[Chapter 250: MJ's Plea for Help]
The Succubus's skin seemed more radiant than before, and deep within her eyes, a faint, dark red shimmer swirled.
Her entire presence radiated an even more mysterious and irresistible allure.
She landed back on the ground, leaning somewhat unsteadily against Daniel's shoulder, her face wearing a lazy expression, like someone who had just indulged in a feast.
"Master... the energy in this thing is even greater than I expected." Chris yawned, looking at Daniel with hazy eyes. "I need to go into a deep sleep for a while to digest it. During this time, I'll set up automated programs to handle daily tasks on the phone... If it's nothing urgent, please don't wake me."
Without waiting for a reply, Chris transformed into a streak of light and dove back into the phone by the pillow.
Daniel stared at the now-silent phone, feeling a bit uneasy. He hadn't earned a single merit point on this trip. However, it seemed this sacrifice would make Chris even more powerful.
She would be able to handle more complex daily tasks and manage more extensive financial information. More importantly, this would give her a stable form as a Succubus. She wouldn't have to revert into a bloody, mangled mess anymore.
That thought wasn't too bad.
'Well, I'm only doing this for Chris's sake, not just so she can keep a stable form. Yes, exactly.'
Daniel cleared his throat, gave a casual wave, and recalled the three Ward stakes.
...
"Mr. Cross Cross..."
A weak voice came from the bed.
Taylor slowly opened her eyes, the tear stains not yet dried at the corners. She curled up in the blankets and looked at Daniel.
The terror -- of being surrounded by countless smiling faces -- had completely vanished. All that remained was the exhaustion of a survivor.
"It's over now."
Daniel put away all his Magical Artifacts and walked over to gently pat her shoulder. "You're safe now. The danger has passed."
Taylor grabbed Daniel's sleeve, her voice rasping, "Is it really... really not coming back?"
"Not even ashes remain of it. Sleep a little longer. When dawn breaks, your father will take you back to Pennsylvania."
Taylor closed her eyes, her lips curving into a genuine, natural smile -- no longer forced or distorted.
In the next room, hearing the calm, Scott finally pushed the door open and stepped inside.
He looked at his daughter sleeping peacefully, then at Daniel standing by the window.
Scott's eyes welled with tears, and he bowed deeply in a grand gesture of respect.
"Mr. Cross is... is it really over?"
Daniel nodded. "Yes, it's all over. Taylor won't have to worry about any danger anymore -- at least, not with this."
"That's wonderful." Scott let out a long sigh of relief. His heart had been in his throat the entire time. He'd been constantly afraid his daughter might take her own life right before him, like so many others.
"Th... thank you."
Daniel looked out the window. The morning glow spread across the horizon, and Beverly Hills greeted the dawn with a refreshing chill.
"Scott, since the matter is resolved, I'll be heading back now."
Scott nodded promptly and accompanied Daniel to the suite door.
"Goodbye, Mr. Cross."
"Mhm," Daniel grunted, reaching out to pull the door open.
"Mr. Cross!"
An urgent cry came from behind him.
Daniel stopped and looked back to see Taylor rushing out of the bedroom barefoot. Her long-sleeved pajamas were wrinkled, her blonde curls tousled, and her face still carried the flushed glow of someone just awakened.
Seeing Daniel already at the door, she didn't hesitate.
With a few quick strides, her slender six-foot-frame darted straight into Daniel's arms.
The hug was deep and forceful.
Daniel felt two slender arms lock tightly around his waist. The girl's cheek pressed firmly against his chest.
Through his thin shirt, he could feel Taylor's heart pounding wildly with excitement.
"Are you leaving?"
Taylor looked up, her bright blue eyes filled with reluctance and dependence.
Daniel reached out, gently patting the back of her head. His tone calm but warm.
"Since the danger's over, it's time for me to leave."
"But..." Taylor tightened her arms, as if terrified that if she let go, the man who brought her absolute safety would disappear. "You promised me that once I got better, you'd take me to eat food."
"Once you're recovered in Pennsylvania, you can fly over anytime you want." Daniel smiled.
"Then you must contact me often!" Taylor held up her pinky finger, her gaze serious and stubborn. "We have to text and use MSN. You're not allowed to ignore my messages, you're not allowed to find me annoying, and you absolutely can't... forget me."
Seeing the girl's earnest expression, Daniel nodded, a little helpless. "Alright, I promise."
"Pinky swear." Taylor held out her finger.
Daniel reached out and linked his pinky with hers.
Only then did Taylor let go, but she remained standing there, head down, fiddling with the buttons on her pajamas.
Her voice softened. "I'll work hard on songwriting. Once I become a superstar, I'll treat you to a meal at the best restaurant in America."
"I'll be waiting for that day."
Scott, watching from the side, stood frozen, his face draining of color. He observed his usually well-behaved and proud daughter now clinging like a child to a man she'd only known two days.
He felt a pang of jealousy but was helpless.
After all, this man had pulled Taylor out of Hell.
"Taylor, Mr. Cross is very busy. Let him go rest."
Scott braced himself and stepped forward, gently pulling on his daughter's arm.
Taylor pouted but finally stepped away from the door, though her eyes never left Daniel's face.
Daniel waved to them both, turned, and strode into the elevator.
...
Stepping out of the Beverly Hills Hotel, Daniel got into his Cadillac.
His gaze fell on the phone screen; the previously lively Chris was now completely silent. At the edge of the screen, a faint, fluctuating pink shimmer pulsed -- the energy of her evolution.
'Although I didn't gain any merit points, a more powerful Chris will make everything much easier in the future,' Daniel thought as he started the engine.
Compared to a few merit points, a Succubus who could be summoned instantly -- and who didn't require extra mana to maintain form -- was of far greater strategic value.
Not just for dealing with women, but for handling troubles behind the scenes or even on a psychological level... the evolved Chris would be his sharpest dark blade.
The car drove through the morning mist of Los Angeles, and the silhouette of the Beverly Hills Hotel gradually blurred in the rearview mirror.
---
Back at the villa, Daniel spent several days living quietly and in seclusion.
Aside from the occasional trip to the shop to check on the Marvel project's progress, he devoted most of his time to cultivating the deepening Thunder Mana within his body.
Chris was still evolving; the pink shimmer on the phone screen burned brighter than it had two days before.
In early morning light slanting across the dining table, Daniel sipped coffee when his phone began to vibrate.
He glanced at the screen, an unknown number.
He picked up the call.
"Excuse me... is this Exorcist Daniel Cross?"
The male voice on the other end was familiar.
It carried a distinctive softness and tremor, but now it was laden with bone-deep exhaustion.
Daniel's eyes flickered slightly. His tone steady. "It is. Who is this?"
The other party was silent for a few seconds, as if ensuring security around him.
Finally, he said in a low voice, "I'm Michael Jackson. I think... I need your help."
*****
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