ã€ŠRejected No More: I Am Way Out Of Your League, Darling!ã€‹


 Chapter 1

    ?Chapter 1:

    On the day the Bet and Harper families united through marriage, the heavens seemed to unleash their fury, coloring the sky with the deep crimson of roaring mes.

    Dani Harper, d in her wedding finery, watched in despair as her groom, Alexander Bet, heroically swept Joyce Holt into his arms and navigated through the scorching heat, not once ncing back at her.

    Trapped beneath a massive, fallen screen, Dani was rendered immobile by its weight, her eyes brimming with tears of frustration and fear.

    The air was thick with acrid smoke, and as Dani struggled for breath, the encroaching shadows of unconsciousness began to cloud her vision. The grim thought of perishing in the ze gnawed at her mind.

    Yet, just as hope seemed to flicker out, a figure emerged through the smoke.

    Strong arms lifted her effortlessly, and the steady, reassuring thud of her rescuer¡¯s heartbeat against her ear brought an odd sce amidst the chaos.

    Suddenly, a piercing hiss cut through the muffled sounds of destruction.

    The unmistakable, horrific odor of burning flesh assaulted her senses. Heart pounding with a mix of fear and confusion, Dani mustered the strength to pry her eyes open, only to be met with a suffocating veil of smoke that obscured her vision and deepened her terror.

    As she fumbled blindly through the darkness, her fingers brushed against something sticky and unsettling. Instinctively, the man bearing her weight recoiled, yet he rxed soon, permitting her hands to explore without restraint.

    The wind screamed in her ears, relentless and chilling.

    Gradually, the fierce warmth that had scorched her face began to dissipate.

    Discover more content at ?¦Áln¦Ò¦Íe?s

    Struggling against the heaviness of her eyelids, she strained to identify her rescuer.

    Through the swirling smoke that clouded her vision, she glimpsed a distinctive mole near the man¡¯s eye¡ªa mole that stirred a vague sense of recognition within her.

    As the edges of her consciousness began to blur once more, Dani heard a gentle voice cut through the howling wind.

    ¡°Sir, the ambnce has arrived. The Harper family is already aboard. We must get moving right away.

    Your arm requires urgent care, and moreover, today marks Miss Harper¡¯s wedding. If people see her with another man, it¡¯ll be the talk of the town.¡±

    Dani stirred from her uneasy slumber in the stark, frigid confines of a in hospital ward.

    The moon loomedrge outside, bathing everything in its ghostly, somber light. The roomy shrouded in silence, devoid of the presence of her newlywed husband.

    Her injuries were grievous: a cracked rib and a deep, ragged cut marred her left cheek. The doctor had cautioned that without meticulous care, the gash could fetch asting scar on her face.

    As dawn broke, the doctor returned to assess her condition.

    ncing around the empty room, he queried, ¡°Where¡¯s your family?¡±

    Dani shook her head with a bitter smile. She had tried to reach Alexander many times, but he hadn¡¯t answered.

    Exhaling a sigh, the doctor advised, ¡°Try to keep still; moving too much could worsen your injuries. If there¡¯s no one to assist you, I¡¯ll arrange a caregiver for you.¡±

    At that moment, a young nurse chimed in, ¡°Aren¡¯t you the bride from that fire incident that hit the headlines? Isn¡¯t your husband here with you?¡±

    The conversation caught the attention of the head nurse, who coughed slightly, gesturing to silence her colleague. Leaning closer, she murmured, ¡°He¡¯s actually upstairs, attending to someone else.¡±

    The young nurse¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief.

    ¡°What? But the girl merely sustained a minor scratch on her hand!¡± Dani was the one desperately in need of care.

    The head nurse shook her head.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 2

    ?Chapter 2:

    ¡°There¡¯s an entire team upstairs fussing over her. It¡¯s so unjust, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    In that instant, a wave of humiliation and despair crashed down upon Dani. Perched on the edge of the hospital bed, she felt her blood turn to ice, her frame shivering subtly.

    Leaning against the wall for support, she made her way upstairs to the exclusive, high-ss ward.

    Pausing at the doorway, she saw the man she had cherished for a decade feeding her stepsister, Joyce. Their gazes locked, and the connection was palpable.

    Her stepmother, Katrina Harper, pped her hand over her mouth, tears sparkling in her eyes.

    ¡°Caiden, could this be karma? Are my past mistakes haunting our daughter now?¡±

    Caiden Harper, Dani¡¯s biological father and Katrina¡¯s spouse, gently touched Katrina¡¯s shoulder tofort her.

    ¡°No, this was merely an unfortunate incident. None of this is your fault.¡±

    ¡°Dad! This was no ident; it was murder! Dani resents that you and Alexander show her less affection than me. She¡¯s malicious. We were the only ones there during the fire, and she pushed me. She wanted me gone.¡±

    After saying that, Joyce crumpled into Alexander¡¯s embrace, tears streaming down her cheeks as she wept uncontrobly.

    Katrina gazed at her daughter¡¯s scratched hand before leaning closer to Caiden, seekingfort in his arms.

    ¡°Caiden, Joyce might not share your blood, but she¡¯s embraced you as her true father. Who could have imagined such love would spell disaster for her? I¡¯ve given up so much to keep Dani content¡ªI vowed to have no more children after marrying you. But it seems nothing will satisfy her. What else does she desire from me? She can take everything from me, even my life, if that¡¯s what she wants! But why does Joyce have to suffer? She¡¯s done nothing to deserve this.¡±

    L?t??t ch¦Ápt?rs ¦Én g??lnov?l??.???m

    Katrina¡¯s sobs were so intense, so filled with anguish, that an onlooker might have believed she was the one suffering a broken rib and a marred face.

    Outside, hidden from view, Dani overheard every venomous word aimed at her.

    She watched, heartbroken, as the two men she cherished most¡ªher father and her husbandvished their attention on Joyce, neglecting to speak a word in her defense.

    Her heart, already fragile, shattered into pieces.

    Though her body screamed in protest, Dani had fought to make it this far. Now, with her pain weighing her down, she turned back, each step slow and agonizing as she made her way back to her room. After her mother¡¯s passing, she seemed to have lost her father as well. Her husband, whom she had grown up with, had given his heart to another, leaving hers in tatters.

    Such a harsh betrayal of fate.

    As darkness fell, Alexander reached her hospital room, holding a food container.

    He stopped abruptly at the door, his features carved with sharp, cutting disdain, as though the very air inside disgusted him.

    His eyes, cold and distant, pierced through her.

    Summoning every ounce of strength, Dani pushed herself upright, her voice heavy with raw, aching despair.

    ¡°I swear, I didn¡¯t push Joyce. She told me her wedding gift for me was in the storeroom. But as we entered, mes engulfed us, and the door was locked from the outside.¡±

    With a steely gaze and a hint of impatience, Alexander muttered, ¡°Dani, stop fooling yourself. There¡¯s no sense in pretending any longer.

    You¡¯ve always resented Joyce for being everyone¡¯s favorite, but to sabotage our wedding day with such malice? I never thought you were capable of being this monstrous!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 3

    ?Chapter 3:

    With a calm and focused demeanor, Dani exined the situation to Alexander, her voice ringing with rity.

    ¡°The warehouse had surveince cameras. Even though the fire may have destroyed the cameras, there must be backups stored somewhere.¡±

    ¡°Enough!¡± Alexander¡¯s eyes narrowed as he regarded Dani, his icy stare tinged with anger.

    ¡°Now you¡¯re just scrambling for excuses to get out of this. Surveince footage can be manipted. I can¡¯t believe a single word from you, you deceitful woman!¡±

    Dani locked eyes with Alexander. His expression remained stoic, but his gaze was sharp and unwavering. Whenever he looked at someone, it seemed to pierce right through them. For over a decade, Dani had clung to the naive hope that she might thaw his icy heart. But she never anticipated it would end like this.

    ¡°Go and apologize to Joyce right now!¡±

    Hismand cut through the air like a chill wind, leaving Dani feeling as if a bucket of ice water had been dumped on her, her senses reeling.

    ¡°I¡¯m your wife! Why won¡¯t you believe me?¡± she demanded, her words breaking with the weight of her vulnerability.

    ¡°Dani, I¡¯ve told you¡ªapologize! If Joyce decides to take this to court, you¡¯ll be the one left in tears, begging for mercy.¡±

    His cutting words felt like a jagged knife, tearing through the fragile walls of her heart.

    This marriage, these ten years of what she thought was love and devotion, had all been a cruel farce.

    Let your imagination soar with g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s£®?¦Ï??

    With a sharp tug on her cor, Alexander yanked her toward Joyce¡¯s ward.

    A nurse sprinted behind them, desperationcing her voice.

    ¡°Her rib is fractured. She needs proper care and rest. What you¡¯re doing is downright abusive.¡±

    Yet, Alexander tantly disregarded her pleas.

    Dani faltered, nearly stumbling as he hauled her through the pristine hallways and into the exclusive VIP ward.

    The room exuded a warm, tranquil aura. Joycey in the bed as Katrina, seated beside her, offered her pieces of fruit. Upon Dani¡¯s entrance, Katrina shot her a fleeting nce, then averted her eyes, feigning ignorance of her presence.

    Caiden¡¯s expression twisted into one of revulsion.

    ¡°You have the audacity to show your face here! Are you even aware of your sister¡¯s condition?¡±

    At this point, Dani felt an icy numbness engulf her heart.

    She turned to Caiden and inquired, ¡°Dad, have you forgotten that I¡¯m your own flesh and blood? Do you recall your vow never to remarry after Mom left us? You promised to look after me. Is this how you do that?¡±

    Her father wasn¡¯t even willing to allow her the opportunity to rify or defend herself.

    Caiden¡¯s expression wavered momentarily, his brow furrowing in annoyance as he directed a sharp gaze at Dani.

    ¡°You¡¯re the one who screwed up! Why are you dragging me into it? You¡¯ve grown quite audacious, haven¡¯t you? To think, now you¡¯d even stand up to me!¡±

    In the hospital bed, Joyce appeared robust despite her alleged frailty.

    With an exaggerated gesture, she pressed her hands to her chest as if overwhelmed by a sudden loss of breath.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 4

    ?Chapter 4:

    ¡°Do you want Dad to grow old and live the rest of his lifepletely alone, Dani? Have you considered how lonely he¡¯ll be once you¡¯re married? Sitting alone in that huge house, with no one to care for him when he¡¯s sick or even pour him a ss of water?¡±

    After that, Joyce turned to Alexander.

    ¡°Alexander, do you honestly believe I¡¯d start a fire just to end my own life?¡±

    Alexander remained silent, absorbing the weight of the conversation. His face darkened with each passing second, reflecting a growing storm within.

    He fixed a cold, unforgiving stare on Dani andmanded sternly, ¡°Dani, kneel and beg Joyce for forgiveness!¡±

    Dani turned to face Alexander, her expression defiant. Why would she do that?

    Suddenly, Katrina leapt from her chair and stormed over. Without a moment¡¯s hesitation, her hand swung through the air,nding a sharp p across Dani¡¯s cheek.

    Stunned, Dani could barely register the sudden assault before Katrina copsed into a heap of raw nerves and tears.

    Pointing her finger at Dani, Katrina yelled, ¡°Dani! You tried to kill my daughter! How can you stand there, unapologetic and using her instead? Oh, my poor girl! I¡¯m to me for everything. I never should¡¯ve be a stepmother to another¡¯s child. It¡¯s all on me! I¡¯ve kept you from the man your heart belongs to and dragged you into danger. I can¡¯t forgive myself for this!¡±

    Caiden felt a sharp pang in his chest at Katrina¡¯s torment.

    Driven by a surge of anger, he approached Dani and delivered a firm p as well.

    ????t£å??t ???????????????? ???? g¦Álnovels.£ã¦Ïm

    The impact sent her reeling back, her body hitting the wall as she struggled to maintain her bnce.

    Dazed, Dani stood against the wall, her mind swirling with thoughts as tears blurred her vision.

    She fixed her gaze on Alexander, a gleam of hope still lingering in her heart.

    She silently pleaded for him to defend her, to offer even a single sentence in her favor.

    However, Alexander¡¯s response shattered herst hope as he said sternly, ¡°Apologize now! Or I¡¯ll have to call the police.

    You¡¯re facing charges of attempted murder, Dani. That could mean life in prison.¡±

    ¡°Alexander¡­¡±

    Although Dani had steeled herself for Alexander¡¯s answer, it still cut deeply, like a keen-edged de tearing through her heart.

    How many decades does one get to live, only to have it mean nothing? She had devoted ten years of her existence to loving him, investing her soul into the rtionship.

    Yet, what she received in return was merely his staunch defense of another woman.

    ¡°Yes, call the police!¡± Katrina¡¯s voice erupted in the room as she frantically reached for her phone.

    ¡°Leave this murderer to them to handle!¡±

    Amidst the chaos, only Dani caught the subtle way Joyce squeezed Katrina¡¯s hand following her explosive deration.

    Their eyes met in a fleeting, silent exchange.

    Katrina paused, her resolve wavering.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 5

    ?Chapter 5:

    Joyce¡¯s voice was the epitome of consideration.

    ¡°Alexander, I know you care for me, but this is a matter for our family. Calling the police could lead to my sister¡¯s arrest and tarnish the Harper family¡¯s reputation. That¡¯s thest thing I desire. Perhaps it¡¯s best if we¡­¡±

    She trailed off, her head bowing slightly, her delicate pose belying the cunning glimmer in her gaze.

    ¡°Perhaps it¡¯s best if we just let this go.¡± Her suggestion stirred Caiden and caused Alexander¡¯s brow to furrow in contemtion.

    His cold eyes bore into Dani as he spoke with chilling authority.

    ¡°We can¡¯t just let this go! Apologize now! Kneel and beg for forgiveness!¡±

    Despite the sharp agony emanating from her cracked rib, Dani stood her ground, her spine rigid, unwilling to show any sign of defeat.

    In that harrowing moment, a cruel truth crystallized in her mind: her anguish was merely amusement to someone who held no love for her.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already told you, I did nothing wrong! I am innocent, and I refuse to kneel or apologize!¡±

    She had just finished speaking when Caiden closed the distance between them and delivered another harsh p to her face.

    Reeling from the blow, Dani, already fragile, teetered dangerously, her form shaking like a leaf in a tempest. Before she could regain her footing, a brutal kick struck her in the back.

    With a resonant ¡°thud,¡± she copsed onto her knees.

    Explore the world of fiction at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    The sound of her kneecaps crashing against the hard floor reverberated around the room, sending a jolt of excruciating pain that surged from her knees to her chest.

    She braced herself with her palms against the floor. Blood started to ooze through the bandages wrapped around her chest, turning them a stark, vivid red.

    At the doorway, the nurse could no longer stand to watch the scene unfold.

    She rushed over to aid Dani, then turned to Alexander with a look of stern condemnation.

    ¡°I¡¯ve seen the reports.

    You¡¯re Dani¡¯s husband, aren¡¯t you? Once you¡¯re married, you¡¯re supposed to protect each other. How can you treat her with such cruelty? She¡¯s seriously hurt, and without proper care, this injury could haunt her for the rest of her life.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d never ept someone so vicious as my wife.¡± Alexander threw a frosty, scornful look at Dani, whoy crumpled on the floor. His gaze was icy, seeing her as nothing more than a mere fleck of dust on his shoe.

    ¡°Dani, today¡¯s incident cannot simply be ignored. Joyce may be forgiving, but your actions were severe, and you need to face the consequences.

    You will kneel here until you acknowledge your mistake!¡±

    He then addressed Caiden.

    ¡°Mr. Harper, you surely see the need for this, don¡¯t you?¡±

    With a sharp nod, Caiden agreed, ¡°Absolutely, she needs to reflect deeply. I¡¯m all for it.¡±

    At that moment, a doctor summoned the family members, and the room quickly emptied, leaving behind only Dani and Joyce.

    Perched haughtily on the hospital bed, Joyce looked down at Dani, who was still kneeling, her hands quivering as she supported herself. A derisive smirk yed on Joyce¡¯s lips.

    ¡°Dani, does it even matter that you¡¯re Dad¡¯s biological child? Look at yourself, kneeling before me. I like Alexander, and if he¡¯s not mine, he sure as hell won¡¯t be yours!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 6

    ?Chapter 6:

    Secretly, Dani slid her left hand into her pocket and pressed the record button on her phone.

    Her pallidplexion was drenched with sweat, each drop trailing down her damp and strained forehead.

    Holding Joyce¡¯s gaze, she demanded in a steady, clear voice, ¡°So, it was you behind the fire all along, wasn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I did it! The warehouse was drenched in gasoline, packed with explosives, all set to go up in mes the second you showed up.¡± Joyce gloated triumphantly, her voice dripping with arrogance.

    ¡°And what good will your cloud surveince footage do, Dani? No one¡¯s going to believe you. They¡¯ll think the footage is manipted! Besides, I already wiped it clean. Dad and Alexander made it painfully clear today¡ªthey think you¡¯re useless, not worth even a shred of trust.¡±

    With that, Joyce reclined on the hospital bed, a smirk ying across her face.

    ¡°Keep kneeling,¡± shemanded smugly, crossing her legs.

    ¡°Dani, you¡¯re going to kneel before me like this forever!¡±

    Dani attempted to rise, her body straining against an invisible weight.

    Beads of sweat pooled on the floor, dampening the tiles beneath her. Her heart felt shattered, yet within the shards, a stubborn spark of hope flickered dimly.

    She had clung to the belief that Alexander, with his meticulous nature, would eventually see through the charade if he scrutinized the details more closely.

    Read it all on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    But reality was a cruel master. She had given Alexander too much credit.

    The sound of Alexander¡¯s leather shoes echoed ominously as he approached. He towered over her, his gaze icy and unyielding.

    ¡°Are you ready to apologize now?¡±

    Pain overwhelmed Dani, her consciousness wavering. She tilted her head to meet his eyes, her voice a faint whisper.

    ¡°Have you considered every angle of this situation thoroughly?¡±

    A scornfulugh echoed above her, chilling in its disdain.

    His contempt was palpable, wrapping around her like an unrelenting frost.

    ¡°Dani, stop being so pathetic. Just own up to what you¡¯ve done already. Fine. Let¡¯s end this marriage. I¡¯m done wasting my life on someone as malicious as you.¡±

    At his words, Dani¡¯s rigid posture crumbled. Destion engulfed her heart.

    ¡°For thest time, I¡¯m innocent.¡±

    Summoning thest remnants of her strength, Dani leaned against the wall to pull herself upright.

    Though her face was gaunt, her eyes glimmered with an indomitable spirit. She fixed her gaze on Alexander, articting each word with precision.

    ¡°Fine by me. I¡¯ll dly take the divorce. Why would I want a husband too blind to see the truth?¡±

    Dani retreated to her shared ward.

    Murmurs from a few patients fluttered around her. With her own phone inoperable, she borrowed one from a neighboring patient.

    Instead of making a call, she simply sent a text message.

    ¡°Lillian, send people to Northpoint Hospital toe get me.¡±

    Without dy, Lillian replied, ¡°Right away!¡±

    Dani¡¯s condition was deteriorating. By the time Lillian Dawson reached her, a severe fever had set in.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 7

    ?Chapter 7:

    The persistent throb of her fractured rib was unrelenting, and her face was so severely swollen, it resembled an inted balloon.

    Lillian seethed with rage.

    ¡°Have they lost their minds? Choosing that worthless bitch over you? Let me handle this¡ªI¡¯ll put an end to them!¡±

    Without hesitation, she took out her phone and began to dial. However, Dani, despite her frailty, ced her hand over Lillian¡¯s, pressing the end call button.

    Lillian clenched her fists, her voice heavy with desperation.

    ¡°This is outright domestic abuse! You¡¯ve been hurt! Are you seriously considering forgiving Alexander after everything he¡¯s done?¡±

    Her eyes then caught the glimpse of fresh blood oozing through Dani¡¯s bandages, and tears began streaming down her face. With Lillian¡¯s support, Dani pushed herself to stand.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here for now. We¡¯ll deal with them when the time is right.¡±

    Observing Dani¡¯s weakened state, Lillian nodded, her tears mingling with a fierce resolve.

    She vowed to tear that despicable pair apart piece by piece.

    Lillian then went to take care of the hospital discharge forms. Outside, Dani stood waiting, lifting her gaze towards the hospital¡¯s upper floors.

    The opulent third-floor ward still glowed brightly.

    Check out the newest chapters g¦Ál¦Ç¦Ò¦Í?ls

    Inside, Alexander was nestled under the softmp¡¯s light, peeling an apple. A warm smile yed on his lips as he chatted with the woman beside him.

    Dani managed a strained, sorrowful smile.

    Ten long years, and the warmth of that smile she desperately sought had never once been hers.

    Joyce, however, had earned it effortlessly.

    Dani realized she had been wrong all this time.

    She could no longer stand on her own.

    Before she copsed, she saw Lillian rushing toward her, her face etched with worry.

    Before long, Dani was hurried into the intensive care unit. The icy IV fluid seeped into her veins, lulling her into a profound slumber.

    When she finally woke up, two days had slipped by.

    ¡°Dani! Are you alright?¡± Lillian¡¯s eyes, swollen and red, betrayed her vigil by Dani¡¯s side.

    Dani slowly propped herself up, her voice raspy as she replied,

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m fine.¡±

    Following breakfast, Dani nced at her phone.

    The online frenzy over ¡°the bride from the fire¡± was overwhelming.

    Criticism rained down on Dani in thements section.

    Lillian eximed through clenched jaws, ¡°We can¡¯t just let Joyce get away with this! The inte is praising her as beautiful and kindhearted, dering that she deserves to be the rightful heiress to the Harper family.¡±

    Dani remained unfazed, her eyes skimming over the hurtful words. They no longer had the power to wound her.

    For the first time, she felt the fog lift, leaving her with a clear sense of rity.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 8

    ?Chapter 8:

    From this moment forward, she resolved to reserve her heart for those who truly loved her.

    The old Dani had perished in the mes.

    The naive and deceived Dani was gone, once and for all.

    The rumors online were spreading rapidly, each update adding more fuel to the fire. It seemed as if unseen hands were stoking the gossip, making it burn even brighter.

    ¡°No wonder people say being a stepmother is a challenge. And even her biological daughter doesn¡¯t have it easy either. Dani must be the mastermind behind the fire incident, trying to take Joyce out!¡±

    ¡°Exactly! Did you hear that Dani is indulging in some fancy hospital room that costs six grand a night? Her father and stepmother are at her beck and call, and her husband¡¯s there, peeling fruit for her like she¡¯s some queen. Meanwhile, poor Joyce is crammed into a room with five others, struggling even to get water!¡±

    ¡°No doubt about it¡ªDani must have everything handed to her on a silver tter!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Dani got out of the hospital already, but Joyce is stillid up there. I heard Joyce ended up with a broken rib and a scar on her face.¡±

    ¡°Poor Joyce! Dani¡¯s absolutely despicable! Just because she¡¯s the biological daughter, does she deserve royal treatment?¡±

    Amidst the swirling vortex of distorted rumors, onement in the online chaos stood out, shedding a different light on the situation.

    ¡°I¡¯m sharing a ward with five others at Northpoint Hospital, and Dani was here with us. Honestly, she¡¯s a genuinely nice person¡ªbeautiful, kind, and nothing like the spoiled heiress everyone makes her out to be. It¡¯s her husband who¡¯s the real piece of work!¡±

    Thisment was soon engulfed by a wave of dismissive responses, with critics sneeringly using Dani of paying people to spread falsehoods.

    Theizens jeered, dismissing the usation as absurd.

    Lillian, too, caught sight of thement and huffed derisively, ¡°Ridiculous! Dani is a celebrated fashion titan, the visionary behind Elite Lux. If she hadn¡¯t thrown her future away on that scoundrel, she¡¯d top the list of the world¡¯s wealthiest. What right do these nobodies have to judge?¡±

    Meanwhile, Dani remained unfazed by the online uproar, finding Lillian¡¯s indignant expression somewhat amusing.

    ¡°Are you seriouslyughing, Dani? You¡¯re going to let these keyboard warriors hired by Joyce defame you?¡±

    Dani held up her phone, the recording on full disy, and smirked.

    ¡°Definitely not.¡±

    Lillian¡¯s eyes popped wide open in surprise.

    ¡°What?¡±

    cing her phone back into her pocket, Dani dered nonchntly, ¡°I¡¯ve decided¡ªit¡¯s time to file for a divorce.¡±

    She spoke with a chilling calmness, her voice devoid of any trace of emotion.

    Lillian¡¯s mouth fell open in shock.

    With a yful grin, Dani nudged Lillian¡¯s chin up.

    ¡°Have the legal department prepare a divorce agreement for me.¡±

    A gleam of excitement shed across Lillian¡¯s face.

    ¡°Are you for real? You¡¯re not joking, right?¡±

    Dani merely raised an eyebrow, her expression unreadable.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 9

    ?Chapter 9:

    Lillian nearly leaped from her chair, her eyes wide with disbelief.

    ¡°You¡¯ve actuallye to your senses? I was starting to think you¡¯d let that piece of trash ruin you forever.¡±

    Lillian put her hand over her heart in an exaggerated gesture, which elicited a burst ofughter from Dani.

    ¡°Was I really that hopeless before?¡±

    Lillian¡¯s expression turned earnest as she nodded vigorously.

    ¡°Absolutely.

    You were lost.¡±

    Dani let out a chuckle, reflecting on her past.

    Indeed, she had been consumed by love for Alexander for ten long years, an entire decade lost in hopeless yearning.

    For his slightest attention, she had repeatedly humbled herself, longing for even a sliver of his affection.

    Moved by Dani¡¯s newfound realization, Lillian wiped away a tear and reached out to thepany¡¯s legal team.

    Thewyer, sleeves rolled up and ready for action, inquired seriously, ¡°Whatpensation do you seek from Alexander?¡±

    With aposed, icy gaze, Dani replied firmly, ¡°I don¡¯t want his damned money!¡±

    ¡°Exactly!¡± Lillian affirmed with a nod.

    Explore fresh tales at g aln ov el s ;

    Dani had faced the world on her own terms since she lost her mother at the tender age of five. Over the years, she crafted a sessful brand that catapulted her into billionaire status long before she reached adulthood. The thought of needing anything from Alexander was almostical to her.

    Those who scorned Dani were foolish, thinking she was cut from the same weak cloth as Joyce¡ªa woman with no ambition, content to cling to her family and wait for marrying into a rich family.

    How utterly ridiculous!

    After departing from the hospital, Dani promptly reached out to Alexander, her determination unshaken.

    The phone rang several times before his secretary picked up with a sniff.

    ¡°Dani? What is it this time?¡± the secretary asked, his voice dripping with condescension. He was well aware of Alexander¡¯s disregard for Dani and didn¡¯t bother to mask his own contempt.

    ¡°I need to speak with Alexander,¡± Dani replied, her voice steady and ustomed to the dismissive attitudes of those employed by Bet Group.

    The secretary cast a nce towards Alexander, who was currently engaged in a close conversation with Joyce.

    Joyce seemed to be almost attached to Alexander, her body leaning into his.

    ¡°Mr. Bet is currently in a meeting,¡± the secretary lied smoothly.

    Without missing a beat, Dani responded, ¡°Tell him to meet me at the courthouse at eight tomorrow morning. We¡¯re finalizing the divorce.¡±

    As Alexander entered, he noticed his secretary had just ended a phone call.

    In a casual tone, he inquired, ¡°Who was on the line?¡±

    The secretary, seemingly indifferent, responded, ¡°It was Dani. She¡¯s demanding a divorce and has even scheduled a court session for tomorrow morning at eight.¡±

    As the words hung in the air, Joyce couldn¡¯t help but sneer inwardly. Given Dani¡¯s deep affection for Alexander, could she truly be serious about a divorce? Despite her skepticism, Joyce kept up her innocent act.

    She clung to Alexander¡¯s arm, pressing herself against him, and spoke with a seductive lilt.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 10

    ?Chapter 10:

    ¡°I¡¯m to me, aren¡¯t I? Dani must be upset that you were so attentive to me while I was hospitalized. She¡¯s obviously jealous. Perhaps I should apologize to her.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s soothing touchforted Joyce.

    ¡°Don¡¯t let this get to you. None of this is your fault. Dani can be quite petty. She wants a divorce? Fine, I¡¯ll go to the courthouse tomorrow and see if she really means it!¡±

    With an exaggerated look of surprise, Joyce tilted her head and replied, ¡°Alexander, don¡¯t act rashly. How could she really want to divorce you? She¡¯s just trying to intimidate you. If you really agreed to divorce her, she¡¯d be embarrassed. Don¡¯t go, okay?¡±

    Alexander¡¯s lips pressed into a thin line, his eyes dark with irritation.

    ¡°If I don¡¯t go, she¡¯ll keep using divorce to threaten me. Who the hell can stand that? Furthermore, the fire was entirely her doing. Joyce, you didn¡¯t deserve this, and I¡¯ll make sure Dani owns up to it.¡±

    Joyce bowed her head, a picture of submission, choosing to remain silent.

    Unbeknownst to those present, a chilling, sinister smirk briefly danced across her lips following Alexander¡¯s deration.

    That very day, Alexander¡¯s secretaryid out the freshly delivered divorce agreement on his desk.

    Upon returning from his meeting, Alexander flicked his gaze over the document¡¯s cover and dismissed it with a cold, disdainful toss into the trash.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s offers tales worth telling

    Dani had taken things too far, and this was the final straw. Meanwhile, having delivered the divorce agreement, Dani retreated to her hotel, a smug sense of finality in her stride.

    She had always imagined that parting ways with Alexander would shatter her, leaving her heart in ruins.

    Yet, as the decisive moment unfolded, the only sensation that enveloped her was a profound, liberating relief.

    She had held on to the hollow fantasy of loving Alexander for so long that she¡¯d fooled herself into thinking he was all she had.

    Yet, leaving him proved surprisingly simpler than anticipated.

    With a sniffle, she was about to enter the hotel.

    Raising her eyes, she stopped dead, struck by astonishment.

    Gathered before her at the entrance stood the core members of Elite Lux¡¯s design team.

    These were the very individuals who had ced their unwavering trust in Dani, a minor, when thepany was just blossoming. They had stood by her side, except when she had chosen to marry Alexander.

    They had cautioned her then, adamant that Alexander was not the man for her, but she had dismissed their concerns outright.

    She had clung to the belief that true love justified any sacrifice, crossing any distance, with no regrets.

    Now, reflecting on those times, she recognized her naivety.

    Facing her team, Dani¡¯s lips twitched into a subtle smile, and her eyes shimmered with tears, overwhelmed by the flood of memories. Standing before her, the group formed a perfect row, their joyful faces lighting up the space.

    ¡°Wee back!¡±

    Within the confines of the hotel, Lillian approached Dani after the others went to their own rooms.

    ¡°Dani, when do we leave?¡± Elite Lux had its headquarters situated far overseas.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 11

    ?Chapter 11:

    ¡°Get Ryan here,¡± Dani instructed briskly.

    Lillian was confused.

    ¡°While this marriage has to end, I must clear my name too,¡± Dani exined.

    Lillian strode across the hallway, pushed open the door opposite Dani¡¯s, and called out, ¡°Ryan, Dani needs you.¡±

    Ryan Parker¡¯s brilliancey in his obsession with technology, spending most of his time secluded in a server room. But today, he was here for one reason¡ªto wee Dani.

    Draped entirely in ck, his hooded sweatshirt cast shadows over his face, leaving only his pale lips visible beneath the shroud. Hisplexion, stark and ghostly, gave him an unmistakable vampire-like aura.

    ¡°Dani, what can I do for you?¡± Ryan¡¯s tone was calm, with a hint of curiosity.

    Dani sent the recording to Ryan, dering, ¡°I want this recording and the surveince footage broadcast across every media outlet for the entire week, starting tomorrow morning.¡± Ryan nodded and made an ¡°OK¡± gesture.

    As the sun began to rise, Daniced up for a morning jog, enjoying the calm solitude of the deserted streets.

    Upon her return, she appeared rejuvenated, her skin glowing from the rush of her morning exercise. Meanwhile, Lillian emerged from her sleep, disheveled and bleary-eyed.

    ¡°Good morning, Dani,¡± she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep.

    Dani changed into fresh attire. Stepping out, she caught sight of Lillian¡¯s groggy figure and advised, ¡°Go back to bed. I¡¯m heading out.¡± This roused Lillian fully, who called out energetically, ¡°Your life will be sailing smoothly from here on.¡±

    Outside the courthouse, Dani paused at the entrance, her presence undeniable in a stark white dress that highlighted her statuesque frame and entuated her long legs. Shemanded attention effortlessly, the bustling environment turning into a mere backdrop to her poise.

    Bystanders, whether they were there to tie the knot or sever ties, found their gazes inadvertently drawn to her.

    Across the street, parked under the sprawling shade of arge tree, Alexander sat in his car, observing the scene.

    He couldn¡¯t help but scowl at the admiring looks Dani received from passersby.

    As Dani waved off the tenth man asking for her number, Alexander flung open his car door and stepped out.

    Watching him approach from afar, Dani noted the familiar cold, detached expression etched across his face. Such indifference once pained her, but now, it barely registered.

    In a nonchnt tone, she dered, ¡°Let¡¯s get going.¡±

    However, before she could move forward, Alexander reached out, capturing her wrist in his firm grasp.

    A frown marred Dani¡¯s features, and with a quick tug, she freed herself, taking a step back.

    The corners of Alexander¡¯s mouth turned down, his face clouding over with a mixture of anger and disbelief.

    ¡°Dani, don¡¯t test my patience. It¡¯s wearing thin!¡±

    With a scornfulugh, Dani retorted, ¡°Soon, you won¡¯t have to tolerate me anymore. I¡¯ve been here over three hours. Let¡¯s expedite this, shall we?¡±

    Alexander¡¯s face darkened further, his tone edged with a dire warning.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 12

    ?Chapter 12:

    ¡°Are you certain you want to go through with this divorce? Remember, Dani, not everything in life offers a second chance.¡±

    Dani¡¯s patience snapped, her frustration evident.

    ¡°You¡¯re right! Let¡¯s finalize this divorce soon.¡±

    She briskly collected two forms from a nearby clerk and began filling them out, her movements sharp and determined.

    Alexander stood rigid, his eyes narrowing as he towered over her.

    ¡°I¡¯m offering you onest chance. Admit you were responsible for the fire that day. Kneel and apologize to Joyce. If you do, I might consider letting this all slide.¡±

    His expression was stern, his attitude dripping with condescension and righteousness.

    ¡°Don¡¯t waste your time. My knees don¡¯t bend for anyone,¡± she dered as she slid thepleted documents across to Alexander.

    ¡°Just sign here.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s eyes narrowed as he scanned the papers; everything was in order except for their signatures.

    A storm cloud seemed to settle over his face as raw anger ignited in his piercing gaze.

    ¡°Dani! Do you think this will intimidate me? Let me make this clear¡ªif you want a divorce, don¡¯t expect to walk away with a dime of my money.¡±

    Unperturbed, Dani pointed to the line for his signature, her voice cool and detached.

    ¡°Oh, please. That pitiful amount? Let Joyce have it¡ªit might cover her hospital bills one day.¡±

    A crease formed on Alexander¡¯s forehead as he mulled over her words. The thought of Dani leaving without a settlement seemed unbelievable.

    Nevertheless, Dani promptly signed her name. Raising her eyes to meet his, she wore a taunting smile.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Getting cold feet? Or are you just realizing you¡¯re not ready to lose me after all?¡± she spat, her words slicing with sarcastic cruelty.

    Alexander was about to reply when Dani abruptly cut him off, raising her hand with an air of finality. Her voice was sharp,ced with clear disdain.

    ¡°Save your nonsense. The idea of sharing a man with another woman makes my skin crawl¡ªit¡¯s pathetic.¡±

    This remark set Alexander¡¯s blood boiling. His eyes narrowed into a hard re, and his voice turned frosty as he spoke.

    ¡°Is this truly what you want?¡±

    As Dani¡¯s serene expression held steady, Alexander felt a surge of resolve. Clearly, she needed to learn her lesson.

    If she thought she could leave him ande back like nothing happened, she was living in a fool¡¯s dream.

    Once this divorce was finalized, her life wouldn¡¯t be so easy. Even crawling on her knees wouldn¡¯t fix the mess she¡¯d made.

    With a firm grip, Alexander took hold of the pen and inked his name onto the agreement. The procedure unfolded with brisk efficiency, the staff wrapping up the formalities in a blink.

    Momentster, their divorce was finalized.

    Nearby, a group of onlookers voiced their astonishment.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 13

    ?Chapter 13:

    ¡°Can you believe it? Even a woman as breathtaking as her is getting divorced. Where¡¯s the fairness in that?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d love to know which fool is willing to divorce her. He must have been out of his mind.¡±

    ¡°Look at this guy¡ªnothing out of the ordinary. Why do the most radiant women settle for such a man?¡±

    ¡°Such a shame!¡±

    ¡°Miss, thinking about another shot at marriage? I know a few top-tier CEOs. Trust me, they¡¯d treat you way better than this joker!¡±

    Dani offered a gracious smile, her expression cloaked in politeness as she thanked him.

    Turning away, her gaze fell upon Alexander. He was a little distance away, his features twisted into a severe frown.

    Dani dismissed his sullen mood with a mere nce. Just as she was about to step away, her wrist was seized once more.

    Annoyance marred Dani¡¯s features as she wrenched her wrist back. Alexander¡¯s tone was icy, the chill in his words unmistakable.

    ¡°Dani, do you really think that throwing a fit and divorcing me will erase all our problems? Do you have any idea how much Joyce has been suffering? She¡¯s been haunted by nightmares from that fire for days.

    You should kneel before her and beg for forgiveness. It¡¯s time to own up to your mistakes!¡±

    Dani stood frozen, a shiver tracing her spine as his words sank in.

    ?????????v?????.co?? for more reading

    For a heartbeat, the world seemed to pause, her blood running cold. She met his gaze, the man she had known for over a decade, yet in that moment, he felt like a stranger.

    A sigh escaped her lips, soft and weary, yet her eyes began to twinkle with a defiant spark.

    ¡°Alexander, I couldn¡¯t agree more. People should pay the price for their mistakes.¡±

    A slow, knowing smile curled the corners of her lips. Joyce couldn¡¯t escape the consequences that wereing her way.

    Elite Lux¡¯s aircraft soared into the sky an hourter, leaving the familiarndscapes of the country far below.

    Dani remained seated quietly in the opulent cabin, her eyes cast downward in contemtion.

    By now, she surmised that the headlines and buzz in Olisvine were likely aze with the leaked audio and the footage of the fire. She had delivered the response Alexander had been pressing for. From that point forward, their connection was severed¡ªno obligations, no bonds, absolutely nothing lingered between them.

    Meanwhile, back at the headquarters of Phillips Group, the oppressive silence in the boardroom shattered with an unexpected knock. The executives whipped their heads around, eyes wide with disbelief at the boldness of the secretary daring to disturb the solemnity.

    After all, the memory was still fresh of the previous secretary who had interrupted Cedric Phillips¡¯ meeting, now enduring a bleak reassignment in Antarctica.

    While the executives silently sent their condolences to the unfortunate soul, the secretary confidently closed the distance to the stoic Cedric and whispered something.

    ¡°Really?¡± A flicker of relief passed over Cedric¡¯s usually rigid expression, a rare smile breaking through.

    The room of executives fell into stunned silence, unable to utter a single word.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 14

    ?Chapter 14:

    With a firm nod, the secretary confirmed, ¡°Yes, Mr. Phillips. They¡¯vepleted the divorce proceedings.¡±

    A ripple of curiosity surged through the room, stirring the appetites of the executives who thrived onpany gossip.

    Divorce? Who got divorced? What in the world was happening?

    Cedric abruptly stood and dered, ¡°That concludes today¡¯s meeting. Kevin, arrange the next flight out to Elite Lux for me.¡±

    The room fell silent, shock etching the faces of the executives. After Cedric left, an executive, driven by a blend of confusion and curiosity, reached out and grasped Kevin¡¯s arm.

    ¡°This is unprecedented! A five-minute meeting? Where is Mr. Phillips off to so urgently?¡±

    With a sly grin, Kevin responded, ¡°If everything goes as nned, Mr. Phillips will be walking down the aisle in no time.¡±

    His words hung in the air, leaving a trail of astonishment among the listeners.

    ¡°Yes, I love Alexander!¡±

    ¡°I was behind that fire! I instructed someone to douse the ce with gasoline, and I was the one who set it aze. I intended to ruin your wedding to Alexander!¡±

    ¡°So what if you¡¯re Dad¡¯s biological daughter? Anything you own, I¡¯ll snatch it away!¡±

    ¡°Dani, does it even matter that you¡¯re Dad¡¯s biological child? Look at yourself, kneeling before me. And what good will your cloud surveince footage do, Dani? No one¡¯s going to believe you anyway!¡±

    Chapters live now at ??????¦Ò????????.c§àm

    ¡°Your wedding is just the start. By the time I¡¯m done, your whole life will be in shambles!¡±

    Suddenly, the hashtag #TruthOfTheBrideInFire skyrocketed to prominence on social media. Audio clips mingled with visuals of a zing inferno circted rapidly across various tforms.

    Joyce was in the midst of a high-stakes executive meeting between Bet Group and Harper Group when the controversial video caught her eye.

    In a flurry of panic, she inadvertently pressed the y button, and instantly, her harsh and biting voice echoed through the conference room.

    Upon realizing her blunder, she looked up to see over a hundred executives from both corporations fixed on her, their faces etched with loaded res.

    Joyce¡¯s cheeks flushed a deep scarlet as she frantically waved her hands, eximing, ¡°That wasn¡¯t my voice! This is nder! It¡¯s a setup by Dani to destroy my reputation.

    You see now¡ªhow malevolent she is! I¡¯m contacting the police immediately!¡±

    Half an hourter, an in-depth professional analysis of the video and audio surfaced online. The findings confirmed that the audio and surveince footage were indeed genuine, with no signs of alteration or maniption.

    This disclosure struck Joyce like a brutal reprimand.

    Atst, Alexander grasped the true implications of Dani¡¯s earlier statement¡ªpeople should pay the price for their mistakes.

    But the fallout was merciless¡ªJoyce faced an online storm of hatred, her name dragged through the mud.

    ¡°Unbelievable! I¡¯ve never seen such audacity from a stepdaughter!¡±

    ¡°The audacity to make the real daughter kneel? I can¡¯t decide if it¡¯s cruel or just in ridiculous.¡±

    ¡°And really, what gave Joyce the nerve to start a fire at her stepsister¡¯s wedding? So Dani was the bride caught in the fire? All that nder, all those usations, and now it¡¯s clear she did nothing wrong. How embarrassing for them.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 15

    ?Chapter 15:

    ¡°It¡¯s truly sad. After her mother¡¯s passing, Dani has lost her father too. And let¡¯s be honest, would Joyce have dared such boldness if Caiden hadn¡¯t spoiled her?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t forget Alexander! His own wife was unjustly med, yet he sided with the one who lit the fire. What¡¯s happening between Joyce and Alexander, anyway?¡±

    ¡°Despicable man!¡±

    As the torrent of online vitriol continued, someone abruptly shared an image.

    Disyed was the divorce certificate of Alexander and Dani. Underneath the photo, the consensus in thements was clear.

    ¡°Justice is served!¡±

    Alexander perused the trending topics on his smartphone, his expression turning thunderous.

    With a forceful thud, he hurled the phone onto the table and barked at his secretary, ¡°What is the PR team even up to? Why wasn¡¯t I alerted before this scandal broke? These headlines have just sshed across the globe, and no one intervened?¡±

    The secretary, with a lowered gaze, responded tentatively, ¡°Mr. Bet, these topics surged unexpectedly. Our team is actively addressing it. It appears hackers instigated this, and we¡¯ve yet to neutralize it. The tech team is on it, and we anticipate a resolution shortly.¡±

    Alexander scoffed bitterly.

    ¡°It would be resolved shortly? Not instantly, not immediately, but shortly? By that time, the whole nation had witnessed it.¡±

    ¡°Dani, you¡¯ve truly cornered me this time,¡± he sneered under his breath, his anger barely contained.

    Fresh updates avable at ?@ln¦Ò¦Íe?s

    Since she dared to cross the line like this, forgiveness would be a luxury she¡¯d never see from him.

    As for rejoining the Bet family? She¡¯d better forget it¡ªthat door was mmed shut for good.

    His rage simmered to a boil.

    He positioned himself by the panoramic window, his stare icy and piercing. His brows knit tightly together, his whole presence exuding a forbidding, frosty aura.

    He was on the verge of telling his secretary to call Dani when his phone buzzed insistently in his pocket.

    It was his father.

    With a sense of foreboding, Alexander answered the call, only to be greeted by a barrage of anger.

    ¡°Alexander! Has Dani gone absolutely insane? Everyone is badgering me about whether you¡¯ve dumped Dani to fool around with her stepsister! Where the hell is Dani? I don¡¯t give a damn what you have to do¡ªget those damn posts deleted now!¡±

    Alexander¡¯s voice remainedposed.

    ¡°I understand.¡±

    His father, Richard Bet, was far from pacified.

    ¡°Tell Dani she¡¯s out of her goddamn mind if she thinks I¡¯ll ever forgive her for this!¡± The call terminated with an abrupt click, leaving a heavier frown on Alexander¡¯s face. Now Dani had truly incited Richard¡¯s wrath. It seemed she was courting disaster.

    Alexander resolved then and there that she was on her own. No more would he be her protector¡ªnot now, not ever.

    Today, Dani had truly stirred up a storm.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 16

    ?Chapter 16:

    Alexander attempted to call her, but it went to voicemail.

    Anger surged within him.

    What bullshit game was Dani ying this time?

    He thought to send her a message, only to realize he had been blocked. As he contemted his next move, his phone rang once more. It was none other than Caiden.

    ¡°Alexander! What the hell is wrong with Dani? Joyce is at home sobbing like crazy now!¡±

    Thements online had grown so rampant that Caiden found himself unable to face the others.

    People used him of favoring his stepdaughter. Some questioned whether he derived some twisted pleasure from parenting another man¡¯s child.

    Each bitingment sliced through Caiden¡¯s pride like a sharp knife. Some branded him a brazen social climber, suggesting he ascended the societal ranks on the coattails of Dani¡¯s deceased mother. Following her passing, he had allowed her daughter to be bullied by his stepdaughter.

    Critics mocked his so-called fragile masculinity, iming he resorted to such demeaning tactics merely to uphold it.

    Caiden, seething with fury, shattered several cups at home and bellowed at Alexander, ¡°Tell Dani if she¡¯s not home by the end of the day, she¡¯s out of the family for good!¡±

    Alexander responded, ¡°I divorced Dani today.¡±

    Find your next read at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    ¡°What?¡± The room seemed to tilt around Caiden.

    ¡°Dani divorced you? How dare she!¡±

    Alexander maintained hisposure.

    ¡°Our divorce is all over the inte.¡±

    Staggered, Caiden clutched at his chest, his breath hitching as his legs folded beneath him.

    Upon Alexander¡¯s arrival at the hospital, Katrina¡¯s loud sobs echoed down the hallway before he even stepped into the room.

    As he entered, he noticed the pronounced veins throbbing on Caiden¡¯s forehead, a testament to his simmering rage.

    The moment Caiden¡¯s eyes locked on Alexander, hemented, ¡°You have endured much. It is our disgrace that we raised such an ungrateful girl. Joyce has cleared everything up with us. The audio clip and footage are fabricated. She didn¡¯t say those things!¡±

    With tears streaming down her face, Katrina added, ¡°Absolutely, they¡¯re nothing but lies! Alexander, don¡¯t fret over the divorce with Dani.

    You and Joyce have grown up together.

    You two are a perfect match.¡±

    She then turned to Caiden, seeking confirmation.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that right, dear?¡± Caiden nodded vigorously, his face a mask of firm agreement. The intensity of his defense made it seem to any observer as though Joyce was his own flesh and blood.

    ¡°Indeed, it¡¯s well known that a marriage alliance exists between the Harper and Bet families. Alexander, you could marry Joyce instead. That way, we¡¯d still unite our families as intended.¡±

    Caiden nodded again, more eagerly this time.

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m going to make a public deration immediately, cutting ties with Dani. From this moment forward, Joyce is my only daughter.¡±

    Overwhelmed, Joyce burst into tears and rushed into Caiden¡¯s embrace.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 17

    ?Chapter 17:

    Between heavy sobs, she dered, ¡°Dad, I will be a good daughter to you. I¡¯ll take care of you when you¡¯re old!¡±

    Katrina dabbed at her eyes with a tissue in a theatrical disy of emotion and remarked to Alexander, ¡°Look at the touching bond between father and daughter!¡±

    Alexander stayed quiet throughout this exchange.

    Joyce wiped away her feigned tears and turned to Alexander with a coy smile.

    ¡°Alexander, when do you think we should get married?¡± Alexander¡¯s expression remained unreadable as he spoke in a t tone.

    ¡°I¡¯ll need to take this up with my family first.¡±

    Joyce¡¯s smile briefly wavered, revealing a flicker of disappointment before she rposed herself, donning her charming mask once again. With a soft, reassuring smile, she murmured, ¡°Alexander, I¡¯ll do anything you ask¡ªI¡¯m here for you.¡±

    After Alexander stepped out of the hospital room, Joyce hurried after him, her posture meek, radiating a timid and vulnerable charm. Her eyes, reddened from emotion, conveyed a blend of sorrow and distress.

    ¡°Alexander, is it because I¡¯m not my father¡¯s biological daughter that you hold back? Is that the real reason you won¡¯t marry me? Do you scorn me like the rest?¡±

    In her gestures and tone, Joyce mirrored Katrina, possessing an aura that seemed out of ce among refined circles. Her eyebrows arched slightly in a manner that seemed contrived, her voice overly sharine.

    Alexander studied her face in contemtive silence for a long moment before he finally responded, ¡°The audio and surveince footage weren¡¯t tampered with. I¡¯ve had experts verify their authenticity.¡±

    More updates uploaded to g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??ls

    Joyce froze in ce. She had not anticipated that Alexander would delve into the investigation himself.

    She had assumed his unwavering support would shield her, never imagining that the erased footage might be restored.

    She had underestimated Dani.

    Yet, with the truth nowid bare, denial was futile.

    ¡°Alexander, I¡¯m begging you, please believe me¡ªI had no other option!¡± Joyce implored, her hands concealing her tear-streaked face. Her voice quivered with desperation.

    ¡°Dani knew about my feelings for you and took delight in tormenting me behind the scenes. She branded me a misfit brought in by a stepmother, and mocked me for aiming too high, thinking I could ever aspire to be with someone like you. It drove me to the brink, and in a moment of sheer rage, Ished out. I had no idea Dani would stoop so low as to record everything. Alexander, I swear, I was driven to the edge.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s gaze fell on Joyce, her cheeks glistening with a cascade of tears.

    He kept his thoughts to himself, his voice low and steady.

    ¡°Now that you¡¯ve seen Dani¡¯s true colors, be more vignt.

    You¡¯re already under scrutiny. Don¡¯t make things harder for yourself.¡± With that, he turned and walked away.

    Joyce watched his departing figure, her eyes narrowing, a frosty expression settling over her face.

    ¡°Joyce, what¡¯s happening?¡± Katrina¡¯s voice broke through as she emerged from the hospital room.

    ¡°I had the perfect strategy lined up, but Dani came up with evidence. I totally underestimated her. Never mind¡ªshe¡¯s out of Alexander¡¯s world, and my path to sess is just starting to clear.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 18

    ?Chapter 18:

    Joyce nced briefly towards the hospital room, then leaned closer to Katrina, lowering her voice.

    ¡°Mom, push Caiden to cut all ties with Dani. Once he does, the Harper family will be within our reach.¡±

    Privately, Joyce never referred to Caiden as ¡°Dad.¡±

    Her strategy was clear: im the Harper family¡¯s wealth while Dani was sidelined, thus preventing any future entanglements should she return.

    As long as she wielded control over the Harper family fortune, the Bet family would overlook her modest origins.

    Then, securing a marriage with Alexander would be within reach.

    Katrina¡¯s smile held a hint of smug assurance.

    ¡°No need to worry. Caiden is fully wrapped around my finger.¡±

    The topic remained a hot issue online for over a week.

    Ultimately, Harper Group had no choice but to enlist a third-party PR firm to handle the fallout.

    However, merely an hourter, the controversy resurged, this time cementing its ce in the public eye for a whole month.

    Alexander, overwhelmed and exhausted, closed his eyes and demanded of the PR team, ¡°What happened this time?¡±

    It seemed these pesky trending topics simply refused to fade away.

    Your source for updates g?ln¦Ò¦Í??ls

    Thepany staff responded with candid transparency, ¡°Mr. Bet, previously it was a technical glitch. This time, someone has deliberately brought it back.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s frustration boiled over, his voice piercing as he barked, ¡°Who¡¯s behind it this time?¡±

    The answer came back clear and direct.

    ¡°My boss, Cedric Phillips.¡± Consequently, the scandalous revtions about how Caiden had ousted his own daughter for a woman, and Alexander¡¯s affair with his wife¡¯s stepsister, swept across the nation.

    Within days, the stocks of both groups nosedived to an all-time low.

    Driven to desperation, both families scoured for Dani.

    Yet, she had disappeared, erased from the world as though she had never been part of it at all.

    ¡°Where the hell did she disappear to?¡± Caiden bellowed, his voice thick with rage. Harper Group had endured catastrophic losses recently, unlike anything before.

    His eyes were bloodshot, a clear sign of his sleepless nights and boiling frustration.

    The situation was dire. If things didn¡¯t turn around soon, he might have no choice but to dere bankruptcy.

    Approaching Caiden cautiously, Joyce tried to soothe him.

    ¡°Dad, try to stay calm. Dani has always been stubborn.

    You know that.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s face flushed a deeper shade of red.

    In a fit of fury, he sent Dani a stern message, warning her that if she didn¡¯t address the chaos she¡¯d caused online within three days, he would take the drastic step of disowning her publicly.

    Meanwhile, Alexander had taken matters into his own hands by hiring a private investigator to track down Dani.

    Yet, after two agonizing weeks, there was still no word from the investigator.

    Katrina reached out to awyer.

    On the same day, Harper Group made a bombshell announcement that rocked the inte. Caiden, acting as the president, officially disowned Dani.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 19

    ?Chapter 19:

    For Alexander, there was no familial bond with Dani to sever, but the repercussions on thepany¡¯s reputation were severe and undeniable.

    He reached out to the investigator, his voice low and filled with dissatisfaction.

    ¡°I¡¯ve handed you a fortune, and you¡¯re telling me you can¡¯t track down a defenseless woman?¡±

    The investigator was equally perplexed.

    ¡°Mr. Bet, our team ranks among the finest in the nation. If she¡¯s eluding us, she¡¯s out of reach for anyone. But I must ask¡ªare you certain she is merely an ordinary woman? Could she perhaps be concealing a more formidable persona beneath her unassuming exterior? How else could she vanish without a trace?¡±

    With a deep sigh, Alexander squeezed his eyes shut, his mounting irritation finally breaking through.

    Dani was a woman everyone dismissed as a pathetic, lovesick fool. What secret could someone so pitiful possibly be hiding?

    Over thest decade, the most extreme thing Dani had ever done was love him fervently. What other feats could she have aplished? If it turned out Dani did harbor some secret identity, he would swallow his arrogant ims whole.

    ¡°Mr. Bet, should we consider engaging another private investigator?¡± Alexander¡¯s secretary offered.

    ¡°It¡¯s been quite some time. Maybe something has happened to her.¡±

    Positioned by the panoramic window, Alexander surveyed the teeming city streets below, his expression detached.

    For updates, visit ?¦Ál?ov??s.co?

    ¡°Forget it. She¡¯s the one who wanted the divorce, so whatever mess she¡¯s in now is her own problem, not mine.¡±

    Three months had passed when a stunning headline captured everyone¡¯s attention in Olisvine.

    ¡°Breaking News! Landmark of Olisvine Acquired by Mysterious Magnate!¡±

    The elite of the city were abuzz, their conversations brimming with intrigue and wild guesses.

    ¡°Can you believe it? Someone is rich enough to snag Olisvine¡¯s Luxor Tower!¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t the owner, Cyrus Bradley, say it would be a wedding gift for his daughter? Why would he part with it?¡±

    ¡°Money speaks volumes, and everythinges with a price tag,¡± Lucian Chavez, the CEO of a major hardware firm, remarked with a smirk, illustrating with a hand gesture.

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard the offer was so staggering that Cyrus couldn¡¯t refuse. The property was in someone else¡¯s hands the very next day.¡±

    A murmur of disbelief swept through the gathering.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe this!¡±

    ¡°Who is this buyer? It¡¯s not just about having such a fortune¡ªexecuting such a transaction is astounding. None of us here could envision managing such a feat. Who could this enigmatic tycoon be, wielding such significant financial power?¡±

    Their fascination wasced with respect and an undertone of caution. No one was eager to cross paths in a bad way with the potential new powerhouse of Olisvine.

    Turning to Alexander, one of them asked, ¡°Mr. Bet, you¡¯re the most knowledgeable among us. Do you have any insights about this tycoon?¡±

    Alexander offered a cryptic smile and his voice carried an enigmatic undertone as he replied, ¡°Whatever is destined to ur will unfold in its own time. Dwelling on spection is pointless.¡±

    Admiration flickered in the eyes of the others, once more struck by Alexander¡¯s poised aura.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 20

    ?Chapter 20:

    The sharp ring of Alexander¡¯s phone caught his attention. He rose with elegance and stated, ¡°If you¡¯ll excuse me for a moment.¡±

    As he strode towards the door to take the call, it burst open unexpectedly.

    A cold breeze swept past him, and the first thing he noticed was a dark, imposing figure entering the room. Looking up, Alexander realized the man was very tall.

    Chairs ttered against the floor as others stood hastily, their voices a mixture of awe and excitement.

    ¡°Mr. Phillips! Oh, what a pleasure to have you grace us with your presence!¡±

    Holding his phone with a firmer grip, Alexander stepped aside, yet his eyes remained momentarily fixed on the neer, whose chilling presence suggested a stern warning to those unacquainted.

    Coming back to his senses, Alexander finally spoke into the phone.

    ¡°Dad, what¡¯s going on?¡±

    Richard¡¯s voice crackled with enthusiasm through the phone.

    ¡°Did you hear? The Luxor Tower has been bought by Elite Lux¡¯s president!¡± His tone was low, as though he was wary of eavesdroppers.

    ¡°Have you ever heard of Elite Lux? It¡¯s the crown jewel among transnational design firms, with a valuation in the billions. Undeniably, they are the best of the best! Imagine the boundless opportunities if we could establish a connection with Elite Lux. Alexander, word has it that the president of Elite Lux will be visiting Luxor Tower tomorrow to review the renovations. I want you to bring ourpany¡¯s top-notch design portfolio and try to spark a partnership. Even if it doesn¡¯t result in a coboration, just catching the eye of Elite Lux¡¯s CEO could unlock a lot of opportunities for us in the future!¡±

    Alexander promptly straightened his tie and inquired, ¡°Any chance you could figure out what that CEO might like?¡±

    Richard replied, ¡°No, they keep a low profile. Nothing about them is publicly essible. However, they might have a taste for exquisite liquors or high-end watches. An opulent gift should definitely leave the perfect impression.¡±

    Find your adventure at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??§àm (uso de ¡°?¡± y ¡°§à¡± cir¨ªlica)

    Alexander nodded thoughtfully.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Just as he was about to disconnect, Richard chimed in with an afterthought, ¡°Oh, and if it fits into your schedule, take Joyce along with you. Her boutique was a fixture in the Luxury Tower, but with the recent sale, she¡¯s been forced to vacate. The building is andmark, after all, and she¡¯s understandably reluctant to leave it behind. From what I¡¯ve gathered, Caiden holds Joyce in high regard, almost as if she were his own kin. Should the Harper family¡¯s wealth indeed fall into her hands, I¡¯d see no issue with you pursuing her. Dani has lost her relevance. It¡¯s time to sever ties.¡±

    The words hung in the air as Alexander stood motionless, his expression nk and his gaze cast downward.

    Richard¡¯s voice broke the silence.

    ¡°Keep in mind, 8 a.m. sharp tomorrow ¡ªbring Joyce along. And make sure to remind her to dress appropriately. No over-the-top outfits!¡±

    Deep down, Alexander understood that Richard¡¯s view of Joyce was far from ttering.

    Her rural upbringing made her a stark contrast to those born with silver spoons in their mouths.

    Once the call ended, Alexander¡¯s mind lingered on selecting a suitable and impressive gift for his secretary to handle.

    By the time he arrived at the room, everyone was already clinking sses with Cedric.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 21

    ?Chapter 21:

    Moving closer, the man beside him spoke in a hushed tone.

    ¡°This guy¡¯s not one to mess with. Rumor has it, he just snagged the Skyline Tower right across from the Luxor Tower! Talk about a bold move. Looks like he¡¯s setting up to be neighbors with Elite Lux¡¯s CEO¡ªwhat a powerhouse pairing!¡±

    This revtion forced Alexander to proceed with measured steps. He cast a quick, cautious nce at Cedric, who, sensing the attention, locked eyes with him in a cold, piercing stare.

    Alexander acknowledged him with a ss raised high, toasting to the ambitious neer from a distance.

    However, no sooner had he reced his ss on the table than Cedric averted his eyes, ignoring Alexander for the remainder of the event. The man beside Alexander leaned in and asked, ¡°Have you somehow angered Mr. Phillips?¡±

    Alexander shook his head in response, his expression unchanging.

    The man continued, ¡°You should tread carefully around him. He¡¯s not one to be trifled with¡ªruthless and decisive. The man possesses a remarkable shrewdness; crossing him could invite relentless retribution. Frightening thought, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Spurred by thement, Alexander¡¯s eyes flicked back to Cedric, seated calmly across the table.

    Within their industry, a veneer of politeness was typically upheld; outright antagonism was a rarity.

    Yet, Cedric exuded an aura of authority that was hard to ignore. Alexander¡¯s eyes lingered on Cedric, who checked his phone with practiced ease before standing with quiet authority.

    L?t??¦Ó ch¨»¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?????.??????

    Passing by Alexander, Cedric spoke quietly into the phone.

    ¡°What time should I pick you up?¡±

    His voice was casual, yet it carried a subtle undertone of affection.

    Alexander¡¯s sharp curiosity was instantly stirred.

    Who was this person that even the stoic man would make personal arrangements to fetch?

    Moreover, the voice responding on the other end of the call struck a chord of recognition in him.

    It was a voice he was certain he had heard before.

    Alexander went to the luxury goods boutique to select a gift for the CEO of Elite Lux.

    Joyce walked alongside him, her chatter bubbling with energy.

    ¡°See, Alexander? Bringing me along was the best decision you made. I asked my friend, and she told me the CEO of Elite Lux is handsome and a golf aficionado. It seems all these high-flying CEOs have a penchant for the game these days. Imagine gifting him a golf club¡ªhe¡¯d be over the moon.¡±

    Alexander cast a skeptical nce her way, his brow furrowing slightly.

    ¡°Are you certain about this?¡±

    Joyce nodded emphatically, her eyes sparkling with certainty.

    ¡°Absolutely! My friend is incredibly well-connected. This is advice you can count on.¡±

    Yet, Alexander¡¯s silence lingered, clouded by disbelief.

    The CEO of Elite Lux was discreet, and tangible details about their personal likes were scarce. Alexander found himself questioning the credibility of Joyce¡¯s so-called ¡°well-connected¡± source, especially given that thest time he had acted on such advice, it had led to an embarrassing fiasco.

    ¡°Come on.¡± Joyce looped her arm through his and tugged him toward a nearby golf store.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 22

    ?Chapter 22:

    ¡°Trust me on this, Alexander. This enigmatic CEO is definitely into golf. My friend is tight with him, and he even promised to make introductionster. Let¡¯s just pick out a club.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s uncertainty lingered as he followed Joyce into the shop, his confidence buoyed by her evident assurance.

    ¡°What do you think of this one?¡± Joyce paused before a golf club, beckoning him closer.

    Peering at the price tag, Alexander saw the figure: eight thousand dors. The amount struck him as too modest.

    For the CEO of Elite Lux, such a modestly priced gift might not even merit a second nce.

    Yet Joyce, radiating satisfaction, countered his concerns.

    ¡°Do you realize how tough it is to earn a buck these days? Besides, my friend is setting up this meeting. We don¡¯t need to splurge on a gift. The CEO of Elite Lux already has more than enough. It¡¯s our sincerity that will resonate with him, not the price tag.¡±

    Her words did little to assuage Alexander¡¯s difort. The cost of the gift wasn¡¯t merely about the money¡ªit was a testament to their regard for the recipient.

    Despite his reservations, Joyce¡¯s optimism was infectious.

    ¡°This is it. It¡¯s absolutely perfect!¡±

    I@te$t ¡é#@pter$ In g@!novel$.c0m

    Her smile broadened, touched by a spark of anticipation. Recent events had cast a shadow over both their families, and Joyce was intent on mending fences and gaining Alexander¡¯s esteem.

    ¡°Trust me on this, Alexander. My friend won¡¯t let you down. Once we meet, all you need to do is focus on your proposal. It¡¯ll go smoothly, I promise!¡±

    Alexander gazed at Joyce¡¯s self-assured expression with a hint of uncertainty.

    ¡°Are you sure?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely!¡± Joyce responded with a vigorous nod, her eyes gleaming with conviction.

    As Alexander handled the payment, Joyce lingered by his side, her brow furrowed in mild frustration.

    ¡°Why even go through with this, Alexander? It¡¯s simply throwing money away. In today¡¯s world, it¡¯s not what you know, but who you know. Having me by your side should suffice. Whyvish money on such trivialities? Just have the staff at the golf shop package it nicely. I¡¯m not demanding like that spoiled Dani.¡±

    With these words, Joyce¡¯s face lit up with a smug triumph, her demeanor dripping with disdain. She radiated an air of superiority, as if she stood leagues above Dani.

    Joyce believed this demonstration of frugality would convince Alexander of her worthiness as a partner, perhaps even leading him to propose.

    Alexander, meanwhile, brought the golf club home.

    A look of stunned incredulity washed over Richard¡¯s face the instant he noticed the price tag.

    He spun around, his gaze piercing Alexander as he pointed at the golf club.

    ¡°You¡¯re not seriously thinking of gifting this to the CEO of Elite Lux, are you?¡±

    Alexander tried to rify his intentions, but Richard burst into scornfulughter.

    ¡°That cheap, penny-pinching mindset runs so deep in Joyce, it¡¯s pathetic. She¡¯s leagues behind Dani. Remember thest golf club Dani presented? It was leagues beyond this! And now you n to offer this worthless stick to the CEO of Elite Lux? Alexander, you¡¯re not seriously trying to embarrass yourself, are you?¡±

    Even Alexander had to admit the gift, Joyce¡¯s rmendation, came off as slightly unimpressive.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 23

    ?Chapter 23:

    Just as he was about to instruct his secretary to exchange it for a superior golf club, his phone rang with an urgent update.

    ¡°I¡¯ve just heard from reliable sources¡ªthe CEO of Elite Lux¡¯s ne touched down ahead of schedule! They¡¯ll be at the Luxor Tower within the hour!¡±

    Exhaling deeply, Richard strolled into the storage room and emerged with a gift box, elegantly wrapped.

    ¡°Take this instead¡ªthe golf club Dani gave me before. It¡¯ll make a better gift for the CEO of Elite Lux.¡±

    Curiosity piqued, Alexander examined the club¡¯s intricate patterns and thebel on the box.

    ¡°Is this a custom design?¡±

    Earlier that morning, a shop assistant had mentioned, ¡°Anything custom-designed starts at a minimum of two million.¡± Alexander was aware that Dani frequently bestowed gifts upon Richard, yet thevishness of this gesture was unexpected.

    ¡°Two million?¡± Richard gestured towards the inscriptions on the club.

    ¡°This piece is the creation of a globally acimed golf club artisan. It¡¯s a singr masterpiece¡ªnot even four million could buy one.¡±

    Alexander clutched the golf club tighter, his eyes widening in disbelief.

    Dani¡­

    When did she acquire such wealth?

    Every tale finds a home at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    As far as he knew, ever since the death of her mother and with Katrina at the helm of the Harper family¡¯s finances, Dani had been cut off from any family allowance. How, then, did she manage to fund such an extravagant gift?

    As they approached their meeting with the CEO of Elite Lux, Joyce was bursting with excitement, eagerly sharing every bit of insider information she had gathered.

    ¡°The CEO of Elite Lux is a prodigy! By his teens, he was leading a team of young virtuosos, making a ssh on the global scene. Against all odds, he turned a simple sketch into an overnight sess. He didn¡¯t stop there. After banking his millions, he rapidly scaled up his operations. Now, he stands as the wealthiest individual globally. Despite his wealth, he¡¯s known for being down-to-earth and extraordinarily sharp.¡±

    Joyce¡¯s face was alight with admiration, her gaze locked onto an approaching stretch Lincoln, its rarity underscored by its sleek lines. She nudged Alexander enthusiastically, barely containing her glee.

    ¡°Look, Alexander! There¡¯s the car! It must be him¡ªthe CEO of Elite Lux!¡±

    Minutester, the car glided to a halt in front of Luxor Tower. As Lillian emerged first, the anticipation hung heavily in the air.

    Then, the rear door opened slowly.

    Joyce¡¯s eyes widened in suspense, her breath caught in her throat, ready to finallyy eyes on the fabled, dashing CEO of Elite Lux.

    In the blink of an eye, her thrill morphed into sheer astonishment. Her mouth hung open, agape, as seconds stretched into what seemed like an eternity.

    ¡°Dani!¡± Joyce¡¯s voice pierced the silence, high-pitched and incredulous.

    ¡°What the hell are you doing here? And in the CEO of Elite Lux¡¯s car, no less?¡±

    Her eyes narrowed as she scrutinized Dani¡¯s impable appearance, her mind racing to piece together the scene before her. In a scornful tone dripping with malice, she hissed, ¡°After leaving the Harper family and being dumped by Alexander, you seduced the CEO of Elite Lux, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    Joyce¡¯s gaze burned with loathing and scorn as she stared at Dani.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 24

    ?Chapter 24:

    ¡°Have you no shred of dignity left?¡±

    Catching sight of Joyce was thest thing Dani expected upon her return. What bad luck!

    Blinded by jealousy, Joyce dashed towards the vehicle, peering inside with eager, searching eyes. Where was the CEO of Elite Lux? She was determined to expose Dani¡¯s true nature to him.

    Dani¡¯s divorce was still recent, yet somehow she had already found herself a new benefactor. The idea was uneptable to Joyce. She couldn¡¯t stand idly by and watch this unfold.

    Frantically, Joyce searched the vehicle, but it waspletely empty¡ªno one was there.

    Dani watched Joyce¡¯s frantic gestures with evident disdain.

    ¡°Dani!¡± Joyce jabbed a finger at her, her voice sharp and using.

    ¡°Where¡¯s the CEO of Elite Lux? Where did you hide him?¡±

    Dani calmly summoned the security.

    ¡°There¡¯s a delusional woman here causing a scene. Could you kindly take care of this?¡±

    At that moment, the building manager hurried over with a broad smile.

    ¡°Hello, Ms. Harper. Mr. Phillips had nned to greet you himself today, but he¡¯s been dyed due to his car breaking down. He should be here shortly. He¡¯s instructed us to extend every courtesy to you. The renovations on the upper floors, tailored to your specifications, are well underway. Additionally, in response to your request, we¡¯ve begun the process of renaming the Luxor Tower. The new signage will be installed by this evening.¡±

    Let your mind wander with g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s©q??????

    Dani nodded in acknowledgment, showing her appreciation.

    Leading the way, the manager ushered Dani through the grand entrance of the building.

    He paused briefly, turning to address the security team.

    ¡°Stay vignt at the doors. We are not to admit anyone without proper clearance. Remember, Ms. Harper is not only our esteemed guest but the new proprietor of this establishment. Should she express any dissatisfaction, be prepared to vacate your positions immediately.¡±

    The security guards responded with quick, solemn nods, underscoring the seriousness of the manager¡¯s orders.

    Dani and the manager continued into the heart of the building. Outside, Alexander and Joyce remained momentarily frozen by the unfolding events.

    It took Joyce several moments to find her voice as the newly installed sign arrived.

    With ¡°Harper¡± prominently disyed, recing the old name on the iconic Olisvinendmark, Joyce¡¯s astonishment was palpable.

    Turning to Alexander, she eximed, ¡°Alexander, did you see that? Dani has not only secured ties with the CEO of Elite Lux, but she¡¯s also convinced him to rename an entire building in her honor! It seems she¡¯s thoroughly enchanted the CEO!¡±

    Alexander¡¯s expression darkened.

    Since getting out of the car, Dani hadn¡¯t spared him a single nce.

    Just a few months ago, she had loved him deeply. But now, after bing involved with the CEO of Elite Lux, she looked at him as though he were a stranger.

    Joyce, noticing Alexander¡¯s growing discontent, adjusted a loose lock of her hair and remarked, ¡°Alexander, didn¡¯t I warn you? Women like Dani¡ªgorgeous and maniptive¡ªalways know how to use their beauty.

    You doubted me before, but now you see the truth. Fresh off her marriage, and she¡¯s wasting no time seducing the CEO of Elite Lux. Utterly disgraceful.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 25

    ?Chapter 25:

    Her tone grew increasingly jealous, though she seemed unaware of it.

    Alexander¡¯s features grew even more somber.

    Next to him, Joyce¡¯s jaw tightened in frustration.

    ¡°Alexander, did you see that? Danipletely ignored you¡ªacted like you were invisible! Remember how she used to pursue you relentlessly? Now, with her newfound status, she parades around, full of arrogance. I¡¯d bet she hasn¡¯t even told the CEO of Elite Lux about her divorce. The moment the CEO arrives, I¡¯ll expose Dani for the maniptive liar she¡¯s always been!¡±

    Joyce was still haunted by the humiliation from the audio and surveince footage. Seeing Dani not only escape the consequences but also cozy up to someone as influential as the CEO of Elite Lux was unbearable.

    Her fury simmered, growing with each passing second. Dani¡¯s luck couldn¡¯tst forever.

    There was no way she would let this slide. This was her chance to expose Dani¡¯s deceit, rip away her mask, and revel in her downfall. Dani¡¯s fall would be her opportunity to rise, using it as a stepping stone for her own ascent.

    Alexander stood there, his face a mask of neutrality, eyes fixed on some distant point.

    After waiting for an hour, Joyce could no longer endure the cold silence. She shuddered, wrapping her arms around herself and huffing warm breath into her hands for warmth. Turning to Alexander with a tremor, her voice tinged with impatience, she spoke.

    ¡°Alexander, do you think the CEO of Elite Lux will actually show up? Renovating a building is no small feat. Surely, he wouldn¡¯t entrust such an important task to Dani. What does she even know about it?¡±

    While speaking, Joyce took her phone out of her coat pocket and dialed a number. The call connected almost immediately, and her friend¡¯s voice came through,ced with surprise and disbelief.

    ¡°What are you talking about? You¡¯ve got to be kidding me. My friend in security just confirmed that the CEO of Elite Lux is in the building. Why are you still waiting out there?¡±

    Joyce grabbed Alexander¡¯s hand and hurried him inside. They were stopped by a vignt security guard, but she quickly adapted, finding a hidden path through a cramped corridor used for discarding kitchen waste from the cafeteria. The pungent scent of her perfume mixed with the acrid smell of rotting garbage, creating a nauseatingbination that was almost overwhelming.

    With clenched fists and gritted teeth, she muttered bitterly to Alexander, ¡°Get through this, and you¡¯ll outshine them all!¡± She was fiercely determined to expose Dani¡¯s maniptions before the CEO of Elite Lux.

    The sting of humiliation still burned brightly in her memory¡ªthe ridicule she faced when the audio and surveince footage had been made public. But today, she was set to turn the tables.

    Dani had sold her dignity to be the CEO of Elite Lux¡¯s mistress! Joyce was prepared to broadcast this scandal to all of Olisvine, solidifying her position as the true heiress of the Harper family.

    Driven by her vengeful n, Joyce logged into her livestream ount. As the elevator ascended to the top floor, she activated the live feed. Turning to the camera, she shed a sweet, disarming smile.

    ¡°Hello, everyone! This is Joyce speaking. Today, something unbelievable happened¡ªI received a call to meet up with my sister, who¡¯s been out of touch for three months. These months without her were unbearable for my parents and me. Despite the silence from her end, our affection for her only grew. Now, hearing that she¡¯s back in the country, I¡¯m bursting with curiosity to find out what she¡¯s been up to. Join me on this journey as we catch up with my beloved sister!¡±

    Joyce expertly angled her phone to capture the intensity of her emotions.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 26

    ?Chapter 26:

    In a clever move, Joyce discreetly texted Katrina, prompting her to make sure Caiden watched the livestream by ident. With a practiced, sweet smile stered on her face, Joyce exited the elevator.

    Dani was by the window, her eyes fixed on the sprawling urbanndscape below. As Joyce confidently approached, phone raised and recording, Dani remained her focus. Nearby, Lillian stepped forward, intent on intervening.

    However, Dani reached out, cing a reassuring hand on Lillian¡¯s arm to stop her. Lillian nced at Dani, who said, ¡°Now that she¡¯s here, let¡¯s not waste the opportunity. We might as well use her little spectacle to drum up some free publicity for myeback and Elite Lux.¡±

    With a chuckle, Lillian nodded, giving Dani a silent thumbs-up in agreement.

    Joyce entered, unaware of the undercurrents swirling in the room. Her camera was already rolling as she captured the grandeur of the opulent office, her voice bubbling with excitement.

    ¡°Wow, look at this, everyone! Can you believe my sister? Only three months on her own,pletely cut off financially by our family, and she¡¯s already made it into one of the most prestigious buildings in the city. And here she is, being personally hosted by the manager! Isn¡¯t my sister just remarkable?¡±

    Her tone, though seemingly admiring, dripped with sarcasm and insinuations, suggesting that Dani might have ascended the socialdder through less-than-reputable means.

    Continuing her broadcast, Joyce turned her critical gaze on the manager and quipped sharply, ¡°You should watch out. Some people just can¡¯t help but lie. I¡¯d bet Dani doesn¡¯t even have a hundred bucks in her pocket right now.¡±

    The manager took a step forward, intending to rify the situation, but a nce from Dani stopped him. Dani¡¯s signal was clear to the manager¡ªlet the idiot put on their pathetic little show.

    L¨»¦Ó??¦Ó c§ß¦Á¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ??n g??l??ov?l??.??o??

    Joyce spotted Dani stopping the manager, confirming her suspicions. A self-satisfied grin spread across her face. With a raised eyebrow, she taunted, ¡°I got it right, didn¡¯t I?¡±

    d in her flowing, elegant gown, Dani returned a serene smile.

    ¡°Indeed, I don¡¯t have a hundred bucks on me right now.¡±

    At Dani¡¯s admission, Joyce could barely contain her glee. Her eyes sparkled with a victorious gleam. Dani was on the verge of embarrassment.

    ¡°Listen up, everyone! She just confessed. She doesn¡¯t even have a hundred bucks, but here she is, putting on a show like she¡¯s a millionaire. So, Dani, are you actually the Elite Lux CEO¡¯s mistress, or is this just another one of your pathetic lies? Did you deceive the manager to gain entry to this esteemed establishment? I once thought you were merely superficial and materialistic, but now it¡¯s clear you¡¯re aplete chatan. Are you aware that such deceit couldnd you behind bars?¡±

    Joyce was thoroughly convinced of Dani¡¯s duplicity, yet Dani observed with a calm demeanor as Joyce embarrassed herself.

    Meanwhile, Joyce¡¯s theatrical tirade was already making waves online. Caiden was the first toment, his words full of indignation.

    ¡°Dani! Will you stop at nothing to tarnish the Harper name? Joyce, inform Dani that I¡¯ve cut all ties with her. From this moment forward, her actions and her words are her own. She is no longer my daughter.¡±

    Following his outburst, the inte buzzed with reactions from the public.

    ¡°Oh my, is her father really casting her aside so publicly?¡±

    ¡°What did Joyce just announce? Dani is linked with the CEO of Elite Lux? Are we talking about the same Elite Lux? The one that¡¯s a titan in the international design industry?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 27

    ?Chapter 27:

    ¡°It must be! Didn¡¯t you catch the location in the background? That¡¯s the iconic tower in Olisvine! Who else but the CEO of Elite Lux could be involved with such andmark?¡±

    ¡°Dani certainly moves in impressive circles if she¡¯s acquainted with someone like the CEO of Elite Lux!¡±

    ¡°Dani looks breathtaking today. Did anyone else see her ensemble? It¡¯s the newest limited edition from Elite Lux. Absolutely stunning, though the price tag is astronomical.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, does anyone know how much it costs? I¡¯m tempted myself!¡±

    ¡°I do! The whole outfit runs over a million¡ªnot even counting the heels Dani was sporting. But let¡¯s be honest, the exquisite craftsmanship and design of Elite Lux are worth every penny.¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re entering the domestic market soon. With some luck, the prices will be far more essible. I¡¯m thrilled at the thought of finally wearing a luxurybel myself!¡±

    The conversation shifted away from Joyce¡¯s allegations, centering instead on Dani¡¯s stunning beauty and grace.

    Fuming with frustration as her conspiracy crumbled, Joyce barked at the camera, ¡°Listen¡ªdon¡¯t be swayed by such twisted values! Dani¡¯s just a climber, hanging on the coattails of the influential! She¡¯s even been forsaken by her own father!¡±

    Meanwhile, Dani remained beside the expansive window, her demeanorposed. A beam of sunlight sliced through the gloom, spotlighting her and casting an ethereal glow.

    A torrent of eager, heartfeltments overflowed across the screen.

    Uncover new tales on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s??om

    ¡°Wow! She looks simply divine!¡±

    Joyce¡¯s gazended on Dani, and for a moment, she was transfixed by her luminous presence. Regaining herposure, she marched up and spat out usatorily, ¡°Dani! What filthy schemes did you pull to sink your ws into the CEO of Elite Lux? You¡¯re just a gutter rat dressed in stolen silk!¡±

    Dani¡¯sughter was light but resonant. Gazing into Joyce¡¯s twisted, angry face, she replied with a calm, mocking smile, ¡°Why not gaze into a mirror and see who truly resembles an ugly gutter rat?¡±

    She entuated ¡°ugly¡± in a biting tone, her words slicing through the tension.

    Joyce¡¯s face flushed a fiery red. From the moment Katrina introduced her into the Harper family, endlessparisons to Dani shadowed her every move. Over and over, they deemed her no match for Dani¡¯s charm. It was intolerable for her.

    et the stark truth was unavoidable. Her protests only underscored her desperation.

    Her appearance, a tender sore spot that haunted her endlessly, became Dani¡¯s cruel weapon, viciously twisted to publicly disgrace her and deepen the wounds she already carried.

    Engulfed by fury, Joyce was on the brink of exploding. Right when she was about to retaliate, the elevator doors parted with a whoosh.

    Spotting someone through the opening, Joyce turned to Alexander, her voice filled with anticipation.

    ¡°Alexander, 100k! There¡¯s Joshua Dennis¡ªthe one I¡¯ve been talking about. He¡¯s connected to the CEO of Elite Lux. He¡¯s about to uncover Dani as the imposter she truly is.¡± Joyce then confidently pointed her livestream camera towards Joshua, waving at him with a radiant smile.

    ¡°Joshua¡­¡±

    However, Joshua tantly ignored her and walked straight to Dani. shing a polite smile, he gave a slight bow.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 28

    ?Chapter 28:

    ¡°Ms. Harper, it¡¯s a pleasure to meet you. I¡¯m Joshua Dennis from Dennis Electronics. We met briefly at an international g. It¡¯s a genuine pleasure to see you again. My father intended to be here, but unfortunately, his car broke down. I¡¯ve taken the liberty of arranging a dinner. I¡¯d be honored if you joined us.¡±

    Joyce remained rooted to the spot, her face etched with disbelief. She gazed at Joshua¡ªtypically so haughty and domineering¡ªyet now, he stood before them, subdued and hardly able to meet Dani¡¯s gaze. Her incredulity quickly morphed into a sharp, derisiveugh. Clutching Joshua¡¯s arm, she gestured wildly towards Dani.

    ¡°Are you freaking insane, Joshua? Did I hear you right? You¡¯re telling me that Dani¡ªof all people¡ªis the CEO of Elite Lux?¡±

    Spinning towards her livestream camera, Joyce couldn¡¯t contain her amusement, and herughter boomed, echoing in the air. Tugging at Alexander¡¯s sleeve, she amplified her tone for dramatic effect.

    ¡°Alexander, did you hear that? He¡¯s iming Dani is the CEO of Elite Lux! Can you believe that? It¡¯s the grandest joke I¡¯ve heard in years!¡±

    Joyce burst into uncontrobleughter, her body shaking as she nearly folded over from the sheer hrity.

    Alexander extended a hand to steady her.

    Joyce faced the camera and eximed, ¡°Guys, if Dani¡¯s really the CEO of Elite Lux, I¡¯ll eat a fresh pile of crap for dessert.¡±

    Joshua stood to the side, his jaw dropping. Inviting Joyce had been his call, but now unease crept in, the thought of upsetting Dani making his heart race.

    L§Ñt??t ch¨»pt?rs ?n g??ln¦Ïv?ls.??¦Ï??

    With a storm in his stride, Joshua marched up to Joyce and delivered a stinging p across her face.

    ¡°Have you lost your mind?¡±

    Theughter vanished from Joyce¡¯s face, reced by a stunned silence. She touched her swelling cheek, staring at Joshua in utter disbelief.

    ¡°Why did you hit me?¡±

    With a fiery re and a low growl, Joshua spat, ¡°What the hell is wrong with you? She¡¯s the freaking CEO of Elite Lux, and you¡¯re sitting here spouting nonsense about eating crap? Where is your sense of decorum? I told you to bring a gift, not insults. Where¡¯s the gift?¡±

    His gaze flickered towards the two boxes Alexander clutched in his hands.

    Joyce pointed to the less expensive of the two, priced at eight thousand dors.

    ¡°That one.¡±

    Without hesitation, Joshua yanked the box, gripped Joyce¡¯s arm, and went straight for Dani.

    With a strained smile stered on his face, he began, ¡°Ms. Harper, please ept my apologies for the disruption. This is my friend, Joyce Holt. We crossed paths overseas a few years back.¡± He tapped his temple lightly, his expression wary as he continued, ¡°She¡¯s a bit out of sorts today. Nevertheless, she¡¯s one of your ardent admirers and even brought a present for you.¡±

    As he lifted the lid of the box, an eight-thousand-dor golf club was revealed.

    With one nce at the contents, Joshua¡¯s expression grew grim. He shot a quick, piercing look at Joyce, then at Alexander.

    Dani, on the other hand, let out a chuckle as she picked up the golf club.

    ¡°An admirer, you say? This club¡­¡±

    She nced at the price tag, a wry smile creeping across her features.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 29

    ?Chapter 29:

    ¡°Eight thousand dors¡­¡±

    Red-faced and clearly flustered, Joshua shoved the golf club back into the box.

    ¡°I¡¯m terribly sorry, Ms. Harper. These two¡­ well, their judgment can be a bit off at times!¡±

    He then spun around to confront Joyce, his voice thick with frustration.

    ¡°Joyce! Are you seriously this clueless? This is Ms. Harper, the CEO of Elite Lux! Her empire includes golf courses that span thousands of acres, and here you are offering her a golf club worth a mere eight thousand dors. Are you out of your damn mind? This is simply outrageous!¡±

    In a fluster, Joshua scrambled for the other box.

    Upon opening it, his features rxed, a look of relief washing over him.

    Now, this was a gift befitting the asion.

    With both hands, he presented the box to Dani.

    Dani, who had so far seemed unimpressed, raised an eyebrow. Her eyes glinted with a touch of irony as she inspected the box.

    She reached inside and drew out a stunning, custom-tailored golf club, its wless finish radiating sophistication.

    Joshua added, ¡°Ms. Harper, please consider the first one just a small extra token. This right here is the true gift meant for you.¡±

    As a golf enthusiast, Joshua immediately recognized its value¡ªit was worth at least ten million dors.

    L?t?st ch¦Ápt?rs ¦Én g??l??ov§Ö???.????

    A smile tugged subtly at the corners of Dani¡¯s mouth as she studied the club.

    ¡°Is this golf club really for me?¡±

    The second she saw it, recognition washed over her¡ªit was the very gift she had bestowed upon Richard.

    Alexander¡¯s face clouded over. He remained silent, choosing not to answer Dani¡¯s query.

    To him, a golf club was merely a piece of sports equipment. Surely, Dani couldn¡¯t actually recognize this specific one, could she?

    Dani pointed at the grip of the club, where the surname ¡°Bet¡± was elegantly engraved.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know the Bet family was involved in making golf clubs.¡±

    Upon hearing that, Joshua suddenly stiffened, his smile falteringpletely. He peered down at the golf club, and a crimson flush spread across his face. Seriously, even the dumbest person alive would know this club was custom-made.

    ¡°Re-gifting, huh?¡± Dani pressed, her voice even butced with unmistakable sarcasm.

    ¡°Mr. Bet, you certainly have a talent for business.¡±

    Joshua was taken aback. Having just returned from overseas, he was utterly baffled by Dani¡¯s insinuation.

    At that moment, Lillian stepped in, her fingers wrapping around the club¡¯s handle.

    ¡°If Mr. Bet is going to treat our boss¡¯s generosity like trash, then we¡¯re more than entitled to take it back,¡± she said, pulling the golf club back.

    The atmosphere turned excruciatingly tense, the silence bearing down like a merciless weight, suffocating any chance of recovery. The only disruption was Joyce, muttering incredulously to herself, ¡°What the hell? How on earth could this even be possible?¡±

    She couldn¡¯t ept the revtion that Dani, of all people, was the CEO of Elite Lux. Dani had been disowned and discarded by her own father, Caiden. How on earth had she ascended to such heights?

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 30

    ?Chapter 30:

    Joyce¡¯s mind reeled from the shock. With a brittle chuckle, she turned to Joshua, desperation coloring her tone.

    ¡°Joshua,e on, cut the act. How much did Dani pay you to concoct this borate prank? It¡¯s not amusing in the slightest.¡±

    Joshua¡¯s cheeks flushed a deep shade of crimson, his difort palpable.

    Alexander¡¯s gaze was dark and inscrutable.

    Meanwhile, online, the announcement about Elite Lux set off a frenzy, with everyone buzzing in excitement and spection.

    ¡°Everyone, check this out! Elite Lux just dropped a bombshell on their¡­¡±

    ¡°Elite Lux is branching out! They¡¯re entering the domestic market, led by none other than their CEO, Dani Harper. She¡¯s at the forefront of their expansion into Olisvine. Thepany is full of praise and is rooting for her sess!¡±

    A chilling silence descended upon the room, the air thick with disbelief and shock. Every gaze was fixed on Elite Lux¡¯s official announcement, with expressions ranging from stunned to incredulous¡ªeveryone except Joyce, who seemed oddly unaffected.

    ¡°Ha! Dani, look at you, all high and mighty! You even went so far as to hack Elite Lux¡¯s official site to spread your fake news. Just wait until they catch on and hit you with awsuit!¡± Joyce¡¯sughter rang out, manic and cruel.

    As herughter echoed through the room, Joyce finally noticed the sober stares of everyone around her.

    The echo of Joyce¡¯sughter faded, leaving behind an eerie stillness. She moved closer to Alexander, tugging at his sleeve.

    Exclusive updates avable g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    ¡°Alexander, surely you don¡¯t believe this nonsense, do you? This is Dani we¡¯re talking about¡ªthe same woman who has adored you for over a decade! How can she suddenly be the CEO of Elite Lux? Does she even have the resources or the capacity to achieve something like this? We¡¯re standing in the iconic building of Olisvine¡ªandmark! How could Dani, of all people, manage to own such a ce? Alexander, it¡¯s impossible that she¡¯s the CEO of Elite Lux. Don¡¯t be deceived by her!¡±

    For more than twenty years, Dani had yed the perfect role of the Harper family¡¯s heiress. And for the same duration, Joyce had lived under her shadow. Dani was renowned for her beauty, grace, and intellect¡ªqualities that allowed her to shine in every pursuit. But now? She was supposed to have fallen from grace, disgraced by the Bet family.

    Yet here she stood, radiating the prestige of Elite Lux.

    How could Joyce possiblye to terms with this?

    Alexander turned to face Dani. Unlike Joyce, he maintained hisposure. Though the revtion had shaken him, he couldn¡¯t deny the undeniable reality before him.

    If the circumstances had been different, Dani wouldn¡¯t have been able to step foot inside this establishment, let alone receive such a warm wee from Joshua and the building manager.

    A subtle smile curved on Dani¡¯s lips, and Alexander found the expression strangely unsettling.

    He looked at her, his voice tinged with confusion and a hint of usation.

    ¡°If you¡¯re really the CEO of Elite Lux, why keep that a secret until now? Did you find amusement in this charade?¡± Was her pretense of vulnerability just a scheme to earn his sympathy? What a sly maniptor she was.

    As these thoughts swirled in his mind, an old memory surfaced.

    Richard had mentioned that the CEO of Elite Lux had be a prominent figure while still a teenager. After the release of her celebrated final work, ¡°Unrequited Love,¡± she had suddenly receded from the limelight. The rumors at the time had been tantalizing; many spected that this young visionary had fallen in love, choosing romance over her career.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 31

    ?Chapter 31:

    And now, if Dani truly was that CEO, had she abandoned her role at Elite Lux for the sake of love? More intriguingly, who was the person who had captured her heart?

    Standing apart, Alexander observed Dani, his mind clouded by a sense of bewildering estrangement. For the first time, he realized that perhaps he had never truly known her.

    Unfazed by Alexander¡¯s intense gaze, Dani offered a slight, enigmatic smile and replied, ¡°It seems you¡¯ve forgotten.

    You¡¯ve always been too absorbed in your own world to give me a moment to exin, haven¡¯t you?¡±

    Originally, Dani had nned to reveal all her secrets to Alexander before their uing wedding. However, Alexander had told her that he wasn¡¯t interested in her; all he wanted was for her to behave herself after their marriage. In simpler terms, he held no real expectations of her.

    To the public, Alexander¡¯s father had even stated that the marriage was simply a long-standingmitment between the two families.

    Yet, beneath this public facade was a more strategic calction. The Bet family had consented to the union solely because of the significant influence held by the Harper family.

    Dani, as Caiden¡¯s only biological daughter, stood to inherit arge portion of the Harper family fortune, despite Caiden having remarried and having a stepdaughter. Given these prospects, the Bet family weed her into their fold.

    But once Dani understood the true motivations behind their eptance, her desire to reveal her true self to Alexander began to fade.

    Alexander¡¯s expression darkened dramatically, his jaw tightening as frustration boiled within him. Beneath it all was a palpable fury, fueled by the bitter realization that he had been deceived.

    Your escape is on g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s

    With a steely re at Joyce, he dered in a frosty tone, ¡°We¡¯re leaving.¡±

    Remaining would only tarnish their families¡¯ honor further. Just as they neared the exit, Lillian¡¯smanding voice stopped them in their tracks.

    ¡°Hold on a moment!¡±

    Reluctantly, Alexander paused, his body tense as Lillian strode forward, a golf club in hand.

    ¡°Here, take your $8,000 golf club. I doubt even our caddies would bother with such an inferior piece.¡±

    Her mocking words hit their mark, visibly embarrassing Joshua, who turned a deep shade of red. He hurriedly pressed the elevator button and ushered Alexander and Joyce out.

    With that, Dani made her triumphant return to Olisvine. As the CEO of Elite Lux, she now presided majestically over Olisvine¡¯s most famousndmark.

    Recovering from her initial shock, Joyce was already plotting her next move. She leaned toward Caiden, her voice dripping with sugary charm.

    ¡°Dad, Dani¡¯s now the CEO of Elite Lux and she owns Olisvine¡¯s topndmark building. Do you think you could convince her to spare one floor for me?¡±

    Caiden paused, uncertainty clouding his expression. It wasn¡¯t fear of Dani¡¯s defiance¡ªshe wouldn¡¯t dare cross him. Rather, his reluctance stemmed from a recent public deration he had made, cutting all ties with her. Seeking her out now, after such a promation, would surely raise eyebrows.

    What would everyone say about this? Surely, they wouldbel him as a conceited, self-centered man desperate to maintain his grip on wealth and status. His pristine reputation meant everything to him; the idea of it bing fodder for idle gossip was utterly unbearable.

    Throughout his life, Caiden had lingered in the shadow of Dani¡¯s influential mother. Now, having finally liberated himself and takenmand of his destiny, he was determined to steer clear of any further familial entanglements.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 32

    ?Chapter 32:

    Nearby, Katrina observed his indecision with a keen eye, understanding that Caiden had no desire toply with Joyce¡¯s demand.

    The room fell silent for a long beat before Katrina¡¯s eyes brimmed with tears.

    ¡°This mess is entirely on me. When you took me as your wife, it was right after Dani¡¯s mother had passed. All these years, Dani has harbored resentment towards me, and rightfully so. I can¡¯t me her ¡ª it¡¯s my fault for falling so deeply in love with you. I am to me for everything. Joyce had no part in this, but Dani¡¯s hatred for me has dragged her into the crossfire. Now, her business has been damaged. It¡¯s all my fault¡ªevery single problem stems from me. I¡¯ll face Dani and apologize. If she won¡¯t ept it, I¡¯ll kneel and beg for her forgiveness. Sisters shouldn¡¯t be divided because of their parents¡¯ sins.¡±

    Her face streaked with tears as she rose to her feet.

    Caiden grasped her hand, his heart twisting at the sight of her distress.

    ¡°Why apologize for the past? As her father, do I really need Dani¡¯s approval to choose who I spend my life with?¡±

    Caiden locked eyes with Joyce.

    ¡°Joyce, you¡¯ve always been the sensible one.

    Your sister¡¯s the one stirring up all the drama. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll have a word with Dani. Just give me a little time. Now, remind me, which floor were you considering for your new office?¡±

    With a delighted grin, Joyce pped her hands together.

    M??? ?¦Ñ????? ?? ?????¦Í???.???

    ¡°Dad, I consulted a fortune-teller who rmended the 18th floor. It offers an incredible view and it¡¯s said to be lucky.¡±

    It wasmon knowledge in Olisvine that the 18th floor of thendmark building was the prime spot.

    Yet Katrina¡¯s ambitions for Joyce stretched even further. Snuggling closer to Caiden, she coaxed, ¡°Joyce is no longer a little girl. She truly deserves her own space. I considered a vi for her, but with Dani yet to acquire one, it seems only fair that Joyce waits her turn. However, now that Dani owns an entire building, why don¡¯t we gift Joyce the 18th, 19th, and 20th floors? It would give her a suitable home of her own. Surely, we don¡¯t want rumors floating around that she is still nesting at home in her twenties, right?¡±

    Joyce¡¯s eyes lit up with excitement, her jaw dropping slightly as Katrina¡¯s bold proposal sank in. The Luxor Tower stood as Olisvine¡¯s pinnacle of luxury, with each floor valued immensely. The floors from the 18th to the 20th were especially prized, each valued at over a hundred million dors. Acquiring these would not just mean avish residence; it would be akin to receiving a windfall of three hundred million dors. Such wealth could catapult her into the upper echelons of society.

    Quietly apuding her mother¡¯s strategy with a discreet thumbs-up, Joyce then turned to Caiden, her voice oozing with honeyed charm.

    ¡°Dad, considering Dani¡¯s immense wealth, parting with just three floors should hardly dent her resources, right? Plus, I am your daughter as well. If I ascend socially, wouldn¡¯t that reflect gloriously on the Harper family?¡±

    With a subtle tilt of her head, Katrina moved closer, her words soft yet deliberate.

    ¡°Caiden, the girls are all grown up now. It¡¯s not sensible to keep them cooped up at home. Plus, Dani is flush with cash and could really benefit from having a sharp sister like Joyce by her side. It¡¯s beneficial for both of them. Moreover, isn¡¯t it within your power to make such decisions for your daughter?¡±

    These words startled Caiden into action. He stood abruptly, his voice filled with incredulity.

    ¡°As her father, am I not entitled to the ultimate decision? Would Dani actually challenge my authority? She wouldn¡¯t dare oppose me. Just wait¡ªI¡¯m calling her this very moment.¡± He nced toward Joyce, seeking confirmation.

    ¡°18th, 19th, and 20th floors, correct?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 33

    ?Chapter 33:

    Joyce¡¯s eyes gleamed with anticipation, and she nodded enthusiastically.

    ¡°Yes, Dad! Just those floors!¡± The sheer intensity of her excitement was impossible to miss.

    The moment Caiden stepped away to make the call, Joyce wrapped Katrina in a heartfelt hug, her face lit up with an exuberant smile.

    ¡°Mom! We¡¯re about to be filthy rich. Three entire floors are going to be mine. I never in my life thought this could happen. And the moment I move in, I¡¯ll make Dani¡¯s life a living hell every single day.¡±

    Katrina, with her arms folded and exuding authority, observed Caiden¡¯s silhouette in the garden.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, my dear. I have everything in hand.

    You¡¯re the crown jewel of the Harper family. Whatever you desire, I¡¯ll ensure Caiden provides it for you.¡±

    Joyce, overflowing with happiness and pride, embraced Katrina firmly.

    ¡°Thank you, Mom!¡±

    As Katrina and Joyce reveled in theirughter in the living room, the door burst open abruptly. Caiden marched in, his cheeks flushed with anger. Upon seeing him, Katrina quickly rose from her seat.

    ¡°Did Dani agree?¡± she asked.

    Caiden threw up his hands in exasperation, his words sharp in the air.

    Discover more FindNovel

    ¡°That ungrateful girl blocked my number!¡±

    He extended a demanding hand toward Katrina.

    ¡°Hand me your phone!¡±

    Without hesitation, Katrina passed her phone to him. Caiden hastily dialed Dani¡¯s number, only to realize that Katrina¡¯s number had been blocked too. His frustration mounted. He grabbed Joyce¡¯s phone and tried calling again, only to face the same result.

    Joyce, aware that all their numbers had been blocked, kept up her facade of innocence. She approached Caiden and spoke in a soothing tone.

    ¡°Dad, calm down. This must be a misunderstanding. Dani might have blocked us, but she¡¯d never block you.

    You¡¯re her father¡ªshe wouldn¡¯t be so cruel.¡±

    Caiden responded with a derisive sneer. He understood Dani¡¯s nature all too well. That ungrateful girl, much like her mother, had no regard for family ties.

    Without hesitation, Caiden snatched a phone from a servant and redialed Dani¡¯s number. This time, the call connected instantly. His features twisted into a scowl, and his simmering rage rolled off him like an ominous storm.

    ¡°This is Ms. Harper¡¯s office. She¡¯s currently in a meeting and can¡¯te to the phone. May I know who I¡¯m speaking with?¡± a poised and professional voice responded.

    Caiden roared, ¡°I¡¯m Dani¡¯s father! You tell her to give me an exnation! Blocking me, her mom, and her sister? Why would she do something like that? Is this what money does to people? Does she think she can just erase her family from her life? What, am I invisible to her now? Would she evene if I were on myst breath? What kind of father ends up with a daughter this ungrateful?¡±

    On the other side of the line, Lillian was not about to let anyone cast aspersions on Dani, not even her own father.

    ¡°If I¡¯m not mistaken, you publicly dered just five days ago that you were disowning Ms. Harper. By your own words, you are no longer recognized as her father. So, why do you expect her to answer your calls now?¡±

    Caiden¡¯splexion deepened to a furious shade of crimson, and he nearly

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 34

    ?Chapter 34:

    sputtered with indignation.

    ¡°What the hell did you just say? Aren¡¯t I her biological father? I¡¯m the one who brought her into this world. Without my care and sacrifices, she wouldn¡¯t have made it this far. Even if we¡¯ve severed ties, shouldn¡¯t she be the one to mend them? All she¡¯s ever been to me is a bitter disappointment!¡±

    Lillian was left utterly speechless. How could someone like him even dare to call himself a father? He was always ying the martyr, hiding behind a mask of fake righteousness.

    ¡°Ms. Harper is unavable at the moment as she¡¯s in a meeting. Would you like me to ry a message for you?¡± Lillian responded smoothly, her voice calm and professional, embodying poise under pressure. After all, he was Dani¡¯s father, and showing basic courtesy was the least she could do.

    Caiden¡¯s voice turned icy, slicing through the air with increased sharpness.

    ¡°Make sure Dani calls me back within the hour. And she owns Luxor Tower, correct? I want the 18th to 20th floors.¡±

    Lillian blinked, taken aback.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, could you repeat that?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t act like you didn¡¯t hear me!¡± Caiden growled, his tone sharp and impatient.

    ¡°The building¡¯s being renovated, isn¡¯t it? Ensure those three floors are included. I¡¯ll forward my own blueprintster, and you will adhere to those designs. Understood?¡±

    Caiden ended the call abruptly, mming the phone down with a triumphant expression, his smugness practically dripping off him.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s©q??o?? is where stories live

    Almost fifty minutester, Dani strode out of the conference room. The moment she appeared, Lillian promptly delivered Caiden¡¯s directives.

    ¡°Your father mentioned he would send someone with the blueprints for the renovation. Also, he insists you return his call within the hour.¡±

    Dani took her time signing the pile of documents resting on her desk. Still focused on her paperwork, she casually asked, ¡°Has an hour passed already?¡±

    Lillian quickly checked her watch and replied, ¡°Just a minute past the hour.¡±

    Dani gave a small nod.

    ¡°Perfect. No reason to call back now.¡± Lillian paused, momentarily startled by Dani¡¯s easy dismissal. After a second, she hesitated before asking, ¡°And the blueprints?¡±

    Dani shot her a look, and Lillian quickly nodded, understanding the unspoken message.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    When the blueprints finally arrived, curiosity got the better of Lillian, and she couldn¡¯t resist peeking at them. Her jaw nearly dropped.

    Unbelievable.

    Seriously, how shameless could someone be?

    The design looked as though it belonged in a royal pce¡ªover-the-top and dripping with extravagance.

    ¡°Easy to splurge when it¡¯s not your own money, huh?¡± Lillian muttered under her breath.

    She passed the blueprints over to Dani, who took one quick look and tossed them into the trash can without a second thought.

    Meanwhile, Caiden had been sitting around for over two hours, growing increasingly restless. He kept his eyes glued to the phone, staring so hard it made them ache, but Dani never returned his call.

    His expression turned stormy and intense.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 35

    ?Chapter 35:

    Katrina let out an exaggerated sigh from her seat on the sofa.

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s obvious Dani isn¡¯t calling back. They say once a daughter gets married, she stops being part of the family. She¡¯s clearly not close to you anymore, dear. Maybe it¡¯s time to ept it. Rtionships require mutual respect, you know. Pushing it won¡¯t lead anywhere good.¡±

    Caiden remained silent, his piercing eyes locked on the phone as if he could will it to ring.

    Joyce¡¯s eyes welled up with tears.

    ¡°Dad, Dani¡¯s not going to give me the three floors, is she? Does she hate me that much? Is she still angry about what happened before? I already apologized. I was young and made a stupid mistake. I¡¯d even get on my knees and beg if that¡¯s what it takes. But after all that, she still won¡¯t forgive me?¡± Joyce leaned against Katrina, the two of them clinging to each other as they sobbed dramatically.

    The endless sound of their crying gnawed at Caiden¡¯s patience. With a sharp crash, he smashed his favorite cup against the floor and stormed upstairs in a fury.

    Once he was out of sight, Joyce stopped crying instantly. She turned to her mother and murmured in a low voice, ¡°Mom, what¡¯s the next move?¡±

    Katrina paused, thinking for a moment before saying, ¡°Get Alexander to talk to her. Dani¡¯s always been the type to let her heart rule her head. She¡¯ll believe anything he says. If he steps in, she won¡¯t say no. Those three floors are worth a fortune.

    You have to make sure you get them.¡±

    Joyce nodded firmly, her eyes gleaming with determination.

    Find thetest stories g?ln¦Òv??ls

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    Meanwhile, Richard paced in the living room, chain-smoking cigarette after cigarette. Atst, the sound of a car in the driveway made him stop and turn toward the front door.

    ¡°Alexander, you¡¯re here.¡±

    Richard crushed his cigarette into the ashtray and nced at his son as he stepped inside.

    Alexander didn¡¯t fit the mold of a traditional heartthrob, but his icy demeanor and quiet arrogance gave him a maic presence that was impossible to ignore.

    Richard hadn¡¯t thought much of Dani in the past, but ever since it came to light that she was the CEO of Elite Lux, Richard had started to see her in a new light.

    Alexander raised an eyebrow, mildly surprised to find his father still up at this hour.

    Richard settled into his chair and motioned to the one across from him with amanding gesture.

    ¡°Take a seat.¡±

    Alexander stayed where he was, refusing to move.

    Richard didn¡¯t press the issue; he knew better than to push the boundaries of their strained rtionship.

    ¡°Did you see Dani today?¡± Richard asked, breaking the silence.

    Alexander nodded in response.

    ¡°I had someone look into it,¡± Richard continued.

    ¡°It¡¯s confirmed¡ªshe¡¯s the CEO of Elite Lux. What do you think about that?¡±

    Alexander hesitated briefly before replying, ¡°What exactly are you trying to say?¡±

    Richard leaned back in his chair and spoke in a calm, deliberate tone.

    ¡°I know Caiden wanted you to marry Joyce, but that was before we found out who Dani really is. Now that we know she¡¯s the CEO of Elite Lux, everything has changed. Her status isn¡¯t just higher than the Harper family¡¯s¡ªit¡¯s higher than ours. She¡¯s barely been back in Olisvine, and already, people are lining up to court her favor.

    You¡¯ve heard about this, haven¡¯t you? But here¡¯s where you have an advantage¡ªDani has always been in love with you. Blindly so. Between Joyce and Dani, there¡¯s nopetition. If you marry Dani, our family would immediately climb to the top of Olisvine¡¯s socialdder. It would save you years of hard work. For the family, this is the smartest move you could make.¡±

    Richard was brimming with confidence about the situation. In his mind, Dani¡¯s deep love for Alexander was undeniable. He was convinced that if Alexander so much as made a move, Dani woulde rushing back, eager to rejoin the Bet family as his wife.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 36

    ?Chapter 36:

    To Richard, Dani¡¯s unwavering love for Alexander was an unshakable truth, something he believed would never fade.

    Alexander, on the other hand, remainedpletely still, his expression unreadable and distant. There had been a time when he might have agreed with Richard¡¯s certainty. But after seeing Dani earlier that day, his confidence wavered. Her attitude toward him was nothing like it used to be. She had hardly even looked at him, as though he were invisible. Not a single word had passed between them. Her indifference towards him was impossible to ignore.

    Richard caught Alexander¡¯s silence and let out a scoff.

    ¡°Some things never change, do they? A fool for love then, still a fool for love now.

    You honestly think Dani¡¯s any different? She¡¯s just sulking because you left her for Joyce. This is nothing more than a tantrum. Now that she¡¯s running Elite Lux, all you need to do is y along with her for a while. She¡¯ll fall back into line.¡±

    ¡°His voice held a certainty that left no room for doubt.¡±

    Richard, noticing Alexander¡¯s silence, resumed speaking, his voice imbued with his usual self-assurance.

    ¡°Joyce called today. She¡¯s set her sights on the 18th to 20th floors of Luxor Tower. I¡¯ve given her your approval. Use this as an opportunity to engage Dani. She¡¯ll be jealous, no doubt. Take advantage of that to reconcile. As the Harper family, save yourself the hassle of mediating. Dani¡¯s fortune far outweighs theirs. With her backing Bet Group, there¡¯s no need for the Harper family¡¯s leftovers. Caiden¡¯s public deration to cut ties with her was his most foolish move yet. He¡¯s be theughingstock. If I were in his position, I¡¯d make every effort to win back her favor.¡±

    Richard stood up from his seat,ying out his strategy for Alexander with a knowing nod.

    ¡°In the past, Dani was merely one of many infatuated with you, relentlessly pursuing your attention. Now, her circumstances have changed drastically. It¡¯s crucial that you take her seriously. But tread carefully¡ªno one admires a sycophant. It¡¯s disgraceful and pointless. Entice her. Give just enough to keep her interested, but hold back enough to keep her wanting. The essence of desire is to chase what remains out of reach.¡±

    Stay connected at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    Richard¡¯s advice came with the weight of a seasoned strategist. Alexander remained stoic, his expression unreadable.

    Buoyed by Richard¡¯s confidence, Joyce was already acting as though the three floors of Luxor Tower were hers by right.

    Long before any official announcement, she gathered her friends for a tour of what she considered her future property.

    The security guard, momentarily taken aback by themanding presence of her group, hesitated only briefly before allowing them entry. Joyce¡¯s smugness grew as she faced her circle of friends. With a triumphant grin, she dered, ¡°See? Nothing¡¯s beyond my reach!¡±

    Alma Herrera lingered by the window, her eyes wide in admiration for the panoramic view from the 18th floor.

    ¡°Joyce, you¡¯re amazing. This is the most coveted building in Olisvine.

    You requested these floors, and Dani just gave them to you?¡± Pushing out her chest, Joyce shed a confident smirk.

    ¡°Naturally! I¡¯m pampered by everyone¡ªno one dares defy me!¡±

    Her words ignited a wave of supportive cheers from her group, each member shing her an enthusiastic thumbs-up.

    Basking in their admiration, Joyce gestured to the nearby security guard, her voice smooth andmanding as she asked him to bring them some water. She then swept her hand grandly toward the seating area, inviting them to take their cesfortably.

    ¡°But Joyce, didn¡¯t your stepfather cut all ties with Dani? How on earth is she still bending over backward to grant you such a prime spot? They say even piles of cash can¡¯t open doors here.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 37

    ?Chapter 37:

    ¡°Truly, Joyce, you outshine even the most privileged heirs of wealthy families!¡±

    ¡°Does this mean the Harper family¡¯s entire fortune will be yours one day? And didn¡¯t you mention that the Bet family was the one who made this possible? So, does that mean Alexander¡¯s father has a soft spot for you too?¡±

    Joyce tilted her chin slightly, her lips curling into a self-satisfied smile.

    ¡°Oh, absolutely! Do you even know how incredible Joyce is? She¡¯s not just some heiress¡ªshe¡¯s the heiress! The epitome of ss and power!¡± Alma gestured dramatically, her voice rising with each word, as though proiming the arrival of royalty.

    The ttery washed over Joyce like a warm wave, her ego swelling visibly as she soaked up the praise.

    She leaned back slightly, a hand casually brushing her hair, preparing to deliver a smug remark to keep the admiration flowing. But then, the soft chime of the elevator arriving pierced through the chatter, silencing the group instantly.

    The air grew heavy with anticipation as the doors glided open.

    Dani stepped into view, her figure draped in an exquisite, limited-edition Elite Lux autumn outfit that hugged her with wless precision. Her heels clicked against the polished floor, each step deliberate, exuding a regal confidence that turned every head in her direction. She was like a flower blooming in the wild¡ªbreathtakingly beautiful but undeniably distant, an untouchable force of nature.

    Dani was holding the building¡¯s design draft as she stepped out. She halted in her tracks, her eyes widening as she took in the group of people gathered on the 18th floor. The cheerful expression slowly drained from her face.

    Turning to the security guard, who had just emerged from the elevator with a trayden with beverages, Dani inquired, ¡°How did they manage toe up here?¡±

    The group that had followed Joyce upstairs was eager to use her as a bridge to Dani. After all, Dani had ascended to the position of CEO of Elite Lux and was rapidly bing a prominent figure in the national business arena. Many were eager to forge ties with her.

    Your favorite tales are on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??§ànn

    Despite her unweing demeanor, they gathered around Joyce, offering Dani their most ingratiating smiles.

    ¡°Hello, Dani!¡±

    Dani¡¯s face remained stoic. She was not one tosh out at those who approached her with smiles, but she recognized every one of them. These were the same women who had scorned her in the past, mocking her for being overlooked by Alexander. Their derisiveughter and scornful nces were etched in her memory.

    Now, they acted as though they were old friends.

    ¡°What are you doing up here?¡± Dani demanded, cutting straight to the chase and dispensing with any pretense of cordiality.

    Dani¡¯s eyes narrowed, casting a frosty silence over the group that had been eagerly vying for her attention. Nearby, even the security guard fidgeted nervously.

    ¡°Ms. Harper, I deeply apologize. I saw them arriving together and assumed they were associated with the design firm, so I didn¡¯t confirm their identities before allowing them in.¡±

    A shadow of irritation passed over Dani¡¯s face as her brow furrowed. Given that the building was still undergoing renovations, mix-ups were somewhat understandable. She couldn¡¯t me the guard, but it was a clear warning for her.

    Without hesitation, Dani dialed Ryan.

    ¡°Install a facial recognition system throughout the building. From now on, entry is restricted exclusively to those registered in the system.¡±

    Ryan¡¯s reply was swift and affirmative.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 38

    ?Chapter 38:

    ¡°Understood!¡±

    At that moment, realization dawned on the group standing before her. One of them leaned in and whispered to Joyce, ¡°What¡¯s going on here, Joyce? So, your sister didn¡¯t give you these floors. How could you bring us up here like this?¡±

    Difort spread among them, their voices tinged with unease.

    ¡°Joyce, let¡¯s not get wrapped up in trouble. We don¡¯t want to stir up any drama for our families. Our folks made it clear we should show utmost respect to Dani. What were you thinking, bringing us here to confront her?¡±

    Joyce fixed her spineless friends with a piercing gaze, her eyes zing with reproach. She whirled toward Dani, her voice slicing through the air like a knife.

    ¡°Dani, what¡¯s this about tightening the building¡¯s security? Aren¡¯t I your sister?¡±

    Dani returned her look with a scornful smile.

    ¡°You? My sister? I¡¯d rather not. The very idea that I would call you my sister is absurd.¡±

    ¡°What are you implying? You reject me as your sister? You reject Dad too? Just because you¡¯vee into some money, you think you can discard your own family like that?¡± Joyce didn¡¯t hesitate to bring up Caiden.

    Dani let out a sly smirk, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

    ¡°Am I even still family? If my memory serves me correctly, wasn¡¯t it you who urged them to sever all ties with me? Or is my memory failing me?¡±

    Joyce stood her ground, undeterred.

    Updates loaded at g¦Ál¦Ç¦Ò¦Íe??s

    ¡°Yes, they disowned you. That means the Harper family¡¯s wealth is none of your concern anymore. However, after Dad brought you up, it¡¯s only right that you take care of him!¡±

    With a bitter chuckle, Dani crossed her arms.

    ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll take care of him¡ªthat¡¯s the right thing to do. But you? I don¡¯t owe you a damn thing. I don¡¯t have time for this. Grab your people and get out of my building.¡±

    Joyce¡¯s hands clenched into fists, her eyes zing with indignation.

    ¡°Really? You refuse to even acknowledge Dad? What about Richard? He¡¯s Alexander¡¯s father! He sent me here today to inspect this ce!¡± Sure of her advantage, Joyce smirked inwardly.

    Richard wasn¡¯t just anyone¡ªhe was Alexander¡¯s father and Dani¡¯s former inw. It seemed inconceivable to Joyce that Dani would dare to cross Richard.

    Convinced of her victory, Joyce raised her head high, expecting Dani to relent and relinquish control of the three floors.

    Dani, however, looked at her with utter disbelief.

    ¡°Feeling a little unhinged, are we? Perhaps it¡¯s time to get yourself checked out. Trying to use Caiden didn¡¯t work, and now you¡¯re dragging Richard into this, who, by the way, has nothing to do with me anymore. Joyce, do you even use that brain of yours, or is it just there for show?¡±

    Color drained from Joyce¡¯s face as she processed the rebuke. She red at Dani, her voice trembling with fury.

    ¡°You dare defy Dad and Richard? I¡¯ll make sure they disown you for this!¡±

    Dani merely shrugged, her indifference palpable.

    ¡°Go ahead. Tell them.¡±

    Infuriated beyond words, Joyce stamped her foot like a spoiled brat, but Dani, everposed, had already called the guards to escort her and her friends out.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 39

    ?Chapter 39:

    The term ¡°escort¡± was used loosely in this situation.

    The guards forcibly removed Joyce, who clung desperately to the doorframe with unwavering determination, from the premises.

    This scene unfolded under the watchful eyes of numerous passersby, some of whom quickly began recording the incident, causing it to go viral in no time.

    ¡°Is that Joyce? The one who ruined Dani¡¯s reputation all over social media? She¡¯s bold to even show her face in public after that.¡±

    ¡°Absolutely shameless. Now she wants a piece of Dani¡¯s sess? Impressive. I never thought I could see anything more ridiculous. She destroyed Dani and Alexander¡¯s marriage, and now she¡¯s trying to get on Dani¡¯s good side? The hypocrisy is unbelievable.¡±

    ¡°Typical stepfamily drama¡ªno sense of limits or decorum.¡±

    ¡°Get this. Joyce had the nerve to demand control over the 18th to 20th floors of the Luxor Tower. She actually used Dani¡¯s father to pressure her into not just relinquishing those floors, but also covering the costs of the renovations!¡±

    The online buzz was relentless.

    ¡°Dani, need a sister? I swear I won¡¯t steal your husband, ruin your wedding, or cause drama. I¡¯ll just be the quiet,pliant sibling you never had. How about it?¡±

    That evening, an auction was being held at a hotel.

    Lillian, ever persuasive, had managed to coax Dani into apanying her.

    As they took their seats in the front row, with the event yet tomence, Dani casually browsed through onlinements, a slight smile touching her lips.

    Lillian nudged her, murmuring under her breath, ¡°Look who decided to show up¡ªtrouble herself, with her endless baggage of nonsense.¡±

    Lifting her eyes, Dani¡¯s smile lingered just a moment as she caught sight of Alexander and Joyce making their way to the front.

    Joyce¡¯s posture tensed noticeably as she clung closer to Alexander, her voice low and strained.

    ¡°Alexander, have you noticed? Dani is still obsessed with you. The moment you walked in, she smiled at you. How utterly shameless!¡±

    Alexander, his expression stoic and authoritative, settled into his seat, disregarding the murmurs around him.

    As the auction began, the auctioneer took his position at the center. His gaze momentarily met Dani¡¯s, and acknowledging her presence, he offered a courteous nod.

    Dani, maintaining herposure, responded with a restrained smile, which did not go unnoticed.

    Joyce, watching like a hawk, leaned towards Alexander, her voice dripping with disdain.

    ¡°Look at her, flirting with the auctioneer now! And him, old enough to be her father. How scandalous and disgraceful!¡±

    Overwhelmed by the unyielding barrage of online critiques, Joycemented to Alexander, ¡°Alexander, Dani is inciting thoseizens against me! You must intervene!¡±

    Alexander stayed quiet, his stoic demeanor betraying nothing. As the room¡¯s lights dimmed and the auctionmenced, he turned his gaze towards Dani.

    Dani possessed an undeniable allure, herrge, expressive eyes and gently waving hair drawing attention effortlessly. Her smile turned her eyes into mesmerizing crescents, effortlessly captivating those around her.

    She was the kind of woman who made asting impact, stunning at first sight and increasingly enchanting upon further observation. Tonight, she wore a bespoke gown from Elite Lux, quickly bing the center of whispered awe among the socialites.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 40

    ?Chapter 40:

    Dani¡¯s gown from Elite Lux quickly became the center of whispered awe among the socialites. Without intending to, she had turned into a living showcase for Elite Lux.

    As the auction unfolded, Joyce, driven by a need to assert her presence, enthusiastically lifted her bidding paddle time and again. She was clearly in no position to fund anything herself¡ªmost of the money came from Caiden¡¯s pockets.

    Dani gazed at the stage, her expression one of detached disinterest, while Lillian seethed next to her.

    ¡°This is an outrage! That money was your mother¡¯s. She was the cornerstone of the Harper family¡¯spany. And now, this woman has the audacity to squander it? Dani, how can you remain soposed? I¡¯m livid!¡±

    Years ago, Caiden had used his charm and striking good looks to win over Dani¡¯s mother, a billionaire heiress. Despite her vast wealth and strong personality, she had fallen hopelessly in love with him, her judgment clouded by affection. Her love for Caiden was fervent, yet she maintained her iron will,pelling him to adopt the role of a docile spouse while he quietly nurtured his bitterness.

    Merely days after the tragic death of Dani¡¯s mother, Caiden hastily married Katrina. The once obedient husband changed overnight, parading around as if he owned the world, reveling in his emancipation and shamelessly unting his elevated status. He had discarded his earlier facade of servility and ttery towards Dani¡¯s mother. It seemed he had even convinced himself of his fabricated narrative¡ªthat he was the sole architect behind the sess of Harper Group.

    ¡°There¡¯s no reason to be distressed,¡± Dani replied aloofly, fidgeting absentmindedly with a small trinket in her hand.

    ¡°Since my mother chose to marry Caiden, he rightfully inherited a portion of her fortune. Whatever he does with it is beyond my concern.¡±

    ???§ÁE ??P?¦«T¦®? I§ª G¦«?§ª?V¦®??.???

    Lillian exhaled a weary sigh. Dani had a knack for amassing wealth, yet she remained indifferent to its allure. She effortlessly generated an abundance of ie, a sum she regarded as trivial, and she never found herself flustered over mere pennies.

    The auction progressed smoothly.

    When a jade tiger was presented, Lillian¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement. She turned to Dani, her expression filled with earnest hope, imploring her to purchase the striking artifact.

    Lillian, a founding pir of Elite Lux, had umted a fortune in the billions. Money wasn¡¯t an issue for her; she simply wanted Dani to indulge her.

    Dani, ever eager to keep her people happy, found joy in moments like these. Owning the auction house herself, she felt it was only fitting to add a touch of excitement by participating in the bidding.

    With a flourish, Dani lifted her paddle to ce a bid.

    At that moment, Joyce, spotting Dani¡¯s bid, quickly raised her paddle too, eager for the challenge.

    The bidding for the small jade tiger escted from eight million to fifteen million.

    Joyce hesitated, her mind racing as she tried to stay within the constraints of the budget Caiden had set for her.

    In contrast, Dani sat poised and assured, her every movement as she bid exuding autonomy and influence.

    Many spectators, particrly the women, admired herposed yetmanding demeanor, coveting her financial independence and confidence.

    Ovee with envy, Joyce could barely contain herself as whispers of admiration for Dani circted among the socialites gathered around her. Steeling herself, she raised her paddle once more, determination in her hand.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 41

    ?Chapter 41:

    ¡°Fifteen million, one hundred thousand!¡± Joyce dered, her voice tight with tension.

    Dani, calm andposed, effortlessly raised her own paddle.

    ¡°Sixteen million.¡±

    ¡°Sixteen million, one hundred thousand,¡± Joyce quickly added, unwilling to back down.

    Without missing a beat, Dani smoothly countered, ¡°Seventeen million.¡±

    At that moment, Joyce felt the weight of the room¡¯s gaze upon her.

    She tugged at the fabric of her dress, her thoughts a whirlwind. Bidding any higher would consume her entire allowance from Caiden for the next six months.

    ¡°Ms. Holt, will you continue?¡± the auctioneer inquired, his smile coaxing.

    ¡°This piece is truly a heart¡¯s desire. Do you wish to bid further?¡±

    Joyce¡¯s cheeks flushed a deep shade of red.

    Continue? How could he suggest such a thing? Unlike Dani, who wielded her own fortune with independence, Joyce was acutely aware that every dor she spent was at Caiden¡¯s discretion.

    Her heart seethed with envy, but her expression betrayed only a delicate vulnerability. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she grasped Alexander¡¯s sleeve.

    ¡°Alexander, Dani is trying to disgrace me in front of everyone.¡±

    Before Dani could mount a defense, Lillian burst forward, her finger pointing usingly at Joyce.

    Don¡¯t miss out g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??ls?c?m

    ¡°Enough! How much more nder will you throw at Dani? This is a respectable auction! If it¡¯s beyond your means, just admit it. Why me others for your loss? Enough with your theatrics!¡±

    Joyce¡¯s tears cascaded down her cheeks, adding dramatic ir to her sorrow.

    Alexander stood abruptly, his icy stare locking onto Lillian.

    As he prepared to speak, Dani also rose, stepping forward to pull Lillian back. Her warm gaze hardened.

    ¡°Enough, Dani!¡± Alexander interjected smoothly.

    Despite her efforts to extinguish the old mes, his words sliced through her, painfully sharp. After all, he was the one she had cherished for so long.

    Pressing her lips tightly, Dani fought back the quiver threatening to betray her emotions. On the verge of speaking, she felt a shadow fall over her. A hand enclosed her wrist and pulled her back in one smooth, protective motion.

    ¡°Cut the nonsense, Mr. Bet. Who¡¯s really crossing the damn line here?¡± The words, tinged with authority, sliced through the thick silence in the room. His piercing gaze swept over the gathered onlookers, finally anchoring on Alexander.

    ¡°So, Dani was once blind to your maniptions, and now you presume to push her around at your whim? Cut the shit. This nonsense ends now.¡±

    The atmosphere in the room turned icy.

    Every gaze shifted toward the speaker. It took a moment for the crowd to fully recognize him. Cedric Phillips, a titan of industry, renowned for his unyielding tactics and strategic brilliance.

    Commanding every bit of the room¡¯s energy, Cedric, however, seemed aloof to the intense stares fixated on him. His eyes locked onto Dani¡¯s, his voice low and steady as he spoke.

    ¡°Don¡¯t bother fighting with pigs¡ªthey love the mud, and you¡¯ll just end up covered in their filth.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 42

    ?Chapter 42:

    A murmur ofughter rippled through the audience, amusement flickering in their eyes as they turned their attention back to Alexander, eagerly awaiting his reaction to Cedric¡¯s bold confrontation.

    Alexander didn¡¯t utter a word, simply pulling Joyce back into her seat. The crowd, anticipating more drama, let out a unified sigh of disappointment.

    In the end, Dani secured the jade tiger for an impressive $19 million and handed it over to Lillian as a gift.

    Lillian, her face alight with delight, shot a smug nce at Joyce, whose barely concealed fury twisted her expression. With a loud voice, she dered, ¡°Thanks, Dani!¡±

    Joyce, seething with rage, had veins popping from her forehead as she struggled to contain her anger. Dani had once been nothing more than a lovesick fool. Alexander had never wanted her. And now, just because she had be a powerful CEO, she thought she could act superior?

    As the auction wrapped up, Dani lingered to chat with the event organizer. Seizing the moment, Joyce quickly lifted her phone and snapped a picture of Dani. Turning to Alexander, she said, ¡°Alexander, look at her! Dani has no shame. First, she was flirting with Cedric, and now she¡¯s all over the organizer, who¡¯s old enough to be her father. She¡¯s making a fool of the Harper family. And don¡¯t forget¡ªshe was your wife. Think about the damage she¡¯s doing to your reputation.¡±

    Of course, Joyce had positioned the photo just right, making it appear much worse than it actually was. In reality, Dani was simply having a friendly chat.

    As she spoke, Joyce quickly posted the photo in the Harper family group chat.

    ¡°Dad, take a look at Dani! The organizer is practically her father¡¯s age! How shameless is she? I don¡¯t care about her reputation, but mine is at stake. I¡¯ve never been so humiliated. How am I supposed to show my face in public now?¡±

    L??t??st ch??pt??rs in g¦Ál??ovels.c?m

    As she had hoped, her dramatics hit their mark.

    Caiden¡¯s anger red up, and he smashed another of his precious porcin cups.

    After sending the message, Joyce nced at Alexander. His expression remained as stoic as ever, unreadable. Joyce couldn¡¯t tell if he was angry or simply indifferent.

    ¡°Alexander, let¡¯s go,¡± she said in a sugary tone, though her eyes quickly followed Dani, who was walking toward the restroom.

    Just then, a sneaky idea shed through her mind. After a brief pause, she added, ¡°Actually, Alexander, would you minding with me to the restroom? I¡¯m not feeling well.¡±

    Inside the restroom, Dani was in the middle of freshening up her makeup when Joyce entered.

    ¡°Well, well, Dani. What a coincidence!¡±

    Without even sparing her a nce, Dani continued applying powder to her face, her voice calm and detached.

    ¡°You came in here on purpose. No need to y games, my dear sister.¡±

    Thest three words sliced through the air, sharp and piercing.

    Dani had no time for Joyce¡¯s dramatics¡ªit made her stomach churn.

    ¡°Alright, yes, I followed you. But what¡¯s so special about you, Dani? So what if you¡¯ve got money now?¡±

    Dani paused for a moment, a subtle smile ying at the corners of her mouth. She turned to Joyce, her voice calm as she corrected her.

    ¡°It¡¯s not just some money. It¡¯s a lot of money. And it¡¯s the kind of money you¡¯d never be able to earn in ten lifetimes. So go ahead and let yourself be jealous.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 43

    ?Chapter 43:

    Joyce¡¯s fury nearly made her choke.

    ¡°You¡ª¡±

    ¡°What about me?¡± Dani cut in, her voice cold, her eyes sharp.

    ¡°You still think I¡¯m that same easy target? Well, here¡¯s a tip¡ªdon¡¯t push me, or I¡¯ll have you out of the Harper family faster than you can blink!¡±

    Joyce¡¯s eyes filled with tears as she pointed at Dani.

    ¡°How could you! Dad says I¡¯m his daughter! You can¡¯t just kick me out! Dani, you hate me, don¡¯t you? You¡¯re just jealous because Alexander likes me. But I¡¯m your sister. Why would I hurt you?¡±

    As she spoke, she staggered back, almost as if shoved, crashing dramatically against the restroom door.

    Outside, Alexander stood leaning against the wall, a cigarette between his fingers. He watched as Joyce stumbled out of the restroom, her body copsing onto the floor in a heap.

    Joyce tilted her head back, her teary eyes wide with feigned innocence. She knew Alexander could see her in this state, looking as pitiful as possible.

    She nced up at Dani, her voice thick withint.

    ¡°Dani, why are you doing this to me? I know you like Alexander, but he¡¯s my true love, too! Am I not allowed to love someone? Fine, it¡¯s all my fault. I¡¯ll kneel and beg if that¡¯s what you want!¡± Her voice cracked, and her body shook as if she might copse at any moment.

    Dani observed Joyce¡¯s exaggerated performance with a calm, almost entertained expression. Her eyes briefly flicked toward the doorway, where Alexander stood silently watching.

    gal¦Ç¦Ò¦Íe?s.c?m is your update source

    Dani chuckled and crossed her arms.

    ¡°Go on, kneel.¡±

    Joyce froze, her cries suddenly trailing off. She was caught off guard, unsure of how to react to Dani¡¯s unexpected response.

    ¡°What?¡± she stammered, staring at Dani in disbelief.

    Dani tilted her head slightly, her gaze sharp.

    ¡°You said you¡¯d kneel, didn¡¯t you? So go ahead, kneel. What¡¯s the hold-up? Can¡¯t follow through? Was all that talk just for show?¡±

    Joyce¡¯s face turned bright red with embarrassment, her confidence slipping away.

    Alexander started to speak, but before he could say anything, Dani¡¯s cold starended on him.

    ¡°She said she¡¯d kneel.

    You heard her, didn¡¯t you? I didn¡¯t make her say it.¡±

    Her voice was steady and unwavering, nothing like the gentle tone she used to have.

    ¡°This is a private matter between Joyce and me.

    You¡¯ve crossed the line, Mr. Bet.¡±

    Dani let out a mockingugh, her piercing eyes locked onto Alexander.

    ¡°So, what now, Mr. Bet? Will you continue to defend Joyce after all this?¡±

    Alexander¡¯s brow furrowed deeply as he faced her. It had been just three months since their divorce, and yet here she was, confronting him with such boldness.

    Did being CEO of Elite Lux make her think she was untouchable?

    His features darkened, and he was on the verge of retorting when Dani added sharply, ¡°Don¡¯t test my patience. Push me one more time, and I¡¯ll make damn sure both of you pay for it.¡±

    Without waiting for his response, Dani mmed her heel down on Joyce¡¯s foot.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 44

    ?Chapter 44:

    Joyce gasped, a sharp pain shooting through her as herplexion turned ghostly white. Before she could cry out, Dani¡¯s icy voice descended upon her.

    ¡°Consider this a lesson, Joyce.¡±

    With those words, Dani spun on her heel and strode away, leaving a trail of tension in her wake.

    Behind her, Joyce crumpled to the floor, clutching her foot as she sobbed uncontrobly. She wouldn¡¯t tolerate this, not for a second. She was the Harper family¡¯s crown jewel. How could she sit back and allow Dani to disgrace her like this?

    She attempted to rise and confront Dani, but Alexander intervened, holding up his hand to signal for her to stay put.

    Tears gathered in Joyce¡¯s eyes as she spun around to face him.

    ¡°Alexander, are you siding with Dani now?¡±

    With his expression unreadable, Alexander replied, ¡°Attend to your injury first.¡±

    Yet Joyce was not prepared to drop the issue so easily.

    She was not merely an addition to the Harper family through her mother. Caiden cherished her deeply. Katrinavished her with affection. Even the Bet family had once held her in high regard. All her life, she had enjoyed a privileged status, always a step ahead of Dani.

    The humiliation Dani had inflicted upon her was something she couldn¡¯t easily forget.

    She longed to chase down Dani, yet Alexander¡¯s indifferent, icy demeanor gave her pause.

    Fresh updates loaded g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c?m

    With a slight pout, Joycemented, ¡°Alexander, haven¡¯t I warned you before? Dani is nothing but a schemer. She faked the whole innocent act just to rope you into being her husband. Now, with the divorce finalized, she doesn¡¯t even bother to conceal her true nature. She¡¯s always been a heartless, calcting woman!¡±

    While Alexander¡¯s hand remained on Joyce¡¯s arm, his gaze drifted in the direction Dani had taken. It had only been three months, but Joyce had be utterly unrecognizable. She carried an unshakable defiance, paired with a heart that refused to forgive.

    As Dani stepped out, she found Lillian already seated in the car, waiting. Naturally, Lillian had heard Joyce¡¯s dramatic wailing earlier. As Dani got in, Lillian nced at her, noticing the trace of frustration on her face. She called out, ¡°Dani.¡±

    Dani snapped out of her thoughts and turned to look at Lillian.

    ¡°Yes? What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Lillian paused, her lips parting slightly as if to choose her words carefully.

    ¡°You know, the domestic sector of Elite Lux doesn¡¯t need to stay in Olisvine. This bet with the board¡ªit¡¯s ridiculous. With your talent, you are the pir of thispany. Those old executives back at the headquarters are just setting you up to fail.¡±

    Choosing love over her role at Elite Lux, Dani had left behind a team of ingenious yet inept technicians. These individuals, brilliant in their own right,cked the pragmatic touch needed to steer a corporation.

    Under her absence, Elite Lux had floundered with internal discord, leaving its vital members sidelined and its shares vulnerable to predatory investors. On the outside, thepany maintained its grand facade, but internally, it was crumbling.

    Dani had made her return andid down a daring challenge to the old board members of Elite Lux.

    She had vowed that within three years, she would not onlyunch a domestic branch but also elevate its annual revenue to the legendary trillion-dor mark. If she seeded, the veteran board members had agreed to resign and hand over their shares.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 45

    ?Chapter 45:

    ¡°They¡¯re counting on your failure,¡± Lillian said, her voice tinged with concern.

    ¡°They see this as an opportunity to push you out and sell Elite Lux for a lucrative profit. But you don¡¯t have to prove anything.

    You built Elite Lux from the ground up¡ªit¡¯s inherently yours!¡±

    Lillian¡¯s words radiated genuine concern, but Dani couldn¡¯t ignore the subtle tremors of fear beneath them.

    She offered a soft, reassuring smile and responded, ¡°You¡¯re not really concerned about thepany, are you? You¡¯re worried that I¡¯ll lose focus because of Alexander, right?¡±

    Lillian couldn¡¯t mask her apprehension and reluctantly admitted, ¡°Yes, that¡¯s exactly it.

    You haven¡¯t been back long, and already they¡¯ve thrown so many obstacles your way. It¡¯s concerning.¡±

    Her worries were not unfounded.

    Years ago, when Elite Lux was flourishing, Dani had abandoned everything in pursuit of love, leaving her empire behind without a second thought. Now, with her return to the public eye, a slew of opportunists were eager to capitalize on her regained prominence.

    Moreover, if Alexander were to reappear, weaving his charming deceits and hollow promises, Lillian dreaded that Dani might once again fall under his spell.

    Lillian couldn¡¯t shake the nagging worry about Dani falling for Alexander again.

    When Dani fell for someone, it was like an illness¡ªimpossible to stop andpletely irrational. The fear lingered in Lillian¡¯s mind, and she would have been willing to give up Elite Lux to spare Dani from experiencing such a painful ordeal.

    Sensing her friend¡¯s worry, Dani turned to Lillian with a gentle smile and reassured her.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I don¡¯t make the same mistake twice.¡±

    There was a time when she had been head over heels for Alexander, hanging on to every word he said. But that love was gone now. Alexander no longer meant anything to her.

    Meanwhile, Joyce was seething with embarrassment. Not only had she fallen, but Dani had made sure to step on her foot for good measure. Her swollen, bruised foot throbbed with pain as Alexander helped her home. By the time they reached the door, she was crying out.

    ¡°Mom, hurry, I¡¯m going to die from all this bullying!¡±

    Katrina had been excitedly telling her friends about Joyce¡¯s uing engagement to Alexander when she suddenly heard Joyce¡¯s cries. Without hesitation, she rushed out. When she saw Joyce¡¯s swollen foot, her reaction was dramatic, as though everything was falling apart.

    ¡°Caiden! Caiden! Come down here! Our baby girl is hurt!¡±

    Caiden hurried down the stairs so quickly that one of his slippers fell off. When he saw Joyce¡¯s injured foot, his expression twisted with a mix of anger and concern.

    ¡°What happened?¡± he snapped, his voice tight with tension.

    Joyce quickly began to exin, ¡°It was Dani! I went to the auction with Alexander today, and as soon as she saw me, she got furious. I went to the restroom, and she followed me in. She shoved me and then stepped right on my foot. Dad, it hurts so much!¡±

    Caiden frowned sharply.

    ¡°Really? Dani¡¯spletely losing it!¡± Joyce seized the opportunity, adding fuel to the fire.

    ¡°Dad, I just went to the auction to apologize. I know I¡¯ve been careless and hurt her, so I wanted to make things right. But she called me greedy. She used me of wanting the three floors of the Luxor Tower. Dad, I didn¡¯t mean anything by it¡ªI just wanted us to get along as sisters. But she got so angry and attacked me. Do you think she¡¯s mad because I asked her for something?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 46

    ?Chapter 46:

    Caiden¡¯s face darkened with rage.

    ¡°She¡¯s gone way too far! What does she mean by ¡®her things¡¯ or ¡®your things¡¯? It¡¯s all part of the family! If you want three floors, they should be yours! If you want five or ten, you should get them too! You¡¯re her sister, her family! How can she be so selfish and ungrateful?¡±

    He stood with his hands on his hips, frustration evident in every line of his face. It was then that he noticed Alexander standing quietly to the side.

    ¡°Alexander, did you hear that? Dani¡¯s totally out of line! You need to do something about her!¡±

    Alexander stayed calm, his tone distant.

    ¡°We¡¯re divorced.¡±

    ¡°So what if you¡¯re divorced? Everyone knows Dani always took your word seriously.

    You were her husband, and even though you¡¯re no longer together, you still have a responsibility to guide her. Just look at what she¡¯s done¡ªposting things online that brought shame to the family, and now at the auction, getting involved with the organizer. What kind of message does that send?¡±

    Joyce lowered her head, but a smug smile tugged at her lips. Caiden¡¯s unwavering support was exactly what she had hoped for. She nced at Alexander, expecting him to back her up and stand against Dani.

    But Alexander¡¯s words crushed her hopes.

    ¡°Dani is the boss behind the auction, not the organizer,¡± he said tly.

    L¦Á¦Ó??¦Ó ?§ß¦Á¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?l??.??om

    Caiden and Katrina froze, staring at him, stunned.

    Alexander pressed on, ¡°As we were leaving, the organizer told someone that Dani, CEO of Elite Lux, owns the auction house.¡± His wordsnded like a bomb. Turning to the shocked Caiden and Katrina, he added, ¡°I¡¯ve brought Joyce home safely. I¡¯ll be leaving now.¡±

    Katrina stood frozen, taking a few seconds to process Alexander¡¯s words. Without waiting for a reply, he headed toward his car.

    Katrina snapped out of her daze and hurried after him.

    ¡°Alexander! Ask your grandfather when he¡¯s avable so our families can talk about your engagement to Joyce!¡±

    Alexander got into his car, started the engine, and drove off into the night without saying a word.

    Back inside, Caiden grabbed his phone and called a friend to check if Dani¡¯s influence had truly expanded this far. If it had, he¡¯d have something to proudly boast about. Meanwhile, Katrina stood by the window, her eyes following Alexander¡¯s car as it faded from view.

    Joyce, still resting against her mother, nced up at her with a puzzled look and tilted her head.

    ¡°Mom, what¡¯s got your attention?¡±

    ¡°Katrina, how did Dani behave toward Alexander at the auction today?¡±

    Joyce let out a dismissive snort.

    ¡°She¡¯s ying hard to get now. Instead of chasing him like she used to, she¡¯s acting like she doesn¡¯t care at all.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s chest tightened at her words.

    ¡°And how did Alexander react to her?¡±

    Joyce lifted her chin, a proud smile tugging at her lips.

    ¡°Well, of course, he still looks down on her, just like before! Alexander only has eyes for me. Mom, just wait¡ªonce I marry into the Bet family, Dani will be so jealous.¡±

    Katrina helped Joyce inside. After walking for a bit, she turned her head, ncing back. The sleek ck car had already blended into the traffic, its taillights disappearing into the darkness.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 47

    ?Chapter 47:

    Katrina murmured, ¡°Nothing and no one will stop my daughter from finding her happiness. Not a soul.¡±

    As Alexander was heading home, his phone vibrated. It was a call from his father.

    ¡°Hey, Dad.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a concert tonight. I¡¯ve given your secretary the ticket.

    You should go.¡±

    Alexander was caught off guard. His father had always dismissed anything that didn¡¯t directly benefit the family business, calling it a waste of time. And now, out of nowhere, he was offering a ticket to a concert? However, the things Alexander had once found exciting in his younger years no longer seemed to hold much appeal.

    He gave a half-hearted agreement, though he had no real intention of going.

    That was until Richard added, ¡°I¡¯ve just heard that Dani will be there too. Every rich bachelor will be attending tonight. Alexander, I know you¡¯re too proud to approach Dani, but tonight could be your perfect chance. Of course, the choice is yours. If you don¡¯t seize it, someone else surely will.¡±

    Before Alexander could say anything, Richard hung up.

    Alexander gazed at the glowing city lights, his father¡¯s words echoing in his head.

    As he reached the next intersection, he turned the steering wheel.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s is your story source

    Olisvine was famous for its impressive skyline, from its opulent skyscrapers to its icondmarks. However, the most distinguished of them all was its concert hall, thergest in the nation. The concert hall drew the country¡¯s top musicians and stood as a symbol of elegance and artistry.

    Dani had nned to head home after the auction, but Lillian insisted on taking her to the concert hall.

    ¡°The maestros have been eager to meet you.

    You own this ce, but other than skimming the year-end reports, you¡¯vepletely ignored it. Don¡¯t you feel a little guilty as the boss?¡±

    Despite Dani¡¯s objections, Lillian managed to pull her along. The cello had been Dani¡¯s mother¡¯s favorite instrument. Her mother¡¯s biggest wish had been for her to pursue music. But when the family fell apart, so did that dream.

    For more than ten years, Dani had relentlessly pursued Alexander, and throughout all that time, she had never once stepped foot in the concert hall again. Now, as she entered through its familiar doors, a rush of memories and nostalgia swept over her.

    At the entrance, the senior maestros stood waiting. As soon as they spotted Dani, they bowed in unison, greeting her with respect. These were people who had known her since she was a child, some of whom had even cradled her in their arms. Now, seeing her as an adult, they couldn¡¯t help but sigh at how quickly time had passed.

    After exchanging pleasantries, the maestros politely excused themselves to prepare for the performance. The hall¡¯s director remained behind to stay with Dani.

    Waving at a young man who had been closely following them, the director introduced, ¡°This is my grandson. He just returned from abroad.

    You two will have plenty to chat about. He¡¯ll be your guide for the evening while I take care of things backstage.¡± Dani smiled politely and nodded.

    ¡°That sounds fine.¡±

    The young man had a warm, friendly smile. When Dani smiled back at him, his face turned bright red.

    Lillian chuckled, leaning in to nudge Dani¡¯s arm.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 48

    ?Chapter 48:

    ¡°Knock it off,¡± Dani muttered under her breath.

    But Lillian turned to the young man and asked loudly, ¡°Hey, handsome, up for some fun?¡±

    The young man¡¯s face turned even redder, but he answered sincerely, ¡°Sure,¡± then slowly looked up to meet Dani¡¯s eyes.

    Lillian gave his shoulder an encouraging pat.

