?Chapter 1451:


    “Good. If you see any of mypanions, tell them I’m headed up. And if you spot Niks or Damon, let them know too.”


    With a quick nod of thanks, she stepped back into the elevator and rode it up. The elevator ascended slowly.


    When the doors opened, she stepped onto an expansive terrace—wide open, with the night air swirling around her.


    She frowned. Before she could react, someone pushed her from behind. Instinct took over; Dani staggered forward, caught herself on the terrace railing, and spun around, eyes zing.


    Alexander stood behind her, blocking the exit—far tooposed for someone who had supposedly been busy elsewhere.


    “Not surprised, huh?” he asked, studying her unflinching gaze.


    “Honestly, I thought you’d be frightened.”


    A steadier, sharper energy radiated from him now. It seemed he was clutching some secret advantage, something that braced his spine and made him bold.


    “Alexander, you’re beyond shameless. What’s this little act for? Trying to lure me up here—what are you really after?”


    Dani’s mind churned with anxiety over Cedric, afraid he might be no match for whatever traps awaited downstairs. Alexander’s smile curved, his gaze lingering on Dani’s wless features as if he couldn’t tear his eyes away.


    “Dani, you know how I’ve always felt for you. Back when I thought you were gone for good, everything lost its color. But then you came back, and suddenly, life made sense.”


    He locked his eyes on hers, voice trembling with quiet intensity. “You have no idea how much I missed you. I’ve never loved anyone else like this—not even close. Dani, I love you. I really, truly love you.”


    She remained motionless, her face as unreadable as stone.


    “If you’ve finished, I’m leaving.”


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    With a brisk turn, she started toward the elevator.


    But Alexander stepped in her way, blocking her exit. Sadness crept over his face.


    “Why are you in such a rush to leave? You’re right here, Dani.” He put his hand on his chest. “Every night, I dream about you.”


    A wave of disgust rippled through her; her eyes narrowed in disdain.


    She pped his hand away, her voice sharper than before.


    “You think you’re the only one who’s ever wanted me? Get over yourself, Alexander. Now get lost.”


    Alexander’s hand hovered in midair, stung by Dani’s icy dismissal. His features crumpled with aching regret. “Dani, are you never going to give me another chance? We were married, remember? Can’t we just go back—pretend the divorce never happened?”


    She shot him a re, her words cutting through the tension. “Keep dreaming.”


    A hollow sigh escaped him, his shoulders sagging in defeat.


    “I never wanted to force you. I love you too much for that. But you’ve always refused to listen to me.”


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