Chapter 1466

Lily was taken aback. She stood stunned, but didn't stop Daisy. Lily quietly watched as Daisy knelt.

"I am so sorry, Madam. I didn't intend to teach Galen how to pick locks, but he's remarkably smart—the smartest child I've ever known. Madam, I will resign if you believe I'm unfit to care for him."

Her gaze dropped to the ground; she seemed to be begging forgiveness.

"I don't blame you," Lily replied gently. After a pause, she continued, "It's just...are you saying this because you think it's what I want to hear?"

"What do you want to hear, Madam?"

Daisy looked up, surprised, seemingly misunderstanding. Lily didn't reply, simply staring. Daisy's eyes, filled with both sincerity and confusion, met hers. They held each other's gaze for a moment before Lily sighed.

"Forget it. I won't press you if you don't wish to say. However, Daisy, I believe our employment ends here."

"Madam, are you firing me?" Reluctance was evident on Daisy's face.

"I promise I won't do it again! I'll take the best possible care of Galen!"

"It's fine," Lily said, standing. "I'll find someone else. You're competent; you shouldn't waste your potential in my humble home. I'm not worthy of you."

"Madam! Madam!" Daisy cried, crawling after her. "I'm just a nanny. I only know childcare and household duties. I'm truly happy here. On top of that, aren't you going to Burnwken? Someone must care for Galen. I can do it! You can dismiss me upon your return, okay?" She spoke anxiously.

"Daisy," Lily stopped, looking down. "You know too much."

With that, Lily went upstairs, ignoring Daisy's pleas, and didn't look back. Lily knew Daisy understood. Even if Daisy meant no harm, Lily was uneasy leaving her son with someone she knew so little about.

When Austin awoke, he was disoriented. He had no idea where he was. Only when he tried to move did the pain in his wounded leg bring him back to reality. He was in a basement—a second basement—locked up. He was held hostage directly beneath the very place where he'd spent the day and night working; the place he believed would soon make him a global star, the place where he was so close to a breakthrough. Now, he was trapped, with no idea who his captors were.

His mouth was dry, his throat burning with each swallow. He felt drowsy, utterly drained of energy. He was tired, hungry, and thirsty. Was this how he would die? As this thought crossed his mind, he heard footsteps, then a key turning in a lock.

The door opened, but the darkness prevented him from seeing who entered. All Austin saw was a figure approaching as he struggled to rise, finally managing to lean against the wall.

"You know too much!"