eyes failed to light up with mirth, a clear sign his heart wasn't in it.

Christine, finding amusement in his struggle, finally decided to let him off the hook.

"I'm exhausted, can't walk another step. Carry me back and make sure to have dinner ready when I wake up," she commanded.

Rising to his feet, Dailey scooped her up, his tone indulgent, "As you wish, Ms. Jackson."

Primo stepped forward to drape a bathrobe over Dailey's shoulders, then fetched his discarded clothes from the dressing room, following them out of the hotel.

Christine, resting her chin on Dailey's shoulder, looked back and asked, "How many people do you have working under you?"

"Five close associates," Dailey admitted truthfully.

"Named One, Two, Three, Four, Five?"

"Exactly."

"

"1

Simple and straightforward.

Then Christine remembered something, "Where were they last night?"

After a pause, Dailey explained, "They were keeping watch outside while I went to find you. Ensuring no one would disturb us on the top floor."

Christine's eyes flickered with thought, "That narrows down the suspects."

Dailey didn't deny it.

Christine suddenly became agitated, "I shouldn't have let Merritt go."

Dailey comforted her, "We're keeping an eye on him. Plus, this allows us to set a trap."

Christine seemed to understand,

then a mischievous thought struck her, "And if it turns out to be your childhood friend who's behind this, what will you do? I've heard you owe her a lot. Will you be able to handle it?

"If it's her, I'll treat her the same as anyone else," Dailey said, unfazed. "Dai..."

"

Christine was momentarily at a loss for words.

It's like invoking a curse - mention someone, and they're bound to appear.

Dailey's gaze shifted to Nelly, "Why are you up and about?"

The doctor had clearly recommended bed rest for today.

Nelly eyed Christine, being carried princess-style by Dailey.

She barely managed to conceal her venomous look.

Her lashes fluttered, hiding the storm within as she softly said, "I didn't know you were busy. I just wanted to have dinner with you." "Why didn't you just order room service?" Dailey asked, "They can bring you whatever you like."

Nelly clenched her fists.

This wasn't how it was supposed to be. He wasn't like this with Christine.

When she had walked over, she saw a warmth in Dailey's eyes reserved only for Christine, a stark contrast to the coolness he showed everyone else, including Gregory.

How could she accept this?

I

"I'm sorry, Dai. I didn't realize that being with Ms. Jackson meant you couldn't have meals with me

anymore. So, when the 'sister-in-law'

arrives, the 'little sister' has to leave, is that it?"

The sarcasm was palpable.

Christine, unfazed, flashed her a smirk, "First off, I'm not your sister-in-law, and second, you're right about one thing - you're not welcome at my table."