    ¡°You¡¯ve got potential!¡±

    By the time the concert started, Alexander had finally arrived. Richard had secured him a prime front-row seat. As soon as he stepped into the hall, all eyes turned to him, and the atmosphere seemed to shift with the tension.

    The stares weren¡¯t exactly discreet. Everyone was looking at him¡ªthe ex-husband¡ªwondering what on earth he was doing there.

    Was he here trying to win her back?

    Suddenly, all the gazes turned cautious, wary, and on guard.

    Alexander ignored the stares as he sat down. A guy next to him tugged at his sleeve, and Alexander turned to find his friend, Keith yton, grinning at him.

    ¡°Well, well, what brings you here?¡± Keith asked, his familiar grin spreading across his face.

    Alexander nced over at Dani. She was sitting a few rows away,pletely engrossed in the performance, not even noticing his presence. It was so different from before. In the past, no matter how crowded it was, she¡¯d always spot him right away.

    A strange frustration bubbled up inside him. He instinctively reached to loosen his tie but stopped when he remembered where he was. Keith, always the talker, wasn¡¯t interested in the ssical music. He scanned the hall, looking at all the young heirs, and couldn¡¯t help but chuckle softly.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s is your escape to fiction

    Leaning in, he whispered to Alexander, ¡°Hey, did you notice? Half of Olisvine¡¯s golden boys are here tonight, and I¡¯m willing to bet they¡¯re all here for Dani. I bet most of them don¡¯t even know what¡¯s happening on stage.¡±

    Keith smirked, shaking his head.

    ¡°Crazy, right? Back in the day, Dani was always ignored, stuck under her stepmother¡¯s control. And now? She¡¯s a CEO. I even told her once that she wasn¡¯t good enough for you. Funny how life has a way of proving you wrong, huh?¡± He grinned and added, ¡°But enough about that.

    You¡¯ve got to admit, she looks amazing tonight. That gown? It¡¯s from Elite Lux, custom-made. I heard it¡¯s worth five million, and still rising. She¡¯s really turning heads.¡±

    Alexander stayed silent, his gaze shifting from the stage to Dani.

    Since leaving the auction, she had changed into a breathtaking gown. The soft, tranquil shade of blue reminded him of a peacefulke, drawing the eye of anyone nearby. Her hair was styled elegantly in an updo, and her posture was wless, with her long, graceful neck held high like a regal swan. She sat there quietly,pletely absorbed in the performance, oblivious to the chatter around her.

    Keith let out anotherugh.

    ¡°So, what do you think? Does Dani even get the music, or is she just ying along to fit in with the fancy crowd?¡±

    Alexander¡¯s gaze flickered back to the stage, his voice calm and distant.

    ¡°She doesn¡¯t get it.¡±

    Keith grinned knowingly.

    ¡°I figured as much. People with money love to act like they¡¯re all about the fine arts. It¡¯s more about looking cultured than actually understanding it. And honestly¡­¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 49

    ?Chapter 49:

    Before he could finish his sentence, the performance ended, and the crowd burst into apuse.

    The director of the concert hall stepped onto the stage, microphone in hand, his expression warm and weing.

    ¡°Good evening, everyone. I have the honor of being the director here, and tonight, it¡¯s my privilege to introduce a very special guest, Dani Harper, the owner of this venue. She¡¯s been an aplished musician since childhood, particrly with the cello. It¡¯s been many years since I¡¯ve had the pleasure of hearing her y, and I must ask¡ªare we fortunate enough to hear her perform for us tonight?¡± His words echoed through the hall, leaving the audience stunned into silence.

    Those who had been distracted by their phones, making calls, or thinking about leaving suddenly stopped. Some quickly tucked their phones away, while others cut off their conversations mid-sentence. A few even straightened up, shifting in their seats as they fully focused on Dani.

    Every person turned their attention to her, disbelief and curiosity written all over their faces.

    Did Dani own this concert hall? She could y the cello? Wasn¡¯t she just here for a quick appearance? What else had she been keeping under wraps?

    Even the young heirs, who had been dragged here by their families, settled in and looked at Dani. Their boredom gave way to curiosity. The same thought buzzed through everyone¡¯s mind. Could Dani¡ªthe woman everyone had written off as just a pretty face¡ªactually y?

    Keith arched an eyebrow at Alexander, a teasing smile creeping onto his face.

    ¡°Dani can¡¯t really y, right?¡±

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s hosts exclusive updates

    ¡°She can¡¯t,¡± Alexander answered coolly, his voice steady but sure. He nced at his watch and adjusted it with careful precision.

    ¡°You know how these things go. Dani¡¯s in charge of Elite Lux now, and everyone wants to get on her good side. She owns this concert hall, so it¡¯s only natural that her people will be showering her withpliments.¡±

    A hint of disdain flickered in his eyes. ying the cello wasn¡¯t something one could fake. Without at least ten years of solid practice, what could she really be capable of? It would be a joke, in and simple. This kind of mindless ttery was totally out of ce for the asion.

    Keithughed, clearly entertained by everything happening around him. He wasn¡¯t all that into the concert¡ªhe just loved the spectacle.

    Turning to Alexander, he asked, ¡°Looks like everyone¡¯s kissing up to Dani these days. What about you, Alexander? Here to join in?¡±

    Laughing, Keith pped Alexander on the shoulder.

    ¡°What¡¯s it like? The girl who used to run after you is now the one you¡¯re after. Must sting a little, huh? But hey, no judgment, man. We all do what we gotta do for money and power.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s face went cold, his jaw clenched as he shook off Keith¡¯s hand. His already icy expression grew even darker with Keith¡¯s blunt words.

    When Dani stepped onto the stage, Alexander¡¯s face stayed as cold as ever.

    Most people assumed this would be a performance they¡¯d have to sit through just out of politeness. There were quiet whispers as Dani walked gracefully toward the stage. She sat down in front of the cello, adjusting it with care. After testing the strings quickly, she began to y, no shy introduction, just starting in silence.

    The first note sounded¡ªrich and full¡ªcutting through the soft murmurs in the room, instantly quieting everyone.

    The crowd, which had just moments ago been filled with quiet doubt, now sat utterly silent. Every single eye was locked on Dani.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 50

    ?Chapter 50:

    Bathed in the soft glow of the stage lights, she sat with an air of elegance, her posture perfect and her hands moving with effortless grace. Her long hair gleamed in the spotlight, and her calm, serene expression gave her an almost otherworldly presence. She seemed like an angel who had descended from the heavens, exuding both peace and authority.

    Her fingers danced over the strings, and the music flowed¡ªdeep, emotional, and hauntingly beautiful. The melody filled the hall, surrounding the audience and drawing them inpletely. The hall was utterly quiet, except for the sound of her cello.

    The audience, spellbound, couldn¡¯t look away. All the whispers, doubts, and judgments faded. Nothing mattered now except the music and the woman behind it. Could this really be Dani? The same woman they had dismissed as a shallow, love-struck fool?

    When thest note dissolved into silence, Dani rose from her chair, turned to the audience, and offered a graceful, deep bow.

    ¡°It¡¯s been a while since Ist yed. I hope it wasn¡¯t too disappointing. Thank you all for listening.¡±

    The hall exploded into apuse, so loud and intense that it caught her off guard for a moment. Her lips curled into a smile, her eyes softening with warmth. With elegance, she said, ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Keith pped so energetically that his hands turned red. He turned to Alexander, eyes wide with excitement and disbelief.

    ¡°Did you hear that? Dani actually yed the cello! And not just yed it¡ªshe crushed it! Can you believe this? Alexander, how did you not know she was this talented? How could you have been such a clueless ex-husband?¡±

    Feel the thrill at g aln  ov el s .

    Alexander¡¯s dark eyes stayed locked on the stage, his face betraying a mix of emotions he couldn¡¯t quite process. He had genuinely never known this side of her. All this time, he had believed she was naive, obedient, and shallow¡ªjust another woman obsessed with status and appearances.

    But the woman he had seen just moments ago was nothing like the person he had imagined. She had sat there with a quiet,manding presence, her confidence shining through in every movement. Was this really Dani?

    The audience erupted into whispers that quickly grew louder. The first to speak were the young elites, their voices filled with disbelief.

    ¡°That¡¯s Dani?¡±

    ¡°Whoever called her a foole say it again.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m in love with Dani! I¡¯ll woo her!¡±

    ¡°Whoa, take it easy. What makes you think you¡¯ll be the only one? Let¡¯s be fair here. Everyone¡¯s in this!¡±

    Even the general crowd couldn¡¯t hold back their chatter.

    ¡°Hold on, isn¡¯t that the CEO of Elite Lux?¡±

    ¡°Her performance was amazing. I¡¯ve heard so many cello pieces, but this one spoke to my heart. It was perfect.¡±

    ¡°I recorded the whole thing and posted it online just now. My notifications are exploding¡ªhundreds of likes andments already.¡±

    A wave of admiration and praise surged through the concert hall, sweeping over everyone.

    Keith turned to Alexander, still pping excitedly.

    ¡°Hey, Alexander, if you¡¯re not nning to win her back, I¡¯m stepping in. Dani is too amazing to just let go!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 51

    ?Chapter 51:

    Alexander sat quietly, a growing irritation gnawing at him as he listened to the constant stream of praise.

    After a moment, he lifted his gaze.

    ¡°Amazing? I don¡¯t understand what all the excitement is about.¡±

    Keith arched an eyebrow at Alexander, a mischievous grin creeping onto his face.

    ¡°Oh, really? Well, in that case, I guess I¡¯ll go after Dani.¡±

    For reasons Alexander couldn¡¯t fully exin, his frustration¡ªalready bubbling just below the surface¡ªred up at Keith¡¯s words.

    Meanwhile, Dani glided off the stage, lifting the hem of her gown with effortless elegance. Cedric stepped forward and handed her a bouquet of flowers. His usually stiff demeanor softened, and a faint, almost proud smile tugged at his lips.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Dani said with a polite smile, epting the flowers. She hadn¡¯t yed the cello in years, but being back on stage stirred up the same lighthearted joy she had experienced as a child. As she scanned the crowd, her eyesnded on Alexander sitting among them.

    Her expression changed in an instant, as if she had just spotted an irritating fly buzzing around her.

    Alexander immediately caught her nce and, almost without thinking, straightened up, his chest expanding a little.

    However, Dani¡¯s eyes barely lingered on him, passing over him with icy indifference, as if he were just another face in the crowd.

    Alexander¡¯s lips tightened into a thin line.

    Your story source galnov??????c?m

    So, she had be a CEO and now thought she was above him?

    As the event came to an end, Dani stayed behind to chat with the maestros. Meanwhile, the audience began to trickle out of the hall, but many couldn¡¯t help casting lingering nces her way.

    Keith gave Alexander¡¯s arm a nudge.

    ¡°So, are you going to go say hi?¡±

    Alexander stole a nce at Dani. She stood with gracefulposure, her floor-length gown flowing elegantly. The pearls in her earrings caught the light, shimmering faintly. She appeared breathtaking, drawing everyone¡¯s gaze.

    Keith chuckled when he saw Alexander pause.

    ¡°I see what¡¯s going on.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re too proud to make the first move. Back in the day, it was always Dani running after you, and now you don¡¯t know what to do, huh? Plus, with so many people around, maybe she didn¡¯t even catch sight of you. Otherwise, she woulde to you. Everyone knows that she only has eyes for you.¡±

    With a grin, Keith waved his hand excitedly, calling out, ¡°Dani! Over here!¡±

    As soon as she heard her name, Dani turned her head toward them. Keith shed a big smile and pointed at Alexander.

    ¡°Dani, look who¡¯s here¡ªAlexander came to support you tonight.¡±

    Keith¡¯s message was clear¡ªif Alexander wasn¡¯t going to approach Dani, then she coulde to him instead.

    But to their surprise, Dani simply cast them a cold, detached look. Then, she turned back to the person she had been chatting with and resumed her conversation.

    Keith opened his mouth to speak again, but before he could, a man stepped in front of Dani, blocking his view. It was Cedric. His face was stern, and the warning in his eyes made Keith pause.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 52

    ?Chapter 52:

    Keith blinked, hesitated, and muttered, ¡°Okay then.¡±

    By the time Dani finished talking with the maestros and left the concert hall, it was alreadyte into the night.

    She hadn¡¯t anticipated finding Keith and Alexander hanging around by the entrance.

    As lively as ever, Keith quickly called out, ¡°Dani!¡±

    Dani looked up briefly, and Keith and Alexander started heading toward her.

    Before he could even approach, Keith was already grinning, his voice overflowing with praise.

    ¡°Dani, you were incredible tonight! I had no idea you had this kind of skill.¡±

    Dani¡¯s smile was brief and polite, but it didn¡¯t reach her eyes. It was obvious she wasn¡¯t interested in chatting.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± she said tly, then turned to leave.

    Realizing she was about to walk off, Keith quickly added, ¡°By the way, Alexander watched your performance too. He thought it was amazing.¡±

    At this, Dani stopped in her tracks. Slowly, she turned her head, and her eyes locked onto Alexander.

    Keith, noticing this, quickly lowered his gaze. He couldn¡¯t help but think that Dani still had feelings for Alexander.

    However, Dani spoke, ¡°Mr. Bet, you were unusually attentive tonight. That¡¯s a first.¡±

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s, home to unforgettable stories

    The way she emphasized ¡°that¡¯s a first¡± wasced with obvious sarcasm, leaving no doubt about her meaning.

    The moment felt charged. Her words were a sharp reminder of the fire incident from their marriage.

    Keith stood frozen, his eyes locked on Dani as if he were seeing her in an entirely new light.

    She wasn¡¯t like the one he remembered. She was sharp,posed, as if she had be smarter.

    With a scowl, Alexander turned to leave, but Keith stopped him by grabbing his arm.

    Keith shed a grin and pulled out a business card, handing it to Dani.

    ¡°Ms. Harper, we¡¯ve crossed paths before¡ªat your wedding with Alexander. I¡¯m one of his close friends, Keith yton. Just Keith.¡±

    Dani might have taken the card if he hadn¡¯t mentioned Alexander¡¯s name. But when she heard it, she didn¡¯t bother to take it.

    ¡°I¡¯m off the clock. I don¡¯t mix business with personal time. If you need something, just talk to my secretary.¡±

    Keith¡¯s grin wavered a little, his cheerful act dropping for a second.

    ¡°It¡¯s not business. I just thought we could be friends.¡±

    Lillian frowned at his words and started to step in, but Dani held up a hand, stopping her.

    ¡°I¡¯m no longer married to Alexander. His friends won¡¯t be mine. If there¡¯s nothing else, please excuse me.¡±

    Without waiting for an answer, she turned and started walking off. As she neared her car, Keith saw the concert hall director¡¯s grandson excitedly holding the door open for her.

    Unlike the cold indifference she¡¯d shown to both Keith and Alexander, Dani smiled warmly at the young man.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 53

    ?Chapter 53:

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Under the glow of the neon lights, the young man¡¯s ears flushed bright red.

    ¡°Goodbye, Ms. Harper.¡±

    Keith watched with interest as the scene unfolded, his eyes fixed on the young man. He nudged Alexander and said, ¡°You know, Dani¡¯s always been stunning¡ªguys have always been drawn to her.¡±

    But now, with her being the CEO of Elite Lux, she¡¯s on an entirely different level. Just look at that boy¡ªhe¡¯s all nervous, trying so hard to impress her. And she¡¯s being so sweet with him.¡±

    Alexander walked to the parking lot without saying a word.

    Keith continued, ¡°You know, Alexander, if I¡¯d realized that Dani waspletely done with you, I wouldn¡¯t have dragged you with me earlier. Do you think I came off badly? I mean, she shut me down pretty quickly back there.¡±

    As Keith kept talking, he noticed something odd. Alexander¡¯s hand seemed to hesitate, gripping the car door handle just a little tighter at the moment Keith mentioned Dani being over him.

    Keith blinked, his instincts kicking in. Alexander wasn¡¯t as unaffected by her as he was trying to make everyone believe.

    Keith saw his chance and leaned in.

    ¡°Alexander, women like Dani are one of a kind, and they deserve to be treated well. She¡¯s beautiful, sessful, and getting attention from all sides. If you don¡¯t make a move, someone else will. And Joyce? She¡¯s a ticking time bomb, and her mother isn¡¯t any better. If you go through with marrying her, you¡¯ll regret it every single day. Just think about it¡ªthree months ago, Dani was going out of her way to make you happy. Even now, despite how distant she¡¯s acting, there¡¯s still a bit of warmth in her. If you just let go of your pride and apologize, I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll forgive you. So, why keep acting like you couldn¡¯t care less?¡±

    The tales you love are at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    Alexander¡¯s face tightened, his frustration evident. He wrenched the car door open, and, before mming it shut, he snapped, ¡°Does everything have to be about her now?¡±

    The door banged shut, and his car roared to life, tearing into the night and blending into the rush of traffic.

    Keith stayed behind, watching the taillights disappear. With a deep sigh, he shook his head and muttered under his breath, ¡°If the day everes when she really doesn¡¯t love you anymore, you¡¯ll be left begging and pleading.¡±

    Alexander didn¡¯t hear a thing Keith had said. He sped down the road, his mind elsewhere.

    When he got home, the living room lights were still on. Richard was there, clearly eager to know how things went with Dani.

    Before Alexander could even make it all the way through the door, Richard jumped in with a grin.

    ¡°Well? How¡¯d it go? I heard half of Olisvine¡¯s bachelors were at the concert hall tonight.

    You had a prime spot. Did Dani notice you?¡±

    ¡°She did,¡± Alexander replied tly.

    Richard¡¯s face brightened with hope. Grinning like the result was already decided, he asked, ¡°And? Did you actually talk to her? Did you bring up the idea of getting back together?¡±

    Alexander¡¯s expression turned cold.

    ¡°No.¡±

    Richard¡¯s smile faded, and he frowned.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 54

    ?Chapter 54:

    ¡°Why not?¡±

    Alexander didn¡¯t want to get into it.

    ¡°I¡¯m tired,¡± he said sharply, then turned and went upstairs, ending the conversation.

    Once he was in his room, he didn¡¯t rush to shower or change. He loosened his tie and dropped into a chair. His dark, unfocused eyes stared at the empty room as his mind spiraled.

    He couldn¡¯t stand the feeling that the world was trying to force him and Dani back together. The thought of chasing someone who didn¡¯t care for him was something he hated.

    Love had always seemed like a concept he didn¡¯t buy into.

    For ten years, Dani had pursued him¡ªten years of relentless loyalty. She had been such a constant part of his life that her sudden absence now left a noticeable void. He tried to convince himself that this unease was simply the result of withdrawal.

    He kept repeating the same reasoning in his mind. Their marriage had never been anything but a practical, business-driven arrangement.

    It hadn¡¯t been about feelings or love.

    When things clicked, they stayed. When they didn¡¯t, they went their separate ways.

    It was as simple as that.

    galnov??s keeps you updated

    Yet, despite all his attempts to rationalize it, Alexander couldn¡¯t shake the image of Cedric standing in front of Dani earlier that evening. The memory stirred something strange and unsettling inside him.

    He repeated in his mind¡ªthis was just withdrawal.

    If he kept a dog for years, it was only natural to get attached. And Dani was human. Alexander told himself that he was just not used to it.

    Dani had returned home from the concert, only to end up drinking a pricey bottle of wine with Lillian. Lillian spent the night ranting about Alexander. When Dani finally woke up, her head was cloudy, and the events from the night before felt distant and hazy.

    At that moment, a gentle knock echoed at the door. The housekeeper¡¯s unsure voice came through.

    ¡°Ms. Harper?¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡± Dani mumbled, still half-dazed.

    The housekeeper hesitated, clearly unsure, before speaking in a nervous, uncertain tone.

    ¡°There¡¯s a man downstairs, iming to be your father. He¡¯s been waiting for over an hour. He¡¯s with two women¡ªone named Katrina and the other Joyce. They said they¡¯re your family.¡±

    Dani blinked, the words slowly sinking in. Her gaze shifted to the phone on her nightstand, now lighting up with an iing call. She answered the phone, put it on speaker, and walked into the bathroom to freshen up.

    ¡°Awake?¡± Cedric¡¯s voice came through, low and smooth.

    ¡°Hmmm,¡± Dani murmured.

    ¡°I had some top-tier food brought in today. Care to join me for lunch?¡±

    Dani patted her face dry with a towel before responding, ¡°Not today. I¡¯ve got something to handle.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 55

    ?Chapter 55:

    Dani set the towel down and clipped her earrings on. Her tone remained calm and light as she said, ¡°Looks like it¡¯s time to confront my family.¡±

    Ten minutester, in the downstairs living room, Joyce reclined on the couch, her tone overly sweet as she bossed the housekeeper around.

    ¡°These fruits are exquisite. Pack up a box for me to take home. And the fruit tter¡ªit¡¯s stunning. I need to know where you found it. I¡¯ll take that too. Oh, and see that little table over there? It¡¯s just perfect for night snacks. Fold it up for me, will you?¡±

    While issuing her orders, Joyce wandered over to therge fish tank.

    The housekeeper, visibly stressed, hurried over with a forced smile.

    ¡°Ms. Holt, these fish are a special gift from Mr. Phillips. I¡¯ve heard each one is valued at over twenty thousand dors.¡±

    Joyce¡¯s interest piqued, and she nced at Katrina, who immediately understood her intentions.

    Leaning on Caiden¡¯s arm, Katrina remarked, ¡°Just look at Dani¡¯svish setup here. This tank alone must be worth a fortune. She really indulges herself, doesn¡¯t she?¡±

    Caiden scoffed, ¡°She doesn¡¯t know the first thing about living sensibly. Joyce, if you fancy it, we can have someonee and collect the entire tankter.¡±

    Joyce¡¯s smile widened, clearly pleased. She had to acknowledge, Dani was not only wealthy but also had an exceptional eye for style. Everything in the house was curated with elegance.

    Eyeing a nearby cab, Joyce¡¯s smile turned cunning.

    Lose yourself in stories on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s

    ¡°Dad, I¡¯d like that cab as well. It would be perfect in our ce.¡±

    The housekeeper¡¯s heart sank.

    ¡°This cab is another gift from Mr. Phillips. It¡¯s crafted from rare rosewood and was acquired at an auction. It¡¯s not really something we can just give away.¡±

    Katrina chuckled lightly, turning to Caiden.

    ¡°Dani may be thriving in her career, but it seems her staff doesn¡¯t quite understand. We¡¯re all family here. Why should there be such boundaries among us?¡±

    Caiden¡¯s expression hardened as he faced the housekeeper, his voice dropping to an icy, authoritative timbre.

    ¡°I¡¯m her father. Whatever I desire, she should be willing to provide. Even if I demanded this entire building, she¡¯d have no choice but toply¡ªlet alone a mere cab.¡±

    The housekeeper bowed her head submissively.

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Emboldened by Caiden¡¯s deration, Joyce¡¯s demeanor swelled with arrogance. She swept her hand across the room, pointing at thevish furnishings as ifpiling a wish list for an extravagant shopping spree.

    Turning to Caiden with a gleeful grin, she said, ¡°Dad, I¡¯ll arrange for movers to collect these items. And while we¡¯re at it, could you convince Dani to refurbish the 18th to 20th floors for me? I want them styled just like this.¡±

    The housekeeper¡¯s eyes bulged, her mind reeling at the audacity. These people were beyond belief. Her gaze darted toward the staircase, hoping Dani would appear soon.

    Anxiety tightened her chest. If Dani didn¡¯t intervene quickly, they¡¯d empty the entire house.

    Just as panic threatened to overwhelm her, a firm knock echoed through the room. A flicker of hope sparked across the housekeeper¡¯s face, half-expecting it to be Lillian, whose gutsy demeanor might help defuse the escting situation.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 56

    ?Chapter 56:

    However, the door swung open to reveal not Lillian, but a team of professional movers, d in their work uniforms.

    ¡°Hello, did someone here request a moving service?¡± one mover inquired.

    The housekeeper peeked outside, her heart sinking as she saw over ten robust men, poised as though ready to gut the house.

    She waved her hands fretfully.

    ¡°My employer is still resting. Could you perhaps wait a little longer? Just until¡ª¡±

    ¡°Wait for what?¡± Before she could finish, Joyce barged past her and barked at the movers, ¡°Come in! What are you waiting for? We¡¯ve been expecting you.¡±

    The mover apologized promptly.

    ¡°Sorry, ma¡¯am. The traffic downtown was horrendous.¡±

    Joyce dismissed their excuse with an irritated wave of her hand.

    ¡°Spare me the details. Just get in here.¡±

    She led them into the living room, her gestures grand andmanding as she pointed to her selections.

    ¡°Take that. And this. Oh, and that one over there too. The fish tank¡ªyes, the whole thing, fish included. Move it all!¡±

    The movers examined the items carefully before providing a quote.

    ¡°Since there are live animals involved, the fee will be slightly higher. If that¡¯s alright, we can begin immediately.¡±

    Discover fresh tales at g ¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s,

    Joyce waved them off dismissively, her tone dripping with entitlement.

    ¡°Go ahead and start. Bill the owner of the house for itter.¡±

    The movers, methodical and professional, began unpacking their equipment, ready to pack up the requested items.

    The housekeeper, now frantic, stepped forward in ast-ditch effort to intervene.

    ¡°No, no! This can¡¯t happen! Miss Harper is still asleep. Please, at least wait until she wakes up so you can ask her first. If she consents, then fine, take what you like. But I¡¯m just the housekeeper¡ªI don¡¯t have the authority to let this happen. If shees downstairs to find her house stripped bare, what exnation am I supposed to give? Please, I beg you!¡±

    Caiden imed to be Dani¡¯s father, Katrina asserted herself as the stepmother, and Joyce proimed herself the stepsister. Confused by the family dynamics, the housekeeper felt utterly helpless.

    ¡°What did you just say?¡± Joyce snapped, her tone sharp and cutting as her re bore into the housekeeper.

    ¡°I said, move these things. Didn¡¯t you hear me?¡±

    The housekeeper, though visibly trembling, nted herself in front of the fish tank, resolutely blocking their path.

    Joyce¡¯s frustration reached its boiling point. Without a second thought, she raised her hand and struck the housekeeper hard across the face.

    The housekeeper, a woman in her fifties, stumbled under the force of the p. Her eyes brimmed with tears, but she stood her ground, too terrified to speak. Joyce seized her arm roughly, shoving her aside with a dismissive sneer. Turning back to the movers, she barked, ¡°Move it, now!¡±

    The movers nodded and bent down, working together to lift the massive fish tank. At that moment, the doorbell rang again.

    With a piercing look, Joyce directed her fiery gaze at the housekeeper, her voice thick with exasperation.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 57

    ?Chapter 57:

    ¡°Have you lost your hearing? Answer the door, now!¡±

    Tears brimming in her eyes, the housekeeper moved towards the door.

    ¡°Just how many more people do they intend to bring in?¡± she muttered to herself, frustrated.

    Katrina reclined against Caiden, her fingers teasingly caressing his chest in slow, deliberate circles.

    ¡°Dani¡¯s servant is just too careless. Next time, let me bring in someone more dependable to take care of her. It¡¯s the least we can do to ensure she doesn¡¯t have to deal with such ipetence.¡±

    At her words, Caiden¡¯s expression softened into one of tender affection. He gazed down at her, his admiration palpable, and tenderly pressed a kiss to her forehead.

    ¡°Katrina, your heart is just so expansive.

    You¡¯ve woven yourself into the fabric of this family, yet Dani hasn¡¯t once called you ¡®Mom.¡¯ Still, you think only of her welfare. Truly, making you my wife was the finest decision of my life.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s gaze fluttered downwards, a rosy blush coloring her cheeks.

    ¡°I¡¯m simply reflecting the goodness you shower upon me, honey.¡± Caiden, observing her demure smile, felt a surge of warmth flood his chest. Their eyes locked, brimming with a silent, electric charge.

    This was the tableau that greeted Cedric as he arrived. The house buzzed with activity, movers weaving through rooms, while the housekeeper, her cheek puffed and reddened, tear stains marking her eyes, stood at the threshold. She edged closer to Cedric, her voice quivering.

    ¡°They¡¯re clearing out the house. Miss Harper is still sleeping.¡±

    Read exclusive stories at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    Cedric¡¯s piercing gaze grew stormy, his features setting into a stern mask. Silently, he stepped inside.

    The first spectacle to catch his eye was Caiden and Katrina, entwined in an intimate embrace, seemingly unaware of the world around them. This wasn¡¯t even their house¡ªit belonged to Dani.

    Yet there they were, shamelessly engaging in flirtatious banter amidst the bustling movers. Had he not arrived when he did, one could only specte on the extent of their indiscretions.

    Cedric¡¯s eyebrows furrowed, a sh of annoyance crossing his face.

    The moment Joyce spotted Cedric, her expression lit up with sheer joy. Ovee with excitement, she blurted out, ¡°Mr. Phillips! Cedric Phillips!¡±

    For someone like her, who seldom encountered individuals of Cedric¡¯s renowned status, meeting him was nothing short of mesmerizing. Rooted to the spot, she could do nothing but stare at him, her eyes wide with admiration as time seemed to slow down around her.

    ¡°He¡¯s absolutely stunning,¡± she muttered to herself in awe, the thought echoing in her mind.

    His appearance was striking¡ªsharp features, piercing eyes, wless in every conceivable way.

    Her overt admiration didn¡¯t escape Katrina¡¯s notice. Standing a few feet away, she frowned at her daughter¡¯sck of subtlety. With a pointed cough, she tried to snap Joyce out of her reverie.

    Jolted back to the present, Joyce quickly dabbed at her lips and ran her fingers through her hair topose herself. She approached Cedric with tentative steps, offering her hand and a bashful smile.

    ¡°Hi there, I¡¯m Joyce, Dani¡¯s sister. It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you.¡±

    Cedric remained motionless, his hands tucked into his pockets, radiating a chilling aloofness. He gave Joyce a quick, indifferent nce, treating her as if she were merely an inconsequential blur in his field of vision.

    A wave of embarrassment washed over Joyce at his dismissive gaze, yet her fascination only deepened. Despite his cold dismissal, her enthusiasm for him remained undiminished.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 58

    ?Chapter 58:

    Katrina discreetly studied Cedric from across the room. Though their paths had never crossed, the tales she had heard painted a vivid picture of him.

    Cedric stood out dramatically¡ªhis height imposing, his features strikingly handsome, and his demeanor radiating undeniable power that seemed to silentlymand respect from everyone around him.

    If Joyce could marry Cedric¡­

    Katrina turned her attention to Caiden, lightly squeezing his hand to draw his focus.

    ¡°Between Cedric and Alexander, whom do you favor more?¡±

    Caiden immediately grasped the essence of Katrina¡¯s question¡ªshe was appraising Cedric as a potential match for Joyce. He responded without hesitation.

    ¡°Cedric, without a doubt. Alexander might have Richard¡¯s support, but that¡¯s precisely his weakness¡ªRichard¡¯s influence is too pervasive, and Alexander can¡¯t seem to step out from under his shadow. Cedric is a different story. He¡¯s self-taught, self-made. His achievements are all his own, which even I mustmend.¡±

    He paused, considering the implications for their family.

    ¡°Plus, his personal life is uplicated¡ªonly his elderly grandmother requires his care. If Joyce marries him, she¡¯d practically run the show, with no one to second-guess her decisions. His business acumen is unparalleled, a stark contrast to the Bet family, who are always currying favor and clinching deals. There¡¯s simply noparison¡ªCedric is in a ss of his own.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s eyes shimmered with excitement and anticipation.

    Find your imagination at galn  ovels ; con

    ¡°Do you, someone of your insight, truly respect him?¡±

    Caiden nodded affirmatively, his face breaking into a thoughtful smile.

    ¡°In business, certainly. But should Joyce seed in intertwining their fates through marriage, no matter his capabilities, Cedric will have to defer to me, regardless.¡±

    Katrina radiated excitement, practically glowing. She let go of Caiden¡¯s hand and stepped towards Joyce, positioning herself confidently before turning to address Cedric.

    ¡°Cedric Phillips, Dani¡¯s close friend, right? I¡¯m Dani¡¯s stepmother. Please, feel free to call me Katrina.¡± She extended her hand to him, her face adorned with a polished, almost-too-perfect smile.

    But Cedric didn¡¯t budge. His hands stayed buried in his pockets, his sharp eyes surveying the room with a cold, frigid intensity. He didn¡¯t even nce at her offered hand.

    The atmosphere grew tense with Cedric¡¯s arrival. His sheer presence was enough tomand the room, halting the movers mid-task.

    ¡°Starting a move this early in the morning?¡± Cedric asked, his lips curling into a faint, sardonic smile.

    Katrina¡¯s hand hung in the air awkwardly for a moment, but her polished demeanor didn¡¯t falter. She quickly recovered, letting out a light, breezyugh and adopting an effortless tone.

    ¡°No, not moving! Dani still lives here. It¡¯s just that Joyce felt some of the furniture and decorations didn¡¯t quite align with Dani¡¯s style. We were discussing some upgrades to better suit her taste. As parents, it¡¯s only natural we want her to have the best. She lives alone, after all, and we want her to feelfortable and well taken care of.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s ability to twist the narrative to her favor was nearly wless. Stating the truth¡ªthat they were piging the home¡ªwould paint her as selfish and cold. But framing it as an effort to enhance Dani¡¯s living situation made her sound thoughtful, even selfless.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 59

    ?Chapter 59:

    She had mastered this technique over the years, crafting the image of a loving, supportive stepmother everyone admired.

    The housekeeper could only stare in stunned silence, knowing the stark contrast between Katrina¡¯s words and her actions. What was she even saying now? Just moments ago, this woman had been barking orders andying im to anything she fancied.

    The housekeeper¡¯s anxiety surged as she nced at Cedric, silently praying he wouldn¡¯t be fooled by Katrina¡¯s sudden change in demeanor.

    Cedric remained unmoved, his expression cold and unreadable as he pulled a chair over and settled into it with deliberate calm. His sharp gaze flicked briefly towards the movers handling the fish tank.

    ¡°So, the fish tank and the fish that I gifted aren¡¯t good enough? Is that it? Are you saying my gift doesn¡¯t suit this house?¡± His words cut through the room like a de, the underlying warning impossible to miss.

    Caiden sprang to his feet, his face draining of color.

    ¡°No! Of course not! How could we ever think that? Your gift is, naturally, the best of the best!¡± He knew all too well that Cedric, despite his youth, was infamous for his ruthless business acumen. One snap decision from him could dismantle entire empires or obliteratepetitors. He wasn¡¯t someone to provoke lightly.

    Standing there with an awkward, forced smile, Caiden tried to salvage the situation. But Cedric didn¡¯t even nce at him, his attention fixed coolly on his phone.

    The atmosphere in the room was suffocating. Caiden and Katrina stood rigid, while the movers exchanged uneasy nces, unsure whether to proceed or abandon the task.

    The silence stretched unbearably, thick with tension, until one of the movers hesitantly broke it.

    ¡°Should we keep moving?¡±

    The question shattered the stillness, but instead of diffusing the tension, it seemed to amplify it. Caiden¡¯s gaze darted nervously towards Cedric, whose finger had paused mid-swipe on his phone screen. That small motion alone made Caiden¡¯s throat tighten as he swallowed hard.

    ¡°Of course, we¡¯ll leave the fish tank exactly where it is,¡± Katrina chimed in with a sharine smile, desperate to defuse the situation.

    ¡°But perhaps we could take a few of the other items? Just the ones that don¡¯t quite fit the decor here?¡±

    Her greed peeked through her polished facade, unable to suppress her true intentions.

    Dani¡¯s furniture was a testament to impable taste. The sofa, made of solid rosewood and adorned with buttery-soft leather cushions, far surpassed anything Katrina could boast of at home. It was only natural that she wanted to take the best pieces back with her.

    As for the fish tank and Cedric¡¯s other gifts? Those could wait. Once Cedric left, she¡¯d return to im them. Her n was already clear in her mind.

    ¡°Mr. Phillips, would that be alright?¡± Caiden¡¯s voice was tentative, measured with caution.

    Cedric, however, didn¡¯t even lift his head. His attention remained fixed on his phone, his finger scrolling as if oblivious to the tension around him. He neither agreed nor refused, leaving Caiden in a painfully awkward limbo. The oppressive silence in the room grew thicker.

    Then, the faint creak of a door opening upstairs broke the stillness. Everyone except Cedric exhaled in relief.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 60

    ?Chapter 60:

    Dani was finallying downstairs. Caiden, shaken from his uneasy trance, felt a cold sweat drench his back. For the first time, he found himself actually eager to see his biological daughter.

    ¡°Dani,¡± he called out, his voice uncharacteristically soft as he watched her descend the stairs.

    ¡°You¡¯re finally awake!¡±

    His tone, unusually gentle and warm, carried the practiced air of a caring father.

    Years ago, Dani had longed for even a moment like this¡ªfor her father to speak to her with such kindness. But Caiden¡¯s tenderness had always been reserved for Joyce. Never her. That fragile hope had withered and died long ago, buried beneath years of neglect and indifference.

    Dani descended the stairs, her expressionposed and unreadable. Her gaze drifted over the scene in the living room, pausing on the movers standing uncertainly amid the disarrayed furniture. Their uniforms, a deep green, bore thepany¡¯s slogan in bold letters.

    ¡°We bring happiness back home.¡±

    The word ¡°home¡± struck Dani with a wave of bitter irony.

    She hadn¡¯t known the meaning of that word in years.

    Dani¡¯s eyes roamed across the room, finally settling on Cedric, whose calm demeanor stood in stark contrast to the tense atmosphere. Then, her attention shifted to the housekeeper, her swollen, tear-streaked face speaking volumes.

    Find inspiring stories on g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s???§àm

    Her eyes gradually hardened, a shadow darkening their depths.

    The moment Dani descended the stairs, her icy, aloof demeanor wiped the tentative smile from Caiden¡¯s face.

    For a fleeting second, he considered reprimanding her, but his attention shifted to Cedric, who remained seated firmly in his chair. No longer absorbed in his phone, Cedric still seemed rooted to the spot, showing no signs of leaving.

    Concealing his irritation, Caiden managed a polite smile and turned to Cedric.

    ¡°Mr. Phillips, now that Dani has joined us, was there something specific you wished to discuss with her? Perhaps you could speak with her first?¡±

    With azy stretch, Cedric sank deeper into his seat, his voice smooth and unhurried.

    ¡°We¡¯re set for lunchter. There¡¯s no need to rush.

    You two chat¡ªI¡¯ll stay out of the way. When you¡¯re done, I¡¯ll take her along.¡±

    His insinuation was unmistakable: he wasn¡¯t going anywhere anytime soon. Caiden, suppressing his annoyance, shot Cedric a wary nce before turning back to Dani.

    A subtle yet undeniable edge of criticism colored his voice this time.

    ¡°Unbelievable, Dani. Getting up thiste? With your pathetic work ethic, it¡¯s a joke that you¡¯re even running a business.¡±

    Dani paused, taking her time before responding. She strolled into the kitchen, poured herself a ss of milk, and briefly nced at Katrina and then Joyce. A smile danced on her lips.

    Caiden¡¯s jaw tightened.

    ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡±

    Dressed to perfection, with an air of unshakable authority, Dani returned to the living room and settled elegantly into the cushions.

    ¡°I¡¯mughing because I¡¯m dying to know¡ªwhat absurd n are you cooking up this time?¡± Her tone dripped with sarcasm, and the subtle smirk on her lips only deepened her clear disdain.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 61

    ?Chapter 61:

    ¡°Dani!¡± Caiden¡¯s voice hardened, his eyes narrowing with a warning edge.

    ¡°Mind your words!¡±

    Unfazed, Dani retorted, ¡°If my memory serves me correctly, you were the one who publicly dered that our father-daughter ties were severed. It was in the newspapers, wasn¡¯t it? Perhaps you¡¯ve forgotten. It¡¯s understandable, considering your lovely new wife and darling daughter are now in the picture. Don¡¯t worry¡ªI saved a screenshot of that announcement. Would you like to see it?¡± Caiden¡¯s expression tensed visibly.

    Undeterred, Dani pressed on.

    ¡°Since we¡¯re nothing to each other anymore, let me ask¡ªwhat twisted logic made you think bringing your pathetic family into my home was okay?¡±

    Her gaze briefly swept over the housekeeper and then to the movers.

    ¡°You¡¯ve hit my staff and started seizing my possessions. So, I must ask¡ªwhat is this, if not daylight robbery?¡±

    Stepping forward, Joyce interjected sharply, ¡°Dani, don¡¯t twist this into something terrible! We¡¯re taking your stuff because you actually matter to us!¡±

    Dani¡¯s frosty expression didn¡¯t waver as she fixed her piercing eyes on Joyce.

    ¡°Oh, really? Should I apud you for that?¡±

    For a moment, Joyce stumbled, herposure cracking like fragile ss.

    L??€$? ???t??§ñ? ?¦Ç g??l??ov?l??.??§àm

    Stepping in, Katrina coaxed, ¡°Dani, you¡¯re being overly harsh. I understand you¡¯re hurt because your father dered he¡¯s cutting ties with you, but consider his age¡ªhe can be rash at times. Do you truly want to cling to resentment? Bonds between father and daughter aren¡¯t so easily dissolved by a mere public statement.

    You¡¯ve been part of the Harper family for over twenty years¡ªdon¡¯t pretend you made it all on your own. Let¡¯s not ruin family ties with needless stubbornness.¡±

    Katrina was the epitome of hypocrisy¡ªsweet on the surface, venomous underneath. Unaware of her duplicity, Caiden absorbed only the words that suited his narrative. He truly thought Katrina was the peacemaker of the family.

    His expression hardened further, his eyes locking on Dani with a freezing intensity. In his eyes, she was nothing more than a spoiled brat who didn¡¯t know how to appreciate anything.

    Dani, however, was no stranger to Katrina¡¯s maniptions. She lifted her hand, signaling an end to the discussion.

    ¡°Stop pretending this was all some impulsive mistake. Let¡¯s face it, Dad¡ªyou couldn¡¯t wait to cut me loose, could you?¡±

    Caiden was obsessed with his image, and the idea of eating his words, especially with Cedric watching, was utterly humiliating. To concede a mistake in such a scenario was unthinkable. His expression darkened, a storm brewing in his eyes. As he parted his lips to protest, Katrina slid gracefully into the seat next to him, her fingers lightly pressing his, and whispered, ¡°If we upset Dani, how will we convince her to give those floors to Joyce? She¡¯s your daughter. What¡¯s the point of holding a grudge against her? After all these years of raising her, would you really want to see all your efforts go to waste?¡±

    Caiden¡¯s jaw tightened, a visible tremor of frustration rippling through him.

    ¡°Are you suggesting I should just submit to her demands now?¡±

    With a serene smile, Katrina embodied both innocence and empathy.

    ¡°She¡¯s your daughter. Is it really that demeaning to yield a little for her? But if the thought is too bitter for you, allow me to be the peacemaker.¡±

    Rising with deliberate grace, Katrina bent forward into a deep, respectful bow.

    ¡°Dani, I ept the me for everything that has transpired. As your stepmother, I¡¯ve let you down. Please, don¡¯t punish your father for my mistakes. I see you¡¯re upset, and I want to apologize. I¡¯m sorry. Can we move past this and focus on what¡¯s ahead?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 62

    ?Chapter 62:

    Her voice, soft and pleading, wasden with feigned self-abnegation. She assumed the guise of a benevolent, loving stepmother with wless precision.

    Caiden, observing this, was overwhelmed with a rush of pride and tenderness for Katrina. His heart swelled with appreciation for her disy of ¡°kindness,¡± and he made a silent promise to himself to provide even greater support for her and Joyce in theing days.

    How could they, so innocent and righteous, live in this dangerous world without him watching over them?

    Dani let out a sharp, icyugh.

    ¡°So, you came here to apologize? You showed up uninvited, assaulted my staff, and then, without permission, tried to strip my house bare. Is this a new kind of apology I¡¯ve yet to learn about?¡±

    Katrina opened her mouth to respond, but Dani turned to the movers with a cool smile.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for all the trouble you¡¯ve gone through, but nothing here is leaving. Thank you for your time.¡±

    The movers exchanged uneasy nces. One of them stepped forward hesitantly.

    ¡°We still need to cover the transportation costs. We brought a lot of people out here, so someone needs to pay for the service.¡±

    Dani chuckled, nodding.

    ¡°Of course. That¡¯s reasonable.¡±

    Her gaze snapped to Katrina, sharp and cutting.

    ¡°Go on; this one¡¯s on you.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s lips twitched as she fought the surge of anger rising within her. Forcing a tight smile, she reached into her purse, pulled out a wad of cash, and handed over ten thousand dors.

    ¡°Thank you for your time. I apologize for this little family misunderstanding. Have a safe trip back.¡±

    The movers, now satisfied, quickly packed up their equipment and left, leaving the room quiet once again.

    Katrina nced at Caiden, her expression unreadable but loaded with intent. Her eyes spoke volumes.

    The furniture could wait. She needed to secure the bigger prize.

    Caiden straightened.

    ¡°Luxor Tower is enormous. There¡¯s no way you need all this space, Dani. Hand over the 18th to 20th floors to your sister. And one more thing¡ªJoyce is running a clothing store. She wants a coboration with Elite Lux for a joint collection. Take care of it.¡±

    Before Dani could respond, Joyce jumped in with eager enthusiasm.

    ¡°Dad, I don¡¯t know much about design. Maybe Dani could handle that part for me?¡±

    Caiden nodded, pleased with the suggestion.

    ¡°Excellent idea. Dani, take care of it. And while you¡¯re at it, renovate the floors. I stopped by your office earlier¡ªit¡¯s impressive. Use that as inspiration. Make it just as grand. After all, you¡¯re sisters. Now that you¡¯re sessful, it¡¯s your duty to look out for her.¡±

    His tone hardened, disappointment dripping from every word.

    ¡°Frankly, I shouldn¡¯t have to spell this out for you.

    You¡¯re so inconsiderate sometimes. I can¡¯t imagine what kind of man would even want to marry you. And if anyone does, it¡¯ll only be for your money. Dani, this is all because your mother raised you so poorly!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 63

    ?Chapter 63:

    Caiden¡¯s words grew increasingly cutting, his voice rising with unchecked arrogance.

    Dani remained calm, her expression serene, as though his insults barely registered. She had long since grown ustomed to her father¡¯s harsh words. But across the room, Cedric¡¯s eyes narrowed, a dark shadow clouding his face.

    When Dani nced at him, she noticed the storm brewing in his expression. She offered him a faint, reassuring smile.

    Turning back to Caiden, Dani spoke evenly, her voice controlled and almost gentle.

    ¡°The floors? Of course. And the renovations? Why not? You¡¯re absolutely right. Now that I¡¯ve done well, it¡¯s only fair to help my sister.¡±

    The moment she said this, Caiden, Katrina, and Joyce visibly rxed. Relief washed over their faces, quickly reced by smug satisfaction. Dani was still the same meek, pliable girl, too weak to stand up for herself.

    Katrina and Joyce exchanged a fleeting look of regret, realizing they could¡¯ve demanded much more. Ten floors, perhaps even more than that¡ªDani would¡¯ve agreed without a fight.

    ¡°Good,¡± Caiden said curtly, rising to his feet, his difort with Cedric¡¯s oppressive presence evident. Straightening his jacket, he turned to Dani with his usualmanding tone.

    ¡°Start the paperwork. Transfer those floors to Joyce. And make sure the renovations use the best materials. No cutting corners¡ªanything less will only cause problems for her down the line.¡± He turned to the door, ready to leave.

    ¡°Joyce?¡± Dani¡¯s voice rang out, calm yet deliberate, halting him mid-step.

    Find thetest releases g?ln¦Òv????s

    ¡°Dad, what exactly are you saying? You expect me to hand over the floors to Joyce and pay for her renovations? Are you joking?¡± Caiden froze, his expression darkening as his face tightened.

    ¡°But you just said¡ª¡±

    ¡°I said I had no issue helping my sister. But you meant Joyce? Well, that¡¯s an issue.

    You see, I hold blood ties in the highest regard. And Joyce? She doesn¡¯t share my mother¡¯s blood. So no, I don¡¯t see her as my sister. And you want me to hand over my property to her?¡± Her smile widened, though her gaze was razor-sharp.

    ¡°If I did that, my mother would surely curse me from her grave for being so stupid. Do you even remember my mother, Dad? When she died, she was drenched in blood. Justst night, I thought I heard her voice. She told me she had only one daughter. When you started talking about helping a sister, for a moment, I thought maybe you and my mom had another child somewhere I didn¡¯t know about. What a pity.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s face flushed with anger, his bnce faltering as he staggered slightly, his fury barely contained.

    ¡°Your mom and I only had you! I married your stepmother, and Joyce is your sister!¡±

    Dani remained unruffled, her faint smile still in ce.

    ¡°Oh, I see now.

    You mean the baggage that the woman you chose brought into the family. And now you expect me to take care of it? Keep dreaming.¡±

    ¡°Dani!¡± Caiden roared, his face turning a deep, furious red.

    ¡°Watch your mouth!¡±

    His anger boiled over, his hand flying into the air, ready to strike.

    The p was just about tond. Dani frowned, ready to react, when suddenly someone stepped in front of her. There stood Cedric, shielding her decisively. Towering and formidable, his presence sliced through the tension, exuding an undeniablemand that seemed to stabilize the air around him.

    Dani, perplexed yet oddly reassured, remained motionless, her eyes drifting downward to notice Cedric¡¯s other hand, balled into a firm fist at his side.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 64

    ?Chapter 64:

    Caiden¡¯s fury escted, his hand frozen in the air, quivering with wrath as he shot a venomous re towards Cedric.

    ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡±

    Cedric returned his gaze, his eyes cold and unwavering.

    ¡°And what do you think you¡¯re doing?¡±

    Caiden¡¯s voice soared in volume, tinged with defiance.

    ¡°I¡¯m disciplining my own daughter. Must you meddle in this?¡±

    At that moment, Dani stepped from behind Cedric, her fingers lightly grasping his sleeve. She nodded towards the security camera perched above them and spoke to Caiden.

    ¡°If you¡¯re eager to make headlines tomorrow, feel free to take a swing. But I¡¯m curious¡ªwhat do you suppose the news will dere? Will it be ¡®Elite Lux¡¯s CEO¡¯s Estranged Father Makes a Violent Entrance, Tries to Steal from His Own Daughter¡¯? Or maybe ¡®Disgraced Father Strikes His Own Flesh and Blood in Defense of His Second Wife¡¯? And with the recent news about that fire, Dad, don¡¯t you believe this whole ordeal would be a hot topic for the media?¡±

    Caiden felt as if he were teetering on the brink of insanity. His entire frame trembled as a raw, anguished roar escaped him.

    ¡°Dani!¡±

    Dani remained upright, her smile sugary and teasing.

    Stay updated with galn¦Ò¦Í??????.c?m

    ¡°Yes, Dad?¡±

    Caiden sensed that if he didn¡¯t leave soon, he would burst from unrestrained anger.

    ¡°Enough! Dani, if you choose to be this cold, this cruel, clutching at your precious wealth, then don¡¯t bother seeking my aid when you find yourself desperate one day.¡±

    Dani waved her hand.

    ¡°Of course, Dad. Be careful as you leave.¡± Caiden, his cheeks ame with anger, stormed out without a backward nce.

    Katrina stole a quick nce at Cedric, who remained silent, standing loyally by Dani¡¯s side. Ever the embodiment of a graceful stepmother when others were present, Katrina softened her voice.

    ¡°Dani, such youthful innocence.

    You haven¡¯t yet felt the profound burdens of parenthood. With time, when you have kids, you¡¯ll see that preserving family unity is the ultimate endeavor. Riches, celebrity, and authority¡ªthey vanish like morning mist. I dearly hope you won¡¯t live to regret today¡¯s choices.¡±

    Dani let out a yful snort, her lips curling into an amused smile.

    ¡°The prospect of motherhood isn¡¯t on my agenda this lifetime. And trust me, if I ever ventured down that path, I wouldn¡¯t follow in Caiden¡¯s footsteps.

    Yes, I confess¡ªfame and power do catch my fancy. Just a heads-up, steer clear of my finances.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s mask ofposure cracked. Realizing her soft-spoken maniptions were ineffective, her face momentarily tightened in frustration before she regained her poise. After a lingering, poignant nce at Cedric, she let out a resigned sigh, turned gracefully, and made her exit.

    Dani, arms folded in mock defiance, turned her attention to Joyce, who was still nted in the same spot, obviously torn about leaving. Dani¡¯s eyes twinkled mischievously as she teased, ¡°Hanging around, Joyce? Not ready to make your exit? Do you fancy yourself as royalty, perhaps expecting a grand procession?¡±

    Joyce felt the urge to walk away from Dani¡¯s taunts, yet hesitation kept her standing still. Cedric was still here. Leaving now could just give this woman the perfect opportunity to steal Cedric¡¯s attention. Dani was well-versed in the art of seduction, after all. Furthermore, Cedric had just said he had a lunch appointment with Dani. This could also serve as an opportune moment to deepen her connections with him. She couldn¡¯t help but imagine marrying him one day.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 65

    ?Chapter 65:

    Joyce nced at Cedric with renewed interest.

    ¡°Mr. Phillips, are you nning to head to lunch soon? Could I perhaps apany you?¡± Joyce angled her head, giving her eyshes a flirtatious flutter, hoping to charm him.

    Her lips curved into a yful pout as she implored in a sweet, coaxing tone, ¡°Please? Can I join you for lunch?¡±

    Dani shivered, a wave of goosebumps spreading across her skin.

    Cedric¡¯s forehead creased, and in a sharp, icy tone, he replied, ¡°No.¡± Joyce opened her mouth to argue, but before she could, Cedric¡¯s face hardened.

    ¡°I have germaphobia,¡± he stated inly.

    Joyce stood stock-still. Her eyes immediately began to fill with tears. What was he trying to say? Was he suggesting she was dirty? Just as Joyce was about to speak, Dani raised her hand and gestured to the door.

    ¡°Alright, time to leave.

    Your parents have already gone. How about you hurry up and catch up with them?¡±

    Joyce scowled, ring at Dani as if her eyes could scorch her. With an angry stomp, she marched out.

    As she walked away, two tears slipped down her face¡ªtears so raw and vulnerable they would have softened the heart of any ordinary man. But Cedric barely reacted. His frown deepened, and his attention turned back to Dani.

    Dani looked up, locking eyes with Cedric¡¯s intense, thoughtful gaze. She smiled.

    Your next chapter awaits at galn¦Ò????????

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    Cedric just stared at her, saying nothing. She looked as lively and glowing as she had the day they first met, but now there was something different¡ªsomething that caused a faint ache in his chest.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, let¡¯s go,¡± he replied.

    They had lunch at an upscale restaurant. Throughout the entire meal, Cedric barely spoke. His attention never strayed from Dani. He peeled shrimp, cracked crabs, and even cut the salmon sashimi for her.

    Dani savored the food but couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that Cedric¡¯s quietness was unusual. Something seemed to be bothering him. After the meal, Cedric passed Dani a te of fruit. Smiling, she asked, ¡°Is something bothering you today?¡±

    Cedric handed her a slice of juicy watermelon and answered simply, ¡°No.¡±

    Dani nodded, choosing not to press him further.

    Then, Cedric set down the damp towel, his eyes lowering for a moment. After a brief pause, he said, ¡°Dani.¡±

    She turned to him, seeing the seriousness in his eyes, and hesitated. A heavy silence hung between them.

    Eventually, Dani broke the silence. She looked away, took another bite of the watermelon, and gave a small smile.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    Just as Cedric opened his mouth, Dani set her napkin down, stood up, and shed a casual smile.

    ¡°I¡¯m full. I¡¯ll be right back,¡± she said, heading towards the restroom.

    Cedric watched her walk away, the spark in his eyes fading with each step she took.

    Dani was surprised to see Alexander waiting for her when she came out of the restroom. She meant to walk past him without a word, but Alexander held up his hand, stopping her.

    ¡°He likes you,¡± he said, his voice firm and certain. He was talking about Cedric. It seemed Alexander had caught wind of something¡ªmaybe from the half-open door or the thin walls.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 66

    ?Chapter 66:

    ¡°If the timing had been different,¡± he continued, ¡°you¡¯d know exactly what Cedric was going to say.¡±

    Dani let out a smallugh, though her face showed a sh of irritation. The Harper family had already stirred enough trouble, and she wasn¡¯t in the mood to deal with Alexander now.

    She stopped in the hallway, standing tall in her sleek high heels, and locked eyes with Alexander. Her voice was t as she asked, ¡°So what? Mr. Bet, why does it concern you?¡±

    Alexander¡¯s face turned serious.

    ¡°It¡¯s none of my business. But I¡¯ll tell you this¡ªCedric has big ns. He has a reason foring after you.¡±

    Dani couldn¡¯t hold back anotherugh at his words. Her voice dripped with sarcasm.

    ¡°Oh really? Cedric has an agenda? And what about you? What¡¯s your n? What makes you think you¡¯re in a position to give me advice? What part are you ying in this? Are you saying you don¡¯t have a n?¡±

    Without looking at him again, Dani spun around and walked off.

    Alexander stood still, his eyes cold and full of dark intent. Fine, he thought bitterly. If she couldn¡¯t see his good intentions, then she¡¯d face the consequences when the time came.

    When Dani stepped back into the private room, her eyes immediately found Cedric. One nce told her he had regained his usual calm demeanor. She smiled as she approached him.

    Ga ln ovels . fuels your imagination

    ¡°Ready to go? If you are, let¡¯s head back.¡±

    Cedric nodded in response.

    He drove Dani home in his car, pulling up in front of her building. She thanked him before getting out of the car.

    Just as she was about to walk away, Cedric called out to her.

    Dani sighed quietly to herself before turning around slowly. By the time she did, Cedric had already gotten out of the car. He was standing beside it, his expression more serious than usual.

    ¡°Dani, you¡¯re smart.

    You must have some idea of what I want to say. I know now isn¡¯t the right moment or the right situation to say it. So for now, just think of me as an old ssmate, a friend, or whateverbel works for you.¡±

    He took a deep breath, his eyes steady and sincere.

    ¡°I just want you to know, if you ever need help¡ªanything at all, please don¡¯t hesitate to reach out to me.¡±

    After a brief pause, he continued, ¡°And one more thing.

    You¡¯re a good person, Dani. The problem isn¡¯t you¡ªit¡¯s them. Don¡¯t be upset because of someone who doesn¡¯t deserve you.¡±

    A cold breeze swept through the street, carrying a hint of chill. Dani stood motionless, her long hair flowing gently in the breeze. A faint smile graced her lips¡ªsubtle, yet captivating in its charm.

    It wasn¡¯t often that Cedric¡ªthe everposed and calcting man, renowned for his sharp strategies and icy demeanor¡ªopened up like this.

    Yet here he was, speaking so openly, his words carrying genuine emotion.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Dani said, her voice warm with sincerity.

    ¡°You really don¡¯t need to thank me,¡± Cedric replied almost instantly, his gaze resting on her with a hint of uncertainty. There were so many things he wanted to say, so much he wanted to do for her, but he held back, fearing he might push too far and scare her off. Finally, he just said, ¡°If your housekeeper decides to leave, don¡¯t worry about it. I know an excellent housekeeper who¡¯s currently looking for work. I could introduce her to you tomorrow if that works for you.¡±

    Before Dani could say anything, Cedric quickly added, ¡°She¡¯s already searching for a job, so honestly, you¡¯d be doing her a favor.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 67

    ?Chapter 67:

    ¡°What do you think?¡±

    Dani¡¯s eyes settled on the man standing opposite her. His chiseled features andmanding presence radiated confidence and strength. But in his eyes, there was a soft hesitation, almost a fragility, as if he was bracing himself for rejection.

    Dani offered a soft, reassuring smile.

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to do that.¡± It had only been three months since her divorce, and her focus had remained firmly on her own priorities. If it had been someone else, she likely would have dismissed them without a second thought. But this was Cedric¡ªher old ssmate, the one who had always been there for her with quiet, unwavering support. How could she bring herself to hurt him?

    ¡°Lillian already mentioned she has someone lined up. I¡¯m heading upstairs now.

    You should head home. Drive safely, okay?¡±

    Rejection as an adult didn¡¯t always need to be spoken. It lived in the subtle exchanges, in the silence where words didn¡¯t need to fill the space.

    Dani was certain Cedric got the message.

    Cedric braced against the biting wind, his eyes narrowing as each gust whipped across his face. He observed Dani gracefully advancing towards Luxor Tower, her long gown billowing at her side. The fierce wind sculpted her figure into an image of fragile elegance, isted against the urban backdrop.

    In that moment, a sharp pang of difort seized Cedric¡¯s heart¡ªa sudden, undeniable twinge that demanded his attention.

    Pulling his phone from his pocket, he hastily dialed a number.

    ¡°Ryan, it¡¯s Cedric. I need you down here.¡±

    Explore more fiction on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s???????

    Ryan, who had been entrenched in his efforts to overhaul the building¡¯s security system and had been deprived of sleep for several days, trudged downstairs. d in his worn hoodie, his appearance was haggard under the faint lighting, his lips pale.

    ¡°What¡¯s up, Cedric?¡± Ryan queried, his voice weary and raspy. Cedric¡¯s eyes remained fixed on the 25th floor, illuminated by the light in Dani¡¯s room.

    Catching Cedric¡¯s concerned look, Ryan retrieved a lollipop from his pocket, unwrapped it, and ced it in his mouth.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you just see her off to her room? What¡¯s the worry now?¡±

    Cedric replied, ¡°She¡¯s not happy.¡±

    Ryan swiveled towards him, his expression etched with confusion.

    ¡°Really?¡±

    To Ryan, understanding human emotions was a puzzle with no clear solution, endlesslyplex.

    Pressing his lips tightly together, Cedric made a request.

    ¡°I have a housekeeper to look after Dani. Help me with the arrangement.¡±

    Ryan opened his mouth to respond, but Cedric quickly added, ¡°She¡¯s refused me.¡±

    A crease formed on Ryan¡¯s brow.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    Cedric replied, ¡°She told me Lillian would handle it. I need you to hack into Lillian¡¯sputer and ensure the right person is chosen. I¡¯ll take care of everything else.¡±

    Cedric envisioned a future encounter with the Harper family, where the housekeeper would not merely stand there, tear-stricken and defenseless. The mere thought stirred a wave of difort within him. He knew he wouldn¡¯t find peace until the matter was settled.

    With a confident nod, Ryan replied, ¡°Understood. Don¡¯t worry, Cedric. I¡¯ll handle it to perfection.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 68

    ?Chapter 68:

    After exchanging a few more remarks, Ryan made his way back upstairs. Meanwhile, Cedric leaned back to gaze once more at the 25th floor, catching the moment when Dani¡¯s lights dimmed.

    Dani felt no urgency to employ a housekeeper. Over the decade she had spent trying to win Alexander¡¯s heart, she had honed her self-reliance to an art form. Her domestic skills were unmatched, maintaining her home in impable order.

    Alexander, ever particr about his meals, had prompted Dani to seek culinary skills from various esteemed chefs. Eventually, he found her cooking beyond reproach. Though he was sparing with his praise, he would asionally let slip a rare word of appreciation.

    Consequently, Dani saw no immediate need to recruit additional help. She had delegated the task to Lillian but stressed that there was no need to hurry. After all, Joyce¡¯s disruptive antics weren¡¯t going to cease any time soon. Hiring someone too soft-spoken or gentle might only lead them to be overwhelmed by bullying.

    Yet, Dani hadn¡¯t anticipated how quickly things would unfold.

    The next morning, as the sunlight peeked through her curtains, Dani¡¯s first sight was Lillian, standing beside her bed with a wide, infectious smile.

    ¡°I¡¯ve found you a housekeeper!¡±

    Dani¡¯s eyes flickered open, a fog of sleep clouding her thoughts.

    That fast?

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s holds stories for every mood

    It hadn¡¯t even been¡­

    She cast a quick nce at the clock on her bedside table.

    Not even ten hours had passed.

    With a smirk, Lillian added, ¡°I hopped online early this morning to search for a housekeeper, and guess what? The perfect candidate was waiting to be found. She¡¯s exceptional¡ªskilled in all aspects of housework. She can prepare specialty dishes from around the world. And that¡¯s not all¡ªshe¡¯s fluent in fivenguages and has a talent for childcare. Should you decide to have children one day, she¡¯s fully equipped to manage it all!¡±

    Dani couldn¡¯t help but be impressed; the woman sounded almost too good to be true.

    Beaming with enthusiasm, Lillian continued, ¡°I¡¯ve already invited her over for a trial run¡ªshe¡¯s actually waiting for us downstairs.¡±

    With a mix of curiosity and intrigue, Dani followed Lillian down the staircase.

    ¡°Hello, Ms. Harper. My name is Josie Maynard, but please, call me Josie. I¡¯m here to take care of all your household needs. Should you have any specific requests, feel free to let me know,¡± Josie Maynard said with a warm, weing smile.

    Dani gazed at Josie¡ªa middle-aged woman, slightly rounded, with a weing, kind demeanor that made her seem instantly familiar.

    ¡°Have we met before?¡± Dani asked.

    Josie, her hands sped before her, maintained her gentle smile.

    ¡°You can¡¯t be serious! I simply have an ordinary face. What are the chances someone like me would ever cross paths with you?¡±

    As the words left her lips, Josie¡¯s eyes flickered towards Dani, her smile deepening with a subtle but undeniable reverence.

    Truly, Dani was a sight to behold. A vision, almost ethereal, that could easily captivate anyone¡¯s attention, including Cedric¡¯s.

    ¡°Miss Harper, I¡¯ve prepared some sandwiches for you this morning and squeezed some fresh juice. I had to make do since my arrival was rather rushed, but I n to shopter. Please, tell me your preferences for tomorrow¡¯s meals, and I¡¯ll ensure everything is to your liking.¡±

    Dani wasn¡¯t usually one for breakfast, her appetite seldom stirring in the early hours, but Josie¡¯s culinary skills were irresistible. The sandwiches looked delicious, and the juice was fresh.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 69

    ?Chapter 69:

    Once Dani had finished her breakfast, Josie ced a shawl around her shoulders.

    ¡°The mornings carry a bit of a chill. Don¡¯t forget to look after yourself.¡±

    With her characteristic smile beaming, Josie seized apact shopping cart and set off to purchase groceries. From the doorway, Lillian observed her departure, her expression radiating pride. Josie was a remarkably considerate soul, seemingly tailored perfectly to meet Dani¡¯s needs.

    As Josie headed off, Dani felt a strange sense of recognition, as if she had seen Josie in another time or ce but couldn¡¯t quite pinpoint it. After Josie was out of sight, Dani turned to Lillian with a thoughtful expression.

    ¡°She¡¯s really sweet, but I have this feeling that things could get messyter. When she returns, let her know¡ªif anyone from the Harper family shows up, she needs to stay out of it. I don¡¯t want her getting caught up in their trouble or hurt.¡±

    Even though Dani had paid the former housekeeper $10,000 to cover medical costs, the entire incident still lingered heavily on her mind. The image of an elderly woman being pped by Joyce was something she couldn¡¯te to terms with. The mere thought of it left Dani feeling uneasy, weighed down by guilt.

    Lillian couldn¡¯t erase the image of the old housekeeper¡¯s face, puffed up like a balloon when she walked out. She cursed Joyce under her breath for what she had done.

    After her pointless visit to Dani, Joyce was seething with frustration. She stormed off to Caiden, tears streaming down her face as she vented about how badly Dani had treated her. But Caiden brushed her off with a careless wave.

    ¡°Don¡¯t waste your time on that crazy woman. So what if she¡¯s got some money now? Do you really think she can break away from her family? Let¡¯s see if she dares to get married without me, her father, escorting her down the aisle!¡±

    Without her family backing her up, people would surely look down on her. Sooner orter, she¡¯d have to swallow her pride ande running back to him for help.

    Caiden¡¯s self-assurance didn¡¯t waver. Joyce sulked and turned to Katrina, silently asking for her opinion on the matter.

    Katrina just shook her head slightly, saying nothing.

    Later, when it was just the two of them, Joyce couldn¡¯t keep her frustration bottled up.

    ¡°Mom, why can¡¯t I ask him to defend me? Did you see how arrogant Dani was yesterday? I was so mad I thought I¡¯d explode!¡±

    Katrina, ever calm, sat on the patio and poured herself a cup of coffee.

    ¡°Honey, you¡¯re grown up now.

    You need to think beyond just the moment. Do you see what I mean?¡±

    Joyce stared at Katrina, her expression a mixture of confusion and curiosity.

    ¡°Let me tell you two important things today. First, remember this: in every family, the man is the anchor. If you can win over the man in charge, the whole house will fall in line. Right now, Caiden has no influence over Dani. If you force him to confront her now, it¡¯ll just blow up in our faces. Be patient. When the timing is right, we¡¯ll make sure their father-daughter bond is broken beyond repair.¡±

    Joyce hung on to every word, nodding intently.

    ¡°And what¡¯s the second thing?¡± she asked, curiosity piqued.

    ¡°Second, no matter how far a woman climbs in her career, she¡¯ll always find her way back to her family. Take Dani, for example¡ªshe seems all tough and self-reliant now, but let¡¯s not forget how she used to hang on Alexander¡¯s every word.¡± Joyce blinked, puzzled.

    ¡°And what about that?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 70

    ?Chapter 70:

    Katrina gave a warm smile and patted Joyce on the head.

    ¡°Have you decided what you really want? Is it Alexander or Cedric this time?¡± Joyce¡¯s cheeks flushed pink, and she ducked her head with a shy smile.

    ¡°Before, it was Alexander.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s smile deepened, understanding instantly.

    ¡°Your ambition is admirable, and that¡¯s a great thing. Cedric is a catch¡ªI¡¯d love to see him as my son-inw. But listen, don¡¯t toss Alexander aside just yet. Life is unpredictable, and you should always keep a safety. If things go south, you¡¯ll still have options. Do you get what I¡¯m saying?¡±

    Joyce¡¯s face lit up, and she nodded eagerly.

    Katrina continued, her tone calm but decisive.

    ¡°And another thing¡ªdon¡¯t waste your energy fretting over those few floors in Luxor Tower. If Dani won¡¯t hand them over, who cares? Once you have Cedric, you¡¯ll have everything you could ever need. When you were born, I had your fortune read, remember? My love, you¡¯re fated to marry into wealth.

    Your life is meant to be dripping in luxury.¡±

    Joyce¡¯s spirits soared at her mother¡¯s words, and she threw her arms around Katrina.

    ¡°But, Mom, what am I supposed to do? Cedric barely notices me.¡±

    Katrina smiled indulgently, tucking a stray strand of hair behind Joyce¡¯s ear.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m, your destination for tales

    ¡°I¡¯ve kept your father under my thumb for years. All you need is the right move, and I guarantee Cedric won¡¯t be able to say no.¡± Katrina leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper as she shared a few secretive words.

    Joyce¡¯s eyes widened in surprise, and her cheeks flushed a deep shade of pink.

    Once her chat with Joyce was done, Katrina wandered into the living room and lounged against Caiden¡¯s chest.

    ¡°Caiden, I was just having a chat with Joyce. I told her that if Dani doesn¡¯t want to hand over those floors, it¡¯s okay. At the end of the day, we¡¯re family, and it¡¯s not worth upsetting the peace over something so small.¡±

    Caiden, his eyes glued to the financial news on the TV, absentmindedly ran his hand over Katrina¡¯s cheek.

    ¡°You¡¯re the reasonable one. Not like that worthless brat, Dani.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s lips curved into a smug smile, hidden from Caiden¡¯s view. Resting her hand lightly on his chest, she spoke in a soft, affectionate voice.

    ¡°Joyce is a grown woman now. Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s about time we found her a suitable match? If she marries soon, she could start growing our family right away.¡±

    Caiden looked down at Katrina when he heard this. She tilted her head slightly, her eyes shining with love and care.

    Swayed by her gentle words and devoted look, Caiden pulled her closer into his embrace. Katrina¡¯s lips curled into a slow, victorious smile. Winning over men came as naturally to her as breathing.

    As Caiden leaned in, Katrina¡¯s voice broke the moment.

    ¡°Cedric would be a perfect match for Joyce.¡±

    Caiden stopped in his tracks, his lips barely a breath away from hers.

    ¡°What did you just say?¡±

    As soon as Katrina spoke Cedric¡¯s name, a chill ran down Caiden¡¯s spine, his body stiffening instinctively. The familiar wave of dread and pressure flooded him, quickly sweeping away any thoughts or desires he¡¯d felt just moments ago.

    ¡°Who did you just say?¡± Caiden¡¯s voice was full of disbelief as he stared at Katrina.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 71

    ?Chapter 71:

    Katrina frowned, her confusion clear.

    ¡°Cedric,¡± she said again.

    Caiden stared at her as if she had lost her mind.

    ¡°Cedric? You want him as your son-inw? Are you kidding? Do you even know who he is?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Katrina asked, still bewildered.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t he the CEO of Phillips Group? The golden bachelor, one of the brightest new stars in the business world?¡± She gestured toward the TV, where Cedric¡¯s face appeared on the financial news.

    ¡°See, even the news says it¡ªhe¡¯s a standout among his peers. Handsome, decisive, a real up-ander.¡±

    Caiden closed his eyes for a moment, trying to steady himself.

    ¡°Yes, all of that¡¯s true.¡±

    Katrina smiled, her gaze expectant as she waited for his response.

    ¡°But did you know he¡¯s only 25?¡± Caiden asked.

    Katrina blinked, her confusion deepening.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with being¡­?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? He¡¯s 25 and already a powerhouse. His personal fortune is worth tens of millions. Tell me, how many 25-year-olds in this country have done that? Most of his peers, the kids from rich families, are still wasting their parents¡¯ money, racing cars, partying, and living aimlessly!¡±

    New chapters now on FindNovel.c?m

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Katrina eximed, gaining more confidence.

    ¡°It just proves how driven and capable he is.¡±

    Caiden pped his forehead in frustration.

    ¡°Yes, he¡¯s driven and skilled. But do you really think that¡¯s enough to make it in the ruthless business world? Cedric has no family to back him up or safety to fall on. Everything he has, he fought hard for, enduring endless challenges. The business world is full of predators, yet he¡¯s not just surviving¡ªhe¡¯s thriving. Do you think he¡¯s someone who lets emotions affect his decisions? Joyce is sweet, but so incredibly naive. Her greatest pleasure ispeting with Dani over trivial nonsense. Do you really think someone like that is cut out to be Cedric¡¯s wife? Just look at how cold he was to her yesterday. Cedric doesn¡¯t waste his time on people whock substance or intelligence.¡±

    Katrina was stunned by Caiden¡¯s words.

    ¡°What are you suggesting, then? Are you saying Joyce is stupid?¡±

    Not only did Caiden think Joyce wascking, but he didn¡¯t think much of Katrina either.

    His first wife, Dani¡¯s mother, had been too sharp, too calcting, and it had made him feel trapped. After her death, he had intentionally chosen someone like Katrina¡ªa woman who knew how to tter him and lean on himpletely.

    His difficult rtionship with Dani? That was because she was just like her mother¡ªtoo intelligent for her own good. And now, he believed he had been right all along. Dani¡¯s sess now was proof of how smart she truly was.

    ¡°Joyce doesn¡¯t have a chance with Cedric. Even when ites to looks, she¡¯s nopetition for Dani. If we¡¯re truly thinking of pairing one of our daughters with Cedric, Dani would be the better choice.¡± Dani at least had the intelligence to match Cedric¡¯s ambitions.

    Caiden¡¯s words were blunt, but they struck Katrina like a lightning bolt. So this was his true opinion of her and her daughter.

    Katrina walked out of the room, feeling stunned and her thoughts racing. When she stepped outside, she saw Joyce standing there, tears running down her cheeks. She had heard everything.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 72

    ?Chapter 72:

    ¡°Sweetheart, don¡¯t cry. If your father won¡¯t help, we¡¯ll fight for our own happiness. We don¡¯t need anyone else. But don¡¯t forget about Alexander. He even left Dani for you. He might be a good backup if things don¡¯t work out with Cedric.¡±

    Joyce, hearing this, only felt more frustrated.

    ¡°Really? But it seems like the Bet family isn¡¯t as interested in me anymore. Thest few times I saw Richard, he was distant and cold. It felt like he didn¡¯t want me to be his future daughter-inw anymore.¡±

    Her hands clenched into fists, and her eyes burned with anger.

    ¡°This is all Dani¡¯s fault. If it weren¡¯t for her, I¡¯d be the one Alexander is crazy about. Cedric would notice me too. It¡¯s all because of that horrible woman!¡±

    Joyce stepped out, and Caiden caught a glimpse of her swollen, red eyes, though he didn¡¯t utter a single word.

    As soon as the door clicked shut, he whipped around to face Katrina, a frown twisting his face.

    ¡°Just look at her! She¡¯s wearing her emotions on her sleeve for everyone to see. How is she even supposed to handle someone like him?¡± He scoffed.

    ¡°He¡¯s arrogant, cold, and ruthless. He needs someone sharp, someone who can match him. Not Joyce¡ªshe¡¯s too simple-minded.

    You¡¯re her mother.

    You should know her better than anyone. Tell her to let go of this ridiculous idea before she embarrasses herself.¡±

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s, your source for inspiration

    Katrina felt a spark of anger re inside her, but all she could do was let out a soft whimper in reply.

    Joyce hadn¡¯t walked far. She stood still, hearing every word Caiden had said. Her face hardened with fury, and her resentment toward Dani grew even stronger.

    Dani was about to sign a contract when her phone buzzed, pulling her attention away.

    ¡°Miss Harper, there¡¯s been some trouble at the concert hall. A group of disruptive people came in, bought tickets, but didn¡¯t even bother to watch the show. Instead, they caused a scene, shouting and disturbing everyone. We were about to call the authorities, but the leader said she was your sister. We didn¡¯t want to stir things up, so we let them go.¡±

    Dani froze, her pen hovering mid-air above the contract.

    ¡°Was there any damage to the hall?¡± she asked.

    The manager hesitated, clearly unsure how to respond.

    ¡°Send me a list of what¡¯s broken, and I¡¯ll take care of it,¡± Dani added.

    A few minutester, her phone buzzed with a message detailing the damages.

    It was a long list: fifty broken chairs, three damaged cellos, two ruined microphones, and six shredded music scores.

    Dani skimmed the list, only to receive another message from the hall manager.

    ¡°Miss Harper, I hate to trouble you, but I checked the reservations for tonight. The same group has booked seats again. They say they¡¯re your family, and I¡¯m not sure how to handle it.¡±

    The hall manager was no rookie when it came to handling trouble. With his connections on both sides of thew, a rowdy crowd didn¡¯t usually faze him. But since they were supposedly linked to Dani, he had held off on taking action.

    ¡°Refund their tickets,¡± Dani instructed.

    ¡°Close the hall for tonight. I¡¯ll handle this myself.¡±

    ¡°Got it,¡± the manager replied without hesitation.

    With Elite Lux freshly relocated back to the country, Dani had been swamped with work. She had nned to deal with the concert hall situation in a few days. However, that evening, she received another call¡ªthis time from the auction house.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 73

    ?Chapter 73:

    ¡°Miss Harper, Joyce Holt attended the auction today and made outrageous bids on almost everything. But when it came time to pay, she refused. We were on the verge of calling the police, but she imed to be your sister. We¡¯re unsure how to proceed. What do you want us to do?¡±

    Dani¡¯s brow furrowed as frustration took over. Without a second thought, she replied, ¡°Call the police.¡±

    That evening, just as Dani had gotten home and was on her way upstairs to rx, loud, angry knocking on the door broke the silence.

    Josie moved toward the door to open it. Before she had a chance to speak, Katrina barged in, her hand held high as she stormed past Josie.

    ¡°Dani! How could you be so cruel and heartless? Is it really necessary to ruin Joyce¡¯s life like this?¡±

    Dani, worried that her new housekeeper might get dragged into the chaos, shot Josie a quick nce, silently urging her to stay behind her. It was only then that she finally turned her attention to the uninvited visitors.

    Katrina was at the front, with Caiden right behind her, and Alexander lingering at the back.

    Before stepping into the room, Caiden scanned the space, only rxing once he was sure Dani was alone. He straightened up, adopting a forced air of authority.

    ¡°Dani, how long do you n to drag this out?¡±

    Dani¡¯s face remained impassive as her eyes scanned the group. A small, bitterugh escaped her lips,ced with sarcasm.

    Your adventure awaits at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c©–m

    ¡°So, you storm into my house, stand here in my space, and then question me about how long I¡¯m going to keep this up? Don¡¯t you think that¡¯s a bit much?¡±

    Katrina broke down into exaggerated tears, wailing in sorrow.

    ¡°Dani, the police called us. They said it was your people who reported Joyce. That¡¯s your sister! How could you be so heartless?¡±

    Through her sobs, Katrina turned to Alexander.

    ¡°Alexander, do you see it now? Do you see how cruel Dani is? Thank God you divorced her! Can you imagine the kind of chaos she would¡¯ve caused your family if you¡¯d stayed with her?¡±

    Dani spoke in a steady, measured tone, her face showing no emotion.

    ¡°She showed up at the auction, ced bids on just about everything, and then refused to pay for any of it. She¡¯s the one who caused this whole situation. So tell me, how is that my problem?¡±

    ¡°This is your domain! So what if your sister wanted to get a few things? Isn¡¯t it just natural for sisters to share every now and then? You¡¯re being ridiculous, Dani! Calling the cops on your own sister? Do you have any shame at all?¡± Katrina shot back, her voice growing louder with anger.

    Dani let out a mockingugh.

    ¡°Share a few things? Joyce didn¡¯t bid on just a few items. She went for over 20 high-end pieces. The total was $230 million. If that¡¯s what she expects from me, I simply can¡¯t do it. But since you¡¯re so willing to help, why don¡¯t you cover it? As her mother, isn¡¯t it your job to take care of her?¡±

    Her words, a sharpeback that mirrored Katrina¡¯s, left herpletely at a loss for words.

    Katrina stiffened, her face flushing as she searched for something to say.

    Caiden¡¯s frown deepened further. He wasn¡¯t interested in the back-and-forth or the details of who was right. He interrupted the tension with a sharp,manding voice.

    ¡°Dani, it¡¯ste. Enough of this! Call the police and get your sister out.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 74

    ?Chapter 74:

    Dani responded tly, ¡°I won¡¯t.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s eyes went wide with shock.

    ¡°What did you say? You ungrateful little brat!¡±

    His anger red up, and, as usual, when he couldn¡¯t win an argument, his hand shot up, poised to hit her.

    Dani had endured this enough times. Instinctively, she stepped back, bracing herself to dodge the blow.

    But just before his hand couldnd, another hand reached out from behind her, gripping Caiden¡¯s wrist with a vice-like hold.

    ¡°Ah!¡± Caiden screamed, his face twisting in agony as a sharp, burning pain shot up his wrist.

    ¡°Let go! Let go! Let me go!¡±

    Dani was taken aback. The new housekeeper, Josie, had an unexpectedly firm grip.

    In a single, fluid motion, Josie pulled Dani behind her, cing one hand on her hip and pointing at Caiden with the other.

    ¡°You call yourself a father? How can you be so unreasonable? Joyce is your daughter, but Dani isn¡¯t? Where¡¯s your sense of logic? Joyce misbehaved, so why are you taking it out on Dani? You¡¯re always trying to y the peacemaker, but you do it in the worst possible way. Is this what being a father is all about? No wonder kids are so ungrateful these days. After all, it¡¯s parents like you who create them!¡±

    As soon as Josie began speaking, Caiden stepped back, his fists clenched tightly.

    Katrina moved forward, but Josie shot her a sharp, using look.

    g ? ln¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s, your storytelling home

    ¡°And you must be the stepmother, right? You brought Joyce into the Harper family, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    Katrina stood frozen, her gaze fixed in disbelief on Josie¡¯s pointing finger. Still dazed, she nodded, as though swept away by the force of Josie¡¯s words.

    ¡°So you¡¯re agreeing with me, then? Let me set the record straight. This is the true daughter of the Harper family. And yet, you¡¯ve moved into her home and act like you own the ce? Who do you think you are? The Harper family fortune isn¡¯t just Caiden¡¯s to im. It was his first wife who single-handedly kept their business thriving. Everyone knows that. Now that Dani¡¯s mother is gone, you¡¯re here to cash in? Do you have no shame? And as if reaping the rewards wasn¡¯t enough, you have the gall to push your luck?¡±

    Katrina had been married to Caiden for years, and in all that time, no one had ever spoken to her like that. Being confronted so boldly left herpletely stunned and without words. For what felt like an eternity, she simply stood there, staring at Josie, whose imposing figure stood guard in front of Dani.

    ¡°You¡¯re bullying Dani like this. Aren¡¯t you scared her mother wille back to haunt you in your dreams?¡± Josie¡¯s voice dropped to a chilling tone, her wide eyes gleaming with a dangerous light. Just hearing Dani¡¯s mother¡¯s name, whose tragic death still lingered in Katrina¡¯s memory, sent a cold shiver down her back.

    Without sparing them another nce, Josie stormed over to the door and threw it wide open.

    ¡°Out! If you don¡¯t leave immediately, I¡¯ll call the cops. Let¡¯s see how you handle the humiliation!¡±

    Grabbing a broom, Josie began pushing them toward the door. By the time Lillian stepped off the elevator, she was met with the sight of Katrina¡¯s face, streaked with tears.

    Alexander hesitated for a moment, and just as the door was closing, he turned back to face Dani.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 75

    ?Chapter 75:

    ¡°Dani, now that you¡¯ve got the upper hand, it¡¯s time to show some mercy.

    You¡¯ve gone too far today.¡±

    Dani let out a bitterugh.

    ¡°Really? Now that the tables have turned, you¡¯re all about mercy? Where was your mercy when I was in the hospital with a broken rib, wrongly used by everyone? Back then, not a single person stood up for me.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s brow furrowed.

    ¡°That¡¯s all behind us now.¡±

    Dani nodded in agreement.

    ¡°Exactly, it¡¯s all in the past. And tonight will be just another part of that. What¡¯s the matter? Can¡¯t handle it when it¡¯s turned on you? Mr. Bet, stop being such a hypocrite.¡±

    With that, she mmed the door shut, the sound echoing through the hallway.

    The three of them standing outside flinched as one, their eyes wide with disbelief as they stared at the closed door.

    After being thrown out of Dani¡¯s home, Caiden had no choice but to settle the bill for the auctioned items. Tens of millions vanished in the blink of an eye.

    On the drive back, Caiden¡¯s face was clouded with anger.

    In the car, Joyce cried uncontrobly, her voice thick with emotion.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m brings endless adventures

    ¡°It¡¯s all Dani¡¯s fault! She actually had the police called on me! Mom, you have no idea how scary it was in there. I was locked in that room all by myself. My legs won¡¯t stop shaking, and my hands are still ice cold!¡±

    Katrina¡¯s heart shattered for her daughter.

    When they arrived home, Katrinaforted Joyce and helped her to her room. Once Joyce was settled, Katrina crawled into bed, burying her face in the covers as she cried.

    Caiden, on the other hand, was seething with frustration.

    Dani¡¯s mother had been a sharp businesswoman, amassing a fortune that she had left behind. But now that she was gone, all that remained was her inheritance.

    Caiden, on the other hand, had never been good with money. He had lost a lot in failed investments early on and was barely managing to keep things afloat. If they kept spending like they were, what would they have left to live on in the future?

    Dropping tens of millions today felt like a sharp blow to his chest.

    In frustration, he snapped at Katrina, ¡°Tell Joyce to stop provoking Dani!¡±

    Katrina stiffened, taken aback by the harshness in his voice. A momentter, she curled up tighter in the bed, burying her face in the sheets as her sobs grew louder.

    ¡°It¡¯s all my fault! Everyone always says being a stepmother is tough, and now I truly understand just how hard it is. When I married you, I promised myself I¡¯d treat Dani like my own daughter. I even swore I wouldn¡¯t have kids of my own just to make her happy. And now, look at me! I¡¯m getting older, I can¡¯t have children anymore, and Dani still treats me like I¡¯m nothing. Did you hear what her staff said today? They called Dani the true daughter of the Harper family and used me of being a gold digger! What have I done to deserve this? I loved you, trusted you, and chose to marry you. I don¡¯t care about the pain I¡¯ve gone through, but now my daughter, Joyce, has to suffer too. People are judging her because of me! Maybe I should just disappear!¡±

    Caiden¡¯s heart softened as he listened to her words. He pulled Katrina into an embrace and kissed her gently, trying to soothe her.

    ¡°I can¡¯t let our daughter go through this. Get Dani to give those floors in Luxor Tower to you. How could I ever face Joyce otherwise?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 76

    ?Chapter 76:

    Katrina wiped her eyes, then moved closer, leaning against his chest, which lit a spark in Caiden.

    He kissed her passionately,pletely caught up in the intensity of the moment.

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll handle it.¡±

    It was only then that Katrina used her charm, making sure Caiden waspletely satisfied.

    Caiden rested against the headboard, a wave of regret washing over him. He couldn¡¯t understand how Dani had be so strong-willed and unyielding. More and more, her personality reminded him of herte mother. Every time he looked at Dani, it felt like he was face-to-face with her mother.

    The sweet, gentle girl who had once followed Alexander around was nowhere to be found now.

    He knew that Katrina wouldn¡¯t let it go unless Dani handed over the three floors of the Luxor Tower.

    Caiden lit a cigarette, stepped out onto the balcony, and dialed Alexander¡¯s number.

    ¡°Hey, Alexander. Are you free tomorrow?¡±

    Alexander, still at work, replied, ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a charity g tomorrow night. Do you have time to attend? I¡¯d like you to take Joyce along to help her expand her horizons.¡±

    There was a brief pause on the other end of the line before Alexander responded, ¡°Sure.¡±

    Just as Alexander was about to hang up, Caiden added, ¡°You and Dani were married. I saw her name on the guest list for tomorrow night. Joyce is being stubborn about those floors in Luxor Tower.

    You remember how Dani used to listen to you, right? Maybe you could talk to her.¡±

    Alexander paused, his grip tightening on the phone.

    ¡°She doesn¡¯t listen to me anymore.¡±

    Caiden chuckled softly.

    ¡°She used to listen to you, didn¡¯t she? I know things were a bit rocky between you two, but let¡¯s be real¡ªyou¡¯re nning on marrying Joyce, right? That makes me your future father-inw. We¡¯re practically family now, so how about doing me this small favor? It won¡¯t take much, just a few words, really. I¡¯m counting on you here.¡±

    Before Alexander could respond, Caiden hung up the phone. Richard, sitting in Alexander¡¯s office, sneered.

    ¡°That old fox is too clever for his own good.¡±

    Alexander recalled Dani¡¯s cold, indifferent expression from the night before.

    ¡°She won¡¯t agree,¡± he muttered to Richard.

    Richard waved it off.

    ¡°Let Caiden handle it. Don¡¯t offend Dani because of Katrina. By the way, have you heard? Dani just secured that massive piece ofnd in the North District¡ªthe one nobody else had the courage to go after.¡±

    Alexander looked up, his eyes widening with surprise.

    Richard gave a thumbs-up.

    ¡°I¡¯ll give her credit. Thatnd is a goldmine, but the seller wants full payment upfront. Everyone was eyeing it, but no one had the nerve or resources to take it on. And Dani just swooped in and grabbed it like it was nothing. Alexander, our family¡¯s in the renovation and construction business.

    You¡¯re going to the g tomorrow, right? Make sure yound the renovation contract for that property. First, it¡¯ll help rebuild a connection with Dani. Second, it¡¯s a huge project that could bring in a fortune for us. And third, it¡¯ll relieve some of the pressure on ourpany next year.¡±

    Alexander was reluctant. The idea of trying to win Dani over for money didn¡¯t sit right with him. He had tried to talk to her a few timestely, but each time, she ignored himpletely.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 77

    ?Chapter 77:

    He was proud, and begging was never on his list of things to do. Justst night, he had tried to offer her some advice, only for her to snap at him and shut him out entirely.

    Where was the Dani who once cared for him? Even if she was ying hard to get, this was crossing the line. But with his father pushing him, he figured he¡¯d give her onest chance.

    With a cold nod, Alexander responded to Richard, ¡°Fine.¡±

    The next day, Alexander stepped out in a sharp new suit that seemed tailored just for him.

    When Joyce arrived, her eyes widened, and she couldn¡¯t hold back a gasp.

    ¡°Wow! Alexander, you look absolutely stunning today!¡± The tailored suit made a real impact. Her eyes were drawn to his broad chest, and admiration lit up her face.

    In that moment, she couldn¡¯t help but think that Alexander was everything she could ever want. As for Cedric? She decided he could stay with Dani, that cold, toxic woman.

    Joyce rode with Alexander to the g. On the way there, she leaned in and spoke softly.

    ¡°Alexander, thank you for bringing me tonight. I know it¡¯s tough for you. Dani is such a difficult person. To thank you for your kindness, I¡¯m willing to marry¡­¡± Her words trailed off suddenly as the car came to a stop at the entrance of the g. Her gazended on a man standing near the door, and her breath caught in her throat.

    He was a real catch! Her eyes lit up, practically glowing with excitement.

    Read more chapters at g?ln¦Ò¦Í??ls

    Cedric looked nothing like the man she remembered. Tonight, he was a vision of sophistication in a custom-tailored dark blue suit, with a refined sapphire brooch pinned to his chest and matching gemstone cufflinks gleaming at his wrists. The entire outfit seemed made just for him, enhancing his already tall, striking figure and radiating an air of elegance and ss that made him look even more impressive.

    Callum had always been handsome. Incredibly handsome. Unlike most men, he had a royal quality about him¡ªa natural,manding presence that made him stand out effortlessly. Every move he made seemed to capture attention, as if he were the center of everything.

    Whatever Joyce had nned to say to Alexander was quickly forgotten. Without saying another word, she swung open the car door, grabbed her dress, and nearly ran toward Cedric.

    The driver, observing everything unfold, couldn¡¯t help but nce at Alexander and mutter, ¡°Sir, honestly, Joyce isn¡¯t worth you giving up Dani for.¡±

    ¡°At least Dani wouldn¡¯t fall for another the moment a better option came along. She wouldn¡¯t fawn over other men.¡±

    It was painfully clear what had just happened. Only moments earlier, Joyce had been hinting that she wanted to marry Alexander. But the second she saw Cedric, shepletely forgot the idea and rushed toward him.

    Her shallow, opportunistic nature mirrored Katrina¡¯s all too well. Like mother, like daughter.

    Alexander¡¯s voice was steady, almost indifferent.

    ¡°I never liked Joyce.¡±

    The driver, surprised by his response, turned to him in disbelief and asked, ¡°Then why did you divorce Dani for her?¡±

    ¡°So, why¡¯d you divorce Dani for Joyce?¡± Keith, who was also at the g, couldn¡¯t help but ask Alexander the same burning question.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 78

    ?Chapter 78:

    Alexander¡¯s face remained icy as he scanned the room, his eyes briefly ncing over the elegant women chatting andughing. In a calm but distant tone, he said, ¡°I never meant to divorce her.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Keith turned to face him, clearly stunned.

    ¡°It was her choice,¡± Alexander exined.

    ¡°She sent me the divorce agreement. She pushed to have everything finalized. From beginning to end, I never once brought up the idea of getting a divorce. But since that¡¯s what she wanted, I just gave her what she asked for.¡±

    Keith stood there, stunned into silence for a moment before finally blurting out, ¡°Wait! So you¡¯re saying you were the one who got dumped?¡±

    The words caused Alexander¡¯s face to darken further.

    Keith pressed on, ¡°Honestly, with your temper, I¡¯m not surprised she couldn¡¯t take it anymore.¡±

    Alexander let out a bitter snort.

    He had always been this way when Dani first met him. If she couldn¡¯t handle him now, it just meant she didn¡¯t love him enough. The issue wasn¡¯t with him¡ªit was Dani. She needed to look at herself and figure out what went wrong.

    Keith seemed ready to speak again, but suddenly amotion erupted near the entrance, capturing everyone¡¯s attention.

    Alexander raised his gaze, but the crowd near the door was too thick for him to see anything.

    Instead, all he could hear were excited voices echoing through the room.

    Your next story starts here: g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    ¡°Wow! She¡¯s breathtaking!¡±

    ¡°Is that another limited-edition Elite Lux gown? It¡¯s absolutely stunning!¡±

    ¡°Dani sure knows how to make an entrance¡ªevery time, it¡¯s something different.¡±

    ¡°With a body like hers, who wouldn¡¯t look incredible?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s got all the right curves¡ªperfect waist, long legs! The guy who dates her is the luckiest man on earth.¡±

    ¡°Seriously, is Alexander blind? He chose Joyce over Dani? That¡¯s just funny!¡±

    Alexander¡¯s expression darkened even more. In a quiet, almost bitter tone, he muttered, ¡°How amazing could she really be? Elite Lux couture is just¡­¡±

    Before he could finish his sentence, the crowd parted, and Dani appeared at the entrance.

    Alexander¡¯s eyes went wide in disbelief.

    Was that Dani? It was the same face, but something was unmistakably different.

    She was draped in an elegant, flowing gown of deep blue that clung to her curves perfectly. One shoulder was exposed, her wless skin glowing under the soft lighting. Standing tall in dazzling crystal heels, she radiated an undeniable confidence, embodying the very essence of the evening¡¯s queen.

    Dani had always been stunning, but tonight, she was absolutely mesmerizing. Her eyes, naturally entrancing, carried a hint of allure. When she smiled, the dimples at the corners of her mouth deepened, making her all the more enchanting.

    For a brief moment, it felt like the room dimmed. All the noise and color seemed to fade away, leaving only Dani, who dominated the spotlight.

    She glowed with elegance, her pearl earrings swaying delicately as she moved through the crowd with effortless grace.

    Alexander¡¯s gaze followed her every step as she made her way toward him.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 79

    ?Chapter 79:

    Keith, full of excitement, nudged Alexander¡¯s elbow and whispered with enthusiasm, ¡°Here shees! See? I told you she still has feelings for you. Alexander, your charm is unmatched.¡±

    Alexander kept his expression unreadable, but inside, his heart was racing in a way he hadn¡¯t felt in years.

    He had already thought it over. If Dani showed even a hint of remorse, he¡¯d consider forgiving her.

    But then, Dani spoke.

    ¡°Lillian.¡±

    ¡°That one word shattered all the hope Alexander had been clinging to.

    Keith froze, momentarily taken aback, before ncing at Alexander. His face had darkened so intensely that it seemed like a storm was on the verge of erupting.

    Keith couldn¡¯t hold back hisughter.

    ¡°Alexander, don¡¯t tell me you thought she wasing over here for you? This is too funny!¡± Keith was practically shaking with amusement.

    Alexander, who was usually soposed and confident, was now beingpletely disregarded by the same woman who had once chased after him.

    When Dani had been obsessed with him, constantly amodating his every whim, people mocked her for being desperate. But secretly, many envied Alexander.

    He had soaked in that admiration, his confidence reaching new heights.

    Your escape begins at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    Now, watching him be so tantly ignored, Keith felt a sense of smug satisfaction.

    Alexander, however, paid no attention to Keith¡¯sughter. He rxed in his chair, grabbed his phone, and started scrolling, his face nk and hard to read.

    The night went on, but Dani never once nced in his direction, let alone made an effort to approach him. Alexander, on his part, wasn¡¯t about to go to her either.

    As the g neared its end, his pent-up anger reached a breaking point. But with no way to release it, he simply sat there in silence until the event finally came to an end.

    Joyce couldn¡¯t keep her frustration in check any longer.

    The g was almost over, and Alexander still hadn¡¯t made a move to talk to Dani.

    Although she didn¡¯t care much for Dani, she was very interested in the building Dani owned.

    She sat next to Alexander, her voice filled with jealousy.

    ¡°Alexander, look at Dani acting so superior, just because she has money, strutting around like she¡¯s the queen of the world with all those people around her.¡±

    Joyce meant to mock Dani, but her words sounded incredibly bitter instead.

    Even Keith, who was nearby, couldn¡¯t hold back augh.

    ¡°If you had the talent, you could act just as confident.¡±

    Joyce pouted, her face flushed with anger, but the truth of his words left her momentarily speechless. Swallowing her irritation, she silently directed all the me at Dani for the embarrassment she felt.

    Ignoring Keith, she turned to Alexander and pleaded, ¡°When are you going to talk to Dani? My boutique¡¯s been shut down for weeks now. The stock¡¯s going bad in storage! I¡¯m losing a fortune. I need that prime spot to open up again.¡±

    Keith stared at Joyce in disbelief.

    ¡°Are you serious? You¡¯ve got the audacity to ask her for that? Forget everything else for a moment¡ªdidn¡¯t you already ruin Dani and Alexander¡¯s wedding? And now, you¡¯re asking her for a shop space? I never realized you could be this shameless.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 80

    ?Chapter 80:

    Joyce¡¯s face turned bright red with fury. She put her hands on her hips and shot back, ¡°What¡¯s it to you? Get out of here!¡± Her voice was cutting, and she red at Keith like she could tear him apart.

    Keith rolled his eyes and stood up, shaking his head in disbelief. Before walking away, he leaned down close to Alexander and muttered, ¡°Alexander, your taste in women is awful.

    You gave up Dani for this? You¡¯ve really made a huge mistake.¡±

    With that, he turned and walked off, leaving Alexander sitting there, his expression dark and full of frustration.

    ¡°Alexander,¡± Joyce said, her voice softening as she put on a pleading look.

    ¡°I know Dani can¡¯t stand me, but I really need this space. Can you talk to her? She always listens to you. If you ask, she¡¯ll definitely say yes. Please!¡±

    Alexander¡¯s eyes drifted to Dani, standing off to the side, surrounded by admirers. After a long moment of hesitation, he said coldly, ¡°Fine.¡±

    Just as the g was wrapping up and Dani was about to leave, a voice suddenly called out to her.

    She turned around to see Alexander and Joyce approaching her.

    Alexander wore a serious expression, while Joyce walked with her head held high. To anyone watching, it would almost look like Dani owed them everything.

    Without a word, Alexander led Joyce forward.

    Find your favorite stories at g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s., conn

    Dani stayed calm, saying nothing as she locked her eyes on them. For some reason, the cold indifference in her expression sparked immediate irritation in Alexander.

    There was a time when Dani had followed him around, hanging on every word, always eager to please. But now, the roles had reversed, and she couldn¡¯t even be bothered to mask her impatience with him. Joyce, unable to stay quiet any longer, spoke up.

    ¡°Dani, Alexander wants to talk to you.¡±

    Dani stood tall with an air of grace. Even with her aloof expression, her beauty was impossible to ignore.

    She raised her hand, signaling him.

    ¡°Go ahead.¡± Alexander¡¯s face grew even more tense.

    This was the new Dani¡ªdistant and unreachable. Her attitude was beginning to wear on him.

    If she was going to act like this, he wasn¡¯t about to make things easier for her.

    He definitely wasn¡¯t going to put himself out to help her with the city redevelopment project his father had spoken about.

    No constructionpany in Olisvine could rival the Bet family¡¯s level of expertise.

    Without their involvement, thend Dani had recently acquired would remain unused.

    These thoughts only added to his irritation, and his voice became more pointed.

    ¡°I need to talk to you.

    You choose the location.¡± Dani almost burst outughing at his words.

    Was this really how he approached someone for a conversation?

    Without saying a word, she turned and walked away, leaving Alexander and Joyce standing there,pletely stunned.

    ¡°You¡­¡± Joyce couldn¡¯t hold back her frustration as Dani¡¯s car pulled away, the exhaust fumes sweeping over them. Turning to Alexander, she demanded, ¡°Alexander, did I just see that right? Did I hear you correctly? You literally told Dani you wanted to talk, and that¡¯s how she responded? She just walked away without even looking back. How could she be so rude?¡±

    The initial shock on Alexander¡¯s face quickly morphed into simmering rage as he pulled himself together.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 81

    ?Chapter 81:

    His hands curled into tight fists, and he made a vow to himself. From now on, for the rest of his life, he would act as though Dani didn¡¯t exist.

    Joyce was just as dumbfounded by Dani¡¯s tant brush-off. When they got back home, Katrina was standing impatiently at the door.

    ¡°So? What happened? Did Dani agree? How many floors did she agree to hand over?¡± Katrina asked, her voice brimming with anticipation.

    Joyce let out an irritated sigh, shaking her head. Sheunched into a detailed recounting of the g, every humiliating moment and cold dismissal included.

    Katrina¡¯s face twisted in shock as she listened.

    ¡°What? That¡¯s her way of handling men? What an absurd strategy! I¡¯ve never heard of anything so ridiculous. But from what you¡¯re saying, it sounds like her little scheme blew up in her face. She¡¯spletely destroyed her chances with Alexander now.¡±

    Her lips curled into a smug smile as a satisfiedugh escaped her.

    ¡°Perfect. That¡¯s exactly what we need.¡±

    If the Bet family was still aiming for a marriage alliance, Joyce would be their one and only option.

    But unlike Katrina, Joyce wasn¡¯t one to scheme with such precision. After catching wind of Dani¡¯s business meeting scheduled forter that afternoon, she decided to take matters into her own hands. She made ns to meet Alexander earlier, setting up what she hoped would look like an ¡°idental¡± run-in with Dani in the lobby. The moment Alexander caught sight of Dani in the distance, his expression turned stormy.

    Joyce gave Dani a cheerful wave, but Dani didn¡¯t even blink in response. Lillian raised an eyebrow, clearly amazed.

    ¡°Unbelievable! After everything that happened yesterday, they still have the audacity to wave at you?¡±

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??§àm, where stories thrive

    Dani¡¯s lips tightened, clearly annoyed.

    ¡°What¡¯s a little pride when she wants a shop space from me?¡±

    After all, she was all too familiar with Joyce¡¯s true nature.

    Dani paused mid-step, her sharp eyes locking onto Joyce, who was making her way over with Alexander following closely behind.

    Standing nearby, Lillian couldn¡¯t resist the opportunity to throw in a quick jab.

    ¡°Well, well, Mr. Bet, Ms. Holt, have you finally decided to hold a proper discussion? Or should we cancel these meetings altogether if civility is too much to ask?¡±

    Joyce¡¯s expression stiffened for a moment, but she stered on a forcedugh, unwilling to let her irritation ruin her chances at the shop space.

    She vowed that once she got the shop space, she would no longer be polite to Dani.

    ¡°Absolutely! Let¡¯s find a spot to sit and chat. My treat,¡± Joyce said through clenched teeth. Inside, frustration churned like a storm, her forced smile stretched so thin it felt more like a grimace than genuine cheer.

    Lillian couldn¡¯t hide her amusement at Joyce¡¯s clear difort.

    ¡°Dani, why don¡¯t we take a seat for a bit?¡± she suggested, her tone dripping with yful mischief.

    Dani, ever tolerant of her friends¡¯ antics, noticed Lillian¡¯s teasing mood and gave her a slight nod.

    ¡°Sure,¡± she agreed.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 82

    ?Chapter 82:

    Joyce stretched her smile even wider, though it felt like her face might crack, and gestured for Dani and Lillian to follow her to a table. Once they were seated, Dani didn¡¯t even nce at Alexander or Joyce. Instead, she pulled a contract from her bag and began skimming through it, as though they weren¡¯t even there.

    Joyce¡¯s lips twitched in a barely concealed sneer. What a performance! Who was she trying to impress with that contract? As if she were drowning in work or something.

    Alexander¡¯s eyes flicked toward Dani, quickly scanning the bold title of the document in her hands: yton Renovation.

    For a moment, his expression tightened before easing again. yton Renovation¡ªso that was it. Apetitor to Bet Group, sure, but still far from their level of expertise and legacy in the industry. If Dani had even a shred ofmon sense, she¡¯d know the smart move was to hire Bet Group for her project. The thought sent a wave of smug satisfaction through him.

    ¡°Go ahead, speak up,¡± Lillian said, leaning forward with her chin resting on one hand, her yful gaze bouncing between Joyce and Alexander.

    ¡°Hey, eyes this way! Why are you staring at Dani? She¡¯s not in charge here. I¡¯m the one running the show now.¡± Joyce paused, her eyes flicking back to Dani.

    Dani¡¯s attention was fixed on the contract in her hands, her gaze lowered slightly. A ray of sunlight streamed through the window, gently illuminating her, making her already stunning features seem even more glowing and graceful.

    Joyce inhaled sharply, her chest tightening with a bitter sting. Without looking up, Dani spoke in a detached tone.

    ¡°The decisions are Lillian¡¯s responsibility.¡±

    ?¦Ò???? ¦Ô???????????? ¦É?? ?????????????????.??????

    Joyce¡¯s eyes brightened.

    ¡°Ah, I get it! Okay, I¡¯ll talk to Lillian about it then.¡±

    Lillian¡¯s expression tightened. She tapped her nails against the table with a smirk.

    ¡°Is that really how you speak? Didn¡¯t anyone teach you some manners?¡±

    Joyce¡¯s brow furrowed.

    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± Her voice was thick with annoyance.

    ¡°You came here for a favor, right? Then act like it. Show some respect. Look at this¡ªmy water ss is empty. How do you expect to have a conversation without a drink?¡±

    Joyce stood to pour the water, but Lillian cut her off.

    ¡°Hold on. Are we really going to talk business over just in water?¡±

    Lillian raised her hand and gestured for the restaurant manager.

    ¡°You remember that red wine we discussed earlier? The one worth ten million? Go ahead and open it and add it to their bill.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Joyce gasped, her eyes going wide.

    ¡°Ten million?¡± With that kind of money, she could buy a whole collection of designer handbags.

    ¡°What? Got a problem with that?¡± Lillian teased, her smile sly.

    Joyce¡¯s face flushed deep red.

    ¡°Can¡¯t you afford it? That can¡¯t be right, can it? Aren¡¯t you the precious daughter of the Harper family? Surely ten million is nothing for someone like you. Or maybe being ¡®precious¡¯ doesn¡¯t mean much after all.¡±

    It finally clicked for Joyce¡ªLillian was intentionally humiliating her. The worst part was that Joyce genuinely couldn¡¯t afford it. The Harper family wasn¡¯t wealthy enough to throw money around so recklessly.

    Feeling powerless, she turned to Lillian, arms crossed and eyes cold, then nced at Alexander. Her voice dropped to a soft, pleading tone.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 83

    ?Chapter 83:

    ¡°Alexander.¡±

    Alexander gave a short nod towards the manager.

    ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    The manager¡¯s eyes gleamed, and he hurried off to bring the wine.

    Lillian pped her hands, nodding with exaggerated glee.

    ¡°Ah, just as I expected from Mr. Bet. Ten million spent for the sake of love¡ªhow heartwarming!¡±

    Alexander¡¯s expression grew even grimmer.

    But Joyce couldn¡¯t stop the rush of sweetness that filled her chest. Alexander had done so much for her today, more than she could have ever imagined. She decided that if Cedric didn¡¯t treat her better, she would choose Alexander.

    A smug smile slowly spread across Joyce¡¯s face as she thought about it. Meanwhile, Lillian couldn¡¯t help but let out a faint, mocking smile. She couldn¡¯t believe how naive Joyce was being.

    The wine was served.

    Joyce extended her hand to pour some for Lillian, but Lillian quickly covered her ss, stopping her. Joyce stared at her, confused.

    ¡°Since you¡¯re the host, you should be the one drinking,¡± Lillian said, elongating the sentence as she nced at Alexander.

    ¡°Or maybe Mr. Be will take care of this for you?¡±

    L¦¡¦Ó??¦Ó ch¦Á¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?l??.??????

    Alexander was about to reply, but Lillian interrupted with augh.

    ¡°This is between women. If a man steps in, things could get tricky. My family has enough people who can handle their drinks. Should I bring a few over?¡±

    Alexander froze, his hand hovering in mid-air.

    The wine sat on the table, the money already spent.

    Joyce gritted her teeth, clearly irritated, but then lowered her head and downed three sses in quick session.

    ¡°There! Happy now? Can we get to the business?¡±

    Lillian watched her, a smirk spreading across her face. She was still seething over the fire video¡ªjust the thought of it made her blood boil. Did Joyce really think three sses would fix everything? No way.

    ¡°Alright, we¡¯ll discuss business, but only when I feel like it,¡± Lillian replied, her grin growing.

    ¡°Go ahead and continue drinking.¡±

    Joyce had been protected her whole life. Her mother never let her drink, and even in situations where pushy elders insisted, it was always Dani who stepped in to drink for her.

    Now, after only three sses, Joyce¡¯s vision began to blur. Her head was spinning, and her temper red with every ounce of difort. mming her hand on the table, she snapped, ¡°Are you making fun of me?¡±

    Lillian crossed her arms andughed.

    ¡°Yes, I am. What are you going to do about it?¡±

    Joyce¡¯s face turned bright red, a mix of rage and embarrassment. She tried to rise from her seat, but the alcohol had already taken control. Her legs buckled, and she stumbled back, copsing heavily into her chair and leaning against the table for support.

    Lillian scoffed dismissively before turning her attention to Alexander, subtly tilting her chin in his direction.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 84

    ?Chapter 84:

    ¡°Mr. Bet, it¡¯s your turn.¡±

    As she reached for her ss to pour herself some wine, Dani, still focused on the contract in her hands, extended her arm and covered Lillian¡¯s ss.

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t drink on an empty stomach.¡± Though her words were soft, the meaning was clear enough.

    Lillian had a sensitive stomach when it came to alcohol. Dani knew that Lillian was teaching Joyce a lesson and wasn¡¯t actually nning to drink, so she¡¯d let her enjoy herself a bit. However, seeing that Lillian was beginning to overdo it, Dani decided it was time to step in.

    There was no reason to let Lillian hurt herself for someone who didn¡¯t matter.

    From Alexander¡¯s point of view, though, things looked much different. To him, Dani¡¯s intervention felt familiar, as though she was looking out for him once again, just like she used to.

    He recalled those times when he¡¯d gotten so drunk that he passed out, and Dani would drive all the way to pick him up. She¡¯d carefully carry him, taking one slow step after another, all the way home. The memory brought a subtle softness to Alexander¡¯s expression. His usually sharp eyes grew gentler, a hint of tenderness appearing as he nced at Dani.

    Dani looked at him for a second before turning away.

    ¡°No more drinking. If you¡¯ve got something to say, say it now.¡± She checked the time on her watch and added, ¡°I¡¯ve got another meeting soon, so you¡¯ve got five minutes.¡±

    Alexander nodded, surprisingly cooperative this time.

    ¡°Joyce wants the floors in your building¡ªthe ones she mentioned earlier.¡±

    Lillian snorted derisively, clearly unimpressed.

    Dani, on the other hand, stayedpletely calm and unaffected.

    ¡°They¡¯ve already been given to someone else.¡±

    Alexander paused for a second, clearly caught off guard.

    ¡°What? To whom?¡±

    Dani responded tly, ¡°Phillips Group.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s brow furrowed.

    ¡°Cedric Phillips?¡±

    Dani gave a small nod.

    ¡°Yes. Anything else?¡±

    Alexander looked at Joyce, who was drunkenly slouched in her seat, and asked, ¡°What about the other floors?¡±

    Dani considered briefly before answering, ¡°There¡¯s still one spot avable. It¡¯s in the basement, right by the restroom. Are you interested?¡±

    Alexander¡¯s expression soured.

    ¡°This is insane. The wine¡¯s here, Joyce is wasted, and all you¡¯re offering is a spot near the restroom? She¡¯s running a clothing store. Who in their right mind would want to shop next to a restroom? That¡¯spletely ridiculous!¡±

    Dani grabbed her contract and stood up.

    ¡°Well, if that¡¯s the case, there¡¯s nothing else to talk about. That¡¯s thest avable space. It¡¯s at market price¡ª15,000 dors per square meter¡ªand the lease is only for one year. If you want it again next year, you¡¯ll have to bid for it like anyone else. And Mr. Bet, don¡¯t make such a fuss over one bottle of wine. Mentioning it is just going to make you look petty and small.¡±

    With that, she spun around and walked away.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 85

    ?Chapter 85:

    Lillian, practically beaming with satisfaction, chuckled to herself. After years of watching Dani go out of her way for him, this moment brought Lillian a deep sense of enjoyment.

    Alexander remained seated, his eyes following Lillian as she trailed after Dani, even throwing her a thumbs-up in admiration.

    His gaze then turned to Dani, who was chatting with someone from yton Renovation.

    A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth.

    ¡°Sure, keep talking, Dani. It won¡¯t change anything. yton Renovation doesn¡¯t have the resources for a project like this. Eventually, you¡¯ll have toe crawling back to me. Huh!¡±

    Alexander settled the bill for the wine before driving Joyce back to her ce.

    Katrina was already waiting by the door.

    Caiden was out in the garden, pretending to water the nts.

    As Alexander stepped out of the car with the thoroughly drunk Joyce, Katrina rushed over. When she saw her daughter¡¯s intoxicated condition, her face contorted with both shock and fury.

    ¡°How on earth did she end up this drunk? It¡¯s got to be Dani! She¡¯s never let go of her grudge against us, and now she¡¯s making Joyce pay for it!¡±

    Alexander handed Joyce over to Katrina, his mind shing back to when Dani had stopped Lillian from drinking. His voice remained calm as he corrected her, ¡°It wasn¡¯t Dani. It was someone else.¡±

    Katrina was beside herself.

    Step into new worlds at g ? ln¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s?conn

    ¡°Who would do this? Alexander, what about the shop? Did you manage to work things out?¡±

    Just as she finished asking, Alexander¡¯s phone rang. He nodded and answered vaguely, ¡°Yes.¡± He had meant to suggest they go check the location and see if it worked for their needs, but for some reason, he didn¡¯t go further and just left it at that one word.

    The instant he said it, Katrina¡¯s face lit up with happiness.

    Even Caiden, who had been pretending to water the nts, dropped the act and quickly walked over.

    Both of them stared at Alexander, their eyes full of expectation.

    Alexander nodded, but before he could respond, Katrina leapt in with eager enthusiasm.

    ¡°I knew it! Only Alexander could handle this! See? This is where you¡¯recking, Caiden. Look at Alexander¡ªhe genuinely cares about Joyce! Even such a difficult matter has been resolved, all thanks to him. Alexander, dealing with someone like Dani? Never gives an inch, must be exhausting!¡±

    Caiden chimed in, grinning broadly, ¡°Exactly! That ungrateful¡­ getting harder and harder to deal with. But you¡¯re reliable as always, Alexander. Dani still listens to you. No matter what we say, it¡¯s useless. Joyce is lucky to have you. Alright, Joyce is drunk tonight, so we won¡¯t keep you any longer, but we¡¯ll definitely need your help again in the future. Thank you.¡±

    Katrina carefully propped up Joyce, while Caiden hurried off to fetch a cold towel, wiping Joyce¡¯s forehead.

    Alexander stood silently at the doorway, his gaze taking in the scene.

    His thoughts drifted back to a memory from years ago¡ªwhen Dani had just turned eighteen. She had drunk far too much, not for her own indulgence, but for him.

    He had carried her home just like this.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 86

    ?Chapter 86:

    Katrina, instead of showing even a shred of concern, had greeted Dani with venomous scolding, her voice harsh as she spat out usations of impropriety.

    Caiden had been no better, hurling insults with reckless abandon, calling Dani an ¡°ungrateful brat.¡±

    In the end, he and Katrina had ordered the maids to drag Dani to the bathroom so she wouldn¡¯t stink up the sofa with that smell. It was at that moment that Alexander realized Dani had no one to rely on.

    Perhaps it was in that very moment that his treatment of her had worsened.

    Because he understood all too well the cracks in human nature.

    He knew Dani was utterly alone¡ªno family to support her, no safety to catch her. She had sacrificed everything, even her dignity, to stand by him.

    Alexander let out a quiet, mockingugh.

    In the end, people could only depend on themselves. No one else would ever truly prioritize their well-being.

    The cold indifference Dani had faced? He felt no regret. Not even a flicker of guilt.

    Alexander lowered his gaze, turned on his heel, and walked away.

    He had things to discuss with his father. If Dani decided to negotiate a deal, he needed to determine just how steep a price they could extract from her.

    By the time Joyce stirred awake, the sky had already darkened, cloaking the world in twilight.

    M¦Òr¦Å ¦Ôpd¦Á§äes ¦Én G¦Áln¦Ò¦Íels.c¦Òm

    She stomped furiously around her room, her frustration spilling out in shrill curses.

    She told Caiden, ¡°Dani made me drink! And she even let Alexander pay for a bottle of wine worth ten million! She is nothing but a greedy, heartless leech! She has no sisterly bonds at all! Someone like her is bound to get struck by lightning one day!¡±

    Caiden, lounging on the couch as he scrolled through the news on his phone, nodded absently.

    ¡°Yes, yes, struck by lightning.¡±

    Joyce, somewhat pacified, sniffled and wiped her tears. Her indignation still simmering, she muttered bitterly, ¡°Let me make this clear¡ªthis shop space isn¡¯t something Dani gave me. It¡¯s something Alexander gave me! It has nothing to do with her!¡±

    Caiden, uninterested in the finer points of her tantrum, shrugged without looking up.

    As long as Joyce got what she wanted, he didn¡¯t care how the matter was resolved or who had to be involved.

    Joyce didn¡¯t care either. She had imed her prize: the 18th to 20th floors of the Luxor Tower. Tomorrow, she would make her mark. In her mind¡¯s eye, she envisioned herself striding confidently into the Luxor Tower, her empire taking shape.

    Her business would thrive beyond anyone¡¯s expectations.

    And best of all, Dani would burn with jealousy, powerless to stop her!

    Joyce was over the moon with excitement.

    That night, she rallied her friends and headed to a bar.

    Fueled by alcohol and euphoria, Joyce climbed unsteadily onto the stage, snatching up a microphone.

    ¡°Listen up, everyone! Starting tomorrow, I¡¯ll be moving into Luxor Tower¡¯s 18th floor tounch my empire! The 19th and 20th floors are mine too! Every single person here¡­¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 87

    ?Chapter 87:

    ¡°Tonight is my night, and from now on, those two floors will be our exclusive gathering spot! To celebrate, the entire bar¡¯s drinks are on me! Everything¡¯s on me tonight!¡±

    The music surged louder as the crowd erupted into a frenzy of celebration.

    That night, Joyce¡¯s extravagant gesture cleared out the bar¡¯s entire stock of alcohol.

    By morning, word of her wild promation had spread like wildfire across Olisvine.

    By morning, everyone was buzzing about Joyce, who was supposedly opening her boutique on the 18th floor of the Luxor Tower.

    The news spread so quickly that it even hit the trending headlines.

    At that moment, Lillian and Josie were lounging on the couch, engrossed in a mobile game.

    When the article popped up on Lillian¡¯s phone, sheughed so hard she nearly rolled off the cushions.

    Just then, Dani entered the room. She paused, noticing Josie rubbing Lillian¡¯s stomach, trying to help her catch her breath fromughing too much.

    Dani tilted her head, smiling with curiosity.

    ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡±

    Lillian, still gasping for air, waved her phone at Dani, motioning for her to take a look.

    L?t?st ?h??pt?rs ¦Én g??lnov§Ö???.??????

    Dani took the phone and skimmed the screen, her expression shifting to one of incredulity.

    Lillian asked, ¡°Has Joycepletely lost her mind? Didn¡¯t you tell her the only avable space was the basement by the restroom? How on earth did it turn into the 18th to 20th floors? And the space wasn¡¯t even renovated. Now she¡¯s out there announcing the grand opening is tomorrow! What¡¯s she nning to do? Host guests in the storage room? Or better yet¡ªthe restroom? I have to share this with the Elite Lux group chat. They¡¯re going to dieughing!¡±

    She grabbed her phone, typing rapidly between giggles.

    Meanwhile, Josie walked over to Dani, gesturing towards the table where some food had been set out for her. Dani nodded and sat down, picking up her fork.

    As Josie passed behind her, she caught a glimpse of Dani typing out a message on her phone.

    Dani was drafting a text to Caiden, reminding him to inform Joyce of the truth¡ªthat the space was the basement restroom, hadn¡¯t been renovated, and required a deposit to secure.

    Dani hit send, setting her phone down as she began eating. When she nced up, she noticed Josie staring at her with a concerned expression.

    Dani asked with a smile, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Josie¡¯s heart ached as she watched Dani. Here was a young woman who had grown up without anyone truly caring for her, yet she had emerged so strong, sopassionate.

    Caiden had forced his own daughter to fend for herself, whilevishing affection on a spoiled, self-centered brat like Joyce. It was beyondprehension.

    ¡°Here, eat this,¡± Josie said gently, pushing a dish closer to Dani.

    ¡°You¡¯re so young, yet you¡¯ve had to bear so much already.

    You¡¯re remarkable. If your mother were here, she would be incredibly proud of you. But, my dear, a girl can¡¯t rely on herself all the time. Being strong is admirable, but it¡¯s also exhausting. I can¡¯t do much to ease your burdens, but I can cook. If there¡¯s ever anything you want to eat, just tell me.

    You¡¯ve been staying up sote recently; you should go to bed early.

    Young women need to take care of their health, especially if they want a happy future and to find the right partner someday.¡±

    Dani¡¯s lips curved into a faint smile.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 88

    ?Chapter 88:

    She had walked a long, solitary road, carrying her burdens withoutint. She didn¡¯t think of herself as remarkable¡ªshe had simply done what needed to be done.

    But now, here was someone, a woman her mother¡¯s age, showing her genuine care. The warmth of Josie¡¯s words touched her deeply. Her smile grew as she met Josie¡¯s kind gaze.

    ¡°Thank you, Josie.¡±

    Josie¡¯s face brightened, her smile wide and affectionate as she looked at Dani.

    Dani was in her twenties¡ªthe prime of her youth¡ªvibrant, radiant, and brimming with untapped potential.

    A girl like her, with such a kind heart, deserved someone who would truly cherish her.

    ¡°Miss Harper, do you have a boyfriend?¡±

    Dani shook her head.

    ¡°I know a young man. He¡¯s handsome, well-mannered, and such a gentleman. Maybe I could introduce him to you sometime?¡±

    Dani let out a chuckle, shaking her head again.

    ¡°Thank you, Josie, but I¡¯m not ready for that right now. I just got out of a marriage, and honestly, I think I¡¯m a little afraid of the idea of marriage for now.¡±

    Josie¡¯s expression turned thoughtful, her head nodding.

    Updates loaded at g??????¦Òv????s.co??

    ¡°You¡¯re right. Marriage is a big decision. It should never be taken lightly.¡±

    With that, Josie turned back to the kitchen. A momentter, Lillian wandered in from the living room with a chuckle.

    ¡°Josie wants to set you up with someone? Who could she possibly know?¡±

    Dani nced at her and replied, ¡°Her intentions are kind. Don¡¯t make fun of her.¡±

    From the kitchen, Josie overheard their exchange. A small smile spread across her lips.

    She pulled out her phone and typed a message.

    ¡°Mr. Phillips, the person you chose is truly wonderful. But she said she¡¯s single right now and isn¡¯t considering a rtionship at the moment.¡±

    The reply came almost instantly¡ªa frustrated emoji, its expression a perfect representation of disappointment.

    Caiden, as usual, sat glued to the television.

    When his phone lit up with a notification, he didn¡¯t even spare it a nce. Without bothering to see who it was from, hezily flipped the device over, leaving the screen facedown on the table.

    Katrinained, ¡°Why don¡¯t you ever check your phone? What if Joyce has something important to tell you? How is she supposed to reach you if you¡¯re always ignoring your phone?¡± She reached over, snatched up his phone, and unlocked it.

    It was a message from Dani.

    Katrina¡¯s expression soured in an instant.

    Without even bothering to open the message, she swiped left and deleted it.

    Caiden, still engrossed in his show, didn¡¯t notice a thing. His tone remained casual as he asked, ¡°Is it Joyce?¡±

    Katrina¡¯s lips curled into a sly smile as she scrolled to his contacts list and blocked Dani¡¯s number entirely.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 89

    ?Chapter 89:

    Finally satisfied, she let out a deep breath and smiled.

    ¡°Nope.¡±

    Dani had wrapped up her tasks for the day. Fresh from the shower, she reached for her phone on the nightstand and nced at the screen. There was still no response from Caiden.

    With a subtle frown, she opened her news app, only to find the same trending topic dominating the headlines. Curious, she tapped on the link, and a video loaded almost instantly.

    The scene unfolded. Joyce, perched on a table at a bar, danced with wild abandon to the pulsing beat of the music. Behind her hung a banner.

    ¡°Congrattions to Joyce Holt for Obtaining Floors 18th-20th of Luxor Tower!¡±

    Dani stared at the video, momentarily speechless. After a deep breath, she forwarded the video to Caiden, intending to remind him once again.

    But just as she hit send, a small notification appeared on her screen, reminding her that she had been blocked.

    Dani froze for a moment, her gaze fixed on the notification. Then, she ced the phone back on the bedside table, turned off the light, and slipped into bed.

    A party was in full swing at the bar. The booming music vibrated through the walls.

    A crowd encircled Joyce,vishing her with praise.

    ¡°Joyce, you¡¯re incredible! Please, look out for me in the future! If you could just let me use a little corner of your studio to sell essential oils, I¡¯d be set for life!¡±

    FindNovel . is your storytelling hub

    ¡°Hey, who said you could call dibs first? Joyce, we¡¯re friends. Don¡¯t forget about me! You¡¯ve got three whole floors. Let me open a shop on one! When I hit it big, I¡¯ll split the profits with you!¡±

    ¡°Truly, Joyce is something else! Just her presence outshines girls from half the wealthy families here!¡±

    ¡°Exactly! You guys don¡¯t even know how much Caiden cares for her. He spoils her rotten!¡±

    ¡°Yeah, so what if she disrupted Dani¡¯s wedding and snagged her man? Even though Dani heads Elite Lux now, she still has to cede those floors to you. And we¡¯re not talking about just any floors¡ªthese are premium, top-tier spots! Joyce, you¡¯re living the dream!¡±

    With that, Joyce shed a smug grin.

    ¡°Of course. My family adores me the most. And Dani? She¡¯s irrelevant. All of the Harper family¡¯s assets will end up with me eventually. Even the projects Dani¡¯s pouring her heart into now¡ªthose will be mine, too. Dad always says that meeting me and my mom was the best thing in his life. We brought a joy to his world that he never knew before. He even says that every time he sees Dani, he¡¯s reminded of her mother and feels utterly repulsed. So what if Dani puts on a tough front? She¡¯s nothingpared to me!¡±

    The crowd erupted in cheers, raising their sses in a toast.

    ¡°A toast to Joyce! The future head of the Harper family!¡±

    Joyce raised her ss high, herughter booming through the room.

    ¡°Cheers!¡±

    This raucous moment was caught on video and quickly went viral online.

    That night, Joyce racked up over four million dors in charges at the bar.

    When Caiden saw the credit card alert, he was astounded, leaping from his bed in disbelief.

    Convinced the card had been stolen, he immediately phoned the police. Meanwhile, Joyce was slowlying to, groggily trying to sit up from the couch.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 90

    ?Chapter 90:

    She felt something cold and wet beneath her and looked down¡ªher body stiffened instantly.

    A ring red stain marred the sofa, jolting her fully awake.

    In a panic, she scrambled into her skirt. As she looked up, she caught a glimpse of someone darting past the doorway.

    ¡°Stop right there!¡± she yelled.

    But the figure was gone. Fuzzy memories from the night before flickered through her mind¡ªshe remembered clinging to a man in the dim light of the bar, kissing him, and noticing a small birthmark on the back of his neck.

    Joyce rushed out of the private room, her heart pounding. Outside, her so-called friends lingered, equally disheveled and hungover.

    They hadn¡¯t left. They were all hanging around, hoping to capitalize on her newfound status rted to the Luxor Tower¡ªa chance none wanted to miss.

    Joyce quickly tried topose herself and left the bar, only to find herself facing a group of police officers at the door.

    Behind them, an irate Caiden and a distressed Katrina approached rapidly.

    ¡°Officer, there¡¯s been a mistake!¡± Caiden eximed, desperation in his voice.

    ¡°My card must have been stolen! My daughter doesn¡¯t drink. She¡¯s never had alcohol in her life¡ª¡±

    His protest halted abruptly as he caught sight of Joyce.

    Fresh content live now g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s

    There she stood, disheveled andical in appearance, with her hair a mess, eyelid stickers dangling precariously, and the family credit card dangling from her fingers.

    The words froze in his throat.

    Instead, his mind churned with a single thought.

    ¡°What a disgrace!¡± Still, he forced himself to swallow the insult, holding back his simmering anger. Today was her big store opening. Four million? It was nothing.

    Caiden clenched his fists tightly, the tension in his jaw betraying his struggle to maintainposure.

    Katrina went to great lengths to ensure Joyce¡¯s store opening looked grand, including renting several luxury cars to form an impressive convoy to the Luxor Tower.

    During the ride, she ced a reassuring hand on Caiden¡¯s chest, patting it lightly to calm him.

    ¡°Honey, don¡¯t let it get to you. It¡¯s nothing to stress over. We¡¯ll earn it all back in no time. Think about it¡ªbusiness is all about connections. Sometimes, you have to spend a little to make friends!¡±

    Caiden exhaled heavily, attempting to let her words soothe him. Then his gaze shifted to the back row, where two of Joyce¡¯s self-proimed ¡°best friends¡± sat.

    Their appearances were jarring.

    One wore mismatched, ripped clothing that gave the impression she¡¯d stumbled out of a haunted house.

    The other sported multiple lip piercings that made Caiden wince.

    These were her connections?

    The two began chattering obnoxiously.

    ¡°Joyce, rememberst night? You promised I could have space on the 18th floor to sell my essential oils!¡±

    Caiden squeezed his eyes shut, the dull throb of a headache starting to build.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 91

    ?Chapter 91:

    When they finally arrived at the Luxor Tower, Caiden stepped out of the car, his irritation barely hidden. But then his eyesnded on Dani.

    She stood there, draped in an elegant Elite Lux early-spring couture outfit, radiating refinement with every movement. Though it was not yet 10 o¡¯clock in the morning, she had already finalized a major deal.

    Her poised, professional smile shone as she saw her client off with a courteous goodbye.

    Her assistant approached with a pile of documents, which she signed with practiced ease, her grace andposure unwavering.

    Her every action exuded calm authority, the undeniable presence of someone destined to lead.

    For a brief moment, Caiden straightened his posture, puffing out his chest. This was the epitome of a Harper heiress!

    The shame he¡¯d carried earlier began to ease, reced by a faint sense of pride.

    Joyce¡¯s friends got out of the car to see Dani speaking with her client, her poise and polished demeanor shining like a wless diamond.

    ¡°Wow! Joyce, your sister¡¯s really stepped it up. She¡¯s so ssy now!¡±

    ¡°Of course! She¡¯s the CEO of Elite Lux. It doesn¡¯t get any ssier than that!¡±

    ¡°No, no, no. That outfit only works because Dani is the real deal¡ªa genuine heiress. Put it on a fake heiress, and it¡¯d just look tacky andpletely out of ce.¡±

    1???E$? ?????€?S 1? g¨»l??¦Ïv?l?.§ão??

    At the sound of that, both Katrina and Joyce spun around, their eyes narrowing at the person who spoke.

    Both of them sensed they were being singled out.

    Katrina¡¯s eyes darted to Joyce, and her expression changed instantly, going from contempt to pure shock.

    Katrina yanked Joyce¡¯s arm and gestured to the group behind her.

    ¡°Let¡¯s use the side entrance. It¡¯s much wider and quieter.¡± She made sure to steer clear of Dani.

    Once they were out of sight, Katrina¡¯s patience snapped. She grabbed the hem of Joyce¡¯s skirt and tugged it harshly.

    ¡°Mom! Ouch, what are you doing?¡± Joyce winced, pulling back. Katrina¡¯s voice lowered to a fierce whisper, her words dripping with fury.

    ¡°What did you dost night?¡±

    Joyce blinked in confusion.

    ¡°What? Nothing! I just went out to enjoy myself.¡±

    ¡°Enjoy, huh?¡± Katrina¡¯s voice shook with rage.

    ¡°Did you even bother to shower? Look at your legs!¡±

    Joyce looked down, and her expression stiffened in shock.

    Katrina fumed with anger, her mind racing back to the wild group from the car, the heavy drinking, and now this. A sharp headache started to throb as she realized the gravity of the situation. All the years of raising Joyce¡ªwasted in an instant!

    She should have intervenedst night. She should have seen thising!

    ¡°Who was it? Did you even use protection?¡± Katrina asked.

    Joyce turned to her mother, her eyes wide with panic, her mind going nk.

    Katrina removed her jacket and wrapped it around Joyce¡¯s waist, hiding the marks ofst night¡¯s mistake. She leaned in, her voice dripping with fury as she whispered, ¡°I didn¡¯t raise you to fall for someone like that. Whatever happenedst night? It didn¡¯t happen. Do you hear me? Not a word of it! If I ever catch you with someone like that again, I swear I¡¯ll make you regret it!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 92

    ?Chapter 92:

    Joyce, visibly shaken, nodded quickly. She was too terrified to speak up. Seeing her daughter¡¯s fearful reaction, Katrina continued, ¡°This stays between us. No one can know.

    You were drunk, and so was everyone else. No one remembers anything, and you need to make sure it stays that way. If anyone asks, deny it. Got it? If anyone else hears about this, it¡¯s over.

    Your reputation will be shattered, and no decent family will want you.¡±

    Trembling, Joyce nodded once more, her fear evident in the way her body shook.

    Atst, Katrina let out a deep sigh, standing upright and briefly calming herself.

    When they got back into the elevator with the others, her face remained tight with tension, and she kept murmuring sharp, cautionary words to Joyce.

    Caiden,pletely unaware of all this, was watching the elevator numbers climb with wide eyes. Excited, he grinned and said, ¡°What¡¯s with all the whispering? Hurry up and get us to the top! I can¡¯t wait to see the view. It must be amazing from up there.¡±

    His face practically radiated excitement, his pride evident in the way he spoke.

    Katrina, however, couldn¡¯t muster a bit of enthusiasm, no matter how hard she tried. Her lips barely curled into a smile, and the expression that appeared on her face was stiff, almost forced.

    But as the scene unfolded, her mood began to lift, if only slightly¡ªand for good reason.

    Behind her, the group gasped in awe, their voices filled with wonder. Even Caiden, usuallyposed and restrained, couldn¡¯t help himself and let out a genuine ¡°Wow!¡±

    Your favorite stories g?ln¦Ò¦Íels

    The 18th floor was the best of the entire building. It was truly a sight to marvel at.

    The view from the floor-to-ceiling windows was nothing short of spectacr, offering an uninterrupted 360-degree panorama of the sprawling city below.

    The floor had already beenpletely remodeled, with every detail radiating luxury.

    Antique vases decorated every corner, and a magnificent table, threaded with gold, took center stage in the room.

    A stunning water feature greeted them at the entrance, a clear symbol of wealth and sess, filling the space with an aura of prosperity. And the real showstopper? A world-famous painting proudly showcased at the doorway.

    This wasn¡¯t a ce where luxury was simply suggested¡ªit was unmistakably present in every inch of the space.

    ¡°I recognize this painting!¡± Katrina cried, almost jumping with excitement.

    ¡°It was auctioned off for fifty million not long ago. Can you believe that? It¡¯s pure opulence! With this hanging here, making money will be a piece of cake.¡±

    Joyce smiled brightly, a feeling of immense pride swelling in her chest. Finally, Dani had done something that actually mattered.

    At the same time, Caiden was soaking up the praise being showered on him.

    Just as the moment seemed to peak, the elevator doors chimed softly and then slid open.

    Cedric stepped out, dressed in a sharp, tailored suit that radiated authority and sophistication.

    He and the building manager beside him appeared momentarily thrown off by the strange mix of people in front of him. The other group was just as surprised.

    For a second, both groups just stood there, staring at each other in silence.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 93

    ?Chapter 93:

    Joyce hesitated before taking a small, nervous step forward, her hands twisting nervously in front of her. Katrina gave a subtle pull on her skirt, a silent nudge of encouragement.

    Taking a breath, Joyce forced a shy smile and spoke in a soft, almost teasing tone.

    ¡°Mr. Phillips, are you here to congratte me on my new office? Thank you so much for being here. It really means a lot. The space is still a work in progress, though.¡±

    Katrina couldn¡¯t have looked happier. With a proud smile, she added, ¡°Cedric, wee! What a wonderful surprise to have you here!¡±

    Caiden felt his pride grow as he watched Cedric. Having him there, with all his influence and status, was like a badge of honor for Caiden, giving him a sense of validation and boosting his confidence tenfold. At the same time, Joyce¡¯s friends were gathered at the back, staring at Cedric in awe.

    ¡°That¡¯s Cedric?¡± one of them whispered, her voice shaky with astonishment.

    ¡°You¡¯re talking about Cedric Phillips? The business mogul who¡¯s always in the news?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s so put together, totally unlike us. He has this presence¡ªso polished, so sophisticated.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, but isn¡¯t Cedric known for staying away from social events? Why would hee here, of all ces? And on Joyce¡¯s office opening day, no less. What¡¯s happening?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it clear? Cedric must have a thing for Joyce! I mean, why else would he be here? Joyce is basically set for life nownding someone like Cedric? She¡¯s hit the jackpot.¡±

    Find magical tales on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c????

    ¡°Living the dream. But why would Cedric go for someone like Joyce? She doesn¡¯t really seem all that sharp.¡±

    Thatst remark wasn¡¯t as quiet as the rest¡ªit was loud enough for everyone to catch.

    The room went still. Caiden, Katrina, and Joyce turned in sync, their res sharp and cold.

    On the other hand, the building manager couldn¡¯t help but stifle augh.

    From the moment Katrina¡¯s gaze fell upon Cedric, her smile was unwavering. She regarded him as an exemry choice for a son-inw. Leaning towards Caiden, she murmured, ¡°Cedric really is something else, isn¡¯t he? Look how polite and considerate he is. We haven¡¯t even officially started, and here he is, already bearing a gift.¡±

    Caiden, watching Cedric¡¯s poised and respectful manner, nodded in acknowledgment.

    Katrina¡¯s grin broadened with pride.

    ¡°You see, honey? This is all free doing. Had I not nurtured Joyce so well, she might have ended up like Dani. Think about it¡ªwhen we¡¯re old, who will we depend on? Certainly not Dani.¡±

    With an eager nod, Caiden responded, ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right. Joyce is all we¡¯ve got. Dani? She¡¯s a lost cause, utterly unreliable for the rest of her pathetic life.¡±

    Katrina felt a surge of tion, her beaming smile proof of her delight.

    She advanced a few paces towards Cedric, her focus turning to the vase the building manager held. A glimmer of recognition danced in her eyes.

    ¡°Hang on¡­ Isn¡¯t that fromst night¡¯s auction?¡±

    Curiosity flickered in Katrina¡¯s eyes as she leaned toward the vase.

    Yet, as she approached, the manager recoiled instinctively, clutching the vase closer to his chest.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 94

    ?Chapter 94:

    Katrina¡¯s expression hardened with irritation, but she smoothed it over with an overly sweet smile as she pivoted towards Cedric.

    ¡°Oh, Cedric! How incredibly thoughtful of you! This vase is the one fromst night¡¯s auction, right? I remember it fetching a million. Howvish of you! Tell me, is this splendid piece meant to celebrate Joyce¡¯s store opening? Your generosity knows no bounds! Yet, how can we justify epting such a prized treasure?¡±

    Despite her words, Katrina closed the distance once more, her hands seizing the vase from the flustered manager, who found himself helplessly cornered.

    With the vase pressed to her chest, she shed a radiant smile, her face glowing with a sense of triumph.

    The building manager stood frozen, a look of utter disbelief painting his face as he gazed at his now-empty palms, then turned to Cedric.

    Cedric¡¯s features turned stormy. His eyebrows drew together, casting his face into an icy, uninviting expression.

    The manager, overwhelmed by the moment, eximed, ¡°Seriously? Are you out of your mind? What on earth are you doing? This isn¡¯t just reckless¡ªit¡¯s outright robbery!¡±

    He was inplete shock, questioning whether this was typical behavior for women of affluent backgrounds.

    But Katrina couldn¡¯t care less. To her, the vase was already hers. She believed Cedric was going to be her son-inw. Why couldn¡¯t she take that vase?

    She felt not just justified, but determined, having already selected the perfect spot for the vase¡ªin the living room of their home. This was more than decoration; it was a deration. Her daughter was now Cedric¡¯s cherished.

    Latest chapters uploaded g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s

    Approaching, Caiden lightly grasped Joyce¡¯s elbow, his expression full of quiet approval.

    ¡°This is such a wonderful gesture. Thank you so much!¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Cedric,¡± Joyce chimed in with a shy smile.

    Maintaining hisposure by a thread, Cedric resisted the urge to roll his eyes.

    His patience wearing thin, he turned to Katrina with a cold stare.

    ¡°Who gave you permission to be here?¡± His tone cut through the air, sharp and unforgiving.

    Caiden, taken aback, blinked in confusion. After a moment, he chuckled awkwardly.

    ¡°What do you mean by that? The entire floor is ours now. Actually, not just this one, but the two above it too. Dani handed over all three floors to us.¡±

    At the mention of Dani¡¯s name, Cedric¡¯s demeanor turned to one of solemnity, and he turned sharply to confront the building manager. The manager, his forehead slick with sweat, hastened to rify, ¡°No, Mr. Phillips, their shop isn¡¯t located on this level.¡±

    Katrina, her brow furrowed in bewilderment, interjected sharply, ¡°Our shop isn¡¯t here? Then where on earth is it supposed to be?¡±

    Exhaling a deep, weary sigh, the building manager tapped his phone with a sense of urgency.

    ¡°Jerry,e upstairs and escort them to their designated space,¡± he instructed, before turning to Katrina with a stern gaze.

    ¡°I must urge you to be careful as you exit. Every item here is a valuable antique, with each piece carrying a significant price tag.¡± He stepped towards Katrina, his hands extended, ready to ease the vase from her desperate grip.

    ¡°Mr. Phillips, I¡¯ll ensure this vase is delivered to Ms. Harper¡¯s office.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 95

    ?Chapter 95:

    Cedric watched the exchange, his eyes darkening as he viewed the vase.

    ¡°It¡¯s already dirty,¡± he dered, his disdain palpable.

    The manager paused, his bewilderment in on his face.

    ¡°Sorry. What did you say?¡±

    Cedric offered no further exnation.

    ¡°Just get rid of it,¡± he stated dismissively.

    In his eyes, anything Katrina defiled with her touch was as good as garbage, a disgrace to Dani¡¯s name.

    He entered the elevator without another word, his expression unreadable, yet his revulsion was clear. Katrina made a half-hearted attempt to reach out, to halt his departure, but the elevator doors sealed shut before she could utter a single plea.

    The building manager exhaled a deep, tired sigh and ambled over to the trash can. With a resonant ng, he dumped the vase into it without a second thought.

    Katrina¡¯s eyes stretched wide in shock. Casting aside any semnce ofposure, she dashed to the trash can and leaned over, her arms plunging in to rescue the vase.

    Cradling it protectively, she muttered in disbelief, ¡°How could anyone toss away such a stunning vase? It¡¯s worth a fortune! Oh, no¡ªlook, there¡¯s a chip on the rim!¡±

    Caiden and Joyce stood by, utterly mortified, their cheeks burning with embarrassment as they observed Katrina¡¯s frantic actions.

    Behind them, Joyce¡¯s friends exchanged nces, their eyes wide with shock, their whispers intensifying as they struggled to mask their astonishment.

    Your next favorite is on g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s£®??o??

    ¡°This is utterly disgraceful.¡±

    ¡°She haspletely tarnished the image of every dignifieddy! Can you believe Cedric refused the vase just because she handled it, and now she¡¯s scavenging it from the garbage? Did you see the desperation in her actions?¡±

    ¡°Truly, though, it¡¯s hardly shocking. I heard that Katrina only secured her ce in the Harper family after Dani¡¯s mother passed away. Before that, she was merely a humble viger, busying herself with pickling vegetables. It seems she employed every cunning tactic avable to seduce Dani¡¯s father.¡±

    ¡°All that money, and she still can¡¯t shake off the pitiful aura of someone who¡¯ll grovel for scraps.¡±

    ¡°Indeed,ing from modest means is no fault of her own. But where is her sense of pride? Has she no self-respect at all?¡±

    ¡°Self-respect? Please. It¡¯s doubtful Katrina even understands the concept. I heard that right after Dani¡¯s mother died, Katrina moved in. Driven by fear of missing her chance at wealth, she disregarded how tantly disgraceful it appeared. A woman of her sort¡ªdo you really think she possesses any self-respect?¡±

    As Jerry Oliver took the lead with the group in tow, their footsteps reverberated through the corridor, apanied by a low murmur of whispers that filled the air with a sense of unease.

    Katrina, gripping the vase, struggled to maintain herposure. A pulsing headache exacerbated her growing irritation, yet she managed to suppress the rising storm within her.

    She nced back to check on her daughter, only to see her engaged in light-hearted conversation with a friend, seemingly oblivious to the tension around them.

    With a deep breath, Katrina tightened her eyes shut, mentally coaxing herself to remain calm and not to sumb to the provocation of the youngsters¡¯ carefree disregard.

