Daisy's Code Novel by Amelia Bennett

After the call, Harley rubbed his chin, his mind working overtime.

‘Poor girl, the Wilder’s natural daughter, has been summoned for a marriage alliance with Lance. Lance has been indifferent, but now his interest’s caught by this unexpected charm. The marriage is probably off, and without that alliance, that Wilder’s road is about to get a lot rockier, he thought, shaking his head, a silent contemplation playing out on his face.

The Wilder mansion loomed large on the hillside, a sprawling display of wealth that marked the homes of Narston’s high society. Daisy, with her worn suitcase in hand, took in the mansion’s glitzy exterior. The mansion’s flashy style told tales of the family’s lavish lifestyle.

She frowned, her mind drifting to Rose, who caused her to come here.

Daisy wasn’t Rose’s by blood, but was adopted from a hospital. Rose had a stubborn streak when it came to family bonds, and despite Daisy’s lack of interest in her biological roots, Rose was on a mission to reconnect.

The year before, they’d uncovered a hospital mix-up that had left Daisy alone in the hospital.

Rose had tried reaching out to Daisy’s real parents, only to find her mother had already passed and her father was distant, making empty promises to take her in.

Elden, Daisy’s father, unhappy with his first marriage and under the influence of his new wife, had no plans to bring her into his life.

Daisy had thought the issue was long forgotten, but this year, Rose had left abruptly, leaving behind just a note with the Wilder mansion’s address, telling Daisy to seek out her family. The note also hinted that Rose had already made contact with Elden Wilder.

Daisy was well aware of Rose’s determination; if she didn’t sort out this family business, she might never see Rose again. With a heavy heart, Daisy decided to follow through.

She checked the house number once more, then stepped up to the security guard with a friendly smile. “Hi, I’m here to see Mr. Elden Wilder. I’m Daisy.”

The guard barely took a minute to get the okay from Elden before waving her in, no questions asked.

Daisy stepped into the Wilder mansion, her worn suitcase bumping along behind her. A housekeeper greeted her, a flicker of surprise crossing her face at Daisy’s simple attire.

“Follow me,” she said, her tone a shade less welcoming as she hurried toward the living room, leaving Daisy to manage her heavy bag on her own.

Daisy’s face was set in a relaxed smile, unfazed by the housekeeper’s brisk pace.

In the opulent living room, Fiona Wilder, Elden’s current wife, paused mid-sip of her coffee, her forehead creasing. “She just showed up?”

Elden took a drag from his cigarette, nodding. “Daisy made the trek from the b**nies. Can’t say it’s easy.”

The word ‘b**ies’ triggered a wave of annoyance in Fiona. “We’ve stayed away for a year. You’d think they’d get the message. Is that old bat hoping to hit us up for cash now that she knows we’re loaded?”

Elden kept his voice steady. “She’s my daughter, Fiona. If they’re asking for some cash, we owe it to them. The Wilder family can spare a few bucks.”

Laura, quietly observing over her drink, looked up and spoke softly, “Dad’s right, Mom. It’s lucky we found Daisy after all she’s been through. And… the life I have should have been hers. I feel like I need to make it right.”

Fiona’s gaze softened as she looked at her daughter. “You’re not to blame, sweetheart. The mix-up wasn’t your fault. No matter what, you’re my one and only.”

“Mom, don’t say that,” Laura protested, her voice sincere.

Right then, Daisy was ushered in by the housekeeper and it was as if a spotlight had found her.

She was a vision, with skin like the smoothest velvet and eyes that sparkled like gemstones. Her presence was captivating, a stark contrast to the outdated clothes she wore.

There was something about her that made the room feel brighter, even Laura, who had been steeped in high society, seemed to lose a bit of her luster next to Daisy’s natural charm.

Elden’s face lit up with a mix of shock and delight, while Fiona’s stern expression softened, her mind likely turning to the social opportunities Daisy’s beauty could bring.

Laura, reading the room, put on a bright smile and approached Daisy. “Welcome home, Daisy,” she said, extending her hand as if to embrace her.

But Daisy, with a subtle step back, kept her distance, her voice sweet but clear. “Thanks, but I’m more of a personal space kind of person.”

The easygoing refusal left Laura momentarily at a loss, and Fiona’s face clouded over, her earlier warmth replaced by a scowl.

Fiona made a show of putting down her cup, her voice sharp. “Mary, why are you still here? Look at the dirt. Move! We can’t have our floors looking dirty.”

Her comment was a veiled insult, implying that Daisy had tracked in dirt, an unspoken jab at her lack of refinement.

Mary, the housekeeper, caught off guard, started to respond, but Daisy just chuckled lightly, unfazed by Fiona’s barbs. “I was worried you’d all be emotional, and I’d have to play along. But since we’re keeping it cool, that works for me.”

Elden and Fiona were taken aback by her candidness.

Daisy then pulled out two documents from her bag and set them on the coffee table. “These are disaffiliation agreements. If you’re good with them, just sign and we can avoid any unnecessary drama.”

Elden’s brows furrowed, but he made no move to pick up the papers.

Instead, he offered a placating smile. “Daisy, you’re my daughter, and we’re thrilled to have you back. Don’t say that again. Well, you must be exhausted. Why don’t you rest up first? Your room’s all set. We can talk about everything later. Fiona, could you show her to her room?”

Fiona, clearly seething but held in check by Elden’s silent command, got up and with a curt nod, addressed Daisy. “Follow me.”