[Chapter 147: Passed Away Peacefully]
Hearing Daniel's words, Tanusha was stunned at first. Moments later, a smile slowly spread across her face. It grew wider and wider until it lit up her entire aged face. Her body trembled quietly as murky tears slipped from the corners of her eyes.
Daniel watched her, but without waiting for her smile to fade, he stepped back and closed the door behind him.
...
Daniel stood before the sprawling villa, feeling a flicker of surprise. Although this house couldn't compare to the Douglas family estate, it was undeniably a mansion. Compared to this, Daniel's old place was nothing but a rundown dump.
This house even had five nanny rooms. The total living area, excluding the garden, was over 15,000 square feet. With the garden included, it would easily be measured in acres.
"Mr. Cross, what do you think? Do you like it?" Katherine asked, smiling.
Daniel replied, "It's very nice. I like it a lot."
"I'm glad to hear that." Katherine naturally reached out and linked her arm through Daniel's.
Daniel was taken aback. From the moment they met earlier that day, he'd sensed something off about Katherine's attitude toward him. At first, he thought he was imagining it. But now, with this intimate gesture, he knew he hadn't misunderstood -- Katherine was interested in him.
That was natural; falling for your rescuer wasn't uncommon. But Daniel felt nothing for Katherine. She was the daughter of a billionaire, pretty with a fine figure, but certain things were difficult to overlook. Maybe he was put off knowing that Tanusha had once inhabited this body.
Daniel calmly stepped forward and gently pulled his arm free. "Let me see what else is missing so I can move in."
Women were sensitive. Katherine caught the subtle change in his tone. Her expression fell, but she quickly masked it with a smile and followed him.
After a full tour, Daniel saw nothing lacking. The furniture and appliances were fully supplied -- top-of-the-line brands all around.
Daniel estimated this house, in this neighborhood, would be worth about 30 million dollars on the market. Adding the 20 million-dollar check, Frank Douglas had effectively given him 50 million as a token of thanks.
And that wasn't all. There were taxes involved in buying and selling a property, notorious for being steep. Of course, Daniel would have to cover the annual property taxes himself going forward.
...
After the tour, Daniel politely declined Katherine's dinner invitation and left.
Watching his car pull away, Katherine felt a bit lost.
Frank Douglas's voice came from behind her. "Katherine, my princess, don't be sad."
Katherine collapsed into her father's arms, tears streaming down. "Why, Dad? Am I not good enough?"
Frank comforted her gently. "You're wonderful, especially after everything you've been through -- you've grown so much. Mr. Cross is exceptional too, but two exceptional people don't always end up together. Besides, someone like him isn't right for you."
"Why not?" Katherine asked.
"He's too exceptional. His skills are incredible. Living on the edge of danger, chasing risks -- that thrill draws countless women. But no woman could truly keep him devoted by her own strength. Unless you're willing to watch others constantly come and go, he's not a good match."
Katherine nodded, seeming to understand a little. But then she broke down again. "But, Dad, I'm still so sad. This is the first time I've truly fallen in love with someone."
Frank sighed. "I know exactly how you feel -- I've been there too. Time will heal all wounds."
...
On the way back, Daniel stopped by the bank and deposited the 20 million-dollar check into his account.
Then he headed to his old, ruined house, took out the stone box, and moved it to the basement of the new house.
He also summoned Flesh-Mangled Face and assigned it to guard the new place, just in case of any unforeseen incidents.
Though the new house was fully furnished, Daniel still needed to buy some personal items. He wasn't moving in immediately.
That night, he went to Amanda's house.
...
After tossing and turning all night yesterday and filming all day today, Amanda fell into a deep sleep in the evening, cuddled against Daniel after just one round.
In the middle of the night, Daniel was awakened by a phone call.
He picked up and saw Frank Douglas's name on the caller ID.
Startled, he answered.
"Mr. Cross, Tanusha has passed away," Frank Douglas said softly.
Daniel was stunned. She had gone so quickly.
When she heard the Brotherhood of Saints had been wiped out, she'd been so happy. She must have taken her last breath in peace.
For a villain like her, this was undoubtedly a good ending.
Katherine had wanted her to suffer longer, but now there was no chance.
"I understand. Just take care of her remains," Daniel said flatly.
Frank replied, "I'll arrange for a priest to give her a proper funeral."
"That's fine," Daniel said.
Tanusha had told Daniel before that even after their soul swap and her death, Frank would treat her remains with respect -- and she had judged correctly.
Daniel hung up, the faint stir of emotion in his chest quickly fading.
"Who was that?" Amanda asked groggily.
"No one. Go back to sleep."
Daniel stroked Amanda's soft skin, settled his thoughts, and quickly drifted back to sleep.
...
The next morning at breakfast, Wendy arrived again.
Daniel noticed she had clearly timed her visit.
"Good morning, Mr. Cross," Wendy greeted him brightly.
Daniel found it somewhat amusing.
She had shifted how she addressed him -- now calling him "Mr." -- but it was a bit forced.
"Good morning, Wendy. If you have something to say, just say it." Daniel disliked beating around the bush.
Wendy glanced at Amanda, and after seeing Amanda nod quietly, she said, "Mr. Cross, Amanda said you have an Elixir that can improve skin. Can I buy one?"
Daniel said, "That Elixir has many effects. Improving skin is actually the least significant one."
"That's enough, really," Wendy said quickly. "I just need it for that purpose."
Daniel shook his head. "The effects come as a whole -- I can't separate them for you."
Wendy asked cautiously, "Then how much does one cost?"
"One hundred thousand dollars."
Wendy sighed in relief.
She'd worried she couldn't afford it. Though 100,000 dollars was still extremely expensive, after years as an agent, she gritted her teeth and was willing to spend it.
"Can we make the deal now?" she asked.
"Yes."
Soon, Wendy handed Daniel a check for 100,000 dollars and received a Spirit Transformation Elixir in return.
Daniel said, "You can take it now."
"Well... I won't stand on ceremony, then."
Wendy took the Elixir, and her eyes widened sharply.
Now she finally understood why Daniel had said that improving skin was just the most insignificant effect.
*****
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