    As the elevator moved down through the floors, Caiden¡¯s previously easy smile slowly dissolved into a look of concern. A troubling premonition gnawed at him, prompting him to finally break the silence.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 96

    ?Chapter 96:

    ¡°Jerry, just where on earth are we headed now?¡±

    They had exited the elevator and continued their lengthy trek. It seemed as if they were about to leave the confines of Luxor Tower altogether.

    Jerry, clutching a hefty ring of keys, was visibly annoyed. The murmurs and snickers from the group had not escaped his notice and had left him simmering with resentment.

    He was keenly aware of Dani¡¯s true character¡ªher beauty was matched by herpassion and generosity.

    She had discreetly funded his wife¡¯s surgery when they were desperate and unsupported. Whenever a crisis struck a staff member¡¯s family, she was there to offer aid. Her genuine kindness had earned her the deep respect of everyone within Elite Lux.

    Yet, here was her own family, disparaging her with a haughty air.

    Jerry rolled his eyes, his voice sharp and dismissive as he retorted, ¡°Why bombard me with questions? Juste along and all will be revealed in due time!¡±

    His brusque tone took Caiden aback. It had been a long while since someone had addressed him with such unfiltered disdain.

    ¡°Do you not know who the hell I am?¡± Caiden challenged, his brow furrowed in irritation.

    ¡°I¡¯m Dani¡¯s father¡ªyour boss¡¯s father! With a snap of my fingers, I could own this entire building!¡±

    Jerry halted in his tracks, his grip on the keys tightening, his knuckles whitening as he fought to control his rising fury.

    Caiden, seemingly unaware of the growing storm, pressed on.

    ¡°Don¡¯t forget, it¡¯s my family¡¯s money keeping your ass employed.¡±

    Katrina, quick to capitalize on the moment, chimed in sharply, ¡°Precisely! Would you even have a job if it weren¡¯t for us? People who run their damn mouths like you don¡¯t deserve to stay employed!¡±

    Jerry exhaled sharply, his voiceced with a mix of defiance and disbelief.

    ¡°Go ahead, fire me! But I have to ask, do you actually hold the power to do so? Caiden, is it? Let me make something clear. Having you as a father is the worst curse that could¡¯ve befallen Ms. Harper! Weren¡¯t you the one who dered to the world that you were severing all ties with her? And yet, now that she¡¯s found sess, you suddenly im ownership over this entire building? Why not take it further? Perhaps proim that the entire nation belongs to you? You¡¯re supposed to be an elder¡ªperhaps it¡¯s time to start behaving like one and exhibit a bit of dignity!¡±

    Katrina¡¯s face flushed a deep crimson, and she shook with fury.

    ¡°How dare you speak to us in such a manner! Get your manager on the phone this instant!¡±

    Jerry, utterly unfazed by the escting tension, retrieved his phone and dialed his manager, putting the call on speaker. The manager¡¯s voice crackled through, tinged with irritation.

    ¡°What now? What¡¯s the problem with Joyce Holt? She¡¯s already stirred up enough trouble.

    You know what? Forget it¡ªif they¡¯re that much of a nuisance, just stop leasing to them. Are we really so desperate that we can¡¯t do without the rent from a basement-level unit?¡±

    The phrase ¡°basement-level unit¡± struck a nerve.

    Caiden and Katrina, who had been simmering with rage only seconds before, came to a sudden halt.

    Joyce¡¯s brow furrowed as her voice dripped with fury.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 97

    ?Chapter 97:

    ¡°What the hell do you mean by that?¡±

    Jerry folded his arms, his voiceced with a t, impatient tone.

    ¡°Are youing to check it out or not? If you¡¯re not interested, I can just go.¡±

    Reluctantly, the trio stifled their objections and trailed after him.

    As they moved deeper, an unsettling feeling crept up on them.

    Joyce edged closer to Katrina, her voice a nervous whisper.

    ¡°Mom, what is this ce? Why are we wandering through a parking garage?¡± Katrina¡¯s face grew troubled, her anxiety palpable.

    They were supposed to be shown the 18th to 20th floors, yet here they were, in the basement.

    As they progressed, Caiden¡¯s prior cockiness had vanished entirely, his face clouding over with each step they took.

    Suddenly, Joyce perked up, her voice slicing through the tension.

    ¡°Mom, look! There are shops over there!¡±

    Their gazes collectively turned to where Joyce directed, and sure enough, a series of storefronts came into view.

    Joyce gestured towards a shop in the middle.

    ¡°If it¡¯s a spot like that, I could definitely see us there.¡±

    However, Katrina¡¯s response was less than enthusiastic. Her experience of the opulent upper levels had set a high bar that this basement level couldn¡¯t meet.

    Your favorite stories are on g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s?c?m

    Disdainfully, she waved a dismissive hand, her nose wrinkling at the pervasive, musty odor that filled the air.

    Undeterred, Jerry maintained his brisk pace, guiding them deeper into the busier part of the basement. They navigated a corner and halted abruptly at the end of the corridor.

    Joyce looked around, bewildered.

    ¡°Seriously? You brought us to a damn restroom? We don¡¯t need to use it!¡±

    Jerry pointed to a dimly lit area near the bathroom and announced, ¡°Over there is the space for your shop.¡± He then proceeded to unlock the door.

    Once the door was opened, the room was engulfed in darkness, an eerie silence pervading the air. Joyce paused, using her phone¡¯s shlight to pierce the gloom.

    The sight that greeted her elicited a sharp gasp.

    ¡°It¡¯s full of trash!¡±

    Chaos exploded, their screams echoing off the walls of the tight hallway.

    Jerry, unimpressed, merely rolled his eyes.

    ¡°This is just where we store restroom supplies. It¡¯s dusty, and, unfortunately, roughly 100 square meters. The final offer stands, and you¡¯ll have to make your decision today, or it¡¯s off the table.¡±

    They were left dumbfounded, struggling to process the situation. Katrina¡¯s forced smile faded as she stood frozen, her expression one of sheer outrage.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you see? She¡¯s trying to make us look like fools, isn¡¯t she?¡±

    Katrina broke down, tears streaming down her face as she sobbed uncontrobly.

    Joyce¡¯s friends had discreetly vanished, and a few bystanders observed the unfolding drama. Joyce¡¯s lips trembled as she clutched her stomach, her eyes wide with despair.

    ¡°Dad, I¡¯ve never been so humiliated. How can I possibly face my friends after this?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s obsessed with tearing me down,¡± Joyce whispered, her voice shaky with emotion. Around them, some bystanders took photos, quick to capture the family¡¯s distress, pushing their way into the crowd.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 98

    ?Chapter 98:

    Jerry spoke up, his voice not as loud as before, but still firm.

    ¡°Rx. It¡¯s just supplies. It¡¯s been here for a while, but there¡¯s been no fuss.¡±

    Despite his words, Joyce¡¯s emotions spilled over as she copsed into tears, her sobs filling the air.

    Joyce was crying uncontrobly. Katrina, unable to bear seeing her daughter like this, felt as though her heart was breaking into pieces. Without caring about her pride, she dropped to the floor, her body trembling.

    Throwing her head back, she let out a loud, heart-wrenching wail.

    ¡°Caiden, after all these years of marriage, do you have any idea how many people haveughed at me behind my back? How many pointed fingers and whispered about me? I put up with all of it because I love you! I loved you so deeply that I endured the pain.

    You have no idea how proud I once was. But for you, I surrendered it all¡ªmy pride, my dignity, my sense of self-worth.

    You said that if I married you, you would take care of everything outside the home, while I would be in charge of everything inside. And I trusted you. Throughout the years, I¡¯ve treated Dani like my own daughter. I gave her more love and attention than I ever gave Joyce! Tell me, how many stepmothers would sacrifice so much for their stepchild? When I decided to marry you, everyone told me it would bring nothing but trouble, that being a stepmother would be nothing but heartache. But I turned a deaf ear to them, all because I love you. And what about Joyce? Hasn¡¯t she treated you well? From the moment she became part of this family, she called you ¡®Dad.¡¯ She¡¯s always been respectful and kind to you, year after year! And Dani? Has she ever called me ¡®Mom¡¯ even once? Not a single time! I let it slide, convincing myself it wasn¡¯t important. But today, Dani crossed the line! She humiliated both Joyce and me in front of everyone. I¡¯m too old to endure this kind of shame. I feel like I might as well just disappear!¡±

    She tilted her head back dramatically, as though she intended to smash it against the vase she was holding in her hands.

    Just before she could act, she shot a meaningful nce at Joyce. Without hesitation, Joyce flung herself against a nearby pir, wailing dramatically.

    ¡°I might as well die too!¡±

    Stories live now on galn¦Ò??????????o??

    Caiden, visibly shaken by the drama, stormed out in frustration. He grabbed a phone from a passerby, his mind racing with anger. Once the call connected, his voice thundered through the receiver.

    ¡°Dani! If you want to avoid your father dropping dead in your posh building today, you better get down here now! You¡¯ve got five minutes!¡±

    Meanwhile, Dani had just put pen to paper on a long-term deal for an incredibly lucrative contract.

    Her mood was cool andposed, unaffected by the chaos unfolding below.

    Once the call ended, she opened the message she had sent to Caiden the day before.

    Just as she was about to head downstairs, Cedric arrived at her office. She asked him to wait a little while inside.

    However, her secretary, arrivingte, carelessly mentioned something about Katrina and Caiden being downstairs. Without wasting a second, Cedric turned and quickly took another elevator, heading straight for the basement.

    Lillian, ever close behind, followed Dani every step of the way.

    As the elevator descended, the chaotic scene in the basement came into view. Katrina was seated on the floor, crying uncontrobly, while Joyce clung to a pir, her sobs just as theatrical.

    Caiden stood nearby, hands firmly on his hips, his head lowered as though he were fighting to keep his fury in check.

    The sharp click of Dani¡¯s heels on the floor immediately caught Caiden¡¯s attention. His gaze shot up, his cold, furious eyes locking onto her face.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 99

    ?Chapter 99:

    That face¡ªso eerily simr to the one that had tormented him for years. The face of the woman who had once made him feel insignificant and weak.

    His chest swelled with rage. Without a second thought, he stormed toward her and pped her in the face.

    The sharp crack of the p echoed through the entire basement, bouncing off the cold walls.

    Everything stopped.

    The chatter of shopkeepers, the footsteps of passersby, and the hum of the crowd all vanished as people froze, their attention now drawn to the sudden noise.

    Lillian stood rooted to the spot, her eyes wide with shock, unable to process what had just happened.

    Cedric, stepping out of the elevator just as the p echoed, felt a tightness in his chest. Without thinking, he sprang into action and rushed toward the scene.

    In the heavy silence that followed, one person remainedposed. It was Dani.

    She stood firm, her eyes steady and unwavering. Her hands had initially balled into fists, but she slowly rxed them, choosing calm over reaction.

    The sound of hurried footsteps echoed behind her, and before Dani could fully grasp the situation, she was enveloped in a warm embrace. For a brief moment, the burden in her chest lightened. She looked up, her eyes catching the man¡¯s corbone, his strong Adam¡¯s apple, and the familiar scent of his cologne.

    The scent stirred something in her, as if she had smelled it before.

    Yet, she couldn¡¯t quite ce where.

    Explore captivating tales on g¦Á ? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s

    ¡°Dani! You ungrateful bitch! You¡¯re just as cruel as your mother!¡±

    Regaining herposure, Dani pulled away from the embrace. Noticing it was Cedric, she whispered quietly, ¡°Thank you.¡±

    She then turned to face Caiden¡ªthe man who imed to be her father. His face contorted with fury, his hand shaking as he pointed an usatory finger at her.

    ¡°I always wanted you to be nothing like your mother. I dreamed of you being obedient andpassionate. I imagined you as gentle, kind, and pure¡ªnot corrupted by the murky maniptions of the business world. When you were after Alexander, you were so innocent, so soft, like a helpless littlemb! How did you turn into someone so heartless, so driven by nothing but greed and power?¡±

    He pointed fiercely at Katrina.

    ¡°This is your mother!¡± His finger then swept over to Joyce.

    ¡°And this is your sister! And yet, you¡¯ve turned on both of them! Yes, you¡¯re the CEO of Elite Lux now, but does that mean you have the right to crush your family¡¯s dignity? To disgrace us in front of the world? Dani! Do you have any idea how much you¡¯ve hurt them?¡±

    Dani stood there, silent, her eyes fixed on the man before her¡ªthe man who had just pped her, right in front of everyone.

    She longed to ask him if he realized the pain he had caused her, if she was unworthy of his affection and care, or if he only valued the manipted, lesser version of her from before.

    These questions had haunted her ever since her mother¡¯s death, since Katrina brought Joyce into the Harper family and took control, and since the countless meals Dani spent with the servants while her father enjoyed his dinners with his new family.

    She had asked herself time and again: Was she not also a Harper? But today, Dani didn¡¯t ask¡ªnot because she couldn¡¯t, but because she didn¡¯t want to.

    The p had already spoken volumes.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 100

    ?Chapter 100:

    Asking would only deepen her humiliation.

    Besides, she had grown ustomed to living without her father¡¯s affection or care and standing alone, bearing the weight of me and criticism.

    Fine, if this was her fate, then so be it.

    She lifted her chin, standing tall. Her cheek burned, swollen and red from the p, but her stance was unshaken, and her movements flowed with elegance.

    Dani met Caiden¡¯s gaze, her voice steady and frosty.

    ¡°I never said the 18th to 20th floors were for Joyce. From the start, I told Alexander it was the basement level. I even informed you about this yesterday. If things got out of hand, it¡¯s because you allowed it to happen. Why didn¡¯t you ask Joyce why she made those bold ims before checking the facts? Why didn¡¯t you question Katrina for not teaching her daughter to be self-aware? My money doesn¡¯te easily, so why should I give away valuable real estate? You¡¯ve always shown favoritism. I¡¯ve spent so many years trying to earn your approval, trying to be the daughter you wanted¡ªobedient, well-behaved. But now¡­¡±

    She paused, her eyes bloodshot and filled with a mixture of deep sorrow and overwhelming fatigue.

    Caiden¡¯s stomach twisted. He couldn¡¯t understand why, but an unfamiliar dread crept over him, a sensation he hadn¡¯t felt in years. It reminded him of the time Dani¡¯s mother had almost rejected him¡ªthe time when he feared losing the only chance to improve his life.

    His voice wavered as he asked, ¡°What now?¡±

    Dani¡¯s lips curled into a fragile smile. Her usual radiant beauty now seemed shattered.

    Fresh content live on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv??ls?c?m

    ¡°Now I realize you¡¯re no different from Alexander. No matter what I do, no matter how much I give, I¡¯ll never get the one thing I truly want from you. And if that¡¯s the reality, then I don¡¯t see why I should keep making the effort.

    You wanted to sever ties with me. Fine. I¡¯m on board. Starting today, immediately.¡±

    She straightened, her posture resolute.

    ¡°For me, this is a matter of finality. I¡¯ll have mywyers prepare the documents and send them over. After that, there¡¯s no need for us to meet again.¡±

    She held Caiden¡¯s gaze for a brief moment before turning and walking away without saying another word.

    Caiden¡¯s irritation simmered just beneath the surface, growing with each step Dani took away from him.

    Unable to contain his frustration, he bellowed, ¡°You think you can just cut ties with me? I¡¯ll make damn sure that doesn¡¯t happen!¡±

    Dani had turned from a nondescript girl to a golden goose. Severing ties with her was unthinkable, an option only conceivable if he were six feet under.

    Katrina jumped to her feet, worried Caiden would act on impulse.

    ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right, Caiden! She doesn¡¯t get to walk away from us like we¡¯re nothing! She¡¯s stuck being your daughter, and that means when we¡¯re old, she has to take care of us!¡±

    Standing up with fiery determination, Joyce eximed, ¡°Exactly!¡± Overhearing the conversation, Cedric balled his hands into fists, the knuckles whitening as he struggled to restrain his mounting anger.

    Meanwhile, Jerry, who had been quietly observing the chaos, rolled his eyes in exasperation. He moved briskly towards the door, locking it with a definitive, echoing click.

    Katrina, noticing his actions, seized his arm urgently.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 101

    ?Chapter 101:

    ¡°What the hell are you doing locking that? We¡¯re not done here!¡±

    Jerry paused, taking a deep breath as he fought to maintain his calm.

    ¡°Are you serious? Do you even grasp the gravity of your actions? You pped Ms. Harper in her own building! And yet, you dare to ask about running a shop? Can you even hear yourself talk?¡±

    His expression contorted with rage, and for a fleeting second, it seemed like he was ready to break someone¡¯s jaw.

    Jerry¡¯s devotion to Dani was unwavering. During his family¡¯s darkest times, Dani had been his beacon of support, and he vowed to remain indebted to her forever.

    Witnessing someone as kind-hearted as Dani endure a public humiliation at the hands of her own father was more than he could bear.

    Jerry¡¯s rage simmered beneath the surface.

    The issue wasn¡¯t that the elderly were deteriorating into malevolence. Rather, it was the wicked who aged without mending their ways.

    Seething with anger, Jerry marched away from the scene. Joyce remained rooted to the spot, her gaze fixed on the locked door of the shop.

    Despite being tucked away in the basement, the space was far superior to any other she could have dreamed of securing.

    Joyce pulled at her mother¡¯s sleeve and murmured, ¡°Mom, maybe this ce isn¡¯t all that bad?¡±

    Katrina, still visibly distraught and mortified by the day¡¯s events, felt a pang of bitterness towards Caiden. She had never imagined he would lose hisposure and strike Dani.

    L?t??¦Ó §éh?¦Ñ¦Ó?r? ¦Én g¨»l??¦Ïv?l?.§ão??

    When he was supposed to act, he held back. And when it was better to stay quiet, he ran his mouth like an idiot and ruined it all.

    The words slipped from her lips before she realized it.

    Caiden whirled around, his expression a mix of shock and disbelief.

    ¡°What did you just say? After all this mess, you¡¯re pointing the finger at me? Do you even get who I was risking everything for?¡±

    With that, he turned around and stormed away, not once ncing back. Katrina, jolted back to reality by her own blunder, stood frozen, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. Beside her, Joyce shifted ufortably, her eyes darting between the closed shop door and Caiden¡¯s receding figure.

    Memories of her lost virginity flooded back, and she suddenly burst into tears.

    The news that the CEO of Elite Lux had been publicly humiliated was rapidly spreading across social media.

    The moment Alexander exited the meeting, the scandal¡¯s details began to unravel before him.

    He mmed the contract down on the table with a resounding thud and dialed Katrina¡¯s number.

    The phone barely rang before she answered, her voiceced with usation.

    ¡°Alexander! How could you let this happen? You never mentioned that Dani¡¯s offer was just for the basement spot! Now look at the mess you¡¯ve caused. Caiden actually hit Dani, right there in front of everyone, and now she¡¯s refusing to let us lease any space at all. What are we supposed to do now?¡±

    Alexander opened his mouth to protest, but Katrina crushed his attempt, her words slicing through him like a de.

    ¡°I don¡¯t give a damn how you fix it, but you better clean up this disaster for us.¡± Stunned into silence, Alexander could only listen.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 102

    ?Chapter 102:

    No sooner had Katrina ended the call than Joyce¡¯s name shed on his screen. Her voice, shaky and tear-streaked, filled his ear.

    ¡°Alexander, please, you have to convince Dani to reconsider. I¡¯ll take the basement if that¡¯s what it takes. Just make sure everything is crystal clear next time, okay? My dad¡¯s absolutely furious. Just fix this and let me know when it¡¯s done. I really have to go.¡±

    Without waiting for a response, she disconnected the call, leaving Alexander grappling with the chaos that had unfolded.

    Alexander shut his eyes, his chilling presence sending shivers down his secretary¡¯s spine.

    At that moment, his phone buzzed¡ªa call from Richard.

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard Dani has been in close contact with yton Renovation recently. Take advantage of her recent ordeal with that p to dig for information. We can¡¯t afford to let this lucrative opportunity slip through our fingers.¡±

    The project was worth billions, and Richard¡¯s concern was palpable, especially since Dani¡¯s team had yet to reach out to Bet Group for a coboration.

    ¡°You should invite Dani over for dinner,¡± Richard urged, convinced they needed to act rather than wait passively.

    ¡°She¡¯s a young woman, and after today¡¯s events, she¡¯s undoubtedly shaken. Aforting visit from you, a fewpassionate words¡ªshe might just be moved. And with the residual affection she harbors for you, who knows? Sparks might fly again. Alexander, stop messing around and get serious about it. Let¡¯s arrange a family dinner tonight. I¡¯ve had my disagreements with Dani, but this evening is an ideal moment to mend fences. Whether it¡¯s forging a business alliance or considering a union, both parties stand to gain.¡±

    Richard¡¯s words were so meticulously crafted that even Alexander¡¯s secretary sensed the deliberate nature of his maniption.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s©q??????, the heart of fiction

    When the call was disconnected, the secretary turned to Alexander.

    ¡°This time, it might be harder than you think.¡±

    Alexander shot a dismissive nce at his secretary and responded with a cold snort, ¡°Perhaps for others, but not when Dani is involved. I know I can handle her.¡±

    Richard¡¯s ongoing disputes with Dani were hardly a secret. He had previously belittled her, consistently ridiculing her capabilities and dismissing her as inconsequential with his sharp, disdainfulments.

    However, Richard¡¯s current strategy involved winning her over with disys of warmth and apparent sincerity. Dani had always yearned for the familial bonds and affection that had eluded her during her upbringing, and Richard¡¯s well-rehearsed charm and courteous demeanor were likely to thaw her resolve.

    Turning back to his secretary, Alexandermanded, ¡°Fetch the navy-blue suit from my wardrobe.¡±

    It was Dani¡¯s favorite suit on him, yet he had deliberately shunned wearing it before. Likely, it had been neglected and gathering dust in his closet for some time now.

    Dani had been pped by her father.

    The entire staff at Elite Lux was very angry.

    Dani, however, quietly went to her office, sat in her chair, and stared at a video.

    The video showed Joyce at a bar, standing on a table with a ss in her hand. Her carefree and bold attitude was on full disy as she loudly announced to the crowd, ¡°Dad always says that meeting my mom was the best thing in his life. We brought joy to his world that he never knew before. He even says that every time he sees Dani, he¡¯s reminded of her mother and feels utterly repulsed. So what if Dani puts on a tough front? She¡¯s nothingpared to me!¡±

    Dani¡¯s hand shook ever so slightly as she clutched her phone. So, this was the truth. Growing up, she always had this nagging feeling that her father didn¡¯t love her.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 103

    ?Chapter 103:

    When her mother was alive, he made an effort to pretend.

    Once her mother died, hepletely distanced himself, and Dani naively believed it was because he was drowning in grief over her death.

    Yet, before her mother¡¯s funeral had even ended, he had already remarried.

    Dani was left stunned and utterly confused.

    She tried to rationalize it in every way she could. Maybe he needed someone to help him cope, or perhaps he was so lost in missing her mother that he couldn¡¯t express it. After all, love didn¡¯t always have to be spoken; maybe he carried it silently.

    She knew her father was still young, and it wasn¡¯t entirely fair to expect him to live alone for the rest of his life.

    But everything changed on one blistering afternoon when the central air conditioning broke down, jolting her awake from the suffocating heat.

    Wanting to find out if there was a power outage, she stepped out of her room.

    But as soon as she entered the living room, she froze in her tracks.

    There, in the middle of the room, was Katrina. She was wearing her mother¡¯s clothes, sitting on Caiden¡¯sp. The sound of theirbored breathing filled the room, like an unbearable echo.

    She overheard Caiden telling Katrina, ¡°Katrina, I love you and only you. That awful woman is finally gone. She used her money to control me, but what man would tolerate being treated like a servant? All she ever did was earn money¡ªshe was¡­¡±

    Useless for anything else. A woman who can¡¯t even make a man happy¡­ What kind of woman is that? Katrina, it¡¯s only after meeting you that I¡¯ve learned what it feels like to be a real man.

    More books avable at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv?ls

    You are the wife I¡¯ve chosen to spend my life with.¡±

    It was a scorching summer day, and as Dani stood at the top of the stairs, everything in her life seemed to fall apart.

    She saw them in the living room, locked in a sweaty embrace, their faces flushed and dazed. Without a second thought, she ran to her room, leaned over the toilet, and retched uncontrobly.

    To everyone else, Caiden appeared to be the ideal husband and a loving father.

    No one could have imagined that behind his respectable front hid a heart so twisted and depraved it was impossible to see.

    Lost in her thoughts, Dani didn¡¯t notice when the office door creaked open.

    Joyce¡¯s harsh words¡ª¡±He even says that every time he sees Dani, he¡¯s reminded of her mother and feels utterly repulsed¡±¡ªyed on an endless loop in her mind.

    She clung to every word like a punishment, as though engraving Caiden¡¯s cruelty into her memory, hurting herself over and over.

    Then, a hand took the phone from her fingers.

    Dani blinked, snapping out of her daze, looking up in confusion. Before she could process what was happening, someone knelt down in front of her, wrapping her in aforting embrace.

    Cedric¡¯s steady, low voice filled the quiet room.

    ¡°Dani! You¡¯re not alone. Don¡¯t be scared. I¡¯ll always be by your side.¡±

    In that instant, Dani let her guard down, surrendering her strength as she leaned into his shoulder.

    She wasn¡¯t one to cry.

    Since that summer, she hadn¡¯t shed a tear.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 104

    ?Chapter 104:

    Caiden hitting her wasn¡¯t new; she never cried.

    But now, as Cedric held her close, his voice trembling more than hers, whispering that she didn¡¯t need to be afraid, her eyes began to fill.

    It felt like walking alone for ages down a dark, deste path. She could pretend it didn¡¯t hurt, and saying it aloud seemed unnecessary.

    Yet, the moment someone stood up for her, the floodgates opened, and the emotions she¡¯d buried for so long spilled out uncontrobly.

    Cedric¡¯s heart broke into pieces. The woman he had cherished for so many years cried quietly against his shoulder. His chest tightened with so much pain that it felt like he couldn¡¯t breathe.

    The night gradually settled in.

    Dani stared into the darkened sky and murmured, ¡°Cedric, from this moment on, I no longer have a father.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s heart clenched with pain.

    Dani rested against his shoulder, her exhaustion finally oveing her as she drifted into a deep sleep.

    Cedric carefully lifted her into the office¡¯s lounge. Outside, Lillian, sensing the quiet that had settled in, hesitated before quietly peeking through the door.

    Her voice was soft and cautious as she asked, ¡°Is she doing any better?¡±

    Cedric gently tucked a nket around Dani before quietly stepping out of the room.

    Discover what¡¯s new on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv??ls

    As soon as they were outside the office, Lillian couldn¡¯t contain her anger any longer and exploded in the hallway.

    ¡°I¡¯ll kill Caiden! I¡¯ll make him pay! What kind of monster does that? He¡¯s her father! How could he hurt her like that? And now these rumors online, saying she¡¯s not Caiden¡¯s daughter? Otherwise, why would he treat her like this? I want answers too, damn it!¡±

    As she trailed behind Cedric, she couldn¡¯t hold back her frustration and shot him a barrage of questions.

    ¡°Where are you going?¡±

    With a grim look, Cedric didn¡¯t respond and made his way upstairs. Once there, he asked Josie for some ice cubes, then wrapped them carefully in a towel before heading back downstairs.

    Lillian slowly picked up on the dangerous vibeing from Cedric. It hit her in that moment. While her words about killing Caiden were just heated talk, Cedric was a man of quiet action.

    He stepped into Dani¡¯s lounge, carefully pressing the ice against her swollen cheek.

    His brow tightened in sympathy, as though he were the one who had been hurt.

    Lillian stood there, about to speak when the secretary quietly entered the room.

    He took a quick look at Dani, who was asleep, before turning his attention to Lillian.

    ¡°Alexander Bet wants to discuss something with Ms. Harper.¡±

    Lillian furrowed her brow in response. What could that bastard possibly want to talk about now, of all times? Was he trying to take advantage of Dani¡¯s vulnerability?

    Seething, Lillian turned and snapped, ¡°Did he say what he wants?¡± The secretary noticed Cedric¡¯s stern expression and hesitated, unsure if speaking would provoke a harsh re from him.

    He paused, trying to gather his thoughts.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 105

    ?Chapter 105:

    Cedric, sensing the dy, turned his head sharply and demanded, ¡°What does he want to discuss?¡±

    The secretary stuttered, ¡°He said¡­ he came to settle Joyce¡¯s store rent, and then¡­¡±

    Before the secretary could continue, a sudden chill swept through the air, affecting both Lillian and him.

    As they pieced it together, Cedric had already stormed out.

    His departing figure exuded a chilling, threatening energy, like someone consumed by rage.

    Alexander was taken aback as Cedric appeared from Dani¡¯s office. Cedric advanced, his expression dark and full of menace.

    ¡°What do you want?¡±

    Alexander hesitated and briefly looked towards Dani¡¯s office, but Cedric moved to block his line of sight.

    ¡°I have some matters to discuss with Dani. Didn¡¯t the secretary inform you?¡±

    Cedric¡¯s voice was icy.

    ¡°She¡¯s not avable right now.¡±

    Despite his many grievances and doubts, Alexander hesitated under Cedric¡¯s intense stare.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s, the heart of storytelling

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll wait for her.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s eyes narrowed as he spoke, his toneden with authority.

    ¡°She isn¡¯t meeting with anyone today.¡±

    Alexander was aware of why she was unavable and responded calmly, ¡°I understand. That¡¯s why my father has invited her to dinner at our house today. I¡¯ll wait outside until she¡¯s free.¡± He nced at the time and added, ¡°There¡¯s still two hours left in the workday, so no need to rush.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s secretary knew that in these situations, Cedric typically didn¡¯t say much. But today, things were different.

    In a low,manding tone, Cedric repeated, ¡°I told you, Dani isn¡¯t seeing anyone today!¡±

    Alexander¡¯s expression tightened, and he squared his shoulders, meeting Cedric¡¯s gaze with a defiant stance.

    ¡°Do you think Dani is your property? How can you make decisions for her without even consulting her? Sure, you might have influence now, but that doesn¡¯t mean everyone has to bow to your will. Dani deserves the freedom to make her own choices. And just so you know, I¡¯m not here with any ulterior motives. I¡¯m just trying to offer some kindness. Her family dynamics aren¡¯t great, so I¡¯m doing what I can to help. I¡¯ll pay for Joyce¡¯s rent. Dani¡¯s upset, and I¡¯ve even had my family prepare a meal for her. What¡¯s wrong with that?¡±

    His words rang with a sense of self-righteousness.

    Just as Lillian was about to respond, a sh of cold fury crossed Cedric¡¯s face, followed by the sharp crack of a fist striking something hard. The impact was deafening.

    Alexander stumbled backward, losing his bnce before crashing to the floor in a clumsy heap.

    The entire room stood frozen in shock.

    Even Alexander seemed dazed by what had just happened. Wiping blood from the corner of his mouth, he rose to his feet, preparing to confront Cedric.

    At that moment, Ryan stepped out of the elevator, deliberately tripping Alexander, sending him crashing to the floor again, this time face down.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 106

    ?Chapter 106:

    Determined, Alexander tried to get up once more, but Cedric quickly stepped in front of Ryan, blocking his path.

    With a pointed finger aimed at Alexander, Cedric growled, ¡°Try it, and you¡¯ll regret it!¡±

    Alexander¡¯s hand curled into a tight fist at his side, his fury evident.

    Alexander hesitated and didn¡¯t dare to take another step. He knew all too well that his family¡¯s businesses were deeply tied to Phillips Group. Acting on impulse might feel satisfying in the moment, but the consequences would be disastrous. How could he face his family afterward?

    Alexander wiped the blood from his lips with the back of his hand, his face flushed with humiliation. Without saying another word, he began to walk away.

    Just as he made his first move, Cedric¡¯s icy voice rang out, stopping him in his tracks.

    ¡°Wait.¡±

    Alexander spun around, his expression cold.

    Cedric¡¯s gaze locked onto him, and his voice was sharp.

    ¡°Earlier, you questioned whether Dani was my property and why I had any say in her life. Let me set you straight. Dani is not my property. But from this moment on, anyone who dares to harm her will have to answer to me first. Don¡¯t even think about dragging the Harper family back into her life. I couldn¡¯t care less who they are¡ªevery one of them will deal with me. And as for you¡ªdon¡¯te here acting like you suddenly care about her.

    You had your chance when she was your wife. Now? It¡¯s toote for any of that.¡±

    Cedric tilted his head, his eyes briefly turning upward to the security camera overhead. Without breaking his intense stare, he turned to Ryan and gave a firmmand.

    I??¨¨$? ¡é??t?€§ñ? 1n ??l¦Ðo¦Í¦Ål?.c??

    ¡°Upload the footage to every tform and make it the hottest topic everywhere. I want the world to hear this. Dani has someone who cares for her, someone who will fight for her. From now on, she¡¯ll have the life she deserves. Every tear she sheds will be one of happiness, not from putting up with scum like this.¡±

    As soon as he finished speaking, Ryan and the rest of the group erupted into apuse.

    Alexander¡¯s expression contorted in embarrassment as he turned and hobbled off.

    That evening, social media went wild. The servers nearly crashed from the overwhelming surge of traffic.

    The headline, clear and direct, dered, ¡°Dani Has Someone Who Cares About Her!¡±

    Those words were enough to set off a worldwide storm, umting billions of views and a flood ofments.

    ¡°This could be right out of a romance novel. His protectiveness is off the charts¡ªtotal CEO-in-love energy.¡±

    ¡°Did Cedric just dere his love for Dani to the world? This has to be a confession, right? Please tell me I¡¯m not imagining this!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t try to tell me this is just a ¡®friendship¡¯ thing¡ªI won¡¯t buy it!¡±

    ¡°This has to be love! OMG, I¡¯m melting. I believe in love again because of this!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m in tears. Dani¡¯s been through so much, but now, finally, she has someone by her side. Cedric and Dani are my new favorite couple!¡±

    ¡°Dani truly deserves this. Her father never loved her, her mother passed away, her ex-husband was cruel, and her stepsister stabbed her in the back. But now, she has Cedric. Every ounce of suffering she endured brought her to this point. It was all worth it!¡±

    ¡°Wasn¡¯t Cedric supposed to be the ¡®cold, untouchable CEO¡¯? The ¡®stone-faced, allergic-to-women¡¯ type? Seems like he was just waiting for Dani all along!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 107

    ?Chapter 107:

    ¡°OMG, where is Dani? Why hasn¡¯t she said anything yet? I need some updates now!¡±

    As thements flooded in, the hashtag took over every tform.

    Yet, Dani stayed quiet and offered no reply.

    Meanwhile, the Bet family became the target of public mockery, their reputation being dragged through the dirt.

    Richard spent the whole nightpulsively checking the second trending topic:

    ¡°Alexander Takes a Hit and Does Nothing?¡±

    Thements were harsh, ripping into both Alexander and the Bet family.

    ¡°Ugh, this guy is revolting! Alexander, was it? What does the Bet family even do? Whatever it is, I¡¯m done with them for good!¡±

    ¡°What a joke! Dani literally told him the shop was on basement level one. But instead of clearing things up with Joyce, this spineless guy let the whole¡­¡±

    Misunderstanding blow up. Now Dani¡¯s been pped, cut off from her family, and herees Alexander, acting like some big shot, offering to pay for Joyce¡¯s shop rent. Where was this ¡®generosity¡¯ when it actually counted?¡±

    ¡°I watched the surveince footage and almost lost my lunch. Alexander, are you seriously this shameless? Youpletely overlooked Dani when she was just a regr woman. But now that she¡¯s the CEO of Elite Lux, you¡¯re suddenly crawling out of the woodwork? And offering to take her to dinner? What, you think she needs your charity?¡±

    ¡°Oh my God, check this out¡ªI just found a clip where Richard straight up says Dani wasn¡¯t ¡®good enough¡¯ to marry into the Bet family. And he said it in public! Richard¡¯s been dismissing her for years, acting like she¡¯d only ever be some pretty, useless trophy wife!¡±

    ¡°It all makes sense now. Elite Lux just bought thergest plot ofnd in the Northern District to develop amercial center. The Bets are in construction and renovation. Now they¡¯re clearly desperate to coborate with her. That¡¯s why they¡¯re back, offering dinner invites!¡± Underneath all these furiousments, one word kept popping up, bold and loud.

    Discover the best stories at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv????s

    ¡°Scumbag!¡±

    Richard stood by the tall windows in his study, his back straight, fists tightly clenched behind him. He took a deep breath, trying to steady the growing storm of anger inside him. He spun around to face Alexander, his tone hard and unforgiving.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care what it takes.

    You will fix your rtionship with Dani.

    You¡¯ll make sure we secure that partnership with Phillips Group. Do you understand? The North District project is vital, and we can¡¯t afford to lose it! And what¡¯s going on with those trending topics? They¡¯ve been live for hours, making this family look like fools! Are you so ipetent that you can¡¯t even get them taken down?¡±

    Alexander closed his eyes briefly.

    ¡°I¡¯ve tried. The trending topics were pinned by a hacker. Even the admins can¡¯t take them down.¡±

    The sharp sound of a p rang out through the room.

    ¡°Idiot!¡± Richard spat.

    ¡°You better listen carefully. Do whatever it takes.¡±

    ¡°Meet with Dani. Clean up this mess. Lock in that partnership.¡±

    Alexander clenched his jaw, his face clouded with frustration.

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    As he stepped out of the house, he checked his phone. There was nothing¡ªno calls, no messages from the Harper family. Not a single word of reassurance. It felt as though they hadn¡¯t noticed the storm brewing.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 108

    ?Chapter 108:

    But Alexander knew better. The trending topics were everywhere. The entire city was calling him a scumbag¡ªthere was no way the Harper family hadn¡¯t seen it. He¡¯d tried to help Joyce, even offering to cover her shop rent, and this was how things turned out. He¡¯d been publicly humiliated, made to look like a fool, and yet, the Harper family hadn¡¯t said a word. Not a single person came to his defense.

    All those warm, loving ¡°Alexander¡± greetings they used to throw his way? They were nothing but empty words. The realization hit him hard, and a cold, ufortable feeling settled deep in his chest.

    He looked at his secretary.

    ¡°Get me information on what Dani¡¯s been up totely. I need to meet with her.¡±

    The secretary gave a nod.

    ¡°Got it, sir.¡±

    Meanwhile, Caiden sat in the living room, unruffled, while Joyce cried loudly beside him.

    ¡°It¡¯s all my fault! Alexander only got tangled in this because of me!¡± Joyce wailed.

    ¡°He was helping me with that shop, and now everyone¡¯s attacking him. Dad, you have to get Harper Group¡¯s PR team to step in and help him. They¡¯re destroying him online!¡±

    Caiden kept watering his nts, his face showing no emotion.

    ¡°Is that so?¡± he muttered without looking up.

    ¡°Yes!¡± Joyce¡¯s frustration spiked.

    Updates always at galno¦Íe??s

    ¡°Dad, haven¡¯t you seen what¡¯s trending?¡±

    Caiden didn¡¯t even nce up. He casually snipped away at a leaf with his pruning scissors, taking his time,pletely unbothered. The truth was, he couldn¡¯t care less. He was Dani¡¯s father, and nothing could change that, no matter what was happening around him. Honestly, he wasn¡¯t keen on jumping into the chaos. Some people online had already started calling him a ¡°terrible father.¡±

    ¡°If he spoke up to defend Alexander now, wouldn¡¯t that only open the door for even more criticism?¡±

    Caiden sighed deeply, then finally turned to face Joyce.

    ¡°Getting roasted online happens to everyone. Alexander¡¯s still young. A bit of criticism won¡¯t kill him.¡±

    Joyce¡¯s frustration boiled over.

    ¡°Dad! You¡¯re just scared, aren¡¯t you? Scared of Dani! Scared of what people are saying online!¡±

    Caiden¡¯s eyes shot towards her, but Joyce wasn¡¯t backing down.

    ¡°And I bet you¡¯re scared of Cedric too, right?¡±

    For a brief moment, something shed in Caiden¡¯s eyes, but he quickly hid it behind a stoic expression. However, Joyce didn¡¯t miss it, and with a sharp gesture, she pointed at him.

    ¡°I knew it! You¡¯re afraid of Cedric!¡±

    Caiden let out a small sigh, pursing his lips as he stood there for a moment.

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m scared. Now what? Who isn¡¯t terrified of Cedric in Olisvine? If Alexander wasn¡¯t afraid, why didn¡¯t he fight back when Cedric hit him? And now you want me, with my old, fragile body, to step in and fight for him? You should be ashamed!¡±

    Caiden dismissed her with a wave, clearly fed up with herining. As he turned back to his nts, a strange thought slowly crept into his mind.

    Dani had never been like this. She never cried for hours or threw tantrums.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 109

    ?Chapter 109:

    In fact, she reminded him so much of her mother¡ªstrong, unshakable, like wild grass that stood firm even in the harshest storms.

    Caiden stopped, his pruning scissors frozen in mid-air.

    Maybe he had overstepped with that p. It had been more forceful than he had meant it to be.

    Katrina had been sitting nearby, watching the whole thing unfold. That morning, Bet Group¡¯s stock had taken a dive, trading was halted, and the online boycott showed no sign of slowing down.

    She blinked, her mind working. She noticed the brief flicker of regret in Caiden¡¯s eyes and made up her mind. Slowly walking towards him, she spoke in a calm, reassuring voice.

    ¡°Caiden, that p was a bit too much.¡±

    Caiden turned to look at her, a mix of annoyance and regret on his face.

    ¡°You¡¯re right. Why didn¡¯t you step in and stop me?¡±

    He sighed deeply, massaging the back of his neck.

    ¡°I¡¯m not even sure if Dani will really go through with cutting ties. She¡¯s running Elite Lux now, and if she turns her back on us, it¡¯ll be a huge loss for me!¡±

    Katrina nodded with understanding.

    ¡°Exactly! And Jerry¡¯s the one to me. He kept fueling the fire, making everything worse. If it hadn¡¯t been for him, it wouldn¡¯t have escted so badly.

    Fresh chapters uploaded on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv??ls?c?m

    You know how Dani lost her mother young, and I¡¯ve always treated her like my own. Seeing you hit her yesterday really hurt. Let¡¯s not make this worse. How about we go over today, bring her a gift, and apologize? At the end of the day, we¡¯re family. There¡¯s no need to let other people see us fighting and give them something to talk about.¡±

    Caiden paused, his brow furrowing in thought.

    ¡°But I¡¯m her father. If I apologize, won¡¯t everyoneugh at me? It¡¯ll be a disaster if people find out.¡±

    Katrina gave him aforting smile.

    ¡°Not at all. People will look at you and think, ¡®Wow, Mr. Harper is such a loving parent¡ªso forgiving, so kind-hearted, not holding any grudges against his daughter.''¡±

    Caiden¡¯s scowl eased just a bit. Sensing she was getting through to him, Katrina pressed on, a yful edge to her voice.

    ¡°Dani has always been so understanding. If she doesn¡¯t forgive us, I¡¯ll get down on my knees and beg her for it.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s eyes widened, his voice turning sharp and cold once more.

    ¡°She wouldn¡¯t dare! Who does she think she is? Just us showing up to apologize is already a huge honor to her! If she expects anything more, she¡¯spletely out of her mind.

    You know what? Forget the apology. We¡¯ll just send a fruit basket instead. That should be more than enough. It¡¯s just Dani¡ªwe¡¯re not dealing with royalty here!¡±

    As he spoke, his anger bubbled up, spilling over into muttered curses. A faint smile crossed Katrina¡¯s lips, pleased that she had guided him exactly where she wanted.

    Joyce, who had been silently watching the entire exchange, stared wide-eyed. Then, she gave Katrina a thumbs-up.

    That was impressive!

    Dani sank into a deep slumber, yet peace seemed out of reach. Her dreams pulled her back to that unforgettable summer afternoon.

    She was just five years old, her small hands tightly gripping a doll. The sun zed overhead, and the thick summer heat filled the air. The sharp sound of something heavy crashing to the ground rang out behind her.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 110

    ?Chapter 110:

    Dani, still holding her doll, turned around in curiosity. As she nced over her shoulder, her gaze locked onto the horrifying sight of her mother¡¯s lifeless body. Blood was streaming from her mother¡¯s eyes, and her formy twisted on the ground.

    The sunlight reflected off the fresh blood, turning the ground a bright shade of red. It spread out like a strange, unsettling field of roses. Dani remained still, silent, unable toprehend. Medics arrived, followed by the police.

    She remembered Caiden sitting nearby, his tears flowing as he yed the part of the heartbroken husband. Then the rain began to fall, soaking the pavement. The blood mingled with the water, spreading out like roses in full bloom, only this time with a violent, unsettling force.

    Her mother was gone, without so much as a word, not even a note or a farewell.

    For years, Dani had been tormented by that day. Why had her mother jumped?

    Why? Why had she left nothing behind?

    Was it because she was just as unworthy in her mother¡¯s eyes as she had always been in Caiden¡¯s?

    Tears slipped quietly down Dani¡¯s face, her eyes shut tightly against whatever torment was chasing her in her dreams.

    Cedric stood motionless beside the bed, his brows knit together in concern.

    Josie walked in, looked over at Dani, then turned to Cedric.

    Explore new stories g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??s.c?m

    ¡°It looks like Ms. Harper is having a nightmare.¡±

    Cedric froze, his body tense, a sudden wave of shock rushing through him. He turned to Josie, his voice cutting through the air.

    ¡°Did you just say¡­?¡±

    ¡°It never crossed my mind before, but now I¡¯vee to understand that Ms. Harper has a habit of sleepwalking. It doesn¡¯t follow any predictable pattern, but it always urs in enclosed areas. One night, her bedroom door was left slightly open. I woke up and found her just sitting there in the dark living room. I tried calling her name, but she didn¡¯t even flinch, so I decided to sit down with her. After nearly an hour, she got up, walked back to her room, andy down like nothing had happened. I followed behind, just to be sure everything was fine, but she showed no signs of being aware during the entire ordeal. The following morning, I brought it up, but she had no memory of having sleepwalked the night before. She said it¡¯s been a thing since she was just five years old. She told me, ¡®If you ever see me sleepwalking, don¡¯t freak out. Just make sure the doors and windows are locked. I usually stop when I bump into something.¡¯ I asked her if she¡¯d ever gone to a doctor about it, but she justughed and brushed it off. She mentioned that her childhood had been chaotic, and even her mother knew about it but didn¡¯t bother doing anything. Eventually, she just learned to deal with it and didn¡¯t think much of it anymore.¡±

    Josie paused for a moment, then spoke again.

    ¡°Afterwards, I made it a habit to check on her. Some nights, I¡¯d wake up and feel the need to look in. There was one night I heard her crying softly. It was faint and restrained, as though she was trying to keep it hidden. When I looked in, she was still asleep. But she was crying. It was gut-wrenching to witness.¡±

    She shifted her gaze from Dani to Cedric.

    ¡°The same thing is happening again.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s hands curled into tight fists, and his entire frame was shaking uncontrobly.

    Caiden had known all along, but he had turned a blind eye.

    She had cried so painfully in her sleep before, just like she was now.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 111

    ?Chapter 111:

    Her words struck him like a punch to the gut, each syble driving the de of guilt further into his chest. It felt like his chest might cave in from the sheer intensity of his feelings, his breathing ragged, as though he was drowning in it all.

    Noticing his pain, Josie offered quiet reassurance.

    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s just the aftermath of yesterday. Facing such cold treatment from her own family¡ªit¡¯s more than anyone should endure. But things will improve. She¡¯s away from the Harpers now. She has Elite Lux, and, most importantly, she has you. Give it time, and she¡¯ll heal. Her future will shine.¡±

    She then slipped out of the room.

    Lillian shifted slightly at the faint sound of the door closing. She opened her eyes briefly, nced at Dani, still sleeping soundly, and sank back into the couch. It wasn¡¯t long before her light snores resumed.

    Cedric¡¯s focus turned back to Dani. He observed the way the crease in her brow, which had been so tense moments earlier, was beginning to rx.

    The gentle rhythm of Lillian¡¯s snores seemed to calm her, as if a quiet part of her mind registered Lillian¡¯sforting presence.

    Cedric hesitated for a second, then grabbed his phone and dialed his friend, Shaun Rodney.

    ¡°Hey, Shaun, quick question¡ªdo you know how someone can make themselves snore?¡±

    Shaun asked, ¡°What¡¯s this about? Did your girlfriend say you snore? But didn¡¯t you have that sleep test done ages ago? You¡¯re not even a snorer!¡±

    Explore new chapters g?l¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    ¡°I¡¯m aware I don¡¯t snore. But I want to figure out how to do it. Any suggestions?¡±

    ¡°Is this some kind of snoring kink? Does your girlfriend actually like snoring? Look, I¡¯m a doctor, not some snore expert. Oh, and by the way, you were trending yesterday. Is this about Dani? Is she the one who¡¯s into snoring?¡±

    Cedric didn¡¯t waste time reading the rest. He exited the chat, opened his browser, and typed ¡°how to snore¡± into the search bar. Just as he was about to press enter, a quiet knock came from the door. His secretary stepped in carefully, sparing a quick look at Dani, who was still sound asleep in the bed, before speaking in a hushed tone.

    ¡°Mr. Phillips, the Harpers have arrived.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s expression darkened, and he got to his feet.

    The secretary paused, her difort clearly showing.

    ¡°There¡¯s a group of reporters with them. After what happened yesterday, it looks like they¡¯re trying to do damage control, iming they came to apologize. Katrina¡¯s reallyying it on thick¡ªcrying her eyes out, tears and snot all over the ce. If Ms. Harper doesn¡¯t make an appearance, the media might twist it to make her look haughty or ungrateful. Elite Lux is still patching up its reputation domestically. Sir, it might be best to ask Ms. Harper how she wants to deal with this.¡±

    It was clear Caiden and his group were aiming to put on a show. A misstep in handling this could spiral into a public rtions nightmare.

    Earlier that morning, the Bet family¡¯s stock had hit rock bottom, erasing tens of millions in value. During a media interview, Richard¡¯s face betrayed his growing anger and disappointment.

    The secretary, ever the careful observer, could feel the gravity of the moment hanging over them.

    He stole a quick nce at Cedric, who was not officially part of Dani¡¯s life yet.

    When Dani¡¯s eyes fluttered open, the first thing she noticed was Cedric¡¯s slightly exasperated expression. Under his eyes, there was a trace of weariness, like he hadn¡¯t gotten much rest.

    She propped herself up on one elbow and shed him a small smile.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 112

    ?Chapter 112:

    ¡°You¡¯re not heading to work today?¡±

    She didn¡¯t bother questioning his presence.

    Cedric¡¯s stern demeanor eased a bit.

    ¡°I am.¡±

    Dani nced at the clock on the wall, raising an eyebrow in surprise.

    ¡°You¡¯re runningte. It¡¯s already past nine.¡±

    ¡°Hmm,¡± Cedric replied with indifference.

    Dani didn¡¯t think much of his short reply and went to the bathroom to freshen up. A few minutester, she came out and saw Cedric still sitting in the chair.

    After a brief pause, she asked, ¡°Would you like to have breakfast with me?¡±

    Without a second thought, Cedric said, ¡°Sure.¡±

    Dani stared at him, surprised.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean it¡ªI was just being polite.¡±

    Unbothered, Cedric shrugged and replied, ¡°Perfect. I¡¯m starving. Let¡¯s eat.¡±

    Dani¡¯s lips curved into a smile, and she was nearly out the door when the secretary darted forward, his gesture filled with urgency as though he was bursting to speak¡ªonly for Cedric¡¯s icy re to silence him instantly.

    He dropped his gaze and mped his lips shut without a word.

    Cedric turned to Dani, his demeanorposed yet assertive.

    ¡°Forget everything else; breakfast first.¡±

    At the dining table, Cedric and Dani had breakfast in silence. The secretary lingered nearby, his expression contorted with worry and indecision.

    Shifting her gaze between Cedric and the secretary, Dani probed, ¡°Is there something I should know?¡±

    The secretary nced at Cedric, his eyes pleading for permission to speak.

    It wasn¡¯t until Dani ced her utensils down that the secretary gathered enough courage to speak, his words spilling out in a hurried flood.

    ¡°Ms. Harper, your father, along with Katrina, Joyce, and reporters from eight mediapanies, are waiting downstairs. They are adamant about meeting with you.¡±

    As this news settled, Dani¡¯s smile waned ever so slightly. She reached for a napkin, dabbing at her lips thoughtfully, then turned to Cedric with a mischievous grin.

    ¡°Is this what¡¯s been troubling you all morning? You really do care too much. Rest assured, I can handle them.¡±

    A barely audible hum rippled through Cedric¡¯s throat.

    As the elevator carried them downwards, Dani assumed Cedric would make his way back to his office.

    The first-floor lobby was swarming with reporters, while the manager struggled valiantly to impose some semnce of order.

    Cedric took a decisive step forward. His countenance was shadowy and intense, mirroring the ominous clouds of a gathering storm, and the loud hubbub promptly hushed to a whisper.

    Even the Harper family appeared to diminish in his imposing presence. Heads dipped. The murmur of voices tapered off.

    Cedric remained utterly wordless. The quiet he held spoke volumes on its own. Poised protectively close to Dani, with his hands rxed in his pockets, his gaze sharply swept the crowd. His eyes, icy and prating, sliced through the crowd, challenging anyone bold enough to hold his stare.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 113

    ?Chapter 113:

    His silent stance broadcast a stark warning¡ªchallenge her, and face the consequences.

    Although Cedric¡¯smitment to safeguard Dani was public knowledge, witnessing his assertive protection firsthand was quite the spectacle. It radiated a fierce protectivenessced with unshakable dominance¡ªunyielding and dangerous.

    A palpable tension choked the air, causing everyone in his line of sight to gulp with apprehension.

    Caiden felt a surge of panic. When the hell would Cedric stop clinging to Dani like a damn parasite? His constant vignce over her was throwing a wrench into their ns.

    Katrina stepped back too. She was all too familiar with Cedric¡¯s persona¡ªan untouchable tyrant with an ego to match, and absolutely no room forpromise.

    Cedric stood his ground, a picture of tranquility yet undeniablymanding, his gaze downcast, his face a mask of inscrutability. The dark circles under his eyes hinted at ack of sleep, lending a sharpness to his features.

    Breaking the tense quiet, he finally spoke.

    ¡°You¡¯ve got something to say? Well, I¡¯m right here¡ªspit it out already.¡±

    His voice was smooth, almost deceptively soft, as if he were consciously tempering his words to keep the peace.

    Yet, beneath his calm exterior, signs of fatigue and underlying irritation were palpable, straining the nerves of everyone present.

    Your imagination takes flight on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    The group opposite him paused, their anxious nces flickering from one face to another, none daring to break the silence.

    Feeling the tension build, Katrina leaned closer to Caiden and discreetly nudged his arm, her gesture a silent plea for him to speak up. Caiden cleared his throat nervously.

    ¡°Mr. Phillips, I noticed that today is Monday, and the financial news mentioned you¡¯re to finalize next year¡¯s contract with one of the world¡¯s top multinational corporations.

    You¡­¡±

    What he really meant to ask¡ªbut couldn¡¯t muster the boldness to state outright¡ªwas if Cedric was supposed to be on his way already.

    Instead, he framed it as an evasive, roundabout inquiry, hoping Cedric would pick up on the subtle cue.

    ¡°You¡¯re not on a tight schedule, by any chance?¡±

    Cedric, with his hands ced in the pockets of his sharp, tailored ck suit, slightly tilted his head. His consistent choice of dark attire only served to deepen the formidable aura that clung to him.

    Even the slightest flicker of a smirk was enough to snuff out any semnce of defiance.

    When he finally spoke, his voice was deep and coarse, cutting through the thick air.

    ¡°Your concern is noted, Mr. Harper.¡± His answer was concise¡ªcourteous, yet nomittal.

    Caiden suppressed his irritation, not daring to contest it.

    The air in the room thickened with tension, the silence so heavy it felt almost suffocating. Eventually, Dani shattered the quiet, addressing Cedric in a poised yet assertive tone.

    ¡°Everything¡¯s fine here. If you¡¯ve got other matters to deal with, don¡¯t worry about this¡ªI¡¯ve got it covered.¡±

    Cedric drew his hands from his pockets, his voice now soft and soothing, contrasting sharply with his earlier domineering presence.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 114

    ?Chapter 114:

    ¡°No rush. The signing has been rescheduled forter this afternoon.¡± Caiden, Katrina, and the assembled reporters all inhaled sharply in shock.

    This meeting was no ordinary affair¡ªit was a crucial discussion about an international contract worth billions of dors. And Cedric had rescheduled it as if it were a mere inconvenience.

    That very morning, a throng of media representatives and top-tier executives had converged outside the Phillips Group headquarters, all eager to witness thendmark signing of this colossal agreement.

    Yet now, Cedric had postponed it.

    His boldness left everyone present utterly dumbfounded. Amid their astonishment, it became ringly clear¡ªDani held a ce in his life so vital, no one could ever hope to fill it.

    The gravity of this insight rendered the crowd deathly quiet, with nobody daring to break the silence.

    ¡°What seems to be the issue? Is it really that difficult to speak up?¡± Cedric grasped a chair, scraping it across the floor with a grating sound, and took a seat near the security station. Propping his chin on his hand, he leaned forward with a challenging look.

    ¡°Look, I¡¯m merely here as an observer. Proceed and engage with the CEO of Elite Lux. Act as if I¡¯m not even here.¡±

    Silence enveloped the lobby once more.

    He wanted them to ignore his presence? The notion seemed absurd.

    1@?€$? ¡é#4??€?$ 1? g??novels.c?m

    The icy, piercing sharpness of his stare was palpable.

    Unless they suddenly went blind, ignoring Cedric¡¯s overbearing presence waspletely out of the question.

    The reporters exchanged uneasy nces, uncertain whether to stay or leave the scene.

    Even Caiden, who had walked in with confidence, now seemed eager to leave.

    But Katrina wasn¡¯t ready to let it go. She subtly tugged at Caiden¡¯s sleeve.

    She had dropped nearly twenty thousand dors to bring these reporters here. If they left now, it would be aplete waste of money. Besides, they hadn¡¯t yet aplished what they came for.

    Katrina leaned in and whispered to Caiden, ¡°Do you want to fix things with Dani or not?¡±

    Caiden bit his lip, clearly wanting to say something, but after catching a glimpse of Cedric¡¯s expression, he held back.

    ¡°Dani, I shouldn¡¯t have pped you yesterday. I¡¯m here to apologize. Katrina and I got up early today and made this soup just for you. Eat it, and let¡¯s put everything behind us.

    Yesterday was a mistake. Please don¡¯t hold it against me.¡±

    The reporters behind him were snapping photos, capturing every word and every exaggerated gesture.

    Katrina smiled warmly. Rather than passing the insted lunchbox to the secretary behind Dani, she opened it herself.

    The rich scent of soup filled the air, and the reporters began snapping shots of it.

    ¡°Come on, darling, just take one little sip, and we can forget all about what happened. Take a look around¡ªthere¡¯s a whole crowd here watching us. Even though you¡¯re the CEO of Elite Lux now, it wouldn¡¯t hurt to show a bit of respect to your dad. And as for those things you said yesterday about cutting ties, those shouldn¡¯t be said again. Do you have any idea how much it hurt your father? He sighed all night. Look at him; he¡¯s even got a white hair now, all thanks to the stress.¡±

    Her words depicted Caiden as a caring, regretful father who deeply regretted losing his temper and pping his daughter.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 115

    ?Chapter 115:

    Caiden didn¡¯t hesitate to jump in, his voice dripping with self-importance.

    ¡°Dani, listen to me¡ªyou have to realize that everything I do is for your benefit.

    You¡¯re my¡­

    ¡°If I don¡¯t look out for you, who else will? When you mentioned cutting ties yesterday, do you even understand how deeply that cut me?¡±

    He stared at Dani¡¯s unfeeling, distant expression, then quickly shut his eyes for a moment, cursing her silently in his mind.

    He reached out to her, his insincere smile growing wider as he spoke.

    ¡°Come here, sweetheart. Did I hurt you too much yesterday? Let me check.¡±

    Dani took a step back. That look¡ªintense and unforgiving¡ªmade a knot form in Caiden¡¯s gut.

    It was a look he recognized instantly. The same one her mother had given him years ago.

    Cold. Unforgiving. Relentless. A headache. Just like herte mother.

    Caiden knew Dani wouldn¡¯t fall for threats orpliments. But did it really matter? With all the reporters here, what could she do?

    He¡¯d already pretended to regret his actions. If Dani dared to challenge him, the next day¡¯s headlines would be shouting, ¡°Dani Harper: The Ungrateful Daughter.¡±

    Once thatbel stuck, not even the top PR team at Elite Lux would be able to fix her reputation.

    Reputation was the core of any business. No one would back apany led by a CEO used of being cold-hearted toward her own family.

    Check updates now on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    A surge of triumph rushed through Caiden. Being her father gave him the upper hand.

    He straightened his jacket, his chest puffing out with newfound confidence.

    And Cedric? Who cared? He was just another man. Sure, Cedric might scare some people, but not Caiden. Cedric wasn¡¯t invincible, and today¡¯s little showdown made that crystal clear.

    A self-satisfied grin crept across Caiden¡¯s face.

    Katrina, noticing his smug expression, gave his arm a gentle tug, a reminder to tone it down. Caiden quickly wiped the smugness off his face and reced it with a mask of warmth and concern. He turned back to Dani and said, ¡°Sweetheart, can you just forgive me?¡±

    Dani stood motionless, her cold, unflinching stare locked on Caiden. It was the first time Caiden had used that word in years, not since she was five. Sweetheart.

    For years, she had convinced herself that she wasn¡¯t worthy¡ªlike she hadn¡¯t done enough to deserve his love.

    She believed that if she worked harder, achieved more, and made herself irreceable, maybe, just maybe, she would finally hear him say ¡°sweetheart.¡±

    She had waited for that word endlessly. Even when she topped her ss, it never came.

    When she skipped grades and joined the elite gifted program, still nothing.

    And when she passed her exams at fifteen, bing the youngest doctoral candidate in her field, it remained absent.

    She had finally epted that, no matter what she achieved, she would never hear that worde from her father, not in this lifetime. And now, there it was. Caiden, with a forced grin, had finally said it.

    The irony was almost too much to bear.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 116

    ?Chapter 116:

    A bitterugh escaped Dani.

    Caiden¡¯s eyes gleamed as he turned to the reporters, beaming while pointing at Dani.

    ¡°See? She¡¯s smiling. That means she¡¯s forgiven me,¡± he said, his focus entirely on how the reporters would see him.

    Katrina¡¯s face lit up, spotting her chance.

    ¡°Sweetheart, you¡¯re right.

    Your father and I messed up yesterday. We shouldn¡¯t have put that pressure on you. The mix-up is all our fault. Joyce shouldn¡¯t have acted like that.¡±

    But Joyce couldn¡¯t stay silent and whined in objection, ¡°Mom!¡±

    Ignoring Joyce¡¯s outburst, Katrina kept her calm and overly sweet demeanor, turning back to Dani.

    ¡°You know, Joyce really looks up to you, Dani.

    You¡¯ve been her role model. But, you know how she is. She struggles with everything, poor thing. At her age, still staying at home, it¡¯s been such a concern for all of us.¡±

    Joyce stared at Katrina, her mouth hanging open, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

    Even Caiden furrowed his brow, confused by Katrina¡¯s sudden criticism of Joyce.

    But Dani saw through it. Katrina wasn¡¯t just throwing Joyce under the bus¡ªthis was the beginning of her real request.

    L§Ñt?st ch¦Ápt?rs in g??l??ov??ls.£ã¦Ïm

    And, as expected, Katrina didn¡¯t waste any time before unveiling her true agenda.

    ¡°We¡¯re still family, right? And as family, we¡¯re supposed to help one another. Joyce is young and has a lot to learn. Why not take her under your wing? Let her join you at¡­¡±

    ¡°Elite Lux, help her gain some hands-on experience. She looks up to you so much, Dani, and has always admired everything you¡¯ve built with Elite Lux. Just offer her a director¡¯s role. It¡¯s no big deal¡ªjust a way for her to dip her toes in the water. I promise you, she¡¯ll give it her all.¡±

    At this, Joyce¡¯s face lit up instantly. The pout and the anger from before vanished in an instant. In their ce, her lips curved into a smug, victorious smile as she looked at Dani.

    She was already imagining all the perks that came with such an impressive title.

    Yes, she thought, tossing aside the idea of running a tiny clothing store¡ªbing a director at Elite Lux? Now that was real prestige and allure.

    She was determined to be a director at Elite Lux.

    Caiden was just as thrilled by Katrina¡¯s suggestion. Her n was pure genius.

    If Joyce could figure out how to earn money like Dani, he wouldn¡¯t have to worry about relying on Dani¡¯s generosity as he aged. Joyce could support the family just as easily.

    Grinning with excitement, Caiden quickly turned to Dani and added,

    ¡°Yes, exactly. Just give her a director¡¯s role.¡±

    Katrina was worried Dani might decline. Her voice grew louder.

    ¡°It¡¯s merely a director position, Dani! You¡¯re now the CEO of Elite Lux, powerful and established. Are you truly reluctant to bestow such a minor role upon your own sister? Or could it be that you¡¯re worried Joyce might eclipse you?¡±

    Dani¡¯s lips twisted into a subtle smirk, her poise undisturbed.

    ¡°Worried? Hardly.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s eyes sparkled with unexpected hope. Lately, she had be ustomed to encountering nothing but roadblocks, so she anticipated Dani¡¯s apparent willingness to cooperate, especially in the presence of the press.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 117

    ?Chapter 117:

    Beside Dani, her secretary¡¯s brow furrowed, her gaze shifting between her boss and the eager journalists, poised to intervene. However, Dani continued,

    ¡°A director position? It¡¯s hardly a big deal. I¡¯ve only just returned to the country, and while I¡¯m stillying my groundwork here, if my family insists on putting someone in thepany, I¡¯ll graciously ept. After all, whether they share my blood or not, how could I possibly refuse?¡±

    As her words hung in the air, Katrina¡¯s smile stiffened on her lips. The underlying sarcasmcing Dani¡¯s remarks did not go unnoticed, piercing her with its intended sting.

    Keeping her poised and gracious air intact, Dani carried on.

    ¡°Elite Lux has been a bastion of meritocracy from the start¡ªthat¡¯s well understood. But now, my stepmother wants to dismantle years of our foundational values with her shallow speeches. Often, they talk about the challenges of being a stepmother, yet they seldom mention the trials of being a stepdaughter.¡±

    At these words, Katrina¡¯splexion grew noticeably lighter.

    Turning her attention to Joyce with a slight tilt of her head, indicating genuine curiosity, Dani asked,

    ¡°Joyce, could you share your educational background with us?¡±

    Without hesitation, Joyce replied,

    ¡°I left school before finishing high school.¡±

    Explore magic at g¦Á ? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s,

    Dani regarded her with a reflective expression, her voice tinged with courteous sarcasm.

    ¡°A high school dropout, then?¡±

    She lightly tapped her chin, pretending to mull over the information.

    ¡°That indeed suggests a unique set of skills. I¡¯ll have to consider carefully how we might utilize your talents.¡±

    Suddenly, a look of revtion crossed her face as she turned her eyes toward Caiden.

    ¡°Dad,¡± she called out with exaggerated sweetness.

    The overly affectionate term caused Caiden to tense visibly.

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°Could Harper Group possibly make room for Joyce? She is your daughter, cherished deeply. Surely, elevating her to the role of president wouldn¡¯t be too difficult, would it? In fact, cing her merely as a director in mypany might not even do justice to her remarkable capabilities.¡±

    Dani¡¯s words had barely finished resonating when softughter began to fill the lobby.

    Turning, she caught Cedric trying to suppress his amusement. With a mock sternness, Dani admonished him.

    ¡°Mr. Phillips, I¡¯d appreciate it if you could keep up that dignified demeanor of yours.¡±

    Cedric shrugged with a sly grin.

    ¡°Alright, I will.¡±

    The unusual rapport between them caught everyone off guard.

    Yet, Dani was not one to let the moment slide withoutment. She turned to Caiden and remarked in a humble tone,

    ¡°Dad, I¡¯ve always known I¡¯m not the brightest¡ªcertainly not enough to gain your approval.

    Yesterday, you were so upset that you struck me. Truth be told, I was as restless as you werest night. After much reflection, I¡¯ve realized something crucial: with my modest abilities, I¡¯m simply not suited to take over Harper Group. So please, don¡¯t burden yourself with thoughts of having another child with my stepmother. Just give the reins to Joyce. She truly is your pride and joy. As for me, I¡¯ll bow out gracefully. I have no intention of vying for the family¡¯s legacy any longer.¡±

    The reporters marveled at her generosity.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 118

    ?Chapter 118:

    Dani lowered her head slightly, exhaling a deep sigh.

    ¡°That p really put things into perspective for me. I wouldn¡¯t dream of contending for anything anymore.¡± Dani¡¯s words sent shockwaves through the room. The reporters exchanged uneasy nces, their reactions a mixture of shock and anger. How could a father drive his daughter to reject her birthright?

    Caiden and Katrina stood frozen, their faces showing the full extent of their surprise. Caiden¡¯s scowl deepened, his frustration evident.

    ¡°No way! Joyce can¡¯t possibly run Harper Group!¡±

    Dani, unflinching, shot back, ¡°Dad, aren¡¯t you a bit old to cling to power? It¡¯s somewhat unbing, don¡¯t you think?¡±

    Her words cut deeper than any p, and the room seemed to hold its breath as all eyes turned to Caiden.

    Even Joyce, sensing an opportunity, piped up in a hopeful, whiny voice, ¡°Come on, Dad, give me another shot at thepany!¡±

    Frustration boiled over in Caiden. He sharply yanked his hand away from Joyce¡¯s grip, the motion betraying his shattered patience. With a burst of anger, he shouted, ¡°How dare you even suggest that? I entrusted you with the finance department, and you squandered over a million! When I moved you to marketing, you drove away a key client¡ªone we¡¯d maintained for more than a decade! And in public rtions, you ended up entangled with some junior intern! What more can I possibly trust you with? Each moment you spend at Harper Group only hastens our downfall!¡±

    Dani stood there, resolute, knowing the truth behind Caiden¡¯s fury. She was all too familiar with the damage Joyce had caused.

    Katrina, always the maniptor, had long persuaded Caiden to let Joyce ¡°gather experience¡± at thepany. But in reality, Katrina had feared that someday Harper Group would fall into Dani¡¯s capable hands. The result was disastrous. In less than a week, Joyce had cost thepany over ten million dors.

    Caiden¡¯s unease had only grown since then. He couldn¡¯t bear to have Joyce involved in any client interactions. During one meeting, she identally caused a loss of over five million dors. At a dinner gathering, she mistakenly called Mr. Bradley ¡°Mr. Chavez,¡± and then confused the real Mr. Chavez with theirpetitor, Mr. Norris. The mistake spread like wildfire through Olisvine, making thepany the punchline of every joke for an entire year.

    Your next tale lives on g ? ln¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s,

    As a result, Caiden had been forced to keep Joyce at home, treating her like a precious but sheltered princess, away from the chaos of the business.

    The tale was that the client involved in that fateful meeting still harbored resentment. Despite Caiden¡¯s efforts to mend fences by sending several cases of exquisite wine, the rtionship remained strained.

    To Katrina, this mess was the kind of shame that refused to die, always gnawing at her.

    Recently, following a flopped deal to secure a new shop location, Katrina decided to make her daughter a director in Dani¡¯spany. And Caiden was more than willing to cooperate. After all, they clearly thought Dani was foolish enough to ept Joyce.

    Dani remained unruffled, casually dropping a remark before receding into the background, her eyes observing the ensuing tumult. Joycetched onto Caiden¡¯s arm, her voiceced with sharp impatience.

    ¡°Dad! Did you hear that? Dani just renounced her im to Harper Group! It should be mine now! You won¡¯t be around forever, you know!¡± Even Katrina, usually soposed, was caught off guard by the bluntness of the statement.

    Reporters leaped into action, their pens dancing across notepads, cameras capturing every moment.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 119

    ?Chapter 119:

    Surrounded and overwhelmed, Caiden struggled to navigate the relentless flood of inquiries. Joyce continued to cling to his arm, her pleas tinged with desperation. Katrina, gripped by fear that Dani might reconsider her decision and stake a im, added her voice to the growing mor.

    Meanwhile, Dani had retreated to the fringes of the chaos.

    She stood apart, her expression cool and distant, silently observing the spectacle unfold.

    Caiden had reached his breaking point. With a thunderous shout, he barked, ¡°Enough!¡± Both Joyce and Katrina recoiled instinctively, taken aback by the sudden outburst.

    The reporters, however, remained unfazed. One of them pressed further, ¡°Mr. Harper, are you genuinely considering Joyce as your sessor in the future?¡±

    Caiden rubbed his forehead, trying to ease the pounding ache in his head. But then, from the corner of his eye, he noticed Katrina¡¯s piercing gaze locked onto him. A cold shiver ran through him.

    In her eyes, Caiden saw the same ambition and greed¡ªcold, sharp, and relentless¡ªthat he had once seen in Dani¡¯ste mother. That familiar, haunting look had tortured him for years, like a recurring nightmare. And now, that very gaze was back, this time in the eyes of the woman he loved most.

    Caiden felt overwhelmed, his mind struggling to process it. He blinked rapidly, hoping to shake the image from his mind. When he looked back, Katrina had already dropped her eyes, tears running down her cheeks, her face filled with sorrow and grief.

    With a shaky exhale, Caiden tried to convince himself it was just a figment of his imagination. He forced himself to regain focus, straightening up as he turned to face the reporters.

    ¡°This is a private family matter. We appreciate your interest, but this isn¡¯t the right time or ce. Please leave. Thank you.¡±

    Feel the magic on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s

    Realizing they weren¡¯t going to get anything further, the reporters began to disperse, since Katrina had secretly bribed them.

    In no time, the atmosphere grew quiet.

    Caiden remained at the center of the lobby, his face clouded with frustration. He was seething inside¡ªtoday, Dani had made a mockery of him, embarrassed him in front of everyone, and he couldn¡¯t stand it.

    He spoke sharply, his tone icy.

    ¡°Dani, just answer me one thing. Will you allow your sister to work at Elite Lux or not?¡±

    Without missing a beat, Katrina chimed in, ¡°It¡¯s not just any position, of course. We¡¯re talking about a director¡¯s role; something that reflects her status.¡±

    Caiden slipped his hand into his pocket and pulled out a cigarette. He was about to light it when he felt Cedric¡¯s cold stare fix on him. The weight of Cedric¡¯s gaze made his hand hesitate. With a sigh, he begrudgingly tucked the cigarette back into his pocket.

    Holding back his frustration, Caiden managed a smile and turned to Cedric.

    ¡°Mr. Phillips, this is a private family issue.

    You¡¯re a busy man, I¡¯m sure you¡­¡±

    He made a subtle gesture, signaling Cedric to take his leave.

    But Cedric leaned back, exuding an air of easy defiance.

    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t worry about me. I¡¯ve got all the time in the world. Go on, pretend I¡¯m not even here.¡±

    Caiden felt his eye twitch involuntarily. He thought about redirecting the conversation elsewhere, but before he could offer the idea, Dani interjected, ¡°I¡¯m extremely busy. If you have something to say, say it here.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 120

    ?Chapter 120:

    Feeling cornered, Caiden bit back his growing irritation. He had no choice but to proceed.

    ¡°Joyce is your sister.

    You¡¯re the CEO of Elite Lux, with numerous positions at your disposal. Surely, it wouldn¡¯t be hard to find her a ce¡ªa director¡¯s role, nothing too extreme.¡±

    Dani locked eyes with the man in front of her. Once, she had seen him as her father, the one person closest to her, the one she had trusted without question.

    But now, as she looked at him, anger had faded, leaving behind something much deeper.

    When disappointment cuts that deep, it consumes all other feelings. Dani spoke quietly, as if offering Caiden, and herself, onest chance to hold on to whatever was left of their family bond.

    ¡°I can set up a position for Joyce within thepany. In her department, she¡¯ll have full authority. Once I make a promise, I always keep it.

    You don¡¯t have to worry.¡±

    As she finished, her secretary moved forward, but Dani raised her hand, signaling that she had everything handled.

    The secretary hesitated, ncing quickly at Cedric, who was still sitting nearby. His calm eyes were fixed on Dani, his face showing quiet trust and solid support.

    Across from her, both Katrina and Caiden wore expressions of visible excitement.

    The idea of Joyce, once just a shopkeeper, now rising to a position of power within Elite Lux, was something they had never even dared to imagine. It was a win they were eager to celebrate. Moreover, with Joyce under Dani¡¯s wing, if anything went wrong with her down the line, they¡¯d have someone to answer for it.

    Stay connected g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv????s

    Maybe Joyce could pick up some useful skills, or even better, ¡°borrow¡± some of Elite Lux¡¯s trade secrets. Perhaps starting her ownpany one day wouldn¡¯t be such an unrealistic goal after all. At the very least, she would have some stability, and if any problems arose, they could always point the finger at Dani.

    Caiden¡¯s grin stretched even wider, his relief clear as day. He couldn¡¯t hide his satisfaction.

    ¡°But I do have one condition,¡± Dani said slowly, her tone calm and even as she locked eyes with the three greedy smiles staring back at her.

    Caiden and Katrina were absolutely thrilled.

    ¡°Of course, go ahead and tell us what it is,¡± Caiden said, practically bouncing with excitement.

    Katrina quickly added, ¡°As long as it¡¯s not too much to ask, we¡¯ll agree to it. Dani, atst, you¡¯re doing something that truly matters for this family!¡±

    Dani spoke slowly, making sure each word hit with precision.

    ¡°I want to officially cut ties with Caiden.¡±

    Caiden froze, his smile faltering as his face hardened with disbelief. Dani pressed on, ¡°And not just in name. I want aplete, legally binding termination of this rtionship.¡±

    As she said this, she raised her hand, signaling for her legal team to take action. One of them stepped forward, holding out a set of documents that had clearly been prepared in advance.

    ¡°Sign these, and then have Joyce deliver them to me. Once everything¡¯s in order, her position at Elite Lux will be confirmed without dy.¡±

    Caiden received the documents, his expression unreadable as he took hold of them. He thumbed through the papers. Dani¡¯s request was simple: she sought to sever all ties with the Harper family. Beyond that, she demanded nothing.

    It wasn¡¯t exactly a shock. Considering the robust financial stability of Elite Lux, Dani likely had little interest in the modest Harper Group.

    Yet, Caiden fell into a brief silence. He looked at Dani, then at the lobby around them.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 121

    ?Chapter 121:

    Signing the documents meant severing every link to Dani for good. In his twilight years, as life faded away, Dani would bear no obligation toward him. Was this the correct path to choose?

    Katrina¡¯s thoughts churned silently. No matter Dani¡¯s achievements, she was not her flesh and blood. Introducing her own daughter to the ranks of Elite Lux seemed the more crucial strategy.

    Katrina faced Dani, her eyes narrowed with suspicion, and dered, ¡°We¡¯ll sign, but mark my words. If you fire Joyce right after, don¡¯t expect to get away unscathed!¡±

    Dani responded with unruffled serenity, ¡°Joyce is wee to remain at Elite Lux as long as she wishes.¡±

    Relief washed over Katrina at these words. Turning to Caiden, she spoke with unwavering certainty.

    ¡°This deal is absolutely worth every bit of it! Or are you still under the illusion that Dani will look after you in your old age? Just look at her¡ªshe¡¯s eager to sever all ties! Do you genuinely believe she still regards you as a father? Consider the cunning it takes to ascend to CEO of Elite Lux. Do you honestly think she¡¯s a straightforward person? Stick with her if you want, but as soon as Elite Lux solidifies, she¡¯ll focus all her energy on tearing you apart. Don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t warn you. This deal represents the best scenario for us! Joyce is far too naive right now. Dani should step in and provide the mentorship she needs to grow. When it¡¯s time, Joyce will return to Harper Group and propel it to new heights.¡±

    Katrina shot a meaningful look at Cedric, then continued, ¡°There¡¯s no denying that Joyce has a crush on Cedric. Given the Harper family¡¯s prestige, she wouldn¡¯t stand a chance to even meet someone of his caliber.

    Yet, by staying close to Dani, she¡¯s around him daily. Consider this¡ªhasn¡¯t Alexander already shown a preference for our¡­?¡±

    ¡°Your daughter? Once Cedric truly sees what Dani is like, he¡¯ll inevitably be drawn to Joyce, just as Alexander was. When that happens, imagine Cedric as your son-inw. What concerns could you possibly have as you grow older?¡±

    Get the newest chapters g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv??ls

    Her words were meticulously chosen, each one striking precisely where intended.

    Caiden cast a nce toward Dani, his face unreadable for a long moment.

    Dani, for her part, remained poised, her expression serene yet detached. In that moment, it dawned on Caiden that Katrina¡¯s insights were spot-on.

    Dani, with her aloof and steadfast demeanor, could not be depended upon in the way they needed.

    ¡°Very well,¡± he dered, his tone decisive.

    Dani¡¯s eyelids fluttered closed momentarily, concealing whatever emotions might have surfaced. She then observed as Caiden extracted a pen from his suit pocket and leaned forward to inscribe his name meticulously on the documents.

    As he concluded his remarks, Caiden straightened his posture and gazed into her eyes.

    ¡°Honestly, Dani, you ought to have grasped these truths by yourself.

    Yet, since the bond of father and daughter no longer binds us, allow me to offer you some final guidance. A woman should not be overly assertive. The ideal role for a woman is to remain at home, supporting her husband and nurturing her children.

    You were on the right track when you pursued Alexander¡ªsubmissive, gentle, and aware of your role. However, you failed to keep him, didn¡¯t you? That fault lies with you.

    You should ponder on where you went astray. As a daughter, you¡¯re aplete disappointment. What good are all your fancy degrees and titles if you can¡¯t even manage basic decency or a shred of kindness? You¡¯ve consistently failed to endear yourself to others, and that is your most profound failure. When Joyce enters yourpany, observe carefully how she conducts herself. In this matter, you should emte her¡ªshe surpasses you in every conceivable way. And let me reiterate, from this point forward, your fate is no longer linked to the Harper family.

    You¡¯re entirely on your own. Should you ever marry, do not seek us out¡ªyou¡¯ll have no familial support to rely on. These documents, this severance¡ªyou pushed for it. Thus, do not return in tears seeking reconciliation. And regarding the Harper family¡¯s wealth¡ªyour mother and I umted it together.

    You are correct in one regard: you have no right to it. Thankfully, you had the sense to recognize this. From here on out, you are on your own. That is all I wish to impart to you.¡±

    As Caiden spoke, his eyes were icy and detached, reflecting nothing but self-serving intentions.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 122

    ?Chapter 122:

    Dani stood motionless, absorbing the scene unfolding before her. Every word uttered, every gesture made, was indelibly imprinted in her mind, stark and inescapable.

    Her eyes brimmed with tears, yet she staunchly held them back. A subtle smile flickered across her lips as she finally addressed Caiden.

    ¡°Well then, I appreciate your words.¡±

    She had anticipated a moment of hesitation from him. She had hoped he might deliberate a bit longer, given Elite Lux¡¯s staggering achievements. But that was not to be.

    In his eyes, regardless of her aplishments, she remained dispensable.

    Dani gathered the folds of her flowing gown and bowed slightly. Raising her head, she gazed up at Caiden¡ªmirroring the way she once looked up to him as a child, filled with awe and longing. Now, however, her eyes were stripped of that naivety.

    Then, she dered, ¡°Henceforth, be it in life or death, in joy or in grief, I am no longer of your concern.¡±

    With poise, Dani pushed herself upright, her every motion a disy of unwavering grace. Caiden was momentarily caught in a wave of emotions¡ªtinges of regret and guilt intermingling subtly.

    It dawned on him with surprising rity that Dani was no longer a child.

    While Caiden stood there, lost in his reverie, Josie approached with her ever-alert senses. The aroma of soup drifting from the thermos caught her attention.

    Discover fresh updates g¦Áln¦Ò¦Í?ls

    Her eyes expanded in rm, and with a swift motion, she pushed Dani back a few steps, casting a disbelieving stare at Caiden.

    ¡°Is that rosemary in the soup?¡± she demanded.

    Caiden was rooted to the spot, baffled and unprepared. The soup had been a simple task left to the housekeeper.

    Yet, the potent scent of herbs lingering in the air hinted strongly at the presence of rosemary.

    Josie¡¯s expression darkened, her toneced with fury as she confronted him.

    ¡°Are you kidding me? She¡¯s allergic to rosemary. Even a small taste could cover her in rashes. How can you call yourself her father when you don¡¯t even remember such a critical detail about your daughter?¡±

    Under Josie¡¯s piercing gaze, fragments of forgotten memories began to resurface in Caiden¡¯s mind.

    There was a faint echo of truth in her words¡ªDani¡¯s allergy to rosemary. The memory had faded over the years, blurred and distant. By the time Caiden¡¯s gaze lifted to seek out Dani, it was toote. Guided by Cedric, she was already vanishing into the elevator, her figure a mere shadow behind the closing doors.

    Meanwhile, Katrina reveled in her triumph. A satisfied grin spread across her face as she leaned in close to Joyce, her voice a jubnt whisper.

    ¡°The Harper family¡¯s wealth is practically in our grasp now. And that¡¯s not all¡ªyou¡¯ve secured the director position at Elite Lux! This oue surpasses even my wildest dreams!¡±

    Katrina quickly ushered Caiden and Joyce towards the exit, fearful that Dani might reconsider her decision.

    In the lobby, Richard and Alexander had quietly observed the unfolding drama.

    Richard turned to Alexander.

    ¡°Caiden¡¯s aplete moron. Other than Katrina, the Harper family¡¯s a bunch of brainless idiots. If you were to marry Joyce, you¡¯d have Katrina¡ªand consequently, the entire Harper fortune¡ªright where you want them. And Dani? Should she prove too challenging, I wouldn¡¯t object to Joyce as my daughter-inw.¡± Alexander clenched his jaw, his tone resolute.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 123

    ?Chapter 123:

    ¡°Marrying Joyce has never crossed my mind.¡±

    Richard pped Alexander on the shoulder with a knowing nod.

    ¡°Then brace yourself, you¡¯ve got a tough road ahead. Dani isn¡¯t easily fooled; she¡¯s a cut above the rest of her family.

    You won¡¯t manipte her as easily as the others.¡±

    Silence hung between them, yet a spark of determination ignited in Alexander¡¯s gaze.

    Dani¡¯s obsession with him wasn¡¯t exactly a secret. He figured it was only a matter of time before she came crawling back. Whether it was to touch on personal subjects or to discuss their joint venture on the North District project, it was inevitable. Given that Bet Group was a titan in Olisvine¡¯s redevelopment sector, Dani couldn¡¯t possibly progress without HIS involvement.

    When the time came, Alexander knew he wouldn¡¯t have to exert much effort. A mere hint of interest in reigniting their connection would suffice. Dani would be desperate enough to fall for it.

    There was an effortless assurance in his posture whenever he thought of Dani.

    He couldn¡¯t quite pinpoint why, but he was convinced of her enduring fondness for him.

    As Alexander waited, his expression the very picture of calm certainty, his secretary found himself torn betweenprehension and confusion.

    It was clear why Alexander felt confident¡ªDani had once been wrapped around his little finger. Her tendency to go out of her way for him had made a deep impression on all who had seen it, not least the secretary himself.

    Find your next adventure at g¦Á ?¦Ç ¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s

    Yet, there was a puzzling element to this calm.

    The North District project was on the cusp of its inauguration. How could Alexander afford to remain so tranquil? Did he not fear another firm might swoop in and clinch the deal first?

    Days ticked by¡ªone, then another. Suddenly, Richard¡¯s urgent, furious call broke the serenity of Alexander¡¯s office.

    ¡°Alexander, where the hell are you right now?¡± The sharpness in his voice sliced through the calm, sending a shiver through the room.

    Alexander was deeply engrossed in reviewing a minor project proposal.

    ¡°What seems to be the problem?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Where on earth are you? Are you aware that Dani is on the brink of sealing a deal with yton Renovation today? You¡¯ve constantly boasted about your rapport with Dani, your unwavering certainty that she¡¯d choose your side. So, what¡¯s going on? How have we ended up in this debacle?¡± Richard¡¯s voice burst through the line, seething with fury.

    Gripping the phone, Alexander felt a chill as color drained from his face. Moments stretched on as he struggled to muster a reply. After a tense pause, he sputtered, ¡°Wait, Dad, are you really sure about this? Couldn¡¯t it just be a misunderstanding?¡±

    The thought of Dani partnering with anotherpany gnawed at him. Fueled by a mix of shock and betrayal, Alexander¡¯s calm shattered. How dared she?

    The moment the CEO of yton Renovation stepped into Harper Group with a contract, Alexander stormed into Dani¡¯s office, all formalities forgotten.

    Dani was poring over the development ns with her design team assembled around her. The words ¡°yton Renovation¡± were elegantly scribbled on the small ckboard behind her in a script that Alexander recognized instantly as hers.

    With his chest heaving and his tie hanging crookedly, Alexander stared at Dani with disbelief and seething anger.

    ¡°Are you really going to coborate with yton Renovation?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 124

    ?Chapter 124:

    Taken aback by his sudden entrance and the harshness of his tone, Dani, still clutching her pen, responded almost reflexively, ¡°Yes.¡±

    The pain in Alexander¡¯s eyes intensified as he fixed his stare on her.

    ¡°Dani! How long are you going to keep this up? Do you really think these cheap tactics will capture my attention?¡±

    Everyone else, including Dani, was visibly shocked.

    Lillian propped herself against the table, her lips curling into a smirk.

    ¡°What¡¯s this? Trying out for the role of our office clown?¡±

    However, Alexander seemed oblivious to the light-hearted jab or the others in the room. His stare was fixed intensely on Dani, his voice sharp and unyielding as hemanded, ¡°Get out, all of you. This is between me and Dani.¡±

    Before anyone could muster a reply, the elevator dinged open, revealing the CEO of yton Renovation. With the multi-billion dor contract on the verge of being sealed, he was wary of any disruption, especially from Alexander.

    Waldo yton, the CEO, stepped through the crowd, his expression marked by clear annoyance.

    ¡°Mr. Bet, this is not how we conduct business. The deal is almost done. Do you think it¡¯s appropriate to storm in and interrupt like this? Is professional decorum just a joke to you now?¡±

    Unperturbed, Alexander brushed off Waldo¡¯s hand and moved a step closer to Dani, his determination undeterred.

    ¡°I need to speak with you. Alone.¡±

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s is where magic happens

    Dani straightened her posture, her eyes calm yet piercing as she spoke to Alexander.

    ¡°Mr. Bet, please remember, you¡¯re at the branch of Elite Lux, not Bet Group.¡±

    His expression turned grim, the sting of betrayal burning in his re. However, Dani let out a soft chuckle.

    ¡°Really, Mr. Bet, gazing at me like that won¡¯t change the situation. I¡¯m all about my career these days¡ªmen just aren¡¯t worth the hassle. Nice try, but your looks won¡¯t faze me or get the oue you¡¯re dreaming of.¡±

    Her teasing tone elicited chuckles from the others. Her tone turned icy as she added, ¡°If there¡¯s something pressing you need to discuss, I would suggest making an appointment through my secretary. We handle sensitive business here, and your presence as an outsider is a bit disconcerting.¡±

    Dani¡¯s demeanor toward Alexander was meticulously neutral. There was a time when she had been deeply, hopelessly in love with him, chasing him with relentless passion. But those days had faded into the past. She had loved fervently, yet she was no longer hesitant to acknowledge that chapter was closed. Now, she offered him nothing but professional civility.

    She even empathized that Alexander might need time toe to terms with her newfound detachment. After all, adjusting to the absence of her once unwavering affection could be jarring for him. But then, Alexander¡¯s expression hardened, his eyes turning frosty. With a curt nod, he stated firmly, ¡°Dani! If this is how you¡¯re going to carry on, consider this conversation over.

    You think I¡¯d ever want you back? Pathetic.

    You¡¯ve let me down in every way!¡±

    Alexander shot her a cold re before turning on his heel and storming out like she wasn¡¯t worth his time.

    The room plunged into a profound silence, the air thick with tension.

    Several momentster, Dani blinked, her mind snapping back from the shock. She massaged her temples, let out a deep sigh, and steeled herself to begin the meeting.

    Suddenly, the office door banged open with such force that it echoed throughout the space.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 125

    ?Chapter 125:

    Dani shut her eyes momentarily, a reminder shing through her mind about enhancing the office security.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to kill you, Dani!¡± Joyce bellowed as she burst into the room, brandishing a toilet brush like a weapon.

    Her hair was in disarray, and she appeared as if she¡¯d just emerged from a trench, dirt and all. A troupe of flustered security guards trailed behind her.

    ¡°Ms. Harper,¡± the administrative manager gasped, catching up and panting heavily.

    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry. I did everything I could to stop her, but she wouldn¡¯t hear it. She just didn¡¯t care.¡±

    Brushing past the guards, Joyce stormed up to Dani, her face flushed with rage.

    ¡°Dani! You assigned me to toilet cleaning duty!¡± Dani lifted her eyes, her expression serene.

    ¡°Is something wrong?¡±

    ¡°You told Mom and Dad you¡¯d appoint me as a director at Elite Lux!¡± Joyce¡¯s voice teetered on the edge of hysteria.

    This day was meant to mark her grand entrance as a director at Elite Lux. She had proudly shared the news far and wide, even promising her friends snapshots of her new office.

    Yet, instead of an executive suite, the administrative staff presented her with a toilet brush. They escorted her to a neglected nook by the basement bathrooms and gestured to a rickety stool¡ªher so-called office.

    The indignity of it all was overwhelming. With a dismissive gesture, Dani signaled the security and administrative manager to exit the room.

    Unforgettable stories on g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s??o??

    Once they were alone, Dani reclined in her chair, the picture of control. Her lips curled into a smirk as she stared Joyce down.

    ¡°Have I ever outright denied you the director¡¯s position?¡±

    Joyce¡¯s makeup was a smeared mess, and next to Dani¡¯s calm elegance, she looked like a frantic wreck¡ªbordering on unhinged. She shook her head.

    ¡°No, you haven¡¯t.¡±

    Dani¡¯s gaze remained unwavering, her tone even.

    ¡°And indeed, you are a director. No one has stated otherwise.¡±

    Joyce¡¯s face twisted with rage as she barked, ¡°A ¡®toilet director¡¯? Screw you, Dani! I¡¯m not your joke! Are the restrooms in Elite Lux decked out in gold or what? Why on earth would they need a director for that? You must be joking with me!¡±

    Reclining slightly in her chair, Dani answered calmly, ¡°Believe it or not, even the headquarters of Elite Lux appoint directors to oversee restroom facilities. The choice to ept the position is yours alone.¡±

    A flicker of uncertainty crossed Joyce¡¯s face.

    ¡°The headquarters have toilet directors too?¡±

    Dani affirmed with a nod, ¡°Indeed, they do.¡±

    Curiosity piqued, Joyce continued, ¡°Are there any other kinds of director roles avable? I really don¡¯t want to be known as a toilet director. It sounds absurd.¡±

    ¡°Toilet director? That¡¯s your term, not ours. We certainly don¡¯t call it that.¡±

    Joyce¡¯s eyes narrowed as her voice lost a bit of its edge.

    ¡°Fine. If that¡¯s not it, then what do you call it?¡±

    Dani replied, ¡°We refer to it as the ¡®Director of Comfort.''¡±

    The title resonated with a certain prestige, casting a dignified air around it. Joyce seemed toe to terms with the situation. Dani added, ¡°Now you¡¯re officially a director at Elite Lux. Think about it; it¡¯s quite a leap from selling clothes on the street, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Joyce red briefly before storming off without another word.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 126

    ?Chapter 126:

    With her out of the way, Waldo sprawled the contract across the table and asked skeptically, ¡°Is there really a ¡®Director of Comfort¡¯ at the headquarters?¡±

    Lillian, clutching her sides fromughing so hard, confirmed eagerly, ¡°Absolutely! It¡¯s an honorary title we bestow upon family members who pitch in with the cleaning duties. It¡¯s our way of showing respect!¡±

    In essence, Dani had been merely ying with Joyce¡¯s expectations. Momentster, Cedric strolled into the room. He spotted Dani at her desk, her head tilted slightly, a subtle smile gracing her lips. His usually rigid demeanor gave way to a brief, unexpected glimmer of amusement.

    Lillian grinned and quipped yfully, ¡°Mr. Phillips, who could possibly call you cold and aloof? I¡¯m seeing more and more smiles from youtely.¡±

    All eyes drew to Cedric¡¯s unexpectedly cheerful demeanor.

    Strikingly, Dani hadn¡¯t repeated her usual security concerns today. There was no, ¡°We need to enhance security. How can we just let anyone wander in?¡±

    With the room bathed in a lighter tone and the air filled with ease, everyone¡¯sughter mingled, casting nces of admiration and respect toward Dani.

    Alexander¡¯s fury burned like a wildfire, untamed and fierce.

    He marched out of the Luxor Tower, his footsteps echoing as he passed a group of security guards huddled near the entrance for a briefing. The security chief spoke firmly, ¡°Starting now, we¡¯ll inspect every ID of anyoneing into the building. Higher-ups¡¯ orders¡ªtoo many unauthorized people have been slipping through. Stay sharp, everyone.¡±

    A crisp and unanimous ¡°Yes, sir!¡± rang out, reverberating through the entrance.

    Don¡¯t miss it: g?l§Úov???.c§àm

    Following close behind, Alexander¡¯s secretary leaned in cautiously and murmured, ¡°Mr. Bet, do you think this new rule is aimed at us?¡±

    Alexander let out a derisive snort. Block him from entering? Demand his ID for ess? Had Danipletely forgotten who he was? She wouldn¡¯t have the nerve to block his path.

    Still simmering with rage, Alexander walked away, his jaw clenched tightly in aggravation. Inwardly, he resolved that unless Dani dropped to her knees and begged for his forgiveness, he wouldn¡¯t even spare her a nce.

    Observing Alexander¡¯s thunderous expression, the secretary hesitated briefly before saying, ¡°Sir, about Elite Lux¡¯s deal with yton Renovation¡­ They¡¯re close to finalizing the contract.

    Your father¡¯s been pressing me about your progress with Ms. Harper. How should I respond?¡±

    After a slight pause, he added, ¡°Maybe easing your approach could help, sir. I don¡¯t believe Ms. Harper ispletely indifferent to you.¡±

    Alexander spun around, his piercing gaze fixing on the secretary.

    ¡°Are you saying she still loves me?¡±

    The secretary blinked, visibly startled by the sudden question. Wait, was that really the point he was trying to make?

    Under Alexander¡¯s unrelenting stare, the secretary lowered his head and replied, ¡°Yes, sir. I think Ms. Harper still holds feelings for you. Otherwise, with such a major project, she would have at least opened it for public bidding. Opting straight for yton Renovation withoutpetition¡ªit does feel a bit sudden.¡±

    Alexander nodded in agreement.

    ¡°Exactly! You understand. Dani is just pulling a stunt to grab my attention. She hasn¡¯t moved on from our marriage, and this is her way of retaliating against me.¡±

    The secretary was at a loss for words. He couldn¡¯t decide whether tough or question Alexander¡¯s logic.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 127

    ?Chapter 127:

    With newfound determination, Alexander walked into the Bet Group building. Once in his office, he ced a call to the appropriate department and, with measured precision, lodged aint against yton Renovation for alleged fire safety infractions.

    Alexander ended the call and leaned back, a smug smile spreading across his face as satisfaction settled in.

    His actions wouldpel yton Renovation tounch internal safety reviews, a procedure guaranteed to drag on for at least half a year. Dani¡¯s project was on a tight deadline¡ªshe couldn¡¯t afford such a setback.

    Only Bet Group had the resources and know-how to handle a project of this magnitude.

    Sinking into his chair, Alexander basked in his triumph. He was convinced that Dani was cornered. Sooner orter, she¡¯d have no choice but toe to him, pleading for assistance.

    That evening, a charity g was the highlight of the city.

    As Alexander walked in, Keith was already mingling.

    Seeing him, Keith strolled over with a yful grin, giving him a thumbs-up.

    ¡°Nice work! I heard Dani was about to finalize the deal with yton Renovation today, but you threw a wrench in it?¡±

    Alexander gripped his wine ss firmly, his expression stormy, as if the world owed him something.

    Every journey starts at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c????

    Keith let out a chuckle and nced across the room at Dani. She wore a white gown that hugged her waist. Keith, unable to resist, extended his hand and spread his fingers, picturing how easily her waist would fit within them.

    ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡± Alexander muttered, his gaze seething as he shot a re at Keith.

    Keith nervously licked his lips, clearly embarrassed to be caught in the act.

    ¡°Take it easy, Alexander. I¡¯m just saying, Dani¡¯s a real knockout. No surprise you can¡¯t seem to forget her.¡±

    Alexander snorted in disbelief.

    ¡°Me? Can¡¯t forget her? That¡¯s ridiculous!¡± Keith tapped his ss against Alexander¡¯s.

    ¡°Come on, stop fooling around. If you didn¡¯t care, would you be going this far? Reporting yton Renovation, pulling strings to get a deal with Dani¡¯spany¡ªthat¡¯s some serious effort, my friend.¡±

    Alexander stiffened, his re as cold as ice.

    ¡°You think I¡¯m doing all this for Dani? Don¡¯t be absurd. Do you even remember who we¡¯re talking about? She used to trail after me like a lost puppy, begging for my attention. She even hand-washed my underwear in the freezing winter. And now you think I¡¯m the one running after her? Unbelievable.¡±

    As Alexander continued his heated speech, Keith¡¯s attention seemed to drift. His eyes briefly darted over Alexander¡¯s shoulder, and his face flushed a deep shade of red.

    Alexander¡¯s gaze followed Keith¡¯s. Standing behind him was Dani.

    Joyce had overheard their conversation about Dani and, without missing a beat, tugged Dani over just in time to hear Alexander¡¯s harsh words.

    Joyce¡¯s face brightened with smug satisfaction. Any lingering resentment from the ¡°toilet director¡± incident had melted away, reced by pure joy. She lifted her chin with arrogance, sneering at Dani.

    ¡°See that, Dani? What good is your sess in business if Alexander still doesn¡¯t want you?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 128

    ?Chapter 128:

    Dani stood there, cradling a wine ss. For the briefest of moments, a subtle shadow of sadness flickered across her features, almost as if a forgotten memory had surfaced. But in the blink of an eye, it vanished, reced by a smile that was as smooth and practiced as ever.

    ¡°Oh really? Well, Mr. Bet is clearly out of my league. I wouldn¡¯t dare aim so high.¡±

    With that, she spun on her heel and walked off.

    Watching her leave, Joyce felt triumphant. She slipped into the seat Keith had left and started ranting to Alexander, whining about how Dani had mistreated her by making her the toilet director.

    As Joyce continued her chatter, Alexander¡¯s expression grew colder. His frosty demeanor made her hesitate. After a moment, she excused herself and left.

    Keith returned to his seat beside Alexander and let out a deep sigh.

    ¡°You know, Alexander, that was a bit harsh. No matter what Dani did before, it was because she cared about you. The world has already used her feelings against her. But for you, someone she once cared about, to pile on? That¡¯s low. And she¡¯s a woman¡ªwomen tend to be more sensitive. Maybe you should think about apologizing to her.¡±

    Alexander clenched his wine ss, his eyes locked on Dani, who was now across the roomughing with Cedric.

    ¡°Apologize? For what? I just spoke the truth. No matter how sessful she gets, she can¡¯t stop people from saying what¡¯s true, can she?¡±

    Keith¡¯s sigh was heavy with exasperation as he shook his head.

    L?t£åst ch?pt?rs in g??lnovels.??¦Ï??

    ¡°Stay stubborn if that¡¯s what you want. Let¡¯s see how long that pride of yourssts when reality hits.¡±

    As the g drew to a close, Alexander couldn¡¯t help but monitor Dani¡¯s every move. His car followed hers, maintaining a distance.

    Inside Dani¡¯s vehicle, her driver peered into the rearview mirror and noted, ¡°Ms. Harper, there¡¯s a car that¡¯s been tailing us since you got in.¡±

    Dani turned her head slightly, her piercing eyes quickly recognizing the familiar car¡ªit was Alexander¡¯s. Rxing into her seat, she instructed in a steady voice, ¡°Just ignore it.¡±

    The two cars wove through the city streets in a quiet pursuit, finallying to a halt outside the imposing Luxor Tower. Just as Dani stepped out, Alexander intercepted her.

    She raised her weary eyes to meet his gaze. Despite the fatigue weighing on her, she remained poised.

    ¡°Mr. Bet, do you need something from me?¡±

    He tailed her car relentlessly, shadowing her all the way to the office building.

    ¡°You and Cedric are not right for each other,¡± he dered bluntly. Raising an eyebrow, Dani responded, ¡°Don¡¯t you have more important things to attend to?¡±

    His lips pressed into a thin line as his eyes widened slightly, struggling to mask his disbelief.

    Dani pressed on, her tone dripping with challenge.

    ¡°Or have you really be so unupied that you stoop to meddling in your ex-wife¡¯s affairs? Haven¡¯t you ever heard the saying, ¡®The best kind of ex is one you never hear from again¡¯?¡±

    Alexander¡¯s face grew stern, his jaw clenching with quiet intensity. The thought of herughter mingling with Cedric¡¯s ignited a sharp, unbidden irritation within him.

    ¡°Alright then. If you insist on being stubborn, just remember not toe crying to me when things go wrong. Don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t warn you.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 129

    ?Chapter 129:

    Dani dismissed his remark with a nonchnt wave of her hand. She attempted to brush past him, but Alexander extended his arm, barring her way.

    ¡°Was there something more?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± he replied tersely, his tone cutting through the chill air.

    Dani paused, giving him a fleeting nce.

    ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    Initially, Alexander had resolved to let Dani seek him out.

    Yet, a nagging unease twisted in his gut. Dani had a knack for poor decisions, and if she aligned herself with anotherpany instead of the Bet Group, it would inevitably drag him into yet another conflict.

    After a moment of deliberation, he opted to confront the issue directly.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got a deal you might find interesting.¡±

    He fixed his gaze on her, her features bathed in the ethereal moonlight. His fingers tightened into a fist, then he consciously rxed, striving to smooth his expression.

    As he spoke again, his voice softened into a husky whisper, carrying a hint of intimacy.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t the right spot for this conversation. Let¡¯s head up to your apartment.¡±

    Dani eyed Alexander with a mixture of confusion and caution, taking a deliberate step back.

    New updates in g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    ¡°I don¡¯t think that would be appropriate.¡±

    A shadow of frustration quickly passed over Alexander¡¯s face, his annoyance clearly rising to the surface.

    ¡°Why do you find it inappropriate with me, yet it seems okay when it¡¯s Cedric? Dani, don¡¯t you understand? For a woman, being loyal¡ªshowing devotion to one man¡ªis paramount.¡±

    The night breeze yed with Dani¡¯s hair, adding a dramatic ir as she faced him, her features sculpted with both shock and disdain.

    ¡°Are you suggesting that I should keep chasing you around?¡±

    A flicker of regret passed through Alexander¡¯s eyes. He brought a fist to his mouth, disguising a cough.

    ¡°What I mean is that you shouldn¡¯t be so fickle.¡±

    Dani remained silent, observing him closely. Once upon a time, this clumsy, awkward aspect of Alexander might have amused her, even seemed charming¡ªas if she were glimpsing a part of him that remained hidden from everyone else.

    Those pathetic days were dead and buried. Dani wasn¡¯t that reckless fool anymore.

    Dani turned to leave, but not before casting a parting shot over her shoulder.

    ¡°It¡¯ste, and frankly, you being here reeks of desperation. As for your so-called proposition, partnerships require integrity¡ªsomething I¡¯m not sure you understand. There¡¯s nomon ground between Elite Lux¡¯s principles and those of Bet Group. If you¡¯re here to discuss the North District project, save your breath¡ªI¡¯m not interested.¡±

    Dani¡¯s rejection was absolute, leaving no room for argument or delusion.

    Alexander was left motionless, shock rendering him silent.

    It took a few moments before his secretary approached, piercing the heavy silence.

    ¡°Mr. Bet, Ms. Harper has already gone inside. Perhaps we should also leave?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 130

    ?Chapter 130:

    Alexander stared in disbelief at where Dani had vanished, struggling to pull himself together. He turned to his secretary, his voice tinged with confusion.

    ¡°What did she mean by that?¡±

    The secretary bowed his head slightly, his words measured.

    ¡°Ms. Harper was indicating that the North District project will proceed without Bet Group¡¯s involvement.¡±

    Alexander blinked, his thoughts scrambling to catch up.

    If Bet Group wasn¡¯t her choice, then who did she turn to? yton Renovation was out of the picture. In the entire city of Olisvine, no other firm possessed the resources or expertise needed for such a massive endeavor. It had to be him.

    Alexander let out a cold, bitingugh that echoed in the frosty air.

    ¡°She¡¯s got to be bluffing.¡±

    Cedric had initially intended to drive Dani home.

    Work, however, demanded his attention, and he stayed behind. When he finally wrapped up, a text from Ryan awaited him. It was a simple text:

    ¡°You¡¯re too slow.¡±

    Exiting a meeting, Cedric saw the message and replied with a question mark. His secretary was updating him on office affairs at the time. By the fourth point, the secretary noticed Cedric¡¯s inattentiveness¡ªhis typically diligent boss was distracted by his phone.

    Pausing, the secretary doubted Cedric¡¯s focus and skipped an item on the list. Without looking up, Cedric pointed out, ¡°You skipped one.¡± Taken aback, the secretary apologized and readied to proceed, but Cedric, phone in hand, stood abruptly.

    L??t??¦Ó ?h??¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?l??.??§àm

    The secretary, ustomed to Cedric¡¯s steady presence, noted a rare unease in his demeanor. Cedric appeared restless, bordering on anxious. Such descriptors were foreign when it came to Cedric. The secretary halted, anticipating Cedric¡¯s next move.

    Yet, Cedric dismissed him with a gesture. As the door shut, the secretary overheard Cedric¡¯s low query into the phone.

    ¡°Ryan, what exactly are you implying?¡±

    On the other end, Ryan, weary from a night without sleep, was perched on a rooftop, nursing a drink.

    ¡°They mean exactly what you think. I just spotted Alexander¡¯s car tailing Dani home. Cedric, what on earth are you up to? It¡¯s been forever, and you still haven¡¯t told her how you feel. Are you frightened or what?¡±

    The secretary, poised to knock, halted abruptly. Frightened? Who? Cedric? That couldn¡¯t be!

    Then, Cedric said, ¡°A bit.¡±

    The secretary¡¯s mouth hung open in shock. Ryan, caught off guard, pressed, ¡°Cedric, what scares you? You have it all¡ªwealth, looks. What¡¯s there to fear? I just can¡¯t wrap my head around it.¡±

    Cedric slumped into his chair, his head lowered, his tone somber.

    ¡°You don¡¯t get it.¡±

    Ryan was bbergasted.

    ¡°I don¡¯t get it? Or is it you who¡¯s missing the point?¡±

    Cedric exhaled deeply.

    ¡°She told me she¡¯s not ready for a rtionship. Being away from her makes me restless, but getting too close¡­ I worry it might push her away. I¡¯m walking on eggshells here.

    You don¡¯t understand her like I do. Push too hard, and she¡¯ll close off entirely.¡±

    Ryan burst intoughter.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 131

    ?Chapter 131:

    ¡°Who would have imagined? The great Cedric Phillips, now so cautious and humble.¡±

    Cedric appeared unfazed by thement, shifting the topic.

    ¡°What was Alexander¡¯s business with Dani?¡±

    Ryan snorted dismissively.

    ¡°What do you think? He wants her cooperation. He¡¯s angling for that North District project, but the way he clung to her in the footage¡ªit looked off. Just a heads-up, Cedric.

    You should keep an eye out.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s expression hardened, his response resolute.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    The following morning, Cedric postponed an early appointment to visit Dani for breakfast.

    Dani descended the stairs to find Cedric contemtively resting his chin on his hand at the dining table.

    She eyed him curiously, then whispered to Josie, ¡°What¡¯s with him today?¡±

    Josie shrugged, clearly bemused.

    ¡°Beats me. He arrived early, took a seat, and hasn¡¯t uttered a single word.¡±

    New updates uploaded to g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    Daniughed, then shouted for Lillian toe down. Lillian appeared, yawning andining about herte night, her appetite absent.

    As Dani settled at the table, Cedric preemptively served her some side dishes. She ate in measured silence, Cedric attentively topping up her te with each bite she took. Dani smiled, her amusement nearly breaking through her poised demeanor as she continued to eat quietly.

    After finishing, Dani dabbed her mouth with a napkin, then faced Cedric. Cedric, visibly ufortable under her scrutiny, looked away and muttered, ¡°What?¡±

    Dani smiled, probing, ¡°You don¡¯t usuallye over early to y host. Anything you¡¯re trying to say?¡±

    Cedric cleared his throat awkwardly.

    ¡°Not at all.¡±

    Dani gave a slight nod.

    ¡°Alright then, I¡¯m off.¡±

    At Dani¡¯s suggestion of departure, Cedric quickly shed his guise of indifference, blurting out, ¡°Wait!¡± Dani chuckled and resumed her seat. Cedric propped his chin on his hand, gazing earnestly at her.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have a conversation.¡±

    Dani settledfortably.

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s talk.¡±

    Cedric began tentatively, ¡°This year¡¯s economy hasn¡¯t been kind.¡±

    Dani met his gaze.

    ¡°True, yet Phillips Group has just secured a significant deal.

    You¡¯re managing to expand, even amidst these challenges.¡±

    Cedric paused briefly, then confessed, ¡°However, collecting payments has been particrly toughtely.¡±

    Dani nodded, her expression reflective.

    ¡°That¡¯s understandable.

    Yet, yourpany maintains robust cash flow. It¡¯s one of the few not dependent on borrowing.¡±

    Elite Lux was the other exception.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 132

    ?Chapter 132:

    Cedric exhaled heavily.

    ¡°It¡¯s a tough season for business. Big deals are scarce, and thepetition is fierce. My team is under so much pressure, they¡¯re turning to liquor to cope with the demands ofworking.¡±

    Dani tilted her head, intuiting his implication, yet she simply smiled and began to respond, ¡°True, however¡ª¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t ¡®however¡¯ me,¡± Cedric cut in, raising his hand.

    ¡°If we continue this line of discussion¡­¡±

    He paused, realizing where this might lead.

    ¡°I¡¯d find myself without a leg to stand on.¡±

    Resolving to be forthright, he stated, ¡°I¡¯m considering cutting corners. Phillips Group also specializes in architectural and renovation ventures. Why didn¡¯t Elite Lux consider us for the North District project? You shouldn¡¯t treat me differently just because we were ssmates.¡±

    Cedric maintained eye contact, his tone softening.

    ¡°I¡¯m just asking for a fair chance.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s voice carried a gentle undertone as he spoke. Even Josie, engrossed in her kitchen tasks, paused to nce over at him. She let out a soft chuckle and silently cheered for him.

    A surge of nervousness washed over Cedric immediately after his words left his mouth. He found himself unable to look Dani in the eye. His hand clenched around his fork, the grip so tight that it whitened.

    Latest stories on FindNovel

    Dani remained silent for a long moment, a palpable tension hanging heavily in the air, muting all other sounds.

    Cedric moistened his lips, and his voice was a whisper when he spoke again.

    ¡°Phillips Group stands at the forefront of the renovation sector. If you give me the chance to lead this project, I assure you it will be executed exquisitely.¡±

    The silence stretched on, during which Cedric had an epiphany. Dani was offering him a way out, an opportunity to preserve his dignity with grace.

    Yet, Cedric rejected her silent offer of mercy. He was beyond caring about appearances or pride at this point. All he desired, the only thing he yearned for, was a straightforward response from Dani.

    ¡°I sincerely want to partner with Elite Lux on this project. It means more to me than any previous venture.¡± Dani had yet to respond. Consequently, Cedric alsopsed into silence.

    In the kitchen, the soup simmered quietly on the stove. Dani pursed her lips, wrestling with her thoughts, uncertain of her next words. It took a lengthy pause before she could speak, her tone serene yetden with weight.

    ¡°I¡¯ve always been the kind of person who dedicates their entire being to someone else. Entrusting all my hopes to one individual never gave me any stability¡ªit always felt like standing on the edge of a cliff, ready to crumble. Cedric, you¡¯re wonderful, truly. However, that¡¯s precisely why I can¡¯t entrust this project to you.¡±

    With those words, she rose, opened the door, and departed for her job. Cedric remained frozen at the table, lost in his contemtion. Josie peeked from the kitchen, observed his still form, and sighed softly.

    The day¡¯s sunlight was gentle, casting mellow, golden hues throughout the room. Cedric¡¯s hands were tightly sped, his lips drawn into a narrow line, as if navigating through abyrinth of thoughts.

    Josie approached, bearing a bowl of warm soup, and ced it before him, hoping to lift his spirits.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 133

    ?Chapter 133:

    ¡°Dani actually¡ª¡±

    Cedric cut her off.

    ¡°Your son is in the renovation business, isn¡¯t he?¡±

    Josie nodded.

    ¡°Yes, he does.

    You were the one who rmended it, right? You mentioned he should explore renovation projects. He¡¯s been excellingtely! Justst month, he secured a contract worth over a hundred thousand dors. He was so excited that he didn¡¯t sleep all night.¡±

    Her lips curved into a warm, affectionate smile as she reminisced about her son¡¯s enthusiasm. However, she paused when she noticed Cedric smiling as well. A shiver of unease trickled down her spine.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t smile like that. It¡¯s unsettling.¡±

    ¡°Josie, would you want your son to be even happier?¡± Cedric asked, his tone smooth.

    Without a moment¡¯s pause, Josie answered, ¡°Of course, but there¡¯s a limit to¡ª¡±

    Before she could even finish her sentence, Cedric jumped in.

    ¡°That¡¯s settled, then.¡±

    Don¡¯t miss fresh updates on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    Meanwhile, Tyler Maynard was visibly stunned as he stared at the tender document in his hands.

    ¡°Two, two¡­ Two billion and five hundred million for a project? Are you serious about this?¡± His eyes were wide with disbelief as he gestured wildly.

    ¡°Mr. Phillips, you must be kidding! Two million, maybe, but two billion? That¡¯s absolutely insane!¡±

    Cedric spoke withposed assurance.

    ¡°Rx. I¡¯ll personally oversee this project for you. All the profits will be yours. Just one thing¡ªthis must remainpletely under wraps.¡±

    Dayster, an unexpected yer made a ssh in the Olisvine renovation scene, stirring the waters of the businessmunity and unnerving the industry¡¯s heavyweights.

    The word was out. This neer had confidently presented a partnership offer to the prestigious Harper Group.

    The revtion sent shockwaves through the Bet family, prompting a frenzied search for clues about the enigmaticpany¡¯s owner. Despite their extensive efforts, Tyler appeared to have sprung from thin air, with not a single breadcrumb leading back to a prior business footprint.

    Dani, too, had her eye on this curious new entity.

    She tasked Ryan with some sleuthing, and he reported back, coolly providing the details Cedric had shared.

    ¡°I¡¯ve done a thorough check. Thepany¡¯s solid¡ªdecent folks, no sketchy background.¡±

    Dani perused the documents briefly, then looked up at him, her eyes reflecting a mix of intrigue and suspicion.

    ¡°Do you know them personally?¡±

    ¡°Family¡­¡± Ryan stopped for a moment, then added, ¡°Kind of, yeah.¡±

    Dani reclined in her chair, cing the folder on the desk.

    ¡°Family? In that case, you¡¯ll oversee the initial contracts and the vetting process. If everything checks out, you¡¯re cleared to seal the deal.¡±

    Ryan was well aware of Dani¡¯s readiness to assist those tied to her team. Mentioning ¡°family¡± was enough to convince her. Provided thepany met the standard criteria, the agreement was practically guaranteed¡ªbypassing the usualpetitive bidding.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 134

    ?Chapter 134:

    With that, Ryan gave a nod and exited the office.

    The moment he was out the door, he fired off a short message to Cedric.

    ¡°OK.¡±

    Lillian, walking by, caught sight of this and emitted a soft whistle.

    ¡°You really have Cedric¡¯s back, don¡¯t you? Stepping up for him like this?¡±

    Ryan, a lollipop tucked in his cheek, shot back, ¡°Could you erect a business empire in mere days for someone who has already rejected you?¡±

    Reconstructing a billion-dor renovation business required more than just capital. It demanded a vastwork ofbor, resources, and connections to kickstart operations.

    Then, afterying the foundation, a significant investment of actual, hard-earned cash was essential.

    In an era marked by capricious and hurried attitudes, who else wouldmit so thoroughly? Cedric was one who dared.

    Cedric refrained from using thepany¡¯s funds. Instead, he invested his own savings into the project.

    Tyler, staring at the long string of zeros in thepany¡¯s bnce, felt the immense burden of his role.

    He blinked, overwhelmed, and queried, ¡°You do realize I¡¯m the legal representative of thispany, right?¡±

    Cedric, momentarily cheered by Ryan¡¯s approving text, gave a brief nce and responded distractedly, ¡°Hmm?¡±

    Discover fresh tales on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??§à??

    Tyler¡¯s worry deepened.

    ¡°As the legal representative, this is technically under my stewardship too. Are youfortable entrusting me with such a substantial amount?¡±

    The potential for misdeeds loomedrge; with the ess he had, embezzlement was a terrifying possibility. This was no small sum¡ªit was in the billions! And that was aside from the vast sums already tied up in the business. Funds were swirling through ounts like a torrential river.

    The recent costs for entertainment and hospitality alone surpassed anything Tyler had ever encountered in his life. To Tyler, the financial maneuvers seemed sheer madness.

    Yet Cedric, everposed, simply stated, ¡°It¡¯s all worth it.¡±

    Turning to look at Cedric, Tyler observed the slight dark circles under his eyes. Even Cedric, seemingly unbreakable, bore the scars of his ambitions. No one, not even he, could dodge the demands of hardbor.

    Tyler silently pledged to himself¡ªhe would uphold Cedric¡¯s trust. He would not fail him. Among all possible choices, Cedric had chosen him.

    ¡°Rest assured, I won¡¯t misuse a penny of thepany¡¯s funds!¡± Cedric offered a faint smile and dismissed him with a wave.

    ¡°Thispany only needs to tackle one significant project. If you¡¯re driven, use this opportunity to carve out your own path. Should you have any queries, my secretary and I are at your disposal.¡±

    With that, Cedric exited, eager to meet his team on the construction site to discuss the initial design concepts. He envisioned erecting a building on the North Districtnd that would captivate and inspire for centuries, and his entire vision was dedicated to Dani. Cedric collected his hard hat and made his way to the site.

    As the design ns were revealed, the team was struck mute.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 135

    ?Chapter 135:

    ¡°Mr. Phillips¡­¡±

    Several team members exchanged wary nces, uncertain whether to voice their thoughts.

    ¡°Go on,¡± Cedric urged.

    The lead designer stepped up, hesitating.

    ¡°Earlier, you specified using only the finest materials and hiring top-tier engineers, with directors overseeing everything personally. So what budget are we working with for all this?¡±

    His question came tentatively. Though not a finance guru, he could rough out the costs for the materials andbor as specified by Cedric. Given Cedric¡¯s standards, the project¡¯s expenses were projected to exceed 2.5 billion.

    How could such expenditure yield a profit? It seemed far more probable they¡¯d face a substantial financial hit. Wasn¡¯t the primary goal of a business to generate profit? What was the rationale otherwise?

    The team was baffled by Cedric¡¯s strategy. Day in, day out, he was onsite, meticulously managing every phase of construction. His expensive ck suit was perpetually dustden. Fromying the foundations to the final touches, Cedric was involved in every detail.

    It became amon sight at Phillips Group: the chief secretary donning a hard hat, yelling updates to Cedric amidst the roar of drills and machinery.

    On one asion, Lillian and Ryan chanced upon the site. Witnessing themotion, Lillian couldn¡¯t resistmenting with a thumbs-up.

    ¡°Since Cedric can¡¯t capture Dani¡¯s heart, he¡¯s channeling all that passion into her business ventures. It¡¯s absolutely wild!¡±

    Alexander had justnded from a business trip. At the airport, he checked his phone repeatedly. After realizing Dani hadn¡¯t reached out, he scoffed, ¡°She¡¯s really keeping her cool.¡±

    His secretary, nearby, ventured cautiously, ¡°Might it be that she¡¯s not just ¡®keeping her cool¡¯? Perhaps she¡¯s moved on to better prospects?¡±

    Alexander let out a scornfulugh, oozing confidence with each word.

    ¡°Better prospects? Dani? Sure, she¡¯s skilled in her field. But for a venture thisrge? She¡¯d never risk it with someone who¡¯s not up to par. She¡¯s too savvy for that.¡± Alexander got into his car.

    As his secretary began to speak, Alexander¡¯s phone interrupted with a ping. It was Caiden, inviting him over for dinner.

    Without hesitation, Alexander directed the driver to Caiden¡¯s ce. Joyce, learning of Alexander¡¯s impending visit, immediately arranged for a professional makeup artist. She selected a breathtaking dress, identical to one Dani had once worn.

    The dress was exorbitantly priced, but Joyce felt it justified. She had pondered her future¡ªrunning a business wasn¡¯t for her. Marrying well and enjoying a luxurious life seemed far superior, infinitely preferable to Dani¡¯s relentless, work-driven existence. Her mother¡¯s advice resonated with her.

    ¡°A woman should not overexert herself. Stay tender, stay gentle, and life will reward you.¡±

    Cedric hadn¡¯t reached out to her in a long time. Clearly, he wasn¡¯t destined to marry someone of her caliber, a true heiress from a prestigious family. Alexander, however, remained a viable option. Previously, Alexander had jilted Dani at the altar for her sake, a testament to his unwaveringmitment.

    Joyce reflected on this with satisfaction. Sharing her thoughts with Caiden, she found him receptive. Caiden nodded understandingly, promising to subtly mention it to Alexander at dinner. They agreed it would be ideal for Alexander and Joyce to hold their engagement ceremony before the New Year.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 136

    ?Chapter 136:

    As Alexander¡¯s car traversed the North District bridge, he looked out the window. Suddenly, his expression changed dramatically. The calm indifference gave way to sharp indignation.

    He leaned forward abruptly, pressing against the window, pointing angrily at the imposing building ahead.

    ¡°What the hell is that?¡±

    The secretary remained silent for an extended period. Alexander snapped his head around, his tone icy.

    ¡°Speak up! Have you lost your voice, or what?¡±

    The secretary recoiled slightly.

    ¡°It¡¯s Ms. Harper¡¯s project. Construction has already begun.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Alexander¡¯s face twisted in astonishment.

    ¡°What did you just say?¡± How was this conceivable? How had the project slipped through his fingers? Thatnd was Dani¡¯s lure, the means by which she had kept him ensnared. How had she relinquished it so soon?

    Alexander shook with rage, his body quivering. He gripped the car window tightly, his voice a chilling whisper.

    ¡°Who?¡±

    Who had snatched away the opportunity that was rightfully his? Who indeed?

    More novels avable at g¦Áln¦Òv???s?c?m

    The secretary faltered.

    ¡°It was Tyler Maynard. He secured it just before your trip.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s gaze sharpened menacingly. Hismand to the driver was a growl.

    ¡°Head to Elite Lux. Immediately.¡±

    The driverplied without dy, elerating the vehicle. The car surged ahead, rainwater from the recent showers sshing wildly as they sped away.

    Dani and Lillian were just returning from lunch when a car barreled towards them. The vehicle skidded to a stop directly in front of them, causing Lillian to instinctively step back.

    Shielding Lillian, Dani squinted against the bright light, her expression turning steely and cold. Alexander then emerged from the car, his aura tempestuous, charged with palpable fury. His re bore the old disdain he often directed at her.

    ¡°Dani, why?¡± His voice broke with anger, his usualposure shattered.

    He strode up to her and seized her hand, his dark eyes drilling into hers.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    Dani attempted to withdraw her hand, but his grip was too strong. Ceasing her struggle, she faced his anger with an icy calm.

    ¡°What?¡±

    Lillian moved to intervene but was blocked by Alexander¡¯s secretary. As she reached for her phone, it was snatched from her grasp before she could call for assistance.

    Dani¡¯s face hardened further, her eyes chillingly sharp as she demanded, ¡°What do you want?¡±

    Alexander faltered, taken aback. He had witnessed Dani¡¯s many moods¡ªher joy, her warmth, her intense passion. Resentment, hesitance, perseverance. A vault of emotions. But this¡ªthis unyielding coldness was something utterly foreign.

    The disappointment in her eyes was palpable, leaving Alexander momentarily stunned. Dani seized this chance to slip her hand from his grip.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 137

    ?Chapter 137:

    Regaining hisposure, Alexander snapped, ¡°Dani, there must be a limit to your obstinacy! Do you grasp the implications of diverting the North District project to someone else? This could jeopardize Bet Group¡¯s standing in Olisvine! Did you consider any of this?¡±

    Dani gazed at him, a flicker of amusement crossing her face at his absurd usations.

    ¡°And why should that concern me?¡±

    ¡°It concerns me deeply. I lead Bet Group. Losing such a critical deal¡ªdo you understand the repercussions for me? My reputation with my father, the board, our employees¡ªwhat will they think? Dani, why must you act so impulsively? Do you think such antics will make me return to you? You¡¯re only driving me further away!¡±

    He red fiercely, spitting out, ¡°You don¡¯t even know how to love someone!¡±

    Daniughed¡ªa sharp, bitter sound. If she had once resigned herself to Alexander¡¯s demeanor, now that resignation crumbled into clear, sharp hatred.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know how to love someone? Alexander, you question my capacity to love? For a decade, I stood by your side and shielded you. I thought our shared childhoods without mothers made us kin. I pitied you. I supported you. When you were a kid making messes, who cleaned up after you? As a wayward teen, who pulled you back from the brink? When gangsters cornered you in a bar, who was the one who broke a bottle and fought to rescue you? And during your early struggles at work, who endured sleepless nights alongside you? And now, Alexander, you dare to use me of not knowing how to love you?¡±

    Herughter turned more sardonic, her eyes reddening with a mix of rage and sorrow.

    ¡°You know, Alexander? I¡¯m beginning to wonder if the person who helped me out of my depression years ago was really you.¡±

    Inmed with anger, Alexander couldn¡¯t help but react to Dani¡¯s mention of her past struggles. Impulsively, he shot back, ¡°Who saved you? What depression?¡±

    Stay connected through g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    As soon as the words escaped him, the atmosphere turned icy. Dani stared at him, utterly shocked.

    ¡°What did you just say?¡±

    Alexander averted his gaze, his eyes dodging hers, his mouth set in a firm line, and he remained silent.

    Dani¡¯s eyes narrowed as she studied Alexander intently.

    When she was only five, she experienced the profound loss of her mother. Shortly after her mother¡¯s death, Katrina entered her life, along with Joyce.

    On a particrly hot summer day, Dani witnessed Katrina and Caiden in apromising embrace on the sofa. Tears rolled down her cheeks in silence. As Katrina caught her gaze, her eyes sharp and challenging, Dani felt a deep chill.

    That moment cast a long shadow over her childhood, ushering her into a deep depression. Following that day, Dani withdrew into herself, stopping her speech entirely. Her family, preupied, failed to notice, leaving her alone in her silent, isting despair.

    One afternoon, she discovered a sketchbook hidden within a tree near the swing set.

    The first page featured a drawing of her, depicted with a bright, almost heavenly smile.

    Overwhelmed with emotion and suspecting a cruel joke, Dani ripped the drawing to shreds and discarded the sketchbook back into the tree hollow.

    The following day, Dani found the sketchbook once again ced in the tree, as if it had been patiently waiting for her return.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 138

    ?Chapter 138:

    She opened the sketchbook again to find a new drawing of herself, captured with the same warm smile as before. In a surge of anger, she tore the page into shreds.

    Yet, on the third day, the sketchbook was there again.

    And on the fourth, it returned once more.

    This pattern persisted for three long months.

    Initially, Dani¡¯s fury was palpable, but gradually, she became desensitized, her resistance waning. Eventually, she started to engage with the sketchbook, using it as an outlet for her pent-up emotions by sketching her own frustrations and sorrows onto its pages. It was a three-month journey.

    After those months, Dani posed a question within its pages.

    ¡°Who are you?¡±

    The following day, the sketchbook was back in its usual spot, but this time it contained a sketch of a boy¡¯s profile, distinguished by a small, nearly hidden beauty mark near his eye.

    Through their shared drawings, they arranged a meeting.

    The next day, Dani spent the entire day at the swing set, waiting, but no one appeared. Summer faded into fall.

    Fall gave way to the chill of winter.

    Dani maintained her vigil for a full year.

    Updates loaded at g@lno¦Íe??s

    A yearter, she began to speak again and returned to her studies. The sketch of the boy¡¯s face became her treasured keepsake, securely stored in a safe in her room.

    On her first day back at school, a new student joined the ss.

    The boy confidently swung open the ssroom door, stepping in. He stood there, bathed in the gentle morning sunlight, exuding a poised and polished presence.

    ¡°Hello, everyone. I¡¯m Alexander Bet.¡±

    Once, Dani had asked Alexander about it.

    ¡°Are you the boy from those sketches?¡±

    Alexander¡¯s lips tightened, and he responded dismissively, ¡°Why dredge up the past now?¡±

    To Dani, his evasion felt like a tacit admission. If it were false, surely Alexander¡¯s forthright nature would have spurred a direct denial.

    Yet, over time, she harbored doubts.

    The boy from her past, who had filled that sketchbook with warmth and kindness, seemed entirely unlike Alexander, who was often detached and aloof. How could they be the same person?

    She struggled to reconcile the two images.

    Eventually, she ceased trying to piece it together, but asionally, her eyes would drift to the barely noticeable spot near Alexander¡¯s eye, where a mole had once been.

    Alexander had once exined he had it removed because it made him look less masculine.

    She had epted his reasoning without question.

    How could Alexander, with his pride and arrogance, fabricate such a tale?

    Yet, now, as his dismissive words echoed, her old uncertainties reawakened.

    ¡°Are you really the boy I made that promise to beneath the tree hollow all those years ago?¡± she asked, her voice tinged with a hint of skepticism.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 139

    ?Chapter 139:

    Already frustrated by his recent business setback, Alexander grew more irritated.

    ¡°What are you implying? Do you believe I deceived you? Do you see me as someone who would lie about something so insignificant?¡± he retorted sharply.

    His eyes narrowed, his voice sharpening defensively.

    ¡°Dani, I¡¯ve always wondered¡ªif I hadn¡¯t been that boy, would your treatment of me have been the same? Is your kindness just because of a few childhood drawings and three months of memories? Are you saying that all our shared experiences, all these years together, mean less than those brief moments?¡±

    Alexander¡¯s gaze was piercing, challenging her to respond.

    ¡°Tell me! Without those three months, would you have cared as much? Would you have been so patient? Would you have supported me as I built my business, or made me scarves to keep me warm?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Dani¡¯s answer was prompt, her tone resolute and clear.

    The word hit Alexander like a physical blow.

    ¡°Without those three months, I wouldn¡¯t have endured, wouldn¡¯t have cared as deeply as I did all these years.¡±

    She understood her own suffering and the neglect she¡¯d felt. Only a profound reason could have sustained her through such hardship.

    For Dani, it was the belief that the boy from her past was the kind, gentle soul she had once connected with.

    Alexander scoffed bitterly, stepping back with a wild, nearly deranged smile.

    L?t??st ch¦Ápt?rs in g??lnovels.c??m

    ¡°Incredible, Dani! You really exceed yourself! Now, you say whatever you please, huh?¡±

    Dani remainedposed, her demeanor untouched by his sarcasm. Alexander¡¯s tone became taunting.

    ¡°So, what now? Continue being kind to me! Hand over the North District project! What happened to all those sentiments from your childhood? Have you forgotten them?¡± He red at her, his eyes ame with intensity.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you im I pulled you from your darkest days as a child? Didn¡¯t you vow to repay that debt? Very well, secure the North District project contract for me! Hand it over, and we¡¯ll call it square from here on out!¡±

    Dani remained motionless, a chill enveloping her heart, ice spreading through her veins. She gazed at Alexander, her eyes wide with disbelief.

    This marked the second time she had been overwhelmed by her emotions since her return¡ªher earlier turmoil hade when she cut ties with her father, Caiden.

    And now, this moment.

    She locked eyes with Alexander and demanded, ¡°What did you just say?¡±

    Alexander, now visibly moreposed, suppressed the surge of irritation and turmoil within.

    ¡°If you truly want us to settle all debts, then bring me the contract for the North District project. Otherwise, Dani, you will forever be in my debt.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s face darkened. Dani¡¯s words seemed to hit him hard, as though she had just wiped away all the effort and care she had shown him over the years. So all her affection had been directed at the boy she believed he was. All this time, she had been striving to please someone who wasn¡¯t truly him.

    Alexander squeezed his eyes shut, attempting to push away the irritation swelling inside him. But it was pointless. The fear tightened around his chest, choking him, making it almost impossible to think clearly.

    ¡°Dani! You¡¯ve got two days. Think it over. When you¡¯re ready,e to Bet Group with your answer.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 140

    ?Chapter 140:

    Alexander shot her a cold, hard stare, taking in her stunned, unmoving face before turning away without a word.

    Dani stood frozen, fighting to hold herself together. But Alexander¡¯s words kept ringing in her ears, shattering herposure. Her body started to shake. Ten years. How many decades did a person truly get in a lifetime?

    For ten long years, she had loved Alexanderpletely, admired him, stood by him, and given up so much for him. And now, he wanted her to hand over the North District project as a mere trade.

    Was this really about the project?

    To Alexander, their childhood bond was nothing more than another deal.

    Dani felt empty, the weight of it all crashing down. What had she been clinging to all this time?

    Her love, her loyalty, all thepromises she¡¯d made¡ªthey meant nothing.

    It was just a bitter joke at her expense.

    Her body shook with a force she couldn¡¯t control. She struggled to stay upright, leaning forward with her hands braced on her thighs, desperate to regain some bnce.

    ¡°Dani!¡± Lillian¡¯s voice cut through the air as she rushed towards Dani, security guards on her heels. But by the time they reached the entrance, Alexander was nowhere to be found.

    Lillian came to an abrupt stop.

    She¡¯d never seen Dani like this, not even when Dani had ended things with Alexander. Dani stood in the soft glow of the morning, her legs slightly bent, hands pressing into her thighs for support. Her usual upright, strong posture had vanished, leaving her slumped and fragile. She was trembling, not from fear, but from pure, unbridled rage.

    Your source of stories: g¦Áln¦Ò¦Í??s.c??m

    Lillian¡¯s voice was quiet, hesitant.

    ¡°Dani?¡±

    Dani didn¡¯t face her. Instead, she lifted one hand from her knee, her voice rough and quiet as she said, ¡°I¡¯m fine.

    You can leave. I just need some time to pull myself together.¡±

    Lillian paused, uncertain, but then nodded for the security guards to go. She stayed at the building¡¯s entrance, her gaze remaining locked on Dani.

    It was the usual morning rush, with employeesing and going. As they spotted Dani, many of them instinctively slowed, ready to offer a greeting. But before they could speak, Lillian subtly shook her head, signaling them to move on.

    In an instant, the usually lively entrance fell into an unexpected silence. Only when Dani finally managed to straighten up did Lillian hurry over. She took Dani¡¯s arm, her voice low and filled with concern.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡±

    Just as Dani was about to nod, beads of sweat clung to her pale face, finally slipping down her skin. She spun around and hurried towards the restroom, barely making it before she was seized by a violent wave of nausea.

    Inside the restroom, Joyce stood in front of the mirror, applying her lipstick. The sound of someone rushing in caught her attention, and she nced up just in time to see Dani stumble towards a stall, Lillian hot on her heels.

    When Lillian called out, ¡°Dani,¡± Joyce couldn¡¯t help but raise an eyebrow, a hint of amusement crossing her face. She leaned casually against the doorframe, listening to the sounds of retching from the stall.

    ¡°Dani, throwing up this much so early? Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re pregnant.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 141

    ?Chapter 141:

    Lillian spun around, fury shing in her eyes as she hissed, ¡°Shut up!¡± Joyce let out a softugh, clearly unfazed by the frustration in Lillian¡¯s voice.

    ¡°Honestly, Dani, even though you¡¯re no longer part of the Harper family and we¡¯re not sisters anymore, I feel like I should remind you of something. As women, we know that our first experiences are important. Sure, maybe you¡¯re used to being reckless, but now that you¡¯re leading Elite Lux, shouldn¡¯t you be more careful with your reputation? After all, you wouldn¡¯t want to bring shame to thepany, right? But then again, I can see where you¡¯reing from. Someone like you, always so cold and distant¡ªit¡¯s no surprise you¡¯re all alone. Men probably steer clear of you, don¡¯t they? Unlike me, of course. I¡¯m sweet, obedient, and gentle. Men can¡¯t get enough of me. Cedric, Alexander¡ªmen of real ss, they¡¯re all at my feet. Tell me, Dani, what do you think Dad would say if he knew you were fooling around with men before marriage? What if he found out you were pregnant and unmarried? Don¡¯t you think he¡¯d regret not cutting ties with you sooner? You¡¯ve always been a disappointment to the Harper family. And if word got out that you were pregnant out of wedlock, do you really think any wealthy family would want you?¡±

    It was obvious that Joyce had been utterly bored in the restroom, trapped with no one to talk to all day. So, when the chance to taunt Dani came up, she wasn¡¯t about to let it pass her by. Her constant jabbering filled the space, and gradually, the emotions choking Dani¡¯s chest began to dull.

    She straightened up, hit the flush button, and pushed open the stall door. Joyce gasped dramatically, ¡°Dani! What¡¯s with that pale face? Are you really pregnant?¡± She leaned in, curiosity practically dripping from her tone.

    ¡°So, who¡¯s the father of the baby?¡±

    Dani stopped herself from pping Joyce and instead signaled for Lillian toe over and help her out of the restroom. Joyce didn¡¯t stop.

    Your escape begins with g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?????m

    ¡°Dani, you don¡¯t even know who the father is?¡± Her face contorted into a cruel grin.

    ¡°Ugh, Dani! With all the deals thepany¡¯s beenndingtely, don¡¯t tell me you¡¯ve been using your body to seal them? Seriously, you¡¯re disgusting! You don¡¯t even know who the father of your child is? But really, that¡¯s how it works, isn¡¯t it? Nobody owns up to, you know, transactions like that. Even if you get pregnant, it¡¯s always the woman left to deal with it. Poor thing! A child growing up fatherless, raised in a home without love¡ªit¡¯s only going to turn out as messed up as you are! Let me give you some¡­¡±

    Suddenly, a p cracked through the air, sharp and final, silencing Joyce mid-sentence. For a moment, everything went quiet. Dani exhaled deeply, feeling a wave of satisfaction. Sometimes, actions spoke louder than words.

    With Lillian¡¯s support, she made her way out of the restroom.

    Joyce stood frozen for a moment, stunned. She then hurried after Dani, ready to shout at her retreating form, when, out of nowhere, a wave of nausea washed over her. Her stomach twisted in a sickening churn.

    She stumbled back to the toilet, bent over it, gagging and dry heaving.

    Gripping the edge of the toilet, Joyce muttered under her breath, ¡°Damn Dani! Pregnancy isn¡¯t contagious, is it?¡±

    Joyce exited the restroom, meticulously retouching her makeup.

    Just as she finished, her phone vibrated with a text from Katrina.

    ¡°Don¡¯t forget tonight¡¯s family dinner.¡±

    Joyce typed back, ¡°Got it.¡±

    Another message quickly pinged.

    ¡°You haven¡¯t been fooling around, have you? Remember, we can¡¯t have a repeat ofst time! I¡¯ve invited Richard and Alexander for tonight¡¯s dinner. I n to talk about the engagement to Alexander.¡±

    Joyce¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement. She was on the brink of bing Alexander¡¯s wife.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 142

    ?Chapter 142:

    Overwhelmed with tion, Joyce didn¡¯t wait for the workday to conclude. She grabbed her purse and left the office early.

    Her heels clicked decisively against the floor as she made her way to the upscale salon upstairs.

    At the salon, Joyce splurged on an exclusive annual membership card costing $500,000, insisting on receiving the premier service they offered. Joyce was in high spirits. Dani¡¯s setback had already made her day sweeter, and now, the prospect of her imminent engagement to Alexander filled her with a sense of triumph.

    As shey on the treatment bed, fantasizing about her uing luxurious life, a jasmine aroma wafted into the room.

    Normally, Joyce adored this fragrance.

    Yet today, as soon as it hit her senses, she sat up abruptly, her hand over her mouth, feeling queasy. Grabbing a ss of water, she gulped it down, attempting to quell the sudden nausea.

    ¡°What the hell is happening?¡± she whispered to herself, her frustration evident.

    ¡°Pregnancy can¡¯t be contagious, can it? I need to keep my distance from Dani!¡±

    After her spa session, Joyce headed for the elevator. As the doors slid open, a brisk breeze swept through the lobby.

    A man entered, covered in grime and still sporting a hard hat. Joyce¡¯s expression twisted into a scowl of disdain. Wheeling around, she was ready to chastise the man for his disarray. However, her rebuke froze on her lips when she recognized him.

    Discover more at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??s

    ¡°Cedric? What on earth happened to you?¡± She observed his condition¡ªhis clothing caked with dirt and his face lined with sweat, as though he had juste from a construction site.

    The sight of him, so unkempt and incongruent with the setting, filled her with embarrassment. In her mind, shepared Cedric¡¯s ruggedness to Alexander¡¯s polished demeanor, and any residual affection she might have felt for Cedric evaporated.

    Without sparing him another look, Joyce straightened herself and walked briskly away.

    Meanwhile, Cedric headed to the 25th floor. Lillian was stationed outside the CEO¡¯s office, peering through the slightly open door.

    Upon the sound of the elevator¡¯s arrival, she turned and saw Cedric, his appearance marked by toil and dust. She realized immediately that he hadn¡¯t bothered to clean up after leaving the construction site.

    ¡°Why did youe here like this?¡± she asked in a low voice.

    Cedric nced through the door¡¯s narrow crack. The office was quiet, empty of any activity.

    ¡°She¡¯s on the couch, asleep. Don¡¯t wake her,¡± Lillian murmured, nodding towards the interior.

    Those close to Dani understood that she often sought refuge in sleep when troubled. As a child, neglected and alone, she had learned to soothe her emotions through slumber¡ªa coping mechanism that persisted into her adult life.

    Cedric nodded in acknowledgment, catching his breath.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    ¡°How¡¯s everything at the site?¡±

    Cedric responded simply, ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡±

    Lillian suggested, ¡°You should really have someone else oversee the site. Can you manage shuttling back and forth like this? I heard your secretary even set up an office there. Cedric, you need to delegate.

    You can¡¯t keep going at this pace. It¡¯s too much. With all that¡¯s happening at Phillips Group, how can you handle it all?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 143

    ?Chapter 143:

    Managing a multibillion-dor project was a colossal task, fraught with endless challenges. For Cedric, the CEO, to personally monitor the site seemed to Lillian an unnecessary strain. The construction environment was harsh, filled with dust, hardly suitable for someone of Cedric¡¯s stature.

    Yet Cedric, his gaze still fixed on the office door, dismissed her concern with a gesture.

    ¡°She¡¯s asleep. Go find a nket and cover her.¡±

    Lillian shook her head.

    ¡°That¡¯s not going to work. She¡¯s always on alert, even in sleep. If I touch her, she¡¯ll wake up right away.¡±

    The office windows were ajar, letting in a breeze that had cooled the room significantly. Cedric frowned.

    ¡°We can¡¯t have her catching cold. Get a nket.¡±

    Lillian nodded and hurried off to fetch one. Taking the nket from Lillian, Cedric quietly pushed open the office door with careful steps. He approached Dani, crouching beside her and gently unfolding the nket. As he covered her, Dani stirred slightly. Her eyes,rge and clouded with sleep, fluttered open, her voice soft and husky.

    ¡°Cedric?¡±

    Hearing his name from her lips momentarily disrupted his calm. He adjusted the nket around her more snugly and whispered, ¡°Go back to sleep.¡± She drifted off once more. A pang of emotion tightened Cedric¡¯s chest.

    His eyes dwelled on the subtle redness beneath her eyes, emotions brewing inside him¡ªa mix of heartache, tenderness, and a fierce protectiveness. He harbored a deep-seated urge to confront Alexander, to make him pay. But he hesitated. Was Alexander still a fixture in her heart? If she still held feelings for him, then he would restrain himself.

    M??? ??d???? ?? g????????.????

    Cedric remained crouched beside her, watching over her slumber. He waited until her breathing deepened, indicating she was fully at peace, before he quietly stood and exited the office. Outside, Lillian exhaled deeply and muttered with evident disdain, ¡°Alexander is such a scumbag!¡±

    Cedric¡¯s face showed nothing, his features set in an impassive mask. His hands, however, betrayed his inner conflict, clenching and unclenching at his sides as he fought to keep his emotions in check.

    After a protracted silence, just as Lillian believed Cedric was on the verge of leaving, he broke the quiet unexpectedly.

