[Chapter 43: No Harm in Earning It]
Daniel's expression darkened slightly. "What are your terms?"
Douglas replied, "You have to do everything in your power to save Katherine."
At that, Daniel's face relaxed. "Even if you hadn't said it, I would've done the same. If I can earn your money, I won't hold back."
Douglas said, "If you really manage to save Katherine, my payment won't disappoint you."
"I hope so," Daniel said. "You can write the check now."
Without further words, Douglas pulled out his checkbook and started filling in the amount.
Watching Douglas act so decisively, Daniel realized his earlier impression of the man was somewhat off. Sure, Douglas was stingy, but not indifferent toward his daughter. He just sincerely believed he wasn't worth a hundred thousand dollars.
Of course, that was before. His opinion had clearly changed now.
Originally, Daniel hadn't planned on getting involved with Douglas, but since he was going to handle the couple who performed the possession on Katherine anyway, it seemed smarter to avoid wasting the effort and secure a substantial income.
Douglas tore off the completed check and handed it to Daniel.
Daniel took it and saw it was indeed for two million dollars.
Seeing Daniel tuck the check away, Douglas asked quietly, "If I'd paid you a hundred thousand from the start, none of this would have happened, right?"
Daniel smiled. "Maybe."
Douglas sighed in regret and pain. "This is the worst decision I've ever made."
Daniel patted the check safely in his breast pocket. "At least you still have hope. Oh, one suggestion..."
Douglas quickly urged, "Tell me."
Daniel said, "Don't let Tanusha -- uh, the woman who stole your daughter's body -- have any freedom or opportunity. She's a cultist with dangerous methods. If you do, the consequences will be severe."
Douglas nodded solemnly. "I'll remember."
Daniel added, "In a few days, I'll visit your house. I still have some questions for her."
"You're welcome anytime," Douglas replied.
...
After a few more minutes of conversation, Daniel bid farewell to Douglas, Sheriff Ford, and Lara, then left the hospital.
His own shop was sealed off, and Lawrence's house looked like a disaster zone. Bloodstains and shattered furniture made it resemble a ruin.
Naturally, Daniel wouldn't spend the night there. Instead, he went back to Amanda's house.
As soon as Amanda saw him, she nagged for him to have sex, but Daniel refused.
He collapsed onto the sofa, feeling pain radiating through his body, strength beginning to dissipate.
The aftereffects of having invoked Divine Empowerment weighed heavily.
This time, the Divine Empowerment he had invoked was extremely strong, but the stronger the power, the heavier the toll on his body.
If Daniel hadn't been enduring it all with focus, exhaustion would have collapsed him long ago.
"What's wrong?" Amanda asked, concerned by his appearance.
Daniel's voice softened. "Nothing -- just killed two major evil spirits today."
Upon hearing that, Amanda stopped pestering him and instead asked, "Do you need me to do anything?"
Daniel said, "Get me something to eat. After a nap, I'll feel better."
...
The next day, waking from his sleep, Daniel felt much improved, though his body wasn't fully healed yet.
He'd gone to bed quite late, not because of Amanda's pestering but because pain kept him awake.
Though still not fully recovered, he could manage some daily activities.
Driving to Cross Hall, Daniel found a crowd gathered again at the entrance.
Everyone was staring at Lawrence's shop, discussing things animatedly.
Despite the chaos the night before, the experienced locals hadn't dared to step in.
Not even to gawk at the spectacle.
It wasn't until daylight that people finally showed up to see what happened.
When Daniel appeared, all eyes turned sharply to him.
He was at Cross Hall where people had died.
He spent the night in Lawrence's shop where people had also died.
Seven deaths in a single night.
In total, fifteen people had perished in those two shops in a brief span, most connected to Daniel.
What made it stranger was that Daniel was perfectly fine -- healthy, alert, and untouched by harm.
It was no wonder people looked at him with suspicion.
Some even showed fear in their eyes.
As Daniel approached, the crowd parted to make way.
"How long has it been and fifteen people died already? Did Daniel invite some catastrophe?"
"If it was his disaster, he should be dead, not others."
"That's right, what's going on?"
"I think he is the disaster. We better keep our distance."
"Poor Neil, these two shops are ruined by Daniel."
Although they spoke quietly, Daniel heard it all clearly.
Ignoring the whispers, he went straight to his car.
He had an appointment with Neil.
...
Not long after, Neil arrived, his hair much whiter than before.
Looking at Lawrence's wrecked shop, he wore a look of helplessness.
In the past, he might have gone off cursing loudly, but now, exhaustion had worn him down.
People around regarded Neil with a mix of sympathy and quiet glee.
"Neil, you're here."
Daniel's voice called out as he stepped from the crowd and approached the landlord.
Neil got right to the point. "Daniel, don't back out on the million we agreed on."
Daniel smiled. "Don't worry, it's only one million -- no backing out."
Neil exhaled, relieved. He was glad he'd negotiated to sell the two shops to Daniel early, or with seven more deaths, it would be nearly impossible to find a buyer.
Even if he did, no one would offer close to a million dollars.
Daniel said, "You have the property papers, right? Let's find a real estate agency and transfer ownership."
Neil voiced what many wanted to know: "Do you really have a million?"
Daniel said, "You'll see soon enough."
As their cars pulled away, the crowd's chatter grew louder.
"Daniel actually has a million dollars?"
"How long has it been, and he's already made that much?"
"Neil didn't lose out selling the shops to him."
"What's Daniel been doing to make that money?"
"His celebrity girlfriend must be supporting him."
"I want a celebrity girlfriend too."
...
At a real estate agency, Daniel and Neil completed the transfer.
Neil received a check for one million dollars.
After depositing it into his bank account, Neil finally believed it was real.
His mood was now complicated.
"Daniel, I thought you'd ruin your father's legacy, but you're more capable than he was," Neil said, nodding respectfully before driving off.
...
Daniel stayed behind, waiting a bit.
He still had another house transfer to handle with the couple, Kathy and George.
He worked until after four in the afternoon when the paperwork was done.
Then Daniel handed the keys back to Kathy. "That house is temporarily safe. You can go move your things."
Kathy accepted the keys gratefully. "Thank you, Mr. Cross."
Their car was still parked outside; they'd thought they'd never get it back.
After watching Kathy and George leave, Daniel drove back to Cross Hall, planning to summon Flesh-Mangled Face to offer some healing.
Just as he was about to enter, a voice called from behind, "Excuse me, are you Mr. Cross?"
Daniel turned and saw a familiar figure.
*****
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