Obedience No More He's the One I Deserved novel Chapter 268

" ... Why are you here?"

Janice, running up from behind, froze.

Her breaths came in short gasps. She tried to force a smile, but it fell flat, her voice shaky as she repeated, "Why ... why are you here?"

Surprise flashed in Daniel's eyes, then he smiled.

He tugged at his collar, pressed his tongue against his teeth, and looked up, calm and composed. "Dawn, Janice ... what brings you here?"

It sounded more like a challenge than a question.

Dawn met his gaze evenly. "We're looking for Margareth. You?"

"Handling some business."

Margareth rapped her broom twice, scowling. "I said I'm not dealing with you. I'm waiting for the investigation. No matter what you offer, I won't sign. Get out!"

Daniel didn't look angry. That smile of his had a strange, cold edge.

"Margareth, you could end up with nothing by staying stubborn like this. Why?"

The guy next to him added, "Yeah. Even Mr. Brown came in person. Don't act ungrateful."

Dawn opened her mouth, but another figure stepped forward first.

"Daniel, come out. I need to ask you something."

At the door, Janice cut straight to the point. "Did you have something to do with Margareth's husband dying?"

Dawn didn't know what was said. When Janice came back, her face was tense. Pulling Dawn aside, she whispered, "About Margareth's husband ... it was an accident. He was just doing his job. Maybe we can try to talk to Margareth?"

Dawn pressed her lips together, unsure.

She had no idea how Daniel managed to convince Janice so quickly.

But ...

"Janice, don't forget we're here for work too."

Janice's pupils tightened slightly. Not because she disagreed, but because she didn't understand how Dawn—usually so easygoing—was suddenly digging her heels in.

She stammered, "That doesn't change anything. We can persuade Margareth to take the settlement and then talk about the partnership. Isn't that a win-win?"

"It's not that simple."

Dawn shook her head. "Margareth has her own reasons. We don't get to decide for her, and she wouldn't listen to us anyway."

She ignored Janice and turned to the others in the courtyard. "You should all go home. I'll try to reason with Margareth. Staying here arguing serves no purpose. If you start bothering her, I'll have no choice but to call the police."

The group exchanged uneasy glances before finally looking at Daniel.

"Dawn!" Janice called out suddenly.

Dawn spun around, her gaze sharp and icy. Janice bit back what she was about to say, swallowing it down.

Margareth said nothing else, but she didn't chase anyone away either.

Dawn and Janice stayed behind to help tidy the yard.

Janice swept casually but muttered under her breath, unable to hold it in. "You said we're here for work. If we handle this too ... when are we ever going to finish talking about the partnership?"

Dawn paused. "If you can't wait, you can leave."

"Dawn!"

Janice threw down her broom. "Look, we're all just here for work. Anyone can make handmade silver jewelry. If it doesn't work, we can give it to a factory—it's not a big deal. Why make things harder for people? Doing good won't get you a medal, you know. You ... "

She trailed off.

Dawn frowned, silent, watching her.

After a long moment, she asked calmly, "Why'd you stop talking?"

Janice pressed her lips together and turned her head away, silent.