    ¡°What did Alexander say? Do you know?¡±

    Lillian wished he hadn¡¯t asked. The mention of the topic seemed to ignite a fire within her. Her face flushed with anger as she erupted.

    ¡°That scumbag! Completely shameless! I¡¯ve never encountered someone so vile!¡±

    Cedric remained silent, maintaining aposed demeanor as he absorbed her tirade. Once she had let off steam, Lillian borated.

    ¡°Alexander insists that if Dani wants to break things offpletely, she needs to hand over the North District renovation contract as a trade! Can you believe it? The contract with Tyler is already signed, construction has started! Dani has devoted years of love to him, supported him through thick and thin, even ended her first marriage for him! And now, he demands this contract as the price for their separation? Are we just supposed toply? Who does he think he is¡ªa king?¡±

    Cedric¡¯s hands tensed, opening and closing as he fought the urge to react more strongly. After a moment¡¯s pause, he asked in a level tone, ¡°Does she really want to cut ties with him?¡±

    Lillian answered without hesitation, ¡°Absolutely! What¡¯s the point in prolonging this?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 144

    ?Chapter 144:

    Her quick response made Cedric pause, considering the potential impulsiveness of her answer. Gathering his thoughts, he proposed, ¡°Do me a favor. Check on that. If she truly wishes to end things with him, I¡¯ll handle it.¡±

    Lillian looked at him, bewildered.

    ¡°What are you suggesting? You mean to say you¡¯d let go of the North District contract? Cedric, I might not know every detail, but I do know the enormous effort you¡¯ve invested in that project. Over 500 design revisions! Are you really considering giving it up to Alexander?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Cedric stated resolutely.

    ¡°I won¡¯t hand it over. There¡¯s another way to handle this. Alexander is only after profit, right? I¡¯ve just secured a deal for a new international airline route. I¡¯ll offer that to him instead.¡±

    Lillian was visibly shocked. An international airline route was a major asset, a lucrative investment that could generate immense profits over decades.

    ¡°That¡¯s far too generous for Alexander!¡± she protested, her voice tight with disbelief.

    Cedric looked down at the calluses on his hands, his faceposed, masking the storm of emotions within. In a steady voice, he affirmed, ¡°I believe it¡¯s worth it.¡±

    He was prepared to sacrifice anything to extricate Alexander from Dani¡¯s life. He needed the construction rights for the North District building. Articting this, Cedric felt the full weight of his resolve. He simply wanted Dani, the girl from his childhood memories, to have a joyful, serene life.

    He envisioned her living in a space he crafted, a ce where herughter would echo, free from any burdens. For that dream, he was ready to relinquish anything.

    I??€?? ¡é§ß?¦Ñ§ä¦Å?? ?¦Ç g?l§Ú¦Ò¦Í¦Å??.c?m

    Observing Cedric¡¯s determined gaze, Lillian gave a resigned nod.

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll talk to her.¡±

    But Cedric had more instructions.

    ¡°Just find out if she truly wants to sever ties. If she does, I¡¯ll take care of the details. And don¡¯t let her know.¡±

    Lillian looked puzzled.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to all this trouble and you don¡¯t want her to know? What do you gain from this?¡±

    Cedric dismissed her concerns with a wave and went back to the construction site. What did he stand to gain? For Cedric, it was all about securing Dani¡¯s happiness and peace. He was resolute, prepared to do whatever it took.

    As he headed back, his mind churned with anxiety. He was gued by the fear that Dani might not truly wish to cut ties, and the possibility that Alexander might reject the proposal.

    His secretary, riding alongside him, voiced his disbelief bitterly.

    ¡°Alexander won¡¯t turn this down. Do you realize the value of this deal? It could set the Bet family up for generations! You¡¯ve invested so much into this airline¡ªthink of the contacts you¡¯ve used, the countless meetings over drinks to secure it. And you¡¯re just going to give it away?¡±

    Cedric¡¯s eyes stayed glued to thendscape fleeting past the car window. To him, the airline route was more than just a business venture. He had conceived it amidst learning of Dani¡¯s divorce, even naming it ¡°Dani Line.¡±

    It was intended for her¡ªa way to offer escape and discovery if she ever felt adrift post-divorce. He dreamed of showing her the world, a gesture to help her shed her sorrows. Unbeknownst to Dani, Cedric had meticulously crafted countless ns for her, detailed and carefullyid out, yet he had always hesitated to reveal them.

    It wasn¡¯t solely insecurity. It was also fear. Dani was so admirable, so impable, that he often felt unworthy of her. Cedric chuckled mirthlessly. In the presence of the woman he loved, he felt like a coward.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 145

    ?Chapter 145:

    He returned to his refuge at the construction site, immersing himself in work, all the while eagerly awaiting a response from Lillian.

    Elsewhere, Joyce had already arrived early at the hotel for the family dinner. Sitting at the table, her anticipation radiating from her, she eagerly pulled out her phone and texted Alexander.

    ¡°Alexander, are you on your way yet?¡±

    After a considerable dy, Alexander¡¯s response finally arrived.

    ¡°On my way.¡±

    Joyce¡¯s excitement was palpable. She spun around to face Katrina, her eyes sparkling as she brandished her phone triumphantly.

    ¡°Mom, Alexander¡¯s almost here!¡±

    Katrina¡¯s smile was warm, filled with tender affection. She reached out, gently smoothing back a loose curl from Joyce¡¯s face.

    ¡°You¡¯re about to be his wife, darling. It¡¯s time to put away childish things. How are things at Elite Lux?¡±

    Joyce managed a nod, though her eyes darted away, betraying her nerves.

    ¡°It¡¯s going really well.¡±

    Unaware of Joyce¡¯s difort, Katrina pressed on.

    £í????£å £õ??£ä??£ô£å£ó ??£î ???£ì????£ö??£ì??.??????

    ¡°Dani really threw me for a loop this time, appointing you as a director. Forge strong bonds with your team, and when the time is right, invite them to join Harper Group. With that caliber of talent, ourpany could rival Elite Lux in no time!¡±

    Joyce offered another nod, this one tinged with guilt. She was keenly aware of her own qualifications¡ªorck thereof. Director? The title meant nothing to her.

    So what if she was the toilet director? The paycheck was hefty, the duties were a breeze, and the grunt work stayed firmly with the team below her. Sure, the job title wasn¡¯t exactly morous, but to outsiders, she was a director. As Dani had pointed out, holding the title of director at Elite Lux carried a certain cachet. It didn¡¯t matter which department she oversaw. What really counted were the sizeable paycheck and the glittering prestige that came with the role.

    When Joyce shared the news with her circle of friends, envy was the unanimous response. Truth be told, the position was idealcking in stress and devoid of any rigorous mental strain.

    It was a wee change from the high-pressure sectors of finance, marketing, or risk control that Caiden had previously thrust upon her. Why would she bother mastering those fields?

    She was destined to marry into the rich. She wasn¡¯t crafted for the grind; she was fashioned for a life draped in luxury and ease.

    The gathering wasn¡¯t extensive, with the Harper family consisting only of the families of Caiden¡¯s siblings. These people werevishing Joyce withpliments, buoyed by Caiden¡¯s evident partiality towards her and Katrina.

    ¡°Joyce, you¡¯re truly remarkable! A director at Elite Lux and soon to be the wife of the CEO at Bet Group.

    You¡¯re all set for life!¡±

    ¡°Absolutely! And it¡¯s no surprise, considering who her mother is. She¡¯s every bit as intelligent and stunning as Katrina.¡±

    ¡°Joyce, during myst trip to Elite Lux to catch up with Dani, I didn¡¯t spot her anywhere. However, I did notice you lounging by the restroom, snacking. It was during working hours, wasn¡¯t it? Shouldn¡¯t you have been busy working?¡±

    Joyce halted mid-reach across the table, her fingers poised in the air, as if frozen. After a tense moment, she managed a strained chuckle and replied, ¡°Oh, that? My tasks for the day were all wrapped up, so I was just taking a little breather. Plus, at Elite Lux, nobody really has the nerve to question my schedule.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 146

    ?Chapter 146:

    Laughter cascaded through the room, and several rtives nodded and gave Joyce approving thumbs-ups.

    ¡°You¡¯ve really outdone yourself, Caiden¡ªsuch a clever and aplished daughter! Speaking of which, why isn¡¯t Dani here tonight?¡±

    The reality of severing ties with Dani to secure Joyce¡¯s position was a secret Caiden had kept close to his chest; hecked the courage to divulge it to the family.

    ¡°She¡¯s tied up with work,¡± Katrina interjected, her face lighting up with a practiced smile that masked the underlying tension.

    Wyatt Harper, Caiden¡¯s brother, saw an opportunity in the prestige and power of Elite Lux, especially now that his daughter hadpleted her college education.

    ¡°Caiden, seeing as Dani managed to secure a role for Joyce, perhaps she could also find a spot for my daughter? It doesn¡¯t need to be something high-level¡ªjust a managerial role would suffice.¡±

    Before Caiden could respond, Ronald Harper, Caiden¡¯s other brother, eagerly jumped into the conversation.

    ¡°And while you¡¯re making arrangements, Caiden, maybe Dani could also help find positions for my son and daughter-inw?¡±

    A young couple at the table sprang to their feet, their smiles a blend of warmth and formality.

    ¡°Thank you, Uncle!¡± they chimed in, their eyes alight as they addressed Caiden.

    Get thetest g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    Despite their rare appearances at family events¡ªoften excusing themselves due to hectic schedules¡ªhere they were, punctually seated and instantly transforming the once sparse dinner into a bustling affair.

    Ronald, shing a grin at Caiden, boasted with a touch of pride, ¡°Caiden, you¡¯re well aware of how capable they are. One¡¯s already mastered the role of a department head, and the other excels as an executive assistant. I suggest you have Dani consider my son for managing a branch office and appoint my daughter-inw as her assistant. For a pivotal role like executive assistant, it¡¯s prudent to keep it within the family. My daughter-inw is not only efficient but also exceedingly dependable¡ªshe would significantly ease Dani¡¯s burdens.¡±

    As Ronald concluded his proposition, a chorus of sses clinked in a toast to Caiden, apanied by broad, approving smiles.

    Caiden exchanged a nce with Katrina, who returned a cordial, rehearsed smile and was just about to reply when Ronald interjected, ¡°Caiden, your children have certainly carved out impressive paths for themselves, but we must support one another. It¡¯s only when the entire family prospers that we truly embody strength.

    You shouldn¡¯t monopolize the sess, leaving the younger ones to fend for themselves.¡±

    Wyatt immediately joined in, topping off Caiden¡¯s drink with a hearty ssh and turning a chastising look to Ronald.

    ¡°Ronald, what are you implying? Caiden has always been our guardian angel. He¡¯s the first to spot any opportunity and make sure it¡¯s offered to us!¡±

    In Ronald¡¯s and Wyatt¡¯s view, if Caiden could extend his generosity to Joyce, who wasn¡¯t even his own flesh and blood, how could he possibly overlook his own siblings and their children?

    They didn¡¯t see it as a favor¡ªit was an expectation, in and simple. Caiden was supposed to manage it all, as if it were his duty, without them saying a word.

    The mere fact that they had to voice their needs already felt like a favor to him. Moreover, hadn¡¯t their families extended their help to Caiden in times past? He was indebted to them. This was merely settling scores.

    Caiden gulped down his drink, the sharp liquor searing his throat.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 147

    ?Chapter 147:

    With a heavy exhale, he conceded, ¡°Sure.¡±

    Instantly, smiles blossomed on the faces around the table.

    However, Joyce, seated next to Katrina, pulled gently at her sleeve.

    ¡°Mom, dealing with Dani won¡¯t be easy these days. She won¡¯t go along with this!¡±

    After all, these rtives had never shown Dani any kindness. And now they expected her to secure jobs for their children? Dani was no longer someone to be trifled with.

    Katrina appeared unfazed by this. She decided to let them manage Dani on their own.

    The only thing that mattered to her was ensuring Joyce¡¯s engagement to Alexander was secured.

    Turning Joyce into Alexander¡¯s wife¡ªthat was the ultimate goal, the one thing that truly mattered.

    ¡°Hey, Joyce, life must be good to youtely, huh? Looks like you¡¯ve put on a few pounds.¡± Ronald, seated across from Joyce, made the remark offhandedly.

    Katrina turned to her daughter at his words. How much weight could Joyce have really gained?

    Katrina subtly lifted her hand and pinched her daughter¡¯s arm, feeling the unexpected softness.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± she inquired in a subdued tone.

    Your next chapter awaits g?ln¦Ò¦Í??ls?c?m

    Joyce, looking somewhat bothered, responded, ¡°I don¡¯t know! I¡¯ve just been really hungry all the time.¡± As she spoke, she reached for a side dish.

    Katrina¡¯s brow furrowed, about toment, when the door to their private room burst open.

    Richard and Alexander entered, smiling as they presented a thoughtfully wrapped gift to Katrina.

    ¡°Sorry for the dy, Mr. and Mrs. Harper. Traffic was a nightmare,¡± Richard apologized.

    Katrina eyed Alexander, who seemed disengaged, more interested in his phone than the event.

    Katrina beamed, encouraging Alexander to sit next to Joyce and addressing Richard warmly, ¡°Oh, please, there¡¯s no need for formalities here.

    You can call my husband Caiden and me Katrina. Let¡¯s keep it rxed.¡±

    Katrina was skilled at smoothing over any awkwardness, her words weaving a sense of unity and ease.

    Her approach made it clear to all present; this gathering was more than a mere family dinner. It was a strategic move to cement an alliance between the two families.

    This contrasted sharply with Dani and Alexander¡¯s hastily arranged wedding, which hadcked a formal introduction to family members.

    Now, with Alexander present, they nodded in approval.

    He was mature andposed¡ªa perfect match for Joyce.

    ¡°Alexander, I¡¯m Joyce¡¯s second uncle, Wyatt. Over there is her third uncle, Ronald. We haven¡¯t had much interaction before, but from now on, let¡¯s keep in touch. We¡¯re family, after all.¡± With a swift motion, Wyatt finished his drink in one gulp.

    As he set down his empty ss, he noted that Alexander had only sipped his water.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 148

    ?Chapter 148:

    His expression darkened momentarily, but he quickly masked it with a smile as he refilled his ss.

    ¡°So, Alexander, I hear your business is flourishing.

    You¡¯re in the renovation industry, correct?¡±

    Wyatt, who also owned a small renovationpany, made a modest living with orders just in the hundreds of thousands annually.

    ¡°Should you have any uing projects, consider involving me.¡± He pped the young man sitting next to him on the shoulder.

    ¡°This is my son. He¡¯s green but eager. It would mean a great deal if he could shadow you and learn from the best. What do you think?¡±

    Wyatt had done his homework before the dinner, aware of Alexander¡¯s significant status in the industry. Securing a position for his son under Alexander could potentially elevate their family¡¯s standing in the fiercelypetitive local business environment.

    Alexander stayed silent during Wyatt¡¯s proposal, prompting Katrina to intervene.

    ¡°Let¡¯s focus on the meal, everyone. Alexander, don¡¯t worry about drinking. Make yourself at home, rx, and enjoy the food.¡± Despite Wyatt¡¯s attempts to steer the conversation back to business, Katrina smoothly redirected each time.

    Finally, Wyatt mmed his ss onto the table, chuckling scornfully. He realized that while Dani, not being Katrina¡¯s biological daughter, could be subjected to familial pressures without much concern from Katrina, Alexander was a different story.

    Alexander represented a direct benefit to Katrina, and she would not allow any encroachments on what she considered her personal asset.

    Wyatt rolled his eyes at this.

    Fresh updates avable at galno¦Íe?s?c?m

    Katrina remained unfazed. In her view, only she was entitled to reap benefits from her daughter or her prospective son-inw. As the meal progressed, a te of steamed fish was served.

    The fish, cooked to perfection without a drop of water, was tender and vorful, a dish Joyce always relished.

    Katrina slid the dish towards Joyce with a warm smile, then turned to engage Richard.

    ¡°Richard, when we first met, we were both in our early thirties. Now here we are, our children grown, time slipping by. It¡¯s remarkable how fast the years go, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Richard recognized Katrina¡¯s tactic immediately.

    Everyone at the table understood.

    Katrina was subtly setting the stage to steer the conversation towards Joyce and Alexander¡¯s impending union.

    Richard offered a polite smile in return.

    ¡°Yes, indeed, time does fly.¡± Earlier, en route to the dinner, Richard had discussed the situation with Alexander. He viewed Dani as a coveted match, currently beyond reach. For the moment, maintaining stability with Joyce was prudent.

    By neither epting nor dismissing the proposal outright, he could dy decisions until Dani¡¯s intentions became clearer.

    Should she show signs of a change of heart, a reunion might still be feasible. If not, Joyce would serve as an adequate alternative.

    Feeling it was the right moment, Katrina began to extol Joyce¡¯s virtues enthusiastically.

    ¡°Joyce is a wonderful girl. She¡¯s charming and unlike some young women who flounder at the sight of a suitor. No, Joyce has always shown exemry discipline. She embodies the grace of a genuinedy, groomed to be the ideal spouse for a distinguished family. The man who marries her will indeed be fortunate. And you¡ª¡±

    ¡°Urgh!¡± Joyce interrupted with a sudden gag, cutting Katrina off midsentence.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 149

    ?Chapter 149:

    Katrina fixed her with a stern look. Now? At this critical moment while she wasvishing praise?

    Joyce sat there, her face ashen, overwhelmed by the strong scent of the fish she normally loved. Now, it was repulsive, the smell invading her senses, triggering waves of nausea that coursed through her.

    She pushed the te away and muttered, ¡°Please, go on.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s irritation was palpable as her eyes narrowed, but she quickly masked it with a forced smile, turning back to Richard.

    ¡°Now, where was I? Oh yes, Joyce¡¯s character is impable. She¡¯s truly a wonderful¡ª¡±

    ¡°Urgh!¡± Joyce gagged again, cutting Katrina off a second time.

    Katrina¡¯s expression turned stormy with frustration.

    ¡°Remove that fish!¡± shemanded the waiter sharply, her annoyance spilling over onto the staff.

    When she faced Richard again, her expression had reset to one of calm and control, as if the previous outbursts had never urred.

    Richard couldn¡¯t help but be struck by her ability to maintain poise. Despite the awkward interruptions, she appeared utterly unruffled. Internally, he cringed, feeling a secondhand embarrassment for her situation.

    ¡°Richard, I appreciate your time, so I¡¯ll get right to the point.

    You see, after Alexander and Dani¡¯s marriage¡ªwhich, frankly, was less than ideal¡ªthey ended their union just days after the ceremony,¡± Katrina exined, her smile unwavering.

    Uncover new worlds at g   alnov els

    ¡°I admit, some of the me falls on Caiden and me. We failed to guide Dani appropriately. Her temperament really isn¡¯t cut out for domestic life. We can all agree that Alexander and Joyce are a match made in heaven. Their chemistry is undeniable, and frankly, I¡¯m quite fond of Alexander. I¡¯ll be blunt since everyone¡¯s here. Alexander is the perfect fit for my daughter, and I¡¯m not settling for less. Richard, wouldn¡¯t it make sense to let him and Joyce be together?¡±

    Richard was visibly stunned by her frank approach. He thought Katrina would wait for him to bring up the topic, but she mentioned it herself. As the eyes of everyone around the table bore into him, he felt the weight of the moment.

    Undeterred by Richard¡¯s silence, Katrina continued, ¡°Of course, our approval isn¡¯t enough; your blessing is essential. But I know you have the foresight to look beyond our family¡¯s superficial prestige. Take Dani, for instance. Despite her wealth, what does it truly amount to without her family¡¯s support? Does she even have anyone left to lean on? Any parents? Wealth is fleeting, and Dani¡¯s fiery spirit hardly makes her manageable. Even during her time with Alexander, she maintained her distance. Did Alexander ever truly get close to Dani?¡±

    Richard pivoted, catching sight of Alexander¡¯s furrowed brow.

    Katrina¡¯sughter held a sly undertone as she teased, ¡°No handholding, no kissing¡ªwhat sort of romance is this? Merely tonic? Despite her strong feelings for Alexander, she never wavered from her beliefs. There was a time when she had nothing to her name. Now, as the head of Elite Lux, shemands respect from hundreds of employees. Do you think she¡¯d bother listening to you? Bet Group¡¯s performance this year isn¡¯t even a third of what Elite Lux has achieved. In a family, the main earner often holds the reins. Had Alexander remained with Dani, he certainly wouldn¡¯t be the one making decisions today.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s eyes flickered with triumph as she observed Richard¡¯s hardened gaze and pressed on.

    ¡°However, Joyce is a different story. She¡¯s been nothing but sweet and endearing since her youth, maturing gracefully like fine wine.¡± Her stare intensified as she spoke.

    Richard was on the verge of responding when Katrina leaned forward to fill his ss once more.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 150

    ?Chapter 150:

    ¡°My daughter now stands as the sole heiress to the Harper family.

    You grasp the weight of that, don¡¯t you? Unlike Dani, Joyce isn¡¯t idly waiting. Should today pass without a resolution, we will seek alternatives. As the heiress to the Harper family, she¡¯ll have no difficulty securing a match.¡±

    With a gentle smile and a look of sly confidence, Katrina¡¯s expression was enigmatic.

    Richard was stuck in a tricky situation with no easy way out. Katrina was keenly aware that Dani¡¯s burgeoning sess might tempt the Bet family to mend fences.

    Could she simply stand by and watch Dani¡¯s and Alexander¡¯s lives remain intertwined?

    Resolved, Katrina had determined that should the Bet family spurn this chance, she would seek alternatives.

    She was resolute: Joyce¡¯s golden years would never be sacrificed for a worthless, unfaithful fool.

    Richard raised his ss to his lips, savoring a brief sip before attempting to set it down, only to find Katrina proffering her ss right in front of him.

    With an unwavering smile, she suggested, ¡°Shall we toast to new beginnings?¡±

    Richard perceived Katrina¡¯s gesture as a call to take a stand.

    The allure of the advantages Dani offered was strong, yet thoughts of Joyce lingered¡­

    Casting a sidelong nce at Alexander, who was absorbed in his phone and detached from the unfolding drama, Richard exhaled a resigned sigh, his fingers poised to clink sses with Katrina.

    But just as their sses were about to meet, a disruptive retching noise halted the moment.

    Katrina¡¯s gaze followed the near-touch of their sses, thwarted unexpectedly. Richard ced his ss back on the table.

    ¡°Joyce, is everything alright?¡± he inquired, his toneced with worry. Joyce had been straining to tolerate the difort, yet the pervasive fishy odor overwhelmed her senses.

    She pped her hand in front of her face, herplexion ashen, and suddenly shoved her chair back, bolting towards the restroom of the secluded dining area.

    A loud, gut-wrenching retch echoed from within.

    An awkward hush descended over the room.

    The continuous sound of gagging stripped the appetite from everyone present.

    Katrina¡¯s brow creased in concern.

    ¡°What could she have eaten to react like this? What¡¯s happening? Everyone, please, keep eating.¡± She stood, attempting to smooth over the disruption.

    Across the table, Ronald¡¯s wife leaned closer to him and murmured, ¡°Why is Joyce so violently ill? Could she be pregnant?¡±

    No sooner had she voiced the thought than a chilling silence fell over the room.

    Oblivious to the sudden focus on her, she went on, ¡°When I was expecting my first, the morning sickness was dreadful. Didn¡¯t Joyce mention the fish smelled particrly strong today? Though she¡¯s usually fond of it. If she¡¯s turned against it, perhaps she is indeed pregnant.¡±

    The spective whispers triggered a vivid memory among the Harper family members.

    Katrina had once remarked with absolute certainty, ¡°Joyce is the epitome of innocence, never so much as held hands with anyone. She¡¯s never dated anyone at all.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 151

    ?Chapter 151:

    Richard¡¯s face became a mask ofplexity.

    Katrina mmed her hand down on the table, pointing furiously at Ronald¡¯s wife across from her.

    ¡°What absurdity is this? How dare you suggest such a thing? Joyce doesn¡¯t even have a boyfriend. How could she possibly be pregnant? She has given her whole heart to Alexander. She¡¯s one of a kind!¡±

    Katrina felt sure that everything was aligning perfectly. But the unexpected twist threw her ns into disarray. How could she contain her anger?

    She scowled, gearing up to press her agenda with Richard, when he suddenly stood.

    With a courteous smile, Richard addressed Katrina.

    ¡°Given that Joyce seems unwell, perhaps it¡¯s best we cut this dinner short. Katrina, I appreciate your sentiments, but these matters should really be left to the younger ones to decide. There¡¯s no need to rush. Indeed, a young woman¡¯s best years are valuable, and careful consideration is essential. Should there truly be a suitable match for Joyce, we would wholeheartedly give our blessings.¡±

    Katrina was stunned. She scrambled for words to defend Joyce, but Richard had already turned to Alexander, signaling their departure.

    ¡°Alexander, let¡¯s head out.¡±

    As Katrina and Caiden saw them off, Katrina hurried to rify to Richard.

    Your imagination starts at g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s?conn

    ¡°Please understand. Joyce ate something cold earlier, which upset her stomach. Please, forgive this misunderstanding.

    You¡¯re absolutely right¡ªfinding true love is essential, and I firmly believe Alexander is perfect for Joyce. Now that Dani is out of the picture, nothing should stand in their way!¡±

    Keeping pace with Richard¡¯s strides, Katrina struggled in her high heels.

    Richard paused only to offer a parting word before climbing into his car.

    ¡°Katrina, I¡¯ve taken in everything you¡¯ve said. The young people indeed seem well-suited, but if Joyce is indeed feeling unwell, perhaps a doctor¡¯s visit would be prudent, just to rule out any concerns. Only then can we all truly rest easy, don¡¯t you agree?¡±

    Katrina fully grasped the weight of Richard¡¯s parting words.

    For the Harper and Bet families to sessfully unite, Joyce couldn¡¯t be pregnant.

    Katrina and Caiden maintained their smiles as they bid Richard and Alexander farewell.

    However, as soon as their car disappeared from view, Katrina¡¯s suppressed fury resurfaced. She stormed back into the private dining room and struck Ronald¡¯s wife across the face.

    ¡°You fool! What rubbish are you spouting? Just because you¡¯ve had a child, you think you know everything!¡±

    Ronald¡¯s wife held her cheek, her voice meek.

    ¡°I was merely making conversation. I never imagined Richard would take it to heart. Besides, if Joyce isn¡¯t pregnant, it¡¯s merely a jest. Why such a harsh reaction?¡±

    Katrina found herself gasping for air, overwhelmed by frustration. Someone else interjected, ¡°Exactly, if Joyce isn¡¯t really pregnant, what¡¯s the harm in thement? Why the outrage?¡±

    Ronald, humiliated by the public spectacle, challenged Katrina.

    ¡°You¡¯re overstepping, Katrina! Remember, before you married Caiden, you were just a street vendor. Now you lord over us as if you¡¯ve always been above us. Control your daughter better! I¡¯m convinced Joyce is pregnant. She¡¯s unmarried and bringing disgrace upon our family. Like mother, like daughter! You¡¯re no better than Caiden¡¯s first wife. Joyce is far worse than Dani ever was.¡±

    Theparison to Dani¡¯s mother infuriated Katrina more than anything else. She pointed furiously towards the exit.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 152

    ?Chapter 152:

    ¡°Get out! All of you, get out now!¡±

    Ronald protected his wife, his sneer cutting through the tension.

    ¡°Is this your party, or does it belong to the Harpers? Who are you to order us around? If you¡¯re so confident, have Caiden disown us!¡±

    Katrina closed her eyes, overwhelmed by the chaos.

    Joyce reappeared from the restroom, looking worse for wear. She felt dizzy, and her elegant dress was ruined, damp and clinging awkwardly. Her hair was unkempt, adding to her disheveled appearance.

    ¡°Mom, where¡¯s Alexander?¡±

    By then, the room had emptied, the rtives having departed in a wave of moral outrage. Katrina, left with the aftermath, mmed her hand on the table in frustration.

    All her meticulous arrangements hade to nothing.

    Observing Joyce¡¯s changed appearance and considering her recent nausea, Caiden suggested, ¡°She¡¯s gained some weight, and her stomach¡¯s upset. We should probably take her to the hospital for a checkup.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s naivety was almost legendary. While everyone else understood the underlying tension, he alone took Katrina¡¯s word at face value, believing Joyce had merely eaten something disagreeable.

    On the drive home, Caiden sat upfront, the picture of oblivious contentment. Katrina, meanwhile, was a storm of thought in the back seat, her mind whirling with ns.

    Once home, while Caiden retired upstairs, Katrina detained Joyce in the living room, fixing her with an intense, scrutinizing stare. Slowly, emphasizing each word, she demanded, ¡°Are you pregnant?¡±

    ??? ??????? ?? ?????????.???

    Joyce pursed her lips and gave a silent nod.

    Katrina briefly closed her eyes, letting out a long, slow breath.

    Joyce clutched her mother¡¯s hand, her voice shaky.

    ¡°Mom, the doctor said if I go through with the abortion, I may never be able to have children again.¡±

    Katrina paused, taking a moment to think over her words.

    ¡°After tonight, the Bet family will be watching your every move.

    You¡¯ll have to find someone else to marry,¡± Katrina said, fixing Joyce with a firm look.

    Joyce¡¯s eyes grew wide with confusion.

    ¡°What? Who would I marry?¡± Her mind flickered back to that night at the bar¡ªeverything was a blur through the haze of alcohol.

    Nothing had been clear to her in that fog of drunkenness.

    The only thing she could remember was waking up the next morning, catching a glimpse of someone slipping out the door. She vaguely recalled a mole on the back of his neck, but everything else was a blur.

    ¡°Alexander¡¯s off the table,¡± Katrina muttered under her breath.

    ¡°You need someone stable, someone reliable. In all of Olisvine, Cedric is your best bet.¡±

    Joyce hesitated, biting her lip nervously.

    ¡°But would he even say yes? He barely even talks to me.¡±

    The weight of her situation was sinking in. Pregnant, unmarried, and no clue who the father was¡ªif people found out, she¡¯d be the subject of ridicule.

    Katrina looked at her daughter¡¯s panicked, bewildered expression and let out a deep, resigned sigh.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 153

    ?Chapter 153:

    ¡°If Cedric refuses, we¡¯ll find someone else willing to marry into our family. That way, your father and I can ensure you¡¯re taken care of.¡± Joyce rested her chin in her hand, pondering it.

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll go with Cedric. Life¡¯s too long to waste on someone I can¡¯t even tolerate.¡± Joyce knew that anyone desperate enough to marry into their family probably wouldn¡¯t be much of a prize.

    Joyce had always been pampered, putting her ownfort above everything else.

    Katrina stared at her daughter in silence for a moment,pletely at a loss for words.

    After a long pause, she sighed again, her voice soft.

    ¡°Let me handle it.¡±

    As they drove home, Richard nced over at Alexander and asked,

    ¡°Joyce is pregnant, it seems. What¡¯s your take on that?¡±

    He couldn¡¯t stomach the idea of losing the Harper family¡¯s fortune.

    Joyce, with her impulsive, naive nature, was easy to manipte.

    As Katrina had warned, trying to control Dani the way they controlled Joyce was futile. Dani was not someone they could bend to their will¡ªnot now, not ever.

    Alexander stayed silent, his eyes glued to his phone.

    Richard leaned back in the back seat, his voice calm and detached.

    Your next chapter is here g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    ¡°Honestly, whether there¡¯s a child or not, it doesn¡¯t really matter to me.

    You don¡¯t love her, after all. Just treat it like taking in a stray animal¡ªdon¡¯t let itplicate things. As for who you choose to be with outside of this marriage, that¡¯s entirely up to you. I won¡¯t get in your way.¡±

    He nced at Alexander.

    ¡°So? What do you say?¡±

    Alexander, clearly uninterested, didn¡¯t look up from his phone as he answered, ¡°Whatever you say.¡±

    He had long given up any hopes or expectations for marriage. Whether it was Dani or Joyce¡ªit was just exchanging one face for another.

    To him, there was no real difference.

    That was how he had always seen it.

    Now, as he sat there, loosening his tie, he convinced himself that nothing had changed.

    If Alexander outright rejected it, Richard would push even harder. But when Alexander agreed without hesitation, Richard hesitated.

    ¡°Give it two weeks,¡± Richard said after a beat.

    ¡°If nothinges of you and Dani by then, you can marry Joyce.¡± The pregnancy didn¡¯t matter. Joyce¡¯s family would make up for it.

    In Richard¡¯s view, it was hardly a bad deal.

    What happened between Alexander and Joyce after the marriage? That wasn¡¯t his concern.

    With that thought, Richard looked out the window, his mind wandering in its own direction.

    Once he had sent Lillian to gauge Dani¡¯s feelings, Cedric didn¡¯t look away from his phone, his focus locked on the screen. For the first time ever, a hint of fear flickered within him.

    He paced restlessly across the familiar construction site, where he was known to everyone.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 154

    ?Chapter 154:

    Catching sight of the site supervisor passing by, Cedric called out, ¡°Marco, got a smoke?¡±

    Marco Pittman, a no-nonsense guy, grinned as he dug into his pocket.

    ¡°Well, I didn¡¯t expect you to ask for a smoke,¡± he remarked with his thick ent, pulling out a cigarette and offering it to Cedric.

    The workers regrly offered Cedric cigarettes, but he always declined. Most people thought he didn¡¯t smoke.

    And yet, here he was now, sitting down on the ground with a cigarette in hand.

    Still wearing his hard hat, he leaned back, staring up at the skyscraper towering before him, its sharp edges cutting into the sky.

    With a satisfied smile, Marco said, ¡°This year¡¯s shaping up nicely. We¡¯ll have something to celebratee the New Year.¡±

    Cedric stayed quiet, lost in his thoughts. Marco turned to him, grinning.

    ¡°Mr. Phillips, you¡¯re young, but you¡¯ve got the work ethic.¡±

    He shed a big thumbs-up, then added, ¡°Not many guys like you these days¡ªdown-to-earth and dependable.¡±

    Cedric gave a faint smile, the cigarette still smoldering between his fingers, not yet touched.

    ¡°But honestly, with your status as a CEO, what are you doing out here? I saw your name in the financial news.

    You¡¯re handling deals worth billions. So what brings you to the site?¡± Marco asked curiously.

    ???€$t ¡é?¦Á¦Ñ?§×§ñ? 1¦Ð FindNovel[dot

    Cedric¡¯s smile lingered as he tilted his head back, his gaze fixed on the towering structure before him. A glimmer of a smile flickered in his eyes, as though he could already see Dani stepping into the building ¡ª radiant, confident, andpletely untouched by the wind or rain.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have anyone behind me. Everything I¡¯ve built, I did it step by step, with hard work and setbacks. I¡¯ve been reckless before and spentvishly on sports cars and mansions. Had it all, but none of it felt meaningful.¡±

    His crisp white shirt was streaked with dirt, but it didn¡¯t seem to bother him.

    There was such honesty in Cedric¡¯s voice; it didn¡¯te across as boasting. It felt more raw, more sincere.

    The cigarette burned down to the filter in his hand, but he hadn¡¯t taken a single drag. He snuffed it out on the ground and said, ¡°But this project I¡¯m working on, this one feels meaningful.¡±

    In the warmth of the morning sun, Cedric shared something personal with someone he barely knew.

    Marcoughed, giving Cedric a hearty p on the back.

    ¡°You remind me of myself when I was chasing after my wife years ago. So, who¡¯s the lucky girl?¡±

    He scratched his head, thinking it might be someone from the site.

    ¡°But that doesn¡¯t make sense. With your looks and status, why would you go through all this?¡±

    Cedric let out a soft chuckle.

    ¡°She¡¯s beyond amazing. She¡¯s so extraordinary that just thinking about her feels almost wrong.¡±

    Marco let out a low whistle, teasing, ¡°Sounds like you¡¯re chasing an angel straight from the heavens!¡±

    At that moment, Cedric¡¯s phone buzzed, the notification pulling his attention away.

    Cedric lowered his head and checked the message.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 155

    ?Chapter 155:

    Lillian replied, ¡°Dani said Alexander could go to hell!¡± In an instant, Cedric¡¯s face lit up with a broad grin.

    He leapt to his feet, his mood visibly lifting. Marco, who had been observing him closely, caught the sudden shift. Just moments ago, Cedric had been restless. Now, he radiated a surge of determination and vitality.

    Marco raised an eyebrow, puzzled.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±

    Cedric stretched, his joints popping satisfyingly.

    ¡°Time to take on the world for my princess!¡±

    Marco couldn¡¯t help but smile at Cedric¡¯s enthusiasm, which was downright contagious.

    As Cedric dashed toward the construction site, Marco shouted after him, ¡°Don¡¯t forget to send me an invite to your wedding with her!¡± Cedric¡¯sughter boomed across the bustling site, full of life and promise.

    ¡°Deal!¡±

    In the midst of the chaos, Cedric¡¯s assistant maneuvered around heaps of steel and concrete, his armsden with documents.

    He was baffled at how Cedric seemed so much more content here, amid the disarray of the construction site, than in the tranquility of his plush office.

    At Elite Lux,

    L??e$? ??¦¤T??R? 1¦Ð ???lnovels.c??m

    Lillian copsed onto Dani¡¯s desk with a dramatic ir, her chin propped on her folded arms.

    ¡°Are you seriously going to just brush off Alexander like that?¡±

    Dani nced up from the paperwork in her hand, one eyebrow arching in skepticism.

    ¡°Do you honestly think I¡¯ve lost my senses?¡± Dani had zero interest in rehashing old grievances with Alexander or considering the North District project as some sort ofpensation for bygone favors.

    What could he possibly do if she refused? Take legal action?

    Lillian asked, ¡°So, what about the past? The sketches and all that¡­ Are you really ready to dismiss it all?¡±

    During Dani¡¯s previous, infatuationden phase, Lillian had been genuinely rmed, dreading that Dani might surrender the North District project to Alexander out of some residual affection. Such a decision would crush Cedric.

    To Lillian¡¯s relief, Dani seemed more rational and detached than ever.

    With a nonchnt shrug, Dani dismissed the concerns.

    ¡°Forget about it. Anyway, we¡¯ve got to visit the North District site this afternoon. I need to oversee the progress myself. It¡¯s going to be Elite Lux¡¯s gship domestic branch, so it has to be wless.¡±

    Lillian opened her mouth to reply when suddenly, the sharp ring of the secretary¡¯s call interrupted them.

    ¡°Miss Harper, two gentlemen asserting they¡¯re your uncles have arrived. One calls himself Ronald, the other Wyatt. In the brief ten minutes since their arrival, they¡¯ve managed to clear out the snack tray in the lounge. Actually, they¡¯ve shoved snacks into their pockets.¡±

    Dani¡¯s brow furrowed in annoyance.

    ¡°Inform them I¡¯m tied up in a meeting. I¡¯m unavable today.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 156

    ?Chapter 156:

    These individuals were no different from Caiden¡ªcut from the same cloth.

    Back when her mother was still alive, they had whispered harshly about her, branding her as domineering and maniptive, and they didn¡¯t hesitate to spread those tales to anyone outside the family circle. After her mother¡¯s death, not one of them had bothered to show up at her funeral.

    Yet when Katrina had married into the family, they had draped over her, calling her ¡°sister-inw¡± with a cloying sweetness that was almost repulsive.

    Over the years, Dani had distanced herself from these rtives and had no desire to bridge that gap now.

    Her prioritiesy elsewhere¡ªsigning more contracts and boosting thepany¡¯s bottom line was far more appealing.

    Once Dani ended the call, the secretary stepped into the lounge, wearing a practiced, polite smile.

    ¡°I¡¯m terribly sorry, but Miss Harper is currently engaged in a meeting and will be upied for the remainder of the day. Unfortunately, she won¡¯t be able to meet with you.¡±

    Ronald¡¯s brow furrowed as he turned to Wyatt, his toneced with disbelief.

    ¡°Seriously? What the hell is her problem? We¡¯re her damn uncles, for crying out loud!¡±

    Wyatt rose to his feet, his voice firm as he addressed the assistant.

    L?t§Öst ch¦Ápt?rs in g??lnovels.??m

    ¡°Pass this along to Dani: because of her, we¡¯ve severed ties with Katrina. We¡¯re backing Dani now. She needs toe down and see us.¡±

    The assistant kept a courteous smile stered on her face.

    ¡°I¡¯ll convey your message, gentlemen, but as I mentioned earlier, Miss Harper is engaged in a meeting and really can¡¯t spare any time today.¡±

    Wyatt¡¯s expression darkened as he turned to Ronald.

    ¡°What do we do now? Are we really just going to walk out like this?¡±

    Ronald leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper, tinged with urgency.

    ¡°Walk out? Are you out of your mind? Katrina is no help with the jobs at Elite Lux. If we don¡¯t talk to Dani, we¡¯re going to end up jobless and destitute! We stay right here, even if it takes all day. If she won¡¯t talk here in the lounge, we¡¯ll confront her in the parking lot. Dani managed to secure a position for Joyce. Why the hell can¡¯t she do the same for us? Aren¡¯t we her family too?¡±

    Standing in the parking lot, Wyatt scowled, his irritation clear.

    ¡°Why am I the one dealing with Dani¡¯s mood swings? It¡¯s your wife who couldn¡¯t keep her mouth shut and upset Katrina. How¡¯s that my problem?¡±

    Ronald turned, his disbelief evident.

    ¡°Not your problem? Are you kidding me? Do you think Katrina¡¯s a fool? She¡¯s as stuck-up as theye, always putting Joyce on a pedestal. Do you really believe she¡¯d go out of her way to ask Dani to help you? Keep dreaming. Just wait and watch!¡±

    Wyatt let out a heavy sigh, his frustration matching Ronald¡¯s. With so many mouths to feed at home, being jobless wasn¡¯t an option. They¡¯d be drowning in bills. If things weren¡¯t so dire, he wouldn¡¯t have stooped to asking Dani for a favor.

    ¡°Ronald, do you really think Dani will help us after all the crap we¡¯ve said about her and her mother?¡± Wyatt asked.

    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t she?¡± Ronald scoffed, his bulky frame shaking with disdain.

    ¡°If Joyce cannd a cushy job, why not us? We¡¯re her uncles! And if she refuses, I¡¯ll cause a media uproar. She¡¯s a CEO¡ªher reputation matters. She¡¯ll have no choice but to give us something. If Joyce can be a director, we deserve nothing less than a top role, maybe even a CEO gig!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 157

    ?Chapter 157:

    Wyatt¡¯s face lit up, a glimmer of hope flickering in his eyes.

    Dani had stayed at workte that evening. The moment she stepped out of the elevator, she noticed two familiar faces waiting near the entrance.

    The underground parking garage was nearly empty, the silence broken only by the soft echo of her heels.

    ¡°Do you need something?¡± she asked, instinctively stepping back into the elevator.

    Before she could close the doors, Ronald¡¯s hand shot out, holding them open.

    ¡°What¡¯s with the hesitation, Dani? It¡¯s just us¡ªfamily. We stopped by your office earlier, but you were tied up. Thought we¡¯d catch you here since it¡¯s on your way out,¡± Ronald said with an overly cheerful grin, keeping the doors from shutting.

    Wyatt chimed in, nodding eagerly.

    ¡°Long day, huh, Dani? You must be exhausted.¡± Reaching into his pocket, he produced some snacks he¡¯d pocketed from the waiting room earlier.

    ¡°Here, have a bite.¡±

    Dani gave a faint smile, already calcting her limited options. At this hour, help wasn¡¯t exactly on standby. With steadyposure, she stepped out of the elevator and asked, ¡°Alright, what do you want?¡±

    Ronald trailed behind as Dani walked to her car. The moment their eyes fell on her limited-edition luxury vehicle, the two brothers exchanged wide-eyed looks of disbelief.

    A car worth millions, and she treated it like just another ride? The extravagance floored them.

    Spotting the opulence, Ronald¡¯s hopes of securing a job grew even stronger.

    FindNovel  hosts great stories

    Smiling slyly, he said, ¡°Alright, Dani, let¡¯s cut to the chase.

    You got Joyce a job, didn¡¯t you? Well, we¡¯re family too. Isn¡¯t it only fair you help us out as well?¡±

    Dani didn¡¯t even break her stride at his words. She was already standing beside her car. For a moment, she stayed silent.

    Wyatt added eagerly, ¡°Exactly, we¡¯re family! You can¡¯t just favor Joyce. Don¡¯t forget when¡­¡±

    He fumbled, trying to recall some past favor they¡¯d done for Dani, but his mind came up empty. The awkward silence only made his embarrassment worse.

    Ronald gave Wyatt an exasperated look and shoved him aside. Turning to Dani, he said, ¡°Listen, Dani, when you were a kid, we were the ones looking out for you. Don¡¯t let money make you forget your family. One day, when you¡¯re in trouble, it¡¯s us you¡¯ll need, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Dani¡¯s eyes dropped for a moment.

    Family? Really?

    She remembered when her mother had jumped off that building. The doctor had asked for help with the stretcher, but these two didn¡¯t lift a finger.

    In the end, it was a stranger who stepped in to help.

    The years hadn¡¯t dulled the memory of their cold, disdainful expressions. They were burned into her mind.

    That was the moment when she felt utterly powerless, surrounded by her so-called family. Ronald had whispered cruelly, ¡°Why would shemit suicide? Did she cheat on her husband?¡±

    Wyatt had sneered.

    ¡°Who knows? Always unting her fancy clothes and acting so important. Who knows how many men she¡¯s been involved with?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 158

    ?Chapter 158:

    And now, here they were, iming to be ¡°family.¡±

    Ronald, noticing her silence, decided to y tough. He scowled and said, ¡°Dani, let me make this clear¡ªwe¡¯re not here to beg. If Joyce gets something, we expect the same. If not, we¡¯ll make sure everyone knows how you turned your back on your family. Elite Lux just made its big return, and you wouldn¡¯t want bad press, would you? I know how much people like you value their image.¡±

    Ronald was always full of big talk. He¡¯d spent a few years as a midlevel manager before running his mouth and getting fired. In his mind, his argument made perfect sense.

    Wyatt, as usual, just nodded in agreement.

    Ronald¡¯s fists were balled up, his eyes burning with fury. Every muscle in his body was coiled tight, as though he was seconds away from charging at anyone who dared provoke him.

    Dani stood poised and unbothered, a soft smile ying on her lips. She was dressed in a stunning white gown from Elite Lux¡¯s collection. The dress hugged her tall, elegant frame, the tailoring emphasizing her every curve, while pearls dangled from her ears, highlighting her glowingplexion with understated elegance.

    Ronald and Wyatt gritted their teeth, doing everything they could to force Dani into a corner.

    At the sight of approaching security, Ronald¡¯s gaze turned cold as he leaned closer to Dani, his voice low and menacing.

    ¡°We¡¯re at rock bottom, Dani, and we¡¯ve got nothing to fear from someone with so much to lose. My debts are stacking up, my family¡¯s out of work, and we¡¯re barely scraping by. If you don¡¯t give me an answer today, it¡¯s simple: either you¡¯ll be six feet under, or I¡¯ll climb to the top of the building and end it all! Blood will spill in front of your precious tower, and then let¡¯s see how well your business runs after that!¡± He knew how to make a threat feel real.

    Discover your escape on g  aln ov el s

    Dani nearly apuded his dramatic performance.

    Lillian, who had just entered, shot them a disapproving look.

    She was about to snap when Dani held up a hand to stop her. Turning slightly, Dani winked at her and said in a teasing, yet firm tone, ¡°These are my uncles, Lillian. Show a little respect.¡±

    Lillian blinked, momentarily taken aback, but quickly understood the cue. With a quiet ¡°okay,¡± she stepped back, folding her arms across her chest.

    When Dani faced Ronald and Wyatt again, her demeanor became more sincere.

    Ronald and Wyatt were momentarily caught off guard, but their smirks quickly resurfaced.

    Internally, Ronald couldn¡¯t contain his satisfaction. No matter how sessful Dani was, he knew she was still beneath him. His chest swelled with pride, certain that he had the upper hand. Wyatt watched Ronald with admiration, clearly impressed by what he thought were top-tier negotiation tactics.

    ¡°I always knew you were sharp. Smarter than Katrina and Joyce, for sure. Now, let¡¯s cut to the chase. What role can you get us?¡±

    Ronald misread Dani¡¯s calmness as a sign of defeat, his confidence growing.

    His whole attitude screamed victory, as if the battle was already over.

    Behind Dani, Lillian couldn¡¯t hide her contempt. She rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed. They were the ones begging. How could they be so clueless about their own situation?

    Dani stayed asposed as always, her voice polite yet unwavering.

    ¡°I¡¯ve always recognized your potential.

    You just need to find the right opportunities. Otherwise, you would have been in roles like manager, president, or even chairman by now.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 159

    ?Chapter 159:

    Even Ronald, who usually exuded arrogance, was momentarily taken aback. But as her words resonated, he found himself agreeing.

    ¡°Exactly! It¡¯s not that we don¡¯t have the skills, it¡¯s just that no one¡¯s ever truly recognized our potential.¡±

    Wyatt, in contrast, was ovee with emotion. His eyes welled up as he looked at Dani.

    ¡°That¡¯s what family does! We understand each other.

    You¡¯ve always seen what we¡¯re capable of.¡±

    Dani gave a slight nod, her smile unshaken.

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    Ronald wasn¡¯tpletely sold, though. Narrowing his eyes, he asked, ¡°What about the sry?¡±

    Dani raised a finger.

    ¡°Your annual sry? It¡¯s this much.¡±

    Wyatt hesitated, his voice uncertain.

    ¡°Ten thousand?¡± It didn¡¯t seem like a lot.

    Dani¡¯s smile widened.

    ¡°One million.¡±

    ?@???? ??@t?¨¨?? ¨ª¨½ ??????????????????.??????

    Ronald¡¯s mouth fell open.

    ¡°What? One million?¡±

    The jobs they had been barely scraping by with only brought in fifty or sixty thousand a year.

    Yet, Dani was offering a million right away. Ronald nodded eagerly, his face lighting up with greed.

    ¡°Deal! We¡¯ll start work tomorrow. One million it is!¡±

    Wyatt, just as thrilled, nodded enthusiastically, his mind racing at the thought of such a massive paycheck.

    A million!

    ¡°Work, you said? I¡¯m afraid that¡¯s not going to happen.¡± While they were still basking in the excitement of their imagined victory, Dani smoothly opened the car door and motioned for Lillian to get in.

    Ronald¡¯s smile wavered as he watched her settle into the car. His brow furrowed, and his voice turned serious.

    ¡°What do you mean? Are you messing with us?¡±

    ¡°Of course not.

    You just said it yourself. I should arrange jobs for my family.¡±

    Ronald gave a quick nod.

    ¡°Correct.¡±

    Dani¡¯s face grew serious.

    ¡°Familyes first for me. Look at Joyce, for example. She¡¯s utterly useless, and she can¡¯t do a single thing.

    Yet, I still offered her this much.¡±

    She held up a finger again.

    Ronald¡¯s eyes widened, thinking Dani was talking about one million for Joyce.

    Dani¡¯s voice softened, pretending to feel regret, her longshes fluttering downward.

    ¡°But after Joyce joined Elite Lux, Caiden cut all ties with me as his daughter.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 160

    ?Chapter 160:

    Ronald¡¯s and Wyatt¡¯s eyes went wide in shock.

    Dani continued, ¡°So we¡¯re no longer family. And because of that, I can¡¯t justify helping you or arranging jobs for you. I just don¡¯t get why Katrina had to do this. I had already agreed to let Joyce join thepany, but still, she made Caiden sever ties with me. As for me, I¡¯m okay. I¡¯ve got enough money, plenty of people around, and more than enough friends. But you two, and the rest of the family¡­ Without that connection, there¡¯s nothing I can do. My hands are tied.¡±

    Starting the car with a careful hint of regret, she went on, ¡°I suppose the next time we meet, it wouldn¡¯t be right for me to call you ¡®uncles¡¯ anymore. Anyway, I¡¯ll be on my way now. Take care.¡±

    With that, Dani revved the engine, and the car sped away, leaving behind only a cloud of exhaust.

    Ronald¡¯s and Wyatt¡¯s expressions contorted with fury.

    ¡°That damn Katrina!¡± Wyatt hissed, his voice tight with anger as he ground his teeth.

    ¡°She shoved her daughter into the spotlight and left us in the dust!¡±

    Ronald, barely able to contain his rage, struck the wall with his fist.

    ¡°Katrina, you yed us dirty! Don¡¯t expect us to just sit back and take¡­¡±

    Lillian leaned back in the passenger seat, herughter so uncontroble that she had to clutch her stomach to keep from doubling over.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s, where the best stories live

    ¡°They¡¯re unbelievable! How can they be that clueless? But, Dani, that was pure genius! You flipped everything onto them so smoothly!¡±

    Dani gave a small smile, keeping her focus on the road.

    ¡°I¡¯ll let them deal with their own mess.¡±

    If not for the endlessplications, Dani would¡¯ve changed herst name by now.

    Lillian couldn¡¯t stop giggling. But as time passed, herughter slowly faded away. She looked out the window.

    ¡°Where are we headed?¡±

    Dani answered, ¡°I¡¯ve got some free time, so I figured I¡¯d stop by North District to check on the progress. It¡¯s been hectictely, and you and Ryan have been doing most of the heavy lifting.

    You both deserve a break.¡±

    At this, Lillian froze. She quickly grabbed her phone to text Cedric, but there was no response.

    Meanwhile, Dani parked the car with ease and unbuckled her seatbelt. She noticed Lillian fidgeting ufortably beside her.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on with you?¡± she asked, a little confused.

    Lillian stumbled over her words.

    The moment Dani stepped out of the car, she instantly knew what was going on.

    Beneath the skeletal structure of a half-built high-rise, a man in a hard hat was giving orders to workers adjusting ropes high above.

    ¡°Pull tighter! That¡¯s it! Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve got an eye on things from down here.¡±

    From the sound of his voice, Dani knew exactly who it was. The man stood with his back to her,pletely oblivious to Dani¡¯s presence as she watched from a distance.

    His white shirt was marked with yellow stains, and one of his pant legs was rolled up to his knee. His leather shoes were stuck deep in the thick mud. The width of his shoulders made Dani pause briefly, her mind wandering.

    Lillian, who had been standing beside her, quietly broke the stillness.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 161

    ?Chapter 161:

    ¡°Dani?¡± she whispered.

    ¡°How long has this been happening?¡± Dani asked, without looking away from Cedric.

    Lillian hesitated, aware there was no way to hide it anymore.

    Before Lillian could speak, Dani stated, ¡°So Cedric is the one backing Tyler¡¯spany.¡±

    It wasn¡¯t a question, but a statement.

    Lillian shifted uneasily and rubbed her hands together.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± she confessed.

    Dani¡¯s hand, resting at her side, clenched into a fist.

    She remained still for a while. But just before Cedric could turn and see her, she turned and slid back into the car.

    ¡°You should¡¯ve told me earlier,¡± she said, gripping the steering wheel tightly.

    ¡°Cedric didn¡¯t want us to tell you. He didn¡¯t want to be a burden.¡±

    ¡°Honestly, he wasn¡¯t wrong,¡± Dani replied with a sigh.

    ¡°It does feel like a burden.¡± She really hated being in a position where she owed someone a favor¡ªespecially when she wasn¡¯t sure if she could ever return the kindness.

    The very idea unsettled her. Dani had been burned before, her heart broken by love.

    She knew better than anyone how deeply disappointment could wound a person, how it could tear them apart. She didn¡¯t want Cedric to go through that same kind of pain.

    g¦Á ? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s has it all

    Back at the office, Dani asked Ryan for the budget report.

    Numbers were her forte. It didn¡¯t take her long¡ªjust over an hour¡ªand she had gone through the numbers, recalcting everything. By the time Cedric rushed into the office, she had already set her pen down.

    He was still in the same dirt-streaked clothes from earlier, panting as if he¡¯d sprinted all the way there.

    The office was dimly lit, with only the deskmp casting a soft glow. Dani lifted her eyes to find Cedric standing in the doorway, his shadow stretching long across the floor from the hallway lights behind him.

    He stepped inside, quickly rolling down the sleeves he¡¯d pushed up earlier, clearly trying to gather himself. He paused in front of her desk, his voice steady but urgent.

    ¡°I can exin.¡±

    As he spoke, Cedric¡¯s gaze drifted to the scattered papers on her desk, each one covered with columns of handwritten numbers.

    His eyes narrowed as he recognized them immediately¡ªthe actual figures from the project¡¯s ounts.

    They were nothing like the ones Ryan had handed in earlier.

    ¡°Listen, as for the building materials, most of theme from Phillips Group. Since we¡¯re old ssmates, I¡¯ve been giving you factory rates. I¡¯m still making a profit, so it¡¯s fair,¡± Cedric stated, adjusting his posture just a bit. Despite his reputation as a tough, no-nonsense business tycoon, he suddenly seemed uncertain, almost regretful.

    Dani didn¡¯t respond. She didn¡¯t even bother taking off the anti-fatigue sses resting on her nose. Her quiet, steady gaze seemed to weigh heavily on him, and he shifted ufortably under it.

    ¡°Construction can be tricky,¡± he quickly added, his voice now a bit more shaky.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 162

    ?Chapter 162:

    ¡°I¡¯ve been in this industry long enough to know how it works, Dani. Some parts need top-notch materials, while others don¡¯t. I¡¯ve made sure to bnce things out to keep costs down. Believe me, the profit here is more than fair.¡±

    Still silent, Dani watched him. Cedric began to fidget, wiping the sweat forming on his forehead.

    She took off her sses, grabbed a tissue from the desk, and handed it over to him. Cedric epted it, using it to wipe his forehead.

    She gave him a slight, almost tired smile.

    ¡°The more you talk, the more it feels like you¡¯re just trying toe off as innocent.¡±

    His eyes widened in surprise.

    ¡°What? No! That¡¯s not true!¡±

    His voice dropped, carrying a note of grievance, as if the usation stung him deeply.

    Dani rested her chin on her hand and motioned for him to take a seat across from her.

    After he sat down, she pushed a sheet of paper towards him.

    ¡°This is the payment schedule from here on out.¡±

    Cedric didn¡¯t even spare a nce at the paper, quickly blurting out, ¡°That¡¯s not needed.¡±

    ???€$? ?§ß???€?$ 1? g??l??ov?l??.????m

    Dani inteced her fingers on the desk and looked him in the eye.

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll just cancel the contract.¡±

    She grabbed her calctor, tapping it with a small frown.

    ¡°Let me figure out what I owe you for the penalties.¡±

    Cedric went still, a chill creeping in. No matter how sharp he was in business, Dani always had a way of trapping himpletely.

    ¡°Fine. Let me at least offer you a discount.¡±

    ¡°Seriously, you don¡¯t need to do this.¡±

    Just then, Ryan stepped into the room, catching the moment. It wasn¡¯t exactlymon to see someone turning down money like that.

    Dani meticulously calcted the final settlement figures and presented Cedric with an impressive 80% profit margin.

    She further sweetened the deal by reserving five expansive floors in the uing skyscraper for Phillips Group¡¯s office space. Cedric, fervently punching numbers into his calctor, suddenly realized his oversight¡ªhis good fortune had inadvertentlye at a cost.

    As he stepped out of the building, a veil of frustration shadowed his expression.

    Numbers were her yground, and his skills simply couldn¡¯t match her extraordinary intellect.

    Lillian couldn¡¯t hold back her frustration any longer.

    ¡°Honestly, Cedric, you¡¯re acting like a total coward! What¡¯s got you so terrified?¡±

    Ryan observed the exchange with keen interest, his arms folded tightly against his chest.

    Lillian continued, ¡°Just open up to her! Admit you¡¯re smitten.

    You¡¯re clearly putting in the effort; so what¡¯s holding you back? See how she takes it! Or are you really just going to hide behind this ¡®just friends¡¯ facade?¡±

    Cedric¡¯s frustration reached its peak.

    ¡°I want to confess, I really do. But every time I approach her, her piercing gaze and her unyielding grasp of the data intimidate me. I¡¯m used to the rough and tumble of construction sites, not the sharp world of numbers. Each time I try to speak, her incisive stare cuts me off. What can I do?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 163

    ?Chapter 163:

    Lillian exhaled sharply, frustration evident in her voice.

    ¡°Cedric, I can¡¯t believe how shy you be around her!¡±

    Once Cedric had departed, Lillian shook her head disapprovingly. Ryan, tilting his head and wearing a mischievous grin, inquired, ¡°Didn¡¯t you have reservations about Cedric before? You used to say he was too aloof.¡±

    ¡°Yes, and my feelings haven¡¯t changed,¡± Lillian retorted, her tone a mix of irritation and resignation.

    Dani was a survivor of a troubled past. She wore a smile like a mask, yet beneath it, she was distant and detached, her childhood wounds far too deep for any wealth to mend. And Cedric? He had plunged into the corporate world on his own, adept at unmasking the true intentions of those around him. Could someone like that truly possess warmth?

    The notion of two such detached souls together seemed doomed. Rather than warming each other, they were likely to pull each other further into the cold. How could they possibly make a good match? Lillian sighed, her voice softening.

    ¡°But watching Cedric act so humble, I can¡¯t help but feel a pang of pity for him.¡±

    Despite this, Cedric behaved as though he had the upper hand.

    Such foolishness!

    Once her reflection ended, Lillian questioned Ryan, ¡°Why do you back Cedric so fiercely? Has he promised you something?¡±

    g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s, where stories thrive

    Ryan drew his sweatshirt¡¯s hood over his head, casting his features into shadow.

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Then why¡­?¡±

    ¡°Because, on the day Dani married, I saw him cry.¡±

    Stunned, Lillian fell silent.

    Without another word, Ryan turned and walked away.

    Lillian stood against the sharp, biting wind, her mind reeling from the unexpected sight of Cedric¡ªa normallyposed man¡ªvisibly crying.

    Alexander was waiting for Dani¡¯s reply.

    At breakfast, Richard had maintained hisposure.

    ¡°Today, you need to ask Dani whether she¡¯ll give you the contract, or if she intends to remain indebted to you. Should she choose thetter, suggest remarriage.¡±

    Alexander bowed his head, his turbulent emotions now quelled.

    ¡°But the person Dani cherished from her childhood wasn¡¯t¡­¡±

    ¡°Wasn¡¯t who? It was you! Dani has harbored feelings for you for many years. Does the truth even matter at this point? Feelings are the most deceiving of all. Don¡¯t let them lead you astray. Confront Dani today. If she refuses, then marrying Joyce isn¡¯t such a terrible fallback.¡±

    Although Richard always put thepany first, he secretly believed that Dani¡¯s affection for Alexander wasn¡¯t just a relic of the past.

    Her sentimental heart hadn¡¯t been hardened by their separation.

    She surely still held Alexander in high esteem.

    As long as she harbored love for him in her heart, there was hope that all could be mended.

    Alexander avoided Elite Lux; he had no desire to have his true intentions discovered by Dani.

    With the knowledge that Dani was due at a social function that evening, he cleverly picked the same restaurant to dine in, setting the stage for an inadvertent encounter.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 164

    ?Chapter 164:

    The construction team was already at the restaurant when Dani walked in, her arrival leaving them momentarily speechless, captivated by hermanding aura.

    At the toast, Cedric presented her with a ss of juice and clinked his ss against hers.

    With a conspiratorial grin, he leaned towards the foreman and whispered, ¡°Let¡¯s keep the evening light for her; alcohol tends to cloud her bright spirit.¡±

    His voice dripped with an overt protective charm. It wasmon knowledge among the construction team that Cedric¡¯s involvement in their project was deeply tied to Dani.

    With genuine smiles, the workers toasted.

    ¡°Ms. Harper, we¡¯ll give it our all! You can rely on us!¡±

    As the president of a powerful and expansivepany, Dani graciously invited them to avish dinner. Her warm smile and effortless charm filled the room, though she knew full well that she couldn¡¯t prevent Cedric from visiting the site. This dinner was her subtle way of paving the path for him to earn the trust and camaraderie of the workers.

    Marco Pittman, the foreman, observed their interactions, his expression one of content satisfaction.

    The evening concluded with everyone feeling uplifted and jovial.

    Dani approached the counter to settle the bill, only to discover that Cedric had preemptively taken care of it. She then excused herself to the restroom, unaware that she was about to encounter Alexander upon her return.

    I??§Ö$§ä ¡é#¦Áp?¨º§ñs I§Ú galno¦Íels

    Alexander¡¯s eyes were cold as he fixed his gaze on Dani.

    ¡°Are you seeing Cedric now?¡±

    Dani,pletely sober, washed her hands before replying, ¡°Mr. Bet, is there something you require?¡±

    Alexander¡¯s tone hardened as he pressed on.

    ¡°I asked you a question! Are you and Cedric seeing each other now?¡±

    He understood Dani¡¯s character deeply. Unless her heart was engaged, she wouldn¡¯t have a meal with a construction team just to be near Cedric.

    ¡°No,¡± Dani responded truthfully.

    ¡°Then what are your intentions?¡±

    Maintaining herposure, Dani replied calmly, ¡°Regarding what exactly?¡±

    ¡°Concerning your feelings,¡± Alexander stated, his stare prating.

    ¡°About us.¡±

    Dani kept her calm.

    ¡°I¡¯ve moved on.¡±

    Alexander narrowed his eyes.

    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±

    Dani responded simply, ¡°Exactly what it sounds like.¡±

    Alexander gave a slight nod.

    ¡°And what about you and Cedric?¡±

    Dani¡¯s tone was icy.

    ¡°That¡¯s none of your concern.¡±

    ¡°How could it not matter? You¡¯re my ex-wife! It¡¯s my responsibility to evaluate the men you pick!¡± Even Alexander realized how absurd that sounded.

    Dani, unfazed, said calmly, ¡°I¡¯m perfectly capable of handling it myself.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 165

    ?Chapter 165:

    Alexander nodded again.

    ¡°Fine, let¡¯s move on. As per ourst conversation, you¡¯re handing over the North District deal to settle some old childhood debt?¡±

    Dani¡¯s lips curved into a faint smile at his remark. Slowly raising her eyes to meet his, she said, ¡°You and I both know if you were truly that boy from back then¡­¡±

    Alexander¡¯s face froze, the words striking him harder than he expected. A wave of mortification washed over him, leaving him utterly speechless.

    He stood there, rooted in ce, struggling to muster a response. It felt like an eternity before he finally managed to lift his gaze.

    That single, fleeting nce was all Dani needed.

    Until now, she had her doubts, but in this moment, she knew for sure. Dani¡¯s smile turned cold, almost mocking.

    ¡°Alexander, you¡¯ve really let me down.¡±

    Her eyes were slightly red as she spoke, but it wasn¡¯t because of Alexander. It was the weight of the unwaveringmitment she had poured into everything over the past ten years, the years that now felt as if they had been erased in an instant.

    Without another word, Dani turned and began walking away. Alexander stayed rooted in ce, his eyes locked on her retreating figure, watching her slowly fade into the distance.

    Just as her figure was about to disappear, panic surged through him. He yelled desperately, ¡°Dani! Stop being so difficult! You¡¯re just making excuses to hold on to that North District contract. I am the boy from ten years ago. I helped you out of your depression, and you owe me for the rest of your life!¡±

    Alexander¡¯s words rang out, but Dani simply kept walking, unbothered.

    ????t??st ch??pt??rs in g??lno¦Íels.??????

    Struck by her indifference, Alexander took a few staggered steps back. His fists tightened, the pressure of panic flooding his chest. The realization hit him like a jolt¡ªhe was terrified that Dani might nevere back, that he had already lost her for good.

    Everything he¡¯d hidden¡ªhis lies, his motives¡ªwere now exposed to her.

    She regarded him coldly, as though he were nothing more than a fool. Pride coursed through Alexander¡¯s veins, and he couldn¡¯t bear to ept the humiliation.

    He turned and stumbled off, unable to face the truth any longer.

    Meanwhile, Cedric, waiting in the private room, finally emerged after a while. He caught the tail end of Alexander¡¯s shouting, but the creak of the door behind him drowned out the rest of the words. Cedric couldn¡¯t make out what Alexander had been yelling.

    From the bits he could hear, it sounded like it had something to do with events from a decade ago.

    Just then, Dani walked in, and he asked, ¡°Was Alexander here? What was all that shouting about?¡±

    Dani opened the door to the private room, her voice calm.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mind him. He¡¯s just being his usual over-the-top self.¡±

    If there had been even the faintest trace of feeling for Alexander before, it was gone now.

    She couldn¡¯t bring herself to remember the time wasted on him over the past ten years. She was too sharp to get lost in the past; she understood the importance of moving forward, of never looking back.

    Back at home, Richard was already in high spirits, celebrating.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 166

    ?Chapter 166:

    This was how things had always gone.

    No matter how ridiculous Alexander¡¯s requests were, Dani would always cave in.

    This time, it was just a contract¡ªhardly a challenge for Dani to refuse.

    The idea of Dani bing his daughter-inw again brought Richard a great sense of satisfaction.

    Once Dani remarried Alexander, Elite Lux would bepletely under his control. She would stay at home, raising kids and supporting her husband, while Alexander would take over Elite Lux gradually. By the time she noticed, Elite Lux would already be entirely in the hands of the Bet family.

    At that point, who couldpete with Bet Group in the entire country?

    Richard had been eagerly awaiting this moment for so long.

    He chuckled to himself, but hisughter was cut short when the front door suddenly swung open, and Alexander stepped inside.

    Still smiling, Richard looked at him and asked, ¡°When are you heading to Elite Lux to sign the contract?¡±

    Alexander, frustrated, yanked at his tie as he exined what had happened.

    Richard¡¯s brow furrowed as he quickly asked, ¡°After you yelled all that, how did Dani react?¡±

    Alexander¡¯s eyes dropped, his mind still racing with confusion and panic.

    Every chapter lives on g a lno vels ;m

    ¡°She ignored me. I¡¯m not even sure if she heard me.¡± Dani had changed so much.

    In the past, her emotions were always clear, easy for him to read. Now, he couldn¡¯t even tell what she was feeling, let alone her thoughts.

    Richard squinted, his voice low.

    ¡°Then she¡¯s still unsure. I¡¯ll figure something out.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s grip tightened as he reyed the image of Dani in the corridor over and over, feeling helpless to change anything.

    She must have seen right through him. Otherwise, why would she be so distant and cold?

    Richard took a long drag from his cigarette before turning to Alexander.

    ¡°The secret spot in the tree Dani talked about¡­ Was it at the Harper family¡¯s vi?¡±

    Alexander gave a brief nod.

    Richard fell silent for a moment, then spoke.

    ¡°Since that¡¯s where everything happened, there might still be clues there. Dani¡¯s room could have some traces left. No one else ispeting for the role of the boy from that year, so if you say the right things, you can win her over!¡± Even if Alexander couldn¡¯t convince her, at least she wouldn¡¯tpletely reject him.

    Alexander needed to act quickly and remarry her before Dani realized everything.

    After remarriage, everything would be much simpler. Her assets would be Alexander¡¯s, and the Bet family could take control. Having made up his mind, Richard quickly reached out to Katrina, telling her that he wanted to pay them a visit.

    Katrina, excited by the unexpected news, assumed Richard wasing to talk about the marriage between Alexander and Joyce. She was thrilled by the thought of it and eagerly opened the door, ready to wee the Bet family with open arms.

    Joyce shifted ufortably on the couch.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 167

    ?Chapter 167:

    ¡°Mom, why do you think Alexander wille?¡±

    With a knowing chuckle, Katrina replied, ¡°He probably got rejected by Dani. Do you really think the Bet family hasn¡¯t considered all their options? At the end of the day, they¡¯re eyeing our fortune.¡±

    A knot of unease tightened in Joyce¡¯s chest. She harbored fears that Alexander might scorn her, and beyond that, she was troubled by the thought that he might not treat her child with kindness.

    It wasn¡¯t until Katrina reassured her that the Harper family¡¯s fortune would be in her child¡¯s name and that she¡¯d take care of the child herself that Joyce¡¯s tension eased slightly.

    Caiden furrowed his brow upon hearing that.

    The thought of taking care of a child was the furthest thing from his mind.

    He had no interest in a life cluttered with the chaos of diapers and nursery rhymes.

    Yet, he kept his feelings to himself for the moment.

    ncing over at Joyce¡¯s belly, Caiden realized this child wasn¡¯t connected to him by blood. Was he about to endow his vast fortune to someone who wasn¡¯t even his own kin?

    Joyce living in his house and using his money was one thing. He couldn¡¯t take his wealth with him beyond the grave. But the thought of leaving it all to an outsider sent a chill down his spine. The child did not share his blood.

    The more Caiden dwelled on this fact, the deeper his difort grew. And if Joyce ever married, her allegiance would inevitably pivot to her husband¡¯s family, relegating him, her stepfather, to an ever more peripheral role in her life.

    Something about the situation just didn¡¯t sit right with him, no matter how he pondered it.

    Explore captivating tales on FindNovel .

    He trudged toward the garden, his mood somber, and called back to Katrina that he was off to pick up Richard and Alexander.

    Katrina, oblivious to the storm brewing in Caiden¡¯s mind, brightly reassured Joyce.

    ¡°See how eager your father is to embrace a grandchild someday. Don¡¯t worry, Joyce. Everything in this house belongs to you and your child¡ªno one can im it otherwise.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s pace faltered as he stepped outside. For an inexplicable reason, he nced back over his shoulder.

    In the living room, illuminated by the bright lights, Katrina¡¯s face was heavily made up, her eyes alight with pride and her smile wide with a hint of smug superiority.

    Memories flooded back to Caiden unexpectedly, recalling the summer Katrina first became a part of the Harper family.

    He hade home to retrieve some documents during lunchtime.

    He saw Dani perched at the top of the stairs while Joyce, seated at the grand dining table with a bib tied neatly around her neck, dered insistently, ¡°I want egg custard!¡±

    The maid shed a smile and suggested, ¡°You¡¯ve had a lot of egg custard today. Perhaps you¡¯d prefer some fish instead?¡±

    Joyce¡¯s mood soured instantly. She ripped off her bib and began to wail loudly.

    Katrina shot the maid a fierce look and defiantly carried the whole te of egg custards to Joyce, who devoured them with enthusiasm.

    At that moment, Caiden hadn¡¯t really been paying attention.

    It was just a bowl of egg custard, after all.

    Yet now, as he reminisced about the incident, he remembered seeing Dani, whose te bore nothing but a few scant leaves of vegetables.

    During that time, Dani had shed her baby fat at an rming rate.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 168

    ?Chapter 168:

    But he had failed to take note.

    Looking back, the maid¡¯s reserved expression, Katrina¡¯s self-satisfied smirk, and Dani¡¯s silent eptance all seemed to underscore Dani¡¯s unhappiness.

    That year, Dani was merely five years old.

    Yet, in the face of such inequity, she did not weep or make a fuss.

    Reflecting on it, Caiden couldn¡¯t fathom why the image of Dani¡¯s small hands clutching a terger than her face now struck him so profoundly.

    A torrent of feelings overwhelmed Caiden.

    In the garden, the gardeners were conversing.

    ¡°Alexander Bet is on his way. Seems like he¡¯s here to propose an engagement to Joyce.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s expecting, and he still pursues her?¡±

    ¡°For the affluent, money can buy almost anything, can¡¯t it? Moreover, since Dani has severed her ties with her family, all properties in this home will soon be Joyce¡¯s. The Bet family is shrewd in their dealings. They clearly recognize the advantage in this arrangement.¡±

    ¡°In my opinion, everyone¡¯s adept at making calctions¡ªeveryone except Caiden. Dani is his flesh and blood, his own daughter. How could he possibly disown her? She¡¯s both talented andpassionate. Should he ever face adversity, she would undoubtedlye to his aid. But is it wise to depend on someone as selfish as Joyce?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right! She doesn¡¯t even know who the father is. In any other family, she¡¯d be nothing but a filthy scandal.¡±

    ¡°Dani would never find herself in such a disgraceful situation. There¡¯s a saying that a leopard doesn¡¯t change its spots, and there¡¯s some truth to it. Consider Joyce, who¡¯s lived in this home for years, yet remains as unrefined and impulsive as ever. Who knows where she got those traits? Anyone marrying her would surely be after her wealth.¡±

    More content now at g?l¦Ç¦Òv???s

    ¡°I simply can¡¯t fathom Caiden¡¯s thought process. Why is he sovish with his fortune on outsiders? Once he passes, how will he justify his actions to his first wife? What will he say when she inquires about the severe treatment of their daughter all these years?¡±

    ¡°Truly, while men may wander, it baffles me that Caiden takes hismitment to Joyce so seriously, given she¡¯s not even his own blood. What did histe first wife see in him?¡±

    The servants continued their hushed discussions.

    Caiden watched the servants, his expression unreadable.

    Usually, theyuded him for his genuine kindness, even towards his adopted daughter, filling him with pride.

    Yet unbeknownst to him, behind his back, they considered him a gullible fool.

    Caiden¡¯s life had flipped upside down in an instant.

    For the first time, he sat down with a grave expression, mulling over the stark contrasts between Dani and Joyce.

    His thoughts consumed him so deeply that he failed to notice the Bet family¡¯s car rolling through the gate.

    It was only when Katrina¡¯s voice echoed in the garden that he snapped out of his reverie, rising from his chair with a start.

    As he made his way into the house, memories of the day he had cut ties with Dani flooded back¡ªthe day she had knelt before him.

    If it were Joyce, would she have made this choice?

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 169

    ?Chapter 169:

    Would she bid him farewell with a gesture of gratitude as her parting act?

    Absolutely not¡ªshe wasn¡¯t the type to do that.

    For Joyce, her own well-being always took precedence over anything or anyone else.

    At the dinner table, Katrina, wreathed in guilt, shed sheepish, apologetic smiles at Richard and Alexander, while Caiden watched Joyce closely.

    Joyce seemed preupied with herself, fussing and failing to see the bigger picture. She had potential for so much more, yet she seemed to settle for less.

    During this tense moment, Katrina shot Caiden a significant look, silently prompting him to speak up.

    ¡°Alexander, please, have peace of mind. As long as you marry Joyce, everything from the Harper family will be yours and Joyce¡¯s, considering she¡¯s our only child. Isn¡¯t that right, Caiden?¡±

    In that instant, Caiden acutely sensed the possibility that Joyce¡¯sck of foresight might actually drain his personal resources to rectify her blunders.

    All the wealth of the Harper family had been painstakingly umted by Dani¡¯s mother, and while he had reaped the benefits, the idea of redistributing it, as suggested in hushed tones by the servants, was contrary to Dani¡¯s mother¡¯s wishes¡ªand certainly not in line with Dani¡¯s expectations.

    Faced with the prospect of Joyce neglecting him in hister years, Caiden wondered desperately whom he could depend on.

    His thoughts whirled in confusion as the eyes of everyone at the dinner table turned to him.

    Richard, ever the opportunist, shed a concerned yet calcting smile and probed, ¡°Caiden, is everything alright? You seem a bit off.¡± His presence was not just social; he was there to secure a promise from the Harper family and to unearth the childhood sketches Dani had created with that boy from years ago. His gaze, filled with faux concern, subtly urged Caiden for answers.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s???§àm hosts thrilling adventures

    Katrina initially beamed a smile, which soon dissolved into a look of puzzlement.

    ¡°Caiden, didn¡¯t you mention you intended for everything to be left to Joyce and her future spouse? Wasn¡¯t that your n?¡±

    Caiden smiled and took a sip of his wine.

    ¡°Richard, you must try this wine; it¡¯s exceptional.¡±

    At his response, Richard raised an eyebrow in surprise.

    Katrina¡¯s face stiffened, her smile vanishing as she reined in her brewing irritation, her features settling into a frosty mask.

    Joyce tugged on Caiden¡¯s sleeve, her expression fraught with anxiety. When she could no longer contain her impatience, she leaned in and whispered urgently, ¡°Dad, why did you suddenly change the topic? Richard was only asking for your opinion. Just make it clear that the Harper family¡¯s assets are mine. Who else would you consider?¡± She stated this as though it were the most natural conclusion,pletely ignoring Dani¡¯s existence.

    Previously, Caiden hadn¡¯t given much thought to her dismissive attitude. However, this time, it stirred a sense of difort within him. Both women, living under his roof and spending his money, seemed to constantly belittle and undermine his daughter.

    A sharp glint shed in Caiden¡¯s eyes, noticeable enough to make Katrina frown.

    She leaned closer and hissed, ¡°Caiden! What¡¯s gotten into you?¡±

    Caiden merely shrugged off her concern with a scoff and took another sip of his drink, ignoring her question.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 170

    ?Chapter 170:

    Richard, sensing the unresolved tension, chose not to press the matter. After dinner, he suggested that Alexander and Joyce might want to retire upstairs to see the study, while he himself strolled into the garden to make a discreet phone call.

    This maneuver tactfully gave Caiden and Katrina the opportunity they needed to have a private conversation.

    The moment they were alone, Katrina¡¯s restraint shattered.

    ¡°What is the meaning of this, Caiden? Why didn¡¯t you say a damn thing just now? The Bet family¡¯s finalizing everything, and all you did was sit there with your mouth shut like an idiot. What is it¡ªcan¡¯t bear to part with the family fortune? Or is it that you don¡¯t think my daughter deserves it? Let me guess¡ªyou¡¯re questioning if Joyce is even yours now?¡±

    Ovee with emotion, Katrina hid her face in her hands, her body sinking to the floor as sobs racked her frame.

    ¡°You heartless man! I gave up the chance to have children with you because I didn¡¯t want Dani to suffer. Now that my childbearing years are gone, you¡¯ve got the audacity to hold grudges? Caiden, you¡¯re nothing but a cruel, selfish asshole!¡±

    In a sudden surge of fury, Katrina struck Caiden across the face. The p echoed sharply, powerful enough to leave Caiden reeling in shock.

    Upstairs, the atmosphere was starkly different. Alexander, with just a handful of gentle words, convinced Joyce to let him see Dani¡¯s room. There, amidst the quiet and dust, he discovered a sketchbook. Flipping it open, he found thest message the boy had scribbled for her.

    ¡°Let¡¯s meet tomorrow.¡±

    For some inexplicable reason, the childlike handwriting on the paper struck a chord of familiarity within Alexander.

    Find your favorite stories at FindNovel

    It felt hauntingly familiar, as if he had encountered it somewhere in the past, yet he couldn¡¯t pinpoint exactly where.

    As Joyce watched Alexander prepare to leave, a wistful sigh escaped her lips.

    ¡°When are you going to marry me?¡±

    Preupied, Alexander merely climbed into the car, leaving the question hanging unanswered in the chilly air.

    From his vantage point next to the car, Richard caught sight of Joyce¡¯s reddened eyes. He offered a sympatheticment.

    ¡°Go back inside. Don¡¯t worry. This will sort itself out soon enough.¡±

    Yet, inwardly, he harbored a deep aversion towards Joyce. He thought her utterly foolish, behaving like a petnt child. Did she really believe the universe orbited around her whims?

    Inside the car, Richard asked, ¡°Did you manage to get the sketchbook?¡±

    Alexander nodded absentmindedly.

    Richard¡¯s disdain for Joyce only deepened.

    Herck of prudence was astonishing.

    She had let Alexander into Dani¡¯s room without hesitation and allowed him to take whatever he wished without batting an eye. Could she really be so ridiculously naive?

    Letting her into the Bet family was as good as inviting burrs to raid their treasures.

    With a frown, Richard sighed deeply. After a moment, he turned back to Alexander, decisiveness in his voice.

    ¡°Hand over the sketchbook. There¡¯s no need for you to seek out Dani. I¡¯ll take care of it.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 171

    ?Chapter 171:

    Alexander was still preupied with the handwriting, racking his brain to recall where he hadst seen it, but the memory remained elusive.

    With that, the Bet family pulled away, their car disappearing into the distance.

    No assurances came from Caiden; his silence said it all.

    Katrina¡¯s cries echoed through the living room, her shoulders trembling with emotion.

    With frustration evident, Caiden called the driver, who immediately came to pick him up.

    Just as Caiden stepped into the waiting car, Katrina¡¯s voice cut through the air from behind.

    ¡°Are you going?¡±

    Paying no mind to Katrina, Caiden waved the driver forward, urging him to start the car and drive off.

    ncing at the rearview mirror, the driver inquired, ¡°Where are we headed, sir?¡±

    After a brief pause, Caiden muttered, ¡°Elite Lux.¡±

    The driver nodded subtly, pressed the elerator, and the car sped off.

    As they reached Elite Lux, droplets began to speckle the ground. Fresh from a banquet, Dani emerged in a flowing silver-white gown that entuated her elegance.

    A security guard offered her a tissue. With a warm, genuine smile, she epted, murmuring, ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Read it first on g?lno?els.c?m

    Her smile reflected a deep, genuine warmth reminiscent of her mother. A wave of regret washed over Caiden. Realizing his shorings as a father over the years, he impulsively swung the car door open and called out, ¡°Dani.¡±

    Dani, adorned with long earrings that delicately grazed her cheeks, turned to find Caiden under the somber, drizzly sky.

    Dani hesitated briefly before stepping out, her tone calm and courteous.

    ¡°Do you need something, Mr. Harper?¡±

    Caiden gazed at her intently, the realization dawning on him that the little girl who once perched on the stairs munching on her meals had blossomed into a poised young woman.

    His words came atst, but a slight quiver betrayed hisposure.

    ¡°I remember Katrina used tough about how you¡¯d never sit at the table, preferring the stairs instead. Was she right?¡±

    The evening air wasn¡¯t particrly brisk, yet Caiden¡¯s words whisked Dani back to a childhood tinged with solitude. Her smile dimmed a touch as she murmured, ¡°I don¡¯t remember.¡±

    In those days, she¡¯d been overlooked, invisible. And now, she was unwilling to entertain bted regrets.

    By holding on to her grudge, she risked being seen as utterly void ofpassion.

    Upstairs, Josie had prepared a steaming pot of soup, and the ringing of a phone call pierced the quiet night.

    After disconnecting, Dani maintained herposure and nodded towards Caiden, her voice steady.

    ¡°The past is behind us. I¡¯m fortunate now to have people who care about me. Mr. Harper, goodbye.¡±

    With those words, Dani pivoted and strode away.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 172

    ?Chapter 172:

    In that instant, a profound mncholy enveloped Caiden. He watched her receding figure, yearning to call after her, yet she vanished into the distance, beyond reach.

    His attempts at reconciliation now seemed futile to Dani.

    As the rain began to fall, the driver unfurled an umbre over Caiden, who asked in a hushed tone, ¡°Does she still harbor resentment towards me?¡±

    The driver, a thoughtful man in his fifties, replied cautiously, ¡°Ms. Harper ispassionate by nature. She might be hurt, but at the end of the day, you¡¯re her father. Blood ties are enduring, a connection that¡¯s difficult to sever.¡±

    He paused, choosing his next words carefully.

    ¡°In some families, emotions aren¡¯t alwaysid bare immediately, particrly if they wish to avoid stirring up conflict.¡±

    Caiden regarded the driver with a hint of curiosity.

    Tilting the umbre against the wind, the driver spoke with quiet conviction.

    ¡°You see, when someone joins a new family, they tend to tread lightly and avoid stirring trouble.

    Yet, when they¡¯re among their own family, they¡¯re more inclined to express their true thoughts. Do you know the reason?¡±

    Taking a thoughtful pause, he continued, ¡°It¡¯s because with one¡¯s own family, there¡¯s a greatertitude for openness. With inws or outsiders, however, people are more guarded.¡±

    He looked over at Caiden, adding, ¡°The same principle applies to your family, Mr. Harper. Observe carefully, and over time, you¡¯ll discern Dani¡¯s and Joyce¡¯s genuine selves.

    More to discover g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Íe?s?c?m

    You¡¯ve ascended the ranks through sheer effort, assuming others have endured simr trials.

    Yet, human nature is fickle. Ultimately, everyone prioritizes their own interests.¡±

    The driver, having served under Dani¡¯s mother for many years, had witnessed much and was unafraid to share his insights. Throughout the ride home, Caiden was deep in reflection.

    Katrina lingered in the living room, awaiting his return. Upon his entry, she offered him a towel.

    As Caiden made his way upstairs, Katrina nced at the driver with a hint of unease.

    ¡°Where did he go?¡±

    With a calm demeanor, the driver responded, ¡°He went to his office, reviewed some documents, then returned.¡±

    Katrina exhaled in relief.

    She had suspected he might have developed a sudden sense of duty and set off in search of Dani.

    It turned out her fears were unfounded.

    Katrina had just stepped out of the shower and was lying on the bed, plotting her next strategy.

    Her choice of attire, a revealing dress, shimmered with an alluring charm in the dim light.

    She was especially enthusiastic tonight. As soon as Caiden entered the room, she embraced him and started kissing him.

    However, Caiden¡¯s interest seemed to wane, his responses sluggish and detached.

    Driven by the lure of the family fortune that dangled within reach, Katrina intensified her efforts.

    Outside, the storm unleashed its fury, mirroring the tumult inside. Once their encounter concluded, Katrina, breathless and flushed, nestled against Caiden¡¯s chest and murmured, ¡°Honey, what¡¯s wrong today? You¡¯re not quite yourself.¡±

    Caiden, unfazed, reached for a cigarette and lit it, the silence thickening with the rising smoke. Katrina held her breath, watching him, and once the cigarette was spent, she attempted to recapture his attention, her seductive dress clinging to her contours.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 173

    ?Chapter 173:

    ¡°Honey, it seems Alexander is gearing up to propose to Joyce formally,¡± she ventured, trying to gauge his reaction.

    Caiden, drawing another cigarette, responded with cold indifference.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Smoke wreathed around his face, quickly shrouding his expression.

    Clearing her throat, Katrina sought to reim Caiden¡¯s attention. In the past, such a signal wouldpel him to discard his cigarette and draw her close, enveloping her in his arms.

    Now, however, Caiden appeared deaf to her cue. A flicker of anguish shadowed Katrina¡¯s gaze, deepening ominously before she quickly veiled it with a radiant smile, masking her true feelings. She had crucial motives today and needed Caiden on her side.

    Rather than protest, she pressed herself against him, her fingers sketching tender patterns against his chest.

    ¡°Honey, consider the benefits after Joyce marries Alexander. Given the Bet family¡¯s flourishing status, Joyce would thrive as one of them.¡±

    Caiden, wrapped in his own silence, gave no response as he continued to puff on his cigarette.

    Katrina continued, ¡°Joyce is already pregnant. The Bet family probably wants to seal the deal because she¡¯s the only daughter, and our family¡¯s wealth is a big safety for her. But for some reason, Richard didn¡¯t mention it today. It seems he¡¯s waiting for our promise.

    What I¡¯m getting at is¡­¡±

    Read thetest updates at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    Katrina paused strategically, her eyes locking onto Caiden¡¯s with intentional gravity.

    ¡°What I¡¯m getting at is that ultimately, the family fortune will belong to Joyce. We¡¯re doing this for her future, aren¡¯t we? So, why not transfer your assets to her now?¡±

    Caiden lingered in silence, a thin trail of smoke curling from his cigarette.

    Katrina arched up and nted a kiss on Caiden¡¯s lips.

    ¡°Besides, everything¡¯s been arranged, right? We won¡¯t have any more children. We might as well let Joyce solidify her standing in the Bet family. Once Joyce is married, my only job will be to attend to you.¡±

    Her voice was tender, filled with the assumption that Caiden would concur. However, he remained eerily silent.

    Katrina nudged his arm, her voiceced with concern.

    ¡°Honey, what¡¯s on your mind?¡±

    Caiden murmured, ¡°I need some time to think it over.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s brows knit together in a sudden scowl, a sh of revulsion darting across her features, unseen by Caiden.

    When she lifted her gaze again, her expression had morphed into one of wary calction.

    ¡°Certainly, take your time to consider. I know Joyce holds a special ce in your heart, and you always prioritize her needs. But, honey, we need a swift decision. Our daughter¡¯s condition grows more apparent by the day, and if she bears a child out of wedlock and it bes public, it would tarnish our family¡¯s reputation, don¡¯t you agree?¡±

    Caiden¡¯s reply came as t as before.

    ¡°Indeed.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s displeasure deepened, puzzled by Caiden¡¯s unusual detachment.

    She had been gearing up for this moment all year.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 174

    ?Chapter 174:

    After dedicating over a decade to serving Caiden, she was at the brink of iming the family fortune, and errors were not an option now. She was poised to press further, but Caiden abruptly snuffed out his cigarette and stood.

    Katrina watched his retreating figure heading towards the bathroom, her expression hardening into a frosty re.

    What exactly was happening?

    Caiden was unusually aloof, his demeanor casting a shadow over the evening.

    As Katrina pondered his changed attitude, her seldom-used backup phone tucked away in a drawer buzzed urgently. Casting a cautious nce towards the bathroom, she retrieved the phone and stepped out onto the balcony.

    ¡°Mom, why on earth are you calling sote?¡±

    The first time Katrina had encountered Brylee Harper, Dani¡¯s mother, she had spun a tragic tale of being the sole survivor of her family, desperately seeking refuge. She had implored Brylee to take her in as a maid, iming she had nowhere else to turn.

    That deception had carried on for over a decade.

    Even Caiden didn¡¯t know Katrina¡¯s mother was still alive.

    ¡°Send me some money; I lost again at poker!¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t I just hand you five hundred thousand? Mom, try to keep some for yourself.¡±

    Explore fantastic tales on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s; ?¦Ïm

    ¡°Just do it quickly! And since Joyce is pregnant, take good care of her.¡±

    Katrina responded with a subdued, ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? You seem off. Isn¡¯t it said that you have Caidenpletely captivated? What could possibly be troubling you?¡±

    Katrina turned to check if anyone was behind her, finding herself alone.

    She whispered, ¡°I¡¯ve noticed something off about Caiden today. Normally, he¡¯s quick to agree with anything I say. But earlier, when I suggested he should pass the fortune to Joyce, he paused¡ªa first. Why have I devoted thest a decade to that old man? Clearly, it¡¯s for the money. Why else would I endure, always smiling and bending over backwards?¡±

    Katrina gazed into the deepening night sky, her mind racing as a sudden thought struck her.

    With a gasp of realization, she cried out, ¡°Mom, could he possibly know about Brylee¡¯s death¡­?¡±

    ¡°Ridiculous!¡± her mother yelled through the phone, cutting sharply through Katrina¡¯s spiraling thoughts.

    ¡°Brylee took her own life by jumping off that building. We will not discuss this again.¡±

    Katrina, subdued, nodded her head in agreement.

    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re right. I¡¯m just being foolish.¡±

    No sooner had she uttered the words than the door behind her emitted a haunting creak. Swiveling abruptly, Katrina¡¯s face hardened. Her re, caught in the ghostly glow of the moonlight, carried a silent threat.

    She ended the call with a snap and called out to the door, ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s out there?¡± Katrina¡¯s voice was sharp and controlled, slicing through the stillness like a de.

    She didn¡¯t hesitate and moved towards the door quickly.

    Outside, the space waspletely deserted. Not a single soul was in sight.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 175

    ?Chapter 175:

    Katrina stopped in her tracks, her keen eyes darting through the shadows. Out of nowhere, a sudden gust of wind swept past. The door creaked, nudging softly against the frame, the sound startlingly loud in the quiet of the night.

    Her expression didn¡¯t waver, radiating an icy calm that hinted at an underlying menace.

    Turning back into the vi, she closed the balcony door firmly. Holding the spare phone in her grip, she began descending the stairs.

    The master bedroom was eerily silent, the only sounding from running water in the bathroom. Katrina¡¯s eyes flicked to the floor¡ªthe white tiles were pristine and bone-dry. She approached the bathroom door, gave it a light knock, and leaned in to listen, her ear resting against the cool wood.

    ¡°Sweetheart?¡± she called out.

    No reply.

    Whatever fleeting relief she¡¯d felt earlier evaporated, reced by a tightening unease curling in her chest.

    She made her way to the table and picked up a fruit knife. With the de firmly in hand, she returned to the bathroom door.

    ¡°Caiden, sweetheart? Are you in there?¡±

    She called his name several times, but the only response was the persistent hiss of water flowing behind the door.

    Katrina¡¯s fingers curled tightly around the doorknob, her other hand gripping the knife with an unyielding hold.

    Your imagination thrives at FindNovel punt

    The de was sharp¡ªsharp enough to pierce a chest and sever an artery, causing instant death.

    She knew this. She had done it before.

    Even after all this time, the exact location of the heart remained seared into her mind, as though permanently etched like a blueprint. Taking a deep breath, she firmed her hold on the doorknob before shoving the door open with determined force.

    Inside, Caideny rxed in the bathtub,zily scrolling through his phone. Startled by Katrina¡¯s sudden entrance, he lifted his gaze, his expression a mix of surprise and confusion.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on? I¡¯m just taking a bath.¡±

    Katrina hid the knife behind her back.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been calling you. Why didn¡¯t you respond?¡±

    ncing briefly at her, Caiden returned his attention to the screen.

    ¡°I¡¯m ying chess on my phone. Didn¡¯t hear a thing.¡±

    Katrina forced a nervousugh.

    ¡°I thought something had happened, like you slipped or worse.

    You gave me quite a scare! At your age, you¡¯ve got to be more cautious, sweetheart. Don¡¯t stay in too long, okay? Come out soon.¡±

    Caiden didn¡¯t bother responding, his focus already absorbed by the game on his phone. Katrina lingered in the doorway, silently observing his rxed profile.

    Thoughts raced through her mind as she deliberated. Maybe this was the moment¡ªshe could step forward and end it right now.

    Just then, a knock broke the tension. The dangerous glint in Katrina¡¯s eyes disappeared in an instant. She left the room, returning the fruit knife to its usual ce. Only after that did she turn the handle and open the door. She shot the housekeeper a sharp re, her tone curt as she asked, ¡°What now?¡±

    The housekeeper faltered briefly before replying, ¡°Ronald and Wyatt have arrived. They¡¯ve brought some members of the Harper family with them.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 176

    ?Chapter 176:

    Katrina¡¯s expression darkened into a deep frown. Returning to the room, she stated tly, ¡°Ronald and Wyatt are downstairs.¡±

    Without lifting his eyes from the screen, Caiden dismissed her words.

    ¡°You deal with it. It¡¯s probably about jobs again. What can those fools even manage, anyway?¡±

    Katrina¡¯s gaze lowered as she studied Caiden¡¯s indifferent profile. Her voice was calm but probing as she asked, ¡°Did you go up to the rooftop earlier?¡±

    Still focused on his game, he replied in a distracted tone, ¡°Why would I go up there? I¡¯m upied here. Don¡¯t disturb me.¡±

    The tension in Katrina¡¯s chest finally started to subside, and a subtle smile crept onto her lips.

    ¡°Alright.

    You focus on your game. I¡¯ll take care of it. I¡¯ll just tell them to talk to Dani. Those penniless rtives of ours are more trouble than they¡¯re worth. Hiring them would only invite chaos into thepany.¡±

    Running apany meant one golden rule: never mix family with business.

    If they seeded, they¡¯d demand praise. If they failed, you couldn¡¯t even call them out.

    It was a headache waiting to happen.

    Caiden had always avoided hiring family, preferring to steer clear of unnecessaryplications.

    ?????? ???????? ? g??lnov?l??.???m

    This approach pleased Katrina immensely.

    To her, the Harper family¡¯s fortune was meant solely for Joyce. Letting these rtives into the business was likeyingndmines¡ªready to go off and block Joyce¡¯s path when her time came to take the reins. Handing this mess over to Dani felt ideal. Dani wasn¡¯t her child, so Katrina had no reservations aboutplicating her life.

    Katrina took her time, slipping into a cozy outfit and carefully rubbing hand cream onto her skin. Only then did she make her way downstairs, her steps unhurried andposed.

    Downstairs, Ronald paced restlessly, his frustration evident.

    ¡°When is Katrinaing down? Does she think she can stay upstairs forever? If she won¡¯te, then call Caiden down instead!¡±

    The housekeeper responded courteously, ¡°Mr. Harper is still in the bath, and Mrs. Harper oversees all family matters here. I ask for your patience.¡±

    Ronald nced at his watch, his expression darkening.

    ¡°It¡¯s been over thirty minutes! How much longer do we have to sit here?¡±

    The housekeeper, busy pouring drinks for the guests, seemed visibly uneasy.

    Turning to his family, Ronald vented furiously.

    ¡°Look at this! Do you see how full of herself she is? Katrina was nothing more than a housekeeper here once! She wormed her way into Caiden¡¯s bed while his first wife was too preupied to notice. Back in the day, a shameless woman like her would¡¯ve had everyone pointing fingers. And now? She struts around as if she owns the ce! She¡¯s the one calling the shots in the Harper family business while we, the real Harpers, are left out in the cold, unable to even secure jobs in our ownpany. And that¡¯s not the end of it. After shoving her own daughter into Dani¡¯spany, she destroyed that connection by persuading Caiden to sever ties with Dani entirely. Who does that? What kind of woman operates like this? Why is she still even a part of this family?¡±

    Desperation crept into Ronald¡¯s tone as he turned to the elderly woman on the sofa.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 177

    ?Chapter 177:

    ¡°Mom, you have to step in. If you don¡¯t, she¡¯ll trample all over Wyatt and me!¡±

    Despite her years, Peyton Harper remained sharp and perceptive.

    She gave a decisive nod and addressed the housekeeper.

    ¡°Go upstairs and tell Caiden his mother is here. Get him down at once! I kept quiet when Dani was disrespected in this family, but now she¡¯s the CEO of Elite Lux, worth billions! And Caiden severed ties with her? Has he lost his senses?¡±

    The housekeeper nodded obediently and started up the stairs to summon him.

    As the housekeeper neared the stairs, Katrina appeared at the top, her face hard with cold disdain as she made her way down.

    Ronald jabbed a finger at her, his voice rising.

    ¡°Dani told me she wanted to offer Wyatt and me top jobs¡ªmillion-dor sries! And you destroyed it! Katrina, if you don¡¯t find us simr positions in Harper Group, this won¡¯t end here!¡±

    Standing beside him, Wyatt tightened his fists and chimed in, ¡°Exactly! You better do what we say!¡± Behind them, the rest of the Harper family nodded and murmured their support.

    Katrina heard their words and responded with a mockingugh, causing both Ronald and Wyatt to shift ufortably.

    ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± they demanded angrily.

    Katrina crossed her arms, her attitude suddenly shifting from the meek persona she had put on for Caiden. With a biting smirk, she shot a dismissive look at Ronald and Wyatt.

    Discover new content now g?ln¦Ò¦Íe?s?c?m

    ¡°You two? Really? Like you¡¯re even close to deserving that. A million-dor sry? Please, do you actually think that¡¯s ever going to happen? I get it, you¡¯re broke. Fine. But I¡¯ve got more important things to focus on right now. Want money? Here, take this handout and stop whining.¡±

    Ronald¡¯s expression soured, his eyes narrowing.

    ¡°Katrina! Who do you think you¡¯re insulting? A handout from you? Don¡¯t make meugh.

    You¡¯re nothing but a gold digger who wormed her way into my brother¡¯s bed. What do you have to be so smug about? Let me make it clear¡ªif you don¡¯t make things right andpensate us for our losses today, I won¡¯t just let this go.¡±

    If there was one thing Katrina couldn¡¯t stand, it was when people brought up her past.

    She had worked her way up by ying the sympathy card, starting as a maid under Brylee before setting her sights on Caiden. The affair had been a scandal at the time, whispered about behind closed doors. But after she gained power, she made sure to rece all the household staff, ensuring no one would ever bring it up again¡ªuntil now.

    These two idiots had crossed the line.

    ¡°Leslie! Get them out of here!¡± Katrina¡¯s anger red, her voice rising.

    ¡°Forget the money! I wouldn¡¯t even give them a single hair from my head!¡±

    ¡°Katrina, you¡¯ve got some nerve!¡± A sudden, stinging pnded across her cheek, making Katrina gasp.

    Her hand shot up to her face as she turned around, only to find Peyton standing right in front of her.

    ¡°Peyton? What are you doing here?¡±

    Peyton squinted, her gaze sharp and unforgiving. She hadn¡¯t uttered a single word up until this point and quietly watched everything unfold. Over the years, this daughter-inw had be increasingly bold and disrespectful. Peyton hadn¡¯t taken Ronald¡¯s and Wyatt¡¯sints seriously when they first called. Katrina¡¯s sweet words and docile nature had been nothing more than a carefully crafted act.

    ¡°Get Caiden down here!¡± Peytonmanded sharply.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 178

    ?Chapter 178:

    Katrina pressed her lips together, her left cheek now swollen from the p.

    Inside, she cursed whoever had thought it was a good idea to bring Peyton back from the countryside.

    With a forced smile, she said, ¡°Didn¡¯t you mention you weren¡¯t used to city life? What brings you here today?¡± As she spoke, she cursed Peyton in her mind.

    Peyton remained seated, her posture rigid and unyielding.

    ¡°Bring Caiden down here.¡±

    When Caiden walked in, he offered a quiet ¡°Mom¡± in greeting before settling into a seat nearby.

    Katrina was sent upstairs, out of earshot.

    Peyton¡¯s voice dropped to a chilling tone as she turned to him.

    ¡°So, you¡¯ve cut ties with Dani, have you?¡±

    Caiden, perched on a small stool, gave a brief nod.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s your own daughter.

    Your flesh and blood. Have youpletely lost your sense, Caiden?¡±

    Lately, he¡¯d been hearing this so much that it hardly registered anymore.

    Caiden nced up at the stairs and saw Katrina watching from above. He was about to say something but thought better of it and kept quiet.

    ¡°Regardless of anything, Dani is your firstborn. How could you be so cruel? She¡¯s always had a gentle heart. If you hadn¡¯t pushed her to her limits, she wouldn¡¯t have pulled away. Even now, she¡¯s still considering ways to help her uncles find employment. Her heart is in the right ce, Caiden. I¡¯m telling you, it¡¯s time to bring Dani back into this family!¡±

    Caiden paused, ncing at the stairs again.

    As expected, Katrina hurried down the stairs.

    ¡°That¡¯s out of the question! Caiden¡¯s decision to cut ties with Dani was officially approved!¡±

    Katrina was in a panic. Alexander was ready to marry Joyce. Once Joyce took control of the Harper family¡¯s fortune, Katrina wouldn¡¯t need Caiden anymore. With the Bet family¡¯s support, there was nothing Joyce couldn¡¯t achieve.

    She had already envisioned a future where Alexander would rule Harper Group, with Joyce¡ªher daughter¡ªempowering her with the power she craved.

    She was done being subservient. She eagerly awaited the day when Caiden would be the one waiting on her, not the other way around.

    But now, Peyton wanted to bring Dani back into the picture? That could ruin everything.

    Peyton¡¯s gaze sharpened as she red at Katrina.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care about legal papers. Dani is still part of this family, whether you like it or not. Without my approval and a proper family meeting, she stays. The wealth you have now is because of Brylee. I kept quiet when you remarried, but I won¡¯t sit back and let outsiders take advantage of my granddaughter!¡±

    To Peyton, the only thing that truly mattered was bloodline. How could Joyce possibly inherit the Harper family legacy? Absolutely not!

    Caiden hung his head, not daring to protest.

    ¡°Mom, please don¡¯t get upset.

    You¡¯re right. We¡¯ll do whatever you say.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 179

    ?Chapter 179:

    Peyton¡¯s anger eased just a little.

    However, Katrina suddenly lifted her head in pure shock.

    ¡°Caiden! What exactly do you mean by that?¡±

    Ronald quickly stepped in.

    ¡°What¡¯s he talking about? Can¡¯t you see? Mom¡¯s here, and in this family, her word isw. Are you really going to defy her? Or are you trying to take down the whole Harper family just to help your daughter?¡±

    It was a grave usation, and Katrina knew she couldn¡¯t risk making things worse before securing the assets she needed.

    Peyton shot Katrina a smug smile before focusing back on Caiden.

    ¡°I¡¯m not leaving. I¡¯ll stay here until this is sorted and Dani is back where she belongs. Only then will I go back to the countryside.¡±

    Wyatt and Ronald were quick to assist Peyton, eager to settle her into the guest room.

    To them, Dani¡¯s return wasn¡¯t just about family¡ªit also meant that the sries they had been promised would finally be within reach again.

    All this time, Katrina had tightly held onto control, leaving them with nothing in the end.

    On that very day, Peyton, Ronald, Wyatt, and their families¡ªat least twenty people in total¡ªmoved into the house.

    The Harper family¡¯s children yed in the yard, their raucousughter and chatter echoing loudly, shattering the tranquility and leaving Katrina with no chance to rest.

    I@?e$t ¡é§ß@???§ñ$ ?¦Ç ???§Ú?v¦Å??.c?m

    Leaning against Caiden¡¯s chest, Katrina soughtfort.

    ¡°Honey, what did your mother mean by that? After all these years of marriage, why am I still an outsider in her eyes? Is it because I never bore you a child? I made that choice so Dani could experience a mother¡¯s love, sacrificing my desires for hers. And now, am I to me for that?¡± Her voice cracked under the weight of her emotions, and her sobs painted a picture of profound despair.

    Caiden rested his arm lightly on her shoulder.

    ¡°She¡¯s my mother, Katrina.

    You shouldn¡¯t take her words to heart.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s scowl deepened as she crossed her arms tightly.

    ¡°And what am I to do now? How do I even begin to exin this to Alexander and Richard? Joyce¡¯s pregnancy will soon be visible to everyone.¡± She sat up abruptly, wiping away her tears.

    ¡°Honey, let your mother think what she wants. I¡¯ve weathered so much for your love, and I¡¯ll bear this too. But not Joyce¡ªshe doesn¡¯t deserve this agony. Here¡¯s what we¡¯ll do. Tomorrow, I¡¯ll pick a caf¨¦.

    You get thewyer there. We¡¯ll transfer thepany shares and your personal assets into Joyce¡¯s name. After that, I¡¯ll meet with the Bet family and secure her engagement to Alexander. Once we¡¯ve locked everything down, any objections your mother has won¡¯t matter anymore. What do you think about that?¡±

    Katrina¡¯s eyes shimmered with eager anticipation as she fixed her gaze on Caiden, hoping for an affirmative response.

    However, Caiden remained engrossed in his mobile game, his head bowed, seemingly oblivious to her anxiety.

    After a pause, he responded without looking up, ¡°That won¡¯t work out. The moment my mom finds out, she¡¯ll lose itpletely. She can¡¯t stand people scheming behind her back.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s face fell, and her fingers curled into tight fists, betraying her frustration.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 180

    ?Chapter 180:

    Noticing her tension, Caiden nced up briefly, his voice calm and unhurried.

    ¡°But seriously, what¡¯s the hurry? Is it really necessary for Joyce to marry Alexander right now? As long as I¡¯m behind her, she has the freedom to marry whoever chooses.¡±

    ¡°Why stir up unnecessary drama? If you provoke my mother and it affects her health, it¡¯ll be the talk of the town. And trust me, I¡¯d be the subject of ridicule.¡±

    He shrugged, a sly smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

    ¡°Not that public opinion bothers me. I can handle a bit of nder, but it would crush me to hear them speak ill of you. Let¡¯s hold off for now. Just focus on keeping my mom happy. If she¡¯s content, she¡¯ll approve anything you propose. Getting the assets into Joyce¡¯s name won¡¯t be a problem¡ªit¡¯s all in the family anyway.¡±

    Katrina was on the verge of speaking out when Caiden silenced her, guiding her towards the door.

    ¡°Enough of this, Katrina. Stop being so stubborn. My mother is here and you¡¯ve barely said a word to her. How do you expect her to warm up to you? Go and spend some time with her.¡±

    Caiden brushed her off with a few words and returned to his game.

    With a sigh of resignation, Katrina headed to Peyton¡¯s room, determined to make a good impression on her mother-inw. She diligently massaged Peyton¡¯s legs, kneaded her shoulders, and even fetched a basin of water for her to soak her feet.

    However, before Katrina could shift the conversation towards her grievances about Dani, Peyton interrupted with a yawn, dering her exhaustion and desire to retire for the night.

    Your hub for updates: g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    Frustrated, Katrina retreated to her own room, only to discover Caiden already deep in sleep.

    Fuming with irritation, she stepped onto the balcony, her fingers trembling as she dialed Richard¡¯s number.

    Richard, always pragmatic, wasted no time in cutting to the chase. He stated that Joyce had to be officially dered the heiress to the Harper family fortune before any wedding ns could proceed. Why would the Bet family invest in raising another man¡¯s child if Joyce wasn¡¯t acknowledged as the heiress?

    The conversation left Katrina even more agitated. Just then, Joyce entered the room, visibly distressed.

    ¡°Mom, why won¡¯t Dad transfer the family assets to me? Is he still thinking about fixing things with Dani?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s not,¡± Katrina dered with unwavering certainty.

    ¡°Your father holds my opinions in the highest regard. He¡¯s merely acting the part of the devoted son now because that old hag is around. Do you forget? She opposed our marriage initially, yet here I am.¡±

    Joyce¡¯s anxiety seemed to dissipate at Katrina¡¯s assertive words. Later, she attempted to contact Alexander before retiring for the night, but received no response.

    The following morning, the Harper family household was engulfed in chaos. Katrina feltpletely swamped, rushing around in a frenzy to tackle the endless demands of the day.

    In the midst of this turmoil, Peyton took Caiden aside into the garden.

    ¡°You need to take Dani back into our family.¡±

    Caiden, unexpectedlypliant, simply nodded.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 181

    ?Chapter 181:

    Smirking with satisfaction at his obedience, Peyton gave him a firm pat on the shoulder and inquired about Dani¡¯spany address. Standing before the towering Elite Lux building, Peyton craned her neck, awestruck by the architectural magnificence.

    She turned to Ronald, who was standing next to her, and questioned with a hint of disbelief, ¡°Is this really Dani¡¯spany?¡±

    Ronald shed a triumphant grin as he nodded.

    ¡°Without a doubt! Your granddaughter has made an outstanding mark in her field. Can you believe it? She¡¯s sitting at the very top as the wealthiest in the world! I¡¯ve heard her clothing line sells for outrageous amounts, hundreds of thousands each.¡±

    Peyton¡¯s expression illuminated with pleasure.

    Ronald assisted her toward the building¡¯s grand entrance. However, as they neared, a security guard stepped in front of them, blocking their way.

    Ronald¡¯s smile faltered, his brow creasing with coldness. Despite this, the guard addressed them in a respectful yet firm tone.

    ¡°Ms. Harper is currently overseas at our main office. She won¡¯t return for another two weeks.¡±

    Unfazed, Peyton maintained her cheerful demeanor, nodding appreciatively to the guard. With Ronald¡¯s arm for support, she turned and made her way back to the car. As they departed, Peyton cast a final nce at the building. A surge of pride swelled within her.

    Once they had left, Lillian emerged from her discreet spot and approached the guard.

    Find more content at ???????¦Ò????????.c§àm

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to inform Ms. Harper about today¡¯s visit. Let¡¯s pretend it never urred. If they show up again, just let them know that she isn¡¯t avable to see them.¡±

    The guard gave a firm nod in acknowledgment.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    At that moment, Dani¡¯s phone lit up with a call from Richard.

    ¡°Dani, are you free today? I¡¯d like to take you out for a meal.¡±

    Dani¡¯s brow furrowed in suspicion. Richard, known for neither his kindness nor his empathy, had never extended such an invitation before. Her mind shed back to the days she had devotedly followed Alexander, seeking his favor, only to be met with Richard¡¯s scathing mockery.

    She vividly remembered him belittling her in front of an audience, sneeringly branding her as ¡°merely Alexander¡¯s ve.¡±

    And now, here he was, reaching out as if none of that had happened.

    ¡°Dani, what¡¯s the matter? You seem quiet. Have you forgotten my voice?¡± Richard chimed in, his tone overly cheerful.

    ¡°I¡¯m already at your office building. It¡¯s lunchtime, and believe it or not, we¡¯ve never actually shared a meal, just the two of us. And don¡¯t worry, Alexander won¡¯t be joining us. Come on, I was once your father-inw. Would you really deny an old man a bit ofpany?¡±

    Realizing that Richard wouldn¡¯t take no for an answer and would likely persist if she declined, Dani epted reluctantly.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Lunch was arranged at a cozy restaurant situated right in front of Dani¡¯spany building. As she entered, she found Richard alreadyfortably settled at a table, awaiting her presence.

    Dani¡¯s expression softened into a polite smile as she took her seat.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 182

    ?Chapter 182:

    Richard greeted her warmly.

    ¡°It¡¯s been too long.

    You seem slimmer.¡±

    His voice carried a light, familiar tone, the kind old friends use to reconnect after years apart. Richard had an innate ability to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere effortlessly.

    Dani cut straight to the chase.

    ¡°So, what do you need from me?¡±

    The interaction, though polite, retained a certain cool formality.

    Richard gestured to the staff, signaling that they were ready for their meal. While Dani focused on her food, Richard kept up his affable facade, his smile never wavering.

    ¡°You really stand out, Dani. Bred from such a noble family, your elegance and decorum are beyond reproach. Compared to you, Joyce is barely even in the same league.¡±

    Dani offered no response, merely selecting a piece of sushi and continuing her meal.

    Richard continued, ¡°In the past, I may have been unkind to you. Please, let¡¯s put that behind us. Things have been overwhelming for me, and I know I let my frustrations slip out unfairly. I hope you can let it go, Dani.¡±

    From a tender age, Dani had been her mother¡¯s shadow at stately gatherings. While her recollections of those formative years were vague, her proficiency in managing such affairs had be second nature.

    ???€$? ¡é????€?$ ?? g??l??ov?l????o??

    Offering him a polite smile, she responded, ¡°You¡¯ve got a lot on your te, yet you found time to invite me to lunch. I really appreciate the invitation.¡±

    Her reply was courteous but reserved, skillfully dodging Richard¡¯s attempt at reconciliation. His smile wavered for a moment.

    ¡°No need to be so formal,¡± he suggested with a hint of warmth.

    ¡°After all, we are family. I¡¯ve watched you grow alongside Alexander, almost as if you were my own. There¡¯s no need for such formality between us.¡±

    Observing Dani¡¯s reluctance to engage further, Richard changed his approach.

    ¡°I know you¡¯ve been tied up, but how about joining us for dinner at our ce next time? With Alexander around, it would be wonderful to reconnect.¡±

    Dani continued to focus on her meal, maintaining her poised demeanor and refined movements.

    ¡°Dani, I¡¯ve asked for your time today for a couple of important reasons. First off, I owe you an apology. Alexander ryed to me what he said to you earlier. I¡¯ve given him a piece of my mind¡ªtruly, it¡¯s absurd to dredge up childhood stories in business dealings. It¡¯splete nonsense! Please, don¡¯t dwell on it. He wasn¡¯t in his right mind. I assure you, he will apologize to you face-to-face. I hope you can find it in yourself to forgive him.¡±

    After a brief silence, he added, ¡°The second matter I needed to address is this.¡± He reached behind him and retrieved a sketchbook. For a moment, Dani thought it was her own, but she soon realized the difference. Her own sketchbook bore an illustration of a little boy on its cover, whereas this one depicted a little girl.

    Richard opened the sketchbook and began turning the pages.

    ¡°Over the years, Alexander has never stopped thinking about you. After he gave you that first sketchbook, he crafted this one as its counterpart. See here¡ªhe¡¯s preserved it all this time.¡±

    Dani froze, her hand pausing mid-air.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 183

    ?Chapter 183:

    Carefully flipping through the pages, Richard stopped at the final one and pulled out a neatly folded note. On the note were the words, ¡°I want to see you.¡±

    A wave of emotions overtook Dani. She quietly put her fork down and extended her hand to take the sketchbook.

    Without uttering a word, she scrutinized the pages meticulously, her face betraying no emotion.

    Meanwhile, Richard observed her with keen interest, his face momentarily clouded by a flicker of apprehension. He had someone reconstruct the sketchbook to mirror the one Dani once cherished, yet, devoid of any artistic insight, he remained uncertain if it perfectly captured every intricate detail.

    After the meal, Richard courteously walked Dani to the grand entrance of the Elite Lux building.

    His smile was soft and reassuring as he remarked, ¡°Dani, you¡¯re aware of how reserved Alexander can be. However, beneath that quiet exterior, you¡¯ve always held a special ce in his heart. His dealings with Joyce are merely a formality¡ªshe is, after all, a Harper, and he had little choice. But the bond you and Alexander share? That¡¯s genuine, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Beneath the grand building, Dani stood, ethereal in her bespoke white gown.

    She gave a faint nod, her voice tinged with a hint of sorrow as she responded, ¡°Yet, there is something real between Alexander and Joyce too. I think it¡¯s best if I step back.¡±

    Richard¡¯s lips twitched nervously before he leaned forward, his tone earnest.

    Read new content at g¦Áln¦Ò¦Íe?s

    ¡°No, that¡¯s not the case at all! What Alexander feels for you¡ªthat¡¯s true love!¡±

    Dani¡¯s head tilted slightly, her earrings moving gracefully.

    ¡°Let¡¯s not linger on this topic. It belongs to the past. Richard, I appreciate your kindness in sharing the sketchbook with me today. I must leave now.¡±

    She spun around without awaiting his reply and strode determinedly into the building.

    Richard, who had appeared nervous just a heartbeat ago, now shed a victorious smile.

    He eagerly retrieved his phone and dialed Alexander¡¯s number.

    ¡°It¡¯s done,¡± he announced with glee.

    ¡°I¡¯m convinced Dani still harbors feelings for you. Forget Joyce! Don¡¯t let Dani misinterpret things any further!¡±

    In stark contrast to the grandeur of the Elite Lux, the Harper family¡¯s wealth seemed trivial¡ªmere loose change.

    On the other end of the call, Alexander¡¯s voice wasced with skepticism. Richard¡¯s assurances seemed overly optimistic.

    ¡°Are you sure about that?¡±

    Previously, Dani had only shown contempt for him, consistently keeping her distance as if he were contagious¡ªnot the behavior of someone secretly smitten.

    ¡°Absolutely!¡± Richard was practically vibrating with anticipation. He then cast an admiring nce at the majestic building, his smile broadening at the prospect of it someday falling under his control.

    ¡°Dani still has feelings for you. She¡¯s only been distant because of the divorce. Now, as CEO of Elite Lux, she has her reputation to consider. But mark my words¡ªy your cards right, and Elite Lux could be in your grasp before you know it. Let me arrange a delightful dinner. Dani wille by, and as the wine flows, you two can reconnect and see where the night takes you. Dani¡¯s always been a sucker for romance. Reignite that old me, and she¡¯ll be walking down the aisle with you again in no time!¡±

    Alexander absorbed this silently, offering only a low, nomittal grunt of ¡°Mm.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 184

    ?Chapter 184:

    However, Richard detected a hint of satisfaction in his tone.

    After Richard hung up, his phone buzzed with an iing call. It was Katrina. He promptly pressed the decline button without a second thought.

    Dani entered the elevator and found Lillian already inside, waiting for her.

    ¡°You¡¯re not actually considering giving Alexander another chance, are you?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely not,¡± Dani responded withposure.

    ¡°Then what was all that about just now?¡±

    ¡°Merely messing around with him. They think I¡¯m the idiot, strutting around with their pathetic charades, hoping I¡¯ll fall for their garbage. I¡¯ve known that sketchbook inside out for over a decade¡ªI spotted the discrepancies immediately. Do they really think I¡¯m stupid enough to buy this bullshit? I¡¯ll make them regret ever trying to screw with me!¡±

    Dani admitted her own stupidity back then¡ªletting herself get swept up in ridiculous fairy tale fantasies about love.

    Alexander was never the man she had imagined him to be.

    Yet, he persistently resurfaced, wielding the same old maniptive tactics, aiming to exploit her once more.

    Every damn time, he tried his shameless crap, thinking she would just let him take everything and walk away unscathed.

    Such individuals were nothing more than the leeches of society. And leeches deserved nothing less than to be obliterated underfoot.

    L¨»t?st ch¦Ápt?rs ??n g??l??ov????.§ã??m

    After Peyton¡¯s visit to Dani¡¯spany, she became utterly insufferable. She couldn¡¯t go a minute without bragging about her ¡°most aplished granddaughter.¡±

    At every meal, without fail, she would point to a dish on the table and announce to everyone, ¡°This is Dani¡¯s favorite.

    You should all have more of it¡ªmaybe it¡¯ll make you as clever as she is.¡±

    Katrina forced herself to swallow both her food and the simmering rage building inside her.

    ¡°Katrina!¡± Peyton suddenly mmed her fork onto the table, her sharp eyes locking onto her.

    ¡°Have you lost all sense of manners? What¡¯s with that expression? I¡¯m still here, aren¡¯t I? Or do you think you¡¯re the one in charge now?¡±

    Then, Peyton shifted her gaze to Joyce, who was sitting at the head of the table.

    ¡°And you¡ªsitting at the main seat in front of us all? Like mother, like daughter! We gave you a roof over your head and even let Caiden, that clueless fool, marry your mother. If it weren¡¯t for us, what kind of life would you have? How dare you push my true granddaughter out of this house!¡±

    Turning to the housekeeper, she barked, ¡°Dani¡¯s room used to be in the center. Whatever it takes, that room needs to be restored by tomorrow. The best room in this house belongs to her!¡±

    Unable to keep quiet, Katrina shot back, ¡°Absolutely not! That room has the best sunlight, the warmest and brightest spot in the house. Dani¡¯s current room is cold and drafty at night. Joyce can¡¯t even stand it.¡±

    Peyton pped her hand on the table and stood up, her eyes shing with fury.

    ¡°So, the best room should go to your child? What about Dani, my true granddaughter? Is she supposed to live in some filthy room?¡±

    Katrina quickly protested, ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant!¡±

    As she spoke, she leaned into Caiden¡¯s arms, tears falling.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 185

    ?Chapter 185:

    ¡°I know your mother has always seen me as less because I haven¡¯t had a child with your blood. I can ept that, but why bring Joyce into it? If I¡¯m such a failure, maybe I should just disappear!¡±

    Watching Katrina cry, Joyce¡¯s eyes welled up with tears, and she began to sob as well.

    ¡°Alright, let it go. Mom¡¯s getting old. Don¡¯t argue with her,¡± Caiden muttered in his usual indifferent way.

    Katrina had heard this excuse so many times it grated on her nerves.

    Just as she was about to lose control, a servant entered and announced, ¡°Alexander is here.¡±

    As soon as Katrina heard his name, her eyes lit up with excitement.

    For days, she¡¯d been anxious. Richard hadn¡¯t returned her calls, and she feared things were spiraling out of control. But with Alexander standing before her, her hope surged.

    ¡°What a surprise, Alexander! What brings you here today?¡±

    Alexander wrapped the sketchbook in a ck stic bag and handed it to Katrina.

    ¡°I borrowed this from Joyce a few days ago. It was taken from Dani¡¯s room. Can you return it for me?¡±

    Katrina beamed, eager to do Alexander a favor.

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    She considered inviting Alexander in for a meal, hoping to give him and Joyce a chance to connect. But the memory of Peyton¡¯s scowl held her back.

    As Alexander was about to leave, he couldn¡¯t help but nce over his shoulder. His eyesnded on Katrina, who tossed the bag into the trash can.

    The bag hit the bottom with a loud ng, and just like that, the trash can was full to the top.

    She then called over to a servant.

    ¡°Rece the garbage bag and take it out.¡±

    The servant quickly crouched to change the bag as the door clicked shut behind Alexander.

    After taking in the scene, he walked off.

    To him, the sketchbook had done its job and was now nothing more than a burden. Since Dani still harbored feelings for him, keeping it around seemed pointless.

    He couldn¡¯t let Dani still hold feelings for another man¡ªeven if that man was nothing more than a memory, a boy from the past.

    If Dani was going to have a future with him, she had to sever all ties with her past. It wouldn¡¯t be hard¡ªafter all, they were just a few childish sketches, worth nothing at all.

    As he thought about Richard¡¯s n to have Dani over for dinner in a few days, a slow smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

    A flicker of anticipation stirred within him¡ªsomething he didn¡¯t often allow himself to feel.

    Dani might not have the most exciting personality, but there was no denying her beauty. If she could settle down and be the kind of wife and mother he envisioned, he thought their marriage might just work after all.

    With that thought in mind, Alexander pushed the gas pedal, and his car sped off down the road.

    Meanwhile, Peyton waited until the doors shutpletely before ncing at Caiden.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 186

    ?Chapter 186:

    ¡°Was that Alexander just now?¡±

    Caiden remained silent, but Ronald, ever eager to stir the pot, spoke up.

    ¡°Yes, that was Alexander. The one who married Dani and then divorced her. And if I¡¯m right¡­¡±

    He paused for effect before grinning and continuing, ¡°It¡¯s all because of Joyce, isn¡¯t it? She made a scene at their wedding and ruined a perfectly good marriage.¡±

    Wyatt eagerly nodded and jumped into the conversation.

    ¡°Oh, that was all over the news. Mom, I still have the video of the fire on my phone.¡±

    ¡°Your precious granddaughter nearly died in it.¡±

    He pulled out his phone, found the video, and passed it to Peyton.

    As Peyton watched the video, her expression darkened with every passing moment.

    Suddenly, she mmed her palm against the table, rising to her feet. She pointed an using finger at Katrina, her voice sharp.

    ¡°You¡¯re a scheming little pest!¡±

    Then, she turned to face Caiden, her eyes zing with indignation.

    ¡°Look at the kind of people you¡¯ve allowed into our family. What have they turned your daughter into? On such a crucial day, they dared to behave like this, and yet they loungefortably in our vi! You¡¯ve clearly let these two rascals get away with too much. It¡¯s no wonder Dani feltpelled to flee after enduring such torment. Caiden, you really are beyond belief!¡±

    As Peyton unleashed her tirade, Katrina attempted to summon a tearful disy of innocence.

    galn¦Ò¦Íels.c¡ðm hosts fresh updates

    But before she could begin her act, Peyton cut her off sharply. When Katrina threatened to end her own life dramatically, Peyton turned coldly to Caiden.

    ¡°If she¡¯s serious, then so be it! But my granddaughter¡¯s marriage cannot be dyed. Fetch Alexander immediately!¡±

    Katrina¡¯s eyes widened in rm.

    ¡°Peyton, what are you implying? Alexander belongs to Joyce now! Why bring him here? Are you seriously suggesting that Dani and Alexander should try to rekindle something?¡±

    Peyton turned her head back to Katrina, her voice steady and resolute.

    ¡°And why not? Marriage should be based on mutual affection. If Alexander still has feelings for her and wishes to reunite with Dani, I see no harm in exploring that possibility!¡±

    The words hit Katrina like a p. All she could think about was how satisfying it would be to shut Peyton up permanently.

    She turned to Caiden, her eyes brimming with tears, seeking sce or support. But Caiden, absorbed in his phone and utterly detached, simply shrugged.

    ¡°Mom isn¡¯t wrong. Joyce was at fault back then. Haven¡¯t you always trusted the Bet family? It wouldn¡¯t hurt to have Alexandere over and discuss things. After all, marriage requires agreement from both parties.

    You wouldn¡¯t want Joyce to end up miserable, would you?¡±

    His words rang with a veneer of reason and righteousness.

    Katrina¡¯s gaze lingered on Caiden, now filled with doubt and suspicion.

    ¡°Honey¡­¡± She positioned herself beside him, her tone tinged with concern.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 187

    ?Chapter 187:

    ¡°Have you been dealing with somethingtely?¡±

    Caiden barely nced up from his game.

    ¡°Hmm?¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t forgotten how you were once so sure about Alexander and Joyce, iming they were perfect for each other, like it was written in the stars.¡±

    It had been days since she had heard Caiden refer to Dani as a disgrace.

    ¡°Really?¡± Caiden¡¯s response was nonchnt.

    ¡°I still believe they¡¯re suited for each other. But with Mom here now, it seems wise to go along with her wishes.¡±

    Katrina had never considered Caiden particrly devoted or dutiful.

    In her younger days, Peyton had been a forceful personality with little time for nurturing her children. Despite outward appearances of closeness, Katrina sensed the children¡¯s affections were superficial at best.

    She was keenly aware of the emotional distance.

    Lately, Katrina had even grown suspicious of Caiden¡¯s frequent use of his phone, fearing he might be involved in an affair.

    However, her investigations revealed that Caiden¡¯s most significant phone expense wasn¡¯t for ndestine meetings but for online chess games. Ultimately, it was Caiden who arranged for Alexander to visit, ostensibly for Peyton.

    As Alexander was about to enter, Katrina sped his hand urgently. Her expression was anything but serene as she implored, ¡°Alexander, my mother-inw is inside. Just respond to her questions, and remember, there¡¯s no need to be nervous or speak without thinking, alright?¡±

    Pulling his hand gently from her grasp, Alexander responded with measured coolness, ¡°Understood.¡±

    I??€$? ¡é??t??§ñ? ?¦Ç ga?n?¦Í¦Ål?.c??

    Feeling the absence of his hand, Katrina experienced a pang of emptiness.

    Upon his entry, Peyton greeted him with uncharacteristic warmth.

    ¡°Alexander!¡±

    Taking a seat, Alexander acknowledged her with a nod.

    ¡°It¡¯s good to see you, Mrs. Harper.¡±

    Peyton, her face etched with deep lines of age, suddenly beamed a wide smile.

    ¡°Alexander, you see, I invited you here because I want to know if you still harbor any feelings for Dani.¡±

    Alexander caught a glimpse of Katrina, who was covertly signaling him with winks.

    Richard had vaguely mentioned some urgent business earlier; however, Alexander waspletely unprepared for such a personal question.

    Caiden strode into the room with a tter of fruits, cing it on the center table, casting a meaningful nce at Alexander.

    ¡°Nothing deeper to it. We¡¯re simply asking,¡± Caiden remarked, extending an apple toward Alexander.

    Without a word, Alexander kept his thoughts to himself.

    Impatience crept into Peyton¡¯s tone.

    ¡°Speak, won¡¯t you? Without your words, how am I to assist you?¡±

    Peyton, always charmed by the unpolished honesty of country people, found herself quite taken with Alexander.

    Her expression softened into a gentle, encouraging smile.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 188

    ?Chapter 188:

    ¡°Is it shyness that holds your tongue? Well then, let me pose it this way. If life hadn¡¯t thrown that unexpected twist, and you and Dani were still married, do you reckon life would have been good with her?¡±

    Alexander took a deep breath, weighing her question with a serious gaze.

    ¡°Yes, I believe it would have been. Dani was the one who initiated our divorce.¡±

    This was indeed the reality of their situation.

    He had never once entertained the notion of divorce after marrying Dani.

    While Danicked ambition, herpliance was a trait he found adequately pleasing.

    Had it not been for her stubbornness, their lives would not have unfolded as they did.

    With a chuckle, Peyton asked Alexander once more, ¡°So, if I managed to reunite you two, would you be open to that idea?¡±

    Katrina, who had been biting her tongue until now, burst out, ¡°Peyton, that¡¯s out of line. Alexander is destined to marry Joyce. We¡¯ve settled on that¡ªhe¡¯s my son-inw.¡±

    Ignoring Katrina¡¯s protests, Peyton grasped Alexander¡¯s hand with a sincere expression.

    ¡°Alexander, what do you say? If you¡¯re willing, I¡¯ll make it work.¡±

    Reflecting on his father¡¯s recent conversation with Dani, Alexander hesitated momentarily before responding to Peyton.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m is packed with great reads

    ¡°I don¡¯t think she¡¯d want to marry me anymore.¡±

    At his admission, Peyton pped her thigh. Caiden¡¯s face softened.

    ¡°Don¡¯t fret over it. I¡¯ll take care of everything. Dani isn¡¯t foolish; who else would she choose over a catch like you? Yes, she¡¯s quick-tempered, but overlook that for now. Just sit tight and wait for my update¡ªI¡¯ll speak to her, and soon you¡¯ll be on your way to making her your bride again. Trust me, I¡¯ll sort this out wlessly.¡±

    Alexander had previously crossed paths with Peyton. She consistently preferred thepany of boys to girls. In her perspective, Dani was scarcely noteworthy.

    Alexander had frequently caught Peyton openly disparaging Dani as a pointless expense, voicing her criticism loudly and without hesitation.

    His trust in Peyton¡¯s remarks was thin.

    Raising his eyes, he noticed Caiden offering a surprisingly affectionate smile.

    In a soft and reassuring voice, Caidenforted him.

    ¡°Mom assured us she¡¯d take care of everything. Just head home and stay tuned for updates. Remember, Joyce was the one who acted out of turn and shook up your marriage. If you¡¯re still harboring feelings for Dani, it¡¯s only right that you receive some form of fairness.¡±

    Acknowledging the advice, Alexander stood up decisively.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go and talk it over with my father.¡±

    Caught off guard, Katrina remained motionless nearby, her eyes wide as she watched the two men conclude their business just like that.

    Not a single word was said about Joyce.

    Burning with indignation, Katrina nearly sprinted after Alexander, but Caiden grabbed her arm, stopping her.

    She whirled around, her eyes cold as she faced Caiden.

    ¡°What are you suggesting?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 189

    ?Chapter 189:

    Feigning naivety, Caiden exined, ¡°The timing is off. Joyce is pregnant, and marrying into the Bet family under these conditions would only lead to disdain.

    You¡¯d have to promise a hefty dowry. The Bet family isn¡¯t known for being gullible. If the dowry seems insufficient, would they even consider it?¡±

    Katrina¡¯s expression shifted from shock to sheer disbelief. Gazing intensely at Caiden, she challenged him.

    ¡°Caiden! What exactly are you implying? Didn¡¯t we settle on a n earlier? All the Harper family¡¯s wealth is going to Joyce! Are you seriously thinking of not keeping your word?¡±

    Before Caiden could muster a reply, Peyton eximed, ¡°What did you just say? Joyce is pregnant? And the baby isn¡¯t Alexander¡¯s? You n to bestow the entire Harper family¡¯s fortune as Joyce¡¯s dowry?¡± Peyton¡¯s reaction was fierce.

    ¡°Katrina, over my dead body will you touch a dime of the Harper family¡¯s assets!¡±

    Katrina felt like she was on the verge of losing her mind. For years, she had weathered countless difficulties, all for the sake of Caiden.

    Wasn¡¯t it all for a share of the Harper family¡¯s fortune?

    Was all her dedication to be disregarded with a mere word from Caiden, demanding she forfeit her im? That was utterly unthinkable. Suddenly, the entire house plunged into turmoil.

    Back at thepany, Dani felt a sense of unease creeping over her. Richard had shown up with a sketchbook simr to hers, suggesting they knew about the original one.

    Every story starts at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s©q??§àm

    She swept the papers off her desk and informed Lillian, ¡°I need to return to the Harper family.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Lillian turned around, only to discover that Dani had vanished without a trace.

    The Harper family¡¯s doorbell chimed unexpectedly.

    Caiden was taken aback to find Dani on the doorstep.

    ¡°Dani, you¡¯re back already?¡± he asked, a hint of surprise in his voice. The bustling noise from inside the house ceased instantly at his words. Peyton appeared in the doorway, excitement etched on his face, with Ronald and Wyatt trailing behind him.

    ¡°Dani, you¡¯ve returned from abroad! How marvelous to see you¡ªlook at you, more stunning than ever!¡± Peyton burst out, his grin spreading from ear to ear.

    ¡°Please,e in¡ªthis is your home. Why stop at the doorstep? Come on in, I¡¯ve got fantastic news you need to hear!¡±

    Before Peyton could borate further, Dani cut in, her voice steady yet filled with urgency.

    ¡°I apologize for interrupting, but there¡¯s a sketchbook I left in my old room. It¡¯s quite personal to me, and I need to get it back.¡±

    Her frustration was palpable; she was annoyed with herself for overlooking such a vital item amidst the recent upheavals.

    At first, Dani had assumed the figure from her past was Alexander. Having resolved to sever connections with him, she had dismissed the importance of the sketchbook.

    However, upon realizing her mistake¡ªthat it wasn¡¯t him¡ªshe recognized the profound significance of the sketchbook.

    Whether or not she would ever reconnect with that individual, the sketchbook had been her refuge during bleak moments. It was an essential emotional lifeline, and she was determined not to forsake it.

    Peyton attempted to usher Dani through the doorway, yet Dani briskly shrugged her off.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 190

    ?Chapter 190:

    ¡°Would it be too much trouble for you to retrieve it for me?¡± Dani asked Caiden, her voice carrying a frosty note.

    Caiden¡¯s response came quickly, apanied by a fervent nod.

    ¡°Certainly. I¡¯ll go fetch it right away.¡±

    Katrina, who had been observing from a short distance, squinted her eyes in suspicion, scrutinizing Caiden¡¯s apparent zeal. Something about his demeanor seemed decidedly peculiar.

    With a purposeful stride, Caiden ascended the stairs.

    Meanwhile, Peyton, unfazed by the slight rejection, offered Dani a reassuring smile.

    ¡°Dani, don¡¯t hesitate. Remember, you¡¯ll always belong with the Harper family. One day, all of this will be yours.¡±

    Dani remained indifferent to the allure of the Harper family¡¯s fortune.

    Elite Lux¡¯s three-month revenue was so staggering that they could have bought the Harper family outright.

    Disinterested in their trivial disputes, she stood at the doorway, waiting for Caiden to return with her sketchbook.

    Peyton chuckled.

    ¡°You¡¯ve really taken after your mother¡ªstubborn to the core. However, a young woman like yourself can¡¯t afford to be this way forever. Therees a time when you must learn to lean on others. Believe me, life gets a lot easier when you¡¯re not trying to juggle everything on your own. I recently met Alexander. He¡¯s quite tall, strikingly handsome, and moves with an air of confidence. Word is, their family business is flourishing. Should you choose to join their family, they might even lend their expertise in managing yourpany. Here¡¯s a bit of advice¡ªthere¡¯s no need for a woman to prove she¡¯s overly capable. At times, it¡¯s wiser to let others take the lead. Consider your mother¡ªshe toiled relentlessly, but to what end? After her passing, all her hard-earned gains simply lined the pockets of those who hardly deserved it.

    Magic begins at g ¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s

    You should delegate more. Let the men in the family handle some things. Speaking of which, your uncles are not only skilled but they¡¯re family too. Cutting ties with Caiden doesn¡¯t change who you are¡ªyou¡¯re still family. So, about helping your uncles with their jobs¡ªyou¡¯ll do it, won¡¯t you? With your sess, it¡¯s the perfect time to step up and help. Ronald¡¯s managed to buy a new home, though he¡¯s still struggling with the mortgage.¡±

    Ronald¡¯s eyes sparkled with a mix of gratitude and urgency.

    ¡°Exactly, Mom! We¡¯re still stuck with over two million in debt to deal with!¡±

    ¡°And Wyatt.

    You haven¡¯t purchased a car yet, have you?¡±

    Wyatt quickly responded, ¡°That¡¯s correct, Mom. But I¡¯ve set my sights on a limited-edition supercar¡ªpriced just a bit over ten million!¡± Ronald beamed with anticipation, eximing, ¡°Mom, I¡¯d like one too! My car¡¯s practically falling apart. And you know, our little house just isn¡¯t big enough for us anymore. Dani, if you could get us another one, that¡¯d be absolutely incredible!¡±

    Peyton nodded with approval.

    ¡°Absolutely. With Dani raking in the cash these days, it¡¯s only fair she lends a hand to her family. Dani, you really should take care of your nieces¡¯ and nephews¡¯ school fees as well.¡±

    Ronald chimed in, ¡°Mom, the kids have been dreaming of studying at an international school.¡±

    Peyton quickly concurred, ¡°Yes, definitely!¡±

    Ronald cast a cautious nce towards Dani and whispered, ¡°But keep in mind, it¡¯s costly¡ªmillions per year. And if they go overseas for college, we¡¯re talking over ten million for each child.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 191

    ?Chapter 191:

    The family had five children to consider.

    A fund of seventy to eighty million wouldn¡¯t be amiss¡ªit took a fortune to provide the finest for one¡¯s children. Ronald¡¯s thoughts drifted towards the ambitious future he envisioned.

    Peyton, steadfast in her resolve, proimed, ¡°Yes, that will do!¡± She then turned to Ronald¡¯s wife, adding, ¡°You¡¯re fortunate to have Dani¡¯s support. With such great opportunities, don¡¯t hold back. Expand the Harper family¡ªDani can handle it!¡±

    Peyton¡¯s authoritative tone rang out, causing Ronald and Wyatt to grin like fools as she piled on ridiculous demands for Dani.

    Inside, Ronald¡¯s child was practically leaping with excitement.

    ¡°I¡¯m going abroad!¡±

    Katrina observed from a distance.

    Dani stood poised at the doorway, waiting for Caiden¡¯s return with the sketchbook.

    Noticing Dani¡¯s quiet demeanor, Peyton frowned slightly and pressed her lips together in mild annoyance.

    ¡°Dani, you¡¯re awfully quiet. What¡¯s the matter? You¡¯re not having second thoughts, are you? Remember, you¡¯re a Harper. A little expense shouldn¡¯t make you bat an eyelid.¡±

    But Dani remained silent, her expression unchanged.

    Peyton¡¯s frustration grew, and she bit her lip, feeling a twinge of guilt for her past harshness toward Dani.

    Step into a new world at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    ¡°Alexander is willing to remarry you. Can¡¯t you manage a smile for that?¡±

    At these words, Dani struggled to contain her emotions.

    ¡°To begin with, I never sought your intervention. Furthermore, I¡¯ve severed all ties with the Bet family, so kindly refrain from involving yourself.¡±

    Katrina, who had been listening, nearly burst intoughter.

    Irritated by the exchange, Peyton¡¯s face darkened, and she abruptly pped Dani¡¯s hand.

    The p was sharp enough to leave Dani¡¯s hand visibly reddened.

    Dani barely flinched, her eyes remaining locked on the staircase, ignoring the sting on her hand.

    Caiden had yet to make an appearance.

    From the corridor, his voice resounded, calling out, ¡°Josie! Could you help me look for Dani¡¯s sketchbook? It seems to have vanished.¡±

    To everyone in the family, it was clear that the sketchbook was Dani¡¯s most treasured item.

    The absence of it sent a wave of anxiety crashing over Caiden.

    Josie hastened upstairs and began an extended search.

    Peyton craned her neck, her voiceced with concern.

    ¡°What¡¯s happening? Why is this taking so long?¡±

    Unable to contain her frustration any longer, Dani stormed inside.

    A throng of curious onlookers trailed behind her, all crowding into her tiny room.

    A mere ten minutester, every corner of Dani¡¯s room had been upended.

    ¡°Where could it be?¡± Dani demanded, her tone icy and her expression steely.

    Caiden, not giving up, turned to Josie once more.

    ¡°Any idea where it is?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 192

    ?Chapter 192:

    Josie, overwhelmed and close to tears, admitted, ¡°I honestly don¡¯t know. Mrs. Harper told me Ms. Harper should tidy her own room, so I steer clear of it. Besides, it¡¯s quite stuffy in here¡ªno windows, no sunlight. It¡¯s usually deserted.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s brow furrowed in response. Trying to reassure Dani, he said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Josie hasn¡¯t touched anything in here, so it¡¯s bound it¡¯s bound to be somewhere around. We don¡¯t have many visitors, so it surely hasn¡¯t been misced.¡±

    Upon hearing that, Dani halted mid-motion, her eyes narrowing as she fixed a piercing gaze on Katrina.

    ¡°Why are you staring at me like that? I¡­¡± Katrina suddenly remembered the ck stic bag Alexander had delivered just days prior. She had carelessly tossed it into the overflowing trash bin,manding Josie to dispose of it.

    A flicker of panic shed through Katrina¡¯s eyes, a detail Dani didn¡¯t miss.

    ¡°Where is it now?¡± Dani demanded, her expression stern and unyielding.

    Peyton grabbed Katrina by the arm and pressed, her voiceced with frustration.

    ¡°Where the hell is it?¡±

    Unfamiliar with the upper floors, Peyton was oblivious to the fact that Dani had been relegated to such a modest room. In the grandeur of such a vast vi, it was astonishing that Dani resided in a mere storage room.

    Katrina exchanged a helpless nce with Caiden, her eyes begging for assistance.

    Caiden asked, ¡°Where is it?¡±

    Your source: g??ln??v??ls.??????

    Katrina¡¯s response was hesitant, her words tumbling out awkwardly.

    ¡°That day, Alexander brought it here, encased in a worn-out garbage bag. When I felt it, it was stiff, like thick cardboard. So I tossed it into the trash can.¡±

    Turning abruptly towards Josie, Katrina rebuked her sharply.

    ¡°Josie!¡±

    ¡°How could you let this happen? I threw out something important, and you didn¡¯t even care to check? What¡¯s wrong with you?¡±

    Josie was caught off guard.

    Katrina whirled to face Caiden, her unease palpable.

    ¡°Alexander¡¯s at fault too. How could he be so careless with something that mattered so much? At the very least, he could have packaged it properly. And really, what interest does a CEO like Alexander have in Dani¡¯s sketchbook? If he hadn¡¯t taken it in the first ce, I wouldn¡¯t have dismissed it as trash so thoughtlessly.¡±

    Dani stood nearby, her fists balled in silent fury, her gaze fixated on Katrina. She nced towards the door, noticing the lock that had long been weak, and her eyes darkened with a deep, unsettling shadow.

