[Chapter 113: Spending the Night at Scarlett's House]
Just as Daniel was about to comfort Scarlett, the turbulence on the plane suddenly began to ease, gradually stabilizing. Eventually, the shaking stopped completely.
Scarlett and the others were both surprised and relieved.
"It stopped."
Scarlett's eyes were slightly red.
Riley, on the other hand, looked calmer. After all, she was a flight attendant and used to turbulence. This time, though, it had been exceptionally severe.
Steve let out a long sigh of relief and walked over to the cockpit door.
At that moment, the First Officer's voice finally came through from inside. He was panting heavily.
"The Captain's body was pressed against the console. I finally managed to move the body away. We're fine now."
Daniel cursed inwardly. He'd just prepared himself for the plane to crash. That Captain truly deserved to die. He had caused so much harm while alive -- and even after death, his corpse had tried to hurt people.
Scarlett ran over and threw herself into Daniel's arms.
"Daniel, we're safe."
Unconsciously, she had dropped the formal "Mr. Cross" when addressing him.
Daniel patted her back reassuringly. "It's alright."
Scarlett wiped her eyes and noticed her makeup was running. Startled, she hurried back to her seat to grab her makeup bag before heading to the restroom to touch up.
Steve asked, "Mr. Cross, what about those six...?"
Daniel replied, "Don't worry, they won't cause any more trouble."
Steve nodded but voiced other concerns. "What about the Captain?"
Daniel explained, "The Captain died suddenly from a severe illness while on duty. The First Officer stayed calm, took over, and ensured the plane landed safely. The cabin crew managed to keep the passengers calm at the critical moment, and you, the Air Marshal, gave everyone a strong sense of security, preventing panic. Thanks to all of you, we landed safely. You each made enormous contributions during this crisis. You're heroes."
Steve was stunned for a moment, stroking his chin.
"So I'm that amazing, huh?"
Daniel smiled, "Don't be so modest."
Steve looked at Daniel and sighed. "Mr. Cross, it's a real shame you don't go into politics."
Daniel shrugged. "I have a more suitable job."
Steve thought of the six vengeful spirits and nodded. Leaning close to Daniel's ear, he whispered, "The black box..."
Daniel smiled. "Don't worry."
Steve knew Daniel had everything under control.
...
A few hours later, the plane landed smoothly at Los Angeles Airport.
Daniel and Scarlett didn't rush; they waited until most passengers had disembarked before getting up.
"Mr. Cross, here's my number. Remember to call me."
Just before leaving, Riley handed him a business card -- with a lipstick mark on it. Scarlett immediately glared fiercely at Riley.
After a moment, Scarlett realized something was off. She had no romantic connection with Daniel, so why was she feeling jealous?
Daniel accepted the card and bid farewell to Riley and the rest of the cabin crew.
Steve also waved goodbye; they had already exchanged contact info.
After stepping off the plane, Daniel and Scarlett saw an ambulance parked outside, likely there to collect the Captain's body.
They glanced at it briefly, then looked away, taking the shuttle bus to the airport exit and leaving without delay.
What happened next was no longer their concern.
...
Scarlett's driver was already waiting in the pickup area. Seeing Scarlett, he immediately walked over and took her luggage.
However, after noting how little luggage there was, he hesitated. His boss usually traveled heavier. How had she gone to New York and come back with less?
Scarlett didn't explain and they headed toward the parking lot.
As the driver opened the trunk, Daniel waved his hand. A large pile of luggage and several suitcases suddenly appeared inside the car.
The driver froze on the spot, eyes wide as saucers.
Only after Scarlett gently scolded him did he snap out of it.
"Alright, stop staring. Mr. Cross's abilities are just that magical. Get in the car."
Only then did he close the trunk and slide into the back seat.
"Daniel, it's pretty late. Why don't you stay at my place tonight?" Scarlett said, looking at Daniel with a mix of anticipation and shyness.
Daniel felt a warmth spread through him.
What did Scarlett mean by this?
Hank, sitting beside them, immediately widened his eyes at the invitation. The boss was actually inviting a man to stay at her house. He quickly glanced at Daniel, who noticed Hank's astonished gaze but ignored it.
"Alright, thank you," Daniel nodded.
It was almost 2 a.m., and the airport wasn't close to his place. How late would it be if Hank dropped him off and then took Scarlett home?
Staying at Scarlett's house was the better option.
Of course, they could have stayed at his own home, but since she offered first, he'd follow her lead.
Both of them quietly ignored the simple option of booking a hotel room.
The car headed toward Scarlett's house.
...
As they neared, Scarlett grew nervous, her body taut.
Around 2:30 a.m., the car pulled up to the entrance.
After they took the luggage out, Hank asked, "Boss, what time should I pick you up tomorrow morning?"
Scarlett replied, "I need to be on set by 9 a.m., so arriving before 8:30 will be fine."
"Got it, Boss."
Hank glanced at Daniel again before getting back into the car and driving off.
Daniel caught the subtle look of envy in his eyes.
A woman like Scarlett naturally drew a lot of attention.
"Mr. Cross, this way."
Scarlett pointed toward the entrance and reached for the luggage.
Daniel looked at the pile of things she'd brought back from New York and stepped forward.
"I'll handle it."
With a wave of his hand, he stored all the luggage in his System Space.
Following Scarlett, he walked through the front garden and entered the house.
Once inside, another wave brought all the luggage back out.
Scarlett whispered with envy, "I wish I had an ability like that."
Daniel frowned. "Why are you speaking so quietly?"
Scarlett explained in a whisper, "My mom should be asleep. I don't want to wake her up."
Daniel was surprised. "You live with your mother?"
"Yeah, but I'm planning to move out soon. I've been looking at houses."
Daniel was speechless.
He'd thought Scarlett's invitation meant something more intimate was about to happen.
Turns out her mother lived there too.
It was just a straightforward invitation to spend the night.
He'd overthought it.
Just then, footsteps sounded from upstairs.
A middle-aged woman appeared on the staircase.
"Scarlett, you're home."
"Mom, did I wake you?" Scarlett asked.
"And who is this?" Melanie looked at Daniel sharply.
*****
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