?Chapter 965:


    Unbeknownst to him, as he fled, the basement door creaked open, nudged by the whispering wind.


    It took a considerable amount of time before Alexander managed to regain hisposure. He had to meet Dani soon, and he repeated to himself over and over: the past was just that—the past.


    He was determined to make things right with Dani, topensate for his past mistakes through future actions.


    The meeting took ce at Alexander’s newly inaugurated hotel. When he saw Dani and Lillian arrive, a wave of relief washed over him.


    He had feared that Dani might show up with Cedric.


    “Please, take a seat, Dani,” Alexander said warmly, his tone filled with attentiveness. “The steak here is exceptional. I highly rmend you try it today.”


    Dani, showing little interest, responded tersely, “You arranged this meeting through a friend of my mother’s. Surely, we’re not just here to dine, are we? Let’s skip the pleasantries and focus on the matter at hand. We don’t have all day.”


    Despite her directness, Alexander’s smile remained unshaken, as if her words had no power to disrupt his mood today.


    “Considering your hectic schedule, I made sure to schedule our meeting after business hours. We have a shared history since childhood, after all. Why not enjoy a meal together?”


    With a gentle smile, Alexander helped Dani slice her steak before cing it in front of her.


    “This steak was sourced fresh this morning. I had initially wanted to cook it myself for you, but unfortunately, my culinary skills aren’t up to par. This time, the chef’s expertise will have to suffice. Next time, however, I promise to prepare the meal myself.”


    Alexander was well aware thattely, all of Dani’s meals were personally prepared by Cedric.


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    His gesture was a clear challenge, a statement that he could match—and even surpass—anything Cedric could do for her.


    But Dani wasn’t interested. Her face twisted in displeasure at the overpowering aroma of the steak. She cleared her throat loudly. “Ahem! Ahem!”


    A wave of nausea swept over her, draining the color from her face until she looked positively ghastly.


    Turning to Lillian, she gestured for her to remove the steak immediately.


    After gulping down several sips of water, Dani barely managed to subdue the gnawing urge to vomit that threatened to overwhelm her.


    Alexander poured more water for her, his brow furrowing with concern. “What’s wrong? Did the ride over here make you carsick? You’ve always been susceptible to it, even as a child,ining about the smell of gasoline.”


    As Alexander continued to fill her ss, his eyes followed Lillian taking the steak away. He noticed the subtle easing of Dani’s difort, and a shadow crossed his features.


    Standing close beside her, he observed her delicate profile now tinged with a hint of vulnerability.


    His hand, once rxed at his side, slowly curled into a tight fist.


    “Should I call a doctor for you?” Alexander asked.


    Dani motioned for the waiter to open the window. As the crisp air filled the room, she let out a slow breath, and gradually, the color returned to her cheeks.


    Alexander instinctively raised his hand, about to summon a doctor.


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