    Worried about facing Peyton¡¯s reprimand, Katrina hastily grabbed her phone and called Alexander.

    ¡°Alexander, was the ck garbage bag you brought overst time the one with Dani¡¯s sketchbook in it?¡±

    Alexander, interrupted during a meeting, took a moment to confirm.

    ¡°Yes, that was it.¡±

    ¡°Why on earth didn¡¯t you specify? I assumed you had brought actual garbage, so I threw it out. Now Dani has returned and is looking for it. Can¡¯t you tell how this mess is making me look bad?¡±

    Seated in the conference room, Alexander hesitated before instructing Katrina, ¡°Please pass the phone to Dani.¡±

    Katrina passed the phone to Dani, and she epted it.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 193

    ?Chapter 193:

    ¡°Dani, I admit it¡¯s my fault,¡± Alexander exined, his tone casual and distant, as if the issue didn¡¯t matter much to him.

    ¡°That sketchbook was worn out, and frankly, it wasn¡¯t worth much. I¡¯ll have a better one sent to you soon.¡±

    After a brief pause, he spoke again, clearly thinking the matter settled.

    ¡°A few days ago, my dad mentioned he visited you and suggested I invite you for a meal. When would be a good time? Let¡¯s call it my way of saying sorry. How does that sound?¡±

    A heavy silence filled the room. Everyone¡¯s gaze was fixed on Dani. The coldness in her posture, the way her hand tightened at her side¡ªit was clear she was fuming, a storm of emotions brewing under her still exterior, though she remained silent.

    Caiden bit his lip, stepping closer to console her.

    ¡°Dani, I understand how important that sketchbook was to you. I¡­¡±

    ¡°Fine.¡± Dani¡¯s unexpected reply interrupted him, her voice steady but surprising. She gave a slight smile and spoke into the phone.

    ¡°Let¡¯s meet at Elite Lux.¡±

    She ended the call without another word.

    Katrina, watching her closely, scoffed loudly.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c¨®m is your escape

    ¡°Oh, so now you¡¯re ying hard to get, huh? All that nonsense about how precious that sketchbook was to you¡ªwhat a joke. The truth is, you were just looking for any excuse to get close to Alexander again, weren¡¯t you? Don¡¯t try to fool anyone, Dani.

    You¡¯re still the same pathetic girl, desperate to follow Alexander around like some eager little puppy, hoping for his attention.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s words wereced with venom.

    ¡°If this was your n all along, why bother with all the drama? Dani, you disgust me.¡±

    Dani casually threw the phone into Katrina¡¯s arms, her gaze unblinking. She leaned in closer, her voice low enough for only the two of them to hear.

    ¡°You¡¯re right about one thing. I came here just to disgust you. After the meal with Alexander, do you honestly think your n to marry Joyce into the Bet family is still going to seed?¡±

    Katrina¡¯s expression darkened.

    Dani let out a soft, unsettlingugh, one that didn¡¯t resemble the sweet girl everyone was familiar with.

    ¡°Katrina, I couldn¡¯t care less about what you¡¯ve done before. But this time, you¡¯ve gone too far. Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t deal with you. I¡¯ll let you stay alive long enough to watch what happens to Joyce.¡±

    With that, Dani turned and walked away, leaving Katrina standing there in stunned silence. Her hands clenched into fists, and her voice trembled with fury as she shouted after her, ¡°How dare you! Dani, how dare you!¡±

    Her words echoed in the stillness, but Dani didn¡¯t spare a nce. Without hesitation, she slid into her exclusive, limited-edition car and sped off.

    As Peyton descended the stairs, her gaze wandered toward Joyce¡¯s room. The room was a perfect blend of princess-like elegance, filled with sunlight. It was spacious and airy, with floor-to-ceiling windows that opened to a verdant greenbelt. Fresh air streamed in, rejuvenating anyone who entered.

    Peyton snapped her head towards Caiden, shooting him a cold look.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 194

    ?Chapter 194:

    ¡°Caiden, you really went all out raising someone else¡¯s daughter!¡±

    Ronald and Wyatt, on the other hand, were only concerned with one thing.

    ¡°Mom, do you think Dani will keep her word? When do you think she¡¯ll make it happen?¡±

    After all, it was about a future of endless wealth and luxury.

    Peyton¡¯s wrinkled face twisted into a displeased frown.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you notice the way she was acting today? She was in a terrible mood. Just give her some time. I¡¯ll take some fruit and visit her at work. Did you see? She didn¡¯t even argue with a single thing I said earlier. Trust me, she¡¯s wealthy now, and you¡¯re her uncles. Do you really think she¡¯d hold back from helping you?¡±

    Ronald and Wyatt visibly rxed, their tense expressions softening with relief.

    But Katrina wasn¡¯t as easilyforted.

    She turned to Caiden, her voice edged with concern.

    ¡°Caiden, what do you think Dani meant by what she said? Is she trying to destroy Alexander and Joyce¡¯s rtionship? She is, isn¡¯t she?¡±

    Caiden remainedposed, his tone steady.

    ¡°You¡¯re reading too much into it. Dani isn¡¯t like that.¡±

    ¡°Not like that? She said it herself! She told me exactly what she was nning. And the way she looked at me¡ªher eyes were cold, full of calction, ruthless! Dani is Brylee¡¯s daughter! She¡¯s got that same blood running through her veins. With a mother like Brylee, how could Dani possibly be anything but trouble?¡±

    Explore new chapters gal¦Çovels.c¡ðm

    Katrina¡¯s anxiety grew stronger as she continued, ¡°You have to understand, Caiden. Dani really said it. She promised she wouldn¡¯t touch me, but then she made it clear she wants me to witness Joyce¡¯s destruction firsthand. She¡¯s nning to ruin our daughter!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible. Dani is my daughter too. She wouldn¡¯t harm Joyce,¡± Caiden responded tly.

    Katrina copsed into tears, cursing Peyton, Caiden, and Dani more fiercely than ever.

    Annoyed, Caiden snatched his phone and retreated to the guest room.

    Joyce went to the balcony, a cigarette dangling between her fingers.

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m telling you, there¡¯s something really off about Caidentely. He¡¯s not acting like himself at all.¡±

    In the past, no matter what Katrina asked of him, Caiden would always obey without question.

    He never dared to oppose her, always going along with her wishes. He showered her with affection, treating her as if she were precious beyond measure.

    She had free rein over the finances, spending as she pleased, and he never once raised an objection. His attitude towards Dani had always been one of contempt.

    Today, however, when Caiden saw Dani, there was no trace of his usual irritation, but rather a subtle, restrained joy.

    That wasn¡¯t like him at all. Something definitely wasn¡¯t right.

    Katrina¡¯s mother replied, ¡°Caiden¡¯s always been like this for years. Why are you acting so surprised? You¡¯re just being too impatient. Besides, you¡¯ve had the upper hand with Dani for so long. How could she suddenly flip the script? Don¡¯t worry.

    You still hold the power over him.¡±

    Katrina hung up the phone. Her eyes lingered on the city lights outside as she murmured to herself, ¡°Looks like Dani won¡¯t be as easy to handle from now on.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 195

    ?Chapter 195:

    As the secretary arrived at the construction site, Cedric was deep in conversation on the phone.

    Not wanting to interrupt, the secretary quietly moved past him. As he did, ude Vazquez scrunched his nose in distaste.

    ¡°Benny, what¡¯s that awful smell on you?¡±

    Benny Szar let out augh.

    ¡°Thepany bought andfill to turn into a cemetery. I was just there.¡±

    ude gestured toward the object in Benny¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Do you paint?¡± Benny looked down at the sketchbook in his hand, a slight frown forming.

    ¡°This? How did I end up with this? I found it in the trash. It was so hot; I just used it to cool myself off.¡±

    As he spoke, he made a move to toss the sketchbook away, but when he saw Cedric finishing his call nearby, he quickly grabbed some documents from his bag and shoved the sketchbook inside.

    That night, the entire Olisvinendfill was scoured from top to bottom. Lillian, her clothes covered in dirt, spoke with frustration.

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t find it.¡±

    Dani¡¯s eyes were like ice, filled with a cold fury. She stood motionless in thendfill for what felt like an eternity, not a word escaping her lips.

    Every story starts at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s

    As the first light of dawn began to break, she let out a heavy sigh, exhaustion weighing her down.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    When she returned, she took a long, much-needed shower before copsing into bed for a deep sleep.

    Later, when Alexander came looking for her, he found Dani standing on the balcony, her attention focused on sketching the sunset.

    Today, she wasn¡¯t dressed in her usual formal attire, but instead, wore simple,fortable home clothes.

    The spacious balcony had a slight chill to the air, and Alexander stood silently behind her.

    He wasn¡¯t one for art, never quite able to grasp its depths, but he sure knew how to appreciate a woman.

    Dani was dressed in a pristine white floral top that shimmered softly in the fading sunlight. Her long hair, softly curled, rested elegantly over her shoulders, swaying gently with each movement she made.

    He muttered something quietly. Dani, however, remained silent, absorbed in her work.

    The warm glow of the sunset bathed her face in a golden light, casting an almost ethereal glow on her features.

    Alexander found himself momentarily mesmerized by the scene before him.

    It wasn¡¯t until Dani set her brush down that he slowly snapped back to reality.

    ¡°That¡¯s a beautiful painting,¡± Alexander remarked, his voice filled with genuine admiration.

    Dani dropped the brush into the tray and walked to the bathroom to wash her hands. Afterward, she poured herself a ss of water, letting the quiet moments stretch on.

    She took a sip and finally turned her gaze to him.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 196

    ?Chapter 196:

    He was the man she had loved deeply for so long, the one she had once thought was everything to her.

    Now, as she regarded him, there was no longer the adoration or reverence that once filled her eyes. Instead, she saw him as just another man¡ªordinary and wed. She had lost the urge to explore him.

    With a small gesture, she indicated the chair across from her.

    ¡°Please, take a seat.¡±

    Taking a seat, Alexander apologized.

    ¡°I¡¯m truly sorry about the sketchbook.¡± Reaching into his bag, he pulled out a brand-new sketchbook and extended it toward her.

    ¡°I hope this can make up for it.¡±

    Alexander, believing a gift would win her over, assumed she would appreciate and cherish it as a token of his apology.

    He convinced himself that Dani¡¯s earlier visit to the Harper family, where she had asked about the old sketchbook, was merely an excuse to get closer to him, as Katrina had suggested.

    However, as he observed Dani¡¯s expression, the indifference in her eyes pierced him.

    All he saw was a cold, distant look, devoid of the warmth he once relied on.

    ¡°You don¡¯t like it? If it¡¯s not to your taste, tell me what kind you prefer, and I¡¯ll have someone find it for you.¡± The humility in Alexander¡¯s voice was a rare shift, revealing his desire to make amends.

    Exclusive updates: galno¦Íe??s.co??

    Dani, of course, understood his intentions. A faint smile tugged at her lips, but she didn¡¯t even look his way.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I don¡¯t paint much these days, so it really doesn¡¯t matter.¡±

    Alexander nodded.

    ¡°I understand.

    Yourpany¡¯s doing well now, so I imagine time is harder toe by. But once someone steps in to help share the load, things will be much easier.¡±

    Dani, without a word, lowered her gaze and continued cutting her steak, her focus entirely on the te in front of her.

    A flicker of frustration crossed Alexander¡¯s face. He wasn¡¯t ustomed to being shut out by Dani. Just as he opened his mouth to speak again, Dani had already set down her knife and fork.

    ¡°I¡¯m done. Are you?¡±

    Alexander looked down at his untouched steak, and, standing up, replied, ¡°I¡¯m not hungry.¡±

    Dani nodded, her voice soft but firm.

    ¡°I¡¯m tired. I won¡¯t be seeing you out.¡±

    She then walked to the living room, silently organizing the sketches on the balcony, her face unreadable, her eyespletely distant from him.

    Alexander had no choice but to follow her silent cue and leave. Just as the door was about to click shut, a soft sound of footsteps caught his attention. He spun around, his curiosity piqued.

    To his surprise, it was Dani, who had just been in the living room moments earlier. She walked to the dining table, picked up the sketchbook he had just handed her, and without a second thought, tossed it into the trash can.

    For a moment, Alexander stood frozen, staring at her in disbelief. Dani met his gaze briefly, her eyes cool and distant.

    Under the harsh light, her eyes seemed bright yetpletely indifferent, her aloofness sharp. She nced at him for a fleeting second before turning away slowly.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 197

    ?Chapter 197:

    He stood there, watching her retreat upstairs, her movements deliberate and final. The door closed behind her, and Alexander remained, standing in ce, lost in thought. He couldn¡¯t understand it.

    But in that moment, an unsettling sense of cold dread washed over him. Was this really Dani?

    Alexander stepped out of Dani¡¯s residence to find Richard waiting expectantly by the car. Richard had taken it upon himself to drive Alexander today, his intentions clear. Given Dani¡¯s growing influence, Richard was eager to secure her favor. The thought of anyone else gaining her trust was unbearable to him.

    ¡°How did things go?¡± Richard pressed, shing a sly grin.

    ¡°Was it a candlelit dinner or avish meal? Did Dani invite you to stay overnight? Remember my advice, Alexander. Don¡¯t be too quick to please her.

    You need to keep her intrigued. First, secure the lucrative North District project, then aim for thepany shares, and finally, make her desperate to marry you. Then, she won¡¯t be able to leave you anymore, and Elite Lux will be firmly in your hands.

    You¡¯re ying your cards right; you really are my son!¡± Richard¡¯s voice swelled with pride.

    ¡°Dad, I didn¡¯t have dinner,¡± Alexander interjected, his tone t. Richard¡¯s smile vanished, reced by a look of utter disbelief.

    ¡°What did you just say?¡±

    Holding Richard¡¯s bewildered gaze, Alexander replied, ¡°I didn¡¯t eat a thing. She had her meal alone and then told me to leave.¡±

    L?t§Öst ch¦Ápt?rs ??n g??l§ßov?ls.§ã§à??

    Richard, flustered, waved his hand in dismissal.

    ¡°That can¡¯t be right! Dani would starve herself before neglecting you like that. Have you done something to upset her?¡±

    Alexander shook his head slowly, deliberately. He recalled how Dani had disdainfully tossed his sketchbook into the trash. Her expression had been cold, calcting, distant¡ªeerily so.

    ¡°I suspect Dani doesn¡¯t like me anymore,¡± Alexander murmured, releasing a weary sigh.

    Richard, however, remained unconvinced.

    ¡°How can you say that? Why did she invite you to dinner if she didn¡¯t even like you? If she truly didn¡¯t care, she wouldn¡¯t even take your calls. And let¡¯s face it, you wouldn¡¯t have lingered up there if she didn¡¯t show some interest. Sometimes, you need to coax a woman.¡±

    He pointed to the grand sign adorning the building and continued, ¡°With all this wealth at stake, even if Dani doesn¡¯t harbor feelings for you now, you must sway her to marry you. Don¡¯t worry. I know charming women isn¡¯t your strong suit, so I¡¯ve assembled some tools to help you win her heart!¡±

    With that, he took Alexander back to thepany.

    The moment they emerged from the car, Alexander¡¯s eyes widened at the sight of a dozen employees lined up at the entrance. They chimed together in a well-rehearsed chorus, ¡°Good evening!¡± Once inside, Richard ushered Alexander toward the CEO¡¯s office.

    With a gentle push, he swung open the door to an office adorned with an array of photos featuring Dani. Across from the desk, arge ckboard dominated the room, covered in extensive analyses of Dani¡¯s preferences, personality, and the traits she found appealing in a partner.

    ¡°I¡¯ve brought in a rtionship strategist specifically for your pursuit. They¡¯ve dissected every facet of Dani¡¯s life to maximize your chances of captivating her heart.¡±

    As Richard borated on the strategy, his phone buzzed¡ªKatrina was calling. He excused himself with a reassuring pat on Alexander¡¯s shoulder, whispering, ¡°The Bet family¡¯s future rests on your shoulders now.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 198

    ?Chapter 198:

    With those parting words, he stepped into the corridor.

    ¡°Katrina, Alexander is currentlymitted to his professional responsibilities and is not considering any romantic entanglements.

    You¡¯ll need to look elsewhere for a father for your daughter¡¯s child,¡± Richard stated tly.

    Katrina¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief as she demanded, ¡°What do you mean by that? I thought we had an agreement. Why this sudden change? Richard, are you worried that Caiden might exclude Joyce from his will? You¡¯re overthinking this, really. Joyce is the sole heiress of the Harper family. Who else is there but her? Yes, she slipped up, got pregnant out of wedlock, but I assure you, she¡¯s severed all ties with that man! If you have any further conditions, let¡¯s discuss them openly.¡±

    Richard held his phone at arm¡¯s length, his expression one of scorn.

    ¡°While Joyce is your treasure, Alexander remains my pride. He will not shoulder the burden of raising another¡¯s child. Should this scandale to light, the me would fall squarely on my shoulders, as if I traded my son¡¯s future for your fortune. No wealth is worth thatpromise.¡±

    Katrina, frantic, attempted to salvage the conversation.

    ¡°But no one need ever learn of Joyce¡¯s child¡­¡±

    However, her words were cut short by the harsh beep of the call ending. A storm of fury surged through Katrina, overtaking herpletely.

    Staring down at the phone, her face twisted in rage, and she spat, ¡°Dani, you fucking bitch! You¡¯ve ruined my ns, and I¡¯ll make damn sure you regret it!¡±

    Visit gal????v??ls for updates

    Dani had never imagined that her offhand remarks would cause the Bet family to reconsider their rtionship with Katrina.

    At breakfast, Katrina hade to cause a scene. Dani was seated in the dining room, observing Katrina, who looked wild and frantic, her hair a mess. Ronald, Wyatt, and a few others had to restrain her.

    Then, Peyton, unable to contain her frustration any longer, pped Katrina hard, sending her crumpling to the ground in a flood of tears.

    ¡°Are you all ganging up on me now? Caiden! You have to intervene! Will you just stand there and let me be tormented?¡± Katrina cried out. From her position on the floor, she pointed usingly at Dani through the floor-to-ceiling window.

    ¡°And look at your ex-wife¡¯s daughter, taking pleasure in my distress! Can you see this? Whose side are you on, Caiden?¡±

    Dani was anticipating Caiden¡¯s eruption into the fray.

    Yet, Caiden cast a brief nce at Dani, who was observing themotion with her chin resting on her hand, and addressed Katrina with unexpectedposure.

    ¡°What the hell is wrong with you? Get off the ground and stop embarrassing yourself like a damn idiot.¡±

    Dani, her expression icy and detached, overheard every word. Off to the side, Lillian leaned towards Ryan and murmured, ¡°Caiden¡¯s behavior is peculiar today, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Peering toward Dani, Ryan nodded and whispered back, ¡°Ever since that sketchbook disappeared, Dani has been in a foul temper. She doesn¡¯t give a damn about anyone else.¡±

    Realization dawned on Katrina that her theatrics were futile. Dani was merely a spectator to her disgrace, entirely uninvolved and unresponsive. Leaving now would only make her seem like a loser walking away with empty hands.

    She picked herself up, yanked Caiden aside, and wiped her tears away forcefully.

    ¡°Caiden! Cut the crap and tell me¡ªwhat the hell is your problem? Dani ruined my daughter¡¯s marriage. It¡¯s her or me today! You need to confront her and demand justice for us!¡±

    Without a word, Caiden remained still, giving nothing away.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 199

    ?Chapter 199:

    Katrina¡¯s voice escted, tears streaming anew.

    ¡°Fine! If you won¡¯t defend me, we might as well divorce! We¡¯ll split everything. Half for you, half for me. With that, the Bet family will certainly wee my daughter with open arms!¡±

    Caiden froze for a moment, stunned that Katrina had the nerve to stake a im on half his wealth. His eyes widened in surprise, and as he gaped at her, Katrina¡¯s voice softened just a touch.

    ¡°Don¡¯t give me that look, and let¡¯s not revisit how the Harper family¡¯s fortune was earned by Brylee. I¡¯m your wife now, Caiden. What belongs to you also belongs to me. I¡¯m not picking a fight, but Dani¡¯s gone too far!¡±

    Joyce¡¯s belly was visibly growing day by day. If Alexander wouldn¡¯t marry her, was her fate to be with a man once married?

    The mere idea sent a shiver down her spine. Observing the resolve in Katrina¡¯s expression, Caiden finally conceded, ¡°Fine.¡±

    Katrina exhaled a quiet breath of relief, reassured by her belief that Caiden wouldn¡¯t leave her¡ªnot when no one else could match her unwavering support for him. She leaned in slightly, her toneced with reassurance.

    ¡°Honey, don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t cause a scene. I¡¯ll simply ask her about it, and if Dani isn¡¯t involved, I¡¯ll apologize.¡±

    Caiden barely looked up, his voice devoid of emotion.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    New chapters now on g@?¦Ç¦Òv???s.c§àm

    With that, Katrina turned on her heel and marched back to the building, her steps echoing with resolve and a touch of defiance.

    ¡°Dani! Come out! We need to talk!¡±

    Dani emerged, her presence icy.

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    Katrina¡¯s eyes zed with fury as she snapped, ¡°Was it you who wrecked Alexander and Joyce¡¯s marriage?¡±

    Her eyes narrowed dangerously as she pressed on.

    ¡°Tell me, did you?¡± As she spoke, Katrina raised her hand in a threatening gesture. But before it could strike, Dani looked up sharply, her intense eyes locking with Katrina¡¯s in a silent challenge.

    Katrina¡¯s heart fluttered unexpectedly, causing her raised hand to pause mid-air before retreating to her side.

    ¡°What bullshit are you even saying?¡± Dani¡¯s lips twisted into a subtle smile, her eyes twinkling with a mix of amusement and challenge as she faced Katrina.

    ¡°Give me a break.

    You¡¯re throwing out usations like a fool. Show me some proof or get lost.¡±

    ¡°What proof is necessary when it¡¯s clear as day it was you? Why else would the Bet family go back on their word? They weremitted to the wedding just after New Year¡¯s! Is this your way of getting back at us?¡±

    Dani nodded, her expression thoughtful yet mocking.

    ¡°Interesting theory. So, tell me, what am I supposedly avenging? What kind of shit do you think I care enough about to get revenge for?¡±

    ¡°You¡­¡± Katrina faltered, her eyes darting nervously.

    ¡°You were once married to Alexander, and Joyce has already apologized for that incident at the fire. What more do you want from her? Dani, let bygones be bygones!¡±

    Dani¡¯s smile turned frosty, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 200

    ?Chapter 200:

    ¡°Let bygones be bygones? So, you beg for mercy when you screw up, but when it¡¯s someone else¡¯s turn, you never let them live it down. Real ssy of you, Katrina. And let me make one thing clear¡ªif you¡¯re so desperate, feel free to scoop up the trash I toss out, but leave my name out of your pathetic games. I don¡¯t deal with leftovers. Oh, and one more thing.

    Your family really does have a thing for scraps, don¡¯t they? Just because Joyce is desperate enough to cling to Alexander doesn¡¯t mean I give a damn. Do me a favor and keep your filthy drama to yourself¡ªI can¡¯t stomach that disgusting crap.¡±

    Joyce felt those words like a punch to the gut, knocking the air right out of her. The insult didn¡¯t just wound Joyce; it deeply affected Katrina and Caiden as well. Everyone present was taken aback.

    This was a side of Dani they had never witnessed before. Esteemed for her principled conduct and seldom seen engaging in disputes, Dani had always appeared aloof, often ignoring petty squabbles and dismissing the gossip swirling around her.

    Yet, no one had ever seen her disy such vehement anger.

    Without a moment¡¯s pause, Dani whipped out her phone and dialed Alexander¡¯s number, right there in front of the entire Harper family and an increasingly curious circle of bystanders. She then activated the speakerphone.

    Since their divorce, Dani had never once reached out to Alexander first. The sudden call took him by surprise, and his voice, tinged with unexpected warmth, didn¡¯t go unnoticed by Katrina, who watched with a frosty re.

    ¡°Hello, Dani.¡±

    Dani¡¯s voice cut through the air like a shard of ice, chilling Ryan and Lillian to their core. It was as if she harbored a murderous intent.

    g??????¦Òv??????.c?m ¨C check it out!

    ¡°Alexander, I have you on speakerphone. The Harpers are present. I need a direct answer. Have you been engaged to Joyce or not?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely not. I assure you, I have never been engaged to Joyce.¡±

    Dani turned her piercing gaze to Katrina, whose face had turned a fiery red. She addressed Alexander again.

    ¡°Your family made this mess, so clean it up yourselves! If you told Joyce you¡¯d marry her, then stop pestering me.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s voice, tinged with panic, cut through the tension.

    ¡°I promise you, there¡¯s no truth to that! Have they been causing you trouble? I¡¯ll have my father sort this out immediately.¡±

    With that, Dani ended the call.

    A mere ten minutester, Richard arrived, his anxiety palpable. He approached Katrina, his voiceden with worry.

    ¡°What¡¯s all themotion about? We¡¯re all reasonable people here; why stir up such a scene?¡±

    Richard, adept at gauging the mood, sensed Dani¡¯s seething anger. Misinterpreting it as indignation over a rumored engagement between Alexander and Joyce, a smug satisfaction flickered across his face.

    Seizing what he believed to be a chance at redemption, Richard donned a sincere smile and turned to Dani.

    ¡°Dani, I admit, I mishandled things. I¡¯ll make sure Alexander apologizes to you personally. Just leave everything to me, okay?¡±

    Next, he turned to Katrina, his voice nowced with contempt.

    ¡°Katrina, what you¡¯re doing is utterly uneptable. Stop spreading your lies. Everyone here is well aware of Alexander¡¯s integrity. He truly is the finest young man anyone could know. However, his goodness doesn¡¯t give you the right to push your wayward daughter onto him.¡±

    Katrina wanted to say something, but Richard continued, ¡°Remember this¡ªAlexander has always wanted Dani. His loyalty to her has been unwavering. As for Joyce, with her dubious reputation and now expecting a child, she¡¯s clearly not a suitable match for him.It was Joyce who had disrupted Alexander and Dani¡¯s wedding once before. And now, just as they were finding their way back to each other, here you are causing chaos again! Katrina, the fact that Dani isn¡¯t your biological daughter doesn¡¯t give you the right to treat her like garbage. Remember, it was Brylee who took you in. After that, you climbed your way to power by crawling into her husband¡¯s bed.

    You¡¯re a walking disgrace. If you¡¯re determined to continue down this path, don¡¯t cry when Joyce ends up just as ruined as you. Is that what you¡¯re aiming for?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 201

    ?Chapter 201:

    Richard was a master at manipting words, skillfully exposing Joyce¡¯s secrets in a few deft sentences while portraying himself as the epitome of virtue. His maneuvers were carefully orchestrated to win Dani¡¯s favor.

    He cast a smug look toward Dani, expecting approval.

    Yet, her expression remained cold and detached. Katrina was left reeling, feeling the weight of judgmental nces and whispered conjectures from those around her. The only response she could muster was a fiery re directed at Dani.

    ¡°Dani! Just you wait! This isn¡¯t over!¡±

    Humiliated and cornered, Katrina was briskly escorted away by the Harper family, her departure marked by a trail of disgrace. Caiden made a futile attempt to converse with Dani, but she turned her back and disappeared into the building, leaving him amidst the unsettled crowd.

    Richard dashed after her, a perpetual grin stretched across his face.

    ¡°Dani, next time something like this happens, don¡¯t hesitate to reach out to me. As for people like Katrina, extending excessive politeness only serves as an invitation for exploitation.¡±

    Dani entered the elevator, her gaze sharp and frosty as she faced Richard.

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be the one handling this mess? What, are you expecting gratitude from me now? If I¡¯d known the circus of bullshit you¡¯d bring into my life, I would¡¯ve stayed the hell away from Alexander. Don¡¯t even think about showing your face again.¡±

    With a resolute press of a button, Lillian initiated the elevator doors to close. Richard briefly attempted to wedge himself into the elevator to offer an exnation, but the doors mped shut before he could manage, leaving him standing outside. A security guard promptly intervened, escorting him away from the scene.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s has the stories you love

    Visibly irked, Richard stomped his foot and dialed Alexander¡¯s number.

    ¡°You need to resolve this immediately! Damn it, Dani is pissed off! That bitch Katrina is trying to screw me overpletely. If she drives Dani away, I¡¯ll hunt her down and make her regret ever crossing me!¡±

    That day, the scandal that Joyce was pregnant with another man¡¯s child while still pursuing Alexander exploded across social media. The very crowd that had onceuded them while disparaging Dani was now furiously posting online.

    ¡°Getting knocked up and then pestering her stepsister¡¯s ex-husband? That¡¯s next-level desperation!¡±

    ¡°Richard said it himself¡ªJoyce¡¯s mom schemed her way into the Harper family by spreading her legs for Caiden. Guess neither of them has a shred of decency.¡±

    ¡°Poor Dani. Honestly, I¡¯ve always seen her as someone decent. Losing her mom so young and living under Katrina¡¯s rule must¡¯ve been brutal.¡±

    The online frenzy grew more intense by the minute. Joycey sprawled on the couch, crying so hard that she could hardly catch her breath.

    Peyton remarked nonchntly, ¡°The apple doesn¡¯t fall far from the tree. Caiden, we¡¯re caught in your storm. Haven¡¯t you noticed? Dani won¡¯t even spare us a nce. I¡¯m warning you, Caiden. If she holds a grudge, it¡¯ll be on you to salvage any favor she might extend to Ronald and Wyatt.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s tears abruptly stopped, her expression hardening instantly. Just as she opened her mouth to object, Caiden cut in.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll handle it. Just leave Dani out of this.¡±

    No sooner had he spoken than Ronald and Wyatt began tallying their demands with their fingers.

    ¡°Caiden, since you¡¯re stepping up to take responsibility, we¡¯re not asking for much¡ªjust cars, houses, and a tidy sum of money.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 202

    ?Chapter 202:

    Ronald and Wyatt exchanged knowing looks and dered in unison, ¡°Eighty million each.¡±

    ¡°Eighty million? Are you out of your mind?¡± Katrina jumped up, her voice dripping with disdain.

    ¡°Just go rob a bank if you¡¯re that desperate!¡±

    Ronald and Wyatt frowned.

    ¡°Why the hell are you so worked up, Katrina? This isn¡¯t about you. We¡¯re talking to Caiden, not you.¡±

    ¡°These are joint marital assets!¡± Katrina argued, her voice firm. After years of dedicated service to Caiden, all she desired was a fair share of the wealth.

    ¡°Don¡¯t even dream of getting a penny from me unless I fucking allow it!¡± Ronald red at her, jabbing a finger in her direction.

    ¡°What bullshit are you talking about? Joint marital assets? Do you even have any im to this money? This is the legacy our former sister-inw left behind.

    You have no part in this!¡±

    Katrina stormed into the kitchen, grabbed a knife, and shouted, ¡°Anyone who dares touch my family¡¯s fortune will answer to me. I¡¯ll make damn sure you regret it!¡±

    Her shitty past, filled with hunger and hardship, resurfaced, making Katrina tremble. Giving away eighty million to those leeches felt like signing her own death warrant.

    Unperturbed by the prospect of death but terrified of destitution, Ronald advanced, his face defiant, and taunted her.

    L§Ñt?st ch¦Ápt?rs in g?lnov?ls.?¦Ïm

    ¡°Go on, do it if you¡¯ve got the guts! You¡¯re nothing but a bitch, Katrina. If you can¡¯t bring yourself to do it today, that money is as good as mine! What¡¯s the matter? Are you scared? Let me tell you something¡ªwithin these walls of the Harper estate, you¡¯re not the one in charge¡­¡±

    He was cut off mid-sentence as a sinister gleam shed before his eyes.

    ¡°Ah!¡± Ronald¡¯s scream ripped through the air as the knife plunged into him.

    Blood spattered everywhere. Then came the piercing scream of Peyton.

    ¡°You fucking bitch! How dare you assault my son! I swear, I¡¯ll fight you to myst breath!¡±

    Soon after, the wail of an ambnce filled the estate, rushing the members of the Harper family to emergency care. Ronald, the knife still embedded in his cheek, was in the gravest condition, his screams barely audible above the chaos.

    Katrina paused at the doorway, her hand tightly clutching the knife, while a piercing cold wind moaned through the night. Beside her, Joyce shuffled forward, her legs barely supporting her trembling frame. Her voice broke through her tears as she murmured, ¡°Mom, you attacked Grandma and both uncles. Are you going to be arrested?¡±

    The knife slipped from Katrina¡¯s grasp, ttering to the floor. She slumped against a stone pir, her gaze burning with fierce resolve.

    ¡°No, your father will protect his image at all costs. If word of this spreads, Harper Group¡¯s shares will nosedive. They¡¯ll have to keep quiet.¡±

    She was determined to prove that she was not a woman to be underestimated.

    Meanwhile, in the hospital, Caiden was overwhelmed by despair. Ronald had sustained the gravest wounds; Wyatt was writhing in agony from a back injury, and Peyton, having fallen, had broken her arm.

    Their cries of pain echoed through the sterile corridors, each one stabbing at Caiden¡¯s conscience. Haunted by the lifeless look in Katrina¡¯s eyes as she brandished the knife, he knew her intent had been lethal. She had truly been prepared to kill.

    Ronald¡¯s knife was lodged deep in his cheekbone, requiring its removal, but no specialists were avable in the city. The doctor suggested, ¡°Mr. Harper, perhaps your daughter could help. She¡¯s quite worldly and might know someone who could assist.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 203

    ?Chapter 203:

    Dani, who not only operated a sessful design firm but had ventured into the medical field, was well-equipped to help. Much of the hospital¡¯s cutting-edge equipment came from herpany, and her connections and resources far surpassed their own.

    Caiden, clutching a phone borrowed from the doctor, stepped aside and implored in a hushed, desperate tone, ¡°Please, as a personal favor to me, could youe to the hospital? This is a life-or-death situation. Even if you don¡¯t consider us family anymore, perhaps you could help us as strangers in dire need?¡± Tears streamed down his face as he spoke.

    When Brylee had been there, she had fortified his world, giving him the freedom to live a blissful life, ying with his pets without a second thought. After Brylee¡¯s passing, he stepped back from thepany, thriving on the monumental empire she had left behind¡ªenough to carry him through forever. His days were filled with bliss, enchanted by Katrina¡¯s captivating presence.

    But now, confronted with this dire crisis, he was begging Dani for help.

    ¡°Dani, I¡¯m begging you, get here as fast as you can! Things could take a very dark turn if you don¡¯t!¡± Caiden¡¯s desperate plea crackled through the phone line.

    The attending doctor had rarely encountered such raw vulnerability¡ªa father who seemed shattered, unsure of where to turn.

    Once the call ended, Caiden dabbed at his eyes, briefly masking his sorrow before facing the doctor.

    ¡°My daughter will be here shortly.¡±

    Your next story begins at FindNovel .

    He then dialed his home number again, hoping for somefort or update.

    Silence greeted him¡ªno response.

    Annoyed and anxious, he switched tactics and called Joyce. Over the years, he had indulged her every whim, sparing no expense for her happiness. Now, amidst the turmoil, he expected her to rise to the asion.

    After all, it was Katrina who had entangled them in this disaster.

    Moreover, he needed Joyce to bring a substantial sum of money. In his haste to reach the hospital, he had managed only to bring five hundred dors.

    The phone rang several times before Joyce picked up.

    ¡°Joyce, I¡¯m at the hospital. We need fifty thousand dors. Ronald requires surgery, and Wyatt and Mom need to be hospitalized immediately.¡±

    On the other end, Joyce sighed dramatically, her toneced with exasperation.

    ¡°Dad, Mom has the safe key, so I can¡¯t ess the money. I¡¯m not going to that hospital. It¡¯s full of sickness and bacteria, and as someone who¡¯s pregnant, I¡¯d think my health would be a priority!¡±

    A fresh wave of helplessness swept over Caiden.

    After a brief pause, Joyce went on, ¡°Dad, you really shoulde home too. Mom¡¯s incredibly upset. There¡¯s little you can help with there. It¡¯s probably best to employ a nurse. They¡¯ll manage everything far more effectively than you. Plus, Mom mes the entire ordeal on them, insisting it¡¯s none of our concern.¡±

    Initially, Joyce had felt a twinge of anxiety when the chaos erupted.

    However, as the minutes passed without any police involvement, her worry dissipated, giving way to indifference.

    Caiden felt a deep ache in his chest as he absorbed her dismissive tone.

    Over the years, he hadvished Joyce with affection and gifts, often at the expense of Dani, who received scant attention from him.

    Now, in his time of need, Dani rushed to his aid after just a simple call. Joyce, conversely, offered nothing but weak justifications.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 204

    ?Chapter 204:

    ¡°Stop talking like that, Joyce,¡± Caiden retorted sharply.

    ¡°They¡¯re still family, and turning our backs on them is cruel. Or do you enjoy watching them struggle for their lives?¡±

    Sprawled on the couch, an apple in hand, Joyce rolled her eyes and huffed.

    ¡°That¡¯s their dilemma, not mine. If it¡¯s help you need, go to Dani. She¡¯s always ready to y the martyr.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s fingers dug into his phone, his face growing rmingly pale, as if all the blood had vanished.

    Before he could utter another word, Joyce ended the call abruptly.

    A profound sorrow enveloped him.

    This was the family he had cherished for over a decade. Left with no alternatives, Caiden hastily summoned a taxi to take him home.

    Upon his arrival, finding Katrina absent, he reluctantly turned to Joyce to request financial help.

    With a touch of reluctance in her voice, Joyce stated, ¡°Fine, but consider this a loan.

    You¡¯re going to have to repay me¡ªwith interest. Family or not, money is money.¡±

    She then proceeded to transfer ten thousand dors to him. As he confirmed the transaction, Caiden inadvertently saw the bnce in her ount¡ªa startling number of zeros trailing behind.

    He had been providing Katrina and Joyce avish monthly allowance, which umted to over a million dors a year.

    Yet now, at his time of need, one had vanished, and the other grudgingly handed over merely a fraction of her wealth.

    Caiden felt a profound sense of poverty wash over him.

    On his somber journey back to the hospital, he mused bitterly that depending on Joyce had been a futile hope all along.

    Upon his arrival, he found Dani already waiting.

    As the hospital staff outlined the steep expenses involved, Caiden, who had previously never been troubled by financial concerns, shut his eyes in bitter disappointment.

    Peyton, overwhelmed by the sum mentioned, dissolved into tears.

    ¡°We can¡¯t pay for the treatment. Just let me go already.¡±

    Seeing the distress filling the room, Dani stepped outside to speak with the doctor and inquired, ¡°Can you tell me exactly what the situation is?¡±

    After piecing everything together, she made a brief phone call. Returning to Caiden, she announced, ¡°A top-notch surgeon will oversee the surgery. He¡¯s reviewed the scans and sees no significant concerns. He arrives tonight, will rest tomorrow morning, and is scheduled for the procedure in the afternoon.¡±

    Ronald¡¯s shoulders dropped as he exhaled deeply, a visible weight lifted by the news.

    ¡°Wyatt and Peyton don¡¯t have any major problems¡ªthey just require proper care,¡± Dani stated, her voice unwavering.

    ¡°Unless there¡¯s anything else, I¡¯ll take my leave now.¡±

    As she strode towards the exit, Caiden followed behind her, his steps uncertain.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 205

    ?Chapter 205:

    Pausing by her car, Dani faced him with a stern expression.

    ¡°The financials are your responsibility. They never showed me consideration, so why should I bear the cost? You¡¯ll manage, I¡¯m certain. Besides, this hospital belongs to a friend of mine. I¡¯ve already discussed it with them.

    You have five days to arrange the payment.¡± With those final words, she slid into her car and drove away.

    The clock struck 1 a.m., and a gentle rain began to patter against the pavement.

    Outside the hospital, Caiden stood rooted to the spot, overwhelmed by a sudden surge of regret. His hands flew to his face as tears escaped, mourning the years lost and the estrangement that had grown between them.

    How had ite to this?

    How had he allowed the little girl who once called him ¡°Daddy¡± to be so estranged?

    Inside the hospital room, Peyton¡¯s eyes burned with anger as he confronted Caiden.

    ¡°You¡¯re the reason Dani¡¯s done with us! She doesn¡¯t give a damn about this family anymore, and it¡¯s all thanks to you!¡±

    Ronald reclined on the bed, his face swollen and contorted in agony.

    Wyatt, observing the grim scene, turned to Caiden and spoke with evident frustration.

    ¡°Did you witness the events? Dani, your own flesh and blood, came because she didn¡¯t want to deal with your shit.

    Stay tuned at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    Yet, one word from you, and she was here. She respects us as family. But Joyce? That ungrateful brat isn¡¯t even ours and couldn¡¯t give a damn about us. And Katrina? What¡¯s there to say? She swung a goddamn knife at us! Who the hell does that? We never imagined she¡¯d actually go through with it, but she did. Look at Ronald and me¡ªsure, we¡¯re just your brothers. But think about our mother. Even if she were a stranger, an elderly woman on the street, one simply does not strike someone of her age. That¡¯s justmon decency!¡±

    He exhaled heavily and continued, ¡°We always thought your ex-wife was too assertive, too formidable. Had she been here, this chaos wouldn¡¯t have unfolded like this. And the family finances? Are they even under your control anymore? As the CEO of a publicly tradedpany, why are we scraping together funds for hospital bills? Do you really think Dani isn¡¯t crushed by all of this? Let¡¯s face it¡ªyourfortable life today is built on the foundation of yourte wife¡¯s diligence. Instead of safeguarding Dani¡¯s future, you¡¯re being swayed by another woman¡¯s machinations. If I were Dani, I wouldn¡¯t recognize you as my father either.¡±

    Peyton then fixed Caiden with a cold, piercing stare.

    ¡°What are your ns to address this? We¡¯ll refrain from involving the police for your sake, but we cannot ignore this. If you¡¯re nning to let this shit slide, don¡¯t you dare call me ¡®Mom¡¯ ever again!¡±

    Peyton had never addressed Caiden in such a harsh tone, and her biting words struck him like a punch to the gut.

    Silently, Caiden exited the room and made his way to the hallway, where he sumbed to his emotions, weeping uncontrobly.

    The following day was marked by Ronald¡¯s surgery. Anxious, Caiden attempted to reach out to Dani, only to be informed by her secretary that she was tied up in a meeting.

    By the time Dani got back to him, the operation had concluded.

    With his voice quivering from relief, Caiden expressed his gratitude.

    ¡°Dani, I can¡¯t thank you enough! The surgeon you rmended was exceptional. It all went perfectly! No need to worry about a thing!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 206

    ?Chapter 206:

    Dani offered a brief, indifferent ¡°Hmm¡± before disconnecting.

    A bitter taste reced Caiden¡¯s fleeting smile, as he acknowledged his own role in the unfolding events.

    Attempting to spread the positive news, he called home, only to be met with Joyce¡¯s harsh, resentful tone.

    ¡°Oh, the surgery was sessful? That¡¯s unfortunate. They deserved to fucking rot for what they put Mom through!¡±

    With a chilly edge, Joyce reminded him before hanging up.

    ¡°And remember, Dad, you still owe me money. I expect it back soon.¡±

    Caiden shut his eyes, a single tear trailing down his cheek in silence.

    From the corner of the room, Peyton observed him and let out a scornful chuckle.

    Throughout the hospital stay of Peyton, Ronald, and Wyatt, neither Katrina nor Joyce paid a visit.

    Caiden found himself borrowing money from friends to manage the overwhelming hospital bills.

    He no longer sought Dani¡¯s assistance, burdened by a deep sense of shame.

    To minimize discord, he arranged for their relocation to a modest apartment in a different neighborhood.

    Once they were settled, he ventured back to the vi to collect some personal items.

    Dive into the story world at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s?c?m

    As Caiden neared the front door, the sound ofughter echoed from within.

    The blend of joyful voices with the scent of a meal being prepared struck him harshly¡ªit seemed like a bitter mockery after enduring countless days filled with fatigue, sleepless nights, and the stress of caregiving.

    His appearance was disheveled, his beard unkempt from days without proper care. When he entered, Joyce looked at him with a grimace, her expression piercing his already tender spirit.

    ¡°What the hell, Dad? You smell so bad I¡¯m about to gag! Did you roll around in a dumpster or what?¡± she eximed.

    Caiden¡¯s gaze turned to Katrina, who was engrossed in a television show. She didn¡¯t bother to look his way; her expression was icy, stripped of the warmth and affection she once radiated towards him.

    Without a word, Caiden made his way up the stairs, craving the relief of washing the dirt and weariness from his body.

    Refreshed after the shower, he was about to leave the room when he noticed the safe was open. Inside, nothing remained but the stark, empty void of the once-secured container.

    Rooted to the spot, Caiden stared into the empty safe.

    With rage boiling over, Caiden charged downstairs, his eyes zing as he prepared to confront Katrina.

    Joyce reclined on the sofa, leisurely biting into a crisp, bright red apple, barely ncing his way.

    ¡°Dad, you¡¯re in the way! Move¡ªI¡¯m watching the best part!¡±

    Without uttering a response, Caiden strode over and turned the television off.

    He folded his arms and fixed a piercing stare on her, his tone brooking no defiance.

    ¡°Get upstairs. Right now.¡±

    Joyce, undeterred by Caiden¡¯s authority, knew well that in this household, it was Katrina who held the reins.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 207

    ?Chapter 207:

    Remaining calm and collected, Katrina reassured Joyce.

    ¡°Head upstairs, sweetheart. Everything¡¯s under control.¡± With a reassuring smile, she watched Joyce ascend the stairs, clutching her doll tightly.

    At home, Joyce was doted upon, and recently, her pregnancy had be noticeable.

    Katrina harbored concerns but kept them to herself. Given the family¡¯s wealth, she mused over the possibility of securing a live-in son-inw. True, Joyce was pregnant, yet it would be her first marriage. Nowadays, with enough money in her pocket, what was there to even stress about? She decided to let the Bet family suck up to Dani all they wanted. That fucking bitch was bound to face her downfall sooner orter.

    The vengeful thought curled Katrina¡¯s lips into a wicked, twisted smirk that made Caiden¡¯s blood run cold. He inhaled deeply before confronting her.

    ¡°Did you take everything from the safe?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I did. What about it?¡± Katrina¡¯s response came with a dismissive shrug, her voice dripping with nonchnce. Relief had washed over her when she¡¯d earlier checked the safe; without that, she wouldn¡¯t have unearthed the fact that Brylee had left Dani avish inheritance.

    The bounty included a colossal insurance policy and an entire ind¡ªa prime tourist hotspot whose value had likely soared.

    The terms of the inheritance were strict, stating the ind would only legally belong to Dani after she had been married for a year.

    Until that milestone, any revenue the ind generated was to be strictly held in trust, utterly inessible.

    Katrina eyed the ind with voracious intent.

    Securing it for her daughter meant independence from any financial reliance on a partner. She envisioned a future where men would queue up, desperate to cater to Joyce.

    ¡°All that shit belongs to Dani. Even some of the properties¡ªBrylee left them for her, not you. So keep your grubby hands off,¡± Caiden interjected, his voice steady yet assertive.

    Without even granting him a nce, Katrina countered, ¡°This house and everything in it belongs to me. Let me make one thing clear¡ªif you dare tell Dani, I¡¯ll divorce you!¡±

    Her tone turned icy, slicing through the air.

    ¡°You understand the stakes, don¡¯t you? Harper Group has been riding on Brylee¡¯s coattails for years. Should another scandal erupt, we might as well file for bankruptcy right now!¡±

    Katrina reclined on the sofa, herughter tinged with derision.

    ¡°Really, do you believe Brylee would be pleased, knowing you¡¯ve frittered away everything she painstakingly established? Not leaving even a penny for Dani? She would despise you. She¡¯d rue the day she fell for a worthless man like you. And Dani? She¡¯d sever all ties. Isn¡¯t that your greatest dread? Being forsaken in your old age, with no one to look after you? Go ahead, keep it up.

    You¡¯ll end up rotting alone with no one to even care when you¡¯re gone!¡±

    Her words struck Caiden with surgical precision, each syble designed to inflict maximum pain.

    Yet, Katrina was not through.

    Her voice took on a syrupy tone, dripping with deceit.

    ¡°However, align yourself with me, follow my lead, and we can keep this family whole. Remember, you are Dani¡¯s biological father. Once she marries, you could travel overseas, apply for her death certificate, and all her assets would naturally revert to you.

    You¡¯d be set for life, so don¡¯t act like you¡¯re the one losing out.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s face registered shock, his features contorting between disbelief and dread. He gaped at Katrina, his voice barely above a whisper.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 208

    ?Chapter 208:

    ¡°What the fuck did you just say? Apply for Dani¡¯s death certificate?¡±

    With a wicked grin, Katrina pped her hands together and chuckled.

    ¡°Oh,e on! It¡¯s just some damn paperwork¡ªit¡¯s not like she¡¯s really going to drop dead. What¡¯s got you trembling? Listen closely, Caiden, I married you seeking a stable life. Maintain that stability, and I¡¯ll ensure your life remainsvish.

    Your fortune won¡¯t be squandered on my watch.¡±

    As she spoke, Katrina sent him a coquettish look¡ªa look that once had him utterly ensnared and distractible.

    Seeing Katrina¡¯s ruthless, greedy natureid bare, Caiden¡¯s stomach churned with disgust. She was the embodiment of everything he despised.

    Katrina was already plotting the course of Joyce¡¯s life. She envisioned an ideal suitor for Joyce¡ªtall, striking, burdened by neither aging kin nor any familial ties, ideally an orphan, unencumbered and free.

    She had pledged a sizable amount of five million dors for the suitor who satisfied these criteria.

    Caiden realized where Katrina¡¯s boldness stemmed from¡ªit was the inheritance Brylee had set aside for Dani.

    Yet, something held him back; he couldn¡¯t force himself to see Dani about the matter.

    Overwhelmed by shame, he couldn¡¯t bear to meet her gaze¡ªnot after all the turmoil they had endured.

    Richard had been on edgetely.

    More chapters just for you g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv????s

    He couldn¡¯t get his hands on thend in the North District, and Dani had t-out refused to meet Alexander. Moreover, things with Joyce hadpletely fallen apart, leaving no opportunity for reconciliation.

    It seemed as though he was trapped in a losing battle, with no way to turn things around.

    He stared at the sketchbook in his hands, his eyes fixed on it. Days had passed, yet he couldn¡¯t pinpoint what set it apart from Dani¡¯s.

    Meanwhile, Alexander paced restlessly back and forth, his mind visibly preupied. His thoughts circled around whether Dani suspected he was the person from their shared past.

    If she did, there was no trace of the warmth she used to show him.

    If she didn¡¯t, her straightforward nature would have likely prompted her to confront him outright.

    Her indifferent attitude left him unsure of what she was thinking.

    Alexander never thought he¡¯d find himself in a position where he had to guess what was going on in Dani¡¯s mind.

    Lost in his musings, Alexander didn¡¯t notice Keith stepping in through the doorway.

    Keith greeted Richard, but his words went unnoticed.

    Taking a seat beside Alexander, Keith leaned in and asked, ¡°Hey, did you hear? Dani¡¯s gone and purchasednds in both the South and East Districts. She¡¯s unstoppable! Is she building her own empire now?¡±

    Richard¡¯s eyes flew open in shock.

    ¡°What? She¡¯s acquired morend?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Keith confirmed, his attention turning to Alexander¡¯s phone, where a photo of a note disyed the message, ¡°Let¡¯s meet tomorrow.¡±

    Something about the handwriting struck him as familiar, so he picked up the phone for a closer look.

    Almost immediately, Richard turned to Alexander with urgency.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 209

    ?Chapter 209:

    ¡°Alexander, you have to grab this chance!¡± His voice shook with a mix of excitement and nerves.

    He hadn¡¯t expected Dani to be so wealthy, let alone imagined another shot at securing the project.

    To top it off, the South and East Districts had arger building area than the North, which meant they promised even bigger profits.

    ¡°Alexander, you have to act fast and tell Dani you want the building rights for those plots. Securing them will skyrocket Bet Group¡¯s financials for the next five years. Don¡¯t let Cedric swoop in and snatch them away from you!¡± Richard¡¯s impassioned plea seemed to light a spark in Keith¡¯s thoughts.

    ¡°Wait, Cedric!¡± Keith eximed with a boomingugh, pointing at Alexander¡¯s phone.

    ¡°That handwriting¡ªit¡¯s Cedric¡¯s!¡±

    Keith pped Alexander¡¯s thigh enthusiastically.

    ¡°Remember when we visited that celebrity exhibition in the city? There was a whole section about Cedric, showing his rise to fame, and even a childhood notebook where he practiced writing.

    You pointed out something then¡ªthat Cedric had this quirky habit of adding a dot in the bottom right corner of thest letter on every page.¡±

    Keith gestured towards the dot in the corner.

    ¡°See? The handwriting matches perfectly, and so does that little dot! It¡¯s unmistakable, right?¡±

    Step into fiction with g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s???o??

    When Keith looked up, hisughter abruptly faded. Both Richard and Alexander were staring at him with expressions far too serious for the moment.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Keith asked, his confusion evident as he scratched his head.

    ¡°Why are you so interested in Cedric¡¯s handwriting? What¡¯s the big deal?¡±

    The color drained from Richard¡¯s face, which had been flushed with excitement just moments ago.

    Under the stark re of the lights, hisplexion now resembled a ghostly shade of white.

    Keith was just about to crack a joke to ease the tension when Richard suddenly leaned back, copsing to the floor with a loud thud.

    The room instantly descended into chaos. When the paramedics arrived, Alexander didn¡¯t hesitate to climb into the ambnce with them.

    As the doors shut, he locked eyes with Keith and said in a chillingly firm tone, ¡°This stays between us. Don¡¯t say a word to anyone!¡±

    Richard jolted awake in the hospital bed, his breathing uneven as he clutched Alexander¡¯s hand tightly.

    ¡°Alexander, you must not breathe a word about Cedric being that boy. If you do, you can kiss any chance of seeing a penny from Dani goodbye for the rest of your life.¡± He nced at the clock on the wall¡ªit was well past midnight.

    Letting out a strained sigh, he continued, ¡°Go home. Put all your energy into winning Dani over. I¡¯m fine here. All I want is for you to win Dani back.¡±

    Despite Alexander¡¯s hesitation, Richard insisted, urging him to leave and focus on the bigger picture.

    As he drove aimlessly, Alexander eventually found himself parked at the Elite Lux building.

    He stepped out of the car, his gaze instinctively drawn to a specific floor of the towering structure. Without a word, he lit a cigarette, letting the hours slip by as he smoked in silence under the cover of night.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 210

    ?Chapter 210:

    Richard¡¯s tireless efforts to win over Dani were falling t, despite all the time, money, and energy he¡¯d poured into the attempt. Theck of progress gnawed at Alexander, leaving him with an uneasy restlessness he couldn¡¯t shake.

    He remained there until the first light of dawn crept over the city, then finally got back into his car and drove off to check out the plots ofnd in the South and East Districts. Richard hadn¡¯t been exaggerating¡ªthese plotsbined were massive, easily over five times the size of the North District. Securing them woulde with an astronomical price tag, running into tens of billions.

    Alexander couldn¡¯t help but admit that Dani¡¯s wealth and influence were nothing short of extraordinary. As Alexander stared at the vastnd before him, his phone suddenly buzzed.

    It was his secretary calling.

    ¡°Mr. Bet, you¡¯re trending online.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s brow furrowed.

    ¡°Is this about my father being taken to the hospital yesterday?¡±

    ¡°Actually, no. It¡¯s about you standing outside Elite Luxst night. Someone caught it on camera, and it¡¯s gone viral his morning.

    ¡°Do you want us to have it removed?¡± After a brief pause, Alexander replied evenly, ¡°No, leave it. There¡¯s no need.¡±

    Ending the call, he nced at his watch. Dani should be up by now. Had shee across the viral post yet? Would it stir something in her heart?

    The first light of morning found Dani face-to-face with Lillian.

    Find exclusive chapters g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s

    She stood by the door, tablet in hand, peering at Dani with a curious look.

    Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, Dani greeted her,

    ¡°Good morning.¡±

    ¡°Did you catch the trending topic this morning?¡±

    Dani stretched out, leisurely taking in the morning air.

    ¡°No, I haven¡¯t.¡±

    Between juggling major deals and the recent acquisitions in the South and East Districts, she hadn¡¯t had a moment to check her phone.

    ¡°You¡¯re such a rebel against modern habits! Most people grab their phones the moment they wake up,¡± Lillian teased.

    Dani chuckled, continuing to stretch her limbs.

    ¡°Anything interesting going on?¡±

    ¡°Yes, there is. The number one trending topic is Alexander standing outside Elite Luxst night, smoking away the entire night!¡±

    Dani replied nonchntly, ¡°Is he eyeing the building? We can move out and let him bid for it.¡±

    ¡°Dani! He¡¯s interested in you!¡± Lillian eximed, her voice filled with concern.

    Even though nearly six months had passed, Lillian couldn¡¯t shake her worries about the possibility of Dani and Alexander reigniting their old me.

    They had shared ten years together.

    After all, how many decades did one have in a lifetime?

    It was hard for most people to let go of a rtionship that hadsted that long, and Lillian wasn¡¯t sure if either of them could truly move on.

    Dani gave a rxed smile, ready to head to the dining room for breakfast, when Lillian suddenly gasped, ¡°Wait, why did they take down the trending topic?¡±

    Lillian looked at Dani¡¯s radiant expression and mused, ¡°Could someone be interested in you and not like seeing you and Alexander trending? Maybe they had it removed first thing this morning?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 211

    ?Chapter 211:

    Dani nibbled on a small piece of bread as her eyes skimmed through her schedule for the day.

    Lillian suddenly thought of a certain man from the construction site and felt a pang of sympathy. She had never witnessed such devotion, a person who asked for nothing in return¡ªnot even acknowledgment.

    She felt it would be harsh to leave Cedric working at the construction site.

    ¡°We have an inspection today. How about we visit thend in the North District?¡± Dani gave a slight nod.

    Ryan, standing just a few feet away, winked desperately at Lillian, but she pretended not to notice.

    After Dani went downstairs to get to work, Ryan turned to Lillian, frowning.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Cedric asked us not to tell Dani he¡¯s personally managing the project, so we don¡¯t add any pressure on her.¡±

    Lillian crossed her arms, clearly frustrated with the two clueless men.

    ¡°Do you want Dani to end up with Cedric or not?¡±

    Ryan nodded eagerly.

    ¡°Of course, I do!¡±

    Lillian pressed on, ¡°One of them has to step up, make their feelings clear, and show they¡¯re present. Look at Alexander, he¡¯s at Elite Lux every day. Meanwhile, Cedric¡¯s out there getting dirty at the construction site. By the time he returns in a year, Dani and Alexander might have kids.¡± Ryan was visibly shocked by the thought.

    New chapters uploaded at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    Josie appeared from the kitchen, spat in hand, clearly agreeing with the conversation.

    ¡°Exactly! What kind of guy chases a woman while vanishing for a whole month to work at a construction site? It¡¯s just ridiculous!¡±

    When Dani made her way downstairs, Alexander was already there, waiting in her office.

    He stood and greeted her with a smile.

    ¡°Good morning.¡±

    Dani nodded back, sat down, and began working on herputer without a word.

    Alexander had hoped she would be a bit warmer today, but instead, she remained as indifferent as ever, maybe even a bit colder.

    ¡°Did you see the trending topic this morning?¡± Alexander asked, trying to make conversation.

    Dani kept her eyes on her screen, not responding to him.

    The silence in the office began to gnaw at Alexander, his irritation building with each passing second.

    Dani¡¯s consistent disinterest and dismissive attitude towards him had left him feeling invisible, sidelined in his own efforts.

    Now, he truly understood how she must have felt when he had ignored and neglected her all those times.

    ¡°Is this your way of getting back at me?¡± Alexander asked, staring at her.

    At that moment, the secretary knocked before entering.

    ¡°Ms. Harper, the car is downstairs, and the surveyors for thends in the South and North Districts are ready. Should we head out?¡±

    Dani replied, ¡°Yes, I¡¯m almost ready. Tell the driver to bring the car to the main entrance.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 212

    ?Chapter 212:

    As Dani powered down herputer, it seemed like she finally noticed Alexander in the room.

    ¡°Do you need something?¡±

    Alexander was about to suggest joining her to inspect thend when Dani quickly cut him off.

    ¡°If it¡¯s not urgent, maybe you should head back to your ownpany. I¡¯ve been swampedtely, and if you don¡¯t have anything important to discuss, it¡¯s better you don¡¯t drop by. We both runpanies, and some things need to stay confidential. As another business owner, I¡¯m sure you understand that.¡±

    Dani wasn¡¯t moved at all, and she even reprimanded Alexander. This sparked a re of irritation within him. He considered himself a sought-after man, not one to be dismissed lightly.

    Dani¡¯s demeanor, suggesting he was somehow desperate for her attention, was intolerable to him.

    Yet, when she drove away from the parking lot, he couldn¡¯t help but trail behind her.

    With Dani at the helm of a billion-dor project, he knew staying close was his only option¡ªif he didn¡¯t, someone else surely would.

    This realization was a blow to his ego. Alexander had never felt so diminished.

    At the construction site, Dani dove into her tasks with unwavering dedication. Alexander, donning a safety helmet, remained by her side throughout the day.

    What caught him off guard was her expertise¡ªshe wasn¡¯t only giving orders but knew the intricacies of architecture, engineering, and market trends by heart.

    In several respects, her expertise eclipsed his own, despite his ten years in the industry.

    This revtion cast Dani in an entirely different light.

    He observed her, her delicate features entuated by the helmet, exuding a sharp concentration. She even seemed to grasp the surveyor¡¯s techniques intuitively.

    During the lunch break, Alexander walked over to her with a meal he had brought along.

    But Dani, leaning into the brisk wind, was engrossed in a phone conversation.

    Alexander¡¯s ears perked as he overheard snippets of her phone conversation.

    ¡°Dreamscape Research Institute must quicken its steps. Our heart restoration technology already leads the world, but I need sharper, more intricate data. Let¡¯s hold off on notifying marketing; more thorough evaluations are essential before we push forward with experimental surgical initiatives.¡±

    She delivered each word with a resolute andmanding air.

    On the other end of the line, someone responded submissively, ¡°Understood.¡±

    Alexander stood motionless, his lunchbox dangling in his grasp, as a surge of realization overwhelmed him.

    Dreamscape was the titan of tech-medical research, a behemoth reigning over the medical sector for decades, boasting over 50,000 medical patents globally.

    The implication was clear¡ªDreamscape¡¯s workforce casually generated billions annually through their patents alone.

    The researchers at Dreamscape were an elusive league,prising the world¡¯s top ten intellects. They shunned the public eye, yet their rare appearances heralded monumental advancements.

    The Bet family had once ventured into the medical sector, but it proved too intricate and profound for them; their attempts amounted to nothing more than modest endeavors.

    Lately, whispers had circted throughout the global medical circles that Dreamscape had pioneered a groundbreaking technology for repairing heart damage. This innovation promised a definitive remedy for cardiac ailments, potentially eradicating congenital heart defects in patients.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 213

    ?Chapter 213:

    Their im was almost unbelievable¡ªa single pill could restore heart function and breathe life into those who thought all hope was lost.

    News of the pill spread like wildfire, leaving the entire buzzing with anticipation.

    Questions swirled like a storm. Who were the unseen geniuses driving this monumental force? What marvels were unfolding within their brilliant minds?

    Stunned into silence, Alexander couldn¡¯t tear his gaze away from Dani¡¯s graceful frame.

    It dawned on him that the very person he had been searching for had been right before his eyes the entire time. The thought made him sick¡ªhe had actually chosen Joyce over Dani, like a fool chasing scraps.

    It was as if Alexander¡¯s chest had been ripped open, his heart left bleeding.

    Dani pivoted, her eyes narrowing on Alexander, who stood there, his face ashen and beads of sweat forming despite the sweltering heat.

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± she inquired, her voice tinged with suspicion.

    Alexander¡¯s response lingered in the air, his eyes distant and unfocused.

    Suddenly, he erupted into a fit ofughter¡ªloud and wild, bordering on the edge of madness.

    With an intense re, she demanded, ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± Hisughter erupted even louder, tears now cascading freely down his flushed face.

    Lillian stepped in, positioning herself between them.

    galn¦Òv???s.????m ¨C your update hub

    ¡°He¡¯spletely lost his mind, Dani. Avoid him at all costs¡ªit¡¯s for your safety!¡±

    Undeterred, Dani sidestepped him, returning to her tasks with a dismissive shake of her head.

    Alexander¡¯sughter was still ringing through the air when his phone vibrated. It was a call from Richard. Initially, Richard was puzzled by Alexander¡¯s unrestrainedughter, but he quickly grasped the situation.

    ¡°Has Dani finally agreed to relinquish the construction rights?¡± he probed, his voiceced with impatience.

    ¡°No, Dad,¡± Alexander responded, a hint of sardonic humor coloring his tone.

    ¡°Dani¡¯s expertise is such that she can manage those projects with her eyes closed.¡±

    Richard¡¯s response was a dismissive scoff.

    ¡°Bullshit! A partnership with us is a no-brainer. Why the fuck would she refuse?¡±

    Theughter that escaped Alexander then was tinged with cynicism.

    ¡°A partnership? That¡¯s the most absurd thing I¡¯ve heard all year! Dad, do you truly understand who Dani is?¡± he queried.

    Richard¡¯s irritation was palpable as he retorted sharply,

    ¡°What about her? She¡¯s just Dani. So what if she¡¯s the CEO of Elite Lux? Has Elite Lux be so prosperous that it¡¯s now invincible?¡±

    In that moment, Alexander¡¯sughter came to an abrupt halt.

    Straightening his posture, he fixed his eyes on Dani. The evening gloom cast her into a silhouette, barely discernible in the darkening horizon.

    Turning back his attention to Richard, he said into the phone, ¡°Dani has been immensely wealthy¡ªfar wealthier than we¡¯ve realized. She isn¡¯t just the CEO of Elite Lux; she¡¯s also the one running Dreamscape.¡± Compared to Dreamscape, what significance did Elite Lux really hold?

    Perhaps to Dani, Elite Lux was merely a minor outpost in her vast business dominion.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 214

    ?Chapter 214:

    Richard stood frozen for a moment, his mind reeling.

    Then, a spark of realization shed in his eyes.

    ¡°Is Dreamscapeunching its new heart medication?¡± he asked, his voice bubbling with excitement.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Alexander answered in a t tone.

    Richard¡¯s face brightened, his voice nearly trembling with joy.

    ¡°This is it! Dreamscape and Bet Group should team up! What a golden opportunity!¡±

    Alexander was drained of energy, while Richard practically burned with fervor.

    ¡°And Dani marrying into our family¡ªisn¡¯t that the best thing ever?¡± Richard continued, his excitement almost contagious.

    Alexander had never heard him so animated before.

    ¡°Dani¡¯s brilliant at making money, you know! And who knows, she might even have hidden identities. Do you realize how lucky you are? She¡¯s cut ties with her family. It means she has no backing now, no one to protect her. Everything she owns could be yours. Wait, no, ours! Go speak to her about the medical deal,¡± Richard urged.

    Standing in the biting wind, Alexander remained unnervinglyposed.

    As Richard¡¯s enthusiasm grew, Alexander allowed a faint smile to tug at his lips, but his eyes spoke of nothing but irony.

    ¡°Dad, think for a second. If you were Dani, would you even consider working with the Bet family?¡±

    Your next journey starts at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s???o??

    Do you know why Iughed just now? Do you remember what you said about Dani when she was after me? You said Dani was just some unwanted daughter her family didn¡¯t care about and was shamelessly clinging to me because she was after our wealth and power.

    You said with her poor background, marrying her would ruin the Bet family. And what use was a woman like that if she was not obedient and submissive? And at our wedding, you openly pointed at Dani and used her of marrying me for my money.¡±

    He could still picture Dani¡¯s unshaken calmness that day.

    She smiled slightly, her eyes showing quiet strength. Behind her, a sea of whispering guests pointed fingers and threw usations. Through it all, she remained by his side, her resolve unwavering.

    Alexanderughed bitterly at himself. He had been given a rare treasure but hadn¡¯t recognized its value.

    He was, without question, the most foolish man to ever walk the earth.

    Dani had no time to waste on fools.

    She didn¡¯t bother with people who weren¡¯t on her level. asionally, out of boredom, she might entertain their nonsense, but she didn¡¯t waste much energy on it. After finishing her work, she moved on to inspect another property.

    Later, she stopped by a barbecue restaurant and rented out the entire ce.

    She ced an order for hundreds of skewers and had them delivered to the construction site in the North District. Lillian, holding a megaphone, shouted, ¡°Cedric has ordered barbecue for us! Everyone, take a break!¡±

    Cedric spun around in surprise and found Dani standing behind him, her smile warm and genuine.

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Cedric asked, his brow furrowing.

    ¡°It¡¯s cold and windy, you¡¯ll catch a cold.¡± Dani, dressed in Elite Lux haute couture, looked like she had stepped out of a luxury advertisement.

    Yet there she was, casually sitting on the sidewalk as if it were the most natural thing to do.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 215

    ?Chapter 215:

    She offered Cedric a skewer with a teasing smile.

    ¡°Care to do me the honor of trying one?¡±

    Cedric couldn¡¯t help but smile. Shaking his head, he grabbed a clean piece of cardboard and slid it under Dani for her to sit on before sitting down next to her.

    It was already past 11 p.m.

    The dim lights from the distant construction site cast long shadows. The two sat there together, watching as the towering structure slowly took shape in front of them.

    ¡°What do you think?¡± Cedric asked with a grin, mimicking Dani¡¯s earlier tone.

    ¡°Any suggestions?¡±

    Dani shook her head, nibbling on a piece of corn.

    ¡°None.¡± It was the in truth.

    Cedric was dependable and thorough¡ªsomeone who could be relied upon to get things done without a hitch.

    She had no feedback or advice to give.

    In that moment, Dani wasn¡¯t focused on work or ns. She just wanted to sit on the cool concrete in front of what would soon be her empire, enjoying barbecue and beer with Cedric.

    When Alexander showed up, he found Dani and Cedric clinking beer bottles, casually seated on the sidewalk,pletely carefree.

    Alexander frowned deeply as he walked over. He looked at Cedric and said, ¡°She¡¯s being reckless, but you should know better. Dani is the CEO of Elite Lux. If someone catches a picture of this, it¡¯ll cause a storm of rumors.

    More books uploaded on g?ln¦Ò¦Í??ls?c?m

    You need to think about your own reputation and stop encouraging her careless behavior.¡±

    Alexander believed his words were perfectly reasonable. However, to his surprise, Dani¡¯s face turned to a cold frown.

    The friendly, rxed vibe she¡¯d had with Cedric disappeared in an instant, reced by clear frustration that was impossible to hide.

    ¡°Mr. Bet, do you know where you¡¯re standing?¡± Dani¡¯s voice was icy, and she didn¡¯t even nce his way. Her eyes stayed locked on the muddy construction site in the distance.

    ¡°This is my domain.

    You don¡¯t get toe here and act like you¡¯re in charge.¡±

    Alexander quickly tried to exin, ¡°I¡¯m doing this because I care about you.¡±

    But Dani got to her feet and wiped her hands clean. She looked at Cedric and said, ¡°I¡¯ve seen enough. The progress looks good. I¡¯ll send someone else to take charge from here.

    You don¡¯t need to stay. Focus on yourpany.¡±

    Only then did she face Alexander.

    ¡°Care about me, huh? I¡¯ve outgrown that kind of talk. Consider this your first and final warning. Never say that to me again. We¡¯re not fools here.¡±

    With that said, she turned and started walking away. After a short while, she stopped and looked back at Cedric, her face rxing into a smile.

    ¡°Do you need a ride back?¡± Cedricughed and nodded.

    ¡°I¡¯d really appreciate it.¡±

    Anxiety gripped Alexander immediately!

    Just as he was about to follow Dani, his phone erupted with the shrill ring of an iing call.

    It was Katrina on the line. He pressed the decline button, but she was persistent, calling again. He declined once more, only for her to send a message.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 216

    ?Chapter 216:

    ¡°Please, Alexander, just pick up already¡ªit¡¯s important!¡±

    Typically, Katrina¡¯s urgencies revolved around Joyce. Anything less seemed to barely stir her.

    His phone rang yet again, and this time, Alexander couldn¡¯t ignore it.

    He answered, barely getting a word out before Katrina¡¯s anxious voice spilled through.

    ¡°Alexander, I¡¯m terribly sorry to call sote, but I¡¯m really at my wit¡¯s end. I need your help.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    Katrina¡¯s response was a flood of tears, her voice cracking with emotion.

    ¡°Alexander, Joyce had a prenatal check-up today, and the doctor fears there might beplications with the baby¡¯s heart. They said it might need immediate surgery after birth to survive!¡±

    Her voice broke as she continued, the sobs shaking her.

    ¡°Alexander, it¡¯s my curse to be stuck with someone as cold and soulless as Caiden. All I have left in this world is Joyce, my sweet daughter. If she¡¯s taken from me, I don¡¯t think I¡¯d have the strength to keep living this wretched life!¡±

    Alexander was hardly in the mood to entertain Katrina¡¯s theatrics. He went straight to the point, his voice cutting through the tension.

    ¡°Just tell me what you want from me!¡±

    Katrina paused, her tears momentarily forgotten as she considered her plea.

    L?t?st ch?pt?rs in g?lnovels.c?m

    What she truly desired was for Alexander to intervene in Joyce¡¯s predicament. The me, in her eyes,y squarely with Dani. If not for her, Joyce would have been Alexander¡¯s wife by now, uniting their families and sparing her this torment.

    Fueled by a resolute desire to see Dani held responsible, Katrina implored, ¡°Alexander, your group operates a healthcarepany, doesn¡¯t it? Could you possibly find out if there¡¯s a top specialist capable of performing such a surgery? Or maybe there¡¯s a way to treat the baby without surgery? It¡¯s heartbreaking to think of the baby facing a lifetime of medication after surgery.¡± Alexander fell silent, absorbing her words.

    Thoughts of Dani flickered through his mind, along with Dreamscape¡¯s cutting-edge medical solutions.

    Typically, such innovations would need official approval, clinical trials, and extensive marketing¡ªa process spanning at least a year.

    But time was a luxury the child did not have.

    A sliver of hope emerged as he considered whether Dani might be persuaded to grant an exception for Joyce. When Alexander confided in Richard, his response was fierce and immediate.

    ¡°Stay out of it, Alexander! This mess isn¡¯t worth ruining yourself over! Dani haspletely severed ties with the Harper family. What business is it of yours to interfere? Think about it¡ªif they mend fences and Dani ends up backed by the Harpers, given our past run-ins with Katrina, do you seriously believe she¡¯d make peace with us? And what about Joyce? How will you face¡­¡±

    The more Richard pondered the situation, the more his disapproval grew.

    ¡°Just let Dani and the Harpers go their separate ways! Offering help is generous, but choosing not to is your decision. Nobody can fault you for that. Listen carefully, Alexander, don¡¯t even think about getting involved in that mess! You don¡¯t need to sort this out. Leave it to me,¡± Richard insisted, his voiceden with concern that Alexander might be toopassionate for his own good. Dani was a treasure too valuable to let slip into anyone else¡¯s hands.

    With a firm resolve, Richard muttered, ¡°I¡¯ll call Katrina myself. Why the hell are you always dragged into their mess? You¡¯re not even family! They¡¯re just using you like a damn tool!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 217

    ?Chapter 217:

    With those words, Richard seized the phone and quickly exited the room.

    ¡°Katrina, I regret to inform you that our medical divisioncks the necessary technology and expertise. However, I¡¯ve done some research on your behalf. Lipool Hospital is renowned for its proficient techniques¡ªyou might want to consider consulting with them. It¡¯s critical to address these matters promptly, especially if surgery is on the table.¡±

    He paused, a hint of caution in his voice.

    ¡°Furthermore, I must mention, Harper Group¡¯s performance hasn¡¯t been doing so welltely. Should the public learn of your child¡¯s health issues, it could negatively impact your stock prices. I¡¯d advise you to secure apetent surgeon soon.¡±

    Advancements in medical technology these days generally assure sessful oues.

    ¡°Please, try not to worry excessively.¡±

    Katrina found her usual poised demeanor slipping away, caught in a whirlwind of emotions.

    She wholeheartedly believed in Richard¡¯s sincerity and quickly expressed her gratitude before reaching out to the rmended doctor.

    Unbeknownst to her, Alexander was aware that the doctor in question was hardly a specialist in cardiac matters and had a checkered past with several medical controversies. Richard¡¯s maneuvers were strategically aimed to eventually reveal Dani¡¯s role as the CEO of Dreamscape, leading Katrina to suspect Dani had knowingly remained passive.

    He was determined to make Katrina hate Dani to the core.

    Such a scheme was devilishly clever. Truly, it was a stroke of genius.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c???? brings imagination alive

    Katrina dialed the doctor¡¯s number, her movements tinged with urgency.

    Joyce slumped into the sofa, her tears flowing unchecked. Across from her, Caiden upied a chair, absorbing the scene: Katrina issuing firmmands to the doctor and Joyce¡¯s despairing cries piercing the quiet.

    Mixed emotions churned within Caiden as he witnessed the unfolding drama, his mind wrestling with indecision.

    Finally, unable to remain passive, he addressed Joyce.

    ¡°This illness is no small matter, Joyce. Perhaps you should consider consulting multiple hospitals, seeking various opinions. Weren¡¯t you once a director at Dani¡¯spany? Despite everything, you¡¯re still on their roster. Maybe Dani could rmend some specialists. She¡¯s well-connected, far more than we are now.¡±

    Joyce turned, her face twisted in a grimace.

    ¡°Dad, please, not this. My friends have already mocked me enough. Do you think Dani would really help? She assigned me to supervise the restrooms. It¡¯s degrading, sitting there all day. It¡¯s clear she¡¯s just trying to retaliate. How could she possibly lend a hand after that?¡±

    As Katrina ended the call, she caught the tail end of the conversation and entered the room, her eyes narrowing in displeasure.

    ¡°What did you just say? Dani put you in charge of the restrooms?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Joyce replied, dabbing at her eyes.

    ¡°Mom, what¡¯s Dad thinking? Dani is using her position to demean me, and he suggests I go groveling back to her? It seems like he¡¯d rather enjoy seeing me humiliated!¡±

    After her outburst, Joyce turned sharply and concealed her tear-streaked face within the soft folds of the pillow, her sobs wrenching painfully at Katrina¡¯s heartstrings.

    Katrina shot Caiden a fiery look, her voice thick with resolve.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 218

    ?Chapter 218:

    ¡°Caiden! Dani torments Joyce relentlessly, and I refuse to stand idly by! Once I¡¯ve wrapped up my current affairs, I¡¯m going to make her answer for it.¡±

    Her features were set in a fierce mask of determination. Her eyes zed, and her hands were balled into tight fists as though she were ready to take on the world.

    Caiden, despite his well-meaning advice, found himself the target of her ire.

    He exhaled deeply, a hint of resignation in his tone.

    ¡°Alright, confront Dani if you must. But in your current state, you¡¯re unlikely to even gain entry to Elite Lux. Katrina, I¡¯m seriously suggesting you seek assistance from Dani.

    You¡¯ve never held a high-ranking position¡ªyou don¡¯t realize how those at the top can resolve matters with a mere word, far more efficiently than one can from the bottom.¡±

    Katrina scoffed at his suggestion, her disdain palpable.

    ¡°Caiden! Now you¡¯re trying to boast? Really? And tell me, when have you ever held a high position? Oh, that¡¯s right ¡ª through Brylee! Riding on a woman¡¯s coattails, and now you parade around as if you¡¯re some paragon of virtue? What exactly are you proud of? Any man of honor wouldn¡¯t brag about exploiting a woman¡¯s sess.

    You¡¯re not just unashamed, you¡¯re actually proud? How utterly disgraceful!¡±

    Caiden was utterly speechless following her rebuke. He gazed at Katrina, his eyes wide as he observed her once tender expression now contorted in anger. For a brief moment, he was utterly dumbfounded.

    His voice quavered as he looked into her eyes, the hurt evident in his tone.

    Gal no ve l s . hosts your favorite stories

    ¡°How can you use me of such things? To say I leeched off a woman? Katrina! Weren¡¯t you the one who, while I was drunk,vished me with praises about my talent, admired my demeanor,plimented my handwriting, and celebrated my artistic sensibilities? You told me I was pure, untouched by the taint of money. I¡¯ve clung to every word you said for years. And didn¡¯t you confide in me about the hardships you faced, how your husband mistreated you, and how you yearned to run away with me? When Brylee departed and your ex-husband passed away, I was the one who eagerly proposed, dismissing the rumors that whispered we were together before our marriage was official. For your sake, I¡¯ve endured endless criticism over the years, and Dani has shed silent tears in her room time and again because of it. But none of that mattered to me because I loved you. I wanted nothing more than to be with you. I was genuine in my feelings. And now, you say I¡¯m just leeching off a woman?¡±

    Tears welled up in Caiden¡¯s eyes as he sat there, each word weighed down by sorrow.

    He stared intently at Katrina, his gaze searching her face for a sign of the love they once shared.

    ¡°Is this truly how you¡¯ve always seen me?¡± he asked, hoping against hope for her to refute his fears.

    Yet, Katrina just stood there, her expression chillingly indifferent. Then, her lips curled into a cruel sneer as a mockingugh escaped her.

    ¡°Caiden, we¡¯re adults; we need to own our choices.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s eyes widened in utter disbelief.

    Katrina pressed on, her voice sharp with usation.

    ¡°Remember Brylee? She was loyal to you. And you? You betrayed her and ignored your own child.

    You mentioned Dani crying in secret, but do you know the real story? That day, when you dragged me into your home and we made love on the couch, Dani saw us! Ever wonder why she started sleepwalking? I consulted a doctor, and she was suffering from severe depression. Can you even grasp how many nights she wept silently when you thought she was just being stubborn?¡±

    Katrina gestured to a spot near her eye.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 219

    ?Chapter 219:

    ¡°Right here, Dani got this huge scar during that time. It¡¯s less noticeable now, but do you think if she hated you back then?¡±

    Caiden¡¯s entire body shook with the force of his emotions. Gazing at Katrina, he no longer recognized the tenderhearted woman he once thought he knew. In her ce stood a monster¡ªaplete monster!

    Katrina didn¡¯t even look at Caiden, who was shaking all over, unable to stop himself.

    She simply grabbed her phone and walked outside to answer another call.

    Caiden stayed where he was, his body tense and still, unable to move a single inch.

    Even Joyce felt uneasy by Katrina¡¯s outburst. She wasn¡¯t sure how to react.

    The tension in the air was thick and ufortable.

    Wanting to avoid getting caught up in it, she hugged her doll close and quickly headed upstairs, getting away from the mess.

    Caiden sat still, his eyes glued to the floor as he watched Joyce¡¯s bunny slippers disappear up the stairs. A few momentster, the loud sound of her bedroom door locking echoed throughout the house.

    He blinked, his eyes slowly opening again, and then startedughing¡ªa sad, emptyugh that kept getting louder.

    The sound started to annoy Katrina. She walked back, shut the balcony door, and didn¡¯t say anything to stop the noise. But Caiden wasn¡¯t justughing. He was crying, too. Tears ran down his face, mixing with his sad, desperateughs. He could picture it so clearly¡ªthe future he was headed towards, growing old and being left behind.

    Katrina wouldn¡¯t look after him, and Joyce wouldn¡¯t think twice about leaving him. He¡¯d end up like his father, dying alone and forgotten, filthy and surrounded by bugs.

    Your story source g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    Ever since Alexander discovered that Cedric was the boy from Dani¡¯s childhood¡ªthe one who held a special ce in her most cherished memories¡ªhe couldn¡¯t shake his unease.

    Dani held those memories close to her heart. If she found out that Cedric was the same boy, would all the love she had for him back then turn to Cedric?

    Would she end up falling for Cedric?

    Would they even get married?

    Cedric seemed to care for Dani in a way Alexander never did. If he had shown her even half of the kindness Cedric did, maybe they would never have gotten divorced.

    The more Alexander thought about it, the tighter the knot of anxiety grew inside him.

    Pushing everything else out of his mind, he went to Dani¡¯s office, unable to focus on anything else. When he got there, Dani was fully focused on carving a piece of jade.

    What had begun as a rough, uneven block had already be a finely detailed sculpture of a man¡ªsomeone who looked a bit like Cedric.

    As soon as Alexander saw the jade sculpture, the tension in his mind broke.

    ¡°Dani, are you in love with Cedric now?¡±

    Dani hadn¡¯t expected him to show up, but she didn¡¯t even nce up. Her hands continued their careful work, her focus never wavering.

    ¡°Stay in yourne. We¡¯re divorced,¡± she replied coolly.

    ¡°Yes, we are. But you¡¯re the one who insisted on it!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 220

    ?Chapter 220:

    Danipleted thest details of the carving, blowing off the dust before cing it down and finally locking eyes with him.

    ¡°You¡¯vee all the way here,te at night, into my office, just to talk about this? Is it really that important?¡±

    Alexander, unusually resolute, persisted, ¡°Yes, this matters to me! Back then, I agreed to the divorce because you asked for it. But I never truly wanted it, Dani!¡±

    Dani appeared to find itughable. Her eyes gleamed with sarcasm as she met his gaze.

    ¡°Alexander, do you even realize what you¡¯re saying? It¡¯s like a man telling a woman after they¡¯ve been together, ¡®You went along with it the whole time, so I don¡¯t need to take any responsibility.¡¯ It¡¯s absurd.¡±

    But Alexander stood firm. He locked eyes with her and pressed, ¡°I¡¯m asking you inly¡ªdo you have feelings for Cedric? Stop dodging the question.¡±

    Dani turned her focus back to the jade as she replied, ¡°Even if I do, why would that shock you? Cedric was already the wealthiest man in the country long before Elite Lux came back. He¡¯s good-looking, taller than you, has a calm nature, and knows his way around the kitchen. Sure, I¡¯ve made my share of mistakes, like spending time on someone who didn¡¯t appreciate me. But I¡¯ve learned. Now, I only care about people who treat me right.¡±

    Her tone was direct, with no hint of apology.

    ¡°Cedric treats me right and is exceptional in every way. He¡¯s a solid choice. Don¡¯t you agree? Or should I go back to wasting my time with someone like you? I¡¯d much rather put my effort into making more money. With enough money, I could live like you men¡ªkeeping things flexible, always enjoying life to the fullest. I could even hire a good-looking secretary to make my office more interesting.¡±

    A yful smirk appeared on her face as she continued, ¡°You¡¯re here asking if I like Cedric? What¡¯s going on? Don¡¯t tell me, after all this time, you¡¯ve had a change of heart and now want me to fall for you all over again?¡±

    Explore more chapters on g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s?c?m

    The weight of guilt hit Alexander as Dani¡¯s sharp gaze locked onto him.

    After what felt like an eternity of silence, he finally spoke.

    ¡°Yes, Dani, that¡¯s why I¡¯m here. I¡¯m begging you not to fall for Cedric.

    You can still love me, and I swear¡ªI¡¯ll treat you the way you deserve this time.¡±

    Dani barely stopped herself from gagging at Alexander¡¯s words.

    She forced down the sick feeling rising in her and gave Alexander a sharp, skeptical look.

    Back when she had been obsessed with him, she could hardly take her eyes off him. But now, with no feelings left, her patience hadpletely run out.

    Leaning her head on her hand, she couldn¡¯t help but find the situation amusing.

    She had put in so much effort before, bending over backwards, breaking her own boundaries, just to make Alexander love her.

    Yet, he wouldn¡¯t even spare her a second nce.

    But now, without her lifting a finger, he suddenly wanted to be kind to her, all because he feared she might be interested in Cedric.

    What aplete joke this was!

    She wondered if Alexander thought she was an easy target, which was why he kepting to belittle her.

    If that was the case, she saw no reason to hold back.

    ¡°You want to be kind to me?¡± Dani replied, continuing to carve the jade in her hand.

    ¡°Well, go ahead and try. It¡¯s hard to say if I could ever feel anything for you again, but just remember, your choices are yours to make.

    You¡¯re an adult, right?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 221

    ?Chapter 221:

    In Dani¡¯s eyes, anyone who asked for a promise before offering something in return was just ying games, and those who yed games weren¡¯t worth her time or forgiveness.

    Alexander¡¯s brow furrowed at her words, a frown tugging at his lips.

    This wasn¡¯t how he¡¯d pictured it. He had assumed she would agree without hesitation, and they could start building a future together. Instead, she brushed him off as if he meant nothing.

    ¡°What?¡± Dani raised her eyes to meet his.

    ¡°You¡¯re not willing? Is it that hard for you?¡±

    ¡°Then set me a deadline,¡± Alexander said, his voice low.

    Dani let out augh.

    ¡°Do you really need a deadline to be nice to someone? Is being good to others just another task for you? Or a project?¡±

    ¡°No, that¡¯s not what I meant¡­¡±

    Dani stood up, carefully organizing her carving tools and picking up the finished jade from the table. She looked at Alexander for a moment, her expression neutral.

    ¡°I¡¯m heading upstairs to rest now. If there¡¯s nothing else you need, then goodnight.¡±

    With that, she turned and walked toward the elevator. She stepped inside and left, leaving Alexander standing there, stunned.

    He was usually so quick with his words, but in that moment, he found himselfpletely at a loss for words.

    The best reads are at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    Alexander couldn¡¯t sleep a wink after getting home, tossing and turning in bed, restless all night.

    By 6 a.m., he was already up and ordered the housekeeper to prepare a variety of breakfasts for Dani.

    When Richard came downstairs and saw what was happening, he couldn¡¯t hide his satisfaction. By the time Dani came downstairs in the morning, Cedric was already sitting in the living room.

    Lillian walked in and asked Cedric teasingly, ¡°Is the breakfast at yourpany really that bad? You¡¯re here every day now.¡±

    Dani let out a smallugh as she handed Cedric the hand-carved jade she¡¯d made the day before.

    They had recently acquired a new source of jade and had found some really great pieces, one of which stood out as particrly beautiful.

    Cedric had been eager to get a hand-carved jade piece, so Dani had decided to carve one for him.

    Cedric took a quick look, not bothered by any imperfections, and happily tucked it into his pocket.

    When Alexander arrived with breakfast, Dani and the others had already finished eating. Lillian was being her usual lively self,ughing loudly at something.

    However, the moment she saw Alexander, herughter abruptly stopped.

    As they got closer, Lillian nudged the bag Alexander was carrying.

    ¡°What¡¯s this? Trying to embarrass yourself by bringing this here?¡±

    Alexander opened his mouth to reply, but Lillian cut him off.

    ¡°If this is your way of trying to get back in, it¡¯s a little sad. We just had pancakes made by Cedric.

    Your breakfast looks like something the housekeeper picked up at the store.¡±

    Dani offered a polite smile before heading towards her office.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 222

    ?Chapter 222:

    Alexander hurried after her.

    ¡°Dani, what do you want to eat? I¡¯ll bring it tomorrow.¡±

    Lillian frowned, frustrated at the thought of Dani¡¯s past feelings going to waste. She shoved Alexander into the elevator, pointing a finger at him.

    ¡°Are you trying to stir things up?¡±

    Alexander was about to deny it but then paused.

    He had known Dani for years, yet he couldn¡¯t even figure out what she liked to eat. If that wasn¡¯t asking for trouble, he didn¡¯t know what was.

    But the truth was, he had no idea.

    In the end, all of Dani¡¯s efforts over the years had turned into nothing more than a joke.

    Alexander left Harper Group early in the morning, feeling frustrated after his visit didn¡¯t go as nned.

    By afternoon, Elite Lux had kicked off the bidding for the construction project in the South and East Districts.

    Keith showed up soon after, looking around the room for Alexander. When he spotted him in the front row, he quickly made his way over.

    ¡°I need your help!¡± Keith said urgently, sitting next to Alexander with a bidding proposal full of dense text.

    ¡°Alexander, you¡¯re close to Dani. Do you have any inside info on this bidding?¡±

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s, the ce for amazing tales

    As soon as he finished, the rest of the bidding team subtly shifted closer to Alexander.

    In the eyes of everyone, despite Dani now being the CEO of Elite Lux, she remained the figure who once trailed Alexander like a devoted follower.

    That image of Dani as the ever-loyal follower was still deeply etched in their minds.

    Alexander didn¡¯t have any insider knowledge at all. But seeing how intently everyone was listening, he felt embarrassed to admit he had nothing to share.

    He closed his lips tight and nced at Keith.

    ¡°Why? nning to go home and take over the family business?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t even talk about it. Last month, I crashed a Maserati, my band went bankrupt, and my gaming project lost more than thirty million. My dad said if I keep blowing money, he¡¯ll cut me off!¡±

    Recently, in Olisvine, wealthy families had been cutting ties with their children.

    People believed Dani¡¯s sess came from Caiden firmly pushing her to step up and face the world, which had led her to where she was now.

    The month had barely started, and already two families had severed ties with their children.

    Keith was beyond frustrated.

    ¡°What is Dani doing? Isn¡¯t it our job to be the spoiled, aimless rich kids? Now I¡¯m being forced into this bidding project, and if I don¡¯t win it, I¡¯m finished.¡±

    Keith gave Alexander a yful nudge.

    ¡°Come on, you have to help me out! Tell me, is there any inside scoop?¡±

    Alexander lowered his gaze, his expression bing thoughtful.

    Keith let out a deep sigh.

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me the project has already been handed to you? With your connection to Dani, it makes sense that she¡¯d give it to you. Alexander, be honest with me. If she¡¯s already given it to you, I won¡¯t waste my time.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 223

    ?Chapter 223:

    Alexander crossed his legs and sat back with a calm grace.

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that.¡±

    His words sent a chill through the room. They hinted that the project had already been decided.

    Even though everyone had prepared themselves for this oue, hearing Alexander¡¯s confirmation still caused a collective sigh. It was a bitter pill to swallow.

    This was an opportunity so profitable that it could easily support multiplepanies.

    Keith blinked in disbelief and whispered, ¡°Look, this is a goldmine. I¡¯m not asking for much, just a small share, alright?¡±

    A voice from behind them chimed in eagerly, ¡°Hey, what about me? Mr. Bet, I¡¯ll offer you a deal below market value,¡± and gestured a number with excitement.

    Keith¡¯s eyes widened in shock.

    ¡°Are you insane? If you offer below market value, there¡¯s no way you¡¯ll make a profit.¡±

    ¡°Are you serious? Profit? This deal¡¯s aplete loss,¡± the person responded with a grin, as though it was all part of the n.

    Keith stared at the person¡¯s smiling face, clearly stunned.

    ¡°That smile doesn¡¯t look like someone who¡¯s losing money¡ªit looks like you just made ten million!¡±

    Step into a new journey on FindNovel .con

    ¡°I don¡¯t think you quite get it. Our families don¡¯t havepeting products. Let me exin the details.¡±

    Keith nodded eagerly.

    ¡°Go ahead, I¡¯m listening.¡±

    Alexander could feel the eyes of the room on him once more.

    ¡°As you know, Dani is the CEO of Elite Lux. She bought thendmark building without breaking a sweat. Her financial clout is truly impressive, wouldn¡¯t you say?¡±

    Keith gave a quick nod.

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    Alexander straightened in his seat, a touch of pride emanating from him.

    ¡°Cedric¡¯s decision to take over the North District construction reflects his sharp vision. When the bid came out, he didn¡¯t earn a dime. Do you know why?¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Keith asked, intrigued.

    ¡°It¡¯s about cultivating a solid rtionship with Dani and Elite Lux. If the project hadn¡¯t been so time-sensitive, would there even have been a bidding process? Dani could have simply handed it to Cedric, and we wouldn¡¯t stand a chance.¡±

    ¡°Landing the project contract is like securing a ticket to future partnerships with Elite Lux. It¡¯s about establishing a solid reputation with Dani. Her influence is irrefutable, and Olisvine practically belongs to her. Construction projects won¡¯t be in short supply. In our field, it¡¯s well-known that it¡¯s smarter to work with trusted allies. Once you¡¯re on Dani¡¯s radar, how could you ever fear financial struggles? Didn¡¯t your father teach you these fundamentals?¡±

    Keith was taken aback by what he had just heard. He turned to Alexander, his voice filled with awe.

    ¡°Alexander, is your ex-wife really this powerful now?¡±

    Alexander crossed his arms, his tone calm.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 224

    ?Chapter 224:

    ¡°It seems so.¡±

    Keith couldn¡¯t hide the envy creeping into his voice. Had he known then, he would¡¯ve made a move on Dani. Marrying her would have meant bing the master of Olisvine.

    Regret gnawed at Keith for not acting sooner.

    A man behind them handed Alexander a business card with respect, saying, ¡°Mr. Bet, I¡¯ve heard a great deal about you. Let¡¯s get to know each other.¡±

    Soon, business cards were passed to him one after another. Alexander couldn¡¯t help but feel as if both Dani and her projects were now in his grasp.

    A growing sense of satisfaction washed over him.

    Meanwhile, another man handed Alexander a valuable antique, and Keith noticed the man subtly signal a number to him.

    Eight million dors.

    While Alexander was basking in the attention as people eagerly handed him their business cards, Cedric quietly slipped into a seat in the veryst row, keeping a low profile.

    Lillian, ever observant, caught sight of him and waved, signaling for him toe forward to the front row. Realizing there were no open seats avable, she quickly arranged a ce for him among the staff.

    The subtle gesture sparked envy among the men in the room.

    Keith leaned towards Alexander and quipped, ¡°See? That¡¯s what having the right connections gets you.¡±

    Dive into fiction with g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s

    Alexander¡¯s smug demeanor instantly darkened at those words, and he snapped sharply, ¡°It¡¯s just a way to show off.¡±

    Keith chuckled and teased, ¡°Feeling any regrets about divorcing Dani now? Cedric looks like someone you should keep an eye on!¡±

    Alexander scoffed dismissively.

    ¡°That guy? Cedric and Dani have known each other for ages. If there was ever anything between them, it would¡¯ve happened by now.¡±

    But beneath his confident words, a flicker of unease crept in. Alexander couldn¡¯t shake the worry that Dani might find out Cedric was the boy from her past. He knew this secret needed to stay buried¡ªno one could ever find out.

    Noticing Alexander¡¯s unease, Keith smirked.

    ¡°Rx, I won¡¯t spill anything. But you owe me one. When you seal the deal, throw me a bone, okay?¡±

    Keith¡¯s family specialized in hardware and interior design, after all.

    Alexander nodded.

    ¡°Fine. Once I secure the project, the interior design is all yours.¡±

    Keith¡¯s face lit up with excitement.

    Alexander leaned closer, his voice sharp.

    ¡°And remember¡ªkeep that secret buried.¡±

    Keith nodded with a satisfied smile, feeling confident and victorious. He was certain that he could return home with promising news to share.

    Soon, the bidding meeting began right on time.

    While everyone had anticipated Dani¡¯s presence, only the Elite Lux bidding team showed up.

    They proceeded with an overview of the project and outlined the bidding schedule.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 225

    ?Chapter 225:

    The entire room sat in focused silence, scribbling down notes diligently, even those who believed they stood no chance.

    Among them, Cedric was also seen jotting down notes with unwavering concentration.

    In stark contrast, Alexander and Keith remained seated upright, showing no interest in taking notes.

    Keith, puzzled by their indifference, turned to Alexander.

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you taking notes? Look, everyone else is all over it.¡±

    With the two projects valued in the tens of billions and involving intricate details and cost breakdowns, it was no wonder everyone else was frantically scribbling.

    ¡°Why bother? I¡¯ll just get the confidential budget report from Daniter,¡± Alexander remarked, prompting a wave of envy among the note-taking executives. Their note-taking became increasingly half-hearted.

    If everything had already been decided, what was the point of their meticulous notes? It felt like they were just going through the motions, jotting down meaningless numbers. This project was clearly intended for Alexander. Meanwhile, Keith, oblivious to the underlying tension but thoroughly impressed, was in high spirits.

    The meeting dragged on for over three hours.

    By the time it finally ended, everyone had filled their small notebooks with notes¡ªbut no one made a move to leave. With Alexander iming ess to a confidential budget report, the attendees lingered, hoping for even the tiniest peek to salvage some value from their time.

    Alexander was fully aware of what they were sticking around for.

    Discover more on g¦Á ? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s,

    Standing up, he casually brushed the lint off his suit pants and made his way towards Lillian.

    Before he could get too close, Lillian gestured for him toe over. Alexander couldn¡¯t help but feel a sudden rush of happiness.

    Dani¡¯s stubbornness was obvious. Deep down, she still cared about him, no matter how much she tried to hide it. Clearly, this was her way of luring him back.

    Wearing aposed smile, Alexander strode forward confidently.

    ¡°Cedric,¡± Lillian said as she handed him a thick notebook.

    ¡°Dani gave it to you.¡±

    All heads turned, and everyone strained to get a better look. And there it was, the Confidential Budget Report.

    ¡°Dani mentioned that you¡¯re tied up with the North District project, so there¡¯s no need for you to participate in the bidding. By the time you wrap up, this project will have reached its mid-phase, and you can step in with your team to evaluate the earlier work.¡±

    The announcement hit like a thunderp, leaving everyone speechless.

    Someone quickly raised a hand.

    ¡°Wait, does this mean the bid only covers the first phase of the project?¡±

    Lillian nodded affirmatively.

    ¡°Exactly. The second half wasn¡¯t part of the bidding because it¡¯s already assigned. We prefer working with trusted partners. If it weren¡¯t for the fact that Cedric¡¯s tied up with the North District project, we would¡¯ve let him handle the entire new project too.¡±

    Lillian¡¯s statement confirmed the executives¡¯ suspicions, though few had anticipated the coboration between Dani and Cedric would extend beyond the North District project.

    It was a reminder of the undeniable strength of connections.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 226

    ?Chapter 226:

    Alexander¡¯s mood soured instantly. What on earth was this supposed to mean? Was he expected to work under Cedric¡¯s supervision if he won the project?

    Seeing the same people who had been buttering him up moments ago now gravitate towards Cedric filled Alexander with indignation, yet he refrained from storming out.

    Straightening his posture, he walked over to Lillian with a steely expression.

    ¡°Can I have a copy of that confidential budget report?¡±

    Lillian gave him a bemused look before chuckling.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, and you are?¡±

    Alexander furrowed his brow. He was about to say something when Lillian¡¯s sharp, mocking voice cut him off.

    ¡°Why are you so thick-skinned?¡± Her words rang out, carrying across the room so that everyone could hear.

    ¡°What¡¯s this? Dani divorces you, and you¡¯re still hanging around like a parasite? This is private business, don¡¯t you get it? An ex-husband is an outsider, not an insider. Got that?¡±

    Lillian¡¯s wordsnded like a p, and the room¡¯s attention snapped to Alexander in an instant.

    The crowd, including those who had just handed him their business cards, now murmured to each other in hushed tones.

    The weight of their stares pressed against Alexander, his face flushing with humiliation.

    Fresh chapters live g?ln¦Ò¦Íe?s?c?m

    Seething with rage, he shot Lillian a furious re.

    ¡°Fine! If you won¡¯t give it to me, I¡¯ll take it straight to Dani.

    You¡¯re just her subordinate, and I won¡¯t lower myself to your level. But clearly, Dani needs to reevaluate her staff training. I¡¯ll make sure to have a word with her about this!¡±

    With that, he stormed off, fury radiating from every step.

    Keith, who had been trailing Alexander all day, didn¡¯t get the oue he had hoped for either.

    When he finally returned home, his father wasted no time in giving him an earful.

    ¡°Stop following Alexander around! Otherwise, Dani will hate you too! That woman is our golden opportunity¡ªdon¡¯t ruin this for us!¡±

    After the harsh scolding, Keith left in a huff and headed straight to a bar. Feeling a surge of frustration, Keith grabbed his phone and dialed Alexander¡¯s number. However, the call was dismissed. Alexander was heading straight for Elite Lux.

    When he reached Dani¡¯s office, she was fully absorbed in sorting through arge stack of paperwork. She didn¡¯t even look up to acknowledge his presence.

    ¡°Mr. Bet, have you forgotten basic manners? You didn¡¯t even bother knocking.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s anger boiled over, threatening to spill out.

    ¡°What the hell, Dani? Why did you let Lillian humiliate me like that?¡±

    Lillian had already informed Dani of the situation, so Dani was fully aware of what had happened.

    ¡°I heard you called Lillian my subordinate? Let me make one thing perfectly clear¡ªeveryone in this building is my equal. Lillian is my friend, someone I trust deeply and treat like family. I won¡¯t stand for anyone disrespecting her. Consider this a warning.¡±

    Finally, she raised her gaze, her eyes icy andmanding.

    ¡°I won¡¯t be so lenient next time.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 227

    ?Chapter 227:

    Alexander was about to protest, but Dani cut him off once more.

    ¡°Let¡¯s at least maintain some basic decency. Mutual respect is the bare minimum. Or should I teach you that too?¡±

    Alexander¡¯s frustration grew. He hadn¡¯t even begun to express himself, and she was already lecturing him.

    ¡°Why are you treating me like this?¡± he demanded, his voice tight with anger.

    ¡°Cedric gets ess to the proposal. Why don¡¯t I?¡±

    Dani¡¯s tone remained steady, emotionless.

    ¡°I forgot.¡± It was a dismissive response, and she didn¡¯t offer any further exnation.

    Alexander extended his hand, his voice cold and insistent.

    ¡°Give it to me now.¡± He couldn¡¯t afford to let this go, not with rumors already circting behind his back.

    Dani replied, ¡°There aren¡¯t any left.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s breath caught in his chest, his frustration reaching a boiling point.

    ¡°You¡¯re ying me, Dani!¡±

    Dani¡¯s lips curved into a subtle smile.

    ¡°You¡¯ve asked to be involved in the bidding meeting, but what makes you think our rtionship is such that I¡¯d treat you the same way I do Cedric? Is it because you told me you¡¯d ¡®treat me well¡¯?¡±

    Her smile disappeared, her face hardening into a cold, distant expression.

    Find your next chapter g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s

    ¡°We¡¯re adults, Alexander. Is it really that simple to get under your skin? That¡¯s not like you.¡±

    She leaned back, a hint of disappointment in her tone.

    ¡°Truthfully, I thought you had some dignity, some pride. If youe crawling back to me now that I¡¯ve found sess, it¡¯ll make everything I ever felt for you seem like a joke. It¡¯ll make me realize that even your ¡®love¡¯ could be bought with money.¡±

    As she spoke, her gaze never wavered from his, and she seemed entirely unaffected by the displeasure that crossed his face.

    ¡°I¡¯m incredibly wealthy, Alexander. So wealthy that you can¡¯t even begin to fathom it. And when you have so much of something, it loses its value. If it only takes money to win your favor, then you can keep it. Understand?¡±

    With that, she turned back to her paperwork, picked up her pen, and resumed her signing.

    Her handwriting was immacte, each stroke purposeful. Alexander stared at her, his lips tightly pressed together. After a heavy, silent pause, he spun on his heel and headed for the door.

    Just before he left, he spat out bitterly, ¡°Dani! You¡¯ll regret this!¡±

    He had never felt such humiliation. Each step felt more burdensome than thest.

    ¡°Alexander,¡± Dani suddenly called out.

    Alexander¡¯s heart softened, and he turned back, his face still clouded with frustration.

    ¡°What now?¡±

    Throughout it all, he kept up a facade of dignity.

    ¡°Keep that attitude. Hold your head up high. And don¡¯t forget to shut the door behind you when you leave.¡±

    The brief softness in Alexander¡¯s expression vanished, reced by a harsh, dark frown.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 228

    ?Chapter 228:

    With a sharp, angry motion, he mmed the door behind him, the sound echoing violently through the office.

    Dani, however, didn¡¯t flinch. She simply let out a small, almost satisfied smile, while her attention remained fixed on the papers in front of her. The moment was more than enough.

    Alexander was seething with fury, feeling like he would explode at any moment.

    Upon his arrival at the bar, he found Keith swaying slightly, clearly drunk and unsteady.

    When Alexander shared his grievances, Keith¡¯s eyes widened in astonishment, realizing the truth in his friend¡¯s words.

    Breaking it down for him, Keith remarked thoughtfully, ¡°Tell me if I¡¯m off base here, Alexander. Wasn¡¯t it Dani who was always following you around? She used to hang on your every word while you barely gave her the time of day. Now, she¡¯s wealthy, and suddenly you¡¯re showing interest. No wonder she questions your motives. Dani makes a good point, you know.¡±

    Alexander clenched his jaw, his expression growing stormy as he gulped down his drink forcefully.

    ¡°So you¡¯re suggesting I y hard to get?¡±

    Memories of Cedric¡¯s tender ways with Dani shed through his mind.

    ¡°If I dy too long, she might settle down and start a family with Cedric!¡±

    Read exclusive content at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    ¡°Just keep showing her kindness,¡± Keith advised, his words slurring as the alcohol took over.

    ¡°People have hearts; they¡¯re not just emotionless stones. Be patient with her, whether it¡¯s for a year, two years, or even a decade. Alexander, your pride is getting in the way.

    You act as if everyone should adore you! Dani has changed; what makes you think she¡¯ll return to you? You need to change your approach. Constantly expecting her to appease you will only drive her away. As a man, don¡¯t let pride dictate your actions, especially since she¡¯s your ex-wife. Why fuss about who¡¯s right?¡±

    With a hearty p on the back, Keith eximed, ¡°What a foolish man you are!¡±

    And with that, Keith crumpled to the floor in a heap.

    Alexander watched, making no move to assist him. He sat in his chair, ensnared by his own thoughts for what felt like an eternity.

    Eventually, his voice broke the silence, soft and uncertain.

    ¡°Is that really how it is? One year¡­ two years¡­ a decade? If I chase after her, will Dani ever return to me?¡±

    Elite Lux, embracing a modern approach, had implemented a bnced work week: four days of work followed by three days of rest.

    Dani, ever the efficient worker, hadpleted her assignments the previous evening. Her secretary popped in with a reminder, bubbling with enthusiasm.

    ¡°Dani, don¡¯t forget about the banquet tonight.¡±

    Dani¡¯s expression shadowed with a touch of mncholy. The secretary departed with an uncontainable grin. Throughout her tenure, she had never encountered a CEO as genuinely charming as Dani.

    Adorned in her elegant evening gown, Dani descended the stairs, only to be greeted by the unexpected sight of Cedric.

    His attire was impably tailored¡ªa stark ck suit that contrasted with his recent tan, acquired from his time on construction sites, lending him an air of rugged sophistication.

    Upon their arrival at the venue, Dani excused herself to the restroom.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 229

    ?Chapter 229:

    As she made her way back, the crisp sound of her phone¡¯s notification caught her attention.

    Checking it, she discovered a message from Alexander.

    Dani¡¯s eyebrow arched high.

    She had assumed Alexander had finally given up after their heated discussionst time.

    She let out a dry chuckle, her smirk carrying a sharp edge of sarcasm.

    Money had a miraculous way of bending principles. The man she once admired for his staunch principles was now humbling himself repeatedly. The message simply stated, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    A smirk yed on Dani¡¯s lips.

    When Cedric spotted her, she was gazing at her phone, her dimples deepening enchantingly on her cheeks.

    ¡°What¡¯s got you in such a good mood? You look exceptionally cheerful.¡±

    Dani tilted her phone towards Cedric as they continued on their way.

    Meanwhile, Alexander stepped out of the restroom. He caught the sound of Dani¡¯sughter.

    It was her happiness that echoed in herughter¡ªhappiness sparked by his message.

    Herughter rang melodiously, stirring a wave of tion in Alexander¡¯s heart.

    Find the best stories g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    He now believed Keith¡¯s advice. If he persisted in showing genuine kindness to Dani, she would undoubtedly feel his sincerity.

    It was only a matter of time before everything Dani had became his.

    He wished, with all his heart, that Dani could go back to being the person she once was.

    Cedric passed the phone to Dani, and she slipped it into her bag.

    He had questions in mind, but he hesitated, unsure of the repercussions of asking them.

    Cedric knew Dani wasn¡¯t one to revisit old rtionships, but back then, she had no principles when it came to Alexander.

    He was always the one in control, except when it involved Dani.

    Just as they were about to enter the banquet hall, Cedric stopped briefly and gently grasped Dani¡¯s hand.

    He held it for just a moment before letting go.

    Dani turned to face him, her brow slightly furrowed.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Cedric pressed his lips together as he clenched his hand and unclenched it. After a brief pause, he smiled and shook his head.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Just stick to juice. Drinking at night can be tough on your stomach.¡±

    Dani chuckled, her eyes twinkling like stars.

    Cedric felt his heart skip a beat, but he still hesitated.

    Lillian and Ryan pulled him to a quiet corner for a scolding.

    ¡°Cedric! What were you thinking?¡± Ryan crossed his arms. Lillian was frantic.

    ¡°Were you about to confess? You should¡¯ve just confessed already. How hard is it to say, ¡®I like you, and I¡¯m going to pursue you?¡¯ It¡¯s not that difficult.¡±

    Ryan ran his hand through his hair.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 230

    ?Chapter 230:

    ¡°You said you¡¯d wait because Dani had just returned. Then you said the North District project was urgent, so you¡¯d wait again.

    What now? Are you going to wait until the project of the South and East Districts is finished?¡±

    It was unusual for Ryan to speak this much.

    Lillian remarked, ¡°Look at this, you¡¯ve even got the quiet one talking. Cedric, what do you really want?¡±

    Cedric leaned against the wall, his eyes focused on Dani as she stood nearby, enjoying a cupcake while looking out through therge window.

    A shy individual approached her with a drink, and Dani offered a warm smile,pletely unbothered by the cutthroat atmosphere that usually surrounded business.

    ¡°She¡¯s not ready yet,¡± Cedric murmured.

    ¡°Ready for what? Look at this¡­¡± Lillian started, but her words trailed off as Alexander emerged from the restroom, walking towards Dani.

    Frowning, Cedric started to move towards them, but Lillian quickly held him back. He nced at her in confusion.

    ¡°Don¡¯t bother.

    You won¡¯t get it, even if you try. Just watch and learn,¡± Lillian advised as Ryan held Cedric in ce. The person Dani was chatting with was a young interior designer, someone Alexander recognized.

    He came from a humble, rural background with no connections, relying only on his determination to get ahead. Thest time he offered Alexander a drink, Alexander took a small sip without much thought, while the young man downed the entire ss in one go. Later, Alexander had seen the young man vomiting in the restroom, his girlfriend helping him out.

    Your favorite tales live at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s£®??????

    The girlfriend was simple in appearance and modestly dressed, and she smiled at Alexander as she helped the man.

    Alexander had witnessed many couples like them¡ªstaying together through the toughest times.

    He looked down on people like them.

    By the time Alexander reached Dani, the young man seemed visibly nervous. Dani nced at him briefly, her tone neutral.

    ¡°Mr. Bet.¡±

    Alexander carried himself with the confidence of someone who had made it, and the young man, feeling defeated, handed Dani his business card before leaving. Dani gave the card a quick look¡ªLeandro Prescott, an interior designer.

    ¡°Don¡¯t waste your time,¡± Alexander said, snatching the card from her hand before she could read it.

    ¡°He¡¯s just a nobody with little to offer. If you need a real expert,e to Bet Group. I¡¯ll introduce you to someone with over ten years of experience.¡±

    With a casual motion, he threw the card into the trash.

    Dani¡¯s expression darkened.

    ¡°He gave that card to me. What gives you the right to make decisions on my behalf?¡±

    Alexander¡¯s brow furrowed, his expression barely controlled.

    ¡°I¡¯m just looking out for you.¡±

    Dani¡¯s face twisted into a look of distaste, and Alexander trailed behind her, asking, ¡°Why don¡¯t you believe I¡¯m looking out for you?¡±

    Dani coolly sipped her juice, her eyes ncing at the time.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 231

    ?Chapter 231:

    ¡°These events might be dull, but they¡¯re great for making connections,¡± Alexander continued.

    ¡°If you¡¯re not having fun, we can go somewhere better afterward.¡±

    Dani remained indifferent, too disinterested to respond. Alexander caught the resistance in her eyes, tightened his lips, and fell silent.

    Dani sat on the couch, letting time pass by. With Alexander looming nearby, like a dark cloud, no one darede near her.

    Just as Dani was about to get up and leave, Alexander spoke up.

    ¡°Look, Leandro¡¯s girlfriend is picking him up again. They look so close now, but he¡¯ll dump her the first thing when the money starts rolling in.¡±

    Dani looked over.

    Leandro was being helped into a car by a slightly chubby woman in a ck dress. She shut the door and quickly made her way to the driver¡¯s side.

    ¡°That woman is so ordinary. Apart from being strong, I can¡¯t think of anything else that stands out about her. Dani, you know why men go for practical women when they¡¯re building something? It¡¯s because only those kinds of women will stick with you when times get tough. Trust me, with Leandro¡¯s ambition, it won¡¯t take long before he moves on to a new girlfriend,¡± Alexander said with a smug smile.

    ¡°I¡¯ve never been wrong about people.¡±

    Dani nced at him briefly before breaking into a smile, her expression carrying a hint of sarcasm.

    Alexander sensed it wasn¡¯t apliment, but his curiosity got the best of him.

    Endless adventures await on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s

    ¡°Why are you smiling?¡±

    Dani responded, ¡°I¡¯m really impressed.¡±

    Alexander, assuming it was praise, opened his mouth to offer a polite reply¡ªbut before he could, Dani added, ¡°You¡¯re unbelievable! Jerk!¡±

    Dani emerged from the building and noticed Ryan and Lillian at the entrance, their faces clouded with discontent. Cedric, wearing a grin, strolled up to her.

    Caught by the sight of the pair, who looked as rigid as statues, Dani raised an eyebrow at Cedric.

    ¡°What¡¯s up with them?¡±

    Suppressing a chuckle, Cedric shrugged nonchntly.

    ¡°Oh, them? Just two goofballs.¡±

    They had barely resumed their drive when the driver turned towards Dani with a concerned expression.

    ¡°I think we¡¯re being followed.¡±

    ncing behind, Dani¡¯s eyes quickly identified Alexander¡¯s car, a vehicle she knew all too well from days filled with unrequited affection.

    The mere glimpse of his car used to send her heart into joyful flips.

    With an air of cool indifference, Dani remarked, ¡°Just pay him no mind.¡±

    ¡°Need me to take care of it?¡± Cedric offered.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need,¡± Dani stated firmly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t waste your energy on him.¡±

    Alexander persisted in his pursuit all the way to Elite Lux. Upon their arrival, he burst from his car, urgency etched on his face.

    ¡°Dani, we need to speak.¡±

    Offering a brief nod, Dani replied, ¡°Alright, get on with it.¡± With a sharp nce at Cedric, Alexander silently conveyed his desire for him to leave.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 232

    ?Chapter 232:

    Cedric nced at Dani, who stated crisply, ¡°Well, are you going to speak up or not? Because if you aren¡¯t, I¡¯m heading back inside.¡±

    Dani¡¯s tolerance for Alexander was wearing thin.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Alexander responded, his voice tinged with unease. As Dani pivoted to leave, he reached out, grasping her arm.

    ¡°Dani, you can¡¯t have it both ways¡ªspending time with Cedric while you¡¯re seeing me.¡±

    Her expression turned to one of surprise at his usation.

    ¡°First off, whatever¡¯s happening between Cedric and me isn¡¯t your damn concern. And Alexander, what makes you think I¡¯m seeing you? Besides, do you honestly think you¡¯re someone I¡¯d consider?¡±

    With a sour expression, Alexander shot back, ¡°You once told me I could treat you well.¡±

    Dani arched an eyebrow, herugh echoing with derision.

    ¡°You¡¯re really adept at embarrassing yourself. I told you that you could be kind, and that as an adult, you¡¯re responsible for your own actions. I have no interest in managing your fantasies. Don¡¯t let your imagination get the better of you¡ªit will only lead to disappointment. And weren¡¯t youpletely smitten with Joyce? You divorced me to be with her. I can¡¯t fathom why, now that you¡¯re both unattached, you aren¡¯t pursuing her. Whye here to hassle me in the dead of night? Tell me, why is that?¡± Her voice dripped with scorn and mockery, each word more pointed than thest.

    Alexander paused, his fists clenched, a surge of frustration building within him.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care for Joyce anymore. Dani, would you ever think about giving me a shot?¡±

    Dani let out a soft chuckle, clearly entertained.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s is where imagination thrives

    ¡°It¡¯s not entirely out of the question.¡±

    As soon as the words left her mouth, Cedric¡¯s eyes narrowed, a sharp contraction of his pupils betraying his shock. He swiveled his head to gaze at Dani.

    Ecstatic, Alexander couldn¡¯t contain himself and blurted out, ¡°You mean it?¡± Bursting with enthusiasm, he moved forward, nudging Cedric aside without a second thought.

    ¡°Dani, is this true? You actually want to be with me?¡±

    With a faint, almost bitter smile, Dani tilted her head slightly.

    ¡°After all the time I¡¯ve spent pursuing you, it would be a waste if I didn¡¯t at least consider your change of heart, wouldn¡¯t it?¡±

    Her expression remained impassive as Alexander, brimming with joy, eagerly agreed, ¡°Yes, exactly!¡± Meanwhile, Lillian and Ryan observed from the sidelines, their faces mirroring their confusion.

    Cedric, usually soposed and astute, stood a short distance away, his hands balling into fists.

    Under normal circumstances, he might have discerned theck of sincerity in Dani¡¯s smile and realized the truth behind her words.

    However, overwhelmed by emotion, he was far from his usual calm self.

    A crushing weight settled in his chest, his mind spinning in chaos.

    ¡°Dani, I swear I have no feelings for Joyce anymore. If you doubt me, I¡¯ll prove it to you right now.¡± Not bothering to think twice, Alexander hastily dialed Joyce¡¯s number, eagerly setting his phone to speaker as it began to ring.

    The call from Alexander caught Joyce off guard, yet her voice brimmed with an unexpected happiness when she picked up.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 233

    ?Chapter 233:

    ¡°Alexander, is this a surprise call to say you¡¯ve reconsidered? Ready to marry me atst? You know, mom mentioned that marrying mees with the Harper family¡¯s fortune. Of all the suitors, you¡¯ve always been my top pick.¡±

    Alexander barely had a chance to reply before the phone was abruptly passed to someone else.

    Katrina¡¯s voice, firm and calcting, filled the line.

    ¡°Alexander, did you finallye to your senses? I always knew you were the clever one. Here¡¯s the deal¡ªI hold the reins to the Harper family. Marry Joyce, and all that wealth could be yours.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Alexander¡¯s voice was steady, his gaze fixed on Dani as he spoke.

    ¡°I called to make it clear¡ªI will not marry Joyce. Not now, not at my father¡¯s behest. I¡¯ve realized that my heart still belongs to Dani, and I¡¯ve chosen to be with her.¡±

    Not giving Katrina a chance to react, he ended the call with a swift tap.

    Ignoring the insistent buzz of Katrina¡¯s callbacks, Alexander turned to Dani, his expression earnest.

    ¡°I¡¯ve made my stance clear to them, Dani. Is it finally our time to be together?¡±

    Dani¡¯s lips curved into a grin as she remarked, ¡°Alexander, you really went all out, didn¡¯t you? I only said I¡¯d think about it, not that it was a done deal. Don¡¯t you think you¡¯re getting ahead of yourself?¡±

    Alexander was aware that Dani had only agreed to consider his proposal.

    g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s, your fiction escape

    His impatience was getting the better of him. He believed that settling things quickly would be more efficient, particrly with Cedric hovering nearby, a constant threat to his peace of mind.

    ¡°We¡¯ve known each other for years. Is there really anything left to ponder?¡± he implored, his eyes scanning her expressive face, his heart fluttering with hope.

    Dani let out a derisive chuckle.

    ¡°You¡¯ve known Joyce for ages too, yet you didn¡¯t hesitate to cut her off just moments ago.¡±

    ¡°I was just¡­¡± he stuttered, searching for the right words.

    Dani¡¯s smile grew sharp.

    ¡°No need to spell it out. I get it.

    You¡¯re the type who looks at the grand scheme of things. There¡¯s no need for excuses with me.¡±

    With those words, Alexander felt a weight lift off his shoulders. This was promising. Dani was beginning to see things from his angle. It wouldn¡¯t be long before she returned to being the woman who had always supported him.

    ¡°Dani, I miss the way you used to be¡ªgenerous, gentle, and considerate,¡± he admitted.

    Dani¡¯sughter rang out again, light and carefree. She was generous, indeed¡ªturning a blind eye while he shamelessly flirted with her stepsister. Her gentleness was undeniable, always attentive to whatever Alexander had to say. She was undeniably considerate¡ªobedient to a fault and painfully naive.

    Of course, he liked such a foolish woman.

    ¡°So, are you telling me that my power, status, or wealth don¡¯t matter to you?¡± Dani queried, her gaze piercing into Alexander¡¯s soul.

    With a firm shake of his head, Alexander responded, ¡°How could those superficial things be the reasons I cherish you? Dani, believe me, my desire to be with you now is sincere.¡±

    Dani¡¯s expression softened as she nodded in agreement.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 234

    ?Chapter 234:

    ¡°I¡¯m relieved to hear that. I, too, prefer that my wealth doesn¡¯t entangle with my future partner. Genuine rtionships shouldn¡¯t sprout from personal gain.¡±

    Just a moment before, Alexander was brimming with vigor. Now, his face registered shock, as if struck by lightning. He questioned his own ears, wondering if they had deceived him.

    Attempting a smile, he managed only a tense grimace, his eyes locked on Dani¡¯s.

    ¡°What did you just say?¡±

    Dani dered with a smile, ¡°I¡¯ve made my stance clear. I don¡¯t like entangling emotions with interests. Imagine us, intertwined as lovers and yet adversaries in business, whispering endearments in solitude and shing vehemently at work¡ªit would just rip me apart.¡± Her smile was there, yet her eyes betrayed no trace of warmth.

    With an almost mocking sweetness, she nced at Alexander.

    ¡°I yearn for a rtionship that remains untainted. Is that too much to hope for?¡±

    Her question, profound and stirring, left Alexander utterly speechless. He stood, bewildered, realizing for the first time the depth of Dani¡¯s reservations. Could it really be that she harbored such thoughts? Nearby, Cedric was rooted to the spot, equally taken aback by the revtion.

    Alexander, though hesitant, wasn¡¯t ready to let go. Everything had been aligning perfectly; how could it crumble so unexpectedly? Struggling to keep his voice steady, he questioned, ¡°So, what you¡¯re saying is, if I want a chance with you, I need to stay away from the project of the South and East Districts?¡±

    Dani nodded, her smile turning cunning.

    ¡°Yes, and it¡¯s not limited to that. Any endeavor tied to Elite Lux is off-limits for Bet Group. Moreover, should there be anypetition between us, you must quit. After all, if you¡¯re pursuing me,peting against me for projects wouldn¡¯t be proper, would it? But let¡¯s be honest¡ªeven if you did try topete, you wouldn¡¯t stand a chance. I prefer to state this upfront to spare you any embarrassment.¡±

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s has your next chapter

    Dani leaned forward slightly and exined, ¡°Elite Lux has scaled back its ventures recently, focusing only on luxury goods, construction, education, tourism, aerospace, and a bit of high-tech involvement.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s eyes widened, a clear sign of his astonishment.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t thatplicate matters for me? So, are you saying I should just shut down Bet Group entirely?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Dani replied, her grin brimming with cheerfulness.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t my parents do just that back in their day? It was quite the role reversal. Ultimately, they still had me.¡±

    Dani¡¯s gaze turned distant, tinged with nostalgia.

    ¡°That way, a man is less likely to wander. How perfect! I¡¯ve always yearned for that kind of life. I vowed when I was little that if a man ever cooked for me, I¡¯d marry him right away!¡±

    Her heart swirled with sarcasm, yet her expression remained utterly sincere. Her eyes sparkled with a glimmer of hope as she pressed on.

    ¡°Do you think you can handle that, Alexander?¡±

    Alexander felt a pang of despair.

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that reduce me to a man who lives off a woman? In our circles, that¡¯s just pathetic.¡±

    ¡°Is that so? A man who would go to such lengths for love is truly praiseworthy, isn¡¯t it? That¡¯s exactly the kind of devotion I¡¯m looking for!¡± Dani eximed with conviction.

    Alexander¡¯s chuckle was hollow, devoid of real amusement.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 235

    ?Chapter 235:

    ¡°You never expected this from me before.¡± Alexander was not ready to surrender. He gazed up at the imposing structure before him. Its majesty and grandeur were undeniable.

    ¡°I did before,¡± Dani lied.

    ¡°It¡¯s just that we hadn¡¯t reached this point back then.¡± Alexander was taken back. Dani went on,

    ¡°Moreover, I¡¯ve secured my assets with legal ties. If something were to happen to me in the future, I could leave you one percent of my assets. That¡¯s hardly insignificant; that one percent could be worth over a billion.¡±

    Alexander found himself at a loss for words. Legal ties? But Dani appeared in perfect health. When would she even need such provisions?

    Seeing the shock on Alexander¡¯s face, Dani¡¯s smile was tinged with irony.

    ¡°This is a serious discussion. Why not go home and talk it over with your father? I can wait.¡±

    She offered onest piece of advice with feigned kindness.

    ¡°I¡¯m tied up these days. If you agree, you won¡¯t need to attend Elite Lux¡¯s bid the day after tomorrow. Well, that¡¯s all. I¡¯m off to bed.¡±

    With that, Dani turned on her heel, leaving Alexander no chance to reply as she strode away with an air of triumph.

    Alexander remained, filled with suspicion that Dani might be messing around with him, yet he didn¡¯t have proof.

    Ryan and Lillian observed as Alexander¡¯s emotions surged and plummeted dramatically, much like a rollercoaster¡ªan amusing spectacle to them.

    Cedric¡¯s brow furrowed deeply, his face etched with a somber expression as he trailed behind Dani into the room. While he maintained a stoic exterior, the storm raging within him mirrored Alexander¡¯s own distress. Had he been aware beforehand, he would have steered clear of any involvement with Elite Lux¡¯s ventures.

    The idea of being a stay-at-home husband, once a concept he dismissed with a scoff, now seemed an unattainable dream. Taking a deep breath to ease the constriction in his chest, Cedric felt a mixture of frustration and despair after dropping Dani off at her house.

    As she began to close the door, Cedric ced his hand against it, halting its movement. Dani gazed at Cedric, her expression filled with bewilderment.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    Cedric implored, ¡°Dani, listen¡ªI was involved in the North District project, but I¡¯m not the legal representative. I¡¯m not profiting from it. To date, I haven¡¯t received a dime. We¡¯re doing this as a pro bono endeavor, purely out of goodwill. Is that something you can ept?¡±

    Dani blinked, taken aback.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you that the profits would be calcted and distributed to everyone eventually?¡±

    ¡°No, that¡¯s not it at all!¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Dani¡¯s face clouded with confusion.

    ¡°It¡¯s purely a pro bono endeavor. Honestly, we¡¯re not after any profit at all! And the project in the South and East Districts? It¡¯s entirely for charity too! Ourpany aims to bolster its image by engaging in thesemunity service projects. Let¡¯s make this clear; please, I insist, no money!¡±

    Cedric walked away, a throbbing headache beginning to form. Phillips Group was rolling in wealth. How on earth was he meant to spend all this cash? And if he handed it all over to Dani, would she even take it?

    As the elevator doors slid open, Lillian and Ryan emerged.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 236

    ?Chapter 236:

    Cedric fixed them with a grave look and ventured, ¡°Do you reckon that if I offered Dani Phillips Group, myself included as part of the package, she¡¯d take it?¡±

    Lillian¡¯s brows furrowed as she squinted slightly.

    ¡°Wait, what did you just say?¡±

    Ryan shook his head.

    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure her advice would be to get your head checked first.¡±

    Cedric found himself at a loss for words.

    The following day, the North District project transitioned into its concluding settlement phase. The finance teams from both corporations exchanged looks of bewildered resignation.

    Lucian Chavez, the finance director at Elite Lux, queried, ¡°Mr. Phillips, Mr. Bradley, are you implying that for this partnership, we should treat all construction expenses as charitable donations? Could such a generous arrangement really exist? Is that your final decision? To forfeit hundreds of billions?¡±

    The twisted rationale of the elite left him utterly dumbfounded.

    Tyler, the legal counsel, also gazed at Cedric, his expression one of bewildered curiosity. From its inception, Cedric had been a key investor in thepany, holding the reins over Elite Lux¡¯s ventures. His leadership had recently culminated in a windfall of profits for him.

    Despite attempts to understand his strategies, they remained a mystery to many, including Tyler.

    When the ountant at Tyler¡¯s firm scrutinized the expenses reflected in their ledger, a series of zeroes stretched before him like a road to ruin, ushering in a throbbing headache. Could this deal drive thepany into bankruptcy?

    Explore fresh updates on g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s

    Elite Lux¡¯s finance team had initially been confident in their ability to negotiate the terms of the agreement.

    Yet, they found themselves at a loss, as the opposing party disregarded the usual protocols.

    ¡°Are you actually forfeiting tens of billions in project funds?¡± Lucian massaged his temples, trying to find rity in the chaos.

    Tyler nced at Cedric for confirmation, receiving a nod in return.

    Mirroring the gesture, Tyler also nodded. A flicker of thrill crossed Lucian¡¯s features. They were set to rake in tens of billions, with no catch whatsoever?

    ¡°Then are there any stiptions? Perhaps terms for future partnerships with Elite Lux?¡± he suggested tentatively.

    ¡°No, there won¡¯t be any future coborations!¡± Cedric¡¯s tone was firm, leaving no room for argument.

    Lucian was utterly bewildered, unsure of how to respond. He couldn¡¯t hold back and questioned, ¡°What exactly are you trying to get?¡±

    Tyler, equally baffled, turned to Cedric and echoed, ¡°What do you even want from this?¡±

    Cedric shook his head, brushing off any argument.

    ¡°There¡¯s no point exining. Just sign the settlement and be done with it.¡±

    The scene unfolded with a surreal air that made Lucian tread carefully.

    ¡°Hold on, let me get in touch with our boss,¡± he announced before stepping away momentarily.

    Dani was in a meeting, pressing down on the documents on the table. Lucian returned with the phone and handed it to Cedric. Dani asked in exasperation, ¡°Cedric, what are you up to?¡±

    Cedric replied, ¡°Like I mentioned yesterday, I¡¯m engaged in charity work.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 237

    ?Chapter 237:

    Dani sighed, a flicker of frustration crossing her face.

    ¡°We do not entertain charitable sponsorships here. Please, pass the phone to someone from our finance team.¡±

    Complying without a word, Cedric handed over the phone. After Dani¡¯s brief exchange, the line went dead, and Lucian¡¯s expression morphed into one of sheer confusion.

    ¡°Our boss just crunched some numbers, and based on our market profit share, your gain from this transaction would be around 10.3 billion. We¡¯ve decided to round it up to 11 billion.¡±

    Before Cedric could respond, Tyler¡¯s ountant leaped to his feet, equally stunned.

    ¡°Excuse me? Did I hear that right? From 10.3 to 11 billion?¡±

    The suggestion to bump the figure by a staggering 700 million sparked disbelief. That decision defied all logic! Was it Cedric or Dani who deemed math meaningless in the world of extreme wealth?

    The finance director of Elite Lux felt as though the other party was treating him like he was foolish. Still, he had double-checked with Dani several times, and she insisted, ¡°10.3 billion, round it up to 11 billion.¡± Cedric felt like all hope was gone. It wasn¡¯t just the 4321 billion; it felt as though Dani was using money to push him away.

    ¡°Mr. Phillips, are you going to sign this final statement?¡±

    ¡°No, I won¡¯t.¡±

    The director of Elite Lux felt as though he was trying to please someone who didn¡¯t care, offering something that wasn¡¯t even desired. In the end, the deal fell apart.

    Your new favorite is g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c?m

    After the meeting, Dani reached out to Cedric, but he didn¡¯t bother answering. She found it oddly amusing.

    Lillian watched the entire scene unfold with interest. She trailed Dani into the office and asked, ¡°You mentioned yesterday you¡¯d give Alexander a chance to pursue you. Was that serious?¡±

    At those words, Dani shot a nce at Lillian.

    ¡°Am I out of my mind? Why would I ever get involved with Alexander again?¡±

    Lillian pushed further, ¡°Then what aboutst night?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s always picking on me, acting like I¡¯m a pushover!¡± Dani replied.

    Lillianughed.

    ¡°So, mixing business and personal feelings doesn¡¯t bother you? Don¡¯t you like how your parents managed their rtionship?¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t,¡± Dani said bluntly.

    ¡°A healthy rtionship requires both people to manage it, but mixing it with business can cause a lot ofplications, so it¡¯s better to steer clear. Of course, it all depends on the couple themselves. Why are you asking this all of a sudden, Lillian? Are you about to confess your feelings to Ryan?¡±

    As soon as Lillian heard that, she quickly ended the call in her pocket and started coughing uncontrobly. Her face turned bright red as she eximed, ¡°What are you talking about?¡±

    Embarrassed, Lillian hurried out of the room, only to return momentster, warning, ¡°Don¡¯t you dare spread any rumors!¡±

    Dani shook her head with a grin and returned to her work.

    Meanwhile, Alexander was in a full-on panic. He was certain Dani was finally ready to reconsider their rtionship. He had even nned that once she said yes, he¡¯d propose right away. That way, all of Dani¡¯s wealth would be his.

    But just when he thought he had everything lined up, she dropped the bombshell that she¡¯d alreadypleted a property notarization. To make matters worse, he was now barred from taking part in any of Elite Lux¡¯s projects. What could he possibly do now?

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 238

    ?Chapter 238:

    If he walked away now, it would make him seem like he was only after her wealth, and that would be humiliating. So he decided to keep his cool with Dani. But it felt like she was toying with him, knowing he wouldn¡¯t dare agree, yet she still bombarded him with three messages a day asking about it.

    Now, he waspletely at a loss. Responding felt like a problem, but staying silent was just as tricky. He found himself stuck in an unresolvable dilemma. With Elite Lux¡¯s uing bidding looming, Alexander¡¯s anxiety reached a peak.

    His stress was so overwhelming that it caused painful mouth ulcers, making it hard for him to speak properly.

    ¡°Dad, what do you think we should do? Should we go for the bidding?¡±

    Attending the bidding would mean abandoning themitment he had made earlier. But if they skipped it, how could he live with missing out on a project worth billions?

    Richard balled his fists in frustration, struggling to make a hard choice. He looked at Alexander and asked, ¡°Did Dani leave any opening for negotiation in what she said?¡±

    Alexander paused for a moment, then shook his head.

    ¡°No, she was pretty clear. She said what she needed to, then walked out, telling me to think it over on my own. She also mentioned how she admired the way her parents bnced things¡ªher dad taking care of the home while her mom ran the business.¡±

    Richard¡¯s grip tightened even further. His gaze cut through Alexander like a sharp knife.

    ¡°So, she¡¯s really forcing you to choose, huh? Do you care more about the money or her?¡±

    Discover what¡¯s next on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s???o??

    Richard narrowed his eyes.

    ¡°Don¡¯t hold back. Just be straight with me.¡±

    Life with Dani promised a future dripping with opulence and wealth, but it also demanded a sacrifice of his moralpass.

    ¡°Go down this road, and you¡¯ll be just another spinelesspdog, like those pathetic losers drooling over Dani¡ªgutless and the butt of everyone¡¯s jokes.

    Yet, behind the facade of derision, life would be sweet. And when she¡¯s gone, even a tiny slice of her fortune would ensure you live in luxury, much like Caiden did,¡± Richard muttered.

    ¡°But if you¡¯re the one to die first, everything you¡¯ve done will be meaningless.¡±

    He fixed his gaze on Alexander, his expression serious.

    ¡°This one¡¯s on you. Only you can decide. If you want to be with Dani, remember, Bet Group will be relegated to a life of modesty.¡±

    Society often viewed a man dependent on a woman¡¯s wealth ascking independence and drive.

    Richard muttered a string of curses under his breath, seething at Dani¡¯s heartless, maniptive games.

    Yet, the allure of inheriting tens of billions was no trivial matter. It was the kind of temptation that could break even the strongest resolve.

    With a troubled frown, Richard rubbed his hands together and turned away.

    His chance encounter with Dani while shopping was unexpected.

    In days gone by, Richard would have haughtily awaited Dani¡¯svish praises. Now, the sight of Dani¡ª a vision of sophistication in her designer clothes and shimmering pearl earrings¡ª made his heart skip a beat, debating whether to approach and offer ttering words.

    Whispers swirled that Dani¡¯s unassuming pearl earrings alone boasted a value exceeding eighty million. Richard mustered a smile, preparing to exchange pleasantries with Dani.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 239

    ?Chapter 239:

    But she breezed right past him without a sideways nce, her entourage of mall staff in tow, rendering him, her former father-inw, utterly invisible.

    A shadow of displeasure crossed Richard¡¯s face instantly.

    Was Dani considering a reconciliation with Alexander? It seemed quite the opposite; she appeared to want nothing to do with him.

    Yet, Richard couldn¡¯t help but ponder¡ªif Alexander were to marry into the Harper family, he¡¯d be one of them. How would he maintain his pride when interacting with Dani? Would he be forced to greet her with a smile only to be snubbed?

    This thought sent a shiver through Richard, hastening his steps toward home.

    Meanwhile, Dani continued her tour of the store. Lillian cast a nce her way, curiosity tinging her voice.

    ¡°Dani, didn¡¯t you notice Richard back there?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Dani responded with a dismissive shrug. Lillian nodded, a trace of relief in her tone.

    ¡°Looks like you¡¯ve finally snapped out of that obsession.¡±

    She had feared Dani might approach Richard, addressing him with undue reverence. The mere thought had left her anxious.

    With a light chuckle, Dani brushed off the concern.

    Lillian pressed on, her voiceced with intrigue.

    ???????? ?????????????? ???? ??????????????????.??????

    ¡°If Alexander sacrifices his dignity and chooses to be with you, would you truly ept him?¡±

    As Dani surveyed the store, she shook her head and dered, ¡°No.¡±

    Lillian turned to her with a puzzled look.

    ¡°Why not?¡±

    Dani responded, ¡°Alexander will never relinquish control of Bet Group. His pride wouldn¡¯t allow it. He can¡¯t stand the thought of the gossip that would follow if he married into another family to save face. His pride, believe it or not, outweighs his own interests. Even if he were to agree, it¡¯d be because he harbors some hope that I¡¯d pass away soon, allowing him to inherit everything. If he doesn¡¯t marry me, he gains nothing from the deal. He¡¯s not the type to take such a risk.¡±

    Over the years, Dani had pieced together the essence of Alexander¡¯s character. She recognized his egotism, his aloofness, and the way he masqueraded as a man of virtue while his actions were guided solely by self-interest. He was a master at ying the part of the stoic, immovable hero.

    ¡°Just you wait,¡± Dani asserted with a hint of certainty.

    ¡°Alexander will most certainly make an appearance at the bidding.¡±

    On the day of the bidding, as Dani and Lillian entered the venue, there was no sign of Alexander yet. However, Cedric was unexpectedly present.

    Raising an eyebrow, Lillian queried, ¡°I thought you were determined to stay out of this?¡±

    Thest time Dani had paid him for the project, Cedric had been visibly mortified for days.

    ¡°I¡¯m not here to participate. I¡¯m merely here to observe, to set my mind at ease,¡± Cedric replied, seated beside Dani.

    ¡°Leave it to me, Dani. I¡¯ll supervise for free. I do have the experience, after all.¡±

    Dani shot back, ¡°Cedric, is watching others get rich your weird little kink? I offered you this job once, and you declined. Now you show up offering to supervise for free? What are you ying at?¡±

    With a warm smile, Cedric extended a thermos towards Dani.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 240

    ?Chapter 240:

    ¡°Skip the mineral water today; it¡¯s chilly out. Have something warm instead.¡±

    His thoughtful actions almost painted him as a nurturing figure, sparking the question of why he¡¯d fuss over such small details. Feeling parched, Dani gratefully took a few sips from the thermos.

    As the bidding meetingmenced, Dani confidently stepped onto the stage to address the gathering. However, her attention was diverted as a figure slipped through the entrance.

    The neer, with head bowed and shoulders hunched, quietly made their way to thest row and seated themselves discreetly.

    Dani¡¯s gaze turned to Lillian.

    Catching Dani¡¯s look, Lillian nced back and recognized theter as Alexander.

    A sense of defeat washed over her. Betting against Dani had been a terrible call, and now she was stuck owing her ten grand.

    With a heavy heart, Lillian transferred the money to Dani, her mood visibly dampened as she slumped back in her chair.

    Maynard Group and Phillips Group had unexpectedly pulled out of the running, leaving two lucrative construction sites avable. The potential profits were so immense everyone¡¯s eyes were fixed on the prize, each person dreaming of securing a fortune that could sustain their families for generations toe.

    Seated among the audience, Alexander¡¯s determination hardened as Dani dered the integration of the two pieces ofnd into a single project.

    In his view, nothing could rival the allure of wealth. Clutching his pen, his resolve was palpable.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s has stories worth exploring

    Bet Group, known for its formidable strength and prowess, stood second only to Cedric¡¯s enterprise. Alexander harbored no doubts¡ªthis project was meant for him, his ticket to a triumphant future.

    The inner turmoil faded away, leaving behind nothing but cold, unyielding resolve.

    Under the shimmering lights, Dani¡¯s beauty captivated him anew. Alexander pondered that once he secured the project and its lucrative rewards, it would be time to talk to Dani. She had given him a second chance before, and she¡¯d probably do it again; she was practically obsessed with him, after all.

    On the stage, Dani¡¯s gaze swept over the crowd,nding briefly on Alexander, whose ambition seemed almost tangible. A subtle smile yed on her lips as she tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, maintaining her poise as she resumed her address.

    When Alexander approached Lillian to collect his copy of the bidding documents, he met with a moment¡¯s hesitation. Confusion flickered across Alexander¡¯s face. It wasn¡¯t Dani¡¯s potential financial loss that bothered Lillian; rather, she found Alexander¡¯s brazen opportunism distasteful.

    Alexander had to tug sharply to liberate the documents from Lillian¡¯s firm grasp.

    The bidding was set for the morning. Eachpeting firm would fill in its bid, and the project would be awarded to the lowest adequate offer. They had meticulously prepared their cost estimates, aware that this was their sole opportunity to submit their bid.

    At lunchtime, Elite Lux hosted avish buffet free of charge, yet none of the executives had the appetite to partake. Their minds were elsewhere, deeply engaged with their finance teams,boring over the precise figures to submit on their bid formster that day.

    Alexander felt a surge of confidence in hispany¡¯s calctions. After quickly finishing his meal, he made his way upstairs to meet with Dani.

    However, as he approached the elevator, a security guard stepped in his path, blocking the way.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 241

    ?Chapter 241:

    ¡°I need to see Dani,¡± Alexander insisted firmly.

    The guard remained unmoved, his expression apologetic yet resolute.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but Ms. Harper is currently on her lunch break and is not epting any visitors. Additionally, to maintain fairness, she is not meeting with representatives from any biddingpanies during this period. Are you, by chance, involved in the bids this afternoon?¡±

    If Alexander was involved in the bidding, he would be denied any contact with Dani.

    Alexander was well aware of the rules, but his dire situation left him with only one option¡ªgo to Dani. It wasn¡¯t just about him. This was for his family, for the livelihood of thousands of employees, and to live up to Richard¡¯s expectations. He hoped Dani would understand his position, allowing him to proceed to the afternoon¡¯s bid without any lingering doubts.

    ¡°Please, I need to speak with Dani for a moment. It¡¯s a personal matter, unrted to today¡¯s bidding.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s not avable to meet,¡± the guard stated firmly.

    As Alexander made a move to bypass him, the guard didn¡¯t hesitate to summon reinforcement.

    ¡°Lillian, could you pleasee down here? There¡¯s someone named Mr. Bet here, and he won¡¯t take no for an answer¡ªhe wants to see Ms. Harper now.¡±

    Lillian¡¯s irritation was palpable the moment she got the message. Without a moment¡¯s dy, she descended the stairs to confront Alexander. Her voice was icy as she addressed him.

    ¡°What¡¯s so important that it can¡¯t wait? Why must your concerns always disrupt our peace? Can¡¯t you see everyone else deserves a lunch break? Do you really think you¡¯re so significant that the world must pause at your whim? It¡¯s frankly embarrassing, Alexander. Aren¡¯t you supposed to be more mature than this?¡±

    Despite the sharp sting of her words, Alexander remained steady andposed.

    ¡°Lillian, I realize you have your grievances with me, but this is urgent and only involves Dani. I assure you, it has nothing to do with the bidding. May I please speak with her upstairs?¡±

    His voice carried a sincerity that seemed more profound than usual.

    Yet, Lillian perceived him merely as a man blinded by the lure of profit. Elevating her voice deliberately, she challenged him.

    ¡°If this has nothing to do with the bid, why are you so hell-bent on meeting her right now?¡±

    Her words boomed across the cafeteria, capturing the attention of the other executives who were awaiting the afternoon¡¯s bidding session.

    Lillian, intent on creating a spectacle, pressed on.

