?Chapter 1125:


    Joyce handed over the crumpled note.


    Dani’s eyes narrowed. The handwriting struck a familiar chord. She had seen it before—somewhere—but where?


    Joyce studied Dani’s unreadable expression and hesitated. “Dani, we’ve told you everything. Now you have to keep us safe.”


    Dani didn’t even nce at her.


    The silence twisted Joyce’s stomach.


    Three years locked away in that basement, and then—out of nowhere—someone had set her free. Yet, that person never showed themselves.


    Judging by the note, that person must be after Dani’s fortune. A chill ran down Joyce’s spine. Could this put her and Jack in danger? She had no way to know.


    Joyce shot to her feet, her voice urgent. “Dani, I’ve told you everything. Jack is all I have. You have to promise me—you’ll keep him safe!”


    Dani let out a cold, sharpugh. She turned, her gaze icy like a stormy night. “I couldn’t even protect my own child. What makes you think I can protect yours?”


    Joyce’s eyes widened in disbelief. “But you’re way stronger than me! If anyone can handle this, it’s you! Dani, I’m willing to work with you. If that person reaches out again, I’ll tell you right away. Parents always put their kids first. I know you’re not fond of me, but you had a child too. You get it, don’t you?”


    Dani didn’t answer. She just turned and walked upstairs.


    Joyce turned to Caiden, uncertain. “Did she agree?”


    Caiden gave a small nod. “Probably. She’s got a hard shell, but when ites to kids, she softens.”


    Joyce let out a breath of relief. “That’s good.” A spark of confidence flickered in her eyes. “Dani’s alone now. One day, she’ll need Jack.”


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    Dani made her way up the stairs, her mind elsewhere. She powered on herputer. Outside, the rain hammered against the balcony, a relentless, rhythmic assault.


    Carol shut the window and turned to Dani. “Cedric’s still outside. The rain ising down hard, and his tent looks like it’s about to get swept away.”


    Dani stayed silent, her eyes fixed on theputer screen. Using the intel from Caiden and Joyce, she assigned a task to the intelligence department.


    Then she rose and headed to the bathroom. A shower would clear her mind. She came back, her hair damp, and her focus immediately snapped back to the screen.


    Carol peeked outside again. “Cedric’s tent is gone. He’s just standing under a tree now, looking miserable.”


    This time, Dani finally spoke. “If he can’t handle it, he’ll leave on his own.”


    Carol nodded slightly and pulled the curtains shut.


    The rhythmic tter of keystrokes filled the quiet room, lingering like a steady pulse in the air.


    Dani remained immersed in her work, her focus unshaken. When Carol stirred awake, she found Dani still glued to herputer screen.


    The cold glow of the fluorescent light cast sharp shadows on her face, making her look even more distant, almost untouchable. Carol nced outside, noticing the storm had finally passed.


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