?Chapter 1099:


    Alexander’s face twisted into a look of wounded innocence.


    Dani didn’t stop. “During the wedding fire, you chose to save Joyce. Back then, she mattered more because Katrina controlled the Harper family. Later, you stayed with Joyce because she led the Sinir family. And now, I’m suddenly your first choice because I run Elite Lux. I don’t need that kind of love, Alexander. We both know the truth, so let’s not make this messier than it already is.”


    Dani had never been one for mind games—she preferred the truth, in and unvarnished.


    Alexander’s recent antics had sparked rumors, and she had no patience for the drama.


    She didn’t bother softening the blow. Rising to her feet, she leveled him with a cold gaze. “You were never that pure. Spare yourself—and everyone else—the pretense.”


    She might not recall every detail of the past, but she wasn’t blind to the present. She knew exactly who had been by her side when it mattered.


    As Dani walked away, someone lurking in the shadows made a move to step forward, then hesitated.


    Dani didn’t look back. She simply left.


    She had nearly reached her car when Cedric caught up, slightly out of breath, a food box in hand.


    He passed the box through the window. “The food inside was terrible. I made this earlier, just in case. Your stomach’s sensitive—you can’t go hungry.”


    The engine purred to life. Carol flipped the box open. “Sushi rolls. Cedric really knows what you like, huh?” Dani didn’t touch them, but Carol did, her opinion of Cedric rising with every bite.


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    Neither of them realized someone was hidden in the shadows, watching their every move.


    That night, whispers slithered through high society like wildfire. Word spread that Dani had been injured in the explosion, leaving her unable to conceive.


    Alexander lingered at the entrance of his vi, a cigar resting between his fingers.


    Beside him, Richard exuded an air of smug contentment. “With this, your im to Dani is uncontested—not just in Olisvine, but across the entire country. The CEO of Elite Lux, unable to bear children? A scandal like this has made her the subject of ridicule. Alexander, have Dani over for dinner again tomorrow. And let me warn you now—I won’t be nearly as courteous this time.”


    Once, Dani was the most sought-after CEO in the business world. Now, in the eyes of many, she was reduced to a tragic figure—a woman unable to carry an heir. The mere thought of Dani shedding unseen tears within the walls of Elite Lux filled Richard with a sick sense of victory. He had once extended a hand in friendship, only to be spurned. Now, Dani would have no choice but toe to him, and he had no intention of being kind.


    With Dani bound to the Bet family—her greatest weakness now a chain around her neck—Richard envisioned a future where he could manipte her at will. The mere thought sent a wave of satisfaction through him.


    “Dad, don’t get ahead of yourself. Dani isn’t the type to break so easily,” Alexander cautioned, unease gnawing at him. He had once sworn to protect her, to cherish her, yet here he was,plicit in a scheme designed to shackle her.


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