    ¡°And what¡¯s more, how can we be sure you¡¯re not nning to lean on your past rtionship to influence or bribe my boss once you¡¯re behind closed doors? Are you looking for an unfair advantage¡ªa shortcut, perhaps? That hardly seems just to the rest of us, diligently preparing our proposals. Alexander, choose the honorable route and abandon these shortcuts! Everyone else deserves a fair chance at this project, too. Why should Elite Lux favor you exclusively? What makes you so exceptional?¡±

    At her provocation, several business owners rose, their gestures usatory as they pointed at Alexander.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. We all agreed¡ªno meetings with Ms. Harper before the official session. It maintains fairness. How could you disregard the rules?¡±

    ¡°Indeed.

    You already have an advantage knowing Ms. Harper. Why isn¡¯t that good enough for you?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 242

    ?Chapter 242:

    ¡°Let¡¯s progress together in this industry. Allowing one entity to dominate isn¡¯t just. Let¡¯s uphold equity and collective advancement.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re suggesting this isn¡¯t about the bid, but we all know there¡¯s more to it.

    You might be scheming something sinister. The Bet family has a reputation for ying dirty to secure a contract.¡±

    With a fortune on the line, tensions were sky-high. No one was willing to back down or risk being outbid.

    A minor concession for goodwill was manageable, but on a billion-dor deal? No one was eager to absorb such a hit. Voices escted, shing in the room, their pointed usations giving Alexander no chance to defend himself. Defeated, he withdrew his seat, his expression one of sheer frustration. He worried Dani might misread his intentions.

    Since their divorce, his ce in her life had felt increasingly shaky.

    Yet, he was resolute in seeking a moment alone with her. He needed to unload the burdens weighing heavily on his heart.

    Dani was on her way downstairs after lunch break when the abrupt buzz of her phone halted her mid-step. She mentioned the interruption to Lillian before stepping outside to answer the call.

    As she greeted the caller with a crisp ¡°Hello,¡± a series of footsteps resounded behind her.

    When she turned and saw Alexander approaching, the pieces clicked into ce instantly.

    ¡°You¡¯ve really outdone yourself. A whole new phone number just to reach me before the bidding? Truly impressive.¡±

    Alexander caught the icy edge in Dani¡¯s eyes as she scrutinized him. With the bidding meeting looming, he felt a surge of urgency.

    ¡°Let me exin, Dani.¡±

    Dani¡¯s calm demeanor remained intact as she offered a small nod.

    ¡°Pine, go ahead.¡±

    In Alexander¡¯s memories, Dani had always been the sensitive young woman who felt neglected by his inattention. However, the woman standing before him now was a stark contrast to his memories. d in a sharp business suit, her hair slicked back into a neat bun, she radiated the authority of a seasoned CEO.

    Her gaze was cool, detached, as she awaited his forting stumble of words.

    In that moment, as Alexander faced her, a wave of difort washed over him. Dani, once familiar and close, now seemed like a stranger, her distance palpable and chilling.

    ¡°Weren¡¯t you going to exin?¡± Dani pressed on, her voice tinged with casual indifference.

    Her curiosity was piqued; she was eager to uncover the kind of borate excuses Alexander might unveil. Just as anticipated, the words started flowing from him.

    ¡°Dani, I realize my visit today might unsettle you, but I can¡¯t stand the thought of bing just another insignificant nobody. Moreover, I believe you¡¯re not merely an echo of your father¡ªyou possess your own vision, your own strengths, your own dignity. How could you possibly be content with your future partner relegated to a mere househusband? Come on, you¡¯re underestimating me and yourself.¡±

    His words flowed with a passionate intensity, nearly swaying Dani¡¯s initial skepticism. Seeing her stunned expression, Alexander felt a surge of hope and continued, ¡°Dani, I understand you. I know you better than you know yourself.

    You¡¯re not someone who craves power.

    You may appear strong and decisive now, but I know deep down, you still long to be a little girl.¡± His statement had the power to thaw the resolve of any woman, regardless of age.

    Internally, Dani couldn¡¯t help but admire the performance. Incredible! What a disy of eloquence! Alexander continued, ¡°That¡¯s precisely why I¡¯m here today. I¡¯m asking for a chance to stand by your side. I envision a future where, when people look at us, they won¡¯t dismiss me as unworthy. Instead, they¡¯ll see us as a perfect couple, affirming that your choice was impable!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 243

    ?Chapter 243:

    With a definitive nod, he concluded, ¡°Trust me, Dani. Let me take the lead on the project. I promise, I¡¯ll execute it brilliantly!¡±

    His eyes shone with a mixture of hope and determination, waiting eagerly for her response.

    Dani found his silliness almost too much to bear.

    Yet, since he seemed determined to underestimate her, she feltpelled to y along.

    Her lips twisted into a wry smile as she met Alexander¡¯s hopeful gaze and replied with a note of sorrow, ¡°Is that really what you believe? If that¡¯s the case, it¡¯s clear we¡¯re not meant to be.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Alexander¡¯s voice cracked slightly as he blinked at Dani, his expression a mix of shock and confusion.

    ¡°What did you just say?¡±

    ¡°What I desire is worlds apart from what you pursue. I yearn for someone who values kindness, thoughtfulness, and puts family above the pursuit of riches. When people look at us, they shouldn¡¯t see us as the ¡®perfect couple.¡¯ Instead, they should be saying, ¡®Wow! She really knows how to manage him!''¡±

    Stunned and unsure, Alexander could only stand there, struggling to process.

    He had carefully followed his psychology instructor¡¯s advice, so why was it failing him now? Nothing made sense anymore.

    ¡°Moreover, I¡¯m already financially secure. What use do I have for someone who¡¯s just chasing more wealth? There¡¯s no charm in that.¡±

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m is a world of wonder

    ¡°But¡­¡± Alexander¡¯s voice faltered, his hands clenching at his sides.

    ¡°Weren¡¯t you always in love with me? How can you just change like that? Dani, this must be some kind of joke, right?¡±

    Dani gave a small, sad nod.

    ¡°I did love you, but when I realized it was unrequited, I forced myself to move on.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s mind reeled. No! The way things were before had been perfect!

    ¡°So, you¡¯re saying you chose wealth over what we had?¡± she asked, her voice a mix of disbelief and sorrow.

    Just as Alexander opened his mouth to protest, Dani, her face crumpling with anguish, raised her hand to stop him.

    ¡°No, please don¡¯t. I think I already know your answer.¡±

    At that moment, a storm of regret and despair swirled within Alexander. For the first time, he felt utterly defeated.

    He had failed Dani¡ªnot just once, but twice now.

    Watching her walk away, her shoulders slumped and her steps heavy, Alexander was consumed by self-reproach. He wanted to p himself until his face stung for being so damn clueless.

    As Alexander stepped into the conference hall, his eyes immediately caught Dani signaling something subtle to Lillian. Momentster, Lillian spun around and shot Alexander an icy, hostile re.

    Confused by her reaction, Alexander wondered what he had done to spark such hostility. When Lillian faced him, he offered a polite nod, but her response was a just scornful smirk.

    ¡°You really have a knack for disappointing everyone, don¡¯t you?¡±

    The bidding sessionmenced without further dy. Alexander, preupied with his personal turmoil, found it hard to focus and respond to each bid effectively. After several rounds, he had failed to secure any significant contracts. Ultimately, he settled for a minor project with barely any profit to show for it.

    At that moment, he caught Dani sending yet another signal to Lillian. It was then that the realization hit Alexander¡ªhe¡¯d been set up.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 244

    ?Chapter 244:

    He remained seated in the audience, a bitter taste of defeat settling in. The bidding was done, and there was no turning back.

    Nearby, those who once envied Alexander¡¯s perceived closeness to Dani began to snicker discreetly.

    ¡°I thought he was someone important. Turns out, he¡¯s all bark and no bite!¡±

    ¡°Exactly! Acting like he¡¯s close to Ms. Harper, but she barely spares him a nce.¡±

    ¡°He always acted so high and mighty. Who was he trying to fool?¡±

    ¡°Can you believe the nerve? Showing up at his ex-wife¡¯s event! I heard he got tangled up with Ms. Harper¡¯s stepsister, and that¡¯s why she left him. Apparently, he treated her terribly until he realized how rich she¡¯d be!¡±

    ¡°No way! I thought he had integrity and pride. Turns out, he¡¯s just another gold digger.¡±

    ¡°Hell yes! All polished and proper, but probably just trying to approach Ms. Harper for her wealth.¡±

    ¡°This bidding just knocked the Bet family off their pedestal in Olisvine¡¯s construction world. Serves them right.¡±

    The crowd burst intoughter, their voices echoing around him.

    Alexander¡¯s fists tightened at his sides as he fixed his re on Dani, who walked past him with an air ofposure, her steps steady and deliberate. His voice dropped to an icy, measured tone as he spoke.

    ¡°I used to carry guilt for the way I treated you. I wanted to make things right. But I never imagined you¡¯d twist my regret to your advantage in this bidding and make a fool of me. Dani, from this moment on, we¡¯re square!¡±

    Dani¡¯s lips curved into a faint, almost disdainful smile. Her voice carried the same chill as her expression.

    ¡°Don¡¯t overestimate your importance. I was in a good mood after a nap and decided to have a little fun with someone oblivious. If your skills fell short, don¡¯t me me for it. Are you really so easily influenced? Perhaps you¡¯re just not cut out for handling greater challenges.¡±

    Turning to leave, she suddenly stopped, throwing an amused nce over her shoulder.

    ¡°If you¡¯re truly as principled as you im, you wouldn¡¯t have gone for that minor project.

    You¡¯d cut ties entirely¡ªwith me and Elite Lux. So, what¡¯s it going to be? Are you backing out now? The ink isn¡¯t dry yet; you still have a chance.¡±

    Alexander gripped the documents in his hand tightly, feeling the sting of Dani¡¯s words strike at his pride. He wanted to fire back but found himself unable to utter a single word in response.

    All he could do was watch as Dani, her mocking smile lingering, walked away without looking back.

    That day, Alexander experienced a level of humiliation unlike anything he¡¯d ever felt before.

    Aimlessly drifting out of Elite Lux, Alexander bumped into Richard, who greeted him with the eager energy of someone picking up their kid from school.

    ¡°So? Did Dani give you the project?¡±

    Alexander shook his head, his expression steeped in defeat.

    ¡°Why not? Didn¡¯t you say she gave you two options? If you didn¡¯t choose her, shouldn¡¯t she have handed you the contract as the logical oue?¡±

    Alexander looked at the towering structure before him and let out a bitterugh.

    ¡°This was never about a choice. She just wanted to humiliate me. She still holds a grudge.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 245

    ?Chapter 245:

    ¡°Dani, your heart must be made of stone.¡±

    That night, Alexander was ovee by a severe fever. After hours on an IV drip, he eventually began to recover. Following the ordeal, he allowed his hair to grow out, adopting an increasingly somber and withdrawn demeanor.

    While working on various construction sites, Alexander asionally caught sight of Dani. But he never attempted to approach her again. Instead, he maintained his distance and observed her with a cold, detached expression.

    Over time, he found himself spending more and more time with the Harper family, particrly growing closer to Katrina and Joyce.

    On bright, sunny afternoons, his gaze often drifted to Joyce¡¯s growing belly. One day, he asked, ¡°So, when¡¯s the babying? Have you decided on the hospital and doctor?¡±

    He went as far as arranging for a top-notch medical team to admit Joyce into the hospital an entire month before her due date.

    Rxing in her hospital bed the other day, Joyce took a bite of an apple.

    ¡°Mom, I think Alexander¡¯s more excited about this baby than I am. It¡¯s like he really wants to be with me.¡± Katrina narrowed her eyes, trying to decipher Alexander¡¯s true intentions. He seemed genuinely invested in the child¡¯s well-being.

    Whenever Joyce went in for a checkup, Alexander appeared more nervous about the results than anyone else. But for anyone suspecting he harbored romantic feelings for Joyce, his actions suggested otherwise. He¡¯d usually show up, sit silently, and hardly say a thing.

    Joyce¡¯s hopeful smile grew as she continued, ¡°I guess Alexander likes me. And I like him too. Could you talk to Dad? Once the baby is born, we¡¯ll get the inheritance, and Alexander can marry me.¡±

    Compared to the string of unsuitable suitors Katrina had found for Joyce, Alexander seemed like a far better catch.

    ???????? ?????????????? ???? ??????????????????.??????

    Joyce had been waiting to hear from Katrina for quite a while, but no response came. Munching on an apple, she turned to Katrina with wide-eyed astonishment.

    ¡°Mom? What¡¯s happening? Don¡¯t you want Alexander to be your son-inw anymore?¡± Previously, whenever Joyce mentioned Alexander, Katrina would quickly concur with enthusiasm.

    ¡°You were always singing his praises, pushing me towards him, right?¡± Joyce queried, her expression a mix of surprise and bewilderment.

    Katrina, meticulously peeling an orange, avoided eye contact, lost in her thoughts. She understood that Joyce showing any sign of weakness could be exploited by Alexander. It was crucial to be open with her daughter. Now that Joyce was the sole heiress to the Harper family fortune, they had no reason to feel daunted by anyone. Empowered by this thought, Katrina¡¯s confidence surged.

    She caught a glimpse of Alexander standing in the doorway from the corner of her eye, a slight smile ying on her lips. Refocusing on Joyce, she responded, ¡°Alexander was a suitable match previously. However, since he¡¯s lost the Elite Lux project, he¡¯s no longer at his peak. His renewed interest in you? It¡¯s merely because his prospects with Dani fell through, and now he¡¯s recalling your worth.¡±

    Joyce¡¯s lips puckered in a pout at Katrina¡¯s blunt words.

    ¡°Mom, do you really have to say it that way?¡±

    Katrina remained unapologetic.

    ¡°I¡¯m merely stating the facts. We are not anyone¡¯s backup n. If he¡¯s genuinely interested, he should adhere to the proper channels¡ªa formal proposal, a meeting between both families, and ns for a proper engagement and marriage.

    Yeah, we¡¯re rich, but we¡¯re not dumb enough to let anyone screw us over.¡±

    Joyce came to understand that Katrina truly had her best interests at heart. She pressed her lips tightly together, choosing not to continue the argument.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 246

    ?Chapter 246:

    With a warm smile, Katrina extended the peeled orange towards Joyce.

    ¡°You¡¯ll be a mother soon. If Alexander truly cares, it¡¯s time our families had dinner together and discussed a date for the wedding.¡±

    Just then, Katrina¡¯s attention snapped to the doorway, her expression unreadable.

    ¡°Alexander? How long have you been there? I didn¡¯t notice you. Did you catch all that?¡± Joyce stole a timid nce at Alexander.

    His hair, styled in a rebellious, slightly tousled manner, was just the way she liked.

    His silence lingered ufortably long, prompting Joyce to coax him, ¡°Alexander, please, say something. Don¡¯t you see what my mother is getting at? She wants us to set a wedding date.¡±

    Alexander understood the implication behind Katrina¡¯s words perfectly.

    Yet, he remained silent, casting a brief, telling look at Joyce¡¯s swollen belly before he turned away and strode towards the doctor¡¯s office.

    Both Katrina and Joyce were rooted to the spot, utterly speechless.

    ¡°What does that mean?¡± Joyce turned to Katrina, confusion clouding her features.

    Katrina, equally baffled, spected that perhaps Alexander¡¯s pride was getting in the way of his response.

    Meanwhile, Richard, who was privy to Alexander¡¯s intentions, knew precisely the turmoil unfolding in Alexander¡¯s mind. Alexander had taken a significant blow because of the failed bidding, yet certain matters still needed to be addressed.

    ¡°I know you¡¯re biding your time until Joyce¡¯s baby is born. Just when the surgery is about to take ce, you¡¯ll spring the news on Katrina.

    g ¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s takes you away

    You¡¯ll tell her that Dani¡¯s breakthrough research can save the child without any surgical intervention, promising aplete recovery. Dani might falter at first, but she¡¯lle through eventually. Is this your grand n? To make her feel disgusted as payback?¡±

    Richard¡¯s deduction was not merely a guess. It was a conclusion drawn the instant Alexander showed an unusual interest in Joyce¡¯s unborn child.

    ¡°But think this through, Alexander. This maneuver will irreparably fracture your rtionship with Dani.

    You could have feigned ignorance, yet you opt for maniption. How does alienating her benefit you or Bet Group? If Dani were a nobody, I¡¯d say take your shot. But here in Olisvine, she¡¯s a force to reckon with. Cross her, and do you really think she¡¯ll let you walk away unscathed? And let¡¯s not overlook the fact that Dani has harbored feelings for you over all these years. Her love isn¡¯t fleeting. If you proceed with this n, you¡¯ll extinguish any hope for reconciliation. Can you live with that?¡±

    Alexander kept his mouth shut, but Richard¡¯s irritation boiled over. There was no way he was putting up with this crap. The fallout from this could be absolutely devastating.

    Thinking about the golden opportunities they had blown made him wish he could travel back in time, just to beat some sense into his past self.

    Richard had always considered himself adept at gauging people¡¯s true nature, yet somehow, he hadpletely overlooked that Dani was a top-tier CEO. Now, watching one lucrative opportunity after another slip through his fingers left him restless, haunting his nights with wakefulness.

    Richard gazed at Alexander, his expression a mix of urgency and frustration, silently wishing he could swap ces with him and beg at Dani¡¯s feet.

    ¡°Self-respect? Pride? What value do they hold nowadays?¡± Richard¡¯s voice escted with intensity.

    ¡°In the absence of wealth, they¡¯re worthless! Alexander, I¡¯m notpelling you to act, but I urge you to consider this. Do you truly wish to sever all ties with Dani permanently?¡±

    In the days leading up to this conversation, Richard had briefly visited Joyce in the hospital. Pregnancy had intensified her cravings, rounding out her formerly sharp features. Richard found himself unable to stay by her side for more than a few minutes, quickly excusing himself. In his eyes, Joyce couldn¡¯t hold a candle to Dani.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 247

    ?Chapter 247:

    ¡°Try it one more time,¡± Richard suggested, his tone carrying a subtle edge of expectation.

    ¡°Do you realize why Dani managed to aplish so much? Back in the day, when she pursued you, she was unconcerned about appearances. Regardless of the gossip or judgment, she never allowed it to deter her. Reflect on her past actions toward you. Isn¡¯t there a lesson to be learned from her perseverance? And consider this¡ªperhaps Dani is putting you through a test. With her newfound wealth, it¡¯s natural for her to be more guarded. Can¡¯t you see that?¡±

    The cold detachment in Alexander¡¯s face slowly gave way to something softer. His gaze turned to Richard, a brief pause hanging in the air before he finally asked, ¡°Really?¡±

    Richard, although thrilled by the conversation, managed to maintain aposed demeanor.

    He nodded solemnly and responded, ¡°Absolutely. And it¡¯s not just me¡ªothers are saying the same. Just the other day, a friend of mine mentioned that Dani, now positioned quite high up, might be using these tactics to test people¡¯s true intentions. He even asked me to pass on a message: don¡¯t get discouraged.¡±

    Richard, having yed the role of Alexander¡¯s father for so many years, was well aware of his son¡¯s Achilles¡¯ heel¡ªhis pride. To Alexander, his self-esteem was paramount, overshadowing all else.

    The deliberate choice of Richard¡¯s words seemed to unravel Alexander¡¯s pent-up frustration. Rooted to the spot, Alexander clenched his fists tightly, then slowly uncurled them.

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll give it another try.¡± A flicker of relief passed through Richard¡¯s eyes.

    Stay tuned for updates at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    Alexander¡¯s demeanor stiffened abruptly, his voice sharpening as he went on, ¡°If Dani still doesn¡¯t give a damn about my efforts, then screw her¡ªI won¡¯t hold back anymore!¡±

    Richard responded, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. After the distance you¡¯ve put between you and Dani, she¡¯s bound to have noticed that she upset youst time. Plus, we secured that small bid, right? There¡¯s a project progress meeting this afternoon. It¡¯s not really tied to us, but you should go anyway. It¡¯s the perfect opportunity to see Dani and break the awkward tension.¡±

    Pausing for a moment, Richard nervously rubbed his nose. If Alexander dyed any longer, Dani might erase him from her thoughtspletely. With her wealth at her disposal, she had the freedom to choose from a wide array of suitors¡ªkind-hearted, passionate, and untamed alike. She truly had the world at her feet. If Alexander didn¡¯t take action, he would be forgotten by her.

    As Alexander headed upstairs to choose a suit, Richard let out a sigh of relief. His attention then turned to his buzzing phone. Katrina¡¯s name lit up the screen. Without a second thought, he swiped to decline the call.

    What a load of crap! Joyce was aplete wreck, yet Katrina still dared to consider marrying her to Alexander? Utterly pathetic!

    Meanwhile, at the hospital, Katrina let out augh tinged with disbelief as her call was dismissed.

    ¡°Really? What¡¯s so terrible about the Bet family now? Oh, so I¡¯m the one groveling to them now, is that it?¡±

    Caiden, seated beside her, didn¡¯t look up from his phone, absorbed in thetest financial headlines.

    The growth of Elite Lux in recent months had been impressive, and Caiden foundfort in the figures dancing on his screen. Right now, nothing else was of consequence. His primary concern was preserving the Harper family fortune, ensuring Katrina didn¡¯t fritter it away as Joyce¡¯s wedding gift.

    By maintaining control over their assets, he could secure a future where Dani, endowed with wealth, would ensure hisfort in hister years.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 248

    ?Chapter 248:

    Katrina cast a sidelong nce at Caiden¡¯s detached expression, her eyes drifting to his phone screen, where a photo of Dani was prominently disyed. She stayed quiet for a moment, the faintest flicker of calction shing in her gaze.

    Since theirst heated exchange, Caiden had be a different man¡ªaloof and disengaged, barely sparing a word for her or Joyce. Even their moments of intimacy had lost their warmth; he would pull away almost immediately. It was obvious that he had some hidden agenda.

    His once palpable excitement for Joyce¡¯s pregnancy had faded, reced with a cold indifference. Could he be shifting his reliance to Dani instead? That simply wouldn¡¯t do.

    Katrina had spent decades scheming for the Harper family fortune. There was no way she would let Dani swoop in and im the prize. She needed Caiden to view Dani as untrustworthy and realize that she and Joyce were the ones he could truly depend on.

    Katrina¡¯s lips curved into a measured smile as shedled soup into Joyce¡¯s bowl and settled beside her.

    ¡°Joyce, have you given any thought to the baby¡¯sst name?¡±

    Without missing a beat, Joyce replied, ¡°Of course, it¡¯ll be Bet. This child will be with me when I marry. It¡¯s my first, and you can see how much Alexander already cares about it. He¡¯ll adore this baby just as much.¡± That had been Katrina¡¯s n all along. Joyce would marry into the Bet family, taking the Harper family¡¯s assets with her. Over time, those assets would pass to her child.

    However, as the Bet family¡¯s influence waned, Katrina began rethinking the inheritance and the child¡¯s role in it.

    ¡°The child should carry the Harper name instead,¡± she proposed.

    Latest updates at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    Joyce and Caiden both turned to Katrina, startled by her suggestion.

    Katrina¡¯s smile softened as her eyes settled on Joyce.

    ¡°Joyce, You¡¯re not Caiden¡¯s biological daughter. It was me who brought you into this family. But all these years, he¡¯s done nothing but treat you with kindness. Raising a child is no small task, and you owe him your gratitude. Without his support, you wouldn¡¯t have thefortable life you enjoy today. Do you see that?¡±

    Joyce blinked, confused by the sudden shift in Katrina¡¯s tone.

    ¡°When I first joined the Harper family, I made a promise to Dani, in front of the media, that I wouldn¡¯t have any more children to avoid upsetting her. But over time, Caiden has regretted that decision, and Peyton has voiced his displeasure, saying our branch of the family has lost its importance. Caiden has always cared for you, Joyce. So, I propose that this child takes the Harper name. It would be a part of the Harper legacy, strengthening the family, and also show gratitude to Caiden for all he¡¯s done for you. What do you think?¡±

    Joyce was left speechless, her mind racing. When she nced at Caiden, his eyes sparkled with hope and happiness. After a moment of thought, she finally nodded.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    It was the most peaceful day the family had known since the sh between Caiden and Katrina.

    At lunch, Caiden eagerly volunteered to go home and cook for Joyce.

    Katrina stood by the hospital window, her gaze fixed on Caiden as he walked away. Only when he was out of sight did she finally sit down, a smug smile creeping onto her face.

    Joyce wasn¡¯tpletely naive¡ªshe had noticed the growing distance between herself and Caiden in recent days.

    ¡°Mom, does the baby really need to take the Harper name?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 249

    ?Chapter 249:

    Katrina scoffed lightly.

    ¡°Silly girl, what does ast name really mean? If changing it can guarantee a life of wealth and privilege for both you and your child, does the name really matter?¡±

    She let out a coldugh.

    ¡°Caiden is selfish and maniptive. If we don¡¯t y our cards carefully, do you think he¡¯ll willingly hand over the family fortune to you and the baby? Now that you¡¯ve agreed to let the child take the Harper name, he¡¯s thrilled. Dani won¡¯t even cross his mind anymore. People like Caiden only care about securing their future, not the welfare of others.¡±

    As Katrina spoke, a gleam of malice shed in her eyes.

    ¡°Joyce, no matter whatst name the child carries, they¡¯ll always be yours. Blood ties can never be broken, and you must hold on to that truth for the rest of your life. Caiden doesn¡¯t grasp this, which is why he turned his back on Dani. Listen¡ªwhether the child is a boy or a girl, the most important thing is that they respect and follow your lead. Names, loyalty, and affection from others are mere distractions. When you grow old, do you think your child will reject you because of ast name? A wealthy child ensures a secure future for you. Look at my mother. She¡¯s reaping the benefits of having a daughter like me. Who wouldn¡¯t envy her?¡±

    Joyce nodded, only partly grasping the full weight of the words.

    She had to make sure the baby lived a life of wealth and privilege. She would go to any lengths necessary to ensure their future was secure.

    Later that day, Caiden strode into the hospital with a lunchbox and a hefty book of baby names. He dered his mission to pick the perfect name for the newest addition to the Harper family.

    FindNovel.c¨®m is the source

    Seated next to him, Katrina offered a warm smile as she yfully fed him slices of orange.

    ¡°Joyce is truly selfless, isn¡¯t she? To forgo her right to pass on her own family name and instead let the baby have yours? Honey, should her inws ever treat her unjustly over this decision, you mustn¡¯t overlook it.¡±

    Behind his reading sses, Caiden thumbed through the book, shaking his head firmly.

    ¡°That¡¯s not going to happen. Joyce is doing so much for this family. If anyone even thinks of mistreating her, I¡¯ll be the first to defend her.¡±

    Katrina exchanged a sly nce with Joyce, her lifted eyebrows and mischievous grin hinting at quiet triumph.

    ¡°Exactly my point. It¡¯s clear you cherish Joyce above all. And think about Dani and her aplishments. Would she really risk a fallout with her future inws just to ensure the Harper name lives on? Yet here is Joyce, showing her loyalty to you without hesitation.¡±

    Caiden didn¡¯t nce away from the book, his voice cool andposed.

    ¡°Trust me, I haven¡¯t forgotten where my loyalties are.¡±

    Reassured, Katrina rose to go to the bathroom. By the time she returned, Caiden was already in the hallway, lost in lively conversation with his friends over the phone. Caiden was still gripping the book tightly. His tone was light, yet a subtle trace of pride colored his words.

    ¡°Joyce is incredibly dedicated. The baby is hers. There¡¯s no need for it to take my surname. Why not hers, right? But you know what her response was? She told me she felt so indebted to me for all the ways I¡¯ve raised her, more than she could ever repay. She even quipped that had she been born a boy, she might have changed her surname to mine a long time ago. Now, she insists I should be the one to pick the baby¡¯s name personally. I¡¯ve been poring over this book since dawn and I¡¯m still clueless, so I had to call you. Help me find a name that will bless the child with every possible good fortune!¡±

    Caiden reached out far and wide that afternoon, connecting with nearly everyone he could. His voice resonated down the hallway.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 250

    ?Chapter 250:

    By the time evening fell, the news had spread among all of Caiden¡¯s friends and patients on the same floor. Katrina¡¯s smirk sharpened, the hint of malice in her expression impossible to miss. Silently, she scoffed to herself, ¡°What an absolute idiot.¡±

    Meanwhile, Richard, worried that Alexander might encounter another setback, decided to apany him in person this time. Alongside them, several project managers gathered, their spirits high. As they awaited Dani¡¯s arrival, they engaged in lighthearted conversation.

    ¡°Marco, this year has been phenomenal for you, hasn¡¯t it? You must be seeing some hefty profits from this project,¡± one of them remarked.

    Basking in the glow of a deep suntan earned from countless hours outdoors, Marco Pittman shed a broad smile. His hands,rge and calloused from the rigors of construction work, were a testament to his dedication, yet he exuded pride.

    ¡°Indeed, we¡¯ve done quite well financially. It¡¯s a rarity to encounter someone like Ms. Harper who genuinely appreciates hardbor. She¡¯s always quick to pay and even quicker to lend a hand whenever we¡¯re in a bind. There was this one instance when a hurricane was on the approach, and I was concerned about falling behind. I nearly had the team work straight through the storm. However, she personally visited the site and dered she¡¯d extend our deadline by a full week. She remarked that we already put in more than enough effort and refused to push us further. During summer, she ensured we had chilled beverages, and when the cold hit, she didn¡¯t hesitate to provide heaters. She even constructed dormitories adjacent to the site for us. Having been in this industry for years, I¡¯ve yet to meet another leader as fair andpassionate as her. I¡¯ll undoubtedly give my all for her!¡±

    Raul Brewer chimed in, ¡°I¡¯m finally taking a real break this year, too. The project I¡¯ve been managing just wrapped up, and we passed the inspection yesterday. Ms. Harper has already transferred the final payment. It¡¯s a relief¡ªI can face my crew with pride now.

    You know, with other contracts, payment dys aremon, and I often feel embarrassed in front of my team.¡± The crowd erupted in heartyughter.

    ¡°Come on, Marco, don¡¯t hold out! How much did you make? I heard about your new car. Seems like you¡¯re doing quite well for yourself!¡± Marco chuckled, hisplexion tanned from days in the sun. His eyes sparkled as he shed a wide, toothy smile. Lifting his hand, he shed a number with his fingers. Richard nced at him, presuming Marco was merely an amateur worker who wouldn¡¯t earn much.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s hosts captivating tales

    However, the moment Richard caught sight of the number Marco disyed, he was stunned into silence. His mind reeled as if struck by a massive explosion.

    Richard tried to smile politely, but it came off forced and ufortable.

    ¡°You really earned that much?¡±

    ¡°What I¡¯ve earned is nothingpared to what others have made.

    You know how much Raul earned?¡± Marco raised his hand, miming a figure.

    Richard felt his heart skip a beat as the words hit him. His chest clenched, and for a brief moment, he thought he might faint right there.

    He shot a quick nce at Alexander, his voice trembling.

    ¡°Is that really possible to earn that much?¡±

    Having distanced himself from the business world, Richard only had a general sense of howrge these projects were, but he never imagined the profits could reach such astronomical numbers. Alexander, still involved in business, knew these projects were profitable, but even he hadn¡¯t anticipated figures like this. This was more than anything he had ever imagined. Alexander frowned in disbelief.

    ¡°Are you sure there¡¯s no mistake? Could the profit really be this high?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 251

    ?Chapter 251:

    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Marco replied with certainty.

    ¡°Ms. Harper made it perfectly clear. Herpany supplies the materials, and her team inspects the construction. Once the inspection passes, we receive payment as agreed.¡±

    Alexander squinted, his suspicion growing.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t that just make you all her employees?¡±

    ¡°In a sense, yes. Ms. Harper mentioned that the industry was once full of fiercepetition. Companies would lowball their bids just to secure contracts, leaving little room for profit. As a result, contractors had no choice but to cut corners on materials to make ends meet, which led to subpar construction. By supplying the materials herself, she guarantees quality, while we take care of the work. Once the project meets her expectations, we receive the agreed-upon profit. No one loses, and she gets the quality she demands. It¡¯s a win for everyone.¡± Marco gave a thumbs-up, his voice filled with admiration.

    ¡°Now that¡¯s how you make real money. Her vision and bravery¡ªI can¡¯t help but admire her!¡±

    Raul nodded eagerly.

    ¡°Exactly! I even brought some gifts from my hometown today. I¡¯m hoping to thank Ms. Harper in person and ask for more opportunities. Working for a boss like her, it¡¯s truly a pleasure.¡±

    Richard¡¯s eyes darted towards the group of contractors, and it was only then that he noticed the bags they were carrying. The items weren¡¯t costly, nor were they extravagant¡ªjust simple, local treasures¡ªbut they were meaningful and came from the heart.

    Richard looked at Alexander and felt a twinge of regret for arriving without a gift. He quickly reassured himself. The others had brought gifts, but he had brought Alexander. Surely a living, breathing person like him was worth more than any small tokens.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s©q??§àm opens doors to fiction

    By the time Dani arrived, Alexander and Richard had been shuffled into a corner by the eager crowd of contractors. The crowd surged forward, eager to present their gifts to Dani.

    Richard, shoved and jostled by the crowd, turned to Alexander and muttered, ¡°Is Dani really this influential?¡±

    Alexander stood frozen. While he had been focused on Joyce¡¯s pregnancy, Dani had silently built her reputation and earned the admiration of so many.

    In contrast to these contractors, hardened by years of gruelingbor, Alexander and Richard¡ªustomed to thefort of office work¡ªfeltpletely out of ce. Eventually, when the meeting started, Alexander and Richard had been relegated to the back of the room, sitting on tiny stools in a distant corner.

    Richard sat there with a scowl on his face, but despite his frustration, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to leave. Pulling Alexander along with him, he stayed glued to his tiny stool, his face contorted in frustration.

    Alexander, on the other hand, sat in silence. His eyes remained fixed on Dani, who stood confidently at the front of the room. For the first time, he felt an overwhelming sense of distance between them. She had risen to a level he could only dream of reaching.

    The realization ate at him, leaving a suffocating weight in his chest.

    ¡°Thank you all for your excitement. The reason I¡¯ve called you here today is simple. As some of you may have heard, I recently acquired arge plot ofnd in Kaloria to build an airport.¡±

    The room went dead silent in an instant. Richard¡¯s and Alexander¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief, their shock clearly visible on their faces. Richard, convinced he had misunderstood, turned to Alexander, his finger trembling as he pointed to the stage.

    ¡°What did she just say she¡¯s building?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 252

    ?Chapter 252:

    Alexander¡¯s expression stayed tight as he replied, ¡°An airport.¡±

    Richard stood frozen, staring at Dani in utter disbelief.

    ¡°All the necessary permits and approvals are already in ce. I¡¯ve always valued the partnership model we¡¯ve used in the past. That¡¯s why, for this project, I¡¯ve opted not to go through an open bidding process. Instead, I¡¯ll be announcing thepanies I¡¯ve selected to coborate with. Each of them will receive the airport¡¯s construction ns and architecturalyout. After reviewing them, please submit your budget proposals. If the pricing is fair, we¡¯ll move forward with the coboration.¡±

    Dani paused, a confident smile ying on her lips.

    ¡°However, there¡¯s one thing I want to make clear. At Elite Lux, our guiding principle is¡­¡±

    Before Dani could finish, the room erupted in enthusiastic unison as the contractorspleted her sentence.

    ¡°Quality over quantity. Money is no object!¡±

    Richard¡¯s jaw dropped. They all know this slogan?

    He shot a nce at Alexander, a wave of embarrassment washing over him as he realized they were the only ones in the room who hadn¡¯t known.

    Dani¡¯s meeting was straightforward and efficient, no frills attached. She then started announcing thepanies chosen for the project.

    Raul and Marco, both selected, descended from the stage, clutching their blueprints like prized possessions. Despite their age, they were practically bouncing with excitement. Richard crossed his arms and shot a sideways look at Alexander.

    Check new chapters at FindNovel

    ¡°Just wait. Let¡¯s see what prime part of the project Dani has lined up for us.¡±

    And so, they continued to wait. One by one, the blueprints were handed out, and the names of thepanies were called. Finally, Dani announced the meeting was over. But the father and son remained seated, still waiting eagerly.

    As the crowd started to thin, Richard could no longer keep it in. He stood up quickly, calling out, ¡°Dani¡ª¡± Realizing the sharp nces from the crowd, he quickly corrected himself.

    ¡°Ms. Harper, did you forget about Bet Group?¡±

    Dani didn¡¯t respond right away. Instead, her assistant took a step forward.

    ¡°Bet Group? I¡¯m terribly sorry. In thest project with Elite Lux, yourpany¡¯s work failed quality inspections three times. So, Elite Lux has decided to cut ties with Bet Group moving forward.¡±

    The room fell deathly silent, and every eye turned to Richard and Alexander. The words hit them like a p¡ªsharp and painful, stinging across their faces.

    Bet Group, once seen as the leader of the industry, the epitome of excellence in Olisvine¡¯s architectural world, had not only failed inspections three times but was now publicly cklisted by Elite Lux.

    This wasn¡¯t just a dent in their reputation; it was an excruciating humiliation.

    Richard¡¯s body seemed to crumble under the weight of the shame. His vision went hazy, his knees buckled, and he copsed right there.

    Thest thing he heard before everything went ck was Alexander¡¯s frantic voice calling out, ¡°Dad! Dad!¡±

    After Richard opened his eyes, Alexander gathered Bet Group¡¯s management team responsible for the failed Elite Lux project.

    Historically, Bet Group had been a titan in the industry, orchestrating many high-profile projects and reaping substantial rewards. These managers were ustomed to sess and privilege.

    Yet, the tables had turned. Dani¡¯s Elite Lux, now a beacon of rigorous oversight, had eclipsed their operations, forcing them to engage with smaller firms they had previously overlooked or assigned only trivial tasks. This shift in dynamics brewed discontent among them.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 253

    ?Chapter 253:

    In their eyes, Dani had always been overshadowed by her infatuation with Alexander, appearing more as an obsessive admirer than a formidable professional. This underestimation proved costly. Their sloppy execution led to the project failing three consecutive inspections, resulting in an abrupt and humiliating cancetion.

    Mortified by the debacle, they opted against reporting the fiasco up the chain, presuming it to be a minor blip unlikely to stir significant repercussions given Dani¡¯s past rtionship with Alexander. However, when Alexander brought it up today, it was clear the incident had not faded into obscurity as they had hoped. Caught off-guard, they scrambled to piece together their recollections of the events.

    As Richard absorbed their exnations, his expression turned thunderous. Still weak from his recent ailment, the fury coursing through him nearly sent him spiraling into unconsciousness once more.

    ¡°It¡¯s all Cedric¡¯s fault!¡± one of them dered, his voiceced with desperation to shift the me.

    ¡°Our performance has been impable! Mr. Bet, we¡¯ve mastered this craft over the years. How could we possibly falter on such a basic task? Yet, Cedric scrutinized every minute aspect. We had adhered strictly to his directives, but he still refused to approve our inspections. It¡¯s as though he has it out for us. He even proimed, ¡®Not even your boss can sway my decision!¡¯ Can you believe that?¡±

    With his temper ring, Richard demanded through gritted teeth, ¡°He really said those words?¡±

    The manager paused, a flicker of guilt crossing his features, but he soon affirmed with a decisive nod.

    ¡°Absolutely! That¡¯s precisely what he said. He¡¯s being a pain in the ass just because he¡¯s got a thing for Ms. Harper. What other stupid reason could there be? It¡¯s likely eating him alive to see her giving Bet Group any attention. And now, because of this debacle, there¡¯s no chance for Bet Group and Elite Lux to join forces on any ventures in the future. It¡¯s exactly what he desired!¡±

    ???????? ?????????????? ???? ??????????????????.??????

    ¡°That¡¯s fucking ridiculous!¡± Richard, overwhelmed by indignation, mmed his hand against the bed frame.

    ¡°Cedric has crossed the line!¡±

    He flung aside the bed covers, resolved to rise, but Alexander restrained him, his expression somber.

    ¡°Dad, leave this to me.¡±

    As the project managers made their way out of the hospital room, one asked, ¡°You really think this is going to work?¡±

    ¡°Shut the hell up and just keep going!¡±

    After all, Bet Group wasn¡¯t stupid enough to challenge Cedric head-on. Pinning the me on him was far more convenient.

    Richard, his emotions simmering, confronted Alexander.

    ¡°We can recover lost money, but Dani is irreceable. If you have any courage as a man, you¡¯ll fight to win her back.¡± Gritting his teeth, Alexander stormed out, his mind set on confrontation.

    His first destination was Phillips Group, but Cedric was nowhere to be found. Next, he rushed to the bustling construction site, only to discover Cedric had just departed. Growing more agitated, Alexander headed straight for Dani¡¯s ce.

    There, he saw Lillian engaged in conversation with Cedric. With a thunderous expression, Alexander approached and pointed usingly at Lillian.

    ¡°Stay out of this, Lillian. Cedric, we need to talk¡ªnow!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 254

    ?Chapter 254:

    Lillian¡¯s brow furrowed, piecing together the reason behind Alexander¡¯s urgent pursuit. She internally critiqued his character, noting how men like Alexander often shirked responsibility and pointed fingers when things fell apart, expecting the world to revolve around them.

    Pathetic losers like him did nothing but exist and piss people off.

    Before she could voice her thoughts, Cedric intervened with a raised hand, silencing her. He told Lillian, ¡°If Dani arrives, please tell her I¡¯m caught up with some pressing business issues but will meet up with you both at the restaurantter.¡± Then, he excused himself and followed Alexander.

    Alexander marched forward, his anger silent but undeniable. He made his way to the top floor of the hotel across the street. Behind him, Cedric pulled out his phone and quickly typed a brief message, sending the location to his assistant.

    ¡°Deliver a new shirt to this ce.¡±

    After slipping the phone back into his pocket, he shrugged off his suit jacket, letting it fall onto a nearby chair.

    ¡°Cedric, you¡¯ve decided to take Dani from me, haven¡¯t you?¡± Alexander¡¯s gaze was icy, his tone slicing through the air, and his whole presence radiated hostility.

    As thest slivers of sunlight disappeared, Alexander stood in the chilly evening wind. His hair, disheveled and tousled by the breeze, gave him a menacing, almost sinister look. In contrast, Cedric stoodposed in a crisp white shirt and tailored trousers, his sharp features highlighted by the cool night air.

    ¡°Yes,¡± he responded, his voice blunt and without a second thought.

    Alexander¡¯s eyes narrowed to dangerous slits, his gaze cutting through Cedric with the force of a de.

    More content at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    ¡°So, you¡¯re confessing it then? You want Dani!¡±

    Cedric, with his hands tucked into his pockets, met Alexander¡¯s stare with equal intensity.

    ¡°Do I really need to spell it out? Isn¡¯t it clear?¡±

    He wasn¡¯t a fool. If he didn¡¯t have feelings for Dani, why would he keep going out of his way to help her? He wasn¡¯t some reckless yboy. If he didn¡¯t love her, why would he keep chasing after her?

    Cedric could easily defend his actions. Aside from being a little shy around Dani, his reputation as a powerful figure spoke for itself.

    Alexander¡¯s chest rose and fell with his mounting rage.

    ¡°So it¡¯s true.

    You intentionally undermined Bet Group during the inspections? Cedric, you¡¯re nothing but a conniving, maniptive bastard!¡±

    Cedric chuckled darkly, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

    ¡°Alexander, I honestly can¡¯t fathom how someone like you managed to make it to the top in this industry. I¡¯m not here to teach you a lesson, nor do I owe you any kind of exnation. But let me be perfectly clear¡ªyou can kiss any future involvement in Dani¡¯s projects goodbye.¡±

    Bet Group, with their shoddy projects that crumbled with the smallest push, had the nerve to call themselves industry leaders?

    ¡°Cedric!¡± Alexander bellowed, his voice breaking under the force of his anger.

    ¡°So, you¡¯re set on opposing me, are you?¡± Cedric answered with cold certainty, ¡°Yes. What are you going to do about it?¡±

    Alexander hadn¡¯t anticipated such a blunt and unapologetic reply. His breath quickened as his anger surged. He was seething,pletely and uncontrobly furious. But beneath the rage, an unsettling feeling began to creep in, gnawing at him from the inside. This was Cedric¡ªthe man who, besides Dani, ruled the city¡¯s businessndscape without question.

    Was it wise to make Cedric an enemy?

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 255

    ?Chapter 255:

    Could an all-out sh hurt Bet Group¡¯s prospects?

    And most importantly, did he stand a chance of winning? At that moment, Alexander felt a pang of regret for acting on impulse.

    He had rushed in, fueled by raw emotion, without thinking things through, while Cedric stood calm,posed, and unfazed.

    Cedric¡¯s icy gaze met Alexander¡¯s, filled with indifference and scorn.

    He¡¯d dealt with men like Alexander before¡ªthose who thrived on intimidating the vulnerable but fell apart when confronted with true strength.

    Cedric smirked against the cold wind on the rooftop. Before Alexander could even respond, Cedric swung his fist and delivered a punishing blow straight to Alexander¡¯s face.

    Alexander took a shaky step back, struggling to keep himself upright. He wiped his nose roughly, then stopped to stare at the blood on his hand.

    ¡°Cedric Phillips!¡± Cedric chuckled, his voice dripping with mockery.

    ¡°I¡¯m right here.¡±

    ¡°Cedric! I¡¯ll kill you!¡±

    The rooftop descended into utter chaos.

    Dust swirled in the howling wind, mixing with the sickening sound of fists pounding into skin and bone. The punches kepting, hard and fast, each onending with brutal force.

    Alexander¡¯s cries echoed through the night, gradually fading into the biting cold air.

    Cedric¡¯s assistant reached the rooftop.

    He found Cedric standing there, calm and collected, as poised as ever. But his sleeves had some blood stains.

    ¡°Sir, your¡­¡± His words trailed off as his eyes fell on Alexander, lying unconscious on the rooftop.

    Cedric unbuttoned his bloodstained shirt and tossed it aside, slipping into the fresh one without sparing a nce at Alexander.

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m off for dinner.¡±

    The assistant stood frozen, his thoughts racing. He had known for some time that Cedric had been eager to put Alexander in his ce, but this?

    He stole onest look at Alexander.

    Was this really necessary for Cedric to do?

    Alexander¡¯s face was so swollen and bruised that it was barely recognizable. Would he need surgery to repair this? Cedric adjusted his cuffs before adding, ¡°Call an ambnce. Having someone die here isn¡¯t good for business.¡±

    With that, he bent down, grabbed his suit jacket, shook it out as though brushing off unseen dust, and put it on. He didn¡¯t spare another nce before walking off.

    The dinner was already buzzing with conversation, the dishes being served and the Elite Lux team in high spirits when Cedric walked in.

    Everyone¡¯s gaze turned to him, admiring the sharp and polished look of his tailored suit.

    Dani, picking at a small appetizer, followed their gaze and nced at Cedric. She watched him in silence for a brief moment, then lowered her eyes and went back to her meal, her expression impossible to read.

    Cedric¡¯s heart skipped a beat.

    The team, well-acquainted with Cedric, greeted him with casual banter.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 256

    ?Chapter 256:

    ¡°Cedric, weren¡¯t you with Lillian earlier? What took you so long?¡±

    Cedric grabbed a drink from the table and poured it into Dani¡¯s ss. He smiled faintly and answered, ¡°Got caught up with something. It took longer than I thought.¡± The question had been lighthearted, and the team shifted to other subjects.

    As Cedric adjusted his suit jacket, preparing to take it off, Dani¡¯s voice suddenly came from beside him.

    ¡°Lillian mentioned you went back to the office.¡±

    Cedric froze in ce.

    Her voice was light, almost indifferent, as if it were a merement with no weight.

    For some reason, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to look at her. His hand, which had been resting on his jacket, slowly dropped to his side.

    Desperately trying to mask his difort, he selected a dish for Dani and offered it with a smile.

    ¡°This one¡¯s great.

    You should try it.¡±

    Dani gave him a quick nce and a slight nod but didn¡¯t say a word.

    Cedric¡¯sposure faltered. He awkwardly fumbled with his utensils, almost knocking over the dish in front of him. As the meal went on, he kept serving Dani, but she ate in silence, offering no feedback. Still, Cedric couldn¡¯t shake the uneasy feeling that hung over him.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??om has it all

    Lillian raised an eyebrow.

    ¡°Is this really such a big deal? You know, if you two ever tie the knot, you¡¯ll be a henpecked husband, Cedric. All this drama just because you went back to the office? Keep this up and you¡¯ll lose that aloof, invincible persona everyone admires!¡±

    Cedric chuckled, shaking his head.

    ¡°Persona? I¡¯ve never cared about that.¡±

    Just as Lillian was about to reply, Cedric turned to Dani.

    ¡°Alright, alright, I admit it¡ªI didn¡¯t go back to the office; I had something else to take care of. Please, forgive me this time. I promise, no more lies.¡±

    Dani gave him a skeptical look, her eyes dropping to his hand.

    ¡°Were you in a fight? Your hand looks hurt.¡±

    Lillian leaned in, her curiosity escting.

    ¡°Oh wow, you¡¯re right.¡±

    Cedric, the epitome ofposure and precision, had gotten into a brawl? It seemed out of character, but then again, considering his often cold and distant demeanor with others, maybe it wasn¡¯t so far-fetched after all. Cedric embodied contradiction, a blend of extremes that rarely made sense.

    Around Dani, he was gentle and attentive, yet around others, he was like a simmering volcano on the verge of eruption.

    Cedric was oblivious to the fresh scrape marring his knuckles until Dani pointed it out. He offered a feeble, ufortable grin, tucking his hand out of sight behind his back.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you head down to the lobby and have the manager get you some iodine for that?¡± Dani suggested, her toneced with concern.

    Cedric was about to dismiss the fuss with a shake of his head, but the sight of Dani¡¯s earnest expression halted him. He rose and said, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll do that.¡±

    Lillian, unable to suppress her amusement, leaned towards Dani.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 257

    ?Chapter 257:

    ¡°You know, you two really have the whole old married couple act down pat.¡±

    Upon returning, Cedric paused in the doorway, his gazending on Dani, who was quietly sampling the dishes he had ced on her te.

    He watched her for a moment, a surge of simple happiness bubbling within him. He didn¡¯t understand why he loved her so deeply.

    Shaking off his reverie, Cedric finally proceeded to his chair and resumed his ce.

    Dani said lightly, ¡°You really should avoid getting into fights, you know.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s face softened, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

    ¡°How about a deal? Be my girlfriend, and not only will I avoid fights, but I¡¯ll hang on your every word and devote myself entirely to you,¡± he whispered in a voice that no one else could hear.

    Lillian cast a quick nce at Cedric and asked Dani, ¡°What is wrong with him?¡±

    Dani shook her head.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. He seems to be in a world of his own.¡±

    At the same time, Alexander was wheeled into the emergency room. His return to consciousness was marked by agonizing screams of pain that echoed through the sterile corridors.

    Richard arrived momentster and was met with a harrowing sight: Alexander¡¯s face, a horrifying tableau of bruises and swelling, distorted beyond recognition. He let out a heart-wrenching cry.

    Their cries resonated through the hospital,pelling nurses, doctors, and even other patients to peer into the room, curious about the source of such distress.

    ???????? ?????????????? ???? ??????????????????.??????

    They were met with the grim visage of Alexander, sitting on the bed, his features battered and raw.

    That evening, the incident captured the attention of the media. Reporters descended on the hospital, eager for a sensational story. However, Alexander was in no state to confess that he had been mercilessly beaten by a single individual who had nonchntly continued his evening as if nothing had urred.

    The thought of acknowledging such a humiliating defeat was mortifying.

    The turmoil within him mounted, pushing Alexander to the brink of madness.

    As the room emptied and quiet settled once more, he dragged himself to the mirror.

    Confronting his reflection, he was rooted to the spot, the severity of his injuries mirroring the turmoil inside him.

    Every inch was marred by bruises and swelling, turning his features into those of a man who¡¯d suffered a grave cmity.

    Now, he realized the source of the excruciating pain that shot through his skin with even the slightest movement.

    ¡°Cedric is envious because Dani preferred my looks! That¡¯s why he targeted my face!¡± Alexander thought, his mind a storm of confusion and disbelief.

    Richard found himself utterly speechless.

    At the doorway, their secretary asked, ¡°Should we call the police?¡±

    Richard whirled around, his eyes zing as he fixed the secretary with a stern re.

    ¡°Call the police? Have you lost your senses? Just look at his face! If word of this gets out, it¡¯ll be said that the president of Bet Group was assaulted. Do you want to tarnish ourpany¡¯s image?¡±

    The secretary stood there, dumbfounded. Cedric was stepping on their dignity, and yet, their primary concern was thepany¡¯s image? This was not the Richard and Alexander he knew.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 258

    ?Chapter 258:

    Usually, they wielded their power ruthlessly, lording it over those beneath them. Onlyst month, Richard had visited a construction site, and a mere speck of dust had settled on his suit. Infuriated, he had demanded that the worker responsiblepensate him with $100,000. That amount represented a whole year¡¯s worth of dedication andbor for the employee.

    The man had sunk to his knees, pleading for forgiveness with desperate eyes, yet Richard remained unmoved, his resolve as cold as steel.

    The unfortunate worker had driven himself to illness, tirelessly gathering every penny he could muster.

    And now? Alexander¡¯s features were so brutally marred that his own mother wouldn¡¯t recognize him.

    Yet here they were, forced to digest this bitter pill of defeat without so much as a whimper of resistance.

    The secretary, witnessing the scene, couldn¡¯t suppress a twisted sense of satisfaction mingled with curiosity. Who held such sway that they couldpel such aplete and humiliating retreat?

    With a dismissive gesture, Richard signaled for the secretary to leave.

    Once the door clicked shut behind him, Richard¡¯s gaze hardened as he addressed Alexander.

    ¡°Don¡¯t hold it against me for not involving the police.

    You¡¯re aware, just as I am, that our family¡¯s clout has waned. Since we lost the partnership with Elite Lux, we¡¯re not the titan we once were. Crossing Cedric now would spell our doom in Olisvine. For thepany¡¯s sake, you must endure this.¡±

    Discover endless worlds on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s©q??o??

    Alexander¡¯s face, swollen and distorted from the assault, Alexander¡¯s face betrayed no emotion.

    Yet beneath that battered exterior, a fierce hatred simmered, threatening to boil over. Gesturing towards his disfigured face, he snarled, ¡°Dad! Cedric didn¡¯t just attack me¡ªhe wrecked my face. He¡¯s envious because Dani shows interest in me, so he targeted every strike at my face. Now, with my face like this, how will I ever win Dani¡¯s affection back? And what about my standing? Cedric reduced me to nothing. If I don¡¯t retaliate or even report him, what will others think of me once they hear? They¡¯ll call me a goddamn coward! A spineless loser! How the hell am I supposed to lead when everyone thinks I¡¯ve got no balls?¡±

    Richard remained silent for a moment, his expression unreadable. He sat there, contemting deeply as Alexander¡¯s anger simmered.

    With a sigh, he finally suggested, ¡°Listen, here¡¯s what you need to do¡ªgo to Dani. This chaos all began with her, didn¡¯t it? Demand that Cedric apologize to you. But not just a simple apology¡ªhe must also handle all your medical bills.¡±

    A sly, calcting gleam flickered in Richard¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°And while you¡¯re at it, tell Dani that if she really wants to resolve this situation, she must give us the airport project. That will be the cost of our silence.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s anger had cooled somewhat.

    ¡°Do you really think this will work?¡± he asked, his voice tinged with doubt.

    Richard replied, ¡°I think it will. Dani used to care so much about you, even when you were cold towards her. Now that you¡¯re in this condition, how could she still be angry? She¡¯s your ex-wife. She can¡¯t just ignore you. If yound the airport project, there will be plenty of chances to be with her. Once she sees your vulnerability, reconciliation will follow. Alexander, you need to look at the bigger picture. Often, misfortune opens doors. If getting beaten up is what it takes to win her back, then it¡¯s worth it. Don¡¯t wait for the doctor now. Go straight to Dani. She has private doctors. Let her take care of you and show her that Cedric is nothing but a brutepletely unworthy of her trust.¡±

    Alexander lowered his gaze, uncertainty clouding his expression.

    ¡°Are you sure, Dad?¡± he asked. He couldn¡¯t deny how distant and cold Dani had be toward himtely. More often than not, Dani had looked at him as though he were nothing more than a piece of trash. He no longer had the same confidence he used to share with her. Not to mention his face was now so disfigured it was almost unrecognizable. He dreaded facing Dani in his current state.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 259

    ?Chapter 259:

    ¡°Oh,e on, why wouldn¡¯t it work?¡± Richard said firmly.

    ¡°Alexander, Dani has loved you for all these years. If it were just about appearances, that kind of love wouldn¡¯t havested this long.¡±

    Alexander nodded slowly.

    ¡°You¡¯re right! Dani loves me for who I truly am!¡±

    Standing outside the door, the secretary caught snippets of the conversation. He let out a heavy sigh and closed his eyes for a moment, as if trying to shut out the absurdity of it all. Alexander certainly knew how to tter himself, didn¡¯t he?

    Upstairs in the obstetrics department, Katrina came across the news about Alexander¡¯s beating. She had just been informed that both Alexander and Richard were in the hospital downstairs.

    She cast a quick nce at Alexander¡¯s face. What she saw unsettled her, leaving a lingering sense of unease. With one final, apprehensive nce, she made her way upstairs.

    She told Caiden what she had witnessed.

    ¡°You should¡¯ve seen it, Caiden. Alexander¡¯s face was aplete disaster! It looked like a truck had just run over him.¡±

    Caiden chuckled at her description, amused but unable to fully picture it in his mind. He wasn¡¯t concerned about Alexander or who Joyce would eventually end up with. His focus was elsewhere. After secretly consulting the doctor, he discovered that the child Joyce was expecting was a boy.

    The news brought him a sense of satisfaction, and he stayed up all night, too ted to sleep. But this time, he knew better than to rush. He would move forward with careful consideration. He casually flipped open the book of names, skimming through its pages.

    ¡°I spoke with the doctor today,¡± he said to Katrina, his tone casual.

    Don¡¯t miss fresh updates at g?ln¦Ò¦Í??ls?c?m

    ¡°Joyce¡¯s due date is next month.¡±

    Katrina nodded in agreement.

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right,¡± she replied, her gaze drifting to Caiden, whose face was partially hidden in the shadows.

    Caiden continued, ¡°I¡¯ve chosen a name for the child¡ªJack. He¡¯ll stay with me after he¡¯s born. As for Joyce, I¡¯ll find her a suitable match and give her 30 million as a wedding gift, considering I¡¯m her stepfather. The rest of the assets¡ªthepany, real estate, investments, and even the vi we live in¡ªwill go to Jack.¡±

    At first, Katrina frowned slightly upon hearing this. Thirty million seemed like a trivial amount for Joyce. But as Caiden exined further, her expression softened. What difference did it make? The child was still young, and the assets would eventually be under Joyce¡¯s control, regardless.

    ¡°Of course, the child is far too young to handle this kind of wealth. I intend to keep it under my control until he turns fifteen. Until then, it will remain in my hands,¡± he added.

    In that instant, Katrina grasped Caiden¡¯s true intentions. Considering the child¡¯s delicate health, Caiden didn¡¯t want to take the risk of transferring the inheritance too soon.

    What if something were to happen to him?

    By the time the child reached fifteen, he would have spent enough time under Caiden¡¯s roof to naturally form a bond with him, not Joyce. This approach would ensure that the boy belonged to Caiden entirely, with very little connection to Joyce.

    Katrina forced a smile, her mind whirling. For the moment, she chose to go along with it, deciding to handle the finer detailster when she had more time to think.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 260

    ?Chapter 260:

    As she absorbed this, Caiden retrieved a folded document from inside the book¡ªa contract that seemed to have been prepared long before.

    ¡°I had awyer prepare this agreement,¡± he said.

    ¡°It states that Joyce will marry once she¡¯s fully recovered. If we can¡¯t find a suitable match, she can live in our city-center apartment.¡±

    Katrina stared at Caiden in disbelief. She hadn¡¯t expected him to be so ruthlessly calcting.

    Caiden went on, ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry. The Harper family will always be Joyce¡¯s home. I¡¯ll continue managing thepany as usual. Whether Dani and I fix things or not, as her father, she can¡¯t turn me down if I request a project.

    You¡¯ve seen howrge Elite Lux¡¯s projects are. If I put in the effort, Jack¡¯s inheritance will grow immensely. Dani is close to Cedric, and as her father, I have leverage. Cedric will treat me with respect and wouldn¡¯t dare refuse me resources. With connections to both Dani and Cedric¡ªthe two dominant forces in Olisvine¡ªthe Harper family will only thrive.¡±

    He paused for a moment before adding, ¡°If you think this n works, persuade Joyce to sign the agreement. After all, she¡¯s the child¡¯s mother, and she¡¯ll want the best for him. I¡¯m not doing this for myself.

    You both know Dani wouldn¡¯t support us if the child remained too closely tied to Joyce. This is for his future. He¡¯ll understand when he¡¯s older. And for now, I¡¯ll thank you on his behalf.¡±

    The hospital room felt unbearably cold, as though winter had seeped into every corner. Katrina shivered, realizing how carefully Caiden had nned everything.

    So, he had always been aware of how she treated Dani, yet he had chosen to overlook it¡ªbecause it didn¡¯t serve his interests, he simply turned a blind eye. Now, every action he took was driven by self-interest, leaving no space for mistakes or second thoughts.

    Find the best stories now at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c?m

    Katrina felt as though she had been tossed into the frigid waters of a frozenke. The biting cold sank deep into her bones, draining her of all warmth and leaving her numb to the core.

    Caiden gave her a small smile and said, ¡°I know Joyce respects you. Go talk to her. After all, I¡¯m not her real father. If I bring it up, she¡¯ll probably just resent me.¡±

    By the time the doctor reached Alexander¡¯s hospital room, Alexander was no longer there. Richard sat in the room, a smug grin stered across his face. He was certain that, this time, Dani would feel for Alexander. Once she gave in to her sympathy, the future of their family¡¯s wealth and status would be secured without question.

    The doctor shot Richard a look filled with confusion and disbelief. He couldn¡¯t make sense of it. Richard¡¯s son had been left battered and bruised, yet instead of rushing to call the police, the man just sat there, grinning as if nothing had happened.

    At Elite Lux, Dani was hard at work preparing for an important event. She was so absorbed in her tasks that when Alexander entered her office, she didn¡¯t even acknowledge his presence. It wasn¡¯t until she paused to sip some water that she finally looked up.

    Startled, she instinctively threw the cup at his face. Alexander had lingered at the doorway for what felt like an eternity, growing more and more humiliated as she stayedpletely unaware of his presence. Just as he was about to put on a pitiful expression to draw her attention, a cup flew towards him. He was so stunned that he couldn¡¯t even react in time to avoid it.

    ¡°Ouch!¡±

    The pain was unbearable. Dani instantly realized how forcefully it had hit him. She could even hear a sharp crack¡ªthe unmistakable sound of a nose breaking. Blood began gushing from Alexander¡¯s nose, running down his face and dripping onto the floor.

    As the cup ttered to the floor, Dani finally got a clear look at him. Her face drained of color, her stomach twisting in shock.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 261

    ?Chapter 261:

    ¡°Who the hell are you?¡±

    Just as Alexander was about to shout in pain, her question struck him silent. He struggled to shape his face into an expression of sorrow, hoping to appear pitiful enough to win her sympathy, but no matter how hard he tried, his efforts fell t.

    To Dani, the figure standing before her was hardly recognizable. His face was a grotesque mess, swollen and bruised beyond any hope of recognition.

    ¡°Who are you?¡± she repeated.

    Alexander pressed his hand to his bleeding nose, his voice muffled as he rasped, ¡°It¡¯s me! Alexander!¡±

    Dani blinked, her face frozen in sheer disbelief. Her first instinct was to grab her phone and call the police. After all, this disfigured man could only be here to extort her for money.

    Just as she reached for her phone, Alexander stumbled forward, clutching his nose, and shouted, ¡°Don¡¯t be scared! I look like this because Cedric beat me up!¡±

    Dani¡¯s thoughts shed to Cedric¡ªthe small cut she had seen earlier on the back of his hand. Slowly, she lowered the phone.

    Alexander stood there, waiting for her response, but Dani remained silent. Finally, unable to keep his frustration in check, he snapped, ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to ask why Cedric hit me?¡±

    Dani barely hesitated before answering, ¡°If Cedric hit you, there must¡¯ve been a reason.¡±

    Alexander froze, stunned by her response. Clenching his teeth, he hissed, ¡°That¡¯s not it! He¡­¡±

    Stay updated on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    He wanted to shout, ¡°Cedric likes you!¡± But he bit his tongue. Saying it out loud would only end up doing Cedric a favor, and that was thest thing he wanted.

    After a brief pause, he changed tactics.

    ¡°Cedric has been sabotaging Bet Group during the project inspections. I confronted him to get answers, and what did he do? He attacked me!¡±

    Dani raised an eyebrow, her expression bing sharper.

    ¡°So, let me get this straight¡ªyou actually went to confront him?¡±

    Alexander gave a stiff nod.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°And instead of answers, you ended up getting yourself beaten?¡±

    Alexander balled his fists tightly, his tone filled with resentment.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    And now, you¡¯re too scared to retaliate because it might hurt yourpany, so you¡¯vee running to me, expecting me to step in and handle it for you?¡± Dani summarized tly, getting straight to the point.

    Alexander¡¯s chest tightened, the sting of humiliation hitting him hard. It was the painful truth, but hearing it spelled out by Dani, along with her icy, mocking look, only deepened his embarrassment.

    ¡°Alexander, even children understand that when you lose a fight, you own up to it. Are you seriously telling me you¡¯re worse than a child? Or did youe here to y the victim? Hoping I¡¯d feel sorry for you?¡± Dani¡¯s tone was filled with disbelief.

    ¡°Do you seriously think I¡¯d still feel the same way about you? That I¡¯d protect you no matter the circumstances? Alexander, if that¡¯s what you¡¯re counting on, then you clearly have no clue about how women think. Let me be blunt¡ªany woman who sees you walk in with a face like that would lose everyst ounce of sympathy she might¡¯ve had.¡±

    Dani grabbed a mirror from her desk and held it out to him.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 262

    ?Chapter 262:

    ¡°Here, take a long, hard look. Why not pay Joyce a visit instead? See, I¡¯m shallow, Alexander. I can¡¯t handle a face like that. But Joyce? She¡¯d probably embrace you like a long-lost treasure.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s bruised and battered face darkened with humiliation, the sting of her ridicule cutting deeper than the physical pain. Standing there, he felt utterly defeated, wondering how he had been naive enough to believe that Dani might still harbor any feelings for him, even in his current state.

    He turned to the mirror, his swollen and bruised face staring back at him like a cruel reminder of his downfall. Shame, raw and overwhelming, wed at him for the first time in his life. A fleeting wish crossed his mind¡ªthat the floor might split open and swallow him, sparing him from the weight of his disgrace.

    Yet, despite the heartbreak crushing his spirit, he didn¡¯t walk away. He remained rooted in ce, his gaze fixed on Dani with the silent desperation of a man grasping at his final lifeline.

    ¡°Dani, is there truly no chance for us? Just a few months ago, things were okay, weren¡¯t they?¡±

    Dani let out a sharp breath, clearly struggling to believe what she was hearing.

    ¡°That was all in your head. Now, do yourself a favor and get to the hospital. While they¡¯re patching up your face, maybe ask them to take a look at your brain. Or better yet, see a psychiatrist. Who knows? You might have some delusional disorder. If you¡¯re really unwell, get help. Don¡¯t let it go untreated.¡±

    Alexander stood motionless, the ache of humiliation piercing him more painfully than any wound could. He hade here, clinging to a hope of salvaging what they once had. But her icy indifference shattered himpletely.

    ¡°Dani, do you truly have no respect for what we shared? Not even the slightest?¡± he asked, his hand slowly dropping from his face.

    L?¦Ó??¦Ó ch?¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?ls.????

    Alexander watched as Dani nodded without a moment¡¯s hesitation. It felt as though she had never loved him in the first ce. In that moment, the cold wind brushed against his face¡ªsharp and cruel, as the sound of his heart breaking echoed loudly within him.

    Women were the most unforgiving, cold-hearted creatures! Alexander was caught between pain and a strange sense of relief. At least when Dani had been chasing him desperately, he hadn¡¯t shown her an ounce of mercy. If he had let his guard down, he would¡¯ve been aplete fool by now.

    Someone like Dani, so heartless and calcting, wasn¡¯t worthy of love. She didn¡¯t deserve it!

    His fists clenched, his face twisted by rage, and Alexander shot Dani a chilling re.

    ¡°Fine, Dani.

    You¡¯ve got courage. Don¡¯te crawling backter!¡±

    Without a flicker of hesitation, Dani nodded again, her voice steady and uninterested.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    He had anticipated her to second-guess herself, to show a hint of regret¡ªbut there was nothing. He gazed at herposed, emotionless face, and something inside him shattered even further.

    His voice rose, now filled with fury and shame.

    ¡°One day, you¡¯ll be begging me to take you back.

    You¡¯ll regret treating me like this.¡±

    Dani nodded again, her expression almost mockingly sincere.

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll wait for that day.¡±

    Alexander narrowed his eyes.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 263

    ?Chapter 263:

    ¡°This isn¡¯t over, Dani. Don¡¯t think for a second I¡¯ll let this go. What Cedric did to me¡ªit¡¯s practically muttion. Either youpensate me now, or I¡¯ll go straight to the police. I don¡¯t care about my reputation anymore. Let¡¯s see if Cedric can deal with the fallout.

    You don¡¯t care about me? Fine. Let¡¯s see how you feel when Cedric¡¯s name is dragged through the mud!¡±

    Atst, Alexander¡¯s true nature hade to light. Dani¡¯s gaze sharpened instantly, the calm demeanor she once held reced by an unmistakable icy chill. She straightened, her stance stiff andmanding.

    ¡°If Cedric hit you, why don¡¯t you go straight to him?¡± The implication was clear¡ªhe still saw her as an easy target. He was too afraid to confront Cedric but had the audacity toe to her, hoping she¡¯d pay him off.

    Alexander yelled, ¡°I came to you because all of this is your fault.

    You¡¯re the cause of it all.

    You¡¯re the one responsible.¡±

    Dani let out a light, mockingugh. It had been a while since she¡¯de across someone so utterly shameless. She used to think Alexander was a man of pride and respect, but now? ¡°What do you want me to do?¡±

    ¡°Give me the airport project!¡± Alexander demanded without a hint of shame.

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible,¡± Dani replied firmly.

    ¡°The project¡¯s already been assigned. At Elite Lux, we keep our word. Anypany that fails inspection three times is permanently cklisted.¡±

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s£®c????, a world of tales

    Alexander grasped his face in frustration, his voice rising with anger.

    ¡°It¡¯s because Cedric sabotaged us!¡±

    Dani remained silent, her cold, emotionless gaze locked on him. Her expression seemed to say, ¡°And? So what if he sabotaged you?¡±

    But her silence only made Alexander¡¯s frustration grow.

    ¡°So you¡¯re going to back him no matter what, huh? Fine! If the project is off the table, then just give me money instead!¡±

    Dani raised an eyebrow, her voice dripping with disbelief.

    ¡°You want me to give you money?¡±

    Fuming with rage, Alexander didn¡¯t realize that Dani had leaned back in her chair, her fingers casually grazing her phone.

    ¡°Yes!¡± he snapped, his voice brimming with indignation.

    To his surprise, Dani nodded without a word of protest.

    ¡°How much do you want?¡±

    Alexander froze, his eyes locked on her, confusion swirling in his mind. Why was she being sopliant all of a sudden?

    ¡°Three hundred million!¡±

    ¡°Three hundred million?¡± Dani echoed, her voice incredulous.

    ¡°Yes!¡± Alexander affirmed, his conviction strong.

    ¡°Are you certain?¡± Dani¡¯s gaze narrowed as she let the words sink in, stretching them out deliberately.

    ¡°Three hundred million?¡±

    A flicker of excitement shed in Alexander¡¯s eyes as Dani reached for her checkbook from the desk drawer. He nodded enthusiastically.

    ¡°Yes! Three hundred million!¡± He hadn¡¯t anticipated Dani would be so agreeable. In that instant, one thought crossed his mind¡ªhe should¡¯ve asked for more.

    He stole another nce at Dani, watching as her pen hovered above the check, poised to write.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 264

    ?Chapter 264:

    Suddenly, a deep, steady male voice broke the silence in the room.

    ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡±

    Dani stopped mid-motion, lowering her pen. Without a second look at Alexander, she shut the checkbook and slid it back into the drawer.

    ¡°What? Who¡¯s speaking?¡± Alexander instantly tensed, his eyes darting across the room.

    Before he could ask any more questions, a knock echoed at the door. The door opened, and Elite Lux¡¯s attorney entered, holding a small recorder in his hand. Without a word, the attorney pressed y. Alexander¡¯s voice red out, loud and unmistakable, demanding three hundred million from Dani.

    The attorney¡¯s voice remainedposed but carried a sharp edge.

    ¡°Mr. Bet, I strongly advise you to leave right now. Given the sum you just demanded from Ms. Harper, this is nothing short of extortion. If you continue down this path, I assure you, the rest of your life will be spent behind bars. Moreover, should you ever make any public remarks or take any actions that tarnish the reputations of Ms. Harper or Mr. Phillips, we will pursue legal action with every tool at our disposal. I suggest you consider your next move very carefully.¡±

    Alexander stood frozen, his mind reeling from the unexpected twist. He turned to Dani with disbelief written all over his face.

    ¡°You set me up?¡±

    All the words she had spoken earlier? They hadn¡¯t been an attempt to negotiate. They had been bait¡ªand he had walked right into the trap.

    Explore more on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s©q??????

    Alexander¡¯s chest constricted, the weight of realization crashing down on him like a sledgehammer.

    He hade here today, swallowing his pride, hoping for onest chance to make things right. He was convinced that Dani still cared and that they could work things out. But she had turned her back on him¡ªcoldly, without hesitation¡ªall for Cedric.

    ¡°Fine!¡± Alexander spat, his voice shaking with both fury and heartbreak.

    ¡°Call the police! Do it! Go ahead!¡±

    The attorney turned to Dani, awaiting her instruction. Without lifting her gaze, Dani opened her drawer, took out her phone, and dialed it right in front of Alexander.

    The moment the call connected, Alexander¡¯s resolve shattered. His fists clenched, his voice trembling as he muttered, ¡°Fine! You win!¡±

    Dani hung up the phone.

    Alexander gasped for air, his hand pressing against his chest as he staggered back.

    ¡°Dani, they always say when a woman stops loving a man, there¡¯s no going back. I used to believe you were different. I thought you weren¡¯t like those cold, shallow women. But I was wrong.

    You¡¯re just like them. No.

    You¡¯re worse. It¡¯s not you walking away from me, Dani. It¡¯s me walking away from you!¡±

    His eye reddened with so much emotion that, to anyone watching, it might have seemed like he was the one who had been betrayed.

    Alexander finished his outburst, his anger spent, but he didn¡¯t move. He remained rooted to the spot, staring at Dani as if silently daring her to respond, giving them both one final chance.

    Dani slowly raised her gaze, her tone steady.

    ¡°Alexander, I never really med you.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 265

    ?Chapter 265:

    He froze, taken aback by her unexpected words.

    ¡°I didn¡¯te back for you. I was the one who chose to love you in the first ce. That was my mistake. I fell for the wrong person. So no, I don¡¯t me you at all. I understand that I can¡¯t control how someone else feels.

    You treated me badly because you simply didn¡¯t love me, and that¡¯s fine. It hurt, and I spent a long time questioning myself. I tried everything for you. I learned to drink, I learned to race cars, and I even tried to embrace Joyce, whom I once looked down on. We only get so many years in life, and for a decade, I chased after you. Those were the years of my youth that I can¡¯t get back. I always tried to make things between us asfortable as possible because, even then, there was so much I admired about you. I hoped one day those memories would be worth holding on to. But today, you¡¯ve ruined it all.

    You¡¯ve shattered everything I worked for.

    Your behavior has exposed the worst of human nature. All the things I gave up, the sacrifices I made¡­ They mean nothing now. And whenever I think of the past, I¡¯ll remember that I loved someone who wasn¡¯t worth it. Do you know what that feels like? Your very existence disgusts me.¡±

    Dani¡¯s voice was measured, each word deliberate and controlled. Despite the calmness in her tone, the weight of her words cut through him, one after another, each sharper than thest.

    Alexander stood still, his gaze locked on her, seeing nothing but the disgust in her eyes.

    After a while, a security guard appeared and escorted him out.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s is your storytelling haven

    That night, Dani sat alone in her office for hours, as if she were mourning the loss of a part of her youth that had been broken beyond hope.

    After leaving Dani¡¯s office, Alexander wandered back to the hospital in a daze.

    As he reached the entrance, he ran into Joyce and Katrina, who were out for a walk. The dim lighting made it hard to see, and Alexander¡¯s face was streaked with blood.

    Joyce let out a startled cry and staggered forward. Katrina screamed, ¡°Help!¡±

    Joyce copsed, her abdomen hitting the ground, and she screamed out in pain. Hospital staff rushed over with a stretcher to help her. Alexander attempted to step in, but Katrina pushed him back with all her might.

    ¡°Get out of here! Who do you think you are? You scared the future Mrs. Bet! Stay right there! You¡¯ve terrified my daughter, and you will pay for this!¡±

    Katrina hurried after the stretcher, her steps frantic.

    Alexander stood there, alone, in the chilly night air. He found the situation both absurd and pitiful, but he couldn¡¯t bring himself tough.

    Hadn¡¯t Joyce once said she loved him? Yet here she was, too scared to even recognize him, so frightened that she had fallen. Didn¡¯t Katrina want him as a son-inw? Now she didn¡¯t even know who he was.

    They were no different from Dani, iming to care but only looking out for their own interests.

    These women, so quick to turn away, deserved nothing but punishment for their hypocrisy.

    Shaking off the anger, Alexander pushed forward, seeking the on-call doctor to tend to his injuries. Afterward, he made his way to the maternity ward.

    Katrina, not recognizing him, swung at him in a blur of anger. But before she could make contact, Alexander¡¯s voice stopped her.

    ¡°Dani runs Dreamscape Research Institute.¡±

    Katrina froze, stunned by his words.

    ¡°What did you say?¡± Caiden rose from his seat, his expression serious. He was deeply concerned, more than anyone, about the safety of the child growing in Joyce¡¯s womb. His eyes narrowed, and he demanded sharply, ¡°What did you just say?¡±

    Alexander let out a heavy sigh.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 266

    ?Chapter 266:

    ¡°I¡¯m Alexander. I just learned that Dani is in charge of Dreamscape, the one with the heart repair technology that could save the baby. I went to her today, begging for help, but she and Cedric had me beaten senseless.

    You¡¯ve seen how much I care for Joyce and her child. I gave up everything, including my marriage to Dani, and even fought with both her and Cedric. But despite all that, I couldn¡¯t get the technology in time to save the baby. I¡¯ve failed you.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s swollen, bloodied face only seemed to reinforce the truth in his words. The moment his words hung in the air, a newborn¡¯s cry echoed from the delivery room.

    A doctor entered, beaming with a smile.

    ¡°Both mother and baby are doing well. It¡¯s a boy, though his heart condition isn¡¯t ideal. He¡¯ll need his first procedure in two days.¡± The instant Caiden heard that, he grabbed the doctor by the shoulders.

    ¡°Doctor, you mentioned that Dreamscape¡¯s cardiac repair could save the baby from surgery. Is that true?¡± Caiden¡¯s voice was strained, his eyes locked on the doctor. Desperation filled his gaze.

    The doctor nodded.

    ¡°Yes, but¡­¡±

    Before the doctor could finish his sentence, Caiden and Katrina rushed off, clearly furious.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s???§à?? opens doors to wonder

    The doctor shouted after them, ¡°But we don¡¯t know who runs Dreamscape!¡±

    Alexander stayed behind, his eyes fixed on the baby. Without hesitation, he reached forward and lifted the newborn from the doctor¡¯s arms.

    The baby let out a sharp, wailing cry that echoed through the room.

    A slow smile spread across Alexander¡¯s battered face, his expression twisted in the dim light, as a chilling grin formed.

    ¡°I must see Dani now!¡± Caiden insisted fiercely.

    ¡°Apologies, sir, but it¡¯s the middle of the night. Ms. Harper has already retired for the evening. If this is urgent, I¡¯d suggest returning at a more suitable hour,¡± said the security guard.

    Katrina edged closer to Caiden.

    ¡°Every moment we dy puts the child at greater risk. Remember what Alexander told us? Dani and Cedric assaulted him when he tried to get the medicine for the child. It¡¯s obvious Dani is deliberately avoiding you. This child is your future¡ªyour pir in old age. It seems Dani doesn¡¯t want you having anyone to lean onter in life!¡±

    Caiden¡¯s temper exploded instantly at those words. He fixed a fierce re on the security guard.

    ¡°Do you have any idea who I am? I¡¯m your boss¡¯s father, for fuck¡¯s sake! Without me, there¡¯s no Dani, no building, and no shit for you to guard! Now get the hell out of my way!¡±

    The guard remained unyielding.

    ¡°I¡¯m truly sorry, sir. However, these are not visiting hours. If you genuinely are Ms. Harper¡¯s father, perhaps you could call her?¡±

    ¡°I am her father!¡± Caiden¡¯s words came out in a rush, and for a moment, he almost let slip that he didn¡¯t have her number.

    Seizing his arm, Katrina shot him a cautionary look. She then turned to the guard, her expression melting into a persuasive smile.

    ¡°We truly are Dani¡¯s family. We came in such a rush we forgot our phones at home. Could we perhaps use your phone? We know her private number.¡±

    The guard eyed them suspiciously, uncertainty flickering across his face. He hesitated briefly before reaching for his phone.

    Yet, before his fingers could grasp it, Lillian arrived.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 267

    ?Chapter 267:

    The guard greeted her with respect.

    Lillian¡¯s gaze sharpened upon seeing the visibly agitated Caiden and Katrina waiting outside.

    ¡°They im they¡¯re Ms. Harper¡¯s parents,¡± the guard informed her.

    Lillian snorted derisively, her arms crossed as she faced Caiden.

    ¡°Oh, so now you¡¯re her parents? Didn¡¯t you cut ties with her? What, you suddenly forgot your own bullshit?¡±

    Caiden¡¯s face darkened with fury.

    ¡°Quit screwing around. Bring Dani here before I lose my patience.¡±

    Unmoved, Lillian yawned, signaling her disinterest.

    ¡°She¡¯s resting. If you have something important, I¡¯m here to listen.¡±

    Caiden spat, ¡°Talking to you is pointless! You don¡¯t call the shots! Drag Dani¡¯s ass down here immediately!¡±

    With a dismissiveugh, Lillian countered, ¡°You can say it or not, the choice is yours. But at thiste hour, I¡¯m the one you¡¯re dealing with.¡±

    Beside him, Katrina gave Caiden a gentle push and murmured, ¡°Just tell her. She¡¯s working for Dani, isn¡¯t she?¡±

    Caiden cast a quick nce at Katrina before refocusing on Lillian.

    ¡°Look, it¡¯s clear Dani runs Dreamscape, and yourb has concocted some groundbreaking heart repair tech. I need one of those miracle pills. If you¡¯ve got the authority, pass it here and spare me a trip to Dani!¡±

    Find exclusive stories at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv????s

    ¡°Well?¡± Katrina, previously jittery, now exuded a calm demeanor as she observed Caiden¡¯s escting frustration. She offered Lillian a sly smile and queried, ¡°Can you make that decision, or should we have Danie down here? Of course, if you¡¯re not inclined to help us, we¡¯re more than willing to purchase it. It would be interesting to see if Dani still values family ties or if she¡¯s lost touch with her origins.¡±

    Lillian¡¯s gaze sharpened, her mind racing. She recognized that meddling in Dani¡¯s familial conflicts was beyond her role. The thought of mishandling the delicate matter andplicating things for Dani filled her with dread.

    Yet, the urge to wipe that smug expression off Katrina¡¯s face was almost overwhelming.

    With no other recourse, Lillian texted Dani, receiving no immediate response. After a tense pause, she dialed Dani¡¯s number. The phone barelypleted one ring before Dani picked up.

    Katrina perched on her tiptoes, straining to catch a snippet of Dani¡¯s conversation, but her words remained elusive. Nearby, Caiden paced, a mask of impatience and concern etched across his face.

    Whirling around, Katrina faced the security guard and shed a knowing smirk.

    ¡°See? I was right. We¡¯re still her family.

    Your earlier disy of authority was quite over the top, don¡¯t you think? To an outsider, it might even appear as though you owned the ce!¡±

    The guard¡¯s jaw tightened as he fought to keep hisposure under her taunts.

    Unperturbed, Katrina¡¯s sneer deepened.

    ¡°It¡¯s just the way things are, isn¡¯t it? Some folks, like you, draw the short straw¡ªdestined for a badge and a uniform. Meanwhile, we¡¯re cut from a different cloth, born to bask in thep of luxury.¡±

    Caiden echoed her disdain with a derisive look towards the guard.

    The guard, biting back his retort, knew better than to engage. After all, the pair had introduced themselves as the president¡¯s parents.

    Just then, Lillian hung up and faced them with aposed expression.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 268

    ?Chapter 268:

    Katrina straightened with an air of authority, fully prepared to storm in. But just as she moved, Lillian¡¯s hand shot up, stopping her in her tracks.

    Katrina¡¯s smug expression evaporated, her features contorting into a scowl of rage.

    ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡±

    ¡°Our boss was very clear. Everyone is the master of their own fate, and she refuses to meddle in someone else¡¯s destiny. It¡¯s best if you leave now.¡±

    She then turned to address the security guard.

    ¡°And just so you know, the boss wanted me to inform you¡ªshe considers herself without parents now. Handle this as you deem appropriate. If they be troublesome, don¡¯t hesitate to call the police.

    You¡¯re an Elite Lux employee, empowered to reject unwee visitors. There¡¯s a $10,000 bonus for your discretion. Stop by the finance department tomorrow to im it.¡±

    With a stretch that betrayed a hint of nonchnce, Lillian sauntered off.

    Caiden and Katrina were left rooted to the spot, their eyes locked on the closing doors of the elevator as Lillian disappeared from view.

    She just walked away? Was Dani really going to let them suffer without giving a shit?

    Unwilling to concede, Katrina took a determined step forward, only to be met by the security guard, who now brandished his baton with an authoritative grip.

    ¡°This is Elite Lux, not an open house,¡± he stated icily, blocking their path.

    Feel the magic at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c¦Ï??

    His stance underscored his formidable presence, and the palpable tension caused Katrina to falter.

    Katrina begrudgingly retreated toward the entrance.

    As they stood in the chilling gusts of wind, she turned to Caiden, worry etching her face.

    ¡°What do we do now?¡±

    Caiden had never imagined that Dani would treat him with such indifference. After all, he was the man who gave her life.

    Yet, it became painfully clear that he could not rely on Dani.

    He came to the realization that the only one he could truly depend on was the newborn child.

    Beside him, Katrina, her body shivering from the chill, understood Caiden¡¯s thoughts intimately after years of being together. She stoked his growing resentment and remarked, ¡°Dani is truly ruthless. It¡¯s understandable she might disregard me, since I¡¯m not her real mother. But you¡¯re her father. She should at least consider speaking to you for the baby¡¯s sake. How can she be so heartless? Then again, those in business often show no mercy. Remember how her mother treated you? Had she not died so unexpectedly, you likely wouldn¡¯t have seen a penny of the Harper family¡¯s fortune. And now Dani is just the same. She¡¯s indifferent to your suffering, leaving you to freeze out here. Perhaps she¡¯s hoping you¡¯ll simply pass away, making it easier for her to im the Harper family¡¯s fortune for herself.¡±

    Caiden stood silently, his teeth chattering from the cold. His eyes, though he spoke no word, conveyed the depth of his chill and bitterness. He felt as if the entire world scorned him, offering him no genuine respect, except for the child. To him, only this baby represented a pir of future support.

    Caiden gritted his teeth, his voice a harsh growl as he dered, ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll camp out here all evening. Let¡¯s see if Dani has the guts to ignore me tomorrow. If she can stomach seeing her father endure the cold, then so be it. But does she really believe she can escape the gossip? The whispers will start!¡±

    His voice carried a veneer of toughness, yet he scarcely managed thirty minutes before his resolve began to crumble.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 269

    ?Chapter 269:

    Donning a bulky coat that Alexander had offered, Caiden and Katrina braced against the biting winter gusts.

    Clutching the coat close, Katrina turned to Caiden and remarked, ¡°It¡¯s Joyce who still cares for you. Without her, would Alexander ever show such kindness? I know you¡¯ve been angry with me over that disagreement with your mother, but regardless of what anyone says, Joyce and I have always supported you without fail. Consider this¡ªwho else would willingly give you her child? And yet, you forced her to agree to that harsh contract. Do you truly deserve her loyalty?¡±

    Amid the piercing cold, Caiden clenched his fists, his teeth ttering as he made a vow.

    ¡°As long as Joyce¡¯s child remains faithful to me, he will inherit the entire Harper family¡¯s fortune. I¡¯m changing my will immediately. Dani won¡¯t get a dime.¡±

    In the shadowy night, a smile crept across Katrina¡¯s face. Her usual warmth returned as she softened her voice, her words a gentle caress in the chill air,forting Caiden with her nurturing presence.

    Caiden was slowlying to terms with the realization that he had been aplete fool to waste even an ounce ofpassion on Dani. What did it matter if Dani was his own flesh and blood? She had callously left him to endure the cold outside alone. As the night wore on, both Caiden and Katrina could no longer bear the chill. They sought refuge in Alexander¡¯s car, where they cranked up the heat to fend off the frostbite-inducing temperatures. With the arrival of dawn, they were back on their feet, calling out for Dani across the sprawling parking lot.

    Caiden had not anticipated the extent of Dani¡¯s cruelty. Evening came again, yet there was still no sign of her. Even Katrina, the architect of their scheme, started to unravel with worry. The hospital was pressing for critical treatment for the infant, pushing Caiden to the brink of fury right at the doorstep of Elite Lux.

    The turmoil attracted a substantial crowd and caught the attention of numerous news channels. In front of rolling cameras, Caiden exploded with rage, branding Dani as heartless and vile. Amidst it all, Katrina sobbed uncontrobly, iming she was at her wit¡¯s end.

    Onlookers gathered in the lobby, murmuring and specting. But when the hospital set a stern ultimatum, Caiden recognized that his back was against the wall. After all his screaming, insults, and public tantrums aimed at Dani, he was left burnt out and stuck in the same damn ce.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c§à??, your storytelling home

    Left with no alternatives, he finally set aside his ego and approached Lillian.

    ¡°Could you please tell Dani I want to see her? I¡¯m really asking here. I¡¯ll let go of my pride if I need to.¡±

    Lillian¡¯s smirk was unfaltering, herposure steady even with the cameras capturing every moment.

    ¡°Had you shown this courtesy from the start, you wouldn¡¯t be in this predicament. Elite Lux has dealt with its share of troublemakers.

    You thought you could intimidate us? Look where that¡¯s gotten you.¡±

    Lillian¡¯s eyes burned with contempt as she spat, ¡°Get moving. What, you think you¡¯re so important that someone¡¯s going to beg you to walk inside?¡±

    Exhausted from two sleepless nights, Caiden¡¯s and Katrina¡¯s shoulders slumped as they followed Lillian.

    As they neared the doorway, Lillian halted them abruptly.

    ¡°Keep yourself in the cafeteria. We don¡¯t let people like you anywhere near the upstairs.¡±

    Caiden closed his eyes, frustration etching deeper lines across his face.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 270

    ?Chapter 270:

    Such an ungrateful daughter!

    The phrase echoed in his mind, a cruel reminder of his past leniency towards Dani, making him feel utterly foolish.

    What an absolute disgrace!

    The meeting unfolded in the cafeteria on the first floor. Dani, fresh from leading a conference, treated herself to a bowl of pasta, savoring each bite with sereneposure.

    Merely a few paces from her, Caiden and Katrina found themselves hemmed in by a quintet of imposing security guards.

    Dani¡¯s voice carried a cool detachment as she addressed them.

    ¡°If you have something to say, make it quick.

    You¡¯ve got ten minutes.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s expression blended shock and pain.

    ¡°Dani, is this how you treat your own father?¡±

    Unperturbed, Dani continued eating her food. Midway through her meal, she asked casually, ¡°Did you take that document severing our rtionship as nothing more than a joke?¡±

    Caiden opened his mouth to respond, yet words failed him. Dani pressed on, her tone unyielding.

    ¡°After you exploited ourst shred of familial ties to secure a position for Joyce, why pretend there¡¯s a fence left to mend?¡±

    Katrina, attempting to diffuse the tension, chimed in with an overly bright smile.

    galn¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m opens doors to new adventures

    ¡°Come on, that was just a family spat. Sometimes people say things they don¡¯t mean in the heat of the moment.¡±

    ¡°Is that so? That agreement is upheld by thew,¡± Dani retorted, her voice slicing through the air.

    ¡°You¡¯re both well beyond the age of such jokes. If there¡¯s something pressing on your minds, state it clearly. Don¡¯t waste my time.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s gaze lingered on Dani¡¯s face, seeing echoes of Brylee in her features, and his eyes narrowed with resolve.

    ¡°Fine. Just give me the cardiac-repair medicine. Then I¡¯ll go,¡± Caiden dered, clenching his teeth as he felt his dignity being eroded.

    Katrina maintained her sweet demeanor, her smile unwavering.

    ¡°Dani, since it¡¯s clear you¡¯ve stripped all sentiment from this equation, we shall not owe you any favors. Just name your price, and we¡¯ll settle it.¡±

    She deliberately raised her voice, making sure the media clustered at the door caught every word, painting Dani as ruthless and opportunistic.

    As Katrina¡¯s words hung in the air, Dani flicked a nce towards her before turning her eyes to the media throng at the entrance. She arched an eyebrow and allowed a small, knowing smile to y on her lips.

    It seemed like the perfect moment to unveil Dreamscape¡¯stest breakthrough to the world.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Dani responded evenly.

    ¡°I do possess the treatment you¡¯re inquiring about, and if you¡¯re prepared to meet the cost, that¡¯s agreeable to me.¡±

    Katrina, seizing the moment, leaned closer to Caiden and murmured conspiratorially, ¡°Told you, didn¡¯t I? Dani¡¯s all about the money¡ªnothing else matters to her. She¡¯d overlook even the bonds of family for profit. Once she states her price, let¡¯s skip the haggling. We¡¯ll manage it, for our baby¡¯s sake.¡±

    Katrina spoke with defiance, as thoughpletely unafraid. She meant every word, or so it seemed.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 271

    ?Chapter 271:

    Caiden responded with a look filled with gratitude and whispered tenderly, ¡°Katrina, marrying you was the best decision of my life.¡±

    Radiating warmth and serenity, Katrina smiled at him. In her mind, the cost wouldn¡¯t be steep; after all, how expensive could the medicine be?

    All she wanted was to ruin Dani¡¯s imagepletely. If Dani dared to take money for the medicine, Caiden¡¯s wrath would be absolute, and public opinion would cast her as the ruthless viin who turned her back on her family.

    In Katrina¡¯s eyes, her strategy was foolproof.

    ¡°Three hundred million,¡± Dani dered, cing her fork on the table. Her gaze met Katrina¡¯s.

    ¡°Transfer that sum to Dreamscape, and you¡¯ll get the medicine.¡±

    Katrina froze, her expression one of sheer disbelief.

    ¡°How much did you say?¡±

    ¡°Three hundred million,¡± Dani reiterated firmly, maintaining eye contact.

    ¡°What¡¯s the problem? A moment ago, you appeared quite eager. Does this mean you don¡¯t value a human life at three hundred million?¡±

    The smug smile that had been ying on Katrina¡¯s lips suddenly stiffened.

    ¡°Dani, don¡¯t you dare push it! We¡¯ve bought medicine before, and there¡¯s no way in hell it costs that much!¡± She strode towards the entrance, signaling to the gathering reporters.

    ¡°See this for yourselves, everyone. Dani¡¯s trying to extort money from us. Three hundred million!¡±

    Your imagination begins with g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s©q?????

    Dani¡¯s lips curled into a subtle smile. That twisted smile made Katrina¡¯s blood run cold. Of all things, nothing terrified her more than seeing Dani grin like that.

    Dani¡¯s smile sent a sharp pang through Katrina¡¯s heart, causing it to skip erratically. Recoiling, she asked, ¡°Why are you smiling like that?¡±

    With sereneposure, Dani gently wiped her mouth with a napkin before responding nonchntly, ¡°Because you¡¯re being a fool.¡±

    Katrina felt a flush of embarrassment heat her cheeks. Surrounded by a sea of reporters, the sting of being publicly ridiculed as foolish was too much. She yearned to snap back fiercely but, catching the eyes of the crowd, her resolve melted into tears of frustration instead.

    Her visible distress instantly softened Caiden¡¯s heart. He red at Dani, his usation sharp in tone.

    ¡°You¡¯re exploiting our desperate need for this treatment to inte the price, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Dani¡¯s smile remained unfazed, a picture of tranquility and poise¡ªa stark contrast to the visibly perturbed Katrina and the incensed Caiden.

    Ignoring their usations, Dani turned gracefully to the assembled reporters and began to outline the journey of their heart repair technology¡ªfrom the early stages of research, through substantial investments in equipment, to years of meticulous experimentation, and finally, the modest yet significant breakthroughs.

    Her words, imbued with conviction and transparency, resonated with the reporters, touching them with the evident passion and challenges her team had faced.

    ¡°Our institute¡¯s dedicated professors have devoted their lives to this project. Don¡¯t they merit some acknowledgment for their dedication? Isn¡¯t it right to honor their hard work and sacrifices appropriately?¡± Her poignant words resonated deeply with everyone gathered.

    The reporters and onlookers, stirred by her plea, responded with vigorous agreement, their voices echoing in solidarity, ¡°Absolutely!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 272

    ?Chapter 272:

    Dani¡¯s features softened, a mixture of relief and sorrow ying across her face. Her eyes, brimming with tears yet unshed, met the camera lenses.

    ¡°Initially, we intended to present this research at a grander affair.

    Yet, circumstances havepelled us to proceed otherwise. The sheer scale of investment in this technology is astronomical¡ªtop-tier equipment, legions of engineers, and endless nights devoid of sleep. Is it unreasonable, then, to seek 300 million for treatment?¡±

    ¡°No, it isn¡¯t!¡± the crowd roared back, some attendees visibly tearful, moved by her heartfelt words.

    Dani then fixed her intense gaze on Caiden.

    ¡°Mr. Harper, do you still consider it expensive?¡±

    Caiden¡¯s hand tightened into a fist, every muscle straining as if he was fighting the urge to unleash hell.

    Was it expensive? Securing 300 million would stretch Harper Group¡¯s finances to their limits.

    Was it excessive? The funds would be his own¡ªundeniably, it was a hefty sum.

    However, Dani had expertly swayed the crowd, turning them into her staunch allies.

    The term ¡°expensive¡± almost escaped his lips, but he restrained himself, keeping it unspoken.

    Dani¡¯s face was a mask of seriousness, her eyes methodically scanning the audience.

    Exclusive stories avable on g¦Áln¦Òv?ls

    ¡°I never nned to air personal grievances in such a public forum, yet here we are, surrounded by onlookers and the integrity of our research institute hanging in the bnce. As many of you are aware, Katrina is my stepmother, and Joyce is my stepsister. Over the years, they have basked in opulence, whereas I was ostracized. Harper Group, my mother¡¯s legacy, seems forgotten. I often ponder¡ªwould my mother regret her choice in a partner if she witnessed this today?¡±

    Caiden¡¯s reaction was one of utter disbelief. He pointed to Dani, his voice shaking.

    ¡°What are you implying?¡±

    Dani faced the audience again, her smile tinged with bitterness.

    ¡°I¡¯m suggesting that everything changed with my stepmother¡¯s arrival. I was sidelined as others reveled in the fortunes that were rightfully mine. And now, after all my endeavors and sesses, Caiden and his scheming spouse seek to strip it all from me!¡±

    Emotion overwhelmed Dani; she sped her chest, her voice breaking from the strain.

    ¡°Tell me, does justice even exist anymore? Or is this world just one big pile of shit?¡±

    Lillian advanced, cing a supportive hand on Dani¡¯s shoulder, addressing the gathered reporters.

    ¡°You all know Ms. Harper rarely justifies her actions.

    Yet today, circumstances have driven her to these extremes. Her father has disowned her; her quest for justice rests upon your shoulders!¡±

    Dani flicked her hand dismissively.

    ¡°Come on, Lillian, let¡¯s get out of here.¡±

    Lillian, standing tall yet imbued with a subdued grief, assisted Dani as they made their way to the elevator.

    The crowd jeered, hurling insults at Caiden, calling him a pathetic failure of a father. Dani entered the elevator and nced at Lillian.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 273

    ?Chapter 273:

    ¡°What did you think of my speech?¡±

    Lillian responded with a thumbs-up.

    Back in her office, as Dani settled in, a new secretary timidly approached Lillian.

    ¡°Do you think Dani is upset?¡±

    Lillian shook her head with certainty.

    ¡°She is warmly kind to those she respects, but she¡¯s swift and decisive in cutting ties with anyone who disappoints her.¡±

    Katrina and Joyce had felt the sting of her resolve. And now, Caiden and Alexander had been added to that list.

    Dani¡¯s public confrontation was a clear sign she had already put any past rtions behind her. There was no point in feeling sorry. They weren¡¯t worth her time or a damn ounce of her concern.

    Meanwhile, Caiden was stewing in the shame of beingpletely humiliated. Dani¡¯s harsh dismissal had caught him off-guard. Even if he handed over the three hundred million, people would still think he was a worthless piece of shit.

    Favoring his stepdaughter over his own, squandering his ex-wife¡¯s earnings to coerce his biological daughter into handing over her research¡ªevery usation was painfully urate, leaving Caiden defenseless.

    Katrina, anxious and wary of the media, whispered urgently from behind him, ¡°Caiden, what should we do now? The hospital¡¯s expecting us.¡±

    Caiden clenched his teeth tightly and announced with a heavy heart, ¡°Three hundred million¡­ It looks like we¡¯ll have no choice but to sell thepany.¡±

    Katrina immediately objected, her voiceced with desperation.

    ¡°Absolutely not!¡±

    Her expression twisted into one of fury as she seized Caiden¡¯s hand with a fierce grip.

    ¡°You can¡¯t possibly sell it!¡± Katrina had spent half her life serving Caiden, hoping to get her hands on Harper Group. But the discussion about selling thepany was now on the table. She wasn¡¯t prepared to surrender without a fight.

    Caiden held her hand firmly.

    ¡°And what? Allow the child to die?¡± His eyes, red and frustrated, bore into hers as he shook with anger.

    ¡°We need to prioritize saving the child! Everything else can wait. I promise you, whatever Dani ends up taking, I¡¯ll reim it. Trust me.¡±

    Katrina felt a deep conflict stirring within her. Locking eyes with Caiden, she realized arguing was futile. With a heavy sigh, she nodded in agreement.

    Her lips quivered in anger, tears born of frustration trailing down her face. Her body tensed, her shoulders stiffening, yet she gave a reluctant nod.

    While Caiden was on the phone with Dani, Katrina stood aside, her fingers digging into the flesh of her thigh, the pain a sharp reminder of her resolve. She silently swore to herself to recover whatever losses were toe, at any cost.

    Caiden called Dani.

    ¡°Have you made your decision?¡±

    Dani responded in a tone of cool indifference.

    Caiden clenched his fists and growled through gritted teeth, ¡°I¡¯ll hand over twenty percent of Harper Group¡¯s shares! Just give me the damn medicine!¡±

    Dani responded with a soft, derisive chuckle, her amusement clear.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 274

    ?Chapter 274:

    A wave of panic surged through Caiden. He had gambled on her ignorance of Harper Group¡¯s precarious situation. He silently prayed she didn¡¯t realize that the twenty percent stake was merely worth five million dors. Unfortunately, his hopes were dashed.

    ¡°Twenty percent? You think that¡¯s sufficient?¡± Dani¡¯s voice cut through the air, sharp as a knife.

    ¡°Or are you implying that the life of a child is worth merely a few million?¡±

    Caiden¡¯s heart raced, skipping a beat at her words.

    ¡°If you insist on ying these games, I¡¯m not particrly bothered, but I doubt the child can afford to wait,¡± Dani continued calmly, her voice steady yet chilling.

    Caiden found himself gasping for air, his breath catching in his throat.

    ¡°Fine, let¡¯s notplicate things unnecessarily,¡± Dani dered evenly.

    ¡°I¡¯ll demand fifty-one percent of Harper Group¡¯s shares. Agree, and the child lives. Otherwise, you¡¯re merely wasting my time here.¡±

    It dawned on Caiden that Dani was after true control of Harper Group.

    ¡°Deal,¡± he choked out, the word tasting of bile in his mouth. His eyes smoldered with deep resentment.

    Lillian shook her head, her expression one of bewilderment.

    ¡°Why not demand everything? They¡¯d probably yield if you pressed them further.¡±

    New content avable now at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    Reclining in her chair, Dani narrowed her eyes thoughtfully.

    ¡°Perhaps. But I¡¯ve just had a change of heart.¡±

    Dani¡¯s phone vibrated, announcing a video message from Ryan.

    In the footage, Katrina lingered near the bathroom entrance, gripping her smartphone. She whispered into the device, ¡°Mom, I¡¯m doing everything I can to handle this mess, but if Caiden¡¯s decided to sell thepany, there¡¯s nothing more I can do.¡±

    The reply from the other end was muffled and indecipherable.

    Katrina¡¯s expression contorted with vexation as she retorted, ¡°Doesn¡¯t that just prove Brylee had iting? Damn it, I should¡¯ve listened to you and finished her off back then. Now she¡¯s be an immense threat.¡± Suddenly, Katrina stiffened, her eyes flickering anxiously towards the security camera overhead. Then, she terminated the call, smoothed down her dress, and strode off.

    Seated in her office, Dani clutched a pen so fiercely her knuckles nched.

    Katrina¡¯s mother had been dead for years, hadn¡¯t she? What could Katrina possibly mean by those ominous words?

    Meanwhile, Caiden returned to the hospital bearing the new medication. Remarkably, the child became the first in the nation to show clinical improvement with this treatment, sidestepping the need for surgical intervention. The medical team buzzed with excitement, eager to document this breakthrough and glean insights that might benefit others facing simr predicaments.

    Caiden dismissively rejected the pleas from parents with sick children. His face twisted into a sharp, disdainful sneer as he snapped, ¡°This is the health we paid for! Fund it yourselves! Why should you benefit from our child¡¯s plight? Dream on! Our child is a treasure, not a public spectacle!¡±

    Outside the hospital room, desperate patients begged for assistance, but Caiden strode past them, utterly indifferent to their suffering.

    In his eyes, his own interests always took precedence.

    Elsewhere in the hospital, Alexander was recovering from a skin graft surgery when he overheard a news broadcast. Richard, his eyes wide with astonishment, gestured towards the television.

    ¡°300 million for a single pill? That¡¯s astounding!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 275

    ?Chapter 275:

    A bitter smirk crossed Alexander¡¯s lips, pulling painfully at his fresh stitches, making him grimace.

    ¡°Dani¡¯s making quite the spectacle. She¡¯s using this to embarrass Caiden.¡± Richard nodded, his brow furrowed in thought.

    ¡°But why didn¡¯t she just seize control of the entirepany? It was her mother who established it, after all. What stopped her from going after the wholepany? Is there still a part of her that cares about Caiden, even after everything?¡±

    Alexander¡¯s scoff was tinged with scorn, his expression growing sterner.

    ¡°That kind of emotion doesn¡¯t exist in Dani¡¯s world. Look at my scars¡ªdo you really think a person capable of this harbors any kindness? Her beauty is merely a facade, a tool for devastation.¡±

    Richard cast a nce at Alexander. It sounded like Alexander had moved on from Dani.

    Yet, when the surgeon posed a question about whether Alexander desired his post-operative appearance to mirror his former self or to be altered, Alexander had wanted it to be as it was before.

    Richard believed Alexander still had lingering affections for Dani.

    As Alexander and Richard ambled near the maternity ward, Caiden¡¯s loud curses came from within. The whole corridor echoed with his voice.

    Richard and Alexander slowed their steps, drawn by themotion.

    Read all updates at g?ln¦Òv?ls

    ¡°Dani! What a fucking nightmare she is! If I¡¯d known the hell Brylee was bringing, I¡¯d have stopped it before it started!¡±

    Katrina let out a soft sigh.

    Caiden continued, ¡°For fuck¡¯s sake, now that she¡¯s holding 51%, she thinks she¡¯s untouchable, turning Harper Group into a yground for herckeys. What¡¯s her endgame? To push her own father out?¡±

    On the other side of the ss door, Alexander observed as the veins on Caiden¡¯s neck stood out starkly, his fury palpable and filling every corner of the room.

    A mischievous grin curled at the corners of Katrina¡¯s mouth.

    ¡°Caiden, why fight Dani for Harper Group? We¡¯ve still got 49% of the shares, and look at her now¡ªshe¡¯s running both Elite Lux and Dreamscape. Even a small slice of the profits from thosepanies flowing into Harper Group would be enough to revive it. Wouldn¡¯t it be smarter to just sit back and watch the money roll in?¡±

    Upon hearing this, Richard and Alexander shared a meaningful look. It was evident that Katrina possessed a more strategic mind than Caiden.

    Meanwhile, Caiden sat stiff as a board, his bruised ego stered all over his face. He detested the very notion. Thepany histe wife had established had thrived under her direction but dwindled on his watch, now teetering on the brink of copse. The senior executives¡¯ growing discontent with his leadership was palpable.

    Was it the right move for Dani to take control? Her cutthroat efficiency promised a swift resurgence for Harper Group.

    Yet, the mere thought tormented Caiden. What would the public think?

    They wouldbel him a failure, a man devoid of personal achievement. First, he had depended on his wife, and now on his daughter? What a pathetic way to ruin his reputation!

    Observing the turmoil etched across his face, Katrina leaned closer.

    ¡°Why concern ourselves with idle gossip? Dani is your flesh and blood. If she revitalizes Harper Group and fortifies it, our dividends by year¡¯s end will surely swell. Truly, what weight do the opinions of strangers hold? Ultimately, it is we who will enjoy the fruits of herbor.¡±

    Under Caiden¡¯s stewardship, the trajectory of Harper Group had nosedived, marking yet another dismal chapter in its history.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 276

    ?Chapter 276:

    Two years ago, a senior executive had walked out, shamelessly dragging an entire production line with him. The following year, thepany¡¯s top salesperson had resigned, taking their most lucrative client with them.

    This year, the situation had deteriorated further. A slew of key employees had defected, draining all business from the northern region. Caiden had spent hours furiously cursing and shouting, Caiden¡¯s efforts were futile against the rapid decline of Harper Group. Dani had offered to sell them medicine for three hundred million, but even if they sold the entirepany, it wouldn¡¯t fetch that amount. The factory workers had lost their drive, going through the motions without passion. The machinery had been neglected since Brylee¡¯s demise. Meanwhile, in the office, most employees were biding their time, eagerly anticipating bankruptcy to im their severance.

    For Katrina, Dani¡¯s offer to salvage this flounderingpany seemed like a reasonable arrangement. In her view, by taking on this challenge, Dani would effectively be serving their cause. After making this realization, Katrina¡¯s spirits lifted considerably, and she set about persuading Caiden.

    ¡°Why not show some generosity for a change? Pass the reins of thepany to Dani. With Elite Lux¡¯s backing, she¡¯ll bolster Harper Group effortlessly. Imagine us in the future, just rxing at home while profits from Harper Group pad our bank ount. Doesn¡¯t that sound wonderful?¡± Stroking his arm lightly, she went on, ¡°Dani has everything she could possibly desire. She doesn¡¯t actually need Harper Group for herself. She¡¯s only interested because it holds sentimental value¡ªBrylee built it from nothing. As long as that emotional tie remains, Dani will never let Harper Group falter.¡±

    Caiden looked over at Katrina, skepticism flickering in his eyes.

    ¡°Do you really believe that?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Let Dani deal with the hard stuff while she works her ass off making us money!¡±

    g¦Áln¦Ò¦Í?ls has fresh updates for you

    This reassurance seemed to ease Caiden¡¯s concerns somewhat. ncing down at the newborn cradled in his arms, his mood brightened even more, and he dered, ¡°You¡¯re right! Let Dani umte wealth for our little treasure ¡ª plenty of it! Tomorrow, I¡¯ll head over to thepany. Honestly, these years in charge have been nothing short of grueling!¡±

    He had always felt out of ce in his role. His subordinates held little regard for him, and his series of missteps had led to a string of disasters. After losing significant orders time and again, his standing in thepany had deteriorated irreparably. Even he had to admit that he was in over his head, and it was time for him to move on.

    With a renewed sense of resolve, Caiden took out his phone andposed a message to Dani, asking her to join him at Harper Group the following day to discuss the management transition. He was prepared to relinquish his position as chairman and pass on the leadership. Richard and Alexander walked away from the hospital room in silence.

    As they strolled down the hallway, Richard broke the silence.

    ¡°Katrina¡¯s cunning and maniptive ways are something else. And with Dani¡¯s tenacity, don¡¯t be surprised if Harper Group makes a swifteback, especially with Elite Lux in their corner. Considering Katrina¡¯s influence, Joyce¡¯s prospects are looking pretty solid. It¡¯s something you might want to ponder.¡±

    Alexander remained silent. Richard nced over at him, only to find Alexander¡¯s face devoid of any reaction, as if the words had passed him by unheard. Richard let out a quiet sigh. It was clear Alexander still hadn¡¯t gotten over Dani.

    When they returned to Alexander¡¯s ward, Caiden burst in.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be seeing Dani tomorrow at Harper Group to wrap up the handover. Alexander, you have a knack for these negotiations. Could you join me? And about Joyce and the baby¡ªwe owe you so much, Alexander. Once things calm down, we¡¯ll throw a grand banquet in your honor. Would you mind apanying me tomorrow? Dani¡­ well, you know her tactics. She¡¯s sly and full of maneuvers. There¡¯s no way I can take her on alone!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 277

    ?Chapter 277:

    Richard shot a look at Alexander. With a nod, Alexander signaled his agreement. Caiden departed with a joyful stride.

    As soon as he was gone, Richard emitted a sharp scoff.

    ¡°What an impudent request. If it weren¡¯t for your intervention, their baby would be undergoing surgery right now. And all they promise is a banquet in the future? He didn¡¯t even bother to bring a gift for you, and now he brazenly asks for your help again tomorrow? It¡¯s astounding!¡±

    Turning to Alexander, Richard¡¯s expression darkened with fury.

    ¡°Are you actually nning to go with that bastard tomorrow?¡±

    Tugging the nket over himself, Alexander settled into the hospital bed and replied, ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Richard opened his mouth to protest, but Alexander had already shut his eyes, cutting off further discussion.

    Returning from his business trip, Cedric was met with the infuriating news¡ªCaiden and his wife had once again made things difficult for Dani. He lingered in the doorway, his expression somber and contemtive.

    It was only when Dani emerged from her office that his demeanor softened into a smile. Stepping towards her, Cedric asked, ¡°Might I join you for dinner tonight?¡±

    Dani asked, ¡°Has your grandmother driven you out once again?¡±

    Cedric nodded, a rueful smile tugging at his lips.

    Your journey begins on g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s

    ¡°Indeed. She has forbidden me from returning home this evening. Since Lillian and Ryan are already under your roof, could you possibly spare a corner for me as well, just for tonight?¡±

    As dinner approached, Cedric persisted with his request. Beside them, Ryan chimed in, ¡°We¡¯ll y games in my room. We won¡¯t bother you.¡±

    Dani gave a nod of approval. Her home was a frequent gathering spot anyway. Aside from the private floor for Dani alone, the rest of the floors were filled with guest rooms. Although each member of Elite Lux had their own residence, they all had their respective rooms in Dani¡¯s ce.

    Initially, Dani was hesitant. Cedric seemed the least likely to need her hospitality, yet there he was, seeking sce in her home. She was well aware of the true motive behind his questions, though she had never openly admitted or epted it.

    After the evening meal, Cedric made his way to her door and knocked lightly. Without waiting for an invitation, he entered and quietly took a seat in a chair, his eyes fixed on her.

    Fresh from the shower, Dani was d in a in white loungewear set, her hair still damp.

    ¡°What¡¯s on your mind?¡± Dani asked.

    Cedric remained seated, his demeanor grave and thoughtful. He had not bothered to change from the shirt and cks he had worn earlier that afternoon. His intense gaze locked onto Dani, unwavering and deep. For a brief moment, Dani averted her eyes, letting out a soft sigh before steeling herself to return his gaze, her expression unreadable. The room was thick with silence for a tense few seconds.

    Cedric¡¯s face grew even more somber as he finally spoke, his voice low and steady.

    ¡°Dani, it¡¯s been a year and a half since your divorce.¡±

    Her fingers tightened imperceptibly around the pen she was holding, betraying a flicker of emotion.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 278

    ?Chapter 278:

    ¡°Things have changed a lot since then. I¡¯ve restrained myself,¡± Cedric admitted, his voice slow but firm.

    ¡°Fear has gripped me¡ªthe fear of pressing too hard, the trepidation of causing offense, and the anxiety that you might feel uneasy. I was petrified of upsetting you in any way. Thus, I chose to bide my time, considering perhaps you required space to heal and to discover your true desires. I tried to make my way into your life gently, like a soft breeze you wouldn¡¯t think twice about. My only wish was to be someone important to you, without you ever catching on to how much it meant to me. Over thest eighteen months, I¡¯ve carefully avoided overstepping. I refrained from actions or words that might seem too assertive. I¡¯ve kept myself in check, abiding by my own boundaries, waiting endlessly for the right moment.¡±

    Dani gave him a thoughtful look.

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind the wait.

    Yet, it breaks my heart to watch you suffer, knowing I¡¯m stuck on the sidelines as just a friend. Dani, I yearn to shield you. It pains me to witness anyone push you around. I want the world to recognize that you have an ally, that you are never alone. I¡¯ve made up my mind¡ªI won¡¯t wait for fate to decide. It¡¯s clear that you and Alexander are done, so I¡¯m stepping forward now. I want to be the one who¡¯s there for you. Whether I seed or not is irrelevant to me. From this moment on, I¡¯m iming my ce in your world. And when you¡¯re ready to open your heart, I want to be the one you choose first.¡±

    Cedricid his heart bare, speaking with a fiery determination he rarely allowed himself to show. For a few moments, Dani remained silent, her eyes narrowing as she evaluated him.

    Realizing his forwardness might have been too much, Cedric¡¯s demeanor softened, his voice now carrying a hint of desperation.

    ¡°Look, from here on out, consider me a suitor, okay? Don¡¯t shut me out. Just give me a shot.¡± Cedric abruptly stood up, hoping to leave on a strong note, but in his haste, he knocked over the chair behind him.

    L?t??¦Ó ?§ß¦Á¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?ls.??????

    Flustered, he righted the chair, his cheeks coloring with embarrassment, and hurried out of the room without another word.

    Shortly after, Lillian stepped in from the balcony, having just ended a phone call. With a quick, incredulous look at Dani, she shook her head in exasperation.

    ¡°Did Cedric actually just take off like that? After pouring his heart out like that, he doesn¡¯t even stick around for your response? Is he for real? Can you believe this is the same guy who pulled off that huge international deal recently?¡±

    As dawn broke, Caiden made his way to Harper Group, apanied by Alexander, whose recent skin graft was visibly healing. They entered the CEO¡¯s office, where Caiden nonchntly tossed his feet onto the desk and motioned for Alexander to make himselffortable.

    Alexander cast a scrutinizing nce around the room, his expression unreadable as he took everything in. The desk was a chaotic stack of documents needing approval, official seals, and stamps¡ªall disorganized and scattered. His eyes then caught a piece of paper on the floor. Stooping to retrieve it, he realized it was Harper Group¡¯s business license.

    Despite being aware of Caiden¡¯sx approach to business, the level of disorder still shocked Alexander.

    ¡°Don¡¯t fuss over that,¡± Caiden remarked casually, as he ced a steaming cup of coffee on a nearby table, settling back with a rxed air.

    ¡°Dani will be here soon to sort out this disaster. I¡¯m tired of managing this circus; it¡¯s her turn to take the reins.¡±

    shing a self-satisfied grin, Caiden leaned back further.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 279

    ?Chapter 279:

    ¡°If Dani can elevate Harper Group topete with Elite Lux, my remaining forty-nine percent stake could turn into a gold mine.¡±

    He smiled, basking in the glow of his imagined future riches.

    Alexander sat across from Caiden.

    ¡°Dani has climbed her way to the top; she¡¯s clearly capable. Do you really think she¡¯ll ept defeat without a fight?¡±

    Just moments earlier, Alexander had eavesdropped on the chief financial officer detailing a grim financial reality: thepany was drowning under a debt exceeding seven hundred million dors. The only lifelines were bank loans and a handful of clients still loyal to Brylee.

    On the outside, Harper Group maintained its majestic facade, yet internally, it was a mere shadow of its former self.

    Alexander found it astonishing how effectively Caiden had managed to run the corporation into the ground. Engrossed in his thoughts, Alexander¡¯s contemtion was interrupted by the buzz of his phone. It was a message from Caiden containing a list of contacts. Puzzled, Alexander raised his eyebrows at Caiden.

    With a sly grin, Caiden responded, ¡°Your tip about Joyce¡¯s baby was a lifesaver, and I¡¯m grateful you joined me here today. That list? It¡¯s ourst batch of solid clients. Feel free to transition their ounts to Bet Group. Tell them I approved the move.¡±

    Rxed in the glow of the well-lit office, Caiden leisurely sipped his coffee, a subtle smile ying on his lips. From where he stood, Alexander could see Caiden¡¯s tant disregard for Dani, his own daughter. He couldn¡¯t help but remember the day Dani was a drunken mess, and the Harper family treated her like trash left out on the curb. Even now, it seemed like the whole world had turned its back on her.

    Tucking the list¡ªa generous offering from Caiden¡ªinto his pocket, Alexander sensed the tension in the air. By nine o¡¯clock, whispers of impending doom circted among the employees. Caiden remained detached, offering no reassurances. When they questioned him about what to do next, his response was firm and clear.

    Find the magic on g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s???????

    ¡°Wait for Dani. If she¡¯s truly capable as they im, she¡¯ll prove herself. I¡¯m eager to see if she possesses her mother¡¯s unshakable grit in crisis situations!¡±

    As the clock struck ten, the secretary notified them of Dani¡¯s arrival. Momentster, the door to the CEO¡¯s office burst open. Dani entered, her stride confident, her presencemanding. She was not alone; apanying her were Ryan, Lillian, Cedric, and a lead auditor.

    Caiden rose from his seat, his eyes locked on Dani in disbelief.

    ¡°You¡¯ve brought an auditing team to scrutinize your own father¡¯spany? How dare you!¡±

    Ignoring the tension, Dani walked over to the executive chair and settled into it with an air of authority. Behind her, Ryan, Lillian, and Cedric lined up, their faces masks of unwavering confidence.

    Dani began, ¡°We¡¯ve legally dissolved any familial bonds. This isn¡¯t just a family matter; it¡¯s business. And with fifty-one percent of the shares in my possession, I have full authority here. I need you to hand over every financial record and key document now. After a thorough audit and the transfer of documents, I will assume leadership of Harper Group.¡±

    This poised deration took Alexander by surprise. It had never crossed his mind that Dani might actually understand the intricacies of business affairs. He had always presumed her aplishments were more a stroke of fortune than expertise.

    ¡°And what if I refuse? Thepany¡¯s right here. Take it if you can, or walk away.¡± A derisive smirk twisted Caiden¡¯s lips, the frustration of being trapped evident in his expression.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 280

    ?Chapter 280:

    Dani¡¯s tone was serene as she delivered her ultimatum.

    ¡°Each day you resist, thepany will be shut down. I can absorb such losses. Can you?¡±

    Caiden red at her, incredulous.

    ¡°What the hell, Dani? You¡¯re more vicious than I ever thought you could be!¡± The cost of shutting down would bleed thepany of hundreds of thousands daily. Caiden¡¯s stake in this venture was personal¡ªhe aimed toy down a sturdy groundwork for Joyce¡¯s offspring.

    ¡°This is standard protocol during a takeover.

    You¡¯ve been running this firm for a decade. Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re clueless about how a handover works.

    Your ignorance has been apparent for too long.¡± Dani¡¯s eyes then fell to the business license under Caiden¡¯s foot.

    ¡°Under your leadership, Harper Group nearly crumbled from a titan to ruins. We know who¡¯s responsible.¡±

    Rising, Dani exuded an icy demeanor that made Caiden instinctively recoil. Without a flicker of emotion, she approached him, locking eyes briefly, her expression unreadable.

    Caiden, reminded of Brylee by the intensity in Dani¡¯s gaze, took a cautious step back. Dani¡¯s eyes then dropped to the license on the floor, her voice cutting through the tension.

    ¡°Pick it up.¡±

    As Dani¡¯s words echoed in the air, a chill of fear raced through Caiden. He instinctively recoiled, taking a step back. Under the relentless intensity of Dani¡¯s gaze, Caiden realized she was no longer the person he once knew. When had she turned into this formidable figure, utterly independent and unyielding? With a fiery intensity, she hissed through clenched teeth, ¡°Pick it up. Now!¡±

    Read the newest chapters g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    Caiden¡¯s throat tightened, visibly swallowing his apprehension. Observing his hesitation, Alexander intervened. He leaned down, scooping up the fallen business license, and extended it toward Dani.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to be so severe. Caiden is still your father,¡± he said with measured calm.

    However, Dani snapped her head up, locking eyes with Alexander. A scornfulugh escaped her lips.

    ¡°Is that so? Go ahead and wait for Richard to drop dead, and when some bastard shows up to rob you blind, we¡¯ll see if you¡¯ll be singing the same tune.¡±

    Her biting statement hit Alexander hard, leaving him stunned and unable to muster a response.

    Dani didn¡¯t wait for an answer.

    ¡°You have one week. I expect every document and ount to be in order by then. Fail, and I¡¯ll personally drag every one of you down with this sinking Harper Group.¡±

    With a decisive turn, Dani marched out, her steps resolute. Caiden, consumed by a surge of rage, opened his mouth to shout after her, but his fury choked the words in his throat. Dani strode from the CEO¡¯s office to the conference room, her heels echoing sharply against the floor.

    Within five minutes, she had gathered the department heads around the polished conference table. With the current employee roster clutched in one hand, Dani briskly checked off several names, then handed the list to the HR representative from Elite Lux. Her voice was firm, hermand unequivocal.

    ¡°By tomorrow, anyone whose name is crossed out better be out of Harper Group. I don¡¯t want to see their faces again.¡±

    Several managers sprang up, their faces etched with shock and disbelief. One of them, his finger jabbed towards Dani in usation, sputtered, ¡°Who the hell do you think you are? You can¡¯t just fire us! Do you realize how long we¡¯ve served here? Do you know how close your father and I are?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 281

    ?Chapter 281:

    Dani, leaning forward with her palms t against the cool surface of the table, met their gazes with a steady, unflinching look.

    ¡°I don¡¯t give a damn about how long you¡¯ve been here or your ties with Caiden. From this moment forward, I¡¯m the only Harper who matters here.¡± She then snatched up the finance report, scanning its contents with eyes that seemed to burn with resolve. The finance manager quivered, his face a mask of anxiety as her scrutiny bore into him.

    Addressing the visibly shaken manager, Dani¡¯s tone was icy as she delivered her demand.

    ¡°Inform Caiden that he needs to return every single penny he siphoned from Harper Group. If he fails toply, I will not hesitate to press charges for embezzlement and ensure he spends his remaining days behind bars.¡±

    With a swift mental tally, Dani concluded, ¡°The totales to precisely one hundred eighty million. Additionally, there¡¯s a vi on the east side of the city purchased under thepany¡¯s name for Jack Harper. Liquidate it and return the funds to our ounts.¡±

    Leaning against the doorframe, Caiden felt as if a fist had mmed into his stomach. He watched, his eyes wide, as Dani unleashed a torrent of sharp questions at the managers from operations, development, and marketing. One after another, these seasoned yers in corporate politics crumbled beneath her relentless interrogation. In that instant, a grim, icy realization dawned on Caiden. Dani had himpletely at her mercy.

    When she finally exited, the conference room descended into a hushed silence. Not a single soul dared to speak. They exchanged wary nces before dispersing quickly topile the information Dani hadmanded. As they hustled out, they brushed past Caiden, giving him only fleeting nces before lowering their gazes and scurrying away to attend to their duties.

    It was clear to everyone that the reins of Harper Group were being handed over. The days of easy rides were decisively behind them.

    Caiden remained rooted to the spot, watching as those who had previously sought his favor now passed him by without a word. A frigid weight pressed down on his chest, growing heavier with each passing moment.

    New chapters now on g¦Áln¦Òv??ls?c?m

    ¡°What did you just say?¡± Katrina burst out, her voice seething with rage inside the hospital walls.

    She had just ended a phone call, and her first impulse was to unleash her fury on Caiden, but she restrained herself.

    Taking several deep, calming breaths did little to soften the icy edge in her voice.

    ¡°Caiden, my cousin just called. Have you really dismissed their whole family from thepany?¡±

    Caiden was seated on a bench, distress evident as he ran his fingers through his hair.

    ¡°Dani stormed into the office today andpletely overran my authority!¡±

    Katrina had braced herself for Dani¡¯s bold moves against Caiden, yet the extent of the purge took her by surprise. All her carefully ced allies within Harper Group had been ousted overnight.

    To the outside world, it might appear that only her cousin¡¯s family was tied closely to her, but she had strategically positioned individuals across crucial departments like finance, marketing, and public rtions. Now, they had all been swept away without exception.

    Dani¡¯s audacity left Katrina reeling. In that moment, she understood just how much she had underestimated Dani¡¯s capabilities.

    ¡°Dani even mentioned that the vi we acquired for Jack needs to be sold off and the assets liquidated,¡± Caiden continued, a mix of anger and disbelief in his voice.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 282

    ?Chapter 282:

    ¡°She¡¯s also demanding that all the embezzled funds and transferred assets be returned to thepany.¡±

    ¡°How on earth does she know all these details about our business?¡± Katrina pressed, incredulitycing her voice.

    ¡°How should I know? There¡¯s got to be a spy among us!¡± The very idea of Dani tearing apart thepany he¡¯d nurtured for more than ten years hit Caiden like a punch in the gut, leaving him seething with unease.

    In that regard, Dani was a carbon copy of her mother¡ªcold, calcting, and utterly heartless.

    A deep frown creased Caiden¡¯s brow, his mind a whirlwind of disarray. Dani¡¯s assertive actions earlier had filled him with dread, nting seeds of profound anxiety within him.

    ¡°The funds have been transferred, and the vi¡¯s now in our name.

    You¡¯re still her father, Caiden. Even if she cuts you off, she wouldn¡¯t drag you into court. Just let her be!¡± Katrina, ever the optimist, clung to the hope that Dani wouldn¡¯t abandon Harper Group.

    Caiden¡¯s voice was a low murmur, tinged with certainty.

    ¡°No, Katrina, you don¡¯t understand Dani. She¡¯s relentless, just like her mother. If we don¡¯t meet her demands, she¡¯ll take legal action without a second thought.¡±

    Though Katrina scorned Caiden¡¯s timidity inwardly, she maintained a cheerful demeanor.

    G aln ove ls . has stories you¡¯ll love

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s not rely on her then. What if I manage it? I can sell the vi and bring back the overseas funds. Would that work for you?¡±

    This suggestion finally brought a sense of relief to Caiden. Once he had left, Joyce turned to Katrina with a hint of reluctance in her voice.

    ¡°Mom, all this should be mine. Why should I have to return anything to Dani?¡±

    As she sat beside Jack¡¯s cradle, Katrina¡¯s gaze rested on the newborn, her lips curling into a soft, serene smile.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry; I know what I¡¯m doing. What belongs to you will always remain yours. No one can take that away.¡±

    Katrina then leaned forward, engaging yfully with Jack, who responded with joyful giggles.

    When Dani returned from her meeting at Harper Group, her demeanor was noticeably subdued. Observing this, Lillian turned to Cedric, her voice tinged with concern.

    ¡°What should we do now?¡±

    Cedric didn¡¯t respond; instead, he walked purposefully into the kitchen. Momentster, he returned, bearing a te of Dani¡¯s favorite pastries, and gently tapped on her office door.

    Inside, the business certificate that had been tarnished and trampled upony cleaned and ttened on the desk. Setting the pastries aside, Cedric picked up a damp cloth and began to cleanse every speck of dirt from the certificate. Only after restoring it to pristine condition did he ce it in a new frame and return it to its rightful spot on Dani¡¯s desk.

    ¡°Things that get dirty can be cleaned. What¡¯s important is ensuring that what¡¯s taken is always returned.¡±

    Dani looked up at him, her eyes reflecting the warm, ambient light of the office. In Cedric¡¯s serene expression, she recognized something deeply familiar.

    ¡°Cedric, you remind me of someone I once knew in my childhood.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 283

    ?Chapter 283:

    The moment Dani¡¯s words hit him, Cedric¡¯s shoulders went rigid, his tension palpable. He remained hunched over for an extended period, his heart racing wildly in the oppressive quiet. Then, he gradually straightened, his eyes locking with Dani¡¯s for a brief moment before he could utter a word. Abruptly, the office door burst open.

    Katrina appeared in the doorway, her face buried in her hands, sobbing uncontrobly. Dani¡¯s brow furrowed in response. Out of breath, the secretary burst into the room, her voice trembling.

    ¡°Ms. Harper, I¡¯m so sorry! I tried to stop her, but she pushed right past me!¡±

    Katrina copsed against the desk, her tears falling uncontrobly as she begged, ¡°Dani, your father is in a dire state! You need to go to him.¡±

    Shock rippled through Cedric¡¯s face, his features twisting in disbelief. Peering through her handkerchief, Katrina caught Dani¡¯s gaze¡ªcold, detached, her piercing eyes unflinching as they stared back.

    A relentless pounding filled Katrina¡¯s chest, her heartbeat surging with raw emotion.

    ¡°Why are you looking at me like that?¡± Katrina demanded, her panic barely masked by a sharp edge in her tone. She sensed an unspoken usation in Dani¡¯s steady gaze, an intangible something she couldn¡¯t identify.

    ¡°Oh dear!¡± Katrina¡¯s distress intensified, her actions bing more theatrical.

    ¡°Dani, you can spew all the nonsense you want about cutting ties, but at the end of the day, his blood still runs in your veins.

    Your father¡¯s about to die, and you act like it¡¯s nothing. What the hell is wrong with you? How can you be so ruthless?¡±

    Uncover your next story on g ? ln¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s,

    Dani rose slowly, her eyes narrowing, scrutinizing Katrina as if she were a suspect under interrogation.

    ¡°Yes, I am ruthless. Knowing that, why bothering to me?¡±

    Katrina, taken aback, had not anticipated such calmposure from Dani, nor such a chilling retort. For a brief moment, she was speechless, the thickyers of makeup unable to mask the crimson spreading across her cheeks.

    ¡°You¡­¡±

    ¡°Funny how this works,¡± Dani dered, her voice sharp and emphatic.

    ¡°Caiden was perfectly healthy before. Now, suddenly, when I take over thepany, he bes sick? Katrina, don¡¯t you think it¡¯s a little too convenient to be a coincidence?¡±

    At her words, Cedric red at Dani, his mind racing. She had the chance to destroy the Harper family and turn thepany inside out, but instead, she only took 51% of the shares.

    Katrina¡¯s heart raced, yet she managed to maintain aposed facade.

    ¡°Dani, what exactly do you mean by that? Are you implying I harmed your father? Even if you refuse to acknowledge me as your stepmother, my devotion to your father is genuine. I couldn¡¯t possibly want any harm toe to him just for some minor profit. If you truly doubt his condition, perhaps you should verify it yourself.¡±

    Dani¡¯s gaze was icy as she fixed it on Katrina.

    ¡°Harper Group means more to you than a ¡®minor profit,¡¯ doesn¡¯t it? You¡¯d stop at nothing to get what you want, right?¡± A luxury vi and offshore assets¡ªhow could anyone reduce those to minor profit?

    Dani turned and made her way downstairs, Cedric on her heels. As she approached the car, she swung the door open and found Cedric already waiting inside. Dani tilted her head slightly, a faint, amused smile ying on her lips.

    ¡°Cedric, honestly, you don¡¯t have to follow me around like this. They wouldn¡¯t dare touch me.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 284

    ?Chapter 284:

    Cedric¡¯s face was a mask of icy severity, contrasting sharply with Dani¡¯s demeanor. He fixed her with a piercing gaze and questioned, ¡°What are you suspecting?¡±

    Upon hearing Katrina¡¯s mention of Caiden¡¯s illness, Dani had remained unmoved. But Cedric¡¯s question made her hesitate momentarily. Then, with a faint smile, she responded, ¡°What could I possibly suspect? Didn¡¯t Katrina use that I suspect she refused to return the money and decided to hurt Caiden over it?¡±

    Cedric crossed his arms, his gaze unwavering and full of curiosity.

    ¡°And?¡±

    Dani blinked, chuckling.

    ¡°And what more is there to say?¡±

    ¡°What do you think? Is there more?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure.¡±

    The car was gripped by a suffocating stillness, thick with unspoken tension. The driver stole nces at them through the rearview mirror, picking up on the charged atmosphere. What exactly were they discussing? He could grasp each word, but their conversation seemed like a puzzle, the pieces not quite fitting together. Halfway through the ride, Dani started to think Cedric had given up on conversation entirely.

    However, Cedric exhaled sharply, turning to face her more fully.

    ¡°Why did you only im 51 percent of Harper Group¡¯s shares? Why weren¡¯t you surprised about Caiden¡¯s condition? And why did you confront Katrina in such a manner?¡±

    Dani was bombarded with questions, each one striking with increasing intensity. The driver, eavesdropping with a mix of curiosity and confusion, found himself pondering the same things. He stole another nce at her through the rearview mirror. This time, Dani remained silent, her usual poise reced by a visible unease. For the first time, she seemed genuinely troubled, sparking a flicker of intrigue in the driver. He was about to look again when Cedric¡¯s intense gaze turned from Dani¡¯s perturbed expression to the driver. Sensing Cedric¡¯s scrutiny, the driver quickly straightened up, his attention snapping forward.

    Exclusive updates avable at g?ln¦Ò¦Íe?s?c?m

    ¡°Then¡­¡± Dani began, her voicecking its usual conviction.

    ¡°Why do you think that is?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know! But there must be a reason you¡¯re keeping from me!¡± Cedric¡¯s voice brimmed with frustration. As someone who held a high position, he was ustomed to masking his emotions. But now, his fury was unmistakable, coursing through him alongside the sting of betrayal.

    ¡°Dani, you don¡¯t need to exin yourself, but until I grasp your intentions, don¡¯t assume you can operate independently. I¡¯ll be keeping an eye on you!¡±

    He was resolute about not leaving her side until he had neutralized any threats. His intuition hinted at the motives behind Dani¡¯s actions, though he remained uncertain. Clenching his jaw, his grip tightened on his knee.

    He turned to look at her, the intery of light and shadows from the passing streemps casting her features in dramatic relief. Her eyes, usually vibrant, now appeared dim and weary. The sight softened his resolve momentarily, and he found himself reluctant to press her further.

    The driver struggled to make sense of the conversation. However, having worked for Phillips Group for years, he had seen Cedric evolve into an impressive and authoritative individual. Was this really how he intended to charm a woman? Miguel Powell, the driver, felt drained just observing the scene.

    As Dani stepped out of the car, Miguel let out a heavy sigh.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 285

    ?Chapter 285:

    ¡°Mr. Phillips?¡±

    Cedric stopped in his tracks.

    ¡°Yes? What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Miguel massaged his temples.

    ¡°Have you ever even tried to impress a woman? You¡¯re going about it all wrong! Seriously, did you just tell her, ¡®I¡¯ll be watching you¡¯? To anyone else, that¡¯d sound downright creepy, like a stalker!¡±

    Cedric stared nkly, bewildered.

    ¡°What?¡± Could his words really have been taken that way?

    Miguel sighed again.

    ¡°You scared Ms. Harper so much that she stayedpletely silent for the rest of the trip.¡±

    Cedric scoffed, rolling his eyes.

    ¡°Her? Scared? No way. She¡¯s the most fearless person I know. Honestly, if anyone¡¯s scared, it¡¯s probably me, not her.¡±

    Without another word, he mmed the car door and strode off toward the hospital.

    As he vanished into the hospital, Miguel shook his head. To him, Cedric seemed less like a man wooing someone and more like someone ready to start a confrontation. Dani had barely stepped out of the elevator when Cedric came charging up the stairs, slightly winded.

    Dani arched an eyebrow, her frown deepening.

    Find what¡¯s next on g al no ve ls

    ¡°Is it absolutely necessary to tail me so closely? You should at least think about your reputation.¡±

    Gasping for breath, Cedric ced his hands on his hips.

    ¡°I¡¯m only here because you left me no choice!¡±

    Her stern expression eased as a hint of amusement glimmered in her eyes.

    ¡°And how, exactly, did I force you? I haven¡¯t done a thing.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t y innocent! I know how you are.

    You keep everything inside and never open up. Fine, Dani,¡± he muttered, flinging his suit jacket over his arm, frustration coloring his voice.

    ¡°Mark my words¡ªone day, you¡¯lle to me and tell me everything on your own!¡± Dani¡¯s lips curved into a faint smile.

    As she pushed open the hospital room door, Cedric trailed in behind her. By then, his entire demeanor had changed¡ªhis jacket was back in ce, and his expression was icy and unreadable.

    Alexander was seated inside the room. He hadn¡¯t anticipated Cedric tagging along, and the sight of them together left him with an odd feeling. The one thought circling his mind was¡ªcould Dani actually be thinking about being with Cedric?

    Dani¡¯s eyes flickered briefly towards Caiden. Without another word, she walked away.

    The hospital belonged to Cedric, and as soon as he arrived, the director rushed to greet him in person.

    The attending doctor started exining Caiden¡¯s condition.

    ¡°He¡¯s suffering from severe inmmation, though the exact cause remains unknown. We¡¯re treating it while conducting further investigations.¡±

    ¡°Is it life-threatening?¡± Dani asked, her tone measured. The doctor shook his head.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 286

    ?Chapter 286:

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem to be life-threatening at this point.¡±

    Dani gave a curt nod, her voice polite but distant.

    ¡°I appreciate your efforts.¡±

    The doctor stole another nce at Dani. Seizing a moment when no one was watching, he stood near the door and discreetly snapped a photo of her.

    Cedric spotted it right away. He marched out of the room towards the doctor, reaching for his phone, but the man effortlessly evaded him.

    Cedric let out a frustrated sigh.

    ¡°Fine, keep the photo, but don¡¯t you dare post it anywhere.¡±

    Russell Steele, the doctor, smirked and waved his phone teasingly.

    ¡°Toote. Quick fingers¡ªI¡¯ve already shared it in the group chat.¡±

    Grinding his teeth, Cedric grabbed his phone. As expected, his group chat was now flooded with endless notifications, his friends mercilessly teasing him.

    Cedric¡¯s expression turned stormy as he typed a curt, icy reply.

    ¡°Cut it out, or I¡¯m leaving the group.¡±

    Russellughed and shook his head.

    ¡°Cedric, with a temper like that, do you honestly think you¡¯ll win her over? No wonder you¡¯ve been single for over two decades. At this rate, you¡¯ll end up growing old alone.¡±

    It was the second time that day his attempts¡ªor failure to woo a woman¡ªhad been ridiculed. Cedric could feel his irritation boiling over.

    ???????? ?????????????? ???? ??????????????????.??????

    Russell cast a look toward the hospital room, one brow lifting in amusement.

    ¡°You¡¯ve set your sights pretty high, haven¡¯t you? She¡¯s the head of Elite Lux, and her wealth could probably buy an entire nation. So, what¡¯s your angle? Marrying into her family or settling for the role of a hidden admirer?¡±

    Cedric¡¯s mouth tightened in frustration as he murmured, ¡°That¡¯s assuming she¡¯d even consider letting me marry in.¡± Russell stopped in his tracks, his eyes going wide with disbelief.

    ¡°Hold on, are you still Cedric? Did you seriously just say that? She must really be one of a kind.¡± He chuckled and began making his way towards the hospital room, but Cedric reached out and yanked him back by the arm.

    Russell turned back, puzzled.

    ¡°What is it now?¡±

    Cedric clenched his jaw.

    ¡°Don¡¯t go saying anything dumb. She¡¯s shy.¡±

    Russell arched an eyebrow as he leaned slightly to peer into the room.

    Dani radiated authority, like a queen overseeing her domain, while two nervous women in the corner looked as though they barely dared to draw breath.

    ¡°Shy?¡± Russell asked, clearly unconvinced.

    ¡°Are we even talking about the same person?¡±

    ¡°Not shy in that sense,¡± Cedric replied with a weary sigh.

    ¡°She avoids forming deep connections.¡±

    It stemmed from losing her mother at a young age. Deep down, she believed rtionships were fleeting, so she naturally kept her distance.

    Cedric had watched her closely for years. Dani unconsciously maintained a distance from everyone. Beyond a select few senior members at Elite Lux, she rarely let anyone get close. She was always courteous but emotionally distant, never revealing her true self. Her firm emotional barriers weren¡¯t intentional¡ªthey were instinctive, buried deep within her psyche.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 287

    ?Chapter 287:

    That was exactly why he had held back from making any moves for so long.

    If he hadn¡¯t picked up on the possibility that Katrina¡¯s schemes could endanger Dani¡¯s life, he wouldn¡¯t have said what he did earlier.

    ¡°Russell, I need you to help me with something,¡± Cedric said.

    Russell slid a piece of gum into his mouth and offered another to Cedric, who shook his head in refusal.

    ¡°What¡¯s it about?¡±

    ¡°I need you to pull up something in the system for me. Find Dani¡¯s mother¡¯s file. I want to see what her official cause of death was recorded as.¡±

    Russell stopped chewing mid-motion, his eyes drifting instinctively towards Dani.

    ¡°Cedric, you¡¯re in for a tough journey.¡±

    After Cedric had gone, Katrina sat inside, dabbing at her eyes with a tissue.

    ¡°Dani, just look at your father now, lying there like this. And all that money overseas¡­¡±

    Dani cast a nce at Caiden, lying in the bed with his mouth ck on one side. Her tone stayed even.

    ¡°That¡¯s not what matters right now.¡±

    She knew that if she pushed Katrina too hard, the woman might very well resort to killing Caiden. Dani¡¯s goal was to make Katrina expose herself¡ªnot to start fighting over the inheritance yet.

    ???????? ?????????????? ???? ??????????????????.??????

    Hearing her response, Katrina couldn¡¯t hide the flicker of delight that lit up her face. She bobbed her head eagerly.

    ¡°Yes, exactly! That¡¯s what family is all about, Dani. Blood is thicker than water, after all. I knew you still cared for your father. So regarding the vi¡­¡±

    Dani cut her off mid-sentence, her voice unwavering.

    ¡°I¡¯ll arrange for someone to sell it.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s cheerful expression faltered. She forced an uneasyugh.

    ¡°Dani, isn¡¯t it a little inappropriate to sell your father¡¯s vi while he¡¯s still unconscious? We don¡¯t even know when he¡¯ll regain consciousness. There¡¯s no urgency here. His belongings aren¡¯t going anywhere, are they?¡±

    Despite her calm words, Katrina¡¯s thoughts were whirling. She had already begun contacting potential buyers for the vi, nning to funnel the money into a hidden ount where Dani would never trace it.

    If her scheme unraveled, Katrina figured she could always pin the me on Caiden and let him take the fall.

    For now, she took Dani¡¯s hospital visit as a sign that she still had some concern for her father. Katrina had thought everything through, sure that Dani would go along with her n. But Dani¡¯s reactionpletely threw her off.

    ¡°Is that vi Caiden¡¯s own property? It was bought with thepany¡¯s money. As the main shareholder, I have every right to manage it. What makes that wrong?¡±

    At Dani¡¯s biting response, Katrina¡¯s fists tightened in anger.

    ¡°Yes, but¡ª¡±

    Before she could finish, Dani interrupted, her voice turning icier.

    ¡°Or do you expect me to handle the overseas assets as well?¡± The mention of foreign assets made Katrina¡¯s face contort with an involuntary twitch.

    ¡°Fine. If you insist, go ahead. The vi isn¡¯t really worth much anyway. If thepany needs the money, then¡­¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 288

    ?Chapter 288:

    Her voice wasposed, but inside, Katrina was seething with fury. Dani! This scheming woman!

    ¡°But the vi is a huge property, and as a young woman, you might find it difficult to manage the sale. Alexander is here today, and you trust him, don¡¯t you? Why not let him take care of it for you? Doesn¡¯t that sound better?¡±

    Katrina¡¯s n was straightforward. If Alexander took charge, she could control the timing. He could drag things out long enough for her to sell the vi and move the money before Dani even noticed.

