Daisy's Code Novel by Amelia Bennett

In a scene that seemed plucked from a romantic movie, Shawn closed the distance to Daisy, his eyes twin**ng with a warmth that made the room’s buzz fade into the background.

“Daisy, it feels like forever,” he said, arms outstretched, an invitation for a friendly hug.

Daisy responded with a playful eye roll to his dramatics. “Forever? We saw each other just the other day. And could you be any more extra with the affection?” she joked, but she didn’t hesitate to accept the hug, adding in a soft whisper, “Happy birthday.”

Shawn, a scion of a prestigious family, was no stranger to luxury. Yet, what he desired was something more profound, something that few could offer-a genuine connection.

With a light-hearted nudge, he teased, “Daisy, we’ve been friends for so long, and you still haven’t figured me out?” His playful demeanor turned their exchange into a moment that felt private, even amidst the crowd.

Laura was fuming on the inside, her heart aching as she watched the guy she had a crush on chat it up with Daisy, like they were old friends. It wasn’t a pretty sight for her.

Elden was also watching, and he’d thought Shawn was coming over to flirt with Laura. But Shawn had other ideas, heading straight for Daisy. Elden felt a complex mix of emotions-part relief for not having pushed Daisy away, part regret for Laura’s sake.

After getting over his surprise, Elden walked up to Shawn with an outstretched hand. “Mr. Carter, a pleasure. I’m Elden Wilder, head of Wilder Group and Daisy’s father.”

Shawn, with his good breeding on display, gave Elden a nod, his playful mood from moments ago with Daisy now replaced with a cool politeness that put a barrier between them.

Elden felt the snub but hid it well. He looked at Daisy, who seemed perfectly at ease, and then at Laura, who appeared out of her depth.

He tried to keep the conversation going with a strained smile. “Mr. Carter, when did and Daisy become acquainted? It’s news to us!”

Shawn’s response was a gentle reprimand. “Do you ever really pay attention to Daisy, Mr. Wilder? I’d like to speak with her alone, if I may.”

His voice wasn’t loud, but it was enough for the people nearby to catch the drift. They subtly moved away from the Wilder family, as if to create a buffer zone.

Elden saw the reactions and felt a pang of worry, but he was in a tricky spot-Shawn was a VIP, the sole heir to the Carter legacy. So, he forced a smile and said, “Of course, you need.”

Mr. Carter take all the time

Turning to Daisy, he added, “Daisy, be kind and be wise with Mr. Carter,” trying to sound like a concerned father.

But Daisy and Shawn were already walking away, their body language suggesting a closeness that left Elden’s advice drifting unheard.

The gossip mill kicked into high gear the moment they left the event. Murmurs and pointed fingers followed the Wilder family, especially as Laura’s own friends seemed to hang back, caught in an awkward silence.

Wanda White, who had a low opinion of Laura stepped into the limelight, her tone laced with scorn. “What’s the deal with Ms. Wilder? A little too thirsty, aren’t you? Spot a guy and just go for it? Must be a case of wishful thinking.”

Yvonne, part of Laura’s inner circle and not one to shy away from a confrontation, was quick to come to her friend’s aid. “Wanda, don’t you dare spread rumors. What exactly did you see?”

But Yvonne’s words, meant to defend, only dug a deeper hole. Laura could feel her face burning with embarrassment.

She knew Wanda was being snide, but with two Wilder sisters, it could have been anyone being talked about.

Yvonne’s quick response, though well-intentioned, seemed to make the situation about Laura.

With a red face and a racing heart, desperately, Laura made her escape, hoping to leave the whispers behind.

Daisy heaved a sigh of relief when the stilted conversation with Bruce and Shawn finally ended, allowing her to slip away from the bustling party scene in search of some tranquility.

She found herself wandering the serene garden outside the estate, a welcome escape from the noise.

There, under the soft glow of the garden lights, she found Lance and Harley engaged in their own discussion. Her surprise was palpable as she closed the distance between them.

Daisy had a sharp eye for detail, and it was clear that Lance was a man of stature, not just in presence but in the circles he likely ran in. If Laura hadn’t mentioned him before, it was probably because he moved in even more c**e social spheres.

“Ms. Wilder, what are you doing here?” Harley blurted out, his surprise genuine.

Lance and Harley had overheard Bruce’s words in the hall, and they came to the garden for a moment of respite.

Daisy responded to Harley’s surprise with a playful challenge. “Why? Is this a private place?”

“No, not at all,” Harley backpedaled, glancing nervously at Lance. “I’m just… caught off guard; that’s all.”

With the two of them now engaged, Harley seized the opportunity to gracefully exit the scene. “I’ll leave you two to it. I think I’ll go join the festivities with Mr. Carter.”

And with that, Harley made his way out, leaving Daisy and Lance in the quiet of the garden, the gentle hum of the party a soft backdrop to their conversation.

Harley had just stepped out when he noticed Shawn heading towards the garden, likely to interrupt Lance.

Not about to let that happen, Harley closed the gap, slapping Shawn on the back in a friendly-yet-firm gesture.

“Hey, Shawn, what are you up to?” Harley’s voice was casual, but his actions were anything but, as he smoothly ushered Shawn away from the garden.

As they re-entered, Harley threw a quick look over his shoulder, his gaze briefly locking with Lance’s before he continued inside without a word.

Shawn, caught off guard, tried to protest. “Harley, what are you doing? I was looking for Daisy. As the host, I want to make sure she’s comfortable here.”

But Harley wasn’t having it. He spotted Shawn’s group of friends nearby and called out to them, “Shawn’s back!”

The friends rushed over and joined in, pulling Shawn into the heart of the party. Shawn was the guest of honor, and his presence was missed, though his thoughts were solely on Daisy.

Harley had foiled Shawn’s plans and Shawn wouldn’t let him have any peace. So he brought Harley back to his social circle.

The people in Shawn’s circle had impressive family backgrounds. Upon recognizing Harley, some of them became more cautious, casting glances around for the enigmatic Lance.