?Chapter 1082:


    Richard’s exasperated voice burst through the speaker. “Alexander, what’s the matter with you? Why didn’t you mention this sooner? I absolutely have to have dinner with Dani. I’ll freshen up and leave right away. I should be there by 9 P.M. Can you wait until then? Alexander, I have no patience for you right now—give the phone to Dani. At least she has a sensible head on her shoulders.”


    Alexander sighed. “You’re on speaker.”


    Richard’s tone softened instantly, slipping into warmth and familiarity. “Dani, my dear, I owe you an apology. You know how Alexander is—once he’s buried in work, he forgets everything else. He’s just that dedicated. I’ve spent the entire day preparing avish meal. If you don’te, it’ll all go to waste. You enjoy the food at your cafeteria, don’t you? How about we meet there another day? But tonight,e to our ce. You wouldn’t believe how much my cooking has improved.”


    Dani’s memories were erased. Yet in the fragments she did recall, there wasn’t a single instance of Richard treating her with kindness.


    The man she remembered had only ever looked at her with scorn, his eyes filled with derision and contempt.


    His words still echoed in her mind—sharp, cruel, and unforgettable. “Dani, your mother is dead. Do you know what that means? It means she’s gone for good. Society might not see you as worthy of Alexander anymore, but I’m sentimental, so you should always be grateful to me. Got it?” Back then, she had been too young to fight back.


    She had feared Richard, perhaps even respected him in a twisted way. But now, the once untouchable man put on a show of remorse. She found his act almostughable—nothing more than a pitiful disy of hypocrisy.


    Richard arrived at Elite Lux, his smile unwavering. The trio stepped into the first-floor cafeteria and settled at their table. Richard wore a wlessly tailored suit, every seam perfectly in ce, while his slicked-back hair gleamed under the lights. Stepping inside with practiced ease, he greeted Dani with a smooth, “My dear.”


    Dani met his warmth with an icy edge. “Just call me Dani.”


    Richard hesitated briefly but soon regained his smile. “You never fail to tease, do you?”


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    Alexander shared a quick look with him before turning to Dani. “Dani, go ahead and order. I need to use the restroom and will be right back.”


    Just before disappearing down the hallway, Alexander paused, pulled out his phone, and discreetly snapped a picture of Richard and Dani. The framing was impable—deliberate and telling. The image painted an intimate scene—Dani, mid-gesture, inviting Richard to sit, while he beamed with apparent delight. Richard’s face was alight with an almost triumphant grin.


    Alexander forwarded the picture to Cedric. Along with the photo, he sent a message. “We’re having a lovely family dinner tonight. Talking about remarriage. Cedric, if you really care about Dani, it’s time to let go.”


    Slipping his phone back into his pocket, Alexander strolled back to the table, his expression unreadable.


    Carol leaned in close, murmuring, “Alexander sent a photo to Cedric. Want me to block it?”


    Elite Lux’s security system could jam signals, erasing messages before they reached their destination.


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