    Alexander had remained silently in the corner, observing. Katrina turned to him, shing a sweet smile.

    ¡°Alexander, I¡¯m afraid this will be a bit of a burden for you. Dani trusts you implicitly, and if I handled it, she wouldn¡¯t feelfortable.¡±

    Alexander nodded slightly, his tone collected and professional.

    ¡°Of course, leave it to me. Bet Group specializes in real estate, so selling a vi is no problem. Since both you and Dani trust me, I¡¯ll¡­¡±

    Before he could finish, a voice as cold and sharp as a de interrupted him.

    ¡°I don¡¯t trust him.¡±

    Alexander froze, his unfinished sentence hanging in the air. Slowly, he turned to face Dani.

    ¡°What did you just say?¡±

    Find your next read on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    Dani repeated her words, emphasizing each one.

    ¡°I said, I don¡¯t trust Alexander to handle this.¡±

    Alexander stood motionless, his eyes locked on Dani, unable to believe what he was hearing. Her face remained impassive, and her gaze never once met his. Her profile was serene yet cold, a detachment that sent a jolt of unease through him.

    ¡°Dani¡­¡± Alexander inhaled deeply, trying to steady his racing heart.

    ¡°You don¡¯t trust me?¡±

    Katrina, thrilled by the drama, pretended to be stunned, covering her mouth dramatically.

    ¡°Dani! What did you just say? You don¡¯t trust Alexander? The man you loved for ten years! The man you married! And now you¡¯re saying you don¡¯t trust him to take care of this for you? You¡­¡±

    She paused deliberately, her words suspended in the air, intensifying Alexander¡¯s difort.

    Alexander¡¯s fists clenched at his sides, his pride stinging from the blow.

    ¡°Dani, what are you implying?¡± he demanded, his tone sharp as his gaze bore into her.

    ¡°Do you think I¡¯ll try to pocket the money? Or do you think I¡¯d side with someone else?¡±

    Recently, Alexander had been reflecting on the past. The memories resurfaced in quiet, unassuming moments, and with each passing thought, he realized how much Dani had sacrificed for him. She had bent her own rules for him time after time, yet he had never truly appreciated it.

    These revtions stirred something deep within him. He hade today hoping for a chance to repair their broken bond. He hade with honest intentions. And what did he receive in return?

    Alexander was stunned to find that his rare disy of goodwill was met with this. He felt a deep sting of insult. He couldn¡¯t believe Dani would turn on him like this.

    Locking eyes with her, he pressed on, ¡°Dani, do you really think so little of me? That I can¡¯t tell right from wrong?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 289

    ?Chapter 289:

    Dani didn¡¯t actually think Alexander would embezzle. She simply wanted nothing more to do with him. After all, hadn¡¯t he always chosen Katrina and her daughter? And now, he was acting wounded? Who was he trying to deceive?

    Cedric stood behind Dani, silently watching the scene, his face betraying no emotion. But inside, he knew exactly what was unfolding. Men always had a way of seeing through each other. So now, Alexander regretted it? He wanted to fix things?

    Cedric¡¯s eyes darkened.

    ¡°Dani, you¡¯re being too harsh,¡± Katrina interjected, attempting to y the role of the peacemaker.

    ¡°Look at Alexander¡ªyou¡¯ve hurt him deeply.

    You can¡¯t just erase the past because you have someone new in your life.

    Your father and I are family; no matter how much you hurt us, we¡¯ll ept it. But Alexander isn¡¯t.

    You¡¯re divorced, remember? Is it fair to target him?¡±

    Cedric frowned and was about to speak when Dani raised a hand to stop him. She then turned to face Katrina, her gaze sharp and cutting like a knife.

    Katrina¡¯s confidence wavered, her heart pounding as Dani¡¯s cold stare pierced through her.

    ¡°Katrina, there¡¯s no need for you to add fuel to the fire. I stopped caring about Alexander a long time ago. Don¡¯t think you can use the past to manipte me. Let me be clear¡ªI do what I want. As for you, you can plot all you want, but it¡¯ll be in vain. I tolerated you before, but not anymore. Soon enough, you¡¯ll long for the days when I was more patient with you.¡±

    Her words were sharp and blunt, leaving Katrinapletely humiliated. She opened her mouth to fire back, but before she could say anything, Dani spoke first.

    g¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s is your story hub

    ¡°Just days after my mother passed away, you moved into my house. A woman like you has no right to talk about morals or decency. Honestly, I thought you¡¯d lost any shred of shame long ago.¡±

    Katrina shook with fury, her finger usingly jabbing toward Dani.

    ¡°Dani! I¡¯m still your stepmother! How dare you speak to me this way?¡±

    Dani¡¯s eyes fixed on Katrina¡¯s sharply pointed red nail, the bold gesture only fueling her anger. Slowly, her expression hardened, and her gaze deepened with intensity.

    From the side, Alexander scowled and snapped, ¡°Dani, have you lost it? Do you even hear what you¡¯re saying? Calling Katrina that way means you¡¯re calling Caiden indecent too. He¡¯s your father, and he¡¯s lying in that bed!¡±

    Katrina¡¯s rage exploded. It had been years since anyone had the audacity to speak to her like this.

    Had she known Dani would cause so much trouble, she would have taken care of her along with her mother all those years ago. She thrust her finger even closer to Dani¡¯s face and screamed, ¡°Dani! You ungrateful little brat! You¡¯re nothing but a motherless orphan! I¡¯ll teach you a lesson for your father!¡±

    The instant the words left Katrina¡¯s mouth, a loud crack rang out through the room. And then, the whole room wentpletely still. Even Katrina froze, her mouth agape in disbelief.

    At the doorway, Joyce froze, her face drained of color in surprise. The thermos she had been holding slipped from her grip and crashed to the floor with a loud ng.

    A sharp crash rang out, shattering the silence, followed by a haunting stillness. Dani slowly lifted her gaze, her expression icy, before casually pulling a wet wipe from her bag and cleaning her hands. The simple gesture jolted Katrina back to reality. A piercing scream tore from her throat, echoing through every corner of the room. Pain shot through her injured finger.

    Dani leaned in, and her lips curled into a sinister smile as she asked, ¡°Doesn¡¯t it hurt?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 290

    ?Chapter 290:

    Katrina gasped, her body trembling in fear. She saw Dani¡¯s smile, but it was as if Brylee was standing before her. Dani met Katrina¡¯s gaze with calm detachment, offering a smile that seemed almost innocent.

    ¡°You pushed your way into the Harper family right after my mother passed. Do you remember how that made me feel? Did you think I was too scared to speak up, or that Caiden mattered so much to me that I wouldn¡¯t dare upset him?¡±

    Cradling her broken finger, Katrina¡¯s fear deepened with every step Dani took closer. She mumbled incoherently, her body shrinking back in terror. To her, Dani appeared utterly unhinged.

    ¡°Katrina, I normally couldn¡¯t care less about you. But since you all insist on harassing me, let me make one thing clear¡ªI won¡¯t hesitate to fight back.¡±

    Dani¡¯s voice was soft, yet filled with an unmistakable steel. The calmness on her face made a chill run down Katrina¡¯s spine. In that moment, Dani seemed to resemble Brylee more than ever. She was beautiful, merciless, and uninterested in speaking a word more when a single action would suffice.

    Fear crept slowly into Katrina¡¯s heart, tightening its grip.

    Seeing Katrina cornered, Alexander quickly moved to help her. But just as he took a step forward, someone stepped in his way.

    ¡°Cedric!¡±

    Cedric crossed his arms nonchntly.

    ¡°That¡¯s me.¡±

    Find more chapters now g?ln¦Òv??ls?c?m

    ¡°Do you see what Dani¡¯s doing?¡± Alexander asked, his voice rising.

    ¡°She¡¯s hurting Katrina. Aren¡¯t you concerned she might call the police? Are you just going to stand by and watch this?¡±

    Cedric¡¯sugh was low and unhurried.

    ¡°Rx, buddy. I¡¯ve got top-notchwyers and endless financial support. Unless someone dies, this isn¡¯t a big deal.¡±

    Alexander stared, stunned by Cedric¡¯s obvious favoritism.

    ¡°You¡¯re just letting her do this?¡± he asked, unable to hide his disbelief.

    Cedric grinned again.

    ¡°I¡¯m courting her.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s shock quickly morphed into something darker. He locked eyes with Cedric, emphasizing each word.

    ¡°Dani was married before. She was married to me.¡±

    Cedric chuckled.

    ¡°Oh my God, really?¡±

    Alexander had known Cedric¡¯s interest in Dani was more than just business. But Cedric was one of the most powerful men in Olisvine. If Cedric wanted to have a fling with Dani, Alexander could understand. But hearing Cedric im he was actively pursuing her? That feltpletely surreal. He thought Cedric had lost his mind. They were all insane.

    On the other hand, Joyce was frantic, screaming about calling the police. Dani, however, didn¡¯t seem bothered at all. She simply shrugged, settling into a chair as if she had all the time in the world. Katrina teetered on the edge of unconsciousness, overwhelmed by pain. Joyce, her voice trembling with worry, rushed to her side.

    ¡°Mom, are you okay?¡±

    Dani was busy ying a shooting game on her phone, the loud sts from the game echoing through the room. She appearedpletely unfazed by Katrina¡¯s suffering or Caiden¡¯s critical state.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 291

    ?Chapter 291:

    Joyce stood, fury shing in her eyes as she red at Dani.

    ¡°You¡¯re just here to make our lives hell, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Dani didn¡¯t flinch. She gave a simple nod.

    ¡°Yes. Isn¡¯t that clear? I¡¯d say you¡¯re not exactly known for your intellect if you have to ask.¡±

    Joyce seethed at Dani¡¯s cold attitude.

    ¡°How did you turn into this, Dani? Just because you have money doesn¡¯t give you the right to do whatever you please!¡±

    Dani let out a dryugh, her fingers still tapping at her game.

    ¡°Maybe you should work your way up to my level before you start lecturing me about what¡¯s possible or not. But I doubt that¡¯ll ever happen. With yourck of initiative, you¡¯ll never know what it¡¯s like to actually hold power.¡±

    Dani tilted her head, pretending to sympathize.

    ¡°Even if you did marry Alexander, I highly doubt you¡¯d ever really control his family¡¯s fortune.¡±

    Joyce¡¯s anger red. But, unfortunately, Dani¡¯s words hit home. She had never been quick on her feet. The only time she¡¯d ever gotten the upper hand over Dani was when Alexander left Dani for her. Now that it was obvious Dani had no interest in Alexander anymore, Joyce had no way to im another victory.

    Her fury made her voice shake, but it was clear she couldn¡¯tnd a hit on Dani. She couldn¡¯t even get close to Dani, with Cedric standing guard near her, rxed yet protective, like a warning to anyone who thought to approach.

    Joyce balled her fists, her voice rising in a sharp, high-pitched tone.

    L?t??st ch¦Ápt?rs in ???lnovels.??????

    ¡°Just wait! The police are on their way!¡± she yelled, her finger stabbing the air, aimed at Dani.

    At the mention of the police, Dani paused her game. She raised her eyes slowly, her calm gaze settling on the finger Joyce had pointed at her.

    Joyce¡¯s confident stance faltered the moment Dani¡¯s piercing gaze fixed on the finger she had raised. Dani gave a faint, knowing smirk before lowering her head, resuming her game.

    When the police finally arrived, representatives from both Phillips Group and Elite Lux had already shown up. Joyce,cking the wit to keep up, found herself tangled in the barrage of legal arguments. Meanwhile, Dani¡¯s words were clear and precise.

    ¡°It was an unfortunate ident. I¡¯m more than willing to make amends and settle this fairly.¡±

    Joyce stood stunned, watching Dani effortlessly y the same pity game Katrina often used. Dani told the police, ¡°My stepmother has always harbored resentment towards me. After my mother passed, she convinced my father to sever our rtionship. She married him just days after my mother¡¯s death. Now that my father is critically ill, she¡¯s barred me from visiting him. Naturally, I became emotional¡­¡±

    This strategy quickly made the legalplications fade away, and the matter was resolved swiftly.

    Still reeling, Joyce watched as Dani transferred $20,000 into the hospital ount. Then, with a sweet smile, Dani addressed Katrina, who was pale from the pain of her fractured finger.

    ¡°This money is for you. Get some medicine and take better care of that brain of yours.¡±

    Katrina tried to respond, but before she could utter a word, Dani¡¯s voice grew colder.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 292

    ?Chapter 292:

    ¡°Oh, and just so you know, I¡¯ve been feeling a bit homesicktely. I¡¯ll be moving back tomorrow.¡± Katrina¡¯s expression changed drastically at her words. Joyce scowled, her voiceced with indignation.

    ¡°What right do you think you have? Dad already severed ties with you!¡±

    ¡°Do you even think? If not, you might want to consider getting yourself a brain.¡±

    Dani leaned back,pletely at ease.

    ¡°Yes, Caiden cut ties with me. But the vi was my mother¡¯s. Under inheritancew, I still have a stake in it. I can move back whenever I choose, and not even Caiden can stop me¡ªcertainly not you.¡±

    Dani stood, stretchingzily, her eyes sweeping over Katrina and Joyce with clear contempt.

    ¡°You two should probably start praying that Caiden doesn¡¯t die anytime soon. Otherwise, the portion of the vi left to you might be smaller than a bathroom.¡±

    Her wordsnded like a heavy blow. Katrina¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. The doctor, misreading her response, murmured, ¡°I¡¯ll be more gentle.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s face remained torn, her mind swirling with confusion. Then, Dani added the final blow.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be on my way now. I have a feeling Caiden will wake soon. Don¡¯t you think so, Katrina?¡±

    Katrina was stunned into silence, her thoughts scattered.

    Joyce stormed over to Alexander, slipping her arm through his with a sense of urgency.

    Your storytelling destination is g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s

    ¡°Alexander! Did you hear the way Dani was talking? So sarcastic, so cold! Anyone who heard her would think we were the ones who killed Brylee! It¡¯s a blessing you didn¡¯t stay with her; she¡¯s totally out of her mind!¡±

    Alexander wasn¡¯t so easily fooled. Joyce might have missed the meaning of Dani¡¯s words, but he didn¡¯t. What did she mean by Caiden waking up soon? How could she possibly know? Alexander narrowed his eyes, a growing suspicion forming as his gaze turned to Katrina.

    Meanwhile, Katrina, getting ready for surgery on her fractured finger, stepped out of the ward to make a call before signing the necessary forms.

    In the quiet hospital garden, she whispered into the phone, ¡°Mom, do you think Dani has figured something out? Why would she suddenly want to move back? She has a prime spot in the Elite Lux building with a city view. Why would she want to move back?¡±

    On the other end, her mother was ying cards.

    ¡°You¡¯re overthinking it. Dani was just a kid back then. She was only five. Who remembers things from that age?¡±

    Katrina¡¯s unease persisted.

    ¡°Then why did she snap so suddenly? She¡¯s always been so calm, never argumentative. But today, she waspletely different.¡±

    Her mother let out a softugh.

    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because of Alexander. She¡¯s probably just holding a grudge. Think about it ¡ª she loved him for so long. What¡¯s the term? Oh, right, sunk cost. Alexander¡¯s her sunk cost. She¡¯s upset she lost him and can¡¯t do anything about it, so now she¡¯s taking it out on you.¡±

    Katrina muttered quietly, ¡°Is that really what it is?¡±

    But something didn¡¯t sit right. Dani didn¡¯t appear bitter. In fact, she seemed to have grown quite close to Cedric. She had even entrusted him with the sales of the vi.

    Didn¡¯t that imply Cedric was now more significant to Dani than Alexander?

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 293

    ?Chapter 293:

    The thought made Katrina boil with anger.

    Dani had lost Alexander but gained someone even more valuable¡ªCedric.

    How could she have such luck?

    If Cedric had chosen Joyce, it would¡¯ve been perfect.

    Her mother¡¯s voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

    ¡°Sweetheart, I¡¯m out of money again. Send me half a million. And stop worrying about Dani. Brylee was tough back then, but she couldn¡¯t outdo you in the end, right? You¡¯ve done fine since then. If you handled Brylee, Dani will be a breeze. And if things go south, just take care of her too. Problem solved.¡±

    Katrina ended the call, but her mind was still swirling with uncertainty.

    Upstairs, Joyce summoned her for surgery, and Katrina made her way back to the surgical ward. Had Dani figured something out? What was her real reason foring back this time?

    Lost in thought, she missed a step and tumbled down.

    There was a sharp crack, and her whole hand snapped.

    Her piercing scream rang out, reaching the underground parking lot.

    In the parking lot, Cedric stopped Dani just as she was about to enter her car.

    She nced up at him, asking, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    Read more stories now g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s?c?m

    Cedric¡¯s gaze was piercing. In the dim light of the underground parking lot, his expression was unreadable, like a mask that gave nothing away.

    Dani pressed her lips together, sensing the tension, and quietly asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Cedric locked eyes with Dani. There were so many things he wanted to ask, so many questions swirling in his mind. But as he looked into her clear eyes and heard her cool, almost distant tone, he found himself unable to voice any of them. Instead, after a moment of silence, he spoke with determination.

    ¡°If you¡¯re moving back to your father¡¯s ce, I¡¯ming with you.¡±

    Dani had anticipated Cedric would ask something, but his deration left her momentarily stunned.

    ¡°What? Why?¡± she questioned.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already told you, I¡¯m courting you. It was difficult enough living on separate floors at Elite Lux. If you move to your father¡¯s, it¡¯ll only make it harder for me to find reasons to be around you. So, you can go, but I¡¯ming with you.¡±

    The moment the words left his mouth, Cedric realized how unlikely his request sounded. Dani studied him for a long moment.

    Just as she was about to respond, footsteps echoed across the concrete. Upon recognizing the figure, her expression hardened. It was Alexander.

    Alexander strode forward quickly, his irritation clear as he reached out to grab Dani¡¯s arm. Cedric stepped forward, cing himself between them and blocking Alexander¡¯s path.

    Alexander stopped abruptly, his gaze lifting to meet Cedric¡¯s. The two men stared at each other in silence for what felt like an eternity.

    ¡°I just need to ask Dani a few things. Would you mind?¡± Alexander said, his tone controlled.

    Cedric stood firm, hands in his pockets, his posture radiating defiance.

    ¡°I¡¯m not stopping you from speaking.¡±

    From behind Cedric, Dani noticed for the first time just how tall he truly was. Being so close, she caught a subtle whiff of his cologne¡ªcool and crisp. It was a stark contrast to his earlier blunt, almost aggressive demeanor. Dani nced up, noting the broadness of his shoulders. For the first time, she thought of Cedric as a reassuring presence, someone who could actually make her feel safe.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 294

    ?Chapter 294:

    ¡°Say what you need to, or leave,¡± Cedric said to Alexander, his voice sharp.

    Dani leaned against the car, silent and seemingly uninterested in getting involved.

    Alexander immediately picked up on how unusual Dani¡¯s reaction was. She had always been distant and fiercely independent. She preferred to handle her own matters. But now, she was letting Cedric send him away without even speaking up. She appeared calm, her lips curled into a faint smile. This wasn¡¯t the woman he remembered. The realization made Alexander uneasy.

    He moved to the side, reaching again for Dani¡¯s hand. Cedric pushed Alexander¡¯s arm aside, enough to make it sting. Alexander could feel the tense energy radiating from Cedric, the sudden coldness in his manner. He realized that if he kept challenging Cedric, he might end up like Katrina in the hospital.

    ¡°Dani, I just want to talk.

    You don¡¯t have to treat me like I¡¯m a criminal.¡±

    Sensing Cedric¡¯s growing tension, Dani gently pulled at his sleeve.

    ¡°Stay here with me. Right by my side.¡±

    Cedric, who had been ring at Alexander, softened instantly. He nodded and stepped to stand beside Dani.

    ¡°Go ahead,¡± Dani said, straightening up as her smile vanished. Alexander¡¯s eyes darted between her and Cedric, confused by Dani¡¯s sudden change in behavior.

    ¡°You really think I¡¯m that dangerous? I won¡¯t hurt you.

    More stories at g??lnov???????????m

    You can¡¯t even talk to me in private?¡± Every bit of his behavior was for her benefit. He had pursued her, only to end up humiliated like this?

    Alexander nced at Dani, his eyes revealing the hurt he felt.

    ¡°If you have something to say, say it now. Otherwise, I¡¯m leaving,¡± Dani said.

    Alexander pressed his lips together.

    ¡°So, this is some kind of game, huh? You¡¯re showing off this cozy act with Cedric in front of me, hoping it¡¯ll stir some jealousy or anger.

    You think it¡¯ll make me reconsider pursuing you? Here¡¯s the truth¡ªyou¡¯repletely missing the point. This kind of behavior won¡¯t bring me closer to you; in fact, it¡¯s doing the opposite.¡±

    As always, he was confident that, no matter what, Dani still wanted him deep down. He believed her seeming closeness with Cedric was merely to provoke him. At first, he had tolerated her behavior, but now he admitted he could no longer ignore the growing irritation in his heart. So, he stated it inly. He could no longer y this game of hard-to-get.

    Dani squinted, almostughing at how absurd it all seemed. She gave him a thumbs-up in response to his cold stare.

    ¡°It¡¯s a real shame you¡¯re not writing novels with that kind of imagination.¡±

    Alexander narrowed his eyes, displeased.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°You said I don¡¯t understand men. Do you understand women? I can¡¯t speak for other women, but as for me¡­¡± Dani looked at him, her eyes now empty of the passion they once held for Alexander. That passion had been reced by cold indifference.

    ¡°Once I make up my mind to leave, I never look back.¡±

    Dani took pride in her straightforwardness. When she liked someone, she made it clear. And when she didn¡¯t, she simply walked away. She couldn¡¯t understand where Alexander¡¯s delusion hade from.

    Alexander stood frozen, taken aback by her response. For a moment, Dani¡¯s words felt like a sharp stab to his chest. He locked eyes with her, noticing the seriousness that lingered in her gaze. Panic crept in, a strange feeling that he wasn¡¯t used to, but one he knew he didn¡¯t wee.

    Against his own instincts, he couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°You¡¯re really going to act like this?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 295

    ?Chapter 295:

    This time, Dani let out a genuineugh, her smile dripping with sarcasm.

    ¡°Do you really have to keep acting like this? Alexander, I¡¯vepletely lost patience with your nonsense.¡±

    A sudden, sharp pain jabbed at Alexander¡¯s chest. He stared at Dani¡¯s emotionless face, desperately searching for any sign of feeling.

    ¡°Dani, do you have any idea why I came after you?¡± Her face stayedposed, her eyes empty of any emotion, as if she were staring at someone utterly foolish¡ªor maybe even a lunatic.

    The look she gave him hit a nerve, and Alexander felt his emotions begin to unravel. His voice rose with frustration as he pointed to the stairs.

    ¡°Katrina¡¯s in surgery, Joyce is falling apart, and your father is still fighting for his life.

    Yet here I am, after you. Do you know why? Because I¡¯m worried about you, Dani! You shouldn¡¯t move back. After today, Katrina will never let this go. Joyce may be a fool, but Katrina isn¡¯t. She¡¯s calcting, and you¡¯re too emotional. How do you think you stand a chance against her? And your father doesn¡¯t even care about you. Why return to a ce where you¡¯re not wanted? Is it just for the vi? You don¡¯t need the money, Dani. I don¡¯t understand. Why are you intentionally walking into danger? What do you hope to aplish? Is it because of me?¡±

    At first, Dani thought Alexander might still possess some intelligence. But the moment she heard hisst sentence, a wave of disgust washed over her. Without saying a word, she turned, opened the car door, and climbed in.

    ¡°Dani, is that a yes?¡± Alexander shouted, his frustration building as he pped the car window in exasperation.

    ¡°Are you afraid I¡¯ll marry Joyce and you¡¯re trying to stop it? Are you worried someone else will take me from you? Is that why you¡¯re putting yourself in danger? Tell me, Dani, is that what this is all about?¡±

    Get lost in stories on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s©q??????

    Alexander was desperate to confirm his suspicions. He had spent so much time thinking about it upstairs, and this was the only exnation that seemed to fit. Why else would Dani choose to move back? Nothing else made sense. Joyce¡¯s earlier words echoed in his mind, cutting through his thoughts.

    ¡°I bet Dani still has feelings for you. That¡¯s why she¡¯s moving back!¡±

    In that instant, everything fell into ce for Alexander. He was certain he¡¯d figured it all out. That was why he had followed her.

    He needed to tell Dani that there was no reason for her to risk herself on his behalf. If she still wanted him, he would dly marry her again.

    What else could she possibly want?

    Watching Dani¡¯s car drive off, Alexander stood there in the parking lot and yelled after her, ¡°Dani, if you have a change of heart,e find me! I¡¯ll give you a few days to think it through!¡±

    Dani sat in the driver¡¯s seat, with Cedric beside her in the passenger seat. He had been hoping that Alexander would ask the questions he had been dying to know. But¡­

    Cedric came to a harsh realization¡ªAlexander¡¯s mindset was no different from Joyce¡¯s. Twoplete fools!

    Despite himself, Cedric nced at Dani. Her lips were pursed, and a faint trace of anger shadowed her face.

    After a brief pause, he nervously broke the silence with a question.

    ¡°You don¡¯t like Alexander, do you?¡±

    As soon as the words left his mouth, Dani burst outughing, taken aback by how ridiculous the question was. She nced at Cedric, a mix of amusement and annoyance in her eyes. For a brief moment, she entertained the thought of kicking him out of the car. But then, she shook her head with a sigh and said, ¡°Cedric, I swear your brain works just like Joyce¡¯s.¡±

    ¡°So, why are you angry?¡± he asked.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 296

    ?Chapter 296:

    Dani went quiet, her thoughts momentarily drifting. She shut her eyes, releasing a long, slow breath. When she spoke again, her voice was soft, almost a whisper.

    ¡°Because I¡¯m embarrassed.¡±

    She felt ashamed of who she had been¡ªsomeone so consumed by her feelings for Alexander. Now, confronting Alexander¡¯s twisted conclusions and selfish assumptions, all she could feel was regret.

    As if that wasn¡¯t enough, Cedric, who was usually so perceptive, had just asked her if she still had feelings for Alexander. Dani closed her eyes once more, trying to calm the storm of emotions raging within her.

    Just as she found a moment of stillness, Cedric¡¯s voice broke through, low and steady.

    ¡°Dani, love me. I¡¯ll be loyal to you for the rest of my life.¡±

    Throughout the drive back, Dani remained silent, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery.

    When they arrived at Elite Lux, she reached to unbuckle her seatbelt, only to feel Cedric¡¯s hand clutching the sleeve of her jacket.

    Dani nced down at his hand. His fingers, long and tense, were gripping her sleeve so tightly that the tips were turning white.

    Cedric noticed her looking, and for a brief moment, his fingers gave a small, almost hesitant twitch. But instead of releasing her, he gripped her sleeve even tighter, as if letting go wasn¡¯t an option.

    Dani lifted her eyes to meet his.

    Discover fresh chapters g¦Áln¦Ò¦Íe??s

    Beneath the bright lights of Elite Lux¡¯s grand entrance, she saw the resolute determination etched on Cedric¡¯s face.

    With a quiet sigh, she said simply, ¡°Let go.¡±

    Instead of obeying, Cedric¡¯s grip grew firmer.

    His jaw tightened before he spoke, his voice low but brimming with emotion.

    ¡°Tell me, Dani, what makes Alexander better than me? Why does he get a chance, and I don¡¯t? Whatever it is you don¡¯t like about me, I¡¯ll change it. Just tell me!¡±

    Dani remained quiet, her lips pressing into a thin line.

    After a moment, he let go of her sleeve. His shoulders sagged, and in a softer tone, he muttered, ¡°Never mind. Just go upstairs.¡± The sudden shift in his tone caught Dani off guard. It was clear Cedric didn¡¯t want to release her, but he couldn¡¯t bring himself to force her into an ufortable situation. He hated seeing her upset and refused to be the reason behind her distress.

    Dani thought about giving a simple excuse to brush him off. But when she looked at Cedric, with his quiet patience and sincerity, she realized she couldn¡¯t bring herself to lie. So she chose to tell the truth.

    Sitting up straighter, she met his gaze and began to speak slowly.

    ¡°Cedric, you¡¯re a kind person, truly. But you¡¯ve seen everything that¡¯s happened to me, haven¡¯t you?¡±

    Cedric lifted his head, his eyes searching hers.

    The soft glow inside the car cast shadows across her face, leaving half of it obscured in dim light as she sat upright.

    ¡°I once tried with everything I had to chase after Alexander,¡± she continued, her voice steady but distant.

    ¡°The entire city saw it, so there¡¯s no need for me to rehash the story. I thought I loved him, thought I wanted him more than anything. But the day our divorce was finalized, all I felt was relief. That¡¯s when I understood that no matter how much you think you love someone, those feelings can erode. Little arguments, tiny cracks, day by day, they break even the strongest connections. In the end, most rtionships are built on shared goals, not passion or romance. Take Caiden, for example. He adored my mother. If she so much as took a sip of coffee, he¡¯d fret over whether it was too hot. If she went to a party, he¡¯d stand outside the vi all night, just waiting. I thought that was the greatest love anyone could ask for. But what happened? Not even a week after my mother died, Katrina moved into her room, took her spot, and sat at her dressing table like it was hers all along. I¡¯ve seen all kinds of ugliness in life, but nothingpares to the darkness that people hide in their hearts. Mine¡¯s been empty for a long time. I have nothing left to offer. Cedric, you¡¯re special. I truly hope you find someone equally special, someone who can give you what you deserve. Do you understand?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 297

    ?Chapter 297:

    Dani managed a faint smile as she looked at him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just be friends for life, okay? Once the initial spark fades, what¡¯s left is just the wreckage of routine and boredom. Why go through all that trouble?¡±

    With that, she reached for the door handle and pushed it open. She stepped out of the car, but before leaving, she nced back at him. Her voice was gentle, almost kind.

    ¡°Go home, Cedric, and get some rest. Tomorrow morning, we¡¯ll still be friends who can count on each other. That¡¯s more than enough, isn¡¯t it? I¡¯ve always been distant, Cedric. Loving someone has nevere naturally to me. Alexander wasn¡¯t wrong when he said that. If I had truly loved him during those ten years, I wouldn¡¯t have walked away as easily as I did. That just proves my feelings were shallow. The truth is, I¡¯ve always loved myself more than anyone else.¡±

    Dani offered Cedric a faint smile, her voice gentle but firm.

    ¡°Choosing someone like me, Cedric, would only mean settling for less than you deserve. Why do that to yourself? You¡¯re too smart for that, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Then she stepped out of the car and shut the door behind her with a soft, decisive click.

    The weight of her parting words snapped Cedric back to reality. He leaped out of the car and bolted after Dani.

    At the building¡¯s entrance, his hands trembled as he fumbled for his keycard. When he finally got inside, the elevator doors were already closing. He dashed up the stairs, taking them two at a time. But the second he arrived at Dani¡¯s apartment, he heard the faint click of her door closing.

    He knocked on the door, urgency in every pound. After a moment, Josie appeared, her eyes heavy with sleep.

    Discover new releases g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s

    ¡°Sir, what¡¯s the matter? You look like you¡¯ve seen a ghost.¡±

    Cedric didn¡¯t answer. His heart was racing, consumed by frustration and regret over his missed opportunity. He raced upstairs and pounded on Dani¡¯s door with renewed desperation. But the door remained firmly shut.

    Cedric leaned against the door, his voice breaking as he spoke.

    ¡°Dani, stop lying to me! You¡¯re not Alexander¡ªyou¡¯re not heartless! And I¡¯m not like you. I won¡¯t let misfortune dictate my life! You call me smart, but I¡¯m not. I¡¯m just a fool. When I set my heart on something, I don¡¯t let it go! Ever!¡±

    Even after he finished speaking, his breaths came heavy, yet he stood his ground, refusing to budge.

    At the far end of the hallway, Lillian and Ryan froze, their eyes wide with surprise. After a moment of stunned silence, they exchanged nces and gave Cedric an encouraging thumbs-up. For the first time, he was taking a stand for himself.

    That night, Cedric remained resolute. He sat quietly outside Dani¡¯s door, his back against the wall, waiting patiently. He was determined toy bare every emotion that had been bottled up in his heart.

    The following morning, Dani opened her door to find Cedric crouched outside, looking like he hadn¡¯t moved all night. The moment she stepped into the hallway, Cedric sprang to his feet and brushed off his pants.

    ¡°Dani, I¡¯m not scared,¡± Cedric blurted, his voice breaking the silence.

    Dani didn¡¯t need him to exin; she understood the weight behind his words. She gave him a brief nod and walked past, her expression calm and unreadable.

    ¡°You said yesterday that you and your mother went through it and things ended badly. But that doesn¡¯t mean my story will turn out the same! Is that why you rejected me? I can¡¯t ept that,¡± Cedric pressed, following her.

    Dani made her way to the kitchen, her movements deliberate as she retrieved tes, knives, and forks from the cabs. She began arranging the table, setting a ce for Cedric as well. Just as she reached for the bread to slice it, Cedric¡¯s hand moved faster, taking hold of it first.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 298

    ?Chapter 298:

    ¡°Sit down,¡± he instructed firmly, nodding toward the chair.

    Dani didn¡¯t argue and took a seat.

    While slicing the bread, Cedric said, ¡°You can¡¯t push me away just because of what went wrong before. The past might be your excuse, but it¡¯s not a reason strong enough to convince me otherwise.¡±

    Once her breakfast was done, Dani ced her knife and fork neatly on the te. With her hands folded in front of her, she looked moreposed than she had the night before in the car, her emotions now under control.

    ¡°Cedric, rtionships involve two people. I don¡¯t want to be your girlfriend, and you can¡¯t force me into it, can you?¡± she said inly.

    Cedric, usually sharp and quick-witted, found himself momentarily at a loss for words.

    ¡°You¡¯re not afraid, and that¡¯s okay. It¡¯s because you haven¡¯t lived through it. I have, and that makes my fear valid, doesn¡¯t it? You, with no experience, can¡¯t just talk about probabilities like they¡¯re facts. That¡¯s not how it works. Love is something you only truly understand once you¡¯ve lived it. Experience teaches better than theory, wouldn¡¯t you agree?¡±

    Cedric sat there, stunned, as if exhaustion from the sleepless night had robbed him of his ability to respond.

    Even after Dani grabbed her things and left for work, Cedric remained frozen, her words echoing in his mind, unable to shake off their impact. Outside, Lillian and Ryan shared a nce, both silently weighing the situation. In unison, they murmured, ¡°Dani really knows how to leave people speechless.¡±

    Lillian¡¯s expression soured.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s makes every story special

    ¡°She¡¯s not giving him a break. How much has she really brought him down?¡±

    Many had tried to win Dani¡¯s heart, but she was a master at turning them away without hesitation.

    While Dani was busy at work, Cedric brought hisputer into her office and was now quietly sitting at the desk. Dani stopped typing for a moment and nced at his cold expression. After a few seconds, she went back to her work. Cedric didn¡¯t say anything either, and the office remained quiet. At the door, Ryan leaned in and whispered to Lillian, ¡°Do you think Dani¡¯s going to be upset?¡±

    Lillian peeked inside the office, shaking her head.

    ¡°It¡¯s hard to say.¡±

    To those who didn¡¯t know Dani, she might appear quiet and reserved. But those familiar with her knew that when she was angry, her words could cut so deeply that anyone on the receiving end would wish they could disappear.

    Ryan and Lillian worried about it throughout the day, but nothing seemed to change.

    As the workday came to an end, Dani stood up, and without a second thought, Cedric followed her lead. Dani arched an eyebrow at him.

    ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡±

    Cedric met her gaze and said earnestly, ¡°I may not have much experience, but I¡¯m willing to give it a shot. The only person I want to try with is you. If you¡¯re not ready to date now, that¡¯s fine. I can wait. When you¡¯re ready, I¡¯ll be here to show you where it leads.¡±

    Dani had intended her words earlier to distance herself from him, but she hadn¡¯t expected Cedric to take them so literally. She shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips.

    ¡°Alright then, you wait.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 299

    ?Chapter 299:

    As she spoke, Cedric¡¯s eyes brightened, a trace of smugness mixed with a joy that was hard to describe. Dani couldn¡¯t help but find it amusing. Was he really that happy about it?

    After finishing work, she went upstairs for dinner before packing a few clothes to return to her father¡¯s ce. By the time she came downstairs, Cedric was already waiting by the car with his luggage in tow. Dani sighed.

    ¡°Cedric, let¡¯s notplicate things. It¡¯s not right for you toe along.¡±

    Cedric knew it wasn¡¯t exactly appropriate, but as Alexander had pointed out, Dani had money, and her father¡¯s vi didn¡¯t hold much appeal for her. Why was she moving back there? Was there a danger he wasn¡¯t seeing?

    With thepany now under her control, the tension with her family was bound to escte. How could she handle all of it? These concerns weighed heavily on him.

    ¡°Just give me a guest room, and I promise I¡¯ll stay out of your way unless there¡¯s a safety issue. Is that okay?¡± he pleaded. Fearful that she might say no, he quickly added, ¡°If you don¡¯t agree, I¡¯ll find another way in.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s worry was clear, his nerves on full disy. He walked up to Dani, holding his luggage.

    ¡°Please, let mee with you. I¡¯ll be your bodyguard, alright?¡±

    Cedric stood tall, his buzz cut entuating his sharp, angr features. When he wasn¡¯t talking, he had a way of giving off a cold, distant aura, making him seem unapproachable. Even when he did speak, his low, icy voice was enough to make anyone hesitate.

    But in that moment, with his gaze lowered and his face rxed, he appeared almost vulnerable, like a child hoping for reassurance. Dani gave him a helpless smile as she nced his way.

    Check the newest chapters on g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s

    ¡°Cedric, don¡¯t try to charm me.¡±

    Cedric thought back to how Lillian always teased Ryan with that yful, almost innocent charm.

    Without any trace of hesitation or shame, he fixed his cool gaze on Dani¡¯s eyes and said thest thing she expected to hear.

    ¡°I¡¯m begging you!¡±

    The driver overheard and, by ident, honked the horn several times. The sharp honking echoed through the quiet underground parking lot.

    Cedric, throwing all caution to the wind, added with a wry smile, ¡°Now even the driver¡¯sughing at me. How am I supposed to face people if you don¡¯t agree?¡±

    Dani watched him, unfazed by his supposed embarrassment, his cool demeanor still firmly in ce.

    With a sigh, she finally gave in.

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s set some rules.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s face brightened, his excitement obvious.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Dani started, ¡°First, if you¡¯reing along, you¡¯re just my bodyguard. Unless I¡¯m in real danger, you¡¯ll be out of sight.¡±

    ¡°Deal!¡± Cedric agreed instantly.

    ¡°Second, if I decide it¡¯s time for you to leave the house, you¡¯ll listen to me and leave.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s brow furrowed in confusion.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 300

    ?Chapter 300:

    Dani¡¯s tone grew firm.

    ¡°Third, no questions asked.¡±

    Cedric was momentarily at a loss for words.

    Without waiting for him to respond, Dani slid into the car.

    ¡°If you agree, get in.

    You¡¯ve got five minutes to make up your mind.¡±

    Before she could finish her sentence, the door was already open, and Cedric slipped in.

    The familiar scent of Cedric¡¯s cologne filled the air, recing the cold tension between them.

    As Dani arrived at the Harper family¡¯s residence, she found Joyce and Katrina already waiting for her.

    With a forced smile, Katrina greeted her.

    ¡°Dani, I¡¯ve got good news.

    Your father is awake. I told him you were moving back, and he insisted on being discharged. He¡¯s waiting for you inside now.¡±

    Dani wasn¡¯t surprised in the least. She curved her lips into a faint smile and replied, ¡°Really? The hospital must be quite something. Someone who couldn¡¯t wake up yesterday is discharged today. I¡¯m curious if it¡¯s due to the doctors¡¯ skill or something else.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s smile stiffened, but Joyce, oblivious as usual, furrowed her brow.

    ¡°Dani, what are you getting at? Shouldn¡¯t you be happy that Dad¡¯s awake? Or do you secretly wish something had happened to him, so you could take control of the Harper family¡¯s fortune?¡±

    L§Ñ¦Ó??¦Ó ch?¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?ls.??????

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t I?¡± Dani asked with a faint smile.

    ¡°Harper Group was entirely built by my mother. Thisnd you¡¯re standing on? It was my mother¡¯s vi, purchased with her own money. Joyce, you should be thankful I¡¯m showing any kindness at all. If not, you¡¯d have been out of here ages ago.¡±

    Joyce stood frozen, taken aback. In her memory, Dani rarely spoke out, let alone argued, except for that one outburst at the hospital.

    ¡°Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed?¡± Joyce muttered under her breath.

    Dani didn¡¯t even bother to respond. She reached for her luggage, only to find Cedric already carrying it for her. Katrina figured Cedric was only there to drop Dani off. Dani moved ahead with Cedric right behind her, while Katrina and Joyce followed, their heads bowed.

    Once inside, Dani instructed the servants to ce Cedric¡¯s luggage in the guest room before heading upstairs.

    Fresh out of the hospital, Caiden was so furious at Dani¡¯s coldness that he almost needed emergency assistance.

    A short timeter, Dani descended the stairs and, with icy calm, addressed the trio seated in the living room.

    ¡°Why did my room be a nursery?¡±

    Before anyone could respond, Caiden exploded, breathless with anger.

    ¡°Dani, why did you bring Cedric here to stay in the guest room? Are you trying to use him as a weapon against me?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re overreacting. Do I really need Cedric to handle you? He¡¯s just a friend, visiting for a few days. What¡¯s wrong with that?¡± Without giving anyone a chance to reply, Dani continued, ¡°Since my room has turned into a nursery, I won¡¯t take it back from the baby. Joyce, your bedroom has the best light, so I¡¯ll take that room instead.¡±

    Hearing that, Katrina sprang to her feet.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 301

    ?Chapter 301:

    ¡°Absolutely not!¡±

    ¡°How is this possible? That room gets the best sunlight in the whole house. It¡¯s the biggest and the mostfortable! Joyce has always stayed there,¡± Katrina protested.

    ¡°I think it¡¯s high time we fix that mistake,¡± Dani said without missing a beat.

    ¡°But¡­¡± Katrina paused, fists clenched.

    ¡°Joyce just had a baby! What do you expect her to do now?¡±

    Dani¡¯s tone stayed calm.

    ¡°She can share a room with the baby. What¡¯s the problem with that?¡±

    Katrina quickly shook her head.

    ¡°That is out of the question! Joyce has always had everything she wanted. She can¡¯t stay in that small room with bad airflow. The baby is still so young, he can put up with it. And once the child gets older, we¡¯ll need more space. Joyce simply can¡¯t stay there.¡± Dani just smiled lightly.

    Just then, Cedric came out of another room, dragged a chair over, and took a seat next to Dani. His calm presence felt like a shield of reassurance.

    Katrina¡¯s usual confidence seemed to wither under his piercing gaze. She nced at Cedric, then forced a stiff smile.

    ¡°Mr. Phillips, this is a family matter.¡±

    Cedric returned her look with a yful grin.

    ???¨¨?? ¡é?¦¤T?¦Å§Á? ?¦Ç ?a?§Úo¦Í???.???

    ¡°Is that so?¡± He didn¡¯t even move, stayingpletely still.

    Feeling ufortable, Katrina turned to Caiden with a look that begged for help.

    Caiden was about to ask Cedric to leave when Dani interrupted in a cool, collected tone.

    ¡°This house was part of my mother¡¯s inheritance, and I¡¯m her only child. In my mother¡¯s house, I can invite whoever I want. If some people aren¡¯t happy with that, they¡¯re wee to leave.¡±

    Her words hit hard, and Caiden¡¯s face twisted in anger.

    Dani, on the other hand, seemed oblivious to his reaction. Katrina, irritated but trying to maintainposure in front of their guest, forced another smile, though it didn¡¯t quite reach her eyes.

    ¡°Alright, Dani, if you¡¯re so determined. But Joyce can¡¯t move out of the room just yet? How about this? There¡¯s a nice guest room downstairs.

    You can stay there for now. Once the baby¡¯s a bit older, we can switch. Surely, you wouldn¡¯t take a room from a newborn and her mother, right?¡± Her suggestion was cleverly made.

    Joyce pped her hands in approval.

    After all, who needed more protection than a new mother and her baby?

    Katrina had a n in mind. Dani would settle into the guest room for now, andter, whether she moved back or not, would be entirely her choice. If she found the guest room ufortable and chose to leave, that would be ideal. Dani wasn¡¯t one to make a fuss over things. She had always epted the smallest, stuffy room upstairs without a word of protest.

    Katrina was sure this time would be no different. She believed that as long as she offered Dani a half-hearted excuse, she¡¯d quietlyply.

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s leave it here,¡± Caiden said, clearly agreeing. At least, in his eyes, Dani never stirred up trouble.

    ¡°Now, everyone go get cleaned up for dinner.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 302

    ?Chapter 302:

    Caiden stood up, and everyone thought the matter was done.

    But then Dani spoke again, her tone cold andposed.

    ¡°Feel free to eat if you want, but I¡¯ll be clearing out that room this afternoon.¡±

    Her words took them by surprise, quickly erasing the smug expressions from their faces.

    Joyce blinked, staring at Dani in shock.

    ¡°What did you just say?¡±

    ¡°I used to stay silent,¡± Dani said, her lips curling into a cold half-smile.

    ¡°But I¡¯ve realized there are fights worth engaging in. Otherwise, some people around here might start thinking they have control.¡±

    The disdain in her voice was unmistakable.

    Caiden¡¯s face turned bright red with fury. He hissed, ¡°You¡¯re such an ungrateful daughter!¡±

    ¡°Ungrateful?¡± Dani¡¯s eyes narrowed as she turned to Caiden, her expression sharp and unwavering.

    ¡°If I were truly ungrateful, would you have ever married Katrina? When my mother passed, who swore he¡¯d never marry again? Were those tears of yours ever genuine? And who, in the dead of night, staged a dramatic disy of sorrow, saying the senior shareholders didn¡¯t value you and your shares were too small? Who manipted me into signing that share transfer agreement? And after that, what happened? Just days after my mother¡¯s funeral, you married Katrina. Do you have any idea what people were saying about my mother at the time? They imed she was too controlling, that you¡¯d drifted apart from her long before. They said her strong personality was too much, and if she¡¯d stayed alive, you¡¯d never have achieved anything.

    You heard it all, didn¡¯t you? But you never said a word in her defense. Not once. So what do you really have to show for yourself? Everything you have now came from my mother. I tried to be the bigger person, tolerated your new family, and never caused any trouble here. And what did I get for it? A cramped, windowless room. I couldn¡¯t eat at the table. I was given threadbare nkets in winter and had to walk in the rain without a ride. Joyce, on the other hand, always had a driver ready. But me? I couldn¡¯t even get someone to hold an umbre for me.¡±

    Her voice dropped to a frigid tone.

    Your update hub: g?l¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??s?c?m

    ¡°You call me ungrateful, but I¡¯ve given up enough for your second chance at happiness. From now on, I won¡¯t be making any more sacrifices.¡±

    Dani spoke with stark directness.

    ¡°I¡¯m usually not one to make a fuss, but my patience has its bounds. If you all wish to continue residing here, I advise you steer clear of me. Otherwise, I won¡¯t hesitate to ask every single one of you to vacate the premises.¡±

    After delivering her ultimatum, Dani turned to the maid and instructed firmly, ¡°Marilyn, empty Joyce¡¯s room upstairs. Within the hour, I n to relocate my things there.¡±

    Marilyn Stout returned Dani¡¯s directive with a piercing gaze of evident disapproval. She retorted sharply, ¡°Your overbearing ego is too much to handle. Rebuking your own father? That¡¯s a whole new level of disgrace. Honestly, fighting Joyce over that room is stupid.

    You were fine in your tiny little room before. What¡¯s the big deal now? If you¡¯re so determined to move upstairs, I suppose I could prepare the baby¡¯s room instead.¡±

    Marilyn had barely finished her statement when Joyce nearly burst into apuse. However, the room was suddenly stilled by the sharp sound of a p. Everyone halted, caught off guard by the unexpected echo of the strike.

    Cedric, who had been observing quietly, rxed his clenched fists and allowed a small, knowing grin to cross his face. Marilyn faced Dani, her hands shaking with indignation.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 303

    ?Chapter 303:

    ¡°What the hell is wrong with you? You actually had the audacity to hit me?¡±

    ¡°Why not? Did you honestly think you were above it all?¡± Dani shot back with a frosty re.

    ¡°I am Katrina¡¯s aunt, and I am considerably older than you! How dare you!¡± Marilyn eximed, her hand raised in anger. Cedric was just pulling himself to his feet when another p resounded in the room.

    Dani picked up a napkin from the table and wiped her hand.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already made myself clear. From today onward, I¡¯m not holding back. I don¡¯t give a damn who you are. To me, you¡¯re just another nobody. I have a short fuse, and I tend to hold grudges. Anyone who has wronged me shouldn¡¯t be surprised when I pay them back in kind.¡±

    Marilyn shivered under the intensity of Dani¡¯s cold stare, feeling suddenly shaken. Was this really the girl who had silently endured hunger whenever she refused her food? The same girl who had meekly apologized to her even after being pped?

    Dani then turned her focus to Joyce, who instinctively stepped back. A slight smile yed on Dani¡¯s lips.

    ¡°You have one hour to remove your belongings from that room. Otherwise, I will discard them myself.¡±

    Rage lit up Joyce¡¯s eyes, a fiery intensity taking over her expression. She turned desperately to Katrina.

    ¡°Mom!¡± However, Katrina, visibly disturbed by Dani¡¯s outburst, remained silent. Caiden clenched his jaw tightly.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s£®?§àm takes you away

    ¡°Are you freaking crazy, Dani? What¡¯s gotten into you?¡± he blurted out, his voice strained with disbelief.

    Indeed, Dani¡¯s earlier ims were not without merit. When Brylee had unexpectedly passed, she bequeathed her estate equally between Caiden and Dani. Brylee¡¯s generosity and kindness had made her beloved among thepany¡¯s veteran employees, who in turn showed Caiden the same respect.

    Yet, Katrina contended that entrusting so many shares to a child was imprudent. She argued that a daughter would eventually marry, diminishing her need for such extensive assets. By reiming those shares, Caiden could fortify his position within thepany. Furthermore, he would need to amass a considerable dowry for Joyce in the future.

    Katrina insinuated that Dani, still mourning Brylee¡¯s demise, was overly reliant on Caiden for emotional support. She craftily suggested that if Caiden appeared sufficiently pitiable, Dani would be unable to deny him anything.

    Following Katrina¡¯s maniptive advice, Caiden acted ordingly. Predictably, Dani relinquished all her shares in thepany. Back then, Dani was merely a child, easily duped by Caiden, who deceitfully exchanged Brylee¡¯s lifelong achievements for nothing more than a simple lollipop.

    If Dani had not brought up the past, Caiden wouldn¡¯t have remembered it at all. Now confronted with the undeniable truth, he remained tight-lipped.

    Katrina caught the weight of his silence, her teeth gritting as she realized there was no escaping the task of moving Joyce from her current room today. With a contrived tenderness, she turned to Cedric, softening her expression in a bid to seem reasonable. She coaxed Dani in a sugary tone dripping with insincerity.

    ¡°Dani, think about what you¡¯re saying. using your father over something as trivial as a room? Very well, if the room means so much to you, consider it yours. Marilyn, would you please start packing Joyce¡¯s belongings and take them out?¡±

    Marilyn, still clutching her cheek, stormed upstairs in frustration. Dani¡¯s lips twisted into a subtle, scornful smile.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 304

    ?Chapter 304:

    ¡°I see you haven¡¯t lost your touch.

    Your words glide as smoothly as ever, and your skin seems thicker than stone.¡±

    Her words were piercing, sharp enough to cut through the air.

    Katrina¡¯s hand, resting lightly on herp, curled into a tight fist. Her face held a serene, amiable smile, but underneath, a storm of fury raged within her. She had always known handling Dani was a challenge. Looking back, she regretted not having killed Dani.

    Joyce began to voice her objections, but Dani¡¯s frosty re instantly silenced her. With her head bowed, she meekly withdrew to stand behind Katrina, her resolvepletely evaporating.

    An hourter, Ryan and Lillian pulled up with a moving van in tow. A flurry of movers bustled in and out, hauling an assortment of furniture and boxes into the house. Katrina watched the procession with a growing sense of annoyance churning in her stomach.

    ¡°Really, is all this necessary? Just look at all these things! Caiden, is Dani nning to stay here for good?¡±

    Caiden watched, his face clouding over as he saw movers hauling in a bed, a desk, a piano, and various other pieces ofvish furniture. A wave of irritation squeezed his chest, yet he felt powerless to intervene. With a frustrated snort, he spun around and retreated into the house.

    Joyce, on the other hand, gaped in astonishment as the movers hauled a brand-new bed upstairs. Unable to contain her frustration any longer, she called out to Dani, ¡°Dani, this is absurd! The bed in my room is almost new. Was there really a need to rece it with another?¡±

    Dani, leisurely peeling an orange that Cedric had given her, didn¡¯t even bother to nce her way.

    ???€$? ?§ß?t??§ñ? 1¦Ð ?al§Úo¦Í¦Å??.???

    ¡°I¡¯m a bit obsessive when ites to keeping things clean.¡±

    Just then, Josie arrived, apanied by a squad of professional cleaners. She addressed Dani with deference before ushering the cleaners upstairs.

    Joyce stared in disbelief at the unfolding chaos. She turned sharply, her eyes zing with fury as her voice exploded.

    ¡°What the hell is this supposed to mean? They¡¯ve got disinfectant tools! Are you implying that I¡¯m filthy?¡±

    Dani didn¡¯t even nce up from her task.

    ¡°No,¡± she responded tly.

    A wave of relief washed over Joyce, but it was short-lived.

    ¡°I¡¯m merely concerned that you might be carrying some contagious illness,¡± Dani continued, her tone indifferent.

    ¡°Dani, that is beyond inappropriate!¡± Joyce exploded in outrage.

    For the first time, Dani met her gaze squarely.

    ¡°Yes, I am being inappropriate. So, what are you going to do about it?¡± It was a question that cut straight to the core.

    Joyce stood rooted to the spot, her thoughts scrambling for aeback. Eventually, she had to ept the harsh reality¡ªshe was powerless to change Dani¡¯s course of action.

    Once the upstairs room was arranged, Caiden and the others thought the chaos was finally over. Suddenly, Dani¡¯s crew burst into the kitchen,mencing a ruthless dismantling of the space.

    Caiden and the others were shocked, their disbelief written all over their faces.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 305

    ?Chapter 305:

    Katrina demanded, ¡°What in the world are you doing?¡±

    Josie, standing confidently with her sleeves rolled up and overseeing the workers, pivoted to face her.

    ¡°Dani prefers not to share her kitchen space with you. She requires more room. Thus, we are erging this area.¡±

    She pointed to a modest sink nestled in the corner and assured, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, that area is designated for your use.¡±

    Marilyn, who was visibly agitated, advanced with determination, her sleeves also now rolled up in readiness.

    ¡°Why does she get all this space? Joyce has just weed a new baby and needs wholesome soups! How do you expect me to manage in such a cramped spot?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not my concern. Why are you bringing this to me? If you¡¯re struggling with your responsibilities, maybe you need to reconsider your position here. Sort it out on your own.¡± Josie¡¯s loyalty to Dani was unwavering. Despite her son¡¯s substantial financial sess, she had opted to remain steadfastly by Dani¡¯s side.

    She often said that Dani had faced many challenges in life, and she was willing to take care of Dani. Furthermore, Tyler¡¯s prosperity was deeply intertwined with Dani¡¯s encouragement and support. Filled with gratitude, Josie hadmitted herself to always protect and support Dani.

    Every so often, tales about the Harper family¡¯s mistreatment of Dani would reach Josie through whispers from Ryan or Lillian. These stories invariably ignited a fiery anger within her. Upon learning of Dani¡¯s return, Josie wasted no time in rushing to her aid, anxious that Dani might once again fall prey to the family¡¯s cruelty.

    Her worries were slightly alleviated when she saw Cedric standing protectively by Dani¡¯s side, yet Josie remained vignt, her defenses firmly up.

    Latest stories on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s

    Marilyn, Katrina¡¯s aunt, had made herself quite at home in the residence. She savored the best foods, imed a prime spot at the family dining table, and enjoyed theforts of theirvish home. Now, with her dominance challenged by an outsider, her patience was wearing thin.

    ¡°Who the hell do you think you are, talking to me like that? This is the Harper family!¡± Marilyn snarled, her voice trembling with rage.

    ¡°Oh, so you do know this is the Harper family?¡± Josie responded with a piercing, mockingugh.

    ¡°That¡¯s amusing. From the way you¡¯ve beenporting yourself, one might assume we¡¯re in your home.

    You¡¯ve leeched off your employers for so long, you¡¯vepletely lost sight of your actual standing here.¡±

    Marilyn, incensed, drew her hand back, poised to strike. But before her hand could meet its mark, the sharp sound of a p rang out, stopping her in her tracks.

    Marilyn stood there, utterly speechless, her body rigid with shock. In that moment, the world seemed to mute around her, leaving her enveloped in a disorienting buzz. The shame of Dani¡¯s ps earlier was still fresh¡ªa deep, stinging humiliation. But now, struck by a mere servant? It was utterly unthinkable.

    Ovee with fury, Marilyn lunged towards Josie, her face twisted in anger. However, Josie, with her years ofborious service sculpting her into a formidable force, did not retreat. With a swift and skilled motion, she delivered a series of sharp, echoing ps to Marilyn, each one leaving her more dazed and unsteady.

    Katrina noticed the escting chaos and stepped in, hoping to defuse the tension. Dani, lounging on the couch with her eyes fixed on the television, finally spoke.

    ¡°If it¡¯s just the servants quarreling, let them handle it. Katrina, if you interfere, you force my hand as well. And don¡¯te crying to me if I act against you.¡± Her casual tone belied the gravity of her words, which seemed to linger heavily in the air.

    Katrina halted abruptly, her body quivering slightly with the weight of Dani¡¯s warning. She found herself unable to move forward.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 306

    ?Chapter 306:

    On the floor, Marilyn, now subdued and pinned down by Josie, broke downpletely. Her cries filled the room as tears streamed down her cheeks.

    ¡°Katrina! Katrina! Help me!¡± Katrina, caught in a tumultuous internal struggle, remained still. Her eyes darted from Marilyn, lying battered and crying on the floor, to Dani, who remained disinterestedly on the couch, seemingly oblivious to themotion.

    Though her jaw was locked with strain, Katrina made the deliberate choice to remain still, unwilling to get involved.

    Katrina mustered a smile that was far from genuine.

    ¡°Dani, you really should have a word with your people. Look at Marilyn ¡ª she¡¯s my aunt. If word gets out, it might tarnish the Harper family¡¯s reputation.¡±

    Dani remained focused on the television.

    ¡°Dani.¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°Perhaps you¡¯re misunderstanding something?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± Katrina asked, her confusion evident.

    ¡°Marilyn is a servant in this family. If you can¡¯t grasp such a simple fact, how can you possibly be fit to oversee anything in this household?¡±

    Katrina¡¯s smile stiffened, her face freezing as her words failed her.

    New updates live on g¦Ál¦Ç¦Ò¦Íe?s

    ¡°Dani, you¡¯ve really changed.

    You¡¯ve be quite cutting with your words.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Dani answered, her smile calm and unwavering.

    ¡°It¡¯s a pity I didn¡¯t figure it out sooner. I used to believe that maintaining family harmony was paramount. But actually, I don¡¯t even have a family anymore. I tolerated all the nonsense for years, and it was all for nothing. Reflecting on my former self, I can onlyugh at how naive I was. But that¡¯s behind me now. Now, I¡¯ve realized the most important thing in life is to seek my own happiness. And for that lesson, I have you to thank. After years of observing you, I¡¯ve finally caught on. Honestly, I¡¯m embarrassed it took me so long to learn from such a perfect example.¡±

    Ryan and Lillian, standing a short distance away, couldn¡¯t suppress theirughter any longer. Dani spun around to face them, her brow furrowed in confusion.

    ¡°What¡¯s so funny? I¡¯m merely stating the obvious.¡±

    Theirughter grew louder, almost contagious.

    ¡°Absolutely, you couldn¡¯t be more right.¡±

    Katrina looked at Dani¡¯s people. The tension made her hesitant to speak further, fearing any misstep might have her ending up on the floor like Marilyn.

    Just then, the wail of an ambnce cut through the chatter, and soon, paramedics were escorting Marilyn out on a stretcher.

    Joyce caught sight of Marilyn¡¯s severely swollen face and gasped in horror. For the first time, genuine fear of Dani crept into Joyce¡¯s heart. Dani¡¯s behavior was wildly unpredictable¡ªbordering on madness.

    Joyce¡¯s eyes darted from the kitchen to Dani. She asked, ¡°Dad, surely Dani isn¡¯t thinking of staying here for good, is she? You promised¡ªevery asset of the Harper family was meant for Jack! What is she doing here? Is she challenging Jack for the inheritance now? How could Dani act so shamelessly? Trying to im what you vowed to give the child?¡±

    Katrina added, ¡°It¡¯s unbelievable how Dani has worsened over the years. After relinquishing everything and walking away, why return now to snatch it away? She¡¯s well aware that you dedicated it all to Joyce. And not just thepany¡ªnow she¡¯s eyeing the house too? Isn¡¯t that going a bit too far? Despite her wealth, she seems indifferent to our modest assets. It¡¯s as if she¡¯s driven purely by the desire to spite us.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s face clouded over, his gaze turning icy with displeasure. Dani¡¯s antics were a constant thorn in his side! He was baffled by her motivations. Whatpelled her to disrupt their tranquility so persistently?

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 307

    ?Chapter 307:

    Life could¡¯ve been simple, but no, she just had to screw it all up like a goddamn tornado.

    Katrina cast a wary nce at the living room, now bustling with the noise of Dani¡¯s people reorganizing the area.

    With each change, it seemed their family¡¯s living space dwindled even more.

    Pressing her lips together in frustration, Katrina turned to face Caiden.

    ¡°Honey, it¡¯s clear Dani isn¡¯t taking our concerns to heart. Maybe you could have a word with her?¡±

    Caiden responded with a harsh, cynical chuckle, ¡°Do you honestly believe she¡¯ll pay any heed to what I have to say? Just look at her, parading around as if she owns the ce. If I confront her, she¡¯s likely to rip into me!¡±

    The truth was, Caiden harbored a deep-seated guilt over his previous dealings with Dani, which now deterred him from facing her.

    Dani¡¯s aura was one of formidable resolve, a stark contrast to anyone who dared challenge her¡ªa trait that deeply unnerved him.

    Back when Brylee was around, she kept Caiden under her wing, protecting him from the world. He was nothing more than a coward who preyed on the weak and cowered before the strong. At first, Dani looked like a pushover, the perfect victim who wouldn¡¯t dare fight back. He had taken full advantage of that, treating her like dirt. But now¡­

    As Dani put on a disy of bravado, Caiden visibly recoiled.

    ¡°Caiden!¡± Katrina eximed, her voice tinged with exasperation.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t just about me or Joyce anymore. We¡¯re talking about securing our family¡¯s future! What about Jack? Are you really willing to just leave him in the lurch?¡±

    Stay tuned galnov??????.co??

    With a heavy sigh, Caiden dismissed her concerns with a wave of his hand.

    ¡°Thepany shares are intact. The portion Brylee left me¡ªDani can¡¯ty a finger on that. As long as she¡¯s at the helm, Jack will continue to receive his cut of the profits. Just look at Dani¡ªshe looks like she¡¯s ready to tear someone apart. Do you honestly believe confronting her will help? It¡¯ll only backfire on us.¡±

    After all, Dani was Brylee¡¯s own flesh and blood, endowed with the same formidable acumen. How could Caiden not feel intimidated?

    Katrina was far from appeased. She stared at Caiden with a mix of disappointment and frustration.

    ¡°You need to have a word with her. Don¡¯t make it a confrontation. Just keep it calm. Talk to her the same way you did when you negotiated for thepany shares.¡±

    Her emphasis on ¡°talk to her¡± hung heavily in the air, brimming with hidden pressure.

    Caiden swiveled to face Katrina, a skeptical frown creasing his brow.

    ¡°You want me to act all pitiful again? What if she sees right through it this time?¡±

    Back when Dani had first grappled with the loss of her mother, she had clung to him, utterly vulnerable.

    However, years had trickled by since then, and the bond they once shared had frayed, delicate as tissue.

    What could he possibly reap from dredging up old tactics?

    ¡°Just give it a shot! How will you know unless you try? You¡¯re still her father. If you approach her with sincere tears and express your remorse, surely she can¡¯t disregard you entirely,¡± Katrina coaxed.

    Caiden¡¯s eyes dropped, weighed down by resignation.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 308

    ?Chapter 308:

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll give it a go.¡±

    After all, what did he have to lose?

    Convincing Dani to leave could be the key to restoring the quiet harmony they once had.

    Dani¡¯s gaming startup had recentlyunched a new mobile game, which was now in its beta phase. She was deeply immersed in testing it, loungingfortably on the couch with her phone in hand, when Caiden entered, fresh from the garden.

    As he neared Dani, he cast a cautious nce over his shoulder. Cedric, who was standing nearby, noticed the movement with his sharp eyes, observing everything without missing a detail. A chill ran down Caiden¡¯s spine as he met Cedric¡¯s icy stare, which seemed to pierce right through him. The air thickened with tension.

    ¡°Do you need something?¡± Cedric asked, his voice cutting through the quiet with an icy sharpness that made Caiden¡¯s heart race.

    Caiden responded with an awkward chuckle, though it sounded more strained than he intended. He had hoped to join Dani on the couch, but before he could make his move, Lillian swept into the spot with a triumphant grin. Annoyance shed across Caiden¡¯s face at being preempted.

    Where did Dani evene across these freaks? To Caiden, they were a group of entrics, sorelycking any semnce ofmon courtesy or respect.

    With a click of his tongue, Caiden fetched a small stool and took a seat beside Dani.

    ¡°Dani, yourpany is flourishing, but you really shouldn¡¯t spend your entire day immersed in games. They¡¯re not good for your eyes, you know.¡± Peering over at her phone screen, Caiden caught a glimpse of the game title¡ªShadow Strike. The name alone made him frown; it hardly seemed like a meaningful or productive way to pass the time.

    Read exclusive updates g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv??ls

    He clicked his tongue again, a gesture of disapproval, as he awaited her response. Time passed, but Dani continued to ignore him as if he weren¡¯t even there. Caiden felt his patience dwindling and his irritation growing.

    What sort of behavior was this?

    Then, he recalled Katrina¡¯s advice to adopt a gentler approach. Suppressing his irritation, Caiden forced a smile and gently tapped Dani¡¯s hand.

    This action finally prompted Dani to tear her gaze from her phone, fixing him with a chilly look.

    ¡°What do you want?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing urgent. I was just hoping we could have a chat. It¡¯s been ages since we¡¯ve had a real heart-to-heart, just you and me.¡±

    Dani emitted a sharp, scornful chuckle.

    ¡°Really? You¡¯re always so busy. It hardly makes a difference whether we speak or not, does it?¡±

    Caiden¡¯s features contorted slightly, a flicker of irritation crossing his face. He let out a nervous chuckle, but the edge of bitterness in his voice was hard to miss.

    ¡°Of course, we can talk. Let¡¯s put the past behind us, shall we? You¡¯re still my beloved daughter, after all.¡±

    Dani offered no reply, her indifference clearly evident, not bothering to mask herck of interest. The heavy silence that hung in the air was stifling, leaving Caiden feeling exposed and humiliated. Still, he forced himself to push forward.

    ¡°Sweetheart, you can¡¯t imagine how tough it¡¯s been for me. Do you think my life has been a walk in the park? When your mother passed away, you were just five. I was left to juggle a hugepany and contend with senior executives who made my life hell. And Seth Elliott¡ªlet¡¯s not even go into that! He led the first group to break away from Harper Group. Do you have any idea how many assets he took with him? That man was nothing short of a¡ª¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 309

    ?Chapter 309:

    He was cut off mid-sentence as Dani¡¯s hand moved abruptly. Caiden¡¯s brow furrowed, his confusion palpable as he watched her closely.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Am I wrong?¡±

    ¡°Just so you know, I¡¯ve been in touch with Seth recently.¡± A trace of panic flickered across Caiden¡¯s features, his face momentarily frozen.

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t Seth¡¯s choice to leave, was it? He and the others were devoted to you, yet your mistrust pushed them away from thepany. Seth confided in me that once I stabilize the operations, he¡¯s prepared to return everything he took upon his departure.¡±

    A wave of redness washed over Caiden¡¯s face, leaving him visibly flustered.

    ¡°He really mentioned that? I hadn¡¯t realized he still held such regard for you. But then again, could it be because of your mother? Seth had a soft spot for her. They maintained a facade of friendship, but the nces they exchanged were telling. It wasn¡¯t appropriate. And Dani, you persistently fault me for marrying Katrina shortly after your mother passed, but how can you be so certain your mother was faithful to me first? This city is teeming with businesses led by men. But your mother had to be the exception, venturing into the business realm herself. Do you honestly believe a woman could seed alone in such a world? Who knows how many men¡­¡±

    Dani mmed a hefty ashtray down onto the table with all her might. The ss shattered, sending shards scattering across the room.

    The broken ss sliced through Dani¡¯s hand, but she didn¡¯t react in the slightest.

    She stared coldly at Caiden. He had gotten so used to badmouthing Brylee in front of Katrina that he never considered the bitterness in his words.

    Feel inspired by ga  ln o vels .

    As expected, today was no different¡ªhe didn¡¯t hold back. What he had forgotten, however, was one key detail: sitting across from him was Dani, Brylee¡¯s daughter.

    Dani¡¯sugh echoed, cold and unsettling, sending a chill down Caiden¡¯s spine. Slowly, he stood up from his seat. Katrina and Joyce, realizing that Caiden had messed up, hurried into the room, clearly desperate to defuse the situation.

    Before either could speak, Dani¡¯s voice cut through the silence.

    ¡°Caiden, if it weren¡¯t for my mother¡¯s efforts to build this family, do you think you¡¯d even have the privilege to sit here, spewing such garbage? Who do you think you are, talking about my mother like that?¡±

    Caiden¡¯s face flushed with anger, his eyes flickering with fury, but he remained silent, not daring to respond.

    ¡°Oh, you¡¯ve had a tough time, have you?¡± Dani sneered, her voice thick with sarcasm.

    ¡°You struggled to tear down everything my mother built.

    You were scared that Harper Group might actually seed¡ªscared people would see you for the failure you really are. Let¡¯s get one thing clear: nothing will ever change the fact that you¡¯re nothing but a parasite, a freeloader, a pretty face who used his looks to marry my mother.

    You¡¯ve spent your whole life hiding behind a mask of false respectability, desperately clinging to a fragile ego. But it¡¯s allughable. Everyone sees through it.

    You¡¯re not fit to be a husband, and you certainly don¡¯t have what it takes to be a father.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s face contorted with humiliation. Dani¡¯s words had torn apart his pride in front of everyone. Consumed by rage and desperation, he lifted his hand, aiming to p her and silence her once and for all. But before he could do it, an iron grip seized his wrist.

    A sharp jolt of pain surged through his wrist as he tried to break free, but the hold only tightened.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 310

    ?Chapter 310:

    Then came the sickening sound that echoed through the room. The unmistakable snap of bone broke the tense silence.

    Cedric stood there, under the harsh light, his expression unreadable. His cold gaze bore into Caiden, as though looking down at something insignificant.

    ¡°I rmend you don¡¯t try that again. Because next time, it won¡¯t stop at just a broken bone.¡±

    Katrina and Joyce stood paralyzed, their faces drained of color. Katrina didn¡¯t dare challenge Cedric, so she fumbled for her phone, dialing for an ambnce.

    As she waited for the connection, she shot a look at Dani.

    ¡°Dani, no matter what, he¡¯s still your father. How could you allow someone like him to be hurt like this?¡±

    Katrina¡¯s thoughts seethed with frustration. What a pack of brutes! They couldn¡¯t have a civil conversation without resorting to violence.

    Dani, however, just smiled as she sat back down.

    ¡°Save your breath. I¡¯ve outgrown the need for father-daughter heart-to-heart talks.

    Your old tricks don¡¯t have any power over me anymore. Maybe it¡¯s time youe up with something new. By the way, I¡¯ve already sold the vi you recently purchased. The money¡¯s been deposited into thepany¡¯s ount. As for your offshore holdings, you¡¯ve got one week to bring them back. If you fail, I won¡¯t hesitate to have you arrested. Since thepany¡¯s been running inefficiently, I¡¯ve already terminated all those ¡®family favors¡¯ staff members to cut expenses. I suggest you find a way to bring in some revenue quickly. Personally, I don¡¯t mind if thepany keeps bleeding money¡ªI can take the hit.

    You, on the other hand, might not fare as well. If thepany copses, you¡¯ll be responsible for forty-nine percent of the debt. That includes losing this vi. When that happens, perhaps you¡¯ll finally grasp the reality of having nowhere to call home.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s body was drenched in cold sweat, the searing pain from his broken wrist almost too much to endure.

    Exclusive updates g¦Ál¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??s.c?m

    Fighting through the fog of agony, he managed to lift his eyes toward Dani.

    Her cold, unfeeling stare cut through him like a de. The steady authority in her demeanor sent shivers down his spine. In that moment, it was as though Brylee herself hade back to life and was standing before him.

    That chilling thought hit him like a ton of bricks, confirming his deepest, darkest fear.

    The very nightmare he had spent years avoiding had finally be a reality¡ªDani had grown into the spitting image of her mother.

    No!

    Dani wasn¡¯t just like Brylee¡ªshe was colder, sharper, and even more merciless!

    While en route to the hospital, Katrina expressed her bewilderment.

    ¡°Why were you fighting again? Didn¡¯t I tell you to be nice to Dani?¡±

    Caiden felt unjustly treated and had the urge to counter. He parted his lips to speak, yet no words formed.

    After a brief pause, he sagged and said in a bitter tone, ¡°You don¡¯t get it. When Brylee had just died, I could easily cry and act the part in front of Dani. I yed the submissive role, and she bought it at the time. But years offort have made me forget how to bow down. Dani¡¯s too perceptive¡ªshe saw through my act.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s expression darkened with frustration.

    ¡°Even if she did see through you, you shouldn¡¯t have angered her so much! Do you understand the implications? Our living costs have always been managed by thepany. But just today, the finance team of Harper Group reached out to me. They dered that thepany¡¯s money will now only fund business operations¡ªno personal spending allowed. And with thepany in financial trouble, there won¡¯t be any dividends for at least a year. Our money is all tied up abroad, and we¡¯re left with nearly nothing here. How do you propose we manage our living expenses now that you¡¯vepletely alienated Dani?¡±

    Hearing this, Caiden struck his thigh in vexation, his teeth clenched.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 311

    ?Chapter 311:

    ¡°I can¡¯t stand it! I used to be under Brylee¡¯s control when I was young. Now, Dani is doing the same at my age! It¡¯s intolerable and utterly humiliating!¡±

    Katrina let out a deep sigh and added, ¡°I heard Dani mention that Seth is bringing resources back, right? If that¡¯s the case, thepany might rebound soon. However, Dani has instructed that we return the funds from abroad. What¡¯s your n?¡±

    Caiden¡¯s expression turned icy.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sending the money back. What can she possibly do to me?¡±

    Katrina remained silent.

    Caiden shut his eyes tightly.

    ¡°She wouldn¡¯t dare do anything to me, would she? Dani haspletely lost it!¡±

    He then sighed reluctantly.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll send some of it back. If we don¡¯t, she might actually send me to jail. But I¡¯ll distribute the rest across various ounts. She won¡¯t be able to track all of it down.¡±

    Katrina agreed.

    ¡°You need to try and mend things with Dani. Otherwise, her temper will only make our lives more difficult.

    You managed to deceive her out of her shares before. When we¡¯re back in a solid position, we can deal with her firmly.¡±

    L??t§Öst ch¦Ápt?rs in g??l??ov???s.??????

    Caiden grimaced, his forehead creasing deeply.

    ¡°Fix our rtionship? Did you miss the way she red at me? She looks like she wants to devour me!¡±

    For reasons unknown, Caiden grew more fearful of Dani by the day.

    Katrina, her heart seething, silentlybeled him a coward.

    ¡°She¡¯s your daughter! What scares you so much? Even if you¡¯re frightened, do it for me, for Joyce, for Jack! You need to gather your strength and try harder!¡±

    Katrina looked to Joyce, hoping for her support.

    Yet, as she looked over, Joyce was bent over her phone, deeply absorbed. Caiden¡¯s expression grew darker as he realized Joyce was engaged in Shadow Strike, the same game Dani had yed earlier.

    ¡°Dad, you¡¯re missing the point. This game, although still in beta, is already extremely popr. Its graphics, sound, and gamey are far beyond anything else in our country. Are you aware of how valuable this game is right now?¡±

    Irritated, Caiden muttered, ¡°It¡¯s merely a game. What could it possibly be worth?¡±

    Joyce, oblivious to his irritation, continued, ¡°Dad, you really don¡¯t understand. Today¡¯s youth have money and are eager to spend it. Gaming is a perfect way for them to unwind and alleviate stress. Did you know this game made over ten million dors through in-game purchases in just three days of beta testing? Experts in the industry foresee its profit margins reaching the billions. It¡¯s closely watched by everyone in the gamingmunity. I managed to join the beta test. Only a select few have this ess, and it required some connections in the industry.¡±

    Katrina was taken aback and stared at her daughter.

    ¡°A single game valued higher than Harper Group?¡±

    ¡°Exactly! I¡¯ve spent fifty thousand on it just today. The revenue potential in gaming is enormous. It includes tournament earnings, merchandise sales, licensing deals, and virtual goods. And since it¡¯s all online, most of the profit directly benefits the developers.¡±

    Intrigued, Caiden leaned in to nce at Joyce¡¯s phone.

    The screen looked somewhat familiar yet different from what he had seen on Dani¡¯s phone. He pointed to the upper-left corner.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 312

    ?Chapter 312:

    ¡°What¡¯s ¡®Host Mode¡¯ mean?¡±

    Joyce nced up, a yful smile on her face.

    ¡°Wow, Dad, are you starting to take an interest in gaming?¡±

    ¡°What does it mean?¡± Caiden asked again, frowning.

    Joyce casually exined, ¡°Host Mode indicates that a member of the development team is internally testing the game. If there¡¯s a number 1 next to it, it means the CEO of thepany is the one testing it personally. The team uses their feedback to refine the game.¡±

    Katrina looked at Joyce with pride.

    ¡°Joyce, you really know your stuff! Your father should help you start your own gamingpany. Imagine how jealous Dani will be when you make a fortune.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s face lit up as if Joyce had already be a billionaire. Joyce shed a big smile.

    ¡°Really, Mom? I¡¯ve always dreamed of starting a gamingpany! Just provide me with 800 million, and I promise I¡¯ll make it big!¡±

    At the mention of the figure, Katrina¡¯s smile stiffened. She turned to Caiden for support and found him lost in thought, his eyebrows furrowed.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± she inquired.

    Caiden did not reply immediately. Gradually, he raised his eyes, his expression serious as he looked at Katrina and Joyce.

    Feel the thrill at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s©q??o??

    ¡°I saw Dani ying this exact game.¡±

    Joyce, taken aback, lightly scoffed, ¡°Really? Dani managed to get a beta spot? That¡¯s hard to believe. They¡¯re extremely rare.¡±

    Caiden said, ¡°In the upper-left corner of her phone, it disyed ¡®Host Mode.''¡±

    Joyce¡¯s mouth fell open, her expression a mix of shock and disbelief.

    But Caiden wasn¡¯t done yet. He turned to Katrina and said somberly, ¡°Behind ¡®Host Mode,¡¯ there was the number 1.¡±

    Upon their return from the hospital, Caiden, Katrina, and Joyce were greeted by the sight of Dani, who was still engrossed in her game, oblivious to their presence.

    Joyce, always perceptive, quickly sensed a change in Caiden¡¯s demeanor.

    Katrina and Joyce also appeared unusually subdued, their typical arrogance reced by what seemed like obsequiousness.

    ¡°Dani,¡± Caiden called out, making his way towards her with his arm in a cast. He leaned over for a closer look at her phone screen.

    This time, he clearly noticed in the upper-left corner of her screen the words ¡®Host Mode,¡¯ followed by the number 1. Joyce also approached, peeking at the screen. When she saw it, she gasped, her expression one of thrilled surprise.

    Caiden¡¯sugh echoed, softer and more conciliatory than before.

    ¡°Sweetheart, I admit I was wrong. The harsh words about your mother were unjustified. I deserve the fallout. But remember, Dani, we¡¯re family, and there should be no enduring resentment between us, right? Please, don¡¯t hold a grudge.¡±

    Dani looked up from her phone, a mild surprise registering on her face, followed by a look of confusion.

    She had anticipated Caiden would brood for weeks, if not months, given their earlier conflict.

    Previously, when Katrina joined the family, Dani¡¯s mere refusal to eat Katrina¡¯s cooking had led Caiden to shun her for a full year.

    Back then, Dani was just five years old, mourning her mother¡¯s death and yearning for her father¡¯s affection. His detachment had left her feeling abandoned and heartbroken, which eventually led her into a deep depression.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 313

    ?Chapter 313:

    Now, with his arm in a sling, Caiden was unexpectedly showering her with attention.

    This change in his behavior was quite astonishing.

    ¡°Caiden,¡± Dani addressed him, her eyebrow raised and a faint, sarcastic smile ying on her lips.

    Caiden, all too familiar with that unsettling smile, tensed up, sensing that the conversation might take an unpleasant turn.

    What were his options, really?

    He had decided¡ªin matters of wealth, pride was expendable.

    Hadn¡¯t hepromised his own pride time and again for Brylee? If he could tter her, surely he could do the same with Dani. Moreover, Dani was unmarried. If her fate mirrored Brylee¡¯s and she passed away young, her vast wealth would naturally revert to him.

    From Caiden¡¯s perspective, Dani was more than just his daughter¡ªshe was a veritable treasure trove, especially if her single mobile game could potentially rake in billions.

    He marveled at her knack for amassing wealth.

    Attempting to ingratiate himself, he shed a nearly subservient smile and inquired, ¡°What do you need from me, Dani?¡±

    Dani¡¯s response came with a soft chuckle, her smile razor-sharp.

    Latest novels uploaded g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    ¡°You have mastered the art of subservience.¡± Caiden¡¯s smile abruptly vanished.

    ¡°I had assumed you retained some pride,¡± Dani said mockingly.

    ¡°Clearly, I was mistaken. My grandmother once called you spineless, and I thought she exaggerated.

    Yet here you are, proving her point. No wonder my mother was deceived by you.¡±

    At this point, Caiden was unable to even feign a smile.

    Dani had a cruel way of striking precisely where it hurt most. Her words, sharp and cutting, left him feeling stripped of any remaining dignity.

    If her words were tangible weapons, he would have been sprawled on the floor, fatally wounded.

    Katrina quickly intervened, trying to alleviate the tension.

    ¡°Dani, consider what you¡¯re saying.

    Your father genuinely cares for you. Isn¡¯t it normal for a father to want the best for his daughter? We¡¯re all delighted that you¡¯ve decided to stay with us!¡±

    Dani¡¯s face remained impassive and distant.

    Katrina turned to Joyce, hoping she would contribute something positive.

    However, Joyce was engrossed with Lillian¡¯s phone, her eyes wide with excitement.

    ¡°Lillian! This skin is incredible! Could you gift me one? I had no idea so many beautiful unreleased skins existed. Please, I¡¯m literally begging, just one!¡±

    Her zealous, ttering manner made Caiden¡¯s and Katrina¡¯s earlier, more genuine attempts seem downright hollow byparison.

    Katrina was mortified.

    Caiden clenched his jaw and continued, ¡°A harmonious family is what we all want, right? Dani, I know I¡¯ve been neglectful in the past, and I ept full responsibility. But I¡¯m getting older, and it¡¯s time to leave the past behind. I promise to make amends.¡±

    He paused, watching Dani¡¯s expression, which remained unaffected. Emboldened, he added, ¡°I¡¯ve instructed my team to transfer the overseas assets back. Dani, that money was being saved for your wedding. It was always intended for you.¡±

    Dani¡¯s eyebrows lifted slightly, her lips twisting into a faint, sarcastic smile.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 314

    ?Chapter 314:

    ¡°Oh, you were setting aside a wedding gift for me with thepany¡¯s operating funds?¡±

    Caiden was momentarily at a loss for words.

    Dani continued, ¡°So, to rify, if this money earns any future profits, I can subtract those from your share of thepany dividends?¡±

    Caiden stood dumbfounded, questioning her implication.

    ¡°What¡¯s the problem?¡± Dani inquired, her tone sharp.

    ¡°Is that not eptable? Or are you retracting your promise already?¡±

    Before Caiden could muster a reply, Katrina intervened with a forced smile.

    ¡°Of course it¡¯s eptable! Why wouldn¡¯t it be? Dani, you¡¯re family. What¡¯s yours is yours. We¡¯re just short on cash right now, but rest assured, you¡¯ll receive everything you¡¯re entitled to.¡±

    Dani nodded slightly in acknowledgment. Then, as though it were the most logical step, she reached under the table and produced a nk sheet of paper.

    ¡°In that case, let¡¯s formalize it. Write me an IOU.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s smile stiffened.

    ¡°Dani, is that really necessary among family? It feels so impersonal, doesn¡¯t it? We¡¯re united in this, and our word is solid.

    You don¡¯t need a document to confirm that.¡±

    Find thetest updates g????????????????.??????

    The idea of issuing an IOU¡ªa binding acknowledgment of debt to Dani¡ªwas intolerable for Katrina.

    It had merely been a cating gesture, a temporary solution.

    But Dani¡¯s insistence on formalizing it marked a serious shift.

    Katrina maintained her stered smile, barely managing to navigate through the tension.

    Just as she was concocting an excuse, Joyce, without ncing away from Lillian¡¯s phone, said nonchntly, ¡°Mom, there¡¯s a pen in the cab. Fetch the ck one¡ªit leaves a clearer mark.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s heart nearly stopped. She gawked at Joyce, her mind whirling in disbelief. Was this dumb girl truly her flesh and blood? Caiden, seeing no escape, reluctantly picked up the pen and started to write the IOU.

    When it came to specifying the amount, he hesitated. Instead of the staggering 80 million, he penned just 1 million.

    Dani caught the figure and chuckled.

    ¡°A million? Howvish!¡±

    ¡°Dani, you¡¯re aware of my plight. I¡¯m not getting any younger, and funds are tight. This is all I could muster¡ªsaved penny by penny.¡±

    Dani hardly batted an eyelid. She hadn¡¯t returned for their wealth. With a dismissive wave, she turned and called, ¡°Josie.¡±

    Josie emerged promptly from the kitchen, her smile radiant as she presented Dani with a te adorned with fruit.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    Dani then handed her the IOU.

    Josie nced at the paper.

    ¡°This is one million,¡± Dani stated inly.

    ¡°Spend it on snacks for Dodo!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 315

    ?Chapter 315:

    Caiden¡¯s mind short-circuited.

    ¡°Who?¡± he blurted out, bbergasted.

    Who was Dodo? Spending a million on snacks? Absurd!

    Joyce, still engrossed in the game, added without looking up, ¡°Dodo is Dani¡¯s dog.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s face flushed a deep red with anger, but before he could erupt, Katrina seized his arm, pulling him back with a cautionary squeeze.

    Taking a deep breath, Caidenposed himself but remained nted in his spot, his pride wounded but intact.

    Dani sensed his lingering urge to speak.

    Sure enough, after a tense silence, Caiden ventured cautiously, ¡°Dani, now that you¡¯ve epted the money, it shouldn¡¯t matter what it¡¯s for¡ªwhat matters is that it¡¯s yours. About that contract we signed to dissolve our father-daughter bond¡ªcan we dere it null and void?¡±

    Dani paused, a slice of fruit poised halfway to her lips. She met his gaze, her smile tinged with sarcasm.

    ¡°Oh? Having second thoughts? Realized that your daughter knows her way around money, and now you want her back after casting her aside?¡±

    That was exactly how it went down, though Caiden would never admit it.

    But Dani¡¯s words always had a way of slicing to the core, and he couldn¡¯t see why. This wasn¡¯t the same sweet, wide-eyed little girl he once knew.

    Every story starts at g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s,

    ¡°Dani, how can you be so cynical about your father?¡± Katrina interjected hastily, her voice dripping with insincerity.

    ¡°You¡¯re his blood. He¡¯s regretted severing ties ever since. Regardless of your financial status, he would¡¯ve weed you back.¡±

    Dani nodded.

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Her response dripped with disinterest, barely indulging Katrina¡¯s plea.

    Katrina persisted, undeterred.

    ¡°You¡¯re not yet wed, Dani, and don¡¯t understand. A daughter needs her kin. The support of your family is your shield against mistreatment in marriage.¡± Her words were calcted, cloaked in concern.

    Dani let out a softugh.

    ¡°Oh, really? I was married once, remember? And wasn¡¯t it around that time Caiden chose to cut me loose?¡±

    Katrina was at a loss for words. How could she have overlooked that? She fidgeted with her hair awkwardly.

    ¡°Well, perhaps there were some misunderstandings back then.¡±

    ¡°Enough!¡± Dani stated, her voice cold as she tossed a pomegranate onto her te.

    ¡°Misunderstanding or not, it¡¯s immaterial to me. But if you want me back in this family, it has to be on my terms. I¡¯m not the unknown I once was. I¡¯m now CEO of Elite Lux.

    You can¡¯t just cast me aside and pick me up when it¡¯s convenient.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s eyes sparkled at Dani¡¯s deration.

    ¡°Absolutely, Dani! You¡¯re not the same anymore¡ªtruly a tale of triumph.

    You deserve every bit of respect. We¡¯ll do everything to reim your ce in the family. I¡¯ll have your father contact awyer to draft a reinstatement agreement.¡±

    Internally, Katrina was already plotting. If she orchestrated this agreement, she might manage to carve out a share of Dani¡¯s wealth for the family. That would be the real windfall.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 316

    ?Chapter 316:

    But before Katrina could revel in her scheming, Joyce, still tethered to Lillian¡¯s phone, spoke up without raising her head.

    ¡°Mom, you¡¯re oveplicating things. Elite Lux has top-notchwyers. If Dani wants, they can draft that agreement in no time. Why bother with all this fuss?¡±

    Joyce remained fixated on her game, oblivious to Katrina¡¯s machinations.

    Dani gave a small smile, and before Katrina could object, she chimed in, ¡°Joyce is correct. Let Elite Lux¡¯s legal team handle it.¡±

    Katrina stiffened, her features hardening. Elite Lux¡¯s legal team would take over? How could she manipte the situation then?

    Before storming upstairs, Katrina shot Joyce a venomous nce, who remained blissfully unaware of her mother¡¯s turmoil.

    Joyce, meanwhile, was kneeling beside Dani, grinning like an ardent admirer.

    ¡°Dani, could you grant me a glowing skin? Please?¡±

    Katrina inhaled sharply, appalled at the scene. Was this really her daughter?

    Dani responded by simply handing over her phone to Joyce. Joyce was stunned.

    ¡°You¡¯re letting me use your phone?¡± Dani nodded nonchntly.

    After all, this was merely a beta test¡ªthe more user feedback, the better.

    Joyce nearly dropped to her knees in gratitude.

    Every story unfolds at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s£®??????

    ¡°Can I share this on my social media?¡±

    Free advertising? Why not? Dani nodded again.

    Later, as Katrina descended for a drink, she was met by the surreal sight of Joyce kneeling before Dani.

    Dani sat regally before her, her cold gaze radiating authority.

    ¡°Joyce! What are you doing?¡±

    Katrina had devoted her life to boosting Joyce¡¯s status, yet here was her daughter, discarding it all to grovel before Dani. It appeared as though she was atoning for some dire transgression.

    Katrina felt her sanity slipping away.

    As Dani made her way back to her bedroom, Joyce offered a sharine smile and cooed, ¡°Sweet dreams, Dani.¡±

    Katrina fixed Joyce with an icy stare and dered, ¡°You¡¯reing to the hospital with me tomorrow!¡±

    Joyce blinked, taken aback.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re getting a DNA test!¡± Katrina dered vehemently.

    ¡°I refuse to believe that someone as witless as you could share my blood!¡±

    The housey wrapped in silence, deep in the clutches of the night.

    In the stillness, soft footsteps whispered along the stairs. A gentle knock sounded at the grandest door on the second floor.

    Dani swung the door open, her eyes locking with Cedric¡¯s, who lingered in the dimly lit hallway.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± she queried.

    Cedric clutched a medical kit, his expression a mix of sorrow and slight indignation. He gestured towards Dani¡¯s hand.

    Following his gesture, Dani¡¯s eyes fell on the faint red mark marring the back of her hand. Fresh from her bath, her damp skin made the mark all the more pronounced.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 317

    ?Chapter 317:

    ¡°You¡¯re wounded,¡± Cedric observed, his tone tinged with a blend of usation and concern.

    ¡°I saw it earlier. Now that we¡¯re alone, let me attend to it.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s really just a scratch,¡± Dani dismissed.

    ¡°I¡¯ve weathered far worse storms.¡±

    Over the years, she¡¯d suffered her fair share of nicks and cuts from pencil tips while immersed in her designs. Those injuries had been more severe than this minor scrape.

    Cedric¡¯s jaw clenched.

    ¡°May Ie in?¡±

    Dani stepped back, granting him entry.

    Inside, Cedric made his way to the sofa and set the medical kit on the coffee table. Without a nce, hemanded, ¡°Sit.¡± His voice carried a note of grievance, as if he bore the injury himself.

    Amused, Daniplied, rolling up her sleeve and presenting her hand.

    Cedric maintained silence as he cleaned her wound with iodine.

    ¡°Keep this dry,¡± he instructed softly.

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    ¡°Steer clear of spicy foods, andy off the soy sauce¡ªit might darken the scar.¡±

    As Dani was about to acknowledge it, Cedric was already extracting a tube of ointment.

    ¡°This should work wonders. Apply it once the wound closes to prevent scarring.

    You shouldn¡¯t worry about anysting marks.¡±

    His voice was gentle,den with an undertone of self-reproach.

    ¡°This was my fault today. I failed to protect you. It won¡¯t happen again.¡±

    After he finished, he discarded the used swab in the trash and stood to leave.

    But before he could, Dani instinctively caught the hem of his shirt. Her action was spontaneous. She looked up and froze at the sight of his reddened eyes.

    ¡°You¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m alright,¡± Cedric muttered through gritted teeth.

    ¡°I should go now.¡±

    Dani¡¯s grip on his shirt didn¡¯t waver.

    ¡°Why are you beating yourself up? Today¡¯s mishap wasn¡¯t your fault. That ashtray¡ªI flung it myself. How does that implicate you?¡±

    She paused, then handed him a tissue.

    ¡°Honestly, I wouldn¡¯t have even noticed the scratch if you hadn¡¯t shown up.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s frown deepened at her words.

    When he finally met her gaze again, his eyes conveyed deep censure.

    ¡°Dani, can¡¯t you be nicer to yourself?¡±

    In that instant, Dani was taken aback.

    It had been ages since anyone had cared enough to say that to her.

    She remained still for several seconds before managing a weak smile.

    ¡°Cedric, you make it sound like I¡¯m some porcin doll. I¡¯m not that fragile,¡± she teased.

    At her words, Cedric¡¯s eyes lifted, shing with irritation. With a snort, he picked up the medical kit and stormed out of the room. A momentter, Lillian entered, her expression puzzled.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 318

    ?Chapter 318:

    ¡°What¡¯s got into Cedric? Did he wake up on the wrong side of the bed?¡±

    Lillian hadn¡¯t even finished speaking before Cedric stormed back into the room. His expression was shadowed, and when he spoke, his voice was tight with restrained anger.

    ¡°To me, you¡¯re fragile, Dani.¡±

    Both Lillian and Dani were stunned.

    Once Cedric had left, Lillian breathed a deep sigh and looked at Dani with a teasing glint in her eye.

    ¡°Maybe you should consider giving him a chance. He¡¯s so agitated.¡±

    Dani groaned and tugged Lillian farther into the room.

    ¡°Cut it out, will you? You¡¯ve seen what I¡¯m dealing with. Why would I drag him into this mess? Let him live his own life. What¡¯s so wrong with that?¡±

    As Dani spoke, she nced at the beta data Lillian had just handed to her.

    ¡°The problem is he doesn¡¯t want a life without you. What are you going to do about that?¡± Lillian responded with a shrug.

    The Bet family¡¯s gamingpany filed for bankruptcy shortly afterunching Shadow Strike, marking it as the tenth Betpany to go bankrupt this year.

    Joyce, absorbed in her phone, burst intoughter upon reading the news. Turning to Katrina, she remarked without any sympathy, ¡°Looks like Alexander is no match for Dani.¡±

    Katrina looked at the news briefly, her face unreadable. She then walked out to the courtyard to call Alexander.

    Find new stories on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    By the time Caiden stepped outside, Katrina had already ended the call.

    ¡°What did you say to him?¡± Caiden asked.

    Katrina nced at Josie bustling around the spacious, well-equipped kitchen, then turned to their own cramped and barely stocked kitchen, feeling a surge of irritation.

    ¡°I¡¯ve arranged for us to dine with Richard and Alexander tonight. And you¡¯re joining us.¡±

    Caiden scowled, disliking social events and preferring the solitude of tending to his garden.

    ¡°Why bother dining with them? It¡¯s merely squandering money.¡±

    With Dani controlling the finances of Harper Group, Caiden was no longer able to tap into thepany¡¯s funds as liberally as before.

    ¡°If we can¡¯t bring Dani down, we¡¯ll engage others who can,¡± Katrina said, her tone sharp and her eyes gleaming with determination.

    That evening, Caiden arrived at the restaurant with Katrina and Joyce to meet the Bets for dinner.

    As soon as they stepped inside, Joyce waspletely absorbed in her game.

    The previous night, she had pleaded with Lillian to help her unlock two rare weapons. Now, armed with her shy new upgrades, she was crushing her opponents and soaking up the admiration of her in-game teammates.

    Her excitement was almost tangible.

    Caiden¡¯s frustration red. He opened his mouth, ready to lecture her about ying her game in public. However, Katrina intervened before he could get a word out. He stopped short, staring at her in confusion.

    Katrina, looking radiant with her hair styled into a sleek updo, carried herself with elegance as she took her seat.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 319

    ?Chapter 319:

    When the Bets arrived, Katrina weed them warmly. She engaged them in conversation with a practiced ease that gave no hint of the financial difficulties the Harpers faced under Dani¡¯s influence.

    Her smile didn¡¯t waver as she said, ¡°No matter what, Dani will always be part of the Harper family. She¡¯s aplished so much, and we couldn¡¯t be prouder of her. Just the other day, she was telling us that Caiden shouldn¡¯t push himself too hard with his work. She¡¯s taken over thepany to give him a break, and now all we have to do is enjoy the benefits. If there¡¯s one thing she does exceptionally well, it¡¯s making money. I think we can all agree on that.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s words painted Dani as the perfect daughter, effortlessly erasing past grievances. It was as though the conflicts of the past had never existed.

    ¡°Is that really the way things are?¡± Richard raised an eyebrow as his gaze shifted between Katrina and Caiden, whose arm remained in a cast.

    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Katrina replied, her voice steady andposed.

    ¡°We¡¯re a family, after all. Holding grudges doesn¡¯t make sense. Whatever happened in the past, Dani is still our daughter. She¡¯s even moved back in with us. If that doesn¡¯t prove where we stand, I don¡¯t know what does.¡±

    Richard¡¯s expression was unreadable, but his eyes lingered on Alexander for a moment.

    Alexander remarked casually, ¡°So, is this dinner about her? If it is, I¡¯m not interested. I¡¯ve already divorced Dani, and what she does now is no concern of mine. Let¡¯s move on to another topic.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s smile didn¡¯t falter. With practiced charm, she steered the conversation towards lighter topics.

    Discover your next read at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s

    As she spoke, she turned her attention to Joyce. She ced some food on her te and said gently, ¡°Joyce, sweetheart, all you ever seem to do is y games. Why don¡¯t you take a break and eat something?¡± Her tone was filled with warmth, though the word ¡°games¡± carried a pointed emphasis.

    Alexander¡¯s expression darkened, the change in his demeanor subtle but unmistakable.

    Katrina caught the shift immediately and smiled inwardly. Momentster, Richard leaned forward and asked, ¡°What¡¯s this game Joyce is so invested in? She hasn¡¯t looked up once.¡±

    Joyce perked up at the mention of her game. Still glued to her phone, she beamed and replied, ¡°It¡¯s called Shadow Strike! It¡¯s amazing!¡±

    Her excitement bubbled over as she held up her phone for everyone to see.

    ¡°Look at this! Dani gave me two exclusive skins. They¡¯re super rare! I can¡¯t believe how lucky I am to have a sister like her!¡±

    Her voice carried across the table, brimming with enthusiasm and pride.

    Katrina¡¯s smile faltered. Her expression tightened, revealing an awkward tension she couldn¡¯t fully mask.

    She looked like she wanted to say something, but with the Bets seated across from her, she remained silent. Two rare skins, and now she called Dani her sister?

    The room seemed smaller to Katrina. The air felt heavier, as if it was pressing down on her chest.

    Richard exchanged a quick nce with Alexander before turning back to Joyce. His tone was measured, but his words carried a sharp edge.

    ¡°Dani gave you rare skins?¡±

    As someone who had been part of a gaming empire, Richard understood that rare skins weren¡¯t just expensive¡ªthey were a symbol of insider privilege.

    Unease settled over him like a dark cloud.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 320

    ?Chapter 320:

    Oblivious to the rising tension in the room, Joyce grinned and nodded. Her excitement was unshaken.

    ¡°Yeah! Dani owns thepany that makes this game.¡±

    The tter of a soup bowl breaking the silence startled everyone.

    Richard¡¯s hand had slipped, tipping its contents across the table. He paid no attention to the mess. His sharp eyes remained fixed on Joyce as he demanded, ¡°What did you just say? Dani owns this gamepany?¡±

    Finally, Joyce tore her eyes away from her screen and looked up. Richard¡¯s face was tight with tension, and Alexander¡¯s cold re seemed to pierce through her.

    Still oblivious to the weight of her words, Joyce nodded again and said, ¡°Yeah. Didn¡¯t you know?¡±

    Katrina¡¯s expression changed as if a thought had just struck her.

    ¡°I happened to catch the news earlier. It said you announced the closure of your gamingpany today. Would that have anything to do with Dani¡¯s game?¡±

    She gasped, covering her mouth as though in disbelief.

    Richard and Alexander realized why Katrina had arranged the dinner tonight. Both men¡¯s expressions darkened, the weight of the situation evident.

    Katrina, noticing the change in their demeanor, smiled sweetly as if she hadn¡¯t noticed a thing.

    ¡°Dani really crossed the line this time. The divorce was one thing, but this? All that money you poured in¡ªit must have been so hard-earned.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s is your update hub

    You must have lost quite a bit, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    Her words made Richard push himself abruptly from his chair, his face taut with frustration.

    ¡°Katrina, what exactly are you trying to say?¡±

    Katrina, still calm, gave him a measured smile, her expression radiating calcted charm.

    She didn¡¯t respond immediately. Instead, she reached for Joyce¡¯s te and began serving her food with deliberate slowness. When she finally looked back at Richard, her smile remained intact.

    ¡°Why are you so upset, Richard? Why direct your anger at us? Dani made her decisions all on her own. We couldn¡¯t have stopped her, even if we¡¯d tried.¡±

    Her smile widened, and she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Her eyes glimmered with an unspoken agenda. Richard and Alexander remained quiet, their focus entirely on her. They both knew she wasn¡¯t done speaking.

    Sure enough, Katrina continued after a brief pause, ¡°As I mentioned before, Dani is part of the Harper family, and that¡¯s not going to change. Even if we wanted to step in and fix this, our hands are tied. I¡¯ve watched Alexander grow into such a fine young man. I truly hope everything works out for him.¡±

    Richard frowned. Something about her words didn¡¯t sit right with him.

    Katrina¡¯s tone grew even gentler, almost coaxing.

    ¡°Richard, don¡¯t you think it¡¯s time you considered settling down and focusing on the next generation? Isn¡¯t that what really matters at this stage in life?¡±

    Richard¡¯s eyes narrowed as suspicion crept into his expression.

    ¡°What exactly are you getting at?¡±

    Katrina¡¯s smile turned sly.

    ¡°It¡¯s simple, really. Dani¡¯s decisions are a reflection of our family. We stand by her no matter what. If, for example, Alexander were to marry into the Harper family, wouldn¡¯t that naturally strengthen the bond between our families? It would benefit your businesses as well.¡±

    The implication of her words hung in the air.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 321

    ?Chapter 321:

    Everyone at the table, except for Joyce, understood her underlying message.

    Katrina had just proposed a marriage alliance.

    Richard lowered his gaze, clearly unsettled.

    Alexander, however, kept his expression nk.

    ¡°I want nothing to do with Dani. That¡¯s never going to happen.¡±

    Katrina chuckled lightly, herposure unshaken.

    ¡°Who said anything about Dani? I was talking about Joyce.

    You and she grew up together. It would be such a waste if the two of you didn¡¯t end up together.¡±

    Alexander opened his mouth to refuse, but Katrina stopped him with a well-timed, disarming smile.

    ¡°Alexander, you need to think ahead. Look at Dani. She¡¯s already brought Cedric home.

    Young people these days don¡¯t waste any time. For all we know, she might already be expecting.

    You don¡¯t want to fall too far behind her, do you?¡±

    Her gaze stayed fixed on him, studying his every movement with calcted precision. She searched for any sign of unease or hesitation, knowing that even the smallest crack in hisposure would be a victory.

    What she got, however, was far beyond what she had anticipated.

    g¦Á ?¦Ç ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s holds great reads

    Alexander¡¯s hand froze mid-motion, the knife he was holding suspended in his grip.

    His pupils narrowed, and an icy storm of emotions flickered in his eyes¡ªconfusion, resentment, and something far darker.

    Under the harsh glow of the chandelier, his gaze locked with hers. He parted his lips as though to say something, but the words never came. Instead, he lowered the knife to the table, his expression drained of warmth.

    The rest of the dinner passed in tense silence.

    Katrina leaned towards Alexander before stepping into her car.

    ¡°Alexander, it doesn¡¯t matter whether it¡¯s Dani or Joyce. Marrying into the Harper family is all the same. If Cedric can make himself at home with us, so can you¡ªespecially given your history with Joyce. Take your time to think it over, and let me know.¡±

    Her tone was calm, yet her words carried a quiet authority that left little room for argument.

    That momentary crack in Alexander¡¯sposure gave Katrina all the confidence she needed.

    She was certain he woulde around¡ªwhether because he still carried feelings for Dani or because his pride wouldn¡¯t let him walk away entirely.

    On the drive home, Caiden finally broke the silence.

    ¡°You said Joyce and Dani are alike. Do you really believe that? Do you think Alexander will agree to this?¡±

    Katrina¡¯s expression darkened, and her voice turned sharp.

    ¡°What exactly are you suggesting? Do you think Joyce is somehow inferior to Dani? Is there a reason marrying Joyce would be such an impossible idea? What are you trying to say?¡±

    Katrina knew Joyce better than anyone, but she still defended her daughter fiercely.

    ¡°Just wait. Alexander and Richard will call us soon enough.¡±

    In her mind, Alexander¡¯s personal feelings didn¡¯t matter. The only thing that counted was ensuring Joyce married him. There was no way she would allow her daughter to live a life that paled inparison to Dani¡¯s.

    ¡°And if Alexander refuses?¡± Caiden asked.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 322

    ?Chapter 322:

    ¡°Then we¡¯ll find someone else,¡± she replied without hesitation.

    ¡°Joyce is the sister of the Elite Lux CEO. She could have her pick of suitors, no matter what. Even if she had a dozen kids, there would still be men lining up to marry her.¡±

    Alexander drove in silence, the car enveloped in an oppressive quiet.

    Richard didn¡¯t say a word either, his frustration palpable. When they arrived, Richard stepped out, his expression betraying the anger simmering beneath the surface.

    He couldn¡¯t fathom how everything had gone so disastrously wrong.

    Joyce, with her foolishness, had even gone so far as to have a child. How could someone like her have the audacity to position herself as a match for Alexander?

    It didn¡¯t make sense.

    He shook his head. How could Dani¡ªbrilliant, capable¡ªbe reced by someone as unremarkable as Joyce?

    Regret gnawed at him. He had been too hard on Dani, too blind to what she had offered in the past.

    If only he had intervened when Alexander and Dani¡¯s marriage began to unravel. Perhaps if he had spoken up, he could have kept them together. Back then, Dani¡¯s devotion to Alexander was clear. She would have stayed if she had thought there was still hope.

    And if she had stayed? He could only imagine the sess they¡¯d be sharing now. Elite Lux, the gamingpany, the research institute¡­

    The thought was unbearable. Richard stopped himself from following that train of thought any further. Every time he thought about the immense value of what had been lost, a fresh wave of regret hit him like a blow.

    Feel the thrill on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c?m

    It was like holding a winning lottery ticket, only to realize he¡¯d missed the deadline to im the prize.

    The sting of losing something so priceless, something that had been in his grasp, was almost too much to bear.

    In the stillness of the night, Richard nced at Alexander. His voice, low and strained, carried a tinge of desperation.

    ¡°Is there really no way to fix this?¡±

    Alexander didn¡¯t respond. He sat motionless, the silence stretching between them.

    Was there still a chance? He honestly didn¡¯t know.

    Dani had moved on¡ªCedric¡¯s presence in her life made that clear, whether their rtionship was official or not. Cedric¡¯s ce in her world was undeniable.

    Alexander realized that, in the past, he had never truly noticed Dani.

    But he had always seen her. After Brylee¡¯s death, she had carried herself with a quiet, unapproachable air, as if she had built a fortress around herself.

    There was a detachment about her, a boundary that no one¡ªnot even him¡ªwas allowed to cross.

    Alexander didn¡¯t answer Richard¡¯s question.

    Instead, he started the car and drove away, leaving his father behind. He could hear the faint, weary sigh Richard let out.

    The car sped into the night.

    When Alexander reached the bar, Keith was already there, waving cheerfully as soon as he spotted him.

    ¡°What¡¯s this? You actually called me out for drinks? What¡¯s going on?¡± Keith teased, his voice light and yful.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 323

    ?Chapter 323:

    Alexander strode past him, his face devoid of expression. Without saying a word, he grabbed a ss, filled it with wine, and drank deeply.

    Keith¡¯s eyes widened in rm.

    ¡°Hold on! That¡¯s wine worth tens of thousands of dors, and you¡¯re drinking it like it¡¯s water.¡±

    Alexander didn¡¯t acknowledge thement. His gaze dropped to his ss, watching the wine swirlzily inside. Without meaning to, his thoughts drifted back to Dani. Herrge, expressive eyes. The graceful curve of her nose. She had always been reserved, speaking only when necessary. When she smiled, faint dimples appeared at the edges of her lips, softening her usually serious demeanor.

    Had she truly loved him for a decade?

    The world oftenbeled him as cold, distant, even heartless.

    But was that really who he was?

    Only he knew the answer to that.

    He remembered a time when he had tried to take their rtionship to a deeper level¡ªboth emotionally and physically.

    In truth, he had wanted to have sex with her. But he hadn¡¯t been direct with her.

    Their dynamic had always ced him in the position of being pursued. She was the one who chased, and he was the one who stood untouchable on his pedestal.

    When he finally broached the subject, it wasced with pride and an air of superiority.

    The ce for great stories: g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    Her response, however, was not what he had anticipated. She didn¡¯t seem to understand him at first¡ªor perhaps she chose not to. Either way, her face reflected shock and confusion.

    It was almost as if the idea of physical intimacy had never even urred to her. It seemed as though the thought of them being that close had never once crossed her mind.

    The next day, she had handed him an expensive watch.

    ¡°What¡¯s this supposed to mean?¡± he asked, already knowing the answer.

    The gift wasn¡¯t just a gift. It was her unspoken attempt atpensation¡ªfor turning him down.

    Yet Dani couldn¡¯t bring herself to exin. She had stood by the doorway, deliberately keeping her distance. In that moment, Alexander noticed something he hadn¡¯t seen before.

    She had gone to great lengths for him. Her delicate, piano-trained hands had mastered racing cars just to impress him. But those same hands had never reached for his.

    She would drink well past her limits to match his reckless energy. She had risked her life speeding through dangerous tracks at night just to share his world.

    Yet she never stepped closer. Never gave him even the slightest hint of affection beyond her actions.

    She would show up at dawn to drive him home after his nights of heavy drinking, when he could barely stand. But she had never once tried to be intimate with him while he was drunk.

    Never crossed that unspoken boundary between them.

    To everyone else, Dani¡¯s love for him seemed undeniable.

    It was something people said over and over.

    Everyone believed it.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 324

    ?Chapter 324:

    But Alexander felt lost in the middle of it all. Was this really love? A love so pure, stripped of emotional or physical closeness, felt out of ce between a man and a woman. Could something so distant truly be called love?

    The question tormented him. He couldn¡¯t make sense of it. He tried dropping hints, subtle and not-so-subtle, hoping she¡¯d notice, hoping she¡¯d finally respond.

    But Dani never did. Instead, she would hand him yet another expensive gift, each more extravagant than thest.

    And as others looked on with envy, marveling at what they thought was devotion, Alexander began to see the truth more clearly with each passing day. Dani didn¡¯t love him.

    She wasn¡¯t looking at him at all. It was as though she were searching for something beyond him, something he couldn¡¯t understand. What was it? He couldn¡¯t say.

    Not until the day he stumbled across the sketchbook in her closet.

    That was when everything made sense.

    And so, he molded himself into the person he saw in that sketchbook.

    Outwardly, nothing seemed to change. He maintained his pride, his poise, and his carefully crafted demeanor. But behind the facade, he started spending more time with Joyce, curious to see how Dani would react.

    Yet when she caught sight of him with Joyce, her expression was calm. In fact, it seemed more at ease than when he had once tried to hold her hand.

    Now, seated at the bar, Alexander poured himself another drink. The bitterness of his thoughts ran deeper than the wine¡¯s burn as it slid down his throat.

    Dani had deceived everyone. But most painfully, she had deceived him. And the worst part was that he had known it all along.

    L?t?st ch¦Ápt?rs in g??lnovels.??????

    He took another long sip before suddenly turning to Keith.

    ¡°Have you ever loved someone? The kind of love where you¡¯d give up everything¡ªmaybe even your life¡ªfor her?¡±

    Keith¡¯s eyes widened in surprise.

    Alexander, the man known for his cold indifference, was asking about love?

    Though startled, Keith assumed Alexander must be drunk. He decided to humor him. With a faint smile, he said, ¡°Not to that extent. But yeah, I¡¯ve loved someone before. Someone I thought I¡¯d be with for the rest of my life.¡±

    There was a wistful undertone to his words. It was clear Keith, still unmarried, was speaking of a love that had long since ended.

    Alexander leaned forward, pressing further.

    ¡°And after it ended, did you two be strangers? Like none of it ever happened?¡± Just like how Dani acted now.

    As though she had never loved him.

    For reasons even Alexander couldn¡¯t fully grasp, this question consumed him tonight. He needed an answer. Desperately.

    After pondering for a moment, Keith slowly shook his head.

    ¡°No.¡±

    Alexander hesitated, his hand frozen mid-air, holding his ss. Keith distinctly observed a fleeting look of difort cross Alexander¡¯s face after a brief moment of surprise.

    ¡°Really? After a breakup, aren¡¯t you supposed to move on as if you never knew each other?¡± Alexander queried.

    Keith shook his head once more.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 325

    ?Chapter 325:

    ¡°If you truly loved someone, turning into strangers isn¡¯t an option. There was a time when your heart genuinely skipped a beat for her, and you earnestly wanted to be together. Unless it was all a facade, how could you so easily cast aside someone who once meant so much? Even if you¡¯re apart, the moment you reunite, the old sparks will reignite. Seeing the one you love again is akin to reliving the exhration of falling in love over and over.¡±

    Alexander took a deep draught from his ss.

    Keith continued, ¡°There are only two scenarios when you treat a past love like a stranger¡ªeither you loved too deeply and hid your feelings well, or you never truly fell in love.¡±

    Keith noticed that after hisst words, Alexander¡¯s face turned pale for a moment.

    Alexander, looking intently into Keith¡¯s eyes, posed his question.

    ¡°If someone imed to have loved you for ten years but then behaved as though she never cared, do you think she¡¯s hiding her feelings?¡±

    Keith paused, momentarily hesitant.

    He recognized he had presented two possibilities.

    Why was Alexander focusing solely on what he wished to hear? It dawned on Keith that Alexander was reflecting on his own situation.

    He offered some advice.

    ¡°Alexander, that¡¯s all behind you. Why linger on it? Dani appears to be happy now, especially with Cedric. Did you ever think perhaps Cedric is the one she was meant to find in her youth?¡±

    Explore more on g ? ln¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s

    At that instant, Keith felt a sudden, tight grip around his neck.

    Alexander¡¯s face darkened, his eyes turning icy as he stared at Keith like an enemy.

    ¡°I warned you!¡± he dered.

    Keith struggled to breathe as Alexander tightened his grip.

    ¡°I warned you! Never mention that Cedric is the man Dani always wanted to meet,¡± Alexander seethed, oblivious to the veins popping on Keith¡¯s forehead.

    Keith felt as though he was on the brink of death.

    Frantically, he nodded, patting Alexander¡¯s arm in desperation. Just as he was about to ck out from theck of oxygen, Alexander released his hold.

    Keith doubled over, racked with coughs.

    Looking up, he saw Alexander leaving the bar with a menacing aura.

    Keith massaged his neck, whispering to himself, ¡°Didn¡¯t you im to have no feelings for Dani? What¡¯s with the heartbroken expression now?¡±

    Alexander¡¯s car tore down the street, driven by a single urgent thought.

    He needed to see Dani immediately.

    He nned to tell her that he epted her love and that she no longer needed to conceal her feelings.

    Dani was watching TV when Alexander, smelling strongly of alcohol, stormed into her home.

    Cedric rose, positioning himself protectively in front of Dani. The sight ignited fury in Alexander¡¯s eyes.

    He stared at them, convinced Cedric was seizing the moment for his advantage.

    Unsteady and intoxicated, Alexander looked past Cedric and fixed his gaze on Dani.

    ¡°I have a question for you,¡± he stated.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 326

    ?Chapter 326:

    Katrina observed Alexander, her smile widening as she loungedfortably, nibbling on a snack, thoroughly entertained by the unfolding drama.

    For her, it was inconsequential whether Alexander wound up with Joyce or not.

    Her true intent was simply to agitate everyone involved.

    Dani had relished her triumphs for far too long, and Katrina was eager to watch her wrestle with her emotions, torn and indecisive.

    Cedric or Alexander? The choice was anything but simple¡ªone embodied a love from her past, while the other was her unwavering confidant.

    Regardless of Dani¡¯s choice, one would inevitably feel the sting of rejection, and even the chosen one might begin to harbor doubts and mistrust over time.

    Wherever there were fissures, therey opportunities for maniption.

    Katrina relished the thought of shattering Dani¡¯s seemingly wless existence.

    ¡°Oh my,¡± Katrina eximed, her tone oozing with feigned concern as she ushered Alexander into the room.

    ¡°Alexander, it seems you¡¯ve had a bit too much to drink. What could have possibly brought you here sote, and in that condition? It must be serious!¡±

    Katrina turned to Dani with ayer of mock sincerity thick in her voice.

    ¡°Dani, perhaps it¡¯s best if you step outside to talk with him. For Alexander toe unannounced like this, it must be something crucial he¡¯s desperate to share with you.¡±

    Under the warm, deceiving glow of the lights, Katrina¡¯s lips twisted into a sly smile, her face a mask of pretended goodwill, masking intentions far from benevolent.

    Step into fiction with g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s

    From the moment Alexander entered the room, his gaze had locked onto Dani with an unyielding intensity.

    In his mind, Katrina¡¯s maniptive words had backed Dani into a corner. Certainly, she wouldn¡¯t deny him the decency of a private conversation.

    ¡°Whatever it is you want to say, you can say it right here,¡± Dani replied, her voice firm, though she kept her eyes averted. That simple deration almost drove Alexander to the brink of fury.

    His gaze flicked to Cedric, who stood by Dani¡¯s side, quiet yet exuding a calm confidence. Then, his eyes shifted to Ryan and Lillian, who had both stood up the moment he had walked in, their postures tense, like warriors braced for confrontation. The truth came crashing down on him, as if he¡¯d been struck by an invisible force.

    Dani was no longer the woman he once knew.

    She was no longer the vulnerable, isted girl who had nobody to lean on¡ªone who could be easily swayed and taken advantage of at his convenience.

    A wave of unease gripped Alexander, his hands curling into tight fists that trembled slightly at his sides.

    ¡°I just need a moment with you. Just the two of us.¡±

    Unmoved, Dani replied, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I don¡¯t engage with those who¡¯ve had too much to drink. Furthermore, there doesn¡¯t appear to be anything of such immediate concern that we should discuss this privately. If there¡¯s nothing more, Josie, would you mind showing him out?¡±

    Her t refusal felt like a cold, stinging rebuff¡ªnot only to Alexander but to Katrina as well, who had been secretly thrilled about the potential spectacle.

    Was this the same woman who had once been utterly smitten with Alexander?

    Maintaining an air of icy politeness, Josie held the door open and muttered, ¡°Mr. Bet, please be careful as you leave.¡± Her brisk dismissal was clear and final, leaving no space for protest.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 327

    ?Chapter 327:

    A mix of disappointment and shock washed over Katrina. She had anticipated a fiery exchange, yet the anticipated drama had dissipated before it truly began.

    How could she just stand by?

    ¡°Dani, this seems quite harsh. Alexander dragged himself all the way here to talk to you, and you¡¯re just brushing him off like he¡¯s nothing? You didn¡¯t used to be this cold. What¡¯s gotten into you? Did Alexander somehow offend you?¡± Katrina raised her voice.

    From across the room, Alexander¡¯s gaze locked onto Dani. He stood in silence, his anticipation palpable, craving an exnation.

    What had changed her so profoundly? Dani felt like a stranger to him now.

    He began to navigate through the crowd towards her, his intent clear. He extended his hand, eager to bridge the distance with a touch.

    However, Cedric intercepted, stepping in with a posture that shielded her from Alexander¡¯s advance.

    His expression remained inscrutable, his voice low yet resolute,ced with an unmistakable caution.

    ¡°She made herself clear¡ªif you¡¯ve got something to say, say it right here.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s patience snapped, frustration sharpening his tone into a piercing rebuke.

    ¡°How dare you try to stand in my way? Who the hell do you think you are in her life?¡±

    Step into new worlds with g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??§àm

    ¡°And just who the fuck do you think you are to her? You¡¯re nothing but an ex. How many damn times do we have to go over this? She¡¯s not meeting you alone. If you¡¯ve got something to say, then fucking say it right here.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s demeanor was icy, his authority palpable. His voice never rose, yet it filled the room with amanding, dangerous energy that reminded everyone of his power.

    His presence alone was enough tomand attention, a chilling reminder of the formidable figure Cedric truly was. Cedric¡¯s polite charm and devoted actions towards Dani had led everyone to believe he was apletely different person.

    Yet, the core of Cedric¡¯s character remained unchanged¡ªruthless, scheming, and relentless.

    Alexander¡¯s muscles tensed, his hands shaking slightly as he clenched them at his sides.

    Cedric¡¯s mouth twisted into a sly, provoking smirk. He tilted his head dismissively, regarding Alexander as if he were an insignificant bother.

    ¡°Or you¡¯d prefer to discuss things with me one-on-one first?¡±

    While speaking, Cedric nonchntly snapped his fingers, the crack echoing ominously, a clear signal of his thinning patience.

    Katrina had half-expected Dani to intervene and calm the storm brewing between the two men.

    But Dani acted as though she didn¡¯t notice the drama unfolding before her eyes.

    With a long exhale, Katrina felt the weight of her growing anxiety settle over her.

    This was the Harper family¡¯s residence, and if Cedric decided to unleash his fury on Alexander here, Richard¡¯s anger might very well be redirected at her.

    Attempting to lighten the heavy air, Katrina forced augh, though a hollow one.

    ¡°Oh,e now! What¡¯s all this fuss about? It¡¯s freezing out there. Surely whatever it is, we can talk about it here, can¡¯t we? Alexander, go ahead. What do you need to say?¡±

    Alexander¡¯s gaze remained unwaveringly on Dani.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 328

    ?Chapter 328:

    He scrutinized her features, desperate to decipher any trace of emotion beneath herposed, distant demeanor.

    Yet, he found nothing¡ªno warmth, no hint of regret, nor the slightest glimmer of the affection that once filled her eyes when she looked at him.

    As he continued to stare, his disappointment deepened, fueled further by the alcohol swirling through his veins, intensifying his emotions. He knew he was supposed to walk away, salvage the remnants of his pride. But he waspelled to stay, driven by an insatiable need for answers.

    The atmosphere in the room was thick with tension, palpable to the silent spectators gathered around.

    Alexander¡¯s frustration reached a boiling point. Never had he imagined a time when they wouldmunicate across such a void¡ªshe seemed utterly unattainable now.

    ¡°Dani, did you ever love me?¡± His question lingered, suspended in the heavy air. A hush descended over the room.

    Even Joyce, previously absorbed in her game, halted and turned to gaze at Alexander, her eyes wide with shock and disbelief.

    Joyce¡¯s brow furrowed in confusion. She tugged at Alexander¡¯s sleeve.

    ¡°Alexander, what are you implying? Why would you ask Dani that? Aren¡¯t you supposed to have feelings for me?¡± Was it because of the child she had with someone else? Was that why Alexander stopped liking her?

    Disheartened, Joyce pressed on, seeking rity in her turmoil.

    ¡°But Alexander, weren¡¯t your feelings for me meant to be evesting?¡±

    Her innocent inquiry struck a chord with Alexander, sparking a harsh realization. Didn¡¯t Dani promise to cherish him endlessly, holding on to that love forever?

    Yet, reality often scoffed at such ideals.

    A sudden pallor washed over Alexander¡¯s face as the weight of the moment settled on him.

    Nheless, his eyes remained steadfastly fixed on Dani. Since he had asked the question, he was determined to get an answer.

    Alexander pulled his sleeve free from Joyce¡¯s grasp, turned to Dani, and demanded, ¡°Tell me, Dani, was there ever truly love for me in your heart?¡±

    Silence enveloped the room once more.

    Alexander braced himself for her possible answers.

    ¡°Yes, I loved you.¡±

    ¡°My love for you was profound.¡±

    ¡°Why else would I have married you?¡±

    Alexander¡¯s heart held a secret hope: to see a flicker of struggle, a sh of regret cross Dani¡¯s face, or even provoke her to a point of exasperation so intense she might strike him in a fit of passion¡ªanything to give voice to the storm of emotions he believed raged within her.

    At times, a question was nothing more than a desperate search for affirmation.

    Alexander longed to hear Dani confess, ¡°I loved you.¡± Yet, her response was nothing but silence.

    The room, crowded with silent onlookers, mirrored her quiet stillness.

    All eyes in the living room fixated on Dani, who remained wordless.

    Alexander¡¯s expression grew cold and distant.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 329

    ?Chapter 329:

    He attempted to bypass Cedric, but Cedric stood firm, an immovable barrier.

    Thus, Alexander could only edge closer to Dani, his fists balled in frustration, his voice nearly breaking as he demanded, ¡°Dani! Tell me the truth! Did you ever truly love me?¡±

    Dani offered no response, holding on to her silence. Alexander¡¯s body shook with the force of his suppressed rage, threatening to break through his carefully maintained facade.

    ¡°So, it was all a lie?¡±

    Dani continued to stay silent, leaving the question unanswered.

    Even Cedric, usually soposed, appeared taken aback.

    He turned slightly, casting a nce at Dani. She stood a full head shorter than him, her lips sealed, her eyes hidden under the shadows cast by hershes.

    ¡°So, that¡¯s why you refused to sleep with me!¡± Alexander blurted out, his words slurred slightly by the alcohol. He didn¡¯t care about decorum; he was desperate for the truth.

    His usation once again drowned the room in a heavy silence. At that moment, not only were Katrina and Joyce taken aback, but even Ryan and Lillian found themselves caught off guard, their heads whipping around to gaze at Dani in astonishment.

    Their minds buzzed with unanswered questions.

    Ten years, and they never slept together? Not even once? Rumors had long circted that Dani harbored a ten-year unrequited love for Alexander, while he seemed utterly aloof.

    It was said that Alexander harbored a phobia of germs, and despite Dani¡¯s persistent affection, he had never allowed even a simple handhold.

    Let your imagination soar with g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    However, Alexander¡¯s recent reproachful tone hinted at a different truth¡ªnot that he was unwilling, but rather that Dani herself had held back.

    Cedric, equally taken by surprise, couldn¡¯t conceal his reaction. Gradually, the corners of his mouth began to turn upwards, his eyes sparkling with mirth as a genuine smile spread across his face, its brightness undeniable.

    Finally, Dani spoke.

    ¡°I¡¯m very sorry about that. I admit I never had desire for you. As for whether I ever loved you¡­¡± Dani¡¯s voice trailed off momentarily.

    The entire room went silent, the air thick with anticipation as everyone waited.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I don¡¯t have a clear answer.¡± Dani¡¯s steady voice cut through the stillness.

    ¡°I¡¯ve never truly understood what it means to love someone. So, I can¡¯t say if I ever loved you.¡±

    ¡°Then why did you treat me so well?¡± Alexander¡¯s eyes brimmed with pain, staring at her as if she were a coldhearted liar¡ªa woman who had yed with his feelings just to leave him broken.

    Dani let out a quiet sigh. There wasn¡¯t a trace of guilt or remorse in her expression, only a calm sense of finality.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure if what I felt for you was love, but the care I showed you was genuine. Back when we were kids, you treated me with kindness, so it was only natural for me to want to give that back. I also believed that marriage wasn¡¯t built on fleeting emotions like passion¡ªit needed effort, dedication, andmitment. Passionate love fades fast. By marrying you, I thought I was proving my sincerity and my desire to create a life together. But it hasn¡¯t been that long since we divorced. Do I really need to remind you why it ended?¡±

    Her tone remained steady and calm, each word chosen with care.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 330

    ?Chapter 330:

    ¡°You had an affair with Joyce.

    You were the one who gave me an ultimatum¡ªeither kneel and apologize or walk away. Maybe I didn¡¯t know if I loved you, but I do know one thing: love means loyalty; love means taking someone¡¯s side. If I didn¡¯t love you, then you didn¡¯t love me either. And because of that, Alexander, you have no right to point fingers at me.¡±

    Dani¡¯s logic was unshakable.

    At that moment, the reality hit everyone in the room like a cold gust of wind.

    There was no denying it¡ªDani had never really been in love with Alexander.

    After all, true love¡ªwild, messy, and consuming¡ªnever lets anyone escape unscathed. Sure, Dani might have been hurt. But without love, the pain didn¡¯t stick; it didn¡¯t carve anysting wounds.

    Now, she could discuss it with absolute ease, treating it like it was a trivial annoyance rather than something meaningful.

    Dani wasn¡¯t certain if she ever loved Alexander.

    Yet, anyone who had ever been in love could see that Dani truly didn¡¯t love Alexander.

    And this truth was even more painfully obvious to Alexander. He couldn¡¯t put into words the ripping sensation inside him when Dani spoke.

    His gaze towards Dani was icy.

    ¡°Dani! I can¡¯t believe you! All this time, you¡¯ve been making a fool out of me!¡±

    Exclusive chapters at g?ln¦Ò¦Í??ls

    He had never imed to have feelings for Joyce.

    He was just fed up with Dani¡¯s unshakableposure¡ªthe kind that made it seem like nothing, no matter how big, could ever faze her.

    Everyone thought Dani loved him, but Alexander had always sensed there was something off¡ªsomething he couldn¡¯t quite put his finger on.

    All these years, he had struggled to figure out what it was.

    So, he¡¯d tried to provoke her jealousy.

    He thought being around Joyce might awaken the feelings Dani had kept locked away.

    Yet, even after their divorce, he was left with nothing.

    Today, he finally realized the truth. The barrier between them wasn¡¯t something he could fix. It was her heart, unreachable and distant.

    Even so, he wasn¡¯t willing to let go. He opened his mouth, prepared to voice the one question that had been consuming him:

    If he offered to start over, would she take him back? Love or no love, he was determined to make her fall for him this time!

    This time, he¡¯d do it right.

    Cedric noticed the resolve and the storm of emotions building in Alexander¡¯s gaze.

    But before Alexander could say a word, Cedric stepped in, his imposing figure blocking Alexander¡¯s view of Danipletely.

    ¡°Haven¡¯t you said enough?¡±

    Alexander¡¯s head whipped towards Cedric, his jaw tightening.

    ¡°If you¡¯re done, then get out!¡± Cedric added.

    Alexander red at Cedric, who stood a full head taller.

    ¡°This is between Dani and me.¡±

    Cedric gave a small nod.

    ¡°If you two were still married, I might have stayed out of this. But you¡¯re not. She¡¯s not your wife anymore, Alexander.

    You made your choice, and it was the wrong one.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 331

    ?Chapter 331:

    The harsh lighting above threw shadows over Alexander¡¯s tense features.

    Then Cedric dropped the final bomb, his voice cold and firm.

    ¡°Once you make your move, there¡¯s no going back.

    You¡¯ve lost.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s head jerked up in rm upon hearing those words. He met Cedric¡¯s gaze firmly. Then, he attempted to see Dani, but she waspletely obscured by Cedric.

    This unfamiliar sensation unsettled him.

    In a rough voice, he called out, ¡°Dani?¡± Silence followed.

    He called again, ¡°Dani.¡±

    Raising his voice, he shouted, ¡°Dani!¡±

    Yet, there was no reply. And there never would be.

    Dani had always been emotionally distant, like a block of ice. No action of Alexander¡¯s could stir any reaction from her. She remained indifferent.

    Alexander realized it was futile. Dani was unmoved by anything he did.

    She had openly admitted she did not understand love. She could not love.

    Her responses were limited to polite apologies and logical rebuttals, nothing more.

    Feeling heartbroken and defeated, Alexander abandoned the pretense he had maintained for so long, only to be met with a cold ¡°Sorry.¡±

    Newest chapters on galno¦Íels.c¨®m

    He bowed his head, releasing a bitter chuckle.

    Looking up once more, his expression resumed its usual detachment. He turned to Cedric and spoke evenly.

    ¡°Cedric, do you see what I mean? How many years can you afford to waste on someone like her?¡±

    Alexander was not jealous but spoke with conviction.

    ¡°Your passion now will be a joke. Or perhaps it won¡¯t bother you. But Dani is unchangeable. She¡¯s too cold. And why would you try? She grew up in a loveless environment, losing her mother early. How much genuine love can remain in her heart? Cedric, understand this: Dani loves only herself. No one else matters. Do you see what I¡¯m saying?¡±

    Dani had been chasing Alexander for a decade.

    Ten whole years!

    Yet, her feelings never deepened. She simply went through the motions to marry him.

    Common belief held that the Bets were coerced into agreeing to the marriage by the overpowering influence of the Harpers.

    What remained unknown was that without his consent, the marriage would not have urred. Suddenly, Alexander yelled, ¡°Dani!¡±

    Lightning shed across the sky, thunder booming immediately after.

    Alexander¡¯s voice, deep and menacing, blended with the thunderstorm. His face contorted in rage, and his cry seemed almost cursed.

    ¡°You are destined to be alone and unloved forever! You have no heart!¡±

    As he spoke, lightning struck a massive tree outside, which then toppled over.

    Cedric quickly covered Dani¡¯s ears as Alexander¡¯s furious voice escted.

    Dazed, Dani looked up.

    The thunder was overwhelming, and Cedric¡¯s hands firmly covered her ears, blocking out Alexander¡¯s tirade.

    In the brief illumination, Dani¡¯s gaze met Cedric¡¯s bright, unwavering eyes.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 332

    ?Chapter 332:

    ¡°Don¡¯t be scared,¡± Cedric whispered, his voice soft and soothing as a melody on a warm summer night, filled with promise.

    ¡°I¡¯ll never leave your side.

    You¡¯ll never be alone.¡±

    Dani blinked slowly, meeting his gaze.

    Cedric reassured her, ¡°Do what makes you happy. Pursue what you enjoy. Love isn¡¯t crucial. Just focus on your happiness, and I¡¯ll handle everything else.¡±

    In the reflection in Cedric¡¯s eyes, Dani saw herself. She blinked again and said, ¡°I feel as though I¡¯ve known you from a distant past.¡±

    Cedric offered her a tender smile, reserved only for her. Leaning in, he tapped her nose yfully.

    ¡°What¡¯s with the puzzled look? You¡¯re not as sharp as everyone thinks.¡±

    Curious, Dani tilted her head.

    ¡°Really?¡±

    Cedric chuckled, stood up straight, and gently tousled her hair. Alexander stood a few steps away, observing their intimate exchange with fists tightly clenched.

    Internally, he was consumed by rage and despair, eagerly awaiting the day Cedric would face disgrace and abandonment as he had.

    Alexander was convinced of one thing¡ªDani was incapable of true love.

    Turning away, he addressed Katrina.

    Nuevos cap¨ªtulos en g?ln¦Òv?ls

    ¡°I ept your proposal.¡±

    Katrina was visibly taken aback by his abrupt agreement.

    ¡°What?¡± she gasped.

    ¡°I have one condition,¡± Alexander stated, his voice as detached as ice.

    ¡°Anything!¡± Katrina responded eagerly, nodding.

    ¡°Whatever you desire, I¡¯ll consent!¡±

    Katrina presumed Alexander would demand a portion of the Harper family¡¯s fortune.

    Instead, Alexander, eyeing Dani speaking with Cedric, dered, ¡°As Joyce¡¯s fianc¨¦, it¡¯s appropriate for me to move in early¡ªto limate to married life.¡±

    Katrina beamed at the mention of ¡°fianc¨¦.¡±

    ¡°Absolutely,¡± she agreed cheerfully.

    Alexander¡¯s face remained expressionless.

    ¡°Then kindly prepare a room adjacent to Cedric¡¯s. I¡¯ll be moving in tonight.¡± He was eager to personally witness Cedric¡¯s ruin.

    He yearned to see if Cedric could withstand a decade of loving a woman who was incapable of returning his affection. Having stated his intentions, Alexander returned home to collect his belongings.

    Joyce, phone in hand, watched his resolute departure and tugged at Katrina¡¯s sleeve.

    Brimming with joy, Katrina eximed, ¡°Darling, did you hear? Alexander has agreed to marry you!¡±

    Joyce¡¯s response was devoid of joy.

    ¡°But he never once looked at me when he proposed.¡±

    His gaze had been fixed on Dani the entire time.

    Katrina brushed a strand of hair behind her ear andforted Joyce.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 333

    ?Chapter 333:

    ¡°Marrying into the Bet family is now your best course. Alexander is astute and capable.

    Your future is secure. He may seem distant, but your father and I are here to support you. Remember, men are straightforward beings. Don¡¯t emte Dani¡¯s stubbornness. There¡¯s a time to concede. Men inherently want to dominate in rtionships, craving that control. It¡¯s essential to distinguish between being merely someone¡¯s partner and truly integrating into their life. Don¡¯t hesitate to fulfill his needs.¡±

    ¡°Otherwise, he might seek them elsewhere. Men operate this way.

    You must learn how to appeal to him, how to captivate his heart. Dani¡¯s inability to grasp this led to her failure. Take this as a lesson, okay?¡±

    Alexander headed home and started throwing his belongings into a suitcase.

    Richard asked, ¡°So, it¡¯s decided, then?¡±

    Alexander, his anger still simmering, forcefully zipped up the suitcase.

    ¡°Yes! I¡¯ll be there to witness Cedric¡¯s downfall myself. When it happens, Dani¡¯s real face will be exposed.¡±

    Without another word, he grabbed the suitcase and stormed out.

    Richard stayed where he was, releasing a long, exhausted sigh. Questions swirled in his mind, ones he wished he could throw at Alexander. Was it really worth it?

    Hadn¡¯t Alexander himself imed he never even liked Dani? So why on earth would he take things so far as to marry Joyce¡ªa woman with another man¡¯s child?

    Latest novels at g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s?c?m

    The Harper family¡¯s wealth was securely under Dani¡¯s control. Richard couldn¡¯te up with any logical exnation for Alexander¡¯s choice to marry Joyce.

    Was it for power? Or wealth? Neither seemed like a prize worth such a costly trade.

    For a man like Alexander, renowned for his shrewdness and relentless pursuit of profit, this was the most irrational and loss-ridden decision he¡¯d ever made.

    Richard¡¯s weary sigh reverberated through the vast emptiness of the vi, a sound swallowed by the cold silence.

    Meanwhile, after Alexander left, Dani sat down on the sofa with an air of calm.

    Without sparing Caiden a nce, she stated in an indifferent tone, ¡°The full audit reveals that three hundred million in assets have been transferred out. Caiden, I¡¯ll need the remaining two hundred fifty-two million, three hundred ny thousand dors returned to thepany at once.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s face darkened immediately at her words. A flicker of panic shed in his eyes, and he nearly stammered, ¡°How could you possibly know?¡±

    He had diverted the money through a web ofpanies, paying heftymissions to middlemen who swore the transfers were untraceable, even to the sharpest auditors.

    And yet Dani had uncovered it. How could she have known? The audit had just started a day earlier, so how had she uncovered not just the missing funds but the precise amount?

    ¡°You¡­¡± Caiden began, but before he could continue, Katrina quickly grabbed his arm.

    Turning toward her, a bit confused, he caught her nce, and she smiled gently at Dani, her voice soothing.

    ¡°Dani, you¡¯ve got it all wrong.

    Your father didn¡¯t take thepany¡¯s assets. It was just an investment.

    You¡¯ve heard the saying, right? Don¡¯t put all your eggs in one basket? Joyce is going to marry Alexander. One day, you¡¯ll marry too. All your father ever wanted was to make sure there would be enough wealth for everyone. Sadly, the investments didn¡¯t turn out as hoped, and this is all that remains. Let¡¯s not make this a bigger issue than it is.¡±

    While speaking, Katrina¡¯s hand slid behind her back and pinched Caiden sharply on the thigh.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 334

    ?Chapter 334:

    Caiden gasped, his eyes reddening as he bit back a cry of pain. His face twisted into a forced expression of regret.

    ¡°Dani, you¡¯ve done so well for yourself now. Do you really need to make a fuss over this small amount with your father?¡±

    Dani¡¯s lips curled into a smile.

    ¡°You¡¯re wrong. This is thepany¡¯s money, not mine. Everything that was taken needs to be returned, in full.¡±

    Caiden gritted his teeth, the sound of his jaw grinding clearly audible.

    ¡°And what do you expect me to do about it? I don¡¯t have the money! Even if you beat me senseless, I can¡¯t pay that much. So, what¡¯s next? Go ahead, call the police, and have me arrested!¡± He crossed his arms and leaned back, his posture full of defiance.

    Lillian couldn¡¯t stay quiet any longer and raised her hand.

    ¡°Hey! You stole from thepany, and now you¡¯re acting all high and mighty? What¡¯s with that attitude?¡±

    Caiden rolled his eyes dramatically.

    ¡°Yeah, this is how I am. What are you going to do about it?¡±

    ¡°Oh, so now you¡¯re not going to return the money?¡± Dani held a small fruit knife in her hand. The back of her hand was wrapped in a bandage, one Cedric had carefully put on earlier that morning.

    She flicked the knife casually, and its small de shimmered in the light. Caiden¡¯s heart raced.

    Your story hub is g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s???????

    ¡°Alright. There¡¯s a way out.¡±

    A slight smile tugged at her lips, her dimples softly appearing on her cheeks. She appeared innocent, almost like a harmless college student. For a brief moment, Caiden felt his tension ease¡ªuntil her next words struck him like a blow.

    ¡°I¡¯ll offer you three choices. First, treat the money as Joyce¡¯s final dowry payment. From now on, she¡¯s considered married off, and she won¡¯t im a single cent of the family¡¯s fortune.¡±

    Katrina jumped up from her seat, her face burning with fury.

    ¡°No chance!¡±

    True, the Harper family was in decline. But they still possessed more wealth than most. Besides, with Dani running the business now, who could say Harper Group wouldn¡¯t bounce back and reim its fortune? Two hundred million, and cutting off Joycepletely? That was simply unthinkable!

    Dani nodded without a hint of hesitation.

    ¡°Okay, then here¡¯s the second option. Use Caiden¡¯s shares in thepany to settle the debt. I¡¯m not asking for anything more¡ªjust give me his shares, and we¡¯ll consider it settled.¡±

    Caiden shook his head firmly this time.

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡±

    Dani nodded once more, her smile unwavering.

    Caiden asked, ¡°What¡¯s the third option?¡±

    Dani slowly lifted her gaze to meet his. Her eyes held something¡ªsharp, cold, and unyielding. It made Caiden feel as though the very air around him had frozen.

    Dani didn¡¯t break eye contact as she spoke again.

    ¡°If you can¡¯t ept one of the first two choices, then I hope you¡¯re ready for jail.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s fury surged, and he was about to shout, ready to use her of being ungrateful and disrespectful. But before a word could escape his lips, a cold, shiny object appeared in front of him. In one quick, graceful movement, Dani lifted the fruit knife and drove it straight into the watermelon on the fruit tter.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 335

    ?Chapter 335:

    The knife hit the fruit with a sharp thud, sinking deep inside. Red juice began to spill from the cut, running down the de and dripping onto the dark wooden table. The deep red color of the juice resembled fresh blood in a way that felt unsettling.

    As Alexander entered with his luggage, Dani gave a sharp p, rising to her feet, her face as cold and distant as always. She nced at the clock and stated calmly, ¡°It¡¯s 10:50 p.m. now. If the remaining funds aren¡¯t in by this time tomorrow, don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t warn you.¡±

    With that, she turned and began to ascend the stairs at a deliberate pace.

    Caiden¡¯s rage boiled over as he pointed at Dani¡¯s retreating back, shouting, ¡°Dani! You ungrateful brat! After everything I¡¯ve done for you, you expect me to pull this huge amount out of thin air? Are you trying to break me? Fine! If you want a choice, I¡¯ll pick prison! Call the cops, arrest me, I don¡¯t care! I¡¯m done with this!¡±

    As his words echoed through the room, Dani paused midway up the stairs, slowly turning to face him.

    With an expression of innocent curiosity, Dani looked down at him, her eyes wide and sincere, as if asking, ¡°Are you sure about that?¡±

    For a moment, Caiden faltered, his bravado slipping away. The words caught in his throat, and he couldn¡¯t manage a reply. After Dani vanished upstairs, Caiden exploded, his voice rising.

    ¡°Did you all see that? Did you see what just happened?¡± Standing with his hands on his hips, he seethed in frustration, pointing angrily at the stairs.

    ¡°This is the daughter I¡¯ve raised for over ten years. Look at her! She¡¯s just like Brylee¡ªheartless. Now she wants to send me to the police!¡±

    Looking at Alexander, Caiden added bitterly, ¡°You were right all along. Dani has no heart. Divorcing her was the right choice! Who knows what kind of chaos she¡¯d have caused your family!¡±

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s£®?????? brings magic to life

    Alexander observed with a chilling detachment, fully aware this was only the beginning. Dani had distanced herself from her family, then it would be her friends, and finally Cedric. Ultimately, she would find herself as isted as she had been when she once pursued him.

    He was biding his time, anticipating the day Dani would return, groveling for his forgiveness. She would face the consequences of her sharp words today.

    Katrina remained calm and pursed her lips before turning to Alexander.

    ¡°What do you think we should do? Dani expects us to find this massive sum all at once, and we¡­¡± She shot a meaningful look at Caiden before turning back to Alexander.

    ¡°We honestly can¡¯t manage it.¡±

    Carrying his luggage, Alexander inquired of a servant, ¡°Where is my room?¡±

    The servant gestured towards a guest room.

    Alexander nodded and turned to Katrina.

    ¡°This is between Caiden and Dani. I¡¯ve divorced her, so I¡¯m not involved. It¡¯s gettingte, so I¡¯m going to bed. Goodnight.¡±

    Without another word, he walked away, ignoring Katrina¡¯s desperate calls for him to stop.

    Her voice softened with frustration as she muttered, ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to marry Joyce? Shouldn¡¯t we handle this money problem together? The Bet family surely has enough to cover this.¡±

    Getting the money was like asking Caiden to give up his very existence.

    After his shower, Caiden made his way to Alexander¡¯s door, knocking sharply.

