Chapter 463: Daniel Whitmore Had Cooked Himself a Bowl of Plain Noodles

Daniel Whitmore had cooked himself a bowl of plain noodles before leaving home. The steaming hot meal left a comforting warmth in his stomach. He pulled out a copy of The Dean Dynasty Stories from his briefcase and became engrossed in reading.

Twenty minutes later, the boarding announcement echoed through the station.

Helen Whitmore and Clara Whitmore carried only small handbags, breezing through the ticket gates with ease. They stood in the waiting area, scanning the bustling platform.

Daniel dragged his suitcase behind him, Helen's tote bag slung over his shoulder. Just as he reached for his ID, his expression darkened.

He remembered the man in a baseball cap who had shoved him hard in the back while he was in line.

"Dad, hurry up!" Clara called from inside the gate.

Beads of sweat formed on Daniel's forehead. "My wallet's gone. My ID was inside."

"Use your digital ID," Clara said, pulling out her phone.

Daniel gave a strained smile. "My phone... was in the wallet too."

Then he spotted the familiar baseball cap weaving through the crowd.

"Stop!" Daniel abandoned his luggage and gave chase.

Clara and Helen tried to turn back but were blocked by a station attendant. "Ma'am, regulations prohibit re-entering through the gates."

"My husband is chasing a thief!" Helen stamped her foot in frustration.

The attendant shook his head. "You'll need to exit and re-enter through the proper channels."

Clara had an idea. "Can you call the police?"

"Officers have already been notified."

* * *

At the far end of the platform, Daniel leaned forward, hands on his knees, panting. "Thank you so much, young man."

"Just doing what anyone would." The young man handed back the wallet.

"May I have your name?"

"Connor Hayes."

* * *

"Dad!" Clara jogged over, strands of hair clinging to her damp cheeks.

Daniel waved the retrieved wallet triumphantly. "All thanks to Mr. Hayes here!"

Helen inspected her husband anxiously. "Are you hurt?"

"Just winded from running." Daniel rubbed his side.

After sorting out their rebooked tickets, the three returned to the waiting area.

"Connor!" Daniel suddenly called out, waving toward the distance.

Connor was reviewing a financial report and only looked up at the third call.

His gaze slid past Daniel, locking onto the slender figure beside him.

"You know each other?" Clara blinked in surprise as the man approached.

A glimmer of amusement flickered in Connor's eyes. He'd come to Fairhaven for a merger negotiation—this unexpected encounter was an unforeseen delight.