Obedience No More He's the One I Deserved novel Chapter 265

Dawn's face darkened completely. Just as she was about to speak, Janice returned.

"What are you guys talking about?"

"Nothing."

Daniel gave Dawn a knowing smile and stood up. "If we're done, let's head out. I can give you two a ride."

Janice, oblivious, smiled. "No need. Just take me—Dawn drove herself."

Both of them turned toward Dawn.

She took a slow breath and grabbed her purse.

Part of her wanted to warn Janice—tell her this guy wasn't as considerate as he seemed, that something about him was off. But Janice was already lost in her own little fantasy, walking side by side with Daniel, chatting and laughing like everything was perfect.

Who is this man, really?

It's one thing if he's just after looks. But if Janice falls too deep ...

Dawn couldn't shake the unease the whole drive home. Near her neighborhood, she noticed a car behind her—black, familiar. Had it been following her since the restaurant?

Maybe it was nothing. Or maybe—

Her pulse jumped. Memories of the kidnapping flashed back, sharp and cold.

Just as she reached for her phone to call Ethan, the black car suddenly turned off onto a side road.

Dawn let out a long breath and pressed down on the gas.

When she pulled into the residential area, she glanced in the rearview mirror.

Empty road. Nothing behind her.

She finally relaxed and headed inside.

Ethan was on the couch, laptop open, phone in hand. When he heard her, he turned, smiled, and reached out.

Dawn walked over, and he pulled her into his arms.

"I'll handle this first," he said into the phone. "Once I'm done here, I'll head out tomorrow."

He hung up, then turned to kiss her lips gently. "You smell good. What'd you eat?"

"Fine dining. It sucked." Dawn wrinkled her nose and pushed him lightly before sitting beside him. "Business trip?"

"Yeah."

At that, his expression grew heavier. "Something came up. I need to go back to Trifton."

He looked at her, voice softening. "Come with me?"

"Uh ... "

Dawn nodded slowly. "I was thinking the same. I'll just remind her—but it's her call in the end."

Later that night, she relayed Ethan's words to Janice over the phone.

"And besides," Dawn added, "this isn't even your first dinner with him. You've met twice now, right? And he still doesn't remember you don't eat ginger."

Either Daniel was careless—or he just didn't care.

Janice was quiet for a moment before saying softly, "Dawn, not everyone gets lucky enough to meet a man like Boss."

Her voice carried a bitter laugh. "I know that sounds a bit bitter, but it's true. You met the right person at the right time, so of course the world feels kind to you. You don't realize it—but most men? They're not that different.

"They lose interest fast and chase after something new. The decent ones at least keep their promises and don't abandon their families. But the bad ones ... they can do anything.

"I know Daniel isn't serious about me. But the fact that he wants me—that's my leverage."

Dawn opened her mouth, but no words came out.

"You probably think I'm pathetic, huh?"

When Dawn stayed silent, Janice let out a quiet, bitter laugh through the phone.

"That's why I envy you so much. You're young, talented, and have a family that's got your back. Even without Mr. Jackson, you'd still have a bright future.

"But me? My time's already running out. I've worked hard, but my results are average at best. If I want to climb higher, the only way is to find a man with status. Otherwise, I'll spend the rest of my life in that same old walk-up apartment."