    Alexander¡¯s expression remained neutral as he spoke.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 336

    ?Chapter 336:

    ¡°I¡¯ve spoken to my family about your situation. My father suggests we hold off on the engagement ceremony until things settle down. If Joyce marries me without a dowry, she¡¯ll be ridiculed by other families, especially with a child in the picture. My family isn¡¯t bothered, but you wouldn¡¯t want to see Joyce face that kind of embarrassment. My father thinks we should wait until the Harper family is back on solid ground, ensure Joyce has a proper dowry, and then he¡¯ll personallye to arrange the marriage with you.¡±

    His words cut down Caiden¡¯s ns, effectively dying the engagement until Harper Group was stable once more.

    This was, without a doubt, disastrous news for Caiden.

    Katrina, however, seemed undisturbed.

    ¡°Living under the same roof, it¡¯s inevitable that feelings will grow. Once Joyce has Alexander¡¯s child, he¡¯ll have no choice but to marry her.¡±

    Caiden cast a nce at Alexander¡¯s door, his voice barely audible, ¡°Really? Do you think it¡¯ll go the way we nned?¡±

    Caiden¡¯s anger raged on, his furious voice carrying up from downstairs, barely softened by the thin walls.

    ¡°Dani! If I had known things would end up like this, I would have never brought you into this world! You¡¯re just like your mother¡ªcold and heartless.

    You¡¯re doomed to be alone forever!¡±

    Dani sat cross-legged on the floor in her room, engrossed in a puzzle.

    Exclusive content avable at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s

    Cedric had gifted it to her, urging her to take a break and indulge in some rxation instead of working nonstop.

    She found peace in the quiet, and Cedric had brought over eighty thousand pieces, now scattered across the floor. When Cedric knocked and stepped inside, he found Dani on the floor, fitting pieces together.

    Her face stayed nk, void of any emotion.

    Dani usually had a bright, cheerful demeanor, and when she smiled, her eyes sparkled as if they could light up the entire world. But now, with her silence andck of expression, it felt as though time itself hade to a halt.

    Cedric was in his casual clothes and sat down beside Dani, crossing his legs as he joined her in the puzzle.

    The two worked in quiet harmony, exchanging pieces wordlessly until Lillian knocked on the door and announced, ¡°Time for bed.¡±

    Only then did Dani nce up and give a small nod. Her gaze met Cedric¡¯s, and his face softened into a smile.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Dani inquired.

    Cedric leaned in slightly, and for a moment, Lillian thought he was about to kiss Dani. But he didn¡¯t. He stopped just in front of her, and Dani stayed still, unmoved by his proximity.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Dani blinked, the overhead light casting a delicate shadow over her eyshes.

    Cedric stayed silent and rubbed his hands together before gently pressing his warm palms against Dani¡¯s ears, a soothing gesture to warm her up.

    Dani remained motionless, her eyes locking with Cedric¡¯s, their faces just inches apart. She couldn¡¯t help but notice the sharp, straight line of Cedric¡¯s nose and how appealing his lips looked.

    ¡°Just trying to warm up your ears,¡± Cedric said with a smile.

    ¡°Don¡¯t let those harsh words affect you.¡±

    Dani¡¯s eyes were fixed on Cedric¡¯s smiling lips, her mind free of any distractions. All she could think about was how charming his smile was. His voice was soft and pleasant. Why did people speak of him as someone to fear? He didn¡¯t seem that way at all.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 337

    ?Chapter 337:

    ¡°Dani.¡±

    Noticing her distraction, Cedric pressed his forehead against hers.

    ¡°Many people say I¡¯m lucky. Lucky to glide through life on my own, lucky to thrive in business, lucky that every investment has worked out. I never used to believe in luck, but now I think I do. I actually feel like I¡¯m really lucky, and I realize why.¡±

    He paused, feeling the luck of meeting Dani again.

    Cedric grinned.

    ¡°I¡¯m passing on some of that good luck to you. From now on, each day will be smooth and safe for you, Dani.

    You won¡¯t be alone forever, I promise. No matter what others say, I¡¯ll always be by your side. Don¡¯t be afraid.¡±

    Dani blinked slowly at his words. In that instant, Cedric felt the delicate brush of her long eyshes against his heart, sending a small flutter through him.

    ¡°I¡¯m not afraid,¡± Dani replied.

    ¡°I¡¯ve never been afraid of being alone. Those words don¡¯t affect me.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s smile widened at her words. Taking a bold step and risking being rejected, he nudged his nose against Dani¡¯s. It was cool to the touch, but more than that, it sent a stirring warmth through his chest.

    Cedric responded with a smile, ¡°Then you¡¯re amazing. I¡¯m not as strong as you. I was worried you might be scared.¡±

    After speaking, he slowly pulled back from her, adding, ¡°But I¡¯m absolutely terrified.¡±

    ?¦Ál§Ú¦Òv???.c§àm has the newest content

    Dani wasn¡¯t used to offeringfort or saying the right things. Maybe she used to be good at saying kind things, but over the years, as she was repeatedly ignored, she gradually realized that no one would acknowledge her efforts, so she forgot how to do it.

    In this moment, however, she clearly felt Cedric¡¯s reassurance.

    She lowered her gaze, then, copying Cedric¡¯s earlier gesture, she rubbed her hands together before leaning forward to cover his ears.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid,¡± she whispered.

    Bathed in the soft light, Cedric¡¯s smile was gentle. His eyes locked on Dani¡¯s, and he murmured, ¡°Alright.¡±

    In the entryway, Lillian and Ryan came to a sudden halt. Momentster, they shared a nce, quickly covering each other¡¯s eyes and sidestepping away in difort.

    Downstairs, Lillian murmured, ¡°What¡¯s the story with Dani? Does she not feel love, or does she simply choose not to, or is she just clueless about it?¡±

    Ryan, typically a man of few words and a devoted admirer of Dani, paused silently. He then leaned in, his gaze sharpening with an intensity rarely seen.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. But I think Dani was flirting with Cedric just now. Did you catch that scene earlier?¡±

    Still shaken, Ryan made wild gestures.

    ¡°She just covered Cedric¡¯s ears. And his cheeks turned red! Can you believe it? And yet she says she doesn¡¯t know anything about love? If she can soften Cedric, the famously unshakable, there¡¯s nothing she can¡¯t do!¡±

    Lillian was quick to agree.

    ¡°Exactly! She¡¯s clueless about the effect she has! Imagine if she tried that on Alexander. He¡¯d be overwhelmed. She¡¯s in a league of her own. An absolute master at this. Her charm is undeniable.¡±

    Upstairs, Alexander was on his way to get water from the living room. The moment he opened the door, the chatter from below reached his ears. His hand stiffened on the doorknob, his face clouding over.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 338

    ?Chapter 338:

    He thought Cedric was fooled by Dani¡¯s tricks. He himself wouldn¡¯t be duped so easily. Nor did he have any interest.

    Yet, he lingered in the doorway, tightly gripping his ss, hanging on to their every word.

    When Lillian returned upstairster, she noticed Cedric¡¯s ears still bore a flush of red. With a smirk, she leaned on Dani¡¯s door, took a deep drink of water, and asked, ¡°Dani, can I ask something?¡±

    Dani, stretched out on the floor working on the puzzle, seemed as peaceful and unfazed as ever.

    Lillian watched her closely, searching for any hint of emotion. But there was nothing.

    ¡°Hmm?¡± Dani murmured without looking up.

    ¡°What is it?¡± In the spacious, quiet room, her voice took on an almost surreal echo.

    Pausing briefly, Lillian finally said, ¡°Did you ever treat Alexander the way you did Cedric just now?¡±

    Dani stopped, a puzzle piece pinched between her fingers. She straightened up and turned to Lillian, her face full of confusion.

    ¡°How exactly?¡±

    Lillian covered her ears.

    With a shake of her head, Dani responded, ¡°No.¡±

    m??r?? ??¦Ñda??es ???? ??a??novels.c??m

    Lillian pressed further.

    ¡°Why not?¡±

    Pondering for a moment, Dani tilted her head, her brow creased in contemtion.

    ¡°Why would I? Alexander didn¡¯t require that from me.¡±

    ¡°Is it really that he didn¡¯t need it, or you didn¡¯t want to provide it?¡± Lillian asked.

    ¡°Consider this. Had Alexander been in Cedric¡¯s situation just now, would you have offered him the samefort?¡±

    Dani paused to think, then said again, ¡°No. That¡¯s not how Alexander operates.¡±

    ¡°Why then, did youfort Cedric?¡±

    ¡°Because he looked sad just now,¡± she admitted.

    ¡°It was as if something precious to him had been hurt. In his eyes, I noticed a momentary, hidden hint of sorrow.¡±

    Lillian went on.

    ¡°And concerning Alexander¡­¡±

    ¡°Lillian, you constantly mention Alexander,¡± Dani retorted sharply, crossing her legs.

    ¡°He¡¯s not suitable for you. He¡¯s cold, maniptive, and obsessed with profit. He¡¯s involved with Joyce. Although we¡¯re financially stable and could manipte him with money, I would never rmend someone like him as a partner.¡±

    Her attempts had taught her well. Alexander was simply too distant, too gloomy, and too inconsistent. He was not a viable candidate for marriage.

    Stunned, Lillian blinked in silence. Ryan, who had been casually leaning against the railing, looked equally astonished.

    Breaking the silence, Lillian eximed, throwing her hands up, ¡°When will you apply that brilliant business acumen to other areas of life? You¡¯re always so logical and strategic at work.

    Yet, with personal matters¡­ all your skills vanishpletely?¡±

    Dani stayed up until after one in the morning working on the puzzle, then finally headed to bed. She had always found sleep elusive. The puzzle Cedric gave her helped burn off some energy, letting her fall asleep somewhat earlier than usual.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 339

    ?Chapter 339:

    Dani rose around six. After a morning run with Cedric, she returned to find Katrina waiting for them, beaming.

    ¡°Dani, your father is facing severe financial difficulties. Is it possible to extend the repayment term?¡±

    Drying off with a towel, Dani asked, ¡°Do you intend to repay the debt?¡±

    Katrina nodded earnestly.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Of course, they intended to return the money. Joining Elite Lux would bolster Harper Group considerably. Pulling out now would be tantamount to throwing away a fortune.

    Dani responded, ¡°Alright.¡±

    Katrina took this as a sign of Dani¡¯s agreement to dy the payment, but Dani¡¯s next words took her aback.

    ¡°n your payments from prison then.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s smile stiffened, and she was speechless for a long moment.

    Caiden was venting his frustration again. Cedric gave him a chilling look, causing Caiden¡¯sints to diminish to a whisper. The situation was overwhelming for Caiden! Dani¡¯s return had irritated him, and bringing the influential Cedric made him too intimidated to speak up.

    Despite his grievances, Caiden managed to gather the necessary funds. This effort drained their savingspletely. They had investments abroad, yet the losses were significant. Caiden had to sell eight private properties to barely manage the shortfall.

    After resolving the finances, Caiden was utterly exhausted.

    L¨»t?st ch¦Ápt?rs in g??l??ov?ls.????m

    His bank ount dwindled to just ten thousand dors. Once again, Caiden felt the sting of poverty he had known before his marriage to Brylee.

    ¡°I asked for skan sablefish. What is this? Have you tried to deceive me with fake seafood?¡± Joyceined.

    From the kitchen, the servant responded meekly, head bowed, ¡°Miss Harper, your father has reduced the food budget. We can no longer afford luxury items.¡±

    Joyce voiced her displeasure immediately. Turning to Katrina, she eximed, ¡°Mom, you promised that marrying into the Harper family would ensure a good life. What¡¯s going on? I demand skan sablefish, not this garbage!¡±

    Katrina, clenching her teeth, soothed her gently.

    ¡°Sweetheart, just a bit longer. Once Dani stabilizes thepany and it begins to yield profits, our situation will improve.¡±

    Katrina and Caiden had researched and discovered that even the least profitable of thepanies Dani managed was generating over ten billion a year. Despite Harper Group¡¯s unstable foundations, earning five billion annually was more than sufficient for avish lifestyle. This rationale led Caiden toply and hand over the money without further fuss.

    Joyce sulked.

    ¡°We only see dividends at year¡¯s end! That¡¯s months away! How do you expect me to endure until then? Did you know the caviar Tasha prepared yesterday had dirt in it? How can I possibly eat that?¡±

    Katrina shared her frustration. Recalling her past in the countryside, she had faced numerous challenges.

    Yet, over the years, she had grown ustomed tofort and found hardships unbearable now.

    Quietly, Katrina advised Joyce, ¡°Ask your father to request an advance from the finance departmentter. Also, have him ask Dani to switch to monthly dividend distributions. That way, he can secure ten million for you immediately.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 340

    ?Chapter 340:

    Joyce muttered, ¡°Alright, but Dad needs to speak with Dani soon. I¡¯m tired of this lifestyle! It would be embarrassing if people learned I was served dirty caviar!¡±

    Caiden was reluctant to talk to Dani. He perceived that she had turned from the obedient daughter she once was into someone ruthless, now even rivaling Cedric in her methods. It seemed she was intent on cornering him, her own father. But he didn¡¯t have much money left. Ten thousand dors barely covered the cost of essential nutritional supplements, much less their escting expenses.

    Katrina¡¯s frequent beauty salon visits hadpletely exhausted their financial reserves.

    Pride was of no use in paying the bills.

    Resigned, Caiden muttered to himself and hesitantly took a seat next to Dani.

    She appeared engrossed in testing a new beta version of a video game, which greatly annoyed Caiden. He couldn¡¯t see the purpose of her busyness. It wasn¡¯t as if she was actively working to salvage the financially hemorrhaging Harper Group. Dani was merely at home ying games, while thepany¡¯s operational costs continued to deplete their resources rapidly.

    He never thought that he¡¯d actually have to start worrying about thepany¡¯s operations after taking it over from Brylee.

    He sighed deeply, his frustration evident. Trying to mask his feelings, he forced a smile and addressed Dani.

    ¡°I¡¯ve transferred all the funds to Harper Group¡¯s ount. Can thepany resume normal operations now?¡±

    Dani didn¡¯t look up from her game. She nonchntly sucked on a lollipop Lillian had given her earlier and murmured, ¡°Hmm.¡±

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s is where dreams unfold

    Overwhelmed by frustration, Caiden eximed, ¡°Then why don¡¯t you take some action? You just sit here all day ying games. When will you start worrying about Harper Group¡¯s survival?¡±

    Dani paused her game momentarily and gave him a fleeting look. Then she resumed her game and responded in a detached tone, ¡°If you had been concerned about thepany¡¯s survival earlier, we wouldn¡¯t be in this predicament. I was informed by the finance department this morning that Harper Group has been losing money all these years.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s expression hardened. He was well aware of the situation. But he had Brylee¡¯s savings supporting thepany in the past.

    ¡°You should turn things around! Revive your mother¡¯s legacy!¡± Caiden eximed, trying to sound encouraging.

    ¡°After all, you are her daughter.

    You have her looks, her talents, and skills.

    ¡°Now that Harper Group is in your hands, it¡¯ll recover in no time!¡±

    Danipleted her game and started another. Meanwhile, Caiden was growing increasingly anxious.

    ¡°Say something!¡± he implored. He had invested heavily in thepany, depleting his savings. He needed a return on his investment.

    ¡°Say what?¡± Dani responded, without looking up, her voice calm.

    Taking a deep breath, Caiden tried topose himself, adopting apassionate demeanor.

    ¡°I know you¡¯ve got a lot on your te, and perhaps Harper Group¡¯s minor assets don¡¯t seem appealing now. But this was your mother¡¯s life¡¯s work. Surely you don¡¯t want to see it fall apart, right?¡±

    Dani gave a light nod.

    ¡°Hmm. Don¡¯t worry, it won¡¯t go bankrupt.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 341

    ?Chapter 341:

    Relieved, Caiden quickly asked, ¡°So, you have a n?¡±

    Dani shook her head.

    ¡°No, I¡¯ve never managed apany that¡¯s this deep in the red, with such outdated equipment,ckadaisical employees, andx management. I¡¯m just as lost as you are.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Caiden eximed, jumping from his seat.

    ¡°What did you just say?¡±

    Dani paused her game and looked up at him, her gaze steady and her tone slightly amused.

    ¡°Since you¡¯re one of the major shareholders, I¡¯m eager to hear your proposals for resolving thepany¡¯s crisis. After all, you¡¯ve managed it for years.

    You should have plenty of insights and experience to contribute.¡±

    Her words struck Caiden profoundly. If he spoke further, he would have to confess that his mismanagement had led thepany to ruin.

    Yet, as Dani¡¯s father, his pride remained intact. He couldn¡¯t bring himself to admit that his inadequate leadership was the reason Harper Group was teetering on the edge of failure.

    Caiden was furious.

    ¡°So, you¡¯re telling me thepany won¡¯t be handing out dividends right now?¡±

    Dani remained focused on her phone and didn¡¯t even spare him a nce. Caiden¡¯s frustration boiled over at this. He wanted to smash her phone.

    ¡°If there¡¯s any profit, we¡¯ll distribute dividends, of course,¡± Dani answered, her voice calm and steady.

    Caiden was left frozen, speechless. Profit? With thepany losing money hand over fist, the idea of making a profit seemed absurd.

    Realizing he wasn¡¯t getting through, he changed his approach.

    ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll need to borrow money from thepany.¡±

    To his shock, Dani agreed right away.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Caiden blinked, taken aback. He had expected a firm rejection, not this.

    Her response left him momentarily stunned. A wide grin spread across his face as he decided to push further.

    ¡°I need to borrow ten million.¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Dani replied again, her tone still casual.

    The smile on Caiden¡¯s face quickly faded, a sense of unease creeping in. There was something about how easily she agreed that didn¡¯t sit right with him. He furrowed his brow, his voice tinged with suspicion.

    ¡°Why are you being so generous all of a sudden?¡±

    Dani nced up at him briefly, her lips curling into a small, almost yful smile.

    ¡°You¡¯re running low on cash. How could I be so heartless, right? You were my father.¡±

    For a brief moment, he felt a glimmer of relief. Just as he was about to thank her for showing somepassion, Dani continued, ¡°And since you likely won¡¯t be able to repay it, it¡¯s no problem¡ªyou can always use your shares to cover it. Of course, borrowing from thepany requires a promissory note, and the interest rate will be higher than what the bank offers. Just so you¡¯re clear.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s face darkened, his momentary relief evaporating, reced by fresh anger.

    Meanwhile, Cedric sat across the room, absorbed in a game. As he listened to Dani¡¯s words, a faint smirk curled on his lips.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 342

    ?Chapter 342:

    Caiden clenched his fists, the tension in his body growing as his frustration surged. He was itching tosh out, to let his anger explode, but Cedric¡¯s presence kept him in check.

    ¡°Cedric, it seems like you¡¯re quite at ease making my vi your personal space.¡±

    Cedric, unbothered, gave a slight nod.

    ¡°Exactly. I¡¯m thinking about buying this vi once you put it on the market. For now, I thought I¡¯d stay here and get a feel for the ce. With your business sense, I doubt it¡¯ll be long before this vi goes to auction.¡±

    Caiden instantly picked up on the mocking tone in their voices. His face flushed with rage, and he stormed out with a forceful snort.

    As he left, Cedric¡¯s calm and measured voice followed him.

    ¡°If you¡¯re truly in need of money, feel free to borrow from me. I quite like this vi.¡±

    The words struck Caiden like a p to the face, causing his anger to explode. He stormed downstairs, grabbed a vase, and hurled it to the floor.

    Unfortunately, it was a vase that Dani had brought. When the bill for the vase came, Caiden¡¯s face turned red. He couldn¡¯t even scrape together enough money to pay for it.

    In the end, he had no choice but to sign a promissory note and reluctantly hand it over to Lillian before slinking back to his room in shame.

    Living without any money was torture.

    Since Katrina had offended his mother and brothers, Caiden couldn¡¯t borrow a single cent from them. With no other options, he had to venture out himself to drum up business for Harper Group.

    Fresh updates now on g??ln????e??s.c??m

    Katrina stood on the balcony, her brow furrowed in frustration. Holding her phone to her ear, she sighed and said, ¡°Mom, can you ease up on your spending? Caiden¡¯s out of money.¡±

    The voice on the other end was cutting and full of mockery.

    ¡°Caiden? That man can¡¯t even take care of his own daughter. What good is he to you? Katrina, you married him to have a better life. If he can¡¯t provide that, then maybe it¡¯s time for you to start considering your options.¡±

    Katrina bit her lip, her voice hesitant.

    ¡°Mom, it hasn¡¯t reached that point yet.¡±

    ¡°If things don¡¯t improve, you¡¯ll need to make a move. Caiden¡¯s nothing but a freeloader. Haven¡¯t you figured that out after all this time? He had a golden opportunity and blew it. Do you really think you can count on him in the future? Like I¡¯ve said before, there¡¯s a rich man who likes you. If Caiden doesn¡¯t work out, why not move on? Why waste your time?¡±

    Katrina pressed her lips into a tight line.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been living with Caiden for so long. I can¡¯t bring myself to divorce him and marry another.¡±

    The voice on the other end scoffed.

    ¡°Being kind to a man gets you nowhere, Katrina.

    You¡¯ve endured enough, and so have I. Caiden isn¡¯t someone you can rely on. Marrying him was your first step toward a better life. Now, it¡¯s time to move forward. Don¡¯t let him hold you back any longer.¡±

    Katrina stared out at the trees swaying gently in the distance, her mind racing. For a moment, she was unsure of what step to take next.

    Katrina had no idea that someone was watching her from the shadows.

    Caiden felt as though he was losing his mind.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 343

    ?Chapter 343:

    He had never felt so trapped in his life; ever since Dani came back, it felt as though he was choking.

    All for the pursuit of money, he was being crushed beneath its heavy burden.

    It dawned on him that Dani had no ns to run thepany, and it was hemorrhaging money each day.

    The basic expenses were draining their funds rapidly, and Caiden experienced a gut-wrenching pain as he watched everything fall apart.

    Any hope of seeing dividends was gone.

    Worse still, Dani refused to lend him any money.

    One day, as Joyce insisted on having caviar, Caiden, feelingpletely powerless, managed a forced smile and stopped Alexander in the parking lot.

    ¡°Alexander, you¡¯re going to marry Joyce. Shouldn¡¯t you pitch in to help cover some of her expenses?¡±

    Alexander deftly avoided the question, replying, ¡°Joyce and I aren¡¯t legally married yet. If people found out that the Bet family is already paying her bills, they¡¯dugh at you for not being able to support your own daughter.¡±

    Caiden was momentarily stunned, then asked, ¡°So when are you nning on marrying Joyce?¡±

    To him, one less person in the house meant one less expense to worry about.

    Alexander responded coolly, ¡°Are you really that strapped for cash these days? Is that why you¡¯re so eager to marry off your daughter?¡±

    ???§ï$¦Ó ?§ß¦Á¦Ñ¦Ó?§ñ$ ¨ª¦Ð galno¦Íe?s

    ¡°No. How could you think that?¡± Caiden quickly denied, his voice desperate.

    ¡°But you and Joyce have known each other for years, and your bond is strong. It would make sense to marry sooner. For young people like you, starting a family early is the way to go, right?¡±

    Alexander spoke casually.

    ¡°Joyce just had a baby, right? Let her rest for a little longer.¡±

    Although Alexander¡¯s tone seemed thoughtful, Caiden couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that he didn¡¯t love Joyce at all.

    For a moment, Caiden was caught off guard, and before he could respond, Alexander had already gotten into his car and driven off, leaving Caiden to exhale a heavy sigh.

    Feeling desperate, he turned to Cedric for help.

    But instead of inviting him home, he approached Cedric on his way back from work and suggested they talk at a cafe across the street.

    ¡°Cedric, do you like Dani?¡± Caiden asked without beating around the bush, driven to the edge by money troubles.

    Cedric studied Caiden¡¯s calcting expression and didn¡¯t reply immediately.

    Caiden didn¡¯t wait long, pressing on.

    ¡°Don¡¯t try to deny it. I¡¯ve noticed the way you look at Dani. Cedric, winning her over won¡¯t be simple, will it? She¡¯s got a unique personality, and no ordinary approach will get through to her.¡±

    At those words, Cedric¡¯s brow furrowed slightly.

    Caiden let out a low chuckle.

    ¡°But I have a way. That¡¯s how I won over Dani¡¯s mother all those years ago. She was a stunning beauty, with countless wealthy suitors, but she chose to marry me. Do you know why?¡±

    With a smug look, Caiden raised his eyebrows and whispered, ¡°Because I have a secret weapon.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 344

    ?Chapter 344:

    Cedric narrowed his eyes, his tone skeptical.

    ¡°And what exactly is this weapon?¡±

    Caiden extended his hand, a sly smile creeping across his face.

    ¡°I can show you the way to Dani¡¯s heart, locking in a lifetime of wealth and luxury.

    You could live just as I do, enjoying a life offort. Dani¡¯s even better at making money than her mother. But I¡¯m not offering this for free. Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s only fair to offer something in return? It wouldn¡¯t be right for me to give you advice without some kind of reward, would it?¡±

    Cedric¡¯s expression tightened, his brows knitting together.

    ¡°So, is this a business proposition you¡¯re making?¡±

    ¡°Come on, don¡¯t put it like that. If you win Dani over, we¡¯ll be family. I¡¯ll be your father-inw. A little cash for me isn¡¯t a deal, it¡¯s just fairness. That¡¯s not something I¡¯d call a deal. Don¡¯t make it sound worse than it is.¡±

    Caiden, seemingly offended by the term ¡°business proposition,¡± conducted himself in apletely transactional manner. Taking a sip of his coffee, Cedric asked, ¡°How much do you want?¡±

    Caiden¡¯s face brightened at the question. Laughing lightly, he said, ¡°You¡¯re more generous than Alexander, Cedric. I¡¯m not asking for much, just this amount.¡±

    He raised a finger.

    ¡°A hundred million. That¡¯s reasonable, right?¡±

    Discover more g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s

    Cedric didn¡¯t say a word, casting a calm nce at Caiden. Caiden tried to read Cedric¡¯s impassive expression but found no clues. Was the price too high?

    Uncertain, Caiden averted his eyes.

    ¡°If that¡¯s too much, I¡¯m open to negotiating.¡±

    Cedric took another slow sip of his coffee, maintaining hisposure. Caiden, watching Cedric¡¯s unhurried movements, pressed his lips together.

    ¡°How about eighty million, then?¡± Cedric nced at him, a faint smile ying on his lips.

    Hesitating, Caiden added, ¡°Still too much? Cedric, Dani is worth more than that, isn¡¯t she? I wouldn¡¯t be proposing this if I didn¡¯t urgently need the money. I could offer this opportunity to many others, but I¡¯m giving you the first chance because I think you¡¯re a good man.¡±

    As his situation grew dire, Caiden became visibly more desperate. The luxurious lifestyles of Katrina and Joyce had left him under significant financial pressure.

    ¡°Then my final offer is fifty million. Consider it, Cedric. Dani is beautiful, and nothing significant urred between her and Alexander. She¡¯s still pristine. Isn¡¯t fifty million a modest sum for someone like her? Raising Dani wasn¡¯t easy. For what I¡¯m asking, it¡¯s a bargain.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s face turned colder, his displeasure evident. Caiden, overly eager, didn¡¯t notice the shift in the conversation.

    ¡°So, you¡¯re suggesting this is like a payment for marriage?¡±

    Cedric broke his silence, attempting to rify. Caiden paused momentarily, not fully grasping Cedric¡¯s subtle change in direction. He dismissed the idea with a wave of his hand.

    ¡°Cedric, you¡¯re reading too much into it. How could this possibly be a payment? No, this is entirely different. Marriage and business deals should not be conted.¡±

    Cedric responded with a thoughtful ¡°Okay,¡± as his expression turned serious.

    ¡°Let¡¯s be clear, Cedric. If you¡¯re genuinely considering a future with Dani, fifty million won¡¯t suffice.¡± It dawned on Caiden that he could benefit not just from Joyce but from Dani as well. Excited by the prospect, Caiden engaged more intensely.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 345

    ?Chapter 345:

    ¡°You have feelings for Dani, don¡¯t you? I¡¯ve seen how you¡¯ve always cared for her since your childhood.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s gaze slowly lifted, his face unreadable. In the sunlight, Caiden¡¯s features appeared calcting and cold, his attitude opportunistic as he chuckled.

    ¡°You¡¯re the boy who grew up ying with Dani in the garden, right?¡±

    From a distance, Lillian observed Caiden lead Cedric into a cafe at an intersection. She quickly went to inform Dani.

    Without dy, Dani set aside her phone and made her way to the cafe. Lillian guided her through the back, seating her at a table adjacent to Cedric and Caiden¡¯s.

    The tables were separated by a thin partition wall, which obscured their view but allowed every word to be distinctly heard.

    When Caiden said, ¡°You¡¯re the boy who grew up ying with Dani in the garden,¡± Lillian noticed an unusual reaction¡ª Dani, typically calm, clenched her coffee cup tightly.

    Lillian stood up, ready to step in and stop Caiden from speaking any further. But Dani stopped her with nothing more than a look. A shiver ran down Dani¡¯s spine, creeping through her entire body.

    The whole situation was almostughable, but there was no humor in it. On a bright, sunny afternoon, her own father was haggling with Cedric, trying to settle on a price to sell her.

    For years, she had given her all to Alexander, and Caiden knew why. And yet, he watched her fall even further, knowing full well that the person from her past was Cedric, but he never said a word. He constantly reminded her to return Alexander¡¯s favor, even taking satisfaction in her marriage to him.

    He saw her chase after Alexander, only to be rejected, and eventually, he watched her go through the divorce. Caiden, someone who knew the whole truth, had seen it all unfold.

    M??? ??????s ?? ????????s.???

    He was supposed to be her father, the one who should have protected her.

    Yet, he remained utterly cold and detached. The whole thing was pure nonsense.

    Everything about it made her want to scream. But Dani couldn¡¯t find the strength tough at it; instead, she felt a deep, bone-chilling cold that seemed to freeze her from the inside out.

    She turned to look out the window, her gaze falling on therge tree outside, its shadow shifting with the breeze as sunlight scattered across the ground.

    She had never felt more foolish than she did now. And all these years, what had Caiden thought as he watched her tirelessly chase after Alexander? Did he find it entertaining? Or simplyugh at her expense? Or perhaps he took a twisted satisfaction in the idea that Brylee had given birth to such a fool.

    In that moment, Dani only wanted one answer: did Caiden truly see her as his daughter? How could he treat her like this? Dani¡¯s hands tightened into fists, her grip bing almost painful. She remained seated, subtly signaling Lillian to stay down as well. A bitter, self-mocking smile tugged at her lips as she realized that any further questions would only make her appear more foolish.

    She looked out the window in despair. Her eyes, once warm, were now void of all softness, reced by a cold emptiness. Behind Dani, Cedric and Caiden continued their conversation, unaware of her silent presence.

    ¡°Cedric, when I first saw you, I knew you were the boy who helped pull Dani out of her depression all those years ago,¡± Caiden said, pointing to a spot near his eye.

    ¡°You have this little mole, and that¡¯s how I recognized you right away.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 346

    ?Chapter 346:

    A smug smile spread across his face.

    ¡°But I kept it to myself. I thought it was quite amusing. Isn¡¯t Dani always so proud? Isn¡¯t she wealthy? Yet she couldn¡¯t even recognize you. No matter how sessful she is, she¡¯s still blind!¡±

    Cedric¡¯s fingers tightened around his coffee cup, his restraint barely keeping him from hurling it at Caiden.

    Cedric¡¯s voice remained calm as he asked, ¡°But Dani isn¡¯t Brylee. She¡¯s your daughter.¡±

    ¡°Is she?¡± Caiden¡¯s face remained emotionless.

    ¡°The only one who truly counts as my daughter is the one who¡¯ll take care of me when I¡¯m old. Can Dani do that? I once felt sorry for her. I even thought about telling her that Alexander wasn¡¯t the one who was with her back then, hoping it might ease her pain after the divorce. I showed her kindness, only to be met with her indifference. Can I really trust someone like that when I¡¯m older?¡±

    Cedric¡¯s eyes narrowed, his voice taking on a sharper edge.

    ¡°So your idea of a good daughter is someone who will take care of you in your old age?¡±

    ¡°Of course, we raise children, hoping they¡¯ll care for us in our old age. But now I see things clearly. Dani is just as cold and ruthless as her mother. I can¡¯t depend on her, and frankly, I don¡¯t care what happens to her or who she marries. Cedric, since we¡¯re being honest, let¡¯s strike a deal.¡±

    By now, Caiden had dropped all pretense. He had revealed his true, selfish self, his expression cold and calcting. A sharpugh escaped his lips.

    ¡°Cedric, name your price. Dani¡¯s life or death no longer matters to me. Consider her sold to you. It¡¯s a one-time deal.

    I/t?$+ ?h?pt?r? ?? g????v¨º??.c?m

    You can take her home, treat her however you want, and make her serve you as you please. I have no objections.¡±

    Lillian stole a quick nce at Dani. After the brief flicker of emotion at first, Dani¡¯s face became calm again. There was a coldness about her that felt almost icy. Lillian, despite having no family of her own, couldn¡¯t help but feel a stab of pity for Dani¡¯s situation. She didn¡¯t want Dani to listen to another word of what was being said. Rising to her feet, she hoped Dani would take the hint and follow, but Dani stayed rooted to her spot.

    Meanwhile, the discussion behind them carried on without pause.

    ¡°Cedric, what¡¯s your answer?¡± Caiden¡¯s voice was steady, almost clinical.

    ¡°I¡¯m not asking for much. One hundred million, and she¡¯s yours. After that, the Harper family and Dani will have no further ties. How does that sound to you?¡±

    In families like theirs, even something as trivial as buying a pet could set them back millions, with upkeep easily climbing into the tens of millions. To Caiden, the offer was perfectly reasonable.

    ¡°That¡¯s my final offer. If you think it¡¯s too steep, I can always approach Alexander. I¡¯m confident he¡¯d pay even more to im Dani.¡± He took a slow sip of his coffee, exuding an air ofposure that bordered on smugness.

    In his mind, Cedric would surely pay. Dani no longer considered him her father. She was divorced, yet Cedric continued to protect her, all while living under the Harper family¡¯s roof, bearing no title or official status. Cedric didn¡¯t care about Dani? Refuse to pay the hundred million? That was impossible!

    Dani moved slightly, ready to intervene. But before she could act, a firm, calm voice sliced through the charged atmosphere of the cafe.

    ¡°I¡¯ll pay the money.¡±

    Dani went rigid, her body frozen in ce.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 347

    ?Chapter 347:

    Cedric spoke with unshakable calm.

    ¡°Dani is priceless. I hope that¡¯s clear. I¡¯ll offer you three hundred million¡ªbut there¡¯s one condition.

    You are never, for as long as you live, to tell Dani what you just said to me. Never let her know you¡¯re aware all along that I was the boy from her past. Never let her find out that you¡¯ve watched her endure so much, indifferent to her pain. And don¡¯t you dare belittle the sacrifices she¡¯s made for Alexander.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s smile wavered for a fleeting second before returning, broader than ever. He let out augh and quipped, ¡°That¡¯s it? You¡¯ll still pay a bride price when you marry herter? So this isn¡¯t just aplete buyout, huh?¡±

    Cedric¡¯s face remained asposed as ever.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s not.¡±

    He set his coffee cup down and leaned in, his voice low and icy.

    ¡°But you need to promise me¡ªyou¡¯ll take this secret with you to the grave. If Dani ever hears a word of this, I won¡¯t demand my money back. Instead, I¡¯ll make sure you pay with your life.¡±

    Sunlight poured in through the cafe¡¯s windows, painting Cedric in a soft, golden light. But Cedric himself was the opposite of warm. An unyielding frost seemed to envelop him, his chiseled features and piercing eyes radiating a lethal intensity.

    In that instant, Caiden felt a chill run down his spine as he realized he was treading on dangerous ground. The man sitting across from him wasn¡¯t just anyone¡ªthis was Cedric, a name that carried fear wherever it was spoken.

    Caiden hesitated, opening his mouth as if to defend his disgraceful actions or ease the tension. But Cedric cut him off.

    Your next story is here g?ln¦Ò¦Íels

    ¡°Leave.¡±

    Caiden rose to his feet, an oddly cheerful grin on his face, as if Cedric¡¯s icy warning hadn¡¯t pierced him at all.

    Three hundred million!

    The figure rang in his mind, sending a wave of satisfaction through him. It was more than enough to ensure his family could continue their extravagant lifestyle for years toe.

    The thought that Dani held such value in Cedric¡¯s eyes made Caiden chuckle quietly to himself.

    Yet, a reckless idea suddenly darted through his thoughts.

    If Cedric could shell out three hundred million to keep Dani in the dark about the past, then how much would Alexander fork over to hide the truth that he wasn¡¯t the boy from her childhood? Better still, how much would Alexander be willing to offer to swap the bride in his forting wedding¡ªfrom Joyce to Dani?

    The idea took hold of Caiden, and a wave of greed surged through every corner of his mind.

    Since Cedric had promised to give him three hundred million dors, Caiden approached his meeting with Alexander more casually.

    Instead of arranging to meet at a cafe, they met at the Harper family¡¯s pavilion. Caiden wasted no time and went straight to the point, just as he had with Cedric.

    ¡°Alexander, how much are you willing to pay to keep it quiet that you weren¡¯t the one apanying Dani when she was a child?¡±

    The question caught Alexander off guard. He froze for a moment, clearly stunned.

    He hadn¡¯t anticipated that Caiden knew about this secret. What made it worse was realizing that Caiden had likely known for a long time.

    Alexander hesitated, his silence stretching on.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 348

    ?Chapter 348:

    Caiden smirked.

    ¡°Look, I know you don¡¯t have any feelings for Dani. And honestly, you probably don¡¯t care much if I spill the truth to her. But think about it¡ªit could still work in your favor. Dani is now the CEO of Elite Lux. If she thinks more favorably of you, it wouldn¡¯t hurt your position, and it might even help the Bet family, wouldn¡¯t it?¡±

    Caiden¡¯s grin widened as he added, ¡°We¡¯re practically family now, Alexander. I¡¯m not asking for much¡ªjust five hundred thousand. What do you say?¡±

    Alexander¡¯s brows furrowed as he considered the offer. After a brief pause, he nodded and replied, ¡°Alright.¡±

    He made the transfer on the spot. With the transactionplete, he left without another word.

    Caiden watched him leave, staring at the empty space where Alexander had stood moments before. He muttered to himself, ¡°I should¡¯ve asked for more.¡± The ease with which Alexander had agreed was infuriating.

    Later that evening, Katrina listened intently as Caiden recounted the incident. She folded her arms and tilted her head slightly.

    ¡°So you¡¯re saying Alexander handed over the money without a fight?¡±

    Caiden nodded, cing his ss of water back on the table.

    ¡°Exactly. And Cedric¡¯s three hundred million should arrive tomorrow. The bank staff already confirmed that the transfer has been initiated, but it¡¯s a huge sum, so they¡¯re double-checking it with Cedric.¡±

    Gal n o v el s . is your destination for fiction

    Katrina¡¯s eyes lingered on the screen disying the money Alexander had sent. Her fingers drummed lightly against the table as her mind wandered.

    Was Alexander being generous to rebuild his rtionship with Dani, or did he still harbor feelings for her?

    Could it be that Alexander hadn¡¯t fully moved on from Dani while he was going to marry Joyce?

    Katrina walked downstairs and spotted Joyce lounging on the couch, ying a game on her phone. Approaching her daughter, she asked, ¡°Joyce, Alexander¡¯s been staying home for a few days now. Have you two had any meaningful conversations in the evenings?¡±

    Joyce understood the implication behind her mother¡¯s question. She shook her head and replied casually, ¡°No. Alexander¡¯s been tied up with a merger dealtely.¡±

    Katrina let out a sharp breath, her patience wearing thin.

    ¡°Busy or not, he still has to take breaks.

    You should find a way to talk to him!¡±

    Joyce frowned and pouted in response.

    ¡°What¡¯s there to talk about? Honestly, I didn¡¯t notice it before, but now that we¡¯re living together, it¡¯s clear how dull Alexander¡¯s life really is. All he ever does is work. I can¡¯t even hold a decent conversation with him. Honestly, chatting about e-games with Dani is more entertaining than trying to talk to him.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s jaw tightened as she gasped in disbelief. She struggled toprehend how her daughter could be so apathetic.

    ¡°You think Alexander is boring? Have you even considered where your luxurious lifestylees from? The money for your expensive meals, designer clothes, and endlessforts doesn¡¯t just appear out of thin air. If you married someone ipetent, you¡¯d have to work for a living. Do you think you could handle the realities of working life?¡±

    Joyce set her phone down and looked up at Katrina.

    ¡°I have you, Mom.

    You¡¯ve always ensured I have a good life. Why would that ever change?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 349

    ?Chapter 349:

    Katrina¡¯s frustration boiled over. She nced toward Alexander¡¯s room, the door firmly closed since he had returned home.

    An uneasy thought crept into her mind. Ever since Alexander had moved in, he seemed to pay little attention to Joyce.

    Yet, whenever Dani was in the living room, Alexander suddenly made himself present.

    Was he here for Joyce, or was it for Dani?

    Katrina¡¯s fists clenched tightly, her nails pressing into her palms.

    Her eyes narrowed, dark with determination.

    No one would stand in the way of her daughter¡¯s happiness.

    Caiden and Katrina spent the entire day glued to their phones, eagerly awaiting the three hundred million Cedric had promised to appear in their ount.

    They called the bank repeatedly, hounding them for updates on the transfer.

    They stared at their phones, obsessively refreshing the bnce page, doing nothing all day but waiting for that transfer notification.

    Across the room, Dani watched them with a smile that was cold and indifferent, as if she found their behavior amusing.

    As night fell and the money still hadn¡¯te through, Katrina¡¯s frustration reached its breaking point. Unable to hold back any longer, she stormed to the door, determined to confront Cedric as he returned home.

    ¡°Cedric, you¡¯re a man of great wealth and influence, yet I never thought you¡¯d go back on your word.¡±

    More chapters avable at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??s

    Cedric had just returned from a meeting. His brow furrowed at the sight of her, and his gaze darkened with irritation.

    Beneath his calm exterior, fury simmered, and he spoke coldly, ¡°Are you out of your damn mind?¡±

    The money had already been transferred from Cedric¡¯s personal ount; there was no reason it shouldn¡¯t have arrived. Earlier that day, the bank had assured him the transaction would bepleted by morning, and Cedric had trusted their word.

    Now, with another meeting looming in just thirty minutes, he was running out of time¡ªand patience. The Harper family¡¯s nonsense was thest thing he wanted to deal with. Just seeing them made his fists clench in frustration.

    He brushed past Katrina and made his way inside.

    Katrina instinctively stepped forward to block him once more, but then she saw Dani sitting in the living room, ying games, and froze in her tracks.

    Katrina realized that Cedric¡¯s forced politeness towards them was driven solely by his rtionship with Dani.

    If they pushed him too far and angered him, they might not get a penny.

    To Katrina and Caiden, it didn¡¯t matter who had been there for Dani in her childhood.

    What mattered now wasn¡¯t the past. What mattered was getting the money into their ount to secure their own luxurious lives. Katrina gave Caiden a quick, calcting look.

    Caiden hurried after Cedric up the stairs and into his room. Once inside, he forced a grin and handed Cedric his phone, disying his bank ount details.

    ¡°I really didn¡¯t want to trouble you, but the money hasn¡¯te through yet.¡±

    Cedric opened his mouth to speak when a knock echoed at the door. Dani leaned casually against the doorframe, her cool eyes locking with Cedric¡¯s.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 350

    ?Chapter 350:

    ¡°Would you like to have a meal with me?¡±

    Cedric could never say no to Dani. He gave a slight nod.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Dani raised her chin towards the living room.

    ¡°Come on.¡± Without a second thought, Cedric left the room and followed her.

    Caiden followed closely behind them.

    Dani knew how to indulge. Rather than ordering takeout, she always arranged for private chefs to create extravagant meals at home.

    Tonight¡¯s menu featured king crab, fish, tendermb chops, and more.

    The living room table was covered with an array of gourmet dishes, filling the room with tempting aromas.

    This extravagant setup was nothing new; Caiden and Katrina often indulged without hesitation. Dani never said no to them. She wasn¡¯t the type to care much about food.

    But tonight, as soon as Caiden tried to sit down, Dani¡¯s sharp gaze rose to meet his.

    ¡°Hey.¡±

    Caiden reflexively looked up.

    ¡°Are you calling me?¡±

    Dani¡¯s face remained unchanged.

    ¡°Did I invite you to eat?¡± The room went still. Every pair of eyes turned to Caiden, including Joyce¡¯s.

    Caiden felt a rush of humiliation wash over him. Even the servant got to sit at the table, but he was not allowed? His face flushed with anger. He stood up sharply, his voiceced with irritation.

    ????t??st ch¦Ápt?rs in g??lnovels.c????

    ¡°Fine! I don¡¯t care!¡±

    He stormed upstairs, muttering under his breath, ¡°Once the three hundred million arrives, I can eat whatever I want.¡± Despite his angry outburst, Caiden didn¡¯t head to his room. Instead, he lingered on the second-floor balcony, watching the living room below, waiting for Cedric to finish his meal so he could confront him again about the money.

    The tantalizing aroma of the food wafted upstairs, irresistible to even the most hardened hearts. Enticed by the scent, Joyce couldn¡¯t resist and made her way downstairs.

    A few momentster, she came running back upstairs, tears streaming down her face. She rushed to Caiden, eximing, ¡°Dad! Can you believe how petty Dani is? It¡¯s just food. Why does it matter so much?¡±

    Caiden¡¯s face darkened as he listened to her tearfulints.

    Joyce wiped her eyes.

    ¡°Dad, did you upset Dani somehow? She¡¯s never told me not to join her for meals before. Seriously, Dad, you and Mom shouldn¡¯t be pushing her like this.

    You¡¯re not going to win.¡±

    Caiden, who had been holding his temper all day, finally snapped.

    ¡°Upset her? What did I do to upset her? Dani¡¯s the one being unreasonable. What¡¯s that got to do with me? Look at yourself and then look at her! She¡¯s achieved more than you¡¯ll ever manage. Instead of facing your own shorings, you¡¯re here ming me? If you had even a fraction of her skills, I wouldn¡¯t be stuck living like this every day!¡±

    He kicked a vase in the hallway in frustration, sending shards flying across the floor.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 351

    ?Chapter 351:

    Joyce shrank back, too frightened to speak.

    Hearing the noise, Katrina emerged from her room. She saw Joyce¡¯s tear-streaked face and immediately turned her fury on Caiden.

    ¡°What? You can¡¯t deal with Dani, so now you¡¯re taking it out on Joyce? You think you¡¯re so impressive? Then why didn¡¯t you go downstairs to eat? Oh, right¡ªbecause Dani put you in your ce, and now you¡¯re hiding upstairs like some scared little kid! Sure, Dani¡¯s doing well now, but don¡¯t forget who your real family is.

    You can¡¯t rely on her for anything! Stop acting like you¡¯re in charge here! If you were worth anything, we wouldn¡¯t have to put up with this from her!¡±

    With that, she grabbed Joyce and dragged her back to the room, mming the door shut behind them.

    Caiden stood in the hallway, fuming with anger. After a while, he managed to calm down and apologized to Joyce, promising to buy her a limited-edition handbag once the three hundred million arrived.

    It was only then that her sobs finally stopped.

    After offering Joyce someforting words, Caiden and Katrina positioned themselves at the top of the stairs, waiting patiently for Cedric to finish his meal. Tonight, they were determined to get the money.

    After they finished their meals, they retreated to their respective rooms.

    Dani lingered in the living room, ying a game on her phone. Cedric, unbothered by thete hour, began his meeting on hisptop.

    Explore fresh updates g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    Upstairs, Caiden yawned and nced at Katrina, who was leaning against the banister, her eyes half-closed.

    ¡°It¡¯s already two in the morning. Are they nning to stay up all night?¡± he muttered, stifling another yawn.

    Katrina blinked slowly, her mind too clouded with fatigue to muster a proper response.

    Downstairs, Dani remained engrossed in her game until three in the morning. It wasn¡¯t until Caiden heard footsteps creaking up the stairs that he stirred, groggily getting up from the hallway floor.

    ¡°Dani, you¡¯re finally going to bed,¡± he muttered, rubbing his eyes.

    Holding her phone loosely, Dani stopped and tilted her head with a faint smile.

    ¡°What? Were you waiting for me?¡±

    Caiden chuckled awkwardly, brushing off her question.

    ¡°No, no. I just thought you should get some rest. Staying up thiste isn¡¯t exactly healthy.¡±

    Without a word, Dani smirked, a trace of mockery in her expression, and walked off to her room.

    Caiden rushed downstairs and knocked hurriedly on Cedric¡¯s door.

    Cedric, freshly out of the shower, opened the door and gave Caiden an unimpressed sideways nce.

    Looking desperate, Caiden held out his phone, shoving it towards Cedric.

    ¡°Look at this! The money hasn¡¯t arrived!¡±

    Cedric frowned slightly and retrieved his own phone. Pulling up his banking app, he pointed at the screen, showing the transaction record. It was processed at eight this morning. Caiden stared at Cedric, his frustration bubbling over.

    ¡°I swear, I didn¡¯t receive it!¡±

    Cedric, unfazed by Caiden¡¯s panic, called the bank manager.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 352

    ?Chapter 352:

    ¡°Mr. Phillips, I can confirm that the transaction was sessfully processed on our end.¡±

    Cedric had put the call on speaker, and Caiden heard it too.

    Before Cedric could reply, Caiden interjected, ¡°But I didn¡¯t get it! My ount bnce is still the same¡ªit¡¯s not there!¡±

    The manager replied, ¡°Let me review the transaction logs in detail. This may take a few moments.¡±

    While the call continued, Caiden clung to Cedric¡¯s phone as though it were his lifeline, rambling nervously about his situation. Cedric, on the other hand, appeared utterly unconcerned. He returned to the sofa, opening hisptop to resume his meeting without sparing another nce at Caiden.

    As Caiden¡¯s gaze wandered to Cedric¡¯s phone screen, he caught a glimpse of Cedric¡¯s bank bnce and realized three hundred million dors wasughablepared to the wealth Cedric possessed. He should have asked for more.

    Even after a lengthy wait, the manager couldn¡¯t find the problem.

    Cedric, visibly exhausted and ready for bed, took the phone back with a calm but firm tone.

    ¡°If the funds are stuck in processing, can you reverse the transaction? I¡¯ll transfer another three hundred million.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Phillips, I advise you not to. I¡¯m not sure if I can reverse the transaction sessfully.¡±

    Caiden, now panicking, blurted out, ¡°If I receive six hundred million, I¡¯ll send half back to you. I swear!¡±

    New content avable g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s

    Cedric was confident that Caiden wouldn¡¯t dare pocket more than his share.

    Without further hesitation, he nodded in agreement.

    He entered another three hundred million on his phone, typed in his password, and confirmed the transfer.

    Caiden clutched his phone, his breath caught in his throat.

    One second.

    Two seconds.

    A minute.

    Five minutes.

    Ten minutes! The silence stretched unbearably.

    Finally, utterly deted, Caiden turned to Cedric with a bewildered expression.

    ¡°Why hasn¡¯t it arrived?¡±

    Cedric frowned slightly, his patience waning. He didn¡¯t have an answer.

    Neither did the manager, who had been silent on the line, likely just as puzzled.

    Frustrated, Cedric tried sending funds to Katrina¡¯s and Joyce¡¯s ounts, but every attempt failed inexplicably.

    Caiden¡¯s emotions teetered between exasperation and awe. Cedric must be ridiculously wealthy¡ªto still have enough for all these failed transfers.

    ¡°Let me try sending it to Dani.¡± Finally, Cedric processed the transfer.

    Not a momentter, Dani¡¯s message appeared on Cedric¡¯s phone.

    ¡°?¡±

    Caiden froze, his face draining of color.

    Cedric¡¯s expression darkened as realization hit. Sending money to Dani, of all people, had been an impulsive and foolish move. He shook his head in quiet disbelief. Taking a step back, he distanced himself from Caiden, as though sheer proximity to such absurdity might somehow infect him.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 353

    ?Chapter 353:

    On his phone, Cedric quickly typed out a curt reply.

    ¡°Apologies, sent by mistake.¡±

    The response from Dani came almost instantly.

    ¡°Come to my room.¡±

    Cedric stared at the message, his jaw tightening.

    Cedric shot Caiden a cold, piercing re.

    ¡°Look what you got me into!¡±

    Caiden shrank back instinctively, his frustration and grievance palpable.

    As Caiden trudged upstairs, his gaze caught Cedric knocking hesitantly on Dani¡¯s door. Cedric looked uncharacteristically subdued, as though unsure of his ce.

    It was a stark contrast to the authoritative warning he had delivered downstairs moments earlier.

    Without lingering, Caiden retreated to his room, his mind swirling with unease.

    Cedric remained at Dani¡¯s door, his expression softening into an unconvincing smile.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±

    Dani, fresh from a shower, exuded an effortless allure. Her long, damp curls framed her face, cascading over her shoulders with natural elegance. Draped in pristine white loungewear, she looked both ethereal and serene, as though she belonged in a dream.

    She was seated cross-legged on the plush carpet, her fingers deftly working on a halfpleted puzzle. With a casual gesture, she pointed to the space opposite her.

    Keep reading at g¦Ál¦Çovels?c©–m

    ¡°Have a seat.¡± Despite her gentle demeanor, Cedric couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that her sharp gaze saw straight through him, peeling backyers he hadn¡¯t meant to expose.

    He remained rooted to the spot.

    ¡°It¡¯ste. I won¡¯t intrude. Is there something you need?¡±

    Dani didn¡¯t reply immediately. She lowered her gaze, her fingers picking up a stray puzzle piece from the floor. With practiced ease, she slid it into its rightful ce.

    ¡°Why did you transfer money to me?¡±

    ¡°I told you, it was just a mistake.¡± Dani didn¡¯t reply immediately.

    The longer the quiet lingered, the more Cedric¡¯s unease grew. His guilt churned, swelling into something he could no longer suppress.

    ¡°Really?¡± Dani finally asked, her voice cool and detached.

    Her eyes lifted slowly, and she nced at him.

    ¡°Y-Yes!¡±

    ¡°In the middle of the night, you transferred three hundred million. Can I ask why?¡± Dani picked up another puzzle piece and fitted it effortlessly into the growing picture.

    Cedric felt the sweat trickling down his back. His earlier shower now seemed utterly pointless.

    He couldn¡¯t exin it, but he had a sinking suspicion that Dani already knew the truth.

    Her calm exterior didn¡¯t waver. When she finally nced up again, her expression was gentle, devoid of judgment, and yet it carried a weight Cedric couldn¡¯t ignore.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 354

    ?Chapter 354:

    It felt as though she was just asking casually.

    Cedric pressed his lips together, struggling to concoct a believable excuse.

    Before he could speak, Dani¡¯s voice interrupted his thoughts.

    ¡°Forget it, it¡¯s nothing. I¡¯ve already transferred it back to you. Go get some rest.¡±

    Even as Cedric turned to close the door, Dani remained on the floor, her focus on the intricate puzzle pieces spread before her.

    The door, which should have clicked shut, stayed slightly ajar.

    Cedric knew he should leave. Staying any longer might unravel the carefully guarded secrets he was trying so desperately to conceal, leaving him exposed¡ªridiculous and foolish in her eyes. But his feet refused to move.

    His hand lingered on the doorknob, the weight of his guilt pressing heavily on his chest. It was an unbearable torment, gnawing at him with every passing second. The door, instead of closing, slowly opened wider.

    Cedric stood at the doorway.

    Dani didn¡¯t even nce up. Cedric moved forward, sinking onto the carpet where she had motioned for him to sit earlier.

    The tight knot of anxiety twisting in his stomach began to loosen, albeit only slightly.

    There were reasons that Cedric couldn¡¯t share. Secrets that, if revealed, might tarnish the fragile trust Dani held in her family.

    He could be Dani¡¯s family if she was okay with that. He didn¡¯t want Dani to be cold and indifferent because of someone like Caiden. It wasn¡¯t worth it.

    L?t?st ch¦Ápt?rs in g??lnovels.??????

    But even with his resolve, he couldn¡¯t bear to see Dani uninformed. So he stayed.

    When Dani finally looked up, her eyes met Cedric¡¯s.

    She noticed the turmoil etched into his features. The tight furrow of his brows, the rare flicker of regret shadowing his otherwiseposed eyes.

    For a few seconds, she just stared, her expression unreadable.

    ¡°Are you hiding something from me?¡±

    Cedric flinched at the question.

    ¡°What? No, no.¡±

    Dani didn¡¯t push. Instead, she ced the puzzle piece she¡¯d been holding onto the floor and stood, stretching gracefully.

    ¡°I¡¯m tired.

    You should get some sleep too.¡±

    Cedric remained on the floor, his posture stiff.

    Dani didn¡¯t acknowledge him further. With an air of quiet detachment, shey on the bed, pulling the nket over herself before turning off the main light.

    The room plunged into aforting darkness, softened by the faint, warm glow of a bedsidemp.

    Cedric¡¯s gaze drifted to the figure in the bed, and he didn¡¯t leave. He leaned against the bed, reached for the scattered puzzle pieces, and began piecing them together.

    The next morning, as Caiden stepped out of his room, he caught sight of Dani leaving hers. Momentster, Cedric appeared, his head lowered and his entire demeanor radiating frustration. Caiden paused for a brief moment before walking over to Cedric.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Did you get chewed outst night? Why the sour face so early?¡±

    Cedric shot him a sharp, icy re, his whole being emanating cold hostility.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 355

    ?Chapter 355:

    ¡°Get lost,¡± he retorted coldly.

    The issue with Cedric¡¯s money still not reaching Caiden¡¯s ount remained unresolved. With no other options, Caiden reluctantly turned to Alexander for help.

    As Caiden exined the situation, Alexander¡¯s face twisted in disbelief.

    ¡°Three hundred million?¡±

    Then, as realization set in, a smirk tugged at his lips.

    ¡°Ah, so you¡¯re ying both sides? You asked me for fifty million, while trying to squeeze Cedric for three hundred million?¡±

    Caiden scratched his nose, his embarrassment evident on his face.

    Alexander didn¡¯t seem overly bothered by the fifty million. He¡¯d long been aware of Caiden¡¯s despicable nature. What confused him, though, was why Cedric would so willingly hand over three hundred million to Caiden. Was it to keep the truth buried?

    Logically, Cedric should have been the one desperate for Dani to know who had been there for her as a child. So why would Cedric be willing to pay to keep that secret?

    Alexander couldn¡¯t wrap his head around it.

    He tried to press Caiden for more answers, but Caiden wasn¡¯t interested in discussing it further. All that mattered to him was when the money would finally show up in his ount.

    Reluctantly, Alexander agreed to assist Caiden butid down one condition: Caiden had to return the fifty million he had given him.

    Read more at g¦Áln¦Ò¦Í???s

    Caiden¡¯s frustration bubbled over.

    ¡°Is it any wonder Dani left you? You can¡¯t evenpare to Cedric when ites to generosity. Last night, he ended up moving more than three billion! And here you are, bartering over fifty million like it¡¯s a fortune!¡±

    Caiden assumed Alexander¡¯s request was rooted in concerns about security or some other bureaucratic nonsense, but to him, it just seemed petty.

    ¡°Fine, fine! I¡¯ll return it. With three hundred millioning my way, your fifty million won¡¯t even be noticeable.¡±

    Caiden handed the money back to Alexander and reached out to Cedric¡¯s secretary to settle the issue.

    Cedric had received notifications that the failed transfers had been refunded. Annoyed, he handed the matter over to his secretary.

    This time, the secretary double-checked Caiden¡¯s ount details and initiated the transfer once again. But, just like before, the money left Cedric¡¯s ount, but it never made its way into Alexander¡¯s. Stunned, Caiden could hardly believe it.

    In his desperation, he turned to Alexander, pleading for the return of the fifty million, only to be met with a firm refusal.

    At his breaking point, Caiden stood in the courtyard, hands on his hips, and said to Cedric¡¯s secretary, ¡°Withdraw it in cash! Tell Cedric toe to the bank with me when he¡¯s free!¡±

    When the secretary passed this message to Cedric, he soon received a text from Lillian.

    Cedric turned to the secretary.

    ¡°Forget the transfer. Head back to the Harper family.¡±

    By the time Cedric reached the Harper family vi, Lillian was already standing at the door, suitcase in hand.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± he asked.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 356

    ?Chapter 356:

    ¡°Didn¡¯t she agree to let me stay here?¡±

    Lillian quickly looked away, shaking her head.

    ¡°Where is Dani?¡±

    Lillian pointed to the vi, and Cedric breathed a sigh of relief.

    Inside, Caiden was trying to smooth things over.

    ¡°Dani, this is going too far. Cedric¡¯s been nothing but kind to you. He¡¯s wealthy, but he¡¯s willing to stay in this shabby house with you. How could you push him away like this?¡±

    Caiden opened his mouth to say more, but Dani turned her head slowly, her cold gaze sweeping over him like a sharp wind. The sheer intensity of her gaze silenced him instantly. He shrank back, wisely choosing not to speak another word.

    Cedric stepped into the living room, then knelt down on the floor, facing Dani.

    Dani didn¡¯t look up. Her head tilted slightly as she sat on the couch, absentmindedly scrolling through her tablet, lost in the news.

    ¡°Why? Just give me a reason,¡± he asked.

    Cedric¡¯s voice quavered as he spoke, his wordsced with fear. The possibility that Dani might remain silent, withhold an exnation, and simply dismiss him was a terrifying prospect. Thus, when Dani finally broke her silence, Cedric released a deep, audible sigh of relief, grateful that she was at least open to conversation.

    With a cool, detached lift of her eyes, Dani posed a chilling question.

    ???l????v??????.c??m brings fresh updates

    ¡°I¡¯ll ask you onest time¡ªis there something you¡¯re hiding from me?¡±

    Cedric¡¯s heart skipped a beat, freezing him in ce.

    Caiden, visibly unsettled, quickly took a seat, his smile fading as his anxiety took over.

    ¡°Dani, why are you talking like that? Cedric isn¡¯t your boyfriend. Why does he owe you an exnation for everything? Why can¡¯t you mind your own business? He¡¯s merely a guest in our home. Let him be. After all, Cedric is an adult¡ªhe should be free to make his own choices.¡±

    Dani, ignoring Caiden¡¯s pleas, maintained her unwavering stare at Cedric.

    ¡°Is that how you feel?¡±

    Cedric vehemently shook his head, his response immediate.

    ¡°No, that¡¯s not it at all.¡±

    Turning her attention away from him, Dani¡¯s gaze drifted back to the television.

    Her expression was one of calm indifference, but Cedric¡¯s heart hammered against his chest. He knew well that Dani was a woman ofpassion, yet a single act of betrayal could irreversibly turn her cold and unforgiving. At that moment, terror seized himpletely.

    ¡°Do you have anything you want to tell me?¡± Dani pressed on, her tone unwaveringlyposed.

    ¡°I¡¯m asking for the third time now.¡±

    Caiden, too, was shivering with fear. The thought that Cedric might spill the truth was unbearable; it would mean waving goodbye to his three hundred million dors. What a catastrophic turn of events!

    How did he evere to have such a troublesome daughter?

    She was bound to wreck everything!

    Cedric mped his mouth shut, his resolve hardening. Dani rose abruptly, seized his arm with a firm grip, and pulled him outside, mming the door shut behind them.

    Cedric lingered by the door, a somber figure lost in his thoughts. Caiden hastily exited the vi and approached Cedric.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 357

    ?Chapter 357:

    ¡°First, we¡¯ll head to the bank and grab the money. Once it¡¯s all settled, I¡¯ll help you coax her.¡±

    However, he knew no matter what, Dani wouldn¡¯t budge! Her icy demeanor was imprable! His true agenda was to get the funds at all costs.

    Yet Cedric remained rooted to the spot, unmoving.

    The rain cascaded down in torrents, punctuated by the stark shes of lightning and the rumble of thunder.

    Initially, Caiden had left the door open, but the wind was fierce. Josie, thinking quickly, handed Cedric an umbre and closed the door against the storm.

    Caiden was settled on the living room couch, his eyes glued to Dani as she engrossed herself in her game. Her intensity was unyielding. He couldn¡¯t fathom what Cedric found so appealing about her. Outside, a storm unleashed its fury, but Dani remained indifferent.

    ¡°If you¡¯re that concerned about him, why not join him outside?¡± Dani stated in a frigid tone.

    Caiden hesitated briefly before resigning himself to thefort of the sofa, not daring to counter her suggestion.

    As the rain relentlessly pounded against the windows throughout dinner, Caiden grew visibly anxious. He leaned towards Katrina and confessed in a low voice, ¡°You know, Dani actually intimidates me a bit.¡±

    Katrina stole a nce at the raging storm outside, then turned her gaze to Dani. She instinctively pulled her feet back, feeling a twinge of fear towards Dani as well.

    By the time midnight rolled around, exhaustion had overtaken everyone, and they made their way upstairs to bed.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s is full of thrilling adventures

    Before Lillian disappeared into her room, she paused by Dani and remarked, ¡°Cedric is still outside.¡±

    Ryan added, ¡°The rain¡¯s reallying down hard. Shouldn¡¯t we bring him inside and let him leave tomorrow?¡±

    Dani didn¡¯t look up from her game. Her face gave nothing away as she continued to tap at her phone.

    Throughout the night, the storm raged on, a symphony of relentless rain, brilliant shes of lightning, and deep rumbles of thunder, only subsiding as dawn approached.

    The living room was empty.

    Caiden was deeply concerned about Cedric¡¯s well-being, more than anyone else in the family. He had spent a sleepless night, tormented by the fear of losing his three hundred million. At dawn, he picked up an umbre and went outside.

    Cedric was still out there, enduring the torrential downpour. The stormy weather felt harsh, with the wind driving the rain like needles against his skin.

    Caiden tried to persuade Cedric earnestly.

    ¡°Cedric, listen to my advice. Don¡¯t be so stubborn. The world is full of wonderful women. Why are you so fixated on Dani?¡±

    Cedric remained silent, his stance unyielding in the rain, his suitpletely drenched.

    ¡°How about this, Cedric?¡± Caiden yelled over the roar of the rain.

    ¡°You give me the three hundred million, and I¡¯ll introduce you to a woman even more beautiful than Dani, someone who shares her charm. How about that?¡±

    Cedric did not reply.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 358

    ?Chapter 358:

    Frustrated, Caiden returned inside, casting a reluctant nce back at Cedric.

    At breakfast, Joyce questioned her father, ¡°Dad, why do you seem more concerned about Cedric than Dani?¡± Just then, Dani descended the stairs. Joyce addressed her.

    ¡°Dani, Cedric is your friend.

    You left him outside, and Dad had to check on him with an umbre. Aren¡¯t you embarrassed?¡±

    Dani¡¯s expression turned icy, making Joyce recoil slightly. Today, Dani appeared quite formidable.

    She then looked at Caiden with a half-smile and questioned, ¡°So, why are you more worried about my friend¡¯s well-being than I am?¡±

    Caiden, caught off guard, was unable to respond.

    Dani wasn¡¯t interested in hearing Caiden¡¯s exnations. After breakfast, she went outside to dispose of the trash. As she passed by Cedric, his rain-soaked hands reached out and grabbed her sleeve.

    ¡°Are you still mad?¡± Cedric¡¯s voice was low, unusually humble.

    Dani held the umbre and asked, ¡°Have you decided whether to tell me or not?¡±

    Cedric pressed his lips together tightly. He suspected that Dani might have discovered the money he transferred to Caiden, and he felt the chances were significant. However, he wasn¡¯t willing to risk telling her himself. He reasoned that hisck of honesty,pared to Caiden¡¯s deceit, might seem more forgivable to Dani. He always prioritized Dani¡¯s needs over his own.

    ¡°I was wrong. Please forgive me, I¡¯m begging you,¡± he admitted, offering his apology first.

    Explore captivating tales at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s???o??

    Dani simply nced at him, said nothing, and returned to the vi.

    Lillian, observing anxiously from upstairs, mouthed to Cedric, ¡°Don¡¯t hide it anymore. The secret is already out!¡±

    Without hesitation, Cedric pushed open the vi door. As Dani started up the stairs, Cedric, soaked from the rain, followed her.

    Dani left her room door open.

    Cedric apologized.

    ¡°I was wrong. I didn¡¯t mean to keep it from you. I just thought I could handle it myself. Please don¡¯t be mad at me.¡±

    His apology did not seem to have an effect.

    Noticing a puddle of water on the floor, Cedric added, ¡°I¡¯ll take a shower ande right back to make a sincere apology!¡± With that, he quickly went downstairs, took a rapid five-minute shower, and hurried back upstairs without even wearing slippers.

    Cedric was in such a rush that he didn¡¯t even have time to straighten his cor. Dani cast a nce his way, handed him a towel, and settled down to tackle her puzzle.

    The entire evening passed without a word from Dani. Cedric stood off to the side. As usual, Dani engaged with her puzzle until midnight. When weariness overtook her, she rose to sleep, disregarding Cedric as if he were a shadow.

    Cedric stood there, torn between staying or leaving as Dani turned her back on him, leaving him staring at her receding figure. The room was bathed in the soft glow of a dim yellowmp. Dani¡¯s even breathing signaled her deep slumber.

    Head bowed, Cedric held the towel Dani had given him. Instinctively, he raised his hand to dry his hair with the towel, only to realize it was already dry.

    When Dani woke the next morning, Cedric was prepared to clear the air. However, Dani retreated to the bathroom. When she emerged again, she simply told him, ¡°Go wash up ande have breakfast.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 359

    ?Chapter 359:

    Everyone thought Dani had brushed off the incident, but Cedric sensed a shift in her demeanor. On the surface, she offered him smiles, but they never reached her eyes; they were just a facade. She allowed him to stay but rarely inquired about his well-being. When he came homete, the warm milk that Josie used to prepare at Dani¡¯s behest was conspicuously absent. On rainy days, Dani no longer had someone pack an extra shirt and suit in the car for him.

    Only when these courtesies vanished did Cedric realize how much he had taken for granted the closeness between him and Dani before.

    Caiden seemed blind to the change in Dani, consumed with the three hundred million dors, only to be chased off by Cedric.

    As time passed, everyone started to notice Dani¡¯s growing distance from Cedric.

    It wasn¡¯t just a physical distance but a breach in the silent understanding that once connected them.

    Alexander was secretly pleased with this development. He felt his time with the Harper family had been fruitful. No matter how charming Cedric appeared, he had reached an impasse with Dani. The difference was that Dani had once doggedly pursued Alexander for a decade, which gave him a sense of superiority. So, when Cedric was no longer weed in Dani¡¯s room, Alexander could almost feel Cedric¡¯s dismay.

    Holding a beer, Alexander joined Cedric in the pavilion, seating himself next to him.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you?¡± Alexander scoffed.

    ¡°Dani doesn¡¯t know the meaning ofmitment. She¡¯s just in it for the thrill of the chase, then she coldly casts aside her conquests.¡±

    Check what¡¯s new on g?ln¦Òv???s?c?m

    Cedric took a sip of his beer, his tone t.

    ¡°Really? So, you¡¯re admitting you were caught in her?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s ridiculous,¡± Alexander sputtered, his face contorting.

    ¡°I was never like you. I never harbored feelings for Dani. It was all her doing¡ªa one-sided obsession.¡±

    Cedric¡¯sugh was scornful.

    ¡°Is that so? Well then, I hope you and Joyce find evesting bliss.¡±

    Alexander couldn¡¯t even muster a smile. From the corner of his eye, he saw Cedric¡¯sposed, assured demeanor and attempted to emte it by stretching out his legs.

    Cedric stood up. Alexander, observing his profile, felt a mix of relief and smugness.

    ¡°Cedric, just give up.

    You¡¯ll never win Dani over. She revels in manipting emotions.

    You can¡¯t outsmart her.¡±

    Cedric tilted his head back and finished his beer in one gulp. The empty bottle sailed through the air in a perfect arc as he tossed it aside.

    ¡°Alexander, haven¡¯t you gained from all this?¡±

    Alexander stiffened, gripping his beer. Cedric¡¯s smirk was cutting.

    ¡°Just because Dani doesn¡¯t vocalize it, don¡¯t think we¡¯re all blind. She stays quiet because she doesn¡¯t care enough toment. But if you keep ndering her, don¡¯t me me foring down hard on you!¡±

    Alexander turned, his face a mask of shock.

    ¡°What are you implying?¡±

    ¡°You say Dani yed with your feelings? When the financial crisis hit, the Bet family wasn¡¯t spared. Then, out of nowhere, younded a massive overseas order paid in full upfront, which saved Bet Group from copse and led it to flourish, bing the wealthiest in Olisvine.¡±

    At these words, Alexander felt a cold shiver as he regarded Dani anew.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 360

    ?Chapter 360:

    ¡°After bing the richest in Olisvine, Richard grew too confident and faced a liquidity crisis the following year. Who persuaded the bank to extend a substantial loan to the Bet family? Bet Group stabilized, but during the year you married Dani, Richard¡¯s careless remarks nearly caused your downfall. Who crafted the PR strategy that not only salvaged your reputation but turned a crisis into a triumph? That move is still celebrated as a masterstroke by PR experts.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s gaze on Alexander was unyielding. He concluded, ¡°Everyone sees you, Alexander, as the savvy CEO who steered Bet Group through troubled waters. But is that the reality? Alexander, Dani might not bother keeping tabs on these favors with you, but I¡¯m someone who remembers every detail. If you continue to be ungrateful and spread falsehoods, then rest assured, I¡¯ll ount for everything, including the grievances you aired during your divorce from her!¡±

    Alexander lingered in the courtyard for what felt like an eternity. It was only Joyce¡¯s voice, calling his name, that snapped him out of his reverie. Time had slipped by unnoticed.

    Dani had always been a vault when it came to the past. If Cedric hadn¡¯t unearthed those details today, Alexander could have continued to believe all those triumphs were his own craftsmanship. In that revtion, Alexander recognized that he had been the primary beneficiary throughout their rtionship.

    For years, he had deluded himself into thinking that Dani had married into the Bet family out of avarice, using their wealth and influence as stepping stones to cement her status within the Harper family. Now, reflecting on those thoughts, he realized how naive and absurd they had been.

    Even after their separation, Dani had kept her silence about her contributions. Was she protecting his fragile ego? The realization stirred a maelstrom of shame, regret, and vexation within Alexander.

    Then it dawned on him¡ªwhen Bet Group teetered on the brink of another crisis post-divorce, and he found himself floundering for solutions, it was because Dani was no longer his hidden ace.

    ??????????????????.?????? ¨C more stories here

    Disoriented, Alexander shuffled back into the vi. As he passed through the living room, Joyce¡¯s voice echoed a few times, but it fell on deaf ears.

    Lillian questioned Dani, ¡°What¡¯s gotten into Alexander?¡±

    Alexander deliberately slowed his steps, straining to hear Dani¡¯s reply.

    Yet, there was only silence. When he turned back, he saw Dani seated serenely on the sofa, engrossed in her game, utterly aloof.

    In that instant, Alexander understood. Dani hadpletely severed ties with him¡ªjust as she had with Cedric.

    Cedric, who had never been daunted by anything, now stood frozen in fear. He lingered silently in front of Dani¡¯s door, paralyzed. Words failed him. The divide between them wasn¡¯t merely physical¡ªit felt as though he had been relegated to the outskirts of her universe. Despite living under the same roof and crossing paths daily, an invisible barrier seemed to iste him from her.

    During this period, Cedric left on a two-day business trip and found himself embroiled in a trivial yet annoying scandal. It was an unfounded rumor¡ªutter drivel. Normally, Cedric would have shrugged off such nonsense. But this time, he panicked. He dialed his team, demanding they quash the trending topic at once.

    Upon his return to the vi, Cedric was slightly breathless from hastening back. In the living room, Caiden waved his phone, making snide remarks.

    ¡°Cedric¡¯s still quite the heartthrob. Even in a meeting, he sparks a romance.¡±

    ¡°Exactly! Cedric¡¯s got the looks, the clout, and the cash. Who in Olisvine evenes close? And check this out¡ªhe¡¯s practically glued to that actress in this picture!¡±

    ¡°Oh, I¡¯ve seen her! She¡¯s starring in that buzzed-about drama. It¡¯s no surprise she¡¯s climbed the ranks so quickly with these kinds of connections. Guess Cedric¡¯s her benefactor, huh?¡± Katrina chimed in.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 361

    ?Chapter 361:

    At that moment, Joyce looked up at Cedric, who had just entered, and blurted out, ¡°Cedric, is it true? Are you really that actress¡¯s benefactor?¡±

    The room fell silent, the question hanging in the air like a storm cloud. All eyes turned to Cedric, all except Dani¡¯s.

    Cedric stood still, his gaze lingering on Dani as he eventually muttered, ¡°I can exin.¡±

    ¡°What does that mean?¡± Caiden jumped in, eager to fan the mes.

    ¡°So, you¡¯re his sugar daddy?¡±

    Alexander nced briefly at Cedric, then redirected his gaze to Dani. She remainedposed, her focus glued to her phone. She continued ying the beta version of the game, asionally issuing debugging instructions into her headset.

    Cedric set down his luggage and stepped towards Dani. Before he could speak, Dani stood and turned to Lillian and Ryan.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Only then did Cedric notice the luggage near the door. His confusion intensified.

    ¡°Where are you going?¡±

    Dani didn¡¯t reply. She brushed past him, phone in hand, answering a call as she approached the door.

    ¡°Yes, I understand. I¡¯m heading out now.¡±

    Fresh content avable now g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv????s

    Lillian and Ryan lifted the luggage and followed her. Outside, the sound of an airne engine revving up filled the air, the rumble resembling thunder. Panic gripped Cedric¡¯s heart. He sensed that if he didn¡¯t rify things now, he could lose her forever.

    He hurried after Dani, desperate to join her on the ne. But she halted him. She removed her earbuds and faced him.

    ¡°I have to go abroad for work. It¡¯s not convenient for you toe. Besides, you wouldn¡¯t befortable staying here alone while we¡¯re away. Just return to your own home.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s eyes reddened instantly, his voice cracking as he pleaded, ¡°You¡¯re not letting mee with you anymore?¡±

    Dani offered a faint smile, her expression gentle yet distant.

    ¡°Why would you want toe with me, Cedric? You have your ownpany, and I have my responsibilities.

    You were never obligated to stay by my side.¡±

    ¡°No, that¡¯s not it!¡± Cedric¡¯s voice was frantic, hisposure shattered. He was overwhelmed, his words tumbling out in a desperate scramble.

    ¡°There¡¯s no scandal. That actress is my cousin¡ªI¡¯m not backing anyone! And the money I transferred to Caiden¡ªI didn¡¯t mean to deceive you. I just didn¡¯t want you to be hurt.¡±

    He took a shaky breath, struggling to articte his plea.

    ¡°Dani, I¡¯ll heed your advice from now on. I swear¡ªthis is the first andst time. I¡¯ll never keep anything from you again.¡± In ast-ditch effort, Cedric reached out and clutched the hem of Dani¡¯s coat, his hands trembling.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t leave me.¡±

    The roar of the airne reverberated across the heavens.

    Cedric remained rooted to the spot.

    Alexander sauntered over, hands tucked in his pockets, eyes tracing the ascent of the ne.

    He was about to unleash a snarkyment when Cedric cut him off sharply.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 362

    ?Chapter 362:

    ¡°I¡¯d hold my tongue if I were you.¡±

    Alexander halted, a bit taken aback.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t poke the bear, you know.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s voice was an icy warning.

    ¡°Push me further, and I might just lose my cool in a way you¡¯ll regret.¡±

    Alexander let out a nervous chuckle, but before he could retort, Cedric¡¯s fists descended on him like a hailstorm.

    Soon after, an ambnce whisked Alexander away, the doctor confirming he had fractured ribs and wouldn¡¯t be rising from his bed for a month.

    Caiden observed Cedric with newfound trepidation.

    In that moment, following Dani¡¯s departure, Caiden suddenly saw Cedric¡¯s true nature. It was an authority that tolerated no backtalk, a disy of violence that was bone-chilling to its core. Caiden was so on edge that he even moderated his breathing; he tiptoed around his own home, ensuring his activities were silent, and even resorted to watching TV on mute.

    The Harper family had never felt Dani¡¯s absence more acutely.

    ¡°Since Dani isn¡¯t here, and our space here is a bit cramped, perhaps you¡¯d be morefortable at your ce?¡± Caiden ventured cautiously, his voice tinged with the fear of provoking Cedric.

    Cedric continued to eat his meal, casting a steely nce that froze the room, radiating a daunting, oppressive air.

    Katrina, finding it difficult to swallow her food, hurriedly interjected, ¡°It¡¯s just that we thought you might prefer theforts of your own home. Caiden,e sit closer. Cedric is perfectly capable of deciding for himself.¡±

    Caiden retracted further into his chair.

    Cedric tasted nothing of his meal, and a palpable tension swathed the vi.

    As soon as Cedric departed, Joyce exhaled a long-held breath.

    ¡°Having Cedric around was like walking on thin ice. Absolutely terrifying!¡±

    This same suffocating atmosphere had seeped into every corner of Phillips Group.

    Within just half a month, the HR department had seen eight different organizational charts.

    The finance department was already preparing financial forecasts stretching three years into the future.

    The marketing department underwent aprehensive restructuring of all market strategies.

    During this upheaval, everyone felt they were treading on eggshells, sitting ramrod straight, dreading getting swept up in Cedric¡¯s tempest.

    A finance staff member pleaded with Cedric¡¯s secretary.

    ¡°Please, any word on when Dani will return?¡±

    A marketing team member added, ¡°Honestly, just catching a glimpse of Mr. Phillips is enough to trigger a stress response!¡± An HR representative chimed in, ¡°You¡¯re telling me! I keep my eyes glued to my paperwork during meetings, terrified to make eye contact with Mr. Phillips!¡±

    The collective sigh from the staff was palpable.

    ¡°Dani¡¯s prolonged business trip is stretching us thin! Please, we need a reprieve!¡±

    Perhaps the universe was listening to their prayers.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 363

    ?Chapter 363:

    The grueling Elite Lux project that had extended over half a month was finally wrapping up.

    After a conversation with Lillian, Cedric ryed the news to his boss.

    At Phillips Group¡¯s subsequent summary meeting, the finance department concluded their presentation, all eyes on Cedric for further directives.

    Cedric stared vacantly at the tabletop.

    The finance director held his breath.

    The marketing and HR staff exchanged nervous nces.

    The manufacturing and production teams mirrored their anxiety.

    All eyes inevitablynded on the unlucky secretary.

    Bracing himself, the secretary ventured, ¡°Mr. Phillips¡­¡±

    Cedric asked, ¡°Isn¡¯t there an auction tonight?¡±

    The room was puzzled.

    Cedric pressed on, ¡°I recall there¡¯s a bracelet called Blue Sea Mystery up for grabs, right?¡±

    The secretary confirmed, ¡°Yes. It features eight diamonds, with a starting bid of three hundred million.¡±

    At this, Cedric¡¯s expression clouded momentarily.

    He seemed particrly averse to the number three at that moment.

    Read new content at g?ln¦Òv???s

    Cedric inquired further, ¡°Isn¡¯t there also a brooch adorned with sixteen sapphires?¡±

    The secretary nodded affirmatively.

    ¡°Yes, the opening bid is eight hundred million.¡±

    Cedric breathed a sigh of relief. Altogether, securing it would cost around two billion.

    He surveyed the astonished faces around the room, raised his hand decisively, and dered, ¡°Meeting adjourned.¡± Everyone was visibly relieved.

    They all silently thanked Dani¡¯s favor!

    It was evening when Dani arrived in Olisvine.

    The Harper family residence was aglow, seemingly in anticipation of her return.

    From her vantage point on the ne, she noticed two figures below.

    The nended.

    Before Cedric could utter a word, the secretary was already in tears.

    ¡°Ms. Harper, wee back! On behalf of all Phillips Group employees, we wee you!¡±

    Dani was overwhelmed by such an unexpected reception. With a look of genuine concern, Cedric asked, ¡°Are you tired?¡± She shook her head.

    The rare joy of reunion lit up his dark eyes after such a prolonged separation.

    Dani felt slightly ufortable with the intensity of his stare. Once Dani was inside the house, Caiden and the others let out a collective sigh of relief.

    ¡°Why did it take you so long?¡± Caiden voiced his impatience.

    ncing upward, Dani caught sight of Alexander, who was bandaged from head to toe and resting on the sofa.

    She then looked away and headed straight upstairs to unpack. Dani headed upstairs without bothering to ask about his condition, which made Alexander irritated.

    What was going on? Didn¡¯t she see him? Didn¡¯t she notice the thick bandages on him? He was disappointed by herck of a simple greeting despite the fact that they were sharing the same space.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 364

    ?Chapter 364:

    Alexander felt both irritated and bitter. He watched Cedric follow her upstairs, then turned his head away. He scoffed internally, dismissing the thought of pursuing a woman like her, convinced that only a mancking ambition would do such a thing.

    Dani took a shower and, unusually, didn¡¯t go downstairs afterward.

    Exhausted from her flight, she sprawled on the sofa, absorbed in the documents from the recently acquired AI developmentpany.

    Dani had dreamed since her childhood of building a smart home where everything responded to voicemands.

    The curtains would open with a blink.

    A mere nce at the food would cook it.

    If she opened her mouth, delicious food would present itself to her.

    By lifting a foot, the room would clean itself.

    Robots were to adjust the indoor lighting and disy work on the TV screen through brainwave signals.

    The entire home would operate fully automated, needing no manual inputs and beingpletely intelligent.

    Dani was captivated by this idea and had even bought a researchb to develop this technology, aiming to introduce it in wealthy neighborhoods.

    She was deeply engrossed in these materials and didn¡¯t notice Lillian walking past her door, her voice floating in.

    ¡°Cedric, why are you loitering at Dani¡¯s door without knocking?¡±

    Discover endless adventures on g alno vels ; con

    Opening the door, Dani found Cedric standing there, his head bowed. She was unsure of how long he had been waiting.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± she inquired.

    Looking down, Cedric presented two gift boxes.

    Dani, puzzled, opened them.

    At that moment, Caiden, Katrina, and Joyce came. Katrina eximed, ¡°Wow! These are the items from tonight¡¯s auction, valued at two billion! So the mysterious affluent buyer was you, Cedric! You intend to give these to Dani?¡±

    Stunned by suchvishness, Katrina felt a surge of envy. Two billion just for a bracelet and a brooch! Katrina¡¯s eyes turned green with envy.

    Cedric, wealthy and magnanimous, contrasted sharply with Alexander, who had once given half a million andter demanded it back. Cedric truly shone like a star.

    No wonder everyone regarded Cedric as the genuine article, a truly eligible bachelor! It was no overstatement.

    Katrina gazed at Cedric intensely, her desire evident, wishing she could be the one to marry him.

    ¡°Cedric, you are indeed generous.¡± Joyce was mesmerized by the sparkling green stones, feeling her worldview expand.

    Although they always knew Dani and Cedric were wealthy, witnessing such opulence firsthand was an entirely different experience.

    Joyce was clearly impressed. Who wouldn¡¯t admire such dazzling objects?

    Without a moment¡¯s hesitation, Dani snapped the boxes shut, shielding them from covetous eyes, and handed them back to Cedric.

    ¡°Keep them.¡±

    Cedric had yet to speak when Joyce¡¯s voice cut through the air.

    ¡°Dani, don¡¯t! If you don¡¯t want them, then I¡­¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 365

    ?Chapter 365:

    She reached out her hand, only for the boxes to be pushed back into Dani¡¯s arms.

    Cedric, looking disheartened, confessed, ¡°I bought them just for you. If you don¡¯t want them, I might as well throw them away.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s eyes sparkled immediately, her gaze piercing Dani with a silent question.

    ¡°Where will you throw them? I¡¯ll get them back!¡±

    Dani exhaled deeply and invited Cedric inside.

    ¡°Come in.¡± Turning, she entered the room with Cedric close behind, the door closing to block the view of all the covetous onlookers. Once inside, Dani turned to Cedric with a frown, took a deep breath, and questioned, ¡°What exactly are you trying to do?¡±

    In a subdued tone, Cedric replied, ¡°I just want to make you happy.¡±

    Dani raised her hand, her expression skeptical.

    ¡°With these?¡±

    Cedric found himself at a loss.

    He had considered many options, but Dani¡¯s wealth made it difficult to decide what to give her.

    These were the best gifts he had managed toe up with. He had never wooed a woman before and waspletely inexperienced in such matters.

    New chapters avable g?ln¦Ò¦Í??ls

    Money was all he had to offer.

    He selected and presented only the items that were valued highly by society.

    However, Dani did not seem impressed.

    Looking dejected, Cedric retrieved the gift boxes from Dani¡¯s hands.

    Suddenly, an unexpected idea came to him.

    He contemted giving Caiden three hundred million dors, so that Caiden would tell him how to make Dani happy.

    In the midst of the burgeoning AI project, Dani was buried under an avnche of work.

    Unbeknownst to her, Caiden stumbled upon her deep financialmitments while tuning into the evening news.

    As the anchor ryed the staggering figures invested, a seed of resentment sprouted in Caiden¡¯s heart against Dani.

    That night, long after the witching hour, Caiden perched in the living room, awaiting Dani¡¯s return. The moment she stepped through the door, his greeting sliced through the silence.

    ¡°Busy night?¡±

    Dani paused, noting his presence¡ªa rare urrence. A slight smile yed on her lips.

    ¡°What an odd surprise.¡± Caiden detected the undertone of sarcasm and clenched his fists, only to rx them with effort and muster a smile.

    ¡°Odd? You¡¯re spouting nonsense. It¡¯ste. How about I whip up something for you to eat?¡±

    Massaging her temples, Dani sensed an ulterior motive.

    ¡°Cut to the chase.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s face felt pped by her directness.

    Though he aimed for friendliness, her cold response stung him. He ruminated on the bitterness of nurturing such an ungrateful daughter.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 366

    ?Chapter 366:

    Although Caiden was cursing in his head, he forced a smile.

    ¡°Dani, the news today mentioned your massive investment in that robotics venture. Billions, right? It¡¯s a bold stroke that even paints me in a good light.¡±

    Dani took a slow sip of water, her eyes locking with his, awaiting the inevitable twist.

    Caidencked subtlety; his intentions were in for anyone to see.

    But Dani chose to feign ignorance, remaining silent for a few moments longer.

    Caiden blurted out, ¡°If you¡¯re pouring money into some spective AI project, why not redirect some into Harper Group? It¡¯s our ownpany.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m swamped,¡± Dani replied, her voice cold as she took another sip.

    Caiden struggled to mask his irritation, his jaw tight as he tried to keep his smile.

    ¡°I get you¡¯re swamped. But consider this: you invest, and I¡¯ll run the ship. What do you say?¡±

    His eyes gleamed with hopeful anticipation, hoping she would say okay.

    Instead, Dani¡¯s response was cutting.

    ¡°You think you can manage? Harper Group was once a titan here. Its decline under your watch isn¡¯t a mystery. I¡¯m biting my tongue now, so don¡¯t push me, or I might just spell it out.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s face froze.

    She was clearly pointing to his failures at steering thepany. He never truly desired the helm; the business bled money, and daily he was pecked at by Katrina and Joyce for more. He realized, perhaps toote, that Brylee had been the backbone of their finances.

    Exclusive updates g¦Ál¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??s.c?m

    This thought was diforting, and he brushed it aside, fixing Dani with a look of faint indignation.

    ¡°If you won¡¯t trust me, take the reins yourself. Throw billions at Harper Group like you did with that tech firm. I can¡¯t see why we can¡¯t resurrect it.¡± As he spoke, his eyes darted to the staircase. He thought the gesture went unnoticed. But Dani caught it instantly.

    Turning towards the stairs, she spotted two elongated shadows. Her smirk was frosty.

    ¡°Very well. If that¡¯s your wish, I have no objections.¡±

    Caiden was taken aback by her swift acquiescence. After a pause, he asked in disbelief, ¡°You agree?¡±

    Dani nodded.

    ¡°I just said so.¡±

    At that moment, the front door swung open, and Cedric entered, bringing a chill with him. His tense expression softened upon seeing Dani.

    ¡°Dani.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s unease intensified with Cedric¡¯s arrival, fearing a disruption to his ns. He rushed to continue, ¡°So, how much are you thinking of investing in Harper Group?¡±

    Caiden noted Cedric positioning himself beside Dani.

    Cedric¡¯s gaze fixed on her as if deciphering a puzzle.

    Her tone remainedposed.

    ¡°Whatever you deem necessary,

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 367

    ?Chapter 367:

    I¡¯ll provide.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s spirits soared.

    Cedric added casually, ¡°And if that¡¯s insufficient, I¡¯ll contribute too.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s eyes sparkled with the prospect. It felt like an unexpected windfall.

    When he spoke again, his voice was filled with excitement, his thoughts spiraling with endless possibilities. Fixing his eyes on Dani, he said, ¡°Dear, not too much. A billion or so? Harper Group once stood as a colossus. A billion shouldn¡¯t be excessive, right?¡±

    A billion!

    At present, both Caiden and the entire Harper Group wouldn¡¯t fetch nearly that if sold outright.

    He was essentially shooting for the stars.

    Then, turning to Cedric, Caiden said, ¡°We won¡¯t trouble you. My daughter can manage on her own.¡±

    It wasn¡¯t that Caiden didn¡¯t desire Cedric¡¯s funds. His distrust for Cedric¡¯s cunning was simply greater, fearing a single false step could see him lose Harper Group entirely.

    Dani¡¯s smirk carried a hint of sarcasm.

    Caiden caught it and felt a sting, yet he reminded himself of the stakes involved.

    Hundreds of millions were on the line here!

    Explore magic at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s£®c????

    With that amount locked in, Harper Group could thrive again, leaving him to sit back and enjoy the iing profits.

    ¡°Dani, are you nning to put the money into thepany tomorrow?¡± Caiden asked, his eyes alight with anticipation.

    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Dani responded without hesitation.

    ted, Caiden was just about to dash upstairs to ry the thrilling news to Katrina when Dani¡¯s next words halted him.

    ¡°I¡¯m nning to put in a billion, and based on our current share distribution, you¡¯ll need to match nearly that amount. When can we expect your contribution?¡±

    Caiden¡¯s smile abruptly solidified on his face. He swiveled, disbelief etched across his features.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, what was that?¡±

    Dani offered a nonchnt smile.

    ¡°What? Are you having second thoughts about investing?¡±

    Caiden had not foreseen Dani raising the topic of additional funds; he had assumed she would simply inject the money herself.

    ¡°You¡¯re not required to contribute,¡± Dani continued calmly.

    Relief washed over Caiden, and he was just about to express his agreement when she added, ¡°However, should I invest such a hefty sum alone, it would inevitably dilute your shares to the point where Harper Group might slip from your grasp.¡±

    Her words lingered in the air, and before Caiden could muster a response, Katrina burst into the scene from upstairs.

    ¡°Dani, you¡¯re so utterly ruthless! Are you aiming to seizeplete control of Harper Group?¡± Katrina used her sharply, her tone frigid with displeasure.

    Dani yed along, her voice dripping with sarcasm, ¡°Ruthless? Wasn¡¯t it you who begged me to invest? And now you¡¯re calling me ruthless for following through?¡±

    Caiden¡¯s face flushed a deep crimson. He stumbled over his words.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 368

    ?Chapter 368:

    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean it like that. I just meant for you to contribute the cash, nothing more. Not to bring in any investment funds.¡±

    Dani¡¯s reply wasced with a biting edge.

    ¡°Ah, so you expect something for nothing?¡± Her words struck a sharp chord.

    The truth in her statement was harsh but inescapable. Caiden¡¯s lips tightened, and he found himself momentarily speechless.

    Katrina¡¯s expression shifted from a frown to a look of understanding. She tried to smooth things over.

    ¡°Dani, you¡¯re misunderstanding your father. We never intended to exploit you. It¡¯s just that our business has been struggling, and profits are down.

    Your father wanted to secure dowries for you and Joyce, but his investments backfired. Now, our finances are in ruins. We¡¯ve resorted to eating potatoes daily. Joyce and I are ustomed to living modestly, but your father, having been pampered all his life, finds this lifestyle unbearable.

    You might not hold much love for Joyce and me, but Caiden is your father by blood.

    You wouldn¡¯t want to see him suffer, would you? We¡¯re family, after all. Why should there be any boundaries among us?

    By investing in Harper Group, you¡¯d be supporting your father. Doesn¡¯t that make sense to you?¡±

    From the sidelines, Cedric¡¯s frown deepened as he listened. His voice was icy as he cut in, ¡°So what is it really¡ªan investment, or just financial support for the family?¡±

    It was tantly obvious this was just a scheme to extort money by exploiting Caiden¡¯s predicament.

    Updates always live at gal¦Ç¦Òv??ls

    Caiden, still a rtively young man, was already entangled in conversations about support payments.

    Katrina was poised to interject, but Dani cut her off.

    ¡°I recall you formally ended our father-daughter rtionship. So, why are we discussing support now?¡±

    The memory of the p Caiden had delivered to Dani lingered vividly in her mind.

    It was astonishing that he dared to seek financial aid after everything.

    Caiden was filled with profound regret.

    If only he had foreseen these circumstances, he would have never let go of his paternal bond with Dani!

    Now, stripped of any justification, he shot Katrina a look filled with frustration and silent usation.

    As the family drama unfolded before her, Dani remained disinterested in further debate. She stated inly, ¡°I¡¯m sticking to my original stance.

    Yes, I can provide the funds. Consider it either an investment or a loan. Should it be a loan, I expect monthly repayments¡ªno exceptions. I¡¯m exhausted; let me know your decision.¡±

    With those words, Dani retreated upstairs.

    Caiden¡¯s voice, steeped in irritation, resonated through the room after her departure.

    ¡°See, I warned you about pushing too hard. Dani has the means and the willingness to help, yet she has no obligation to. She¡¯s not my legal daughter anymore. This mess is on you. If only I had known, I would have never agreed to your n. One mistake just leads to another.¡±

    Katrina vented her frustration,menting, ¡°How could I have guessed Dani would turn out to be so adept? You¡¯re her father, and yet, you pale inparison to her. She¡¯s amassing wealth, while what do we have? Day after day, you leave me and Joyce surviving on nothing but potatoes. Doesn¡¯t that embarrass you? Even poor Jack has to endure this misery with us!¡±

    Caiden noticed Cedric hadn¡¯t left the room. His gaze was sardonic, his demeanor detached and frosty.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 369

    ?Chapter 369:

    A cunning glint sparked in Caiden¡¯s eyes as he broached an offer.

    ¡°Cedric, I¡¯m aware of the ongoing issues you have with Dani. How about reconsidering my earlier proposal? The secret to gaining her favor, now just for fifty million¡ªa real steal. What do you say?¡±

    Cedric wrestled with a palpable temptation.

    Caiden, observing Cedric¡¯s hesitance, pushed confidently.

    ¡°Well? At fifty million, it¡¯s a steal. Don¡¯t want it? I¡¯ll find someone who does.¡±

    Cedric, pointing upwards, made it clear.

    ¡°My finances are under Dani¡¯s control. She calls the shots on how it¡¯s spent, not me.¡± Caiden¡¯s expression darkened as he silently berated Cedric¡¯sck of backbone and his susceptibility to Dani¡¯s influence.

    As Cedric turned to leave, he paused briefly, his tone even and measured.

    ¡°I¡¯d suggest you hold off on selling that secret.

    You know her reach. If she discovers your scheming, she won¡¯t hesitate to gain full control of Harper Group, and that will be the end for you.¡±

    Caiden was a bundle of frustration and helplessness.

    Katrina, studying Caiden¡¯s tense profile, ventured cautiously, ¡°Is there truly no way to salvage the situation with Dani?¡± A shadow of a thought flickered across Caiden¡¯s eyes as they unintentionally caught Joyce¡¯s figure nearby.

    Katrina¡¯s heart momentarily skipped a beat.

    Your new favorite stories are at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s

    Caiden suddenly said, ¡°It¡¯s high time you considered marriage, Joyce. We¡¯ve given you enough time to bounce back after your childbirth.

    You should be back on your feet by now.¡±

    Katrina stared at Caiden, her expression a mix of shock and confusion.

    ¡°What are you implying?¡±

    ¡°I mean precisely what I articted,¡± Caiden countered.

    ¡°Haven¡¯t you always harbored hopes of Joyce tying the knot with Alexander? Well, perhaps now¡¯s the moment to make it happen.¡±

    Indeed, Katrina had harbored such hopes for Joyce to marry Alexander. But not under these circumstances. Not when the Harper family coffers were echoing emptiness.

    With their business teetering on the brink, they had no leverage to engage the Bet family seriously. Moreover, Joyce¡¯s circumstances, having a child out of wedlock, had already marred her standing.

    Katrina¡¯s original blueprint had been to endow Joyce with the entirety of Harper Group. Now, with the group floundering, it was more of a liability than a legacy. Wouldn¡¯t this only serve to diminish her stature in the eyes of the Bet family even further?

    Richard was a man known for his opportunism, and Joyce, marrying without a dowry or a robust backing, would undoubtedly endure significant strife.

    Katrina¡¯s gaze upon Caiden was cold, as if she was truly seeing the man he had be.

    A man who could patiently navigate the shadows under a formidable woman like Brylee for years and eventually climb to the pinnacle was inherently cutthroat. Naturally, in times of stability, his kindness flourished, but when the seas turned rough, his true colors bled through.

    Katrina was still strategizing.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 370

    ?Chapter 370:

    Joyce broke the silence.

    ¡°I agree to marry Alexander. I¡¯m tired of scraping by here. Just the other day, I was out with friends and couldn¡¯t afford a thing. They ridiculed me. If I married Alexander, I wouldn¡¯t have to endure this humiliation.¡±

    Katrina attempted to soothe her.

    ¡°Joyce, just a little longer. Dani¡¯s taking the reins of Harper Group; she won¡¯t let it sink. Once we stabilize, you¡¯ll have the wedding you deserve.¡±

    But Joyce¡¯s mind was made up, and her decision to join the Bet family was unwavering.

    She stormed upstairs, her displeasure clear, leaving Katrina to exhale in frustration before turning back to Caiden.

    ¡°Let¡¯s give it some time.¡±

    Caiden shrugged.

    ¡°Fine. She¡¯s your daughter. If you prefer to wait, then we wait. But if Dani doesn¡¯t turn this around, soon there won¡¯t even be a shell of apany left. That will make Joyce¡¯s prospects with the Bet family even slimmer.¡±

    Katrina clenched her fists, whispering sternly, ¡°Just a bit longer.¡±

    Meanwhile, Dani¡¯s roboticspany was unveiling itstest innovations at a grandunch event.

    The facility buzzed with the showcase of fully automated systems.

    Discover more content at galnov??????.c??m

    Richard was visibly awestruck by this modern tide of technological prowess.

    Among the exhibits was an advanced domestic robot that left the crowd spellbound. Richard was eager to acquire one, but the staff exined it was still undergoing trial phases, reserved only for selected VIPs. Richard wasn¡¯t on that list. One of Richard¡¯s acquaintances had snagged a trial unit. Noticing Richard and Alexander, Trevor Greville beckoned them over.

    The robot, matching a human in height, was a marvel of engineering, equipped to cook, clean, and even tutor children. It could engage in games like chess. Its versatility was simply astounding.

    ¡°This is revolutionary,¡± Trevor eximed, admiring the machine.

    ¡°Crafted from steel yet capable of managing myriad tasks. I hear it can even conduct basic health diagnostics.¡±

    He nced at Richard, noticing his somber expression, and inquired, ¡°With your family¡¯s clout in this city, you didn¡¯t receive a trial model?¡±

    Richardpressed his lips, casting a longing nce at the robot.

    ¡°No.¡±

    Trevor nodded.

    ¡°That¡¯s unfortunate. Had Alexander stayed married to Dani, your doorstep would probably be swamped with these robots. No trial list needed.¡±

    Trevor sighed.

    ¡°Wasn¡¯t there talk that Alexander was seeing Joyce? Are they engaged? nning to marry?¡±

    Richard managed a rueful smile.

    ¡°They¡¯re not engaged. Just dating.¡±

    Trevor shook his head.

    ¡°Richard, we groom our sessors to uphold and fortify our legacies. Severing ties with Dani was a grave error. Joyce doesn¡¯t hold a candle to Dani, not in looks, not in brains, not in grace. Caiden might dote on Joyce, but is she really suitable marriage material? Today¡¯s youth might be liberal, but have you seen anyone rise to prominence with a past like Joyce¡¯s? She got pregnant without even knowing the father. What does that say about her judgment? That¡¯s justcking discernment. If you wee someone like that into your family, do you honestly think you¡¯ll find peace?¡±

    Richard was already consumed by regret.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 371

    ?Chapter 371:

    Hearing Trevor¡¯s words only deepened his frustration.

    ¡°What can we do now?¡± he asked, his tone carrying a weight of relevance.

    Trevor nced at the robot beside him, a smug smile spreading across his face.

    ¡°You know, don¡¯t you? Plenty of families with eligible young men are eager to pair them with Dani. Why not let your son give it a shot?¡±

    She had chased Alexander for a decade. How could she have moved on so suddenly? Sometimes, the heart simply refuses to be controlled. Besides, everyone remembers her marriage to Alexander. A second marriage might draw a few raised brows, but rekindling an old me is bound to turn heads. Alexander hasn¡¯t married Joyce yet. Why not let him try to win Dani back?¡±

    Alexander stood to the side, his expression bitter.

    ¡°Things ended badly between us. Dani says she¡¯s not interested anymore.¡± His face darkened as the words left him.

    Trevor noticed that Alexander was reluctant to ept the divorce.

    ¡°If things ended badly, you should make amends, Alexander. The real test is swallowing your pride. If you do that, you¡¯re ready to handle the worst life throws at you. Make your choice.¡±

    These words reminded Alexander of the times Dani had given him advice during crises at Bet Group. He remained silent, considering her astute business acumen and how effortlessly she rivaled her male counterparts.

    For a moment, Richard kept quiet. Then, he shared his concerns with Trevor.

    ¡°I¡¯ve seen Dani since the divorce. She doesn¡¯t seem concerned about us anymore. If she actually ends up remarrying Alexander, I doubt her intentions will be genuine.¡±

    M??? ?¦Ñ?¦Á??? ?? ?¦Á??¦Ò¦Í???.?¦Ò?

    Trevorughed.

    ¡°Once you¡¯re all family, why would she treat you poorly? Dani is kind-hearted. How bad could she be? Could she be worse than Joyce?¡±

    Richard nced at Alexander.

    Trevor shook his head.

    ¡°You¡¯ll regret holding back if Dani marries another man. Did you know an influential figure from the capital visited the exhibition today just to meet her? If you keep hesitating, she¡¯ll choose someone else. I don¡¯t have an unmarried son, or I wouldn¡¯t be telling you this.

    Richard pursed his lips, wondering if he was being too cautious. Trevor went on.

    ¡°Dani is a good person. I¡¯ve heard about her helping many lonely, elderly people. How could that be bad?

    Besides, at our gatherings, she always insists on paying the bill. Doesn¡¯t that show she respects us a lot? Have you forgotten?¡±

    Richard remained silent for a long while. As Trevor was about to leave, Richard suddenly spoke up.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you help us as a go-between? We¡¯re all friends. If we reconcile with Dani, wouldn¡¯t that benefit you too?¡±

    Trevorughed.

    ¡°I¡¯d like to help, but Dani is out of my league now. She¡¯s a prominent figure in the business world and wouldn¡¯t notice me.

    You should find Marlin. Didn¡¯t his grandson get excellent care at your hospital? Marlin was quite happy with the treatment. He has a strong rtionship with Brylee. Maybe if you ask him to speak to Dani, she might respect him enough to consider a meeting.¡±

    Richard nodded and called his secretary to prepare a generous gift for his uing visit to Marlin.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 372

    ?Chapter 372:

    Caiden, who was nearby, overheard everything.

    As Richard left, Caiden¡¯s expression darkened with thought. If Dani married Alexander, he wouldn¡¯t see a penny of her wealth, and his ties to the Bet family would be severed. He pondered how he would support Joyce and the rest of the family.

    Concerned, Caiden called Joyce.

    When she heard Caiden¡¯s news, Joyce became anxious. She changed her clothes and was about to leave when Katrina intervened.

    ¡°Joyce, think about this. Marrying into the Bet family without the Harper family¡¯s wealth might not be wise. Let me devise a n.¡±

    Joyce, visibly upset, responded, ¡°What n? I love Alexander. Don¡¯t you want me to marry him? Are you using me to fight for the Harper family¡¯s fortune?¡±

    Katrina was taken aback.

    ¡°What are you implying?¡± She hadn¡¯t realized her daughter would view her actions in such a light.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious? Dad said the Bet family wants to be close to Dani and invited Marlin to mediate. Alexander is amazing, and since Dani¡¯s divorce, she¡¯s been trying to win him back. Can¡¯t you see what¡¯s happening? If I hesitate, I¡¯ll end up with someone else, perhaps a divorced man. Remember, you didn¡¯t have a dowry when you married into the Harper family, and you brought me into it. How am I different from you back then? Haven¡¯t we lived well for the past decade?¡±

    Joyce was resolute, her frustration evident.

    ¡°I¡¯m following my heart. Don¡¯t try to stop me because of selfishness!¡±

    Then she ran out, her skirt billowing behind her like a whirlwind.

    Find your next story at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s£®??o??

    As Joyce stepped onto the scene, she spotted Caiden already there, awaiting her arrival.

    He guided her across the street to a vantage point opposite avish restaurant.

    Peering through the ss, Joyce caught sight of Richard fawning over Marlin, while Alexander maintained a facade of courteous subservience nearby, his smile strained yet polite. In that moment, the fragile fabric of Joyce¡¯s romantic fantasies tore apart, leaving her confronted with a stark reality. One thought consumed her entirely: she had to be Alexander¡¯s wife.

    Despite her seeming defeat to Dani in many aspects, in the matter of Alexander, Joyce had triumphed decisively.

    She had evenpelled him to divorce Dani, a victory that she considered the pinnacle of her life¡¯s narrative.

    True, she was born out of wedlock, a simple girl from the countryside, often the subject of scorn whispered by the elite women of high society.

    Yet, what did their derision matter when she had bested their paragon, Dani?

    This triumph alone could fuel her pride for a lifetime.

    And now, the mere thought of Alexander returning to Dani sparked a fierce jealousy and resolve within Joyce.

    Joyce stood on the bustling street, her fists clenched and eyes alight with fierce determination.

    Caiden, lingering nearby, silently watched her reaction unfold. For a brief moment, Joyce¡¯s look of displeasure and reluctance stirred memories of a younger Katrina in him.

    Back in those days, Katrina had been gued by the fear that his affections might drift towards Brylee. And then, tragedy struck¡ªBrylee passed away.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 373

    ?Chapter 373:

    Caiden rested his hand on Joyce¡¯s shoulder, his tone dripping with feigned concern.

    ¡°Everything I do, I do for your benefit. Trust me, I want your happiness even more than your mother does.¡±

    Cedric was already aware that Huntley Lambert, the young heir of the Lambert family, was due to meet Dani.

    Thus, when Huntley made his appearance at Harper Group, Cedric was there to stop him.

    ¡°Cedric, you¡¯re absolutely ridiculous. I¡¯ve just arrived, and here you are, blocking my path,¡± Huntley remarked, a yful smirk on his face as he crossed his arms.

    Cedric¡¯s gaze sharpened, his voiceced with impatience.

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you back home looking after your family¡¯s affairs? What brings you here?¡±

    The rtionship between Cedric and Huntley stretched back over ten years, both as ssmates and close friends. Now, seeing Cedric lose his usual calm demeanor only served to increase Huntley¡¯s enjoyment of the moment.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Is it that you can chase after Dani, but no one else is allowed to?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not her type,¡± Cedric stated, his voiceced with a chill.

    Huntley sneered.

    Your hub for fresh chapters g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv??ls

    ¡°Oh,e on. I¡¯ve heard she¡¯s not too picky. After all, she fell for a guy like Alexander¡ªthe ultimate piece of trash. And how could she resist a charming prince like myself?¡±

    Laughter erupted from Huntley as he watched Cedric¡¯s stern face twist in annoyance. His boisterousughter filled the entryway.

    What a delightful scene it was!

    Throughout their enduring friendship, Huntley had never seen Cedric so visibly shaken.

    ¡°She¡¯s naturally reserved, but she¡¯s earnest and respectful with everyone.

    Your usual antics won¡¯t work on her,¡± Cedric warned as they stepped into the elevator together.

    ¡°You think so?¡± Huntley replied, shrugging nonchntly.

    ¡°Perhaps she¡¯ll find my antics appealing. Besides, you haven¡¯t won her over yet, have you? If your approach isn¡¯t working, why not let me try? At the end of the day, we¡¯re friends. If one of us gets her, it¡¯s like we both win, right?¡± With that, he shed a confident grin.

    Cedric¡¯s expression remained stoic, not a hint of amusement.

    Always the showman, Huntley had breezed through life with his charismatic,id-back attitude. A self-proimed cker, he had managed to sail through their educational years by leeching off Cedric¡¯s hard work. Their continuedpanionship from high school to university wasrgely thanks to the influential Lambert family.

    Yet, for all his carelessness, Huntley possessed a genuine knack for making connections.

    He could easily engage a stranger on a park bench and find himself sharing snacks and stories within the hour.

    Despite everything, Cedric remained in the dark about what Dani¡¯s opinion of Huntley might be.

    However, as Cedric observed Huntley engaging Dani in animated conversation, a realization dawned on him¡ªDani harbored no ill feelings toward Huntley.

    Huntley¡¯s charm was undeniable. Whether he was making light remarks about the splendid weather or delving intoplex discussions on international affairs, he navigated any topic with remarkable ir.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 374

    ?Chapter 374:

    With the workday drawing to a close, Huntley waved Cedric off with aid-back gesture, requesting that he book a romantic dinner with Dani.

    A shadow crossed Cedric¡¯s face, his expression souring. Huntley half-joked that if res could be lethal, he would have been long gone.

    That evening, at the restaurant, Cedric was about to seat himself when Huntley dismissively motioned him aside, iming he needed a private moment with Dani.

    Cedric¡¯s gaze towards Dani wasden with sorrow and a silent plea for understanding.

    Dani, sensing that Huntley had something on his mind, opted to go along with his yful charade. A subtle smile tugged at her lips, but she remained silent.

    Heartbroken yet resigned, Cedric nodded quietly and relocated to a distant table, where he ordered a vorless sd that mirrored the emptiness he felt inside.

    Huntley thrived in his element, outshining his academic limitations with exceptional talent in other areas.

    He serenaded Dani with a soulful violin solo, then seamlessly transitioned to the piano, transforming the evening into a vibrant spectacle.

    Seated at a distant table, Cedric clenched his cutlery with a white-knuckled grip. He made a silent vow¡ªif Huntley had the audacity to invite Dani to dance, he would send his fork flying in Huntley¡¯s direction.

    As thest notes of the piano resonated, Huntley shed a mischievous smile at Dani and remarked, ¡°Did you catch Cedric squirming in his seat? I¡¯ll cherish that image forever.¡± Dani returned the smile effortlessly, her gaze never drifting towards Cedric.

    ¡°Was tonight¡¯s grand act all about unsettling him?¡±

    L??t??¦Ó ch?¨»¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?l??.?§àm

    ¡°Absolutely. My entire life, I¡¯ve been overshadowed by him. My parentsvish him with praise, wishing they had a son like Cedric. So when they sent me here to forge an alliance through marriage, I saw it as a perfect opportunity to outdo him at something.¡±

    Dani¡¯s smile remained steady.

    ¡°But your heart belongs to someone else. It¡¯s obvious I¡¯m not the one you truly want.¡± A look of curiosity crossed Huntley¡¯s face before he chuckled.

    ¡°Oh really? And where did you pick that up from?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve nced at your phone eight times since you entered Harper Group. It¡¯s obvious you¡¯re anticipating a message.¡±

    ¡°What if it¡¯s something as simple as a message from my family? Not everything¡¯s about love, you know.¡±

    With a knowing smile, Dani replied, ¡°That¡¯s not it.¡± The reason was clear¡ªthroughout the day, Huntley¡¯s nervous demeanor had mirrored Cedric¡¯s usual anxiousness. It was the kind of concern that revealed a deep connection. A worry so pervasive, it consumed his thoughts, yet he struggled to voice it.

    Huntley¡¯s grin widened as he shed a thumbs-up.

    ¡°It¡¯s obvious why Cedric has liked you since we were kids.

    You¡¯re both sharp and insightful!¡±

    Caught off guard by the revtion, Dani¡¯s expression turned to one of surprise. After a moment¡¯s hesitation, she asked, ¡°What did you just say? He¡¯s had feelings for me since we were kids?¡±

    Startled, Huntley raised his hands.

    ¡°Whoa, wait a second¡ªyou didn¡¯t know? Cedric¡¯s been crazy about you for at least ten years!¡±

    ¡°I do harbor feelings for someone special, yet I¡¯m prepared topromise. As the heir of an illustrious family, basking in the opulence and prestige bestowed upon me, I am ready to uphold my family¡¯s legacy without hesitation.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 375

    ?Chapter 375:

    As Huntley spoke, his eyes carried the weight of an unspoken sadness.

    Dani paused to take a sip of water, her gaze drifting to Cedric, who was absorbed in his sd, seemingly oblivious to the conversation. A subtle smile graced her lips.

    Turning to Huntley, she responded, ¡°However, I refuse to coerce myself into anything.¡±

    Huntley¡¯s eyebrow arched in surprise.

    ¡°Haven¡¯t you done exactly that in the past? Surely, you didn¡¯t actually have affection for that scumbag, Alexander?¡±

    Dani¡¯s smile persisted as she responded, ¡°Indeed, I hadpelled myself before, but I¡¯ve grown less willing to do so now. Having tasted true freedom, it was difficult to relinquish.¡±

    Huntley was momentarily taken aback by her candor, then his lips curved into a thoughtful smile.

    As the meal ended, Cedric¡¯s gaze lingered on Dani while Huntley apanied her home. He then casually slung his arm around Huntley¡¯s shoulders, steering him away.

    ¡°What exactly do you mean?¡± Cedric¡¯s tone matched the intensity in his steady gaze. The memory of Huntley and Daniughing together lingered in his mind, stirring a sense of unease.

    ¡°Are you really considering pursuing Dani?¡±

    Huntley folded his arms, nodded thoughtfully, and stretched out his long legs across the plush sofa in the dimly lit bar.

    ¡°This was my family¡¯s decision. To me, the pursuit of any woman is much the same. Dani is stunning. Not to mention wealthy. Her roboticspany is burgeoning with potential, and my family holds her in high esteem.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s expression grew shadowy, his brows knitting together. Leaning back, Huntley took a leisurely sip of his drink and continued with a dismissive wave of his hand, ¡°They¡¯ve pretty much written me off as unable to forge my own path, so they¡¯re banking on me using my charm tond a sessful partner.¡± Turning to catch Cedric¡¯s sullen profile, Huntley bit back a chuckle.

    ¡°In my opinion, Dani is a perfect fit. With her abilities and resourcefulness, the Lambert family will be in good hands.¡± At these words, Cedric whipped his head around, his voiceced with a hint of reproach.

    ¡°You¡¯ve prattled on enough but haven¡¯t once mentioned actually liking her. Marriage isn¡¯t a game. She¡¯s been through a divorce; it would be cruel to risk her getting hurt again.¡±

    Huntley¡¯s smile was tinged with nonchnce.

    ¡°Is that your worry? But who says I don¡¯t have feelings for her, or that she doesn¡¯t care for me? We had a splendid chat tonight. In fact, I¡¯ve invited her to breakfast tomorrow, and she¡¯s epted. Cedric, you¡¯ve been into Dani forever. If you don¡¯t take your chance and win her over, you can¡¯t me others for stepping in, can you?¡±

    Cedric¡¯s frown deepened, his anger momentarily quelled by Huntley¡¯s calm retort.

    ¡°I¡¯m not interested in your justifications. I want to know what she thinks, what she feels.¡±

    ¡°Dani said¡­¡± Huntley paused deliberately, savoring each word as he observed Cedric¡¯s mounting frustration.

    ¡°I brought up the topic of marriage, and Dani didn¡¯t dismiss it outright. I even ventured that since we¡¯re headed toward a family-arranged union anyway, it¡¯s perfectly eptable. I vowed to honor ¡¯till death do us part¡¯ and not to meddle in her pursuits thereafter.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s jaw clenched tightly as he demanded, ¡°What did she say?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 376

    ?Chapter 376:

    With a mischievous chuckle, Huntley reached for a slice of watermelon from the spread before them.

    ¡°Hold on, I¡¯m not done yet. I proposed to Dani that if she doesn¡¯t find someone suitable within the next month, she might as well take a chance on me. It¡¯s not unusual these days for love to blossom after getting married.¡±

    Cedric scoffed, finding the idea ludicrous.

    He burst intoughter, ready to retort that Dani would never consent to such a n.

    Marrying into wealth was the least of her concerns¡ªshe already had billions to her name.

    The decision to marry was hers alone to make.

    But before he could voice his thoughts, Huntley, still nibbling on his watermelon, muttered, ¡°She agreed.¡±

    Cedric turned his head sharply, the smile frozen awkwardly on his face as if etched in ce.

    ¡°What did you just say?¡± he asked, disbelief tinting his voice.

    Huntley¡¯s expression was the picture of innocence.

    ¡°I said she agreed.¡±

    Cedric chuckled, disbelief morphing into amusement.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s hosts thetest chapters

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible, utterly impossible.¡±

    Huntley remained silent, his attention turned to leisurely enjoying his watermelon.

    Often, silence served as a gentle nudge for the other to regain theirposure.

    Cedric¡¯sughter faded, no longer able to mask his astonishment.

    Huntley bowed his head, his fingers dancing across his phone¡¯s screen.

    ¡°I¡¯m just sending a message to my family, sharing this good news.¡±

    He paused midsentence as Cedric abruptly stood, the wooden chair screeching loudly against the floor as he pushed back. Huntley turned just in time to catch a glimpse of Cedric¡¯s departing figure.

    For a moment, Huntley sat stunned, then a soft smile yed on his lips.

    In their circle, if joy were to find a home with any of them, Huntley wished it would be with Cedric.

    Dani was testing the medical capabilities of the robot.

    Just as she was monitoring its heart rate and blood pressure metrics, Cedric¡¯s sudden knock echoed through the softly lit room. He appeared, unusually drenched in sweat.

    ¡°What¡¯s got you looking like you¡¯ve run a marathon?¡± Dani inquired, noticing his sweaty brow and extending a paper towel his way.

    Cedric looked at Dani.

    Barely holding his anxiety at bay, he felt a familiar pang of despair¡ªhe was reminded of the heartache he endured when she had married Alexander. It was almost too much to bear.

    He knew that life wouldn¡¯t grant him a second chance.

    If he lost Dani now, it would be a loss for eternity.

    ¡°Dani, marry me,¡± he blurted out.

    The device in Dani¡¯s hand slipped from her fingers and ttered to the floor at his sudden proposal.

    ¡°You¡­¡± Dani paused, her words trailing off.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 377

    ?Chapter 377:

    ¡°What did you just say?¡±

    A desperate plea was etched across Cedric¡¯s face. If he could see his own reflection, he imagined it would look both haunted and fraught.

    ¡°I said, let¡¯s get married.¡±

    Dani, struggling to gather her thoughts, repeated, ¡°You said¡­?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Marriage.

    You and me!¡± Fumbling in his pocket, he produced a ring.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been holding onto this for some time. If you were willing to give Huntley a chance, why not me? Anything he promised, I can offer too. Remember the boy from your past who mattered so much? That boy was me. Choose me, Dani.¡±

    Under the gentle illumination of themp, Dani appeared to glow softly.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me sooner that you were the boy from my childhood memories?¡±

    Cedric mopped the sweat from his brow, his words tumbling out in a rush.

    ¡°I wanted to. But you had already married Alexander by then, and I wasn¡¯t sure how much you still held on to those memories. I feared it might seem like I was trying to manipte your feelings. Besides, I left without saying goodbye.

    Dani studied his troubled features.

    ¡°So why did you leave without telling me?¡±

    Cedric¡¯s heart dropped.

    Her demeanor was calm and unexcited, even after discovering he was the boy she had once cherished. She wasposed, unshaken.

    He felt as if his heartfelt revtions could never sway her.

    ¡°My family was in turmoil. We moved away suddenly, and then, I ended up in an orphanage. When I finally came back, your rtives told me you had gone overseas.¡±

    Dani was silent for a moment.

    ¡°You¡¯ve never mentioned this before. Why now?¡±

    Cedric clenched his jaw.

    ¡°Because you set a trial period with Huntley, didn¡¯t you? I¡¯m scared, Dani. I¡¯m terrified that someone else might sweep you away from me.¡±

    Cedric gripped the ring box tighter.

    ¡°If you gave Huntley a chance on day one, can¡¯t you do the same for me? We don¡¯t have to rush. Let me court you properly. When you¡¯re convinced, we can marry. Dani, marriage shouldn¡¯t be impulsive. I want to offer you everything you deserve.¡± His voice conveyed a palpable urgency.

    He was desperate, grappling for more persuasive words.

    All he had was his sincere heart.

    ¡°I only have my grandmother left,¡± Cedric continued, hastily pulling out a stic folder. It was stuffed with property deeds.

    ¡°Here¡¯s a list of my assets. I own eight top-tier estates, plus three hundred more properties across different cities. I also control ninepanies and maintain over fifty active investments. It¡¯s all worth just over ny billion. It¡¯s not much, but I promise to strive for more.¡±

    Just then, Lillian and Ryan stepped out from their respective rooms, freezing at the sight of Cedricying his soul bare. Ryan mouthed to Lillian, ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡±

    Lillian could only shrug, her eyes wide.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 378

    ?Chapter 378:

    ¡°No clue. Looks like he¡¯s reached his breaking point!¡±

    Driven by a sense of urgency, Cedric blurted out, ¡°I promise, the secrets I kept before will never resurface. I swear to never lie to you again for as long as I live!¡±

    Cedric¡¯s face was a mask of earnest sincerity, his heart pounding urgently.

    ¡°Please give me a chance to prove how much I care.¡±

    Cedric felt he hadid everything on the line, yet Dani showed no signs of immediate eptance.

    He was on the verge of despair when he finally heard her soft voice.

    ¡°Okay, you got it.¡±

    Joy washed over him like a tidal wave. He blinked in disbelief, then asked hesitantly, ¡°You¡¯ll let me court you? Really? You mean it?¡±

    Dani hadn¡¯t expected to make such a decision.

    From simply dating, to trying it out, or diving straight into marriage, he had chosen the most challenging path.

    Yet, he seemed genuinely ted.

    Dani offered a smile and nodded.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Cedric hurriedly pushed all his documents into Dani¡¯s arms, then paused, realizing she was still busy.

    All the magic begins at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    ¡°You¡¯re working, right? Carry on. I¡¯ll make sure to be a considerate suitor!¡±

    He exited quietly, even closing the door softly behind him like a true gentleman.

    Ryan and Lillian remained, squinting in puzzlement.

    What the hell was he thinking?

    He had chosen to court her out of three possible paths rather than rush into marriage.

    Was Cedric joking?

    As they were about to inquire further, they noticed someone standing at the staircase.

    ¡°Alexander?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it just agreeing to let you pursue her? What¡¯s there to be proud of?¡± Alexander smirked.

    ¡°Do you know why Dani didn¡¯t agree at first but suddenly did?¡±

    Cedric turned to him.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    With his hands in his pockets, Alexander replied, ¡°Because she saw me standing at the staircase. That¡¯s why she agreed. She doesn¡¯t like you. She agreed just to spite me. Cedric, you¡¯re celebrating too soon.

    You¡¯re a tool Dani uses to needle me.¡±

    Cedric no longer bothered with the careful attitude he used to have around Dani.

    Now, he stood up straight, looking serious but still showing some of the excitement from earlier.

    ¡°Dani uses me to needle you? Alexander, you give yourself way too much credit.¡± His eyes flicked to Alexander¡¯s ribs.

    ¡°What? Back in shape already? Did you show up just to get hurt all over again?¡±

    At those words, Alexander instinctively stepped back, his voice trembling.

    ¡°Cedric, you¡¯re out of your mind!¡±

    He couldn¡¯t wrap his head around Cedric¡¯s obsession with Dani. The man had given all his wealth to her. It was absolute lunacy.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 379

    ?Chapter 379:

    Could Dani really be worth such a wild leap?

    For Alexander, the answer was crystal clear¡ªshe wasn¡¯t.

    But a momentter, his thoughts clouded with a subtle sadness. He had lied to Cedric. Dani hadn¡¯t seen him just now.

    He didn¡¯t know when it had started, but somewhere along the line, he had be invisible to her¡ªjust another face in the crowd she no longer cared to recognize.

    He¡¯d uttered a clumsy lie without understanding why he¡¯d even said it.

    Was it just because Cedric¡¯s presence grated on his nerves? Yes, that had to be it.

    Dani stood motionless in the room. The health monitor on her wrist blinked unevenly, a silent echo of the tension filling the room.

    Alexander retreated to the empty garden and dialed Richard.

    ¡°Are you sure we don¡¯t need Marlin¡¯s help?¡± Richard asked.

    ¡°Yes. Dani has granted Cedric the chance to woo her.¡±

    Confused, Richard asked, ¡°It¡¯s just a chance to pursue her. Why does he need her permission for that? If he wants to go after her, he should just do it.¡±

    Alexander stared at the city lights far in the distance, his tone steady butced with thought.

    ¡°Do you really think anyone could approach Dani if she didn¡¯t want them to? Since Elite Lux came into power, how many people have tried to win her over?¡±

    ¡°And how many has she ever given the time of day?¡±

    L??€$? ¡é??t?€§ñ? ?¦Ç ?@l§Ú?¦Í¦Ål?.c?m

    Richard stayed quiet for a moment before finally asking, ¡°So, do you really think there¡¯s no point in asking Marlin to step in for you?¡±

    Alexander¡¯s eyes wandered towards the faint outlines of the grasnd in the fading light.

    He felt the urge to respond firmly, ¡°No, it¡¯s not necessary.¡± But deep down, he wondered if saying that might mean he and Dani would end up drifting apart, just like that.

    Alexander¡¯s pause gave Richard the chance to chime in.

    ¡°Give it onest shot. Caiden¡¯s pushing for your marriage to Joyce, and with Elite Lux now aligned with Harper Group, their future looks promising. People are already asking Katrina about Joyce. In our world, alliances and gains always take priority.¡±

    In aposed tone, Alexander replied, ¡°Fine. Make the arrangements.¡±

    Marlin wasted no time and showed up at Dani¡¯s office the following day.

    Cedric was tending to a nt in Dani¡¯s office, having sent Huntley off on an errand earlier that morning.

    He looked visibly pleased with himself.

    Marlin stopped in his tracks when his eyesnded on Cedric, surprise flickering across his face.

    ¡°Mr. Phillips? What brings you here?¡± Marlin asked, visibly stunned. Could Cedric and Dani be in a rtionship? If that were the case, speaking up would be a challenge. Besides, next to Cedric, Alexander didn¡¯t evene close to matching his stature.

    Cedric recognized Marlin immediately; he was a man held in high regard. He shed a polite smile and dered, ¡°I¡¯m here because I¡¯m courting Dani.¡±

    Cedric, feeling invincible, was bursting with pride, ready to tell anyone and everyone that he was pursuing Dani.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 380

    ?Chapter 380:

    Normally, courting someone wouldn¡¯t warrant such a grand promation, but Cedric¡¯s enthusiasm made it sound like he¡¯d already swept Dani off her feet and they were preparing for their wedding.

    ¡°Ah¡­courting,¡± Marlin echoed thoughtfully, ncing at Dani. She gave him a smile and asked, ¡°Marlin, was there something you wanted to talk about?¡±

    Before he could respond, Cedric passed Dani a ss of water and reminded her, ¡°You haven¡¯t had anything to drink this morning. Take a sip.¡±

    Dani gave a small nod, took a sip from the ss, and then turned her gaze to Marlin.

    ¡°Is there something you want to talk about?¡±

    Marlin suddenly felt out of ce. The way Dani and Cedric interacted didn¡¯t feel like casual courting¡ªit carried the ease and understanding of two people already in a rtionship.

    Marlin found himself at a loss for words. After sipping his water and forcing a polite smile, he decided to get straight to the point.

    ¡°The Bet family asked me to pass along a message,¡± Marlin began.

    ¡°Alexander would like a chance to pursue you, Dani. What¡¯s your opinion on that?¡±

    Cedric¡¯s grin disappeared in an instant. It was as if the whole universe had set its sights on the woman he held dear.

    Once Marlin finished, he could feel the icy intensity of Cedric¡¯s re. It was ufortable, especially for someone his age, as he¡¯d rarely been in such an awkward position before.

    New content live at g?ln¦Òv????s

    With an uneasyugh, he stood and said, ¡°Well, I¡¯ve done my part. The decision is yours. My apologies for the sudden visit today.¡±

    Saying no more, Marlin hurriedly left the office.

    Dani stared at the closed door for a brief moment, her expression unreadable, before ncing at Cedric. He stood there holding the nt, his gaze downcast as if deep in thought.

    ¡°Alexander regrets it.¡±

    Cedric had always known it woulde to this. He¡¯d seen it on the horizon long before now. Alexander was filled with regret.

    If he wasn¡¯t, he wouldn¡¯t have swallowed his pride and had Marlin act as his messenger.

    As the words left his mouth, Cedric immediately wished he could take them back.

    Despite what Dani might feel, he had never nned to bring up Alexander in her presence.

    The regret gnawed at him, fueled by his irritation at not having secured the title of Dani¡¯s boyfriend sooner¡ªinstead, he lingered as just another hopeful contender.

    Dani, after all, wasn¡¯t short of admirers;cking the official status of her boyfriend, how could he possibly shield her from the wave of persistent suitors?

    His frustration knew no bounds, yet the words, once uttered, were irrevocable.

    He tightened his grip a bit as he turned to look at Dani.

    Dani offered him a smile. She was quite upied today; an issue had cropped up in the AI development project she was overseeing.

    Cedric asked, ¡°Are you tied up? If so, I¡¯ll leave you be.¡±

    Setting aside the documents she was reviewing, Dani looked up at the person poised to exit the office.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 381

    ?Chapter 381:

    ¡°Where are you going?¡±

    With a quick look back, Cedric remarked, ¡°I¡¯ll go see how the orchard is doing.¡±

    With a keen eye on the quality of his produce, Cedric had taken to leasing an orchard on the city¡¯s outskirts, making daily personal inspections a part of his routine. His attention to detail was meticulous.

    Just as Dani was about to respond, the office door burst open, and Alexander made his entrance.

    The secretary, wearing a look of regret, addressed Dani.

    ¡°Sorry, Dani. I failed to hold him back.¡±

    Alexander lingered at the doorway, his eyes locked on the vanishing smile that once graced Dani¡¯s lips. It disappeared, leaving a void that pulled his spirits down with it.

    He cleared his throat, his voice a mix of hope and hesitation.

    ¡°Dani, can we talk?¡±

    ¡°Mr. Bet, the world does not orbit around your family¡¯s whims. We all have our own burdens to bear. Next time, consider scheduling an appointment.¡± Dani was clearly not in the mood to entertain interruptions, especially with her work piling up.

    Alexander¡¯s hands balled into fists at his sides, his knuckles whitening.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I was thoughtless. Please ept my apologies.¡±

    Despite his earnest apology, Dani remained unmoved, her expression stoic.

    Discover updates g?l¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    Cedric, who had been observing quietly, turned to look at Alexander with raised eyebrows.

    He was taken aback by Alexander¡¯s apology. Something was amiss¡ªAlexander must be driven by some ulterior motive today. Cedric¡¯s gaze sharpened, skepticism coloring his watchful eyes as he scrutinized Alexander.

    Standing with the poise of a true gentleman, Alexander persisted.

    ¡°Then, may I schedule a meeting for this evening? How about Midnight Bar?¡±

    The suggestion seemed out of ce¡ªmore suited for ndestine romances than serious discussions.

    Cedric opened his mouth to object, but Dani interjected, ¡°I am neither your friend nor interested in any personal entanglements. Meeting at a bar is wholly inappropriate.¡± She nced at her watch.

    ¡°You have five minutes. I have another meeting shortly.¡±

    Alexander cast a nce at Cedric, his eyes silently pleading for him to take his leave.

    However, Cedric seemed oblivious to the subtle cue, continuing his task of watering the nt without interruption.

    The office was hardly the ideal setting for personal discussions, and Alexander had nned a meaningful conversation with Dani for today.

    The pressure was mounting from Joyce to finalize the engagement ceremony details, and Alexander felt the urgency to clear the air before the day ended.

    ¡°No worries, take your time,¡± Alexander responded, his tone soft and amodating¡ªa stark contrast to his usually assertive manner.

    ¡°I¡¯ll wait for you. If the bar isn¡¯t a good spot, I¡¯ve also booked a table at a lovely restaurant for lunch. We could go there.¡±

    His preparation was evident, and without waiting for Dani¡¯s consent, he offered a polite bow and exited.

    Lillian, who had just walked in, watched Alexander¡¯s smooth exit in surprise and turned to Dani, curiosity piqued.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 382

    ?Chapter 382:

    ¡°Is he trying to mend things?¡±

    Dani bowed her head, her expression unreadable.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡±

    Acknowledging the response, Lillian simply nodded and retreated to her game, leaving the room to return to its usual quietude.

    As Dani wrapped up her data work, Cedric¡¯s nt was dangerously close to being overwatered.

    With a gentle smile, she approached, relieving him of the watering can with a graceful gesture.

    ¡°Everything okay?¡±

    Cedric nced upward, his eyes meeting Dani¡¯s.

    ¡°Are you going to lunch with him?¡±

    Dani gave a slight nod in affirmation. Just as Cedric¡¯s gaze began to drop,den with disappointment, she continued.

    ¡°Katrina is not the type to just sit around; she won¡¯t keep Joyce waiting much longer. Alexander¡¯s invitation is merely a desperate attempt to influence my decision, hoping I¡¯ll repeat past mistakes.¡±

    Cedric was taken aback by Dani¡¯s pragmatic tone.

    ¡°And you¡¯re still nning to go?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Otherwise, it would only lead to moreplications. Once he realizes it¡¯s futile, I¡¯ll finally be free. Moreover, if I don¡¯t rify things, it might just spark a hint of jealousy.¡±

    Find what you love at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s???????

    At her mention of jealousy, Cedric involuntarily coughed, his fingers brushing against the watering can Dani had just put down.

    ¡°Who would be jealous?¡±

    Noticing the redness creeping up Cedric¡¯s ears, Dani let out a gentleugh. She then reassured him, ¡°Lunch might not fill me up. I¡¯ll cook for you once I¡¯m home.¡±

    Cedric felt a wave of relief wash over him.

    ¡°Do you show this kind of consideration to all your suitors?¡± he asked, a note of hope in his voice.

    Dani was about to answer when Lillian burst into the room, waving her phone energetically.

    ¡°Dani, it¡¯s time for the meeting!¡±

    After Dani had hurried off, Cedric was left alone, pondering whether Dani extended this kindness to all her suitors or if it was something reserved just for him.

    Cedric held back his question, reluctant to hear the answer.

    If Dani admitted that she treated all her suitors in the same manner, Cedric feared he wouldn¡¯t withstand such a revtion.

    But it didn¡¯t take long for Cedric to know the answer.

    Due to a tight schedule, Dani couldn¡¯t venture far for lunch and met Alexander at the restaurant just below.

    ¡°How unfortunate. The cuisine is superb at the other spot. Perhaps next time, I can show you.¡±

    Dani¡¯s eyes drifted momentarily to a nearby table, spotting Ryan, Lillian, and Cedric. Her lips twitched into a fleeting smile.

    ¡°The quality of a meal depends on thepany. Also, there¡¯s no need for small talk. Just say what you need to say.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 383

    ?Chapter 383:

    Alexander¡¯s usual stern fa?ade softened into a look of mild regret.

    ¡°So I guess I¡¯m no longer the one you love?¡±

    Dani was aware that if she didn¡¯t settle this now, Alexander would undoubtedly revisit the topic.

    Letting the silence linger, she leaned back slightly. Cedric¡¯s image surfaced in her mind, quietly stealing her focus. Alexander detected Dani¡¯s indifference, and a wave of disappointment washed over him, mingling with a sense of loss.

    ¡°Dani, do you remember¡ª¡±

    He was cut off mid-sentence as Dani subtly raised her hand, her demeanor courteous yet detached.

    ¡°Let¡¯s drop the nostalgia and get straight to the point.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s expression changed, the smile dissolving as a trace of tension settled into his features.

    ¡°Of course. I merely thought those days held some charm worth revisiting. I didn¡¯t intend to make you ufortable.¡±

    A slight, icy smile crept onto Dani¡¯s lips.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine. It¡¯s just that reflecting on the past seems somewhat pointless.¡±

    Alexander clenched his jaw, a subtle indication of his inner turmoil.

    He sensed her dismissive tone and knew pressing the issue could only lead to embarrassment.

    Yet, a bitter resolve bubbled up within him, prompting him to attempt another topic.

    Discover more content at ?¦Áln¦Ò¦Íe?s

    ¡°Very well, no more about the past then. Marlin visited you today, didn¡¯t he?¡±

    Dani gave a brief nod.

    In a voice that carried a hint of desperation, Alexander continued, ¡°And what do you think?¡±

    Dani¡¯s gaze locked onto his, unwavering and cold. Her voice carried a sharp edge, each word deliberate.

    ¡°I don¡¯t make a habit of revisiting old rtionships. And you shouldn¡¯t either.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s jaw tightened, his expression hardening further.

    ¡°Haven¡¯t you given Cedric the chance to pursue you? If you can ept his advances, then why not mine? Isn¡¯t our history deeper than yours with him? Tell me, Dani, why him and not me?¡±

    A bitter chuckle escaped her lips, cutting through the tension in the room like a knife.

    Her eyes flicked momentarily to Cedric, who had just stepped away to speak with his secretary.

    ¡°Alexander, we¡¯re both seasoned yers in the business world. While I¡¯ve never held Bet Group in high regard, I¡¯ve tried to show you some basic civility. But since you¡¯re so determined to push, let me be brutally honest.¡±

    Her eyes narrowed, her wordsced with icy disdain.

    ¡°You and Cedric couldn¡¯t be more different. When Cedric says he wants to pursue me, he¡¯s genuine¡ªhis intentions are clear, without pretense. But you? What you¡¯re after isn¡¯t affection. It¡¯s a guarantee, a partnership you canter exploit for your own business gains. That¡¯s not pursuit, Alexander; that¡¯s strategy. And it¡¯s pathetic. So no, you¡¯re not like Cedric. In fact, you don¡¯t even deserve to be mentioned in the same breath.¡±

    Her wordsnded like a p, precise and merciless.

    Caught by the way the sunlight lit up Dani¡¯s features, Alexander¡¯s gaze lingered, and then, without warning, he let out a low, hollowugh.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 384

    ?Chapter 384:

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that interesting? I¡¯ve been saying all this, and you¡¯ve been calm this whole time. But the second I brought up Cedric, you got worked up.¡±

    Dani lifted her ss of water, taking a sip before setting it down.

    ¡°So, things have changed, haven¡¯t they?¡± Alexander probed, his voice low and steady, a stark contrast to the intensity in his gaze as he searched her face for any sign of contradiction.

    Instead, Dani offered a slight, enigmatic smile. Her response was serene, almost detached.

    ¡°Wasn¡¯t it clear all along? In terms of looks, Cedric¡¯s sophistication and allure make you look downright ordinary. In terms of talent, his brilliance outshines your own. And when ites to power, prestige, and wealth¡ªreally, in which aspect do you think you could possibly outdo him? You wish to rival Cedric? Please, do tell¡ªwhat do you possess that might possibly surpass him?¡±

    With a faint tilt of her head and a sarcastic edge to her tone, she pressed on.

    ¡°What could I possibly gain from you? Your inconsistency? Your egotism? Or perhaps it¡¯s the deceitful guise you don today, dredging up bygone days as if they hold any relevance? Alexander, save your breath. If you¡¯re searching for someone who can endure your presence, try Joyce. She¡¯s still in the dark about you, after all.¡±

    The shadow of anger swept across Alexander¡¯s face, a tempest lurking just beneath his stoic facade. Each of her scathing words struck deep, challenging his self-control, yet he anchored himself in his seat, determined to reim her affection without losing hisposure.

    Tension coiled tightly within him as he leaned forward, his voice strained but deliberate.

    ¡°If I¡¯m the viin you paint me to be, what drew you to me in the first ce?¡±

    L?t??t ch¦Ápt?rs ¦Én g??lnov?l??.???m

    Dani answered without hesitation, ¡°I¡¯ve exined this before. But it seems you¡¯ve forgotten, so I¡¯ll remind you. I mistook you for the boy during my darkest days of depression in youth. Does that make things clear enough for you?¡±

    The color drained from Alexander¡¯s face, his eyes searching hers for a sliver of the past warmth. In a voice edged with desperation, he pleaded, ¡°And now? There¡¯s nothing left?¡±

    ¡°Nothing at all,¡± Dani shot back with an edge to her voice.

    ¡°The day I asked for a divorce, I wiped away all memories of what we once were. We should be strangers from now on. The only reason we¡¯re meeting today is that your endless persistence exhausted what little patience I had left. And maybe because¡­¡±

    Her voice trailed off as she lifted her eyes.

    The person who had been talking to his secretary outside appeared, his tall frame backlit by the light flooding in. Alexander¡¯s gaze drifted, following her pointed look, and his heart clenched painfully as he spotted Cedric.

    Cedric, with his usual aloof and frosty demeanor, strode towards them, his presence as imposing as always.

    Yet when he spoke to Dani, a soft smile yed on his lips.

    ¡°Are you ready to leave? If so, let¡¯s head upstairs and have lunch.¡±

    Without a moment¡¯s dy, Dani rose and apanied Cedric, leaving Alexander to stew in solitude at the table.

    He watched their receding figures, a sense of finality washing over him.

    It was then that realization struck him with the force of a thunderp.

    He had lost her. Completely.

    Just as Cedric and Dani were about to vanish from view, Alexander¡¯s emotions boiled over. Leaping to his feet, he bellowed after her, ¡°Dani! You¡¯ll regret this!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 385

    ?Chapter 385:

    Dani didn¡¯t even look back at Alexander.

    The restaurant¡¯s guests gazed at Alexander with a blend of shock and pity, their faces a canvas of sympathy.

    Without a word to Richard, Alexander went straight home and impulsively set a wedding date with Joyce for theing month.

    However, Joyce was anything but ted.

    She was well aware that Alexander had sought Marlin¡¯s help in bringing Dani and him back together, only to be rejected at the restaurant earlier that day. Their sh had not only been captured but also stered across the news.

    Biting her lip, Joyce stewed in silence. So, after Dani¡¯s rejection, he returned to her as if she were merely a fallback option?

    The urge to create a scene was overwhelming!

    But Katrina, ever the voice of reason, urged restraint.

    ¡°Hold your horses, Joyce. Until that marriage certificate is signed, you¡¯re not yet a Bet. Push Alexander too hard now, and you might lose everything if he flies off the handle.¡±

    Joyce seethed with frustration.

    Why should she settle for this?

    She had once thought herself the sole keeper of a special ce in Alexander¡¯s heart. Was that belief now just a faded memory? Katrina offered aforting pat on her hand.

    ¡°Oh, my dear, don¡¯t be so quick to doubt. Remember, Alexander divorced Dani for you. Now, he¡¯s ready to walk down the aisle with you. Dani¡¯s just a thorn in your side, nothing more.¡±

    Let your imagination soar with g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s£®?¦Ï??

    Fists clenched, Joyce¡¯s anger simmered.

    ¡°Dani! I tried to bridge the gap between us, but you¡¯re hell-bent on stealing my man! I won¡¯t let you get away with this.¡±

    Meanwhile, Alexander drowned his sorrows at a local bar. Shaking his head, Keith remarked, ¡°You¡¯re a mess.

    You had Dani but took her for granted, and now it¡¯s toote. Just because you can¡¯t have Dani back doesn¡¯t mean settling for Joyce is your only option. Remember her mother? That¡¯s a window into the kind of drama Joyce could bring. Are you sure she¡¯s the right choice?¡±

    Alexander slouched over the table, tuning out Keith¡¯s words. Visions of Dani departing with Cedric haunted him repeatedly. Did he regret it?

    Not a chance!

    He was not one to harbor regrets.

    The following morning greeted Alexander with a throbbing headache. As he descended the stairs, he found Richard waiting, his expression clouded with fury.

    ¡°Dad.¡±

    ¡°I got a call from the Harper family this morning,¡± Richard began icily.

    ¡°They say you¡¯re marrying Joyce next month. Is that true?¡±

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s true,¡± Alexander replied, rubbing his forehead.

    ¡°Have you lost your senses? Even if you¡¯re dead set on marrying Joyce, shouldn¡¯t you at least discuss what she¡¯s bringing into this union? If you don¡¯t iron out these details now, how will you manage future disputes?¡±

    Richard was beside himself with frustration, convinced Alexander was bing more reckless by the day.

    Unruffled, Alexander responded, ¡°