?Chapter 869:


    “Indeed, I’ve informed Dani about everything,” Natalie responded in aposed voice. “I’ve realized something important. It’s futile to contend with someone more powerful. Dani is far too intelligent and cunning for us; we are but insects to her.”


    Elyse let go of Natalie’s hand. “Did you really tell her everything?”


    Natalie affirmed with a nod. “Yes, I did.”


    Worry creased Elyse’s face. “What about Mr. Perry and the others? Did you mention them too?”


    With a look of contempt, Natalie answered, “Why should we protect their secrets? They ignored us when we needed help. Why not leverage the truth to our advantage with Dani?”


    Elyse’s voice shook with fear. “Natalie, that’s dangerous! Don’t you understand what they’re capable of doing for money?”


    Natalie sneered, brushing off her concerns. “I’m not worried about that.” Exhaustion was evident on Elyse’s face, which seemed to have aged significantly. “What did Dani offer you?”


    For a brief moment, a mix of emotions shed through Natalie’s eyes at the question. Several moments slipped by.


    She answered casually, “Nothing much. Dani agreed to let me study abroad. Oh, and she returned the vi we used to own. While I’m gone, you’ll have to manage on your own.”


    At this, Elyse grasped Natalie’s hand desperately. “Natalie, please, take me with you! Dani knows too much; I’m dispensable to her now. If you leave me here, neither Dani nor Mr. Perry will let me be!”


    Natalie’s lips tightened. She methodically removed Elyse’s fingers from her hand.


    “Mom, that’s not going to happen. You’re Dani’s aunt, and we’re family. Why would she harm you? Besides, Nina is still here. She’s your daughter too, and she won’t let youe to harm. I need to leave; my flight is at three. Just promise me you’ll look after yourself. Once I return from my studies, Dani has promised me apany. I’ll make sure you’re well cared for then.”


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    Natalie then signaled for a taxi. She walked away without a second nce.


    Left alone, Elyse stood frozen, as if struck by a sudden revtion. It was unbelievable to her. The child she had raised and loved was now casting her aside to fend for herself.


    Elyse’s eyes darted around in panic. Then, suddenly, a piercing scream tore through the air. Reflexively, Elyse looked upwards.


    At that moment, her heart stopped. From somewhere above, a flowerpot plunged straight toward her.


    Elyse’s breathing halted. She barely registered the forceful pull on her arm when, momentster, the sound of the pot smashing into the pavement echoed around her.


    Gazing at the broken pieces on the ground, Elyse’s face registered utter disbelief.


    “Dani,” Elyse whispered, her body shaking, herplexion ashen. “I need to get to Dani. She’s the only one who can shield me now!”


    She rushed to the elevator, her heels nearly slipping until she finally managed to hit the call button.


    As Elyse burst into Dani’s office, tears cascaded down her cheeks. “Dani, it’s all my fault! I shouldn’t have colluded with outsiders against your mother. Mr. Perry wants revenge. He knows I turned on him! You must help me. I don’t want to die, Dani, please!”


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