Love Me Back (Amelia and Daniel) novel Chapter 203

Three months later.

It was already nine o’clock at night, yet the Campbell Group’s offices were still brightly lit—a stark contrast to the darkness pressing against the floor-to-ceiling windows.

The assistant placed the last file onto Daniel’s desk and couldn’t help but stifle a yawn. Halfway through, he realized Daniel was watching him; his mouth snapped shut and, just like that, the drowsiness vanished.

There was nothing quite as sobering as your boss’s stare—except maybe a teacher’s.

Truth be told, Daniel wasn’t really a slave driver. Finishing up his signature, he handed the file back to his assistant. “You guys can head home. I’ll be here a little longer.”

A good assistant knew when to show concern—after all, if the boss worked himself to death, things would hardly be easier for anyone else.

“Mr. Campbell, you really shouldn’t overdo it. Please take care of yourself.”

Daniel gave a simple answer. “I’ll hit the gym and head back after.”

“……”

The assistant was genuinely impressed. Even after such long hours, Daniel still managed to keep up his daily workout routine, as if missing just one day would somehow ruin his physique.

Inspired by his boss’s discipline, the assistant decided tonight was the night to finally dust off those workout videos he’d saved ages ago.

It was past ten by the time Daniel finished at the gym. He made a phone call, asking the same question he did every night, always receiving the same answer.

“Keep looking. Don’t overlook a single lead.”

He hung up, but before he could move, another call came in.

Violet Scott’s voice came through, pitiful and pleading. “Daniel, I don’t want to do my rehab so far away. There are good hospitals here in Silkwood too—why do I have to—”

“You said you wanted to walk again as soon as possible.” Daniel interrupted her, his tone flat and unyielding. “The best therapists are in Westwood. You’ll be better off there. Don’t call me about this again. If you’re not satisfied with my arrangements, then I won’t get involved anymore.”

For a long moment, there was only the faint sound of Violet sniffling on the other end. “Okay… I’ll go…”

She hadn’t finished speaking, but Daniel had already hung up.

He took a shower, then drove back to Emerald Meadows.

……

Six months later. Harvest Festival.

Dinner at the old Campbell family estate.

Daniel took his seat at the table and glanced at the empty spot beside him. “Bring another place setting,” he told the housekeeper.

Grace looked puzzled. “Is someone else coming?”

Daniel said nothing.

Grandma Edith caught on and sighed. “It’s been so long, Daniel. You really need to let go.”

“What, is the Campbell family so poor we can’t spare an extra plate?” Daniel ladled a bowl of soup and set it at the empty seat. “I ask for one more place setting and suddenly I’m being unreasonable.”

As if that wasn’t proof enough—serving soup to his wife’s ghost before anyone else even got a taste—Grandma Edith kept her thoughts to herself.