?Chapter 1023:


    “Proof? What proof do we need?” Hackett’s voice rang out, loud enough to turn heads. “His body was found in her ce! Who else but Dani could’ve done it?”


    Cedric let out a dry chuckle, his eyes filled with ridicule. “Hackett, that logic isughable. If someone drops dead on your doorstep, does that make you the murderer? By that thinking, we might as well do away with the police altogether.”


    Hackett, sensing the w in his own argument,shed out furiously, “Then who else could it be? You’ve been gunning for the association, wiping us out one by one! Huey yesterday, Marcus today. You won’t stop until we’repletely erased!”


    Cedric smirked, shaking his head. “That’s rich. Think for a second. If we’ve already beaten you in business, why would we even bother with murder? What would we gain from it?”


    A hush fell over the murmuring crowd as Cedric’s words sank in. Slowly, understanding flickered across their faces.


    Cedric’s smirk deepened. “Come on, we’re not that foolish. Why would we kill someone and dump the body right at our doorstep? What, do you think I enjoy tanking the property value of Elite Lux and painting a target on my own back?” His logic was airtight.


    Hackett’s jaw clenched in frustration, words failing him. In his desperation, he whirled toward Alexander, who had been silently watching from the sidelines. “Alexander, you’re the president of the association! One of our own is dead! Are you just going to stand there fussing over your lopsided face, or are you going to say something?”


    By now, Alexander had already slipped his mask back on. A flicker of irritation crossed his face as he reyed the earlier moment—Dani had needed help, but Cedric had beaten him to it.


    Regret gnawed at him.


    With the weight of countless stares on him, unease crept in. His face—still not fully healed—reminded him of his imperfections.


    Hackett’s frustration boiled over, his re sharp as a de. “Alexander, damn it, say something! You’re the president! Don’t you think Marcus’ death has something to do with Dani and Elite Lux?”


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    If Alexander pointed the finger at Dani, it would shift the me, dragging Elite Lux into a storm and giving Perry Group a much-needed lifeline amid their financial struggles.


    Alexander said, “This situation should be left to the authorities. Until there’s actual proof, I urge everyone to stay levelheaded. And personally, I trust Dani—she’s not someone who’d resort to murder.”


    Hackett’s face twisted with rage. Without another word, he spun around, yanked open his car door, and mmed it shut with a deafening thud before speeding off.


    Alexander, unfazed, kept his focus solely on Dani.


    When thest of the onlookers had drifted away, Alexander spoke gently. “I wasn’t scared of Hackett. I just didn’t react fast enough. Next time, I won’t let anyone else step in before me.”


    Without another word, Dani and Cedric turned and made their way back to Elite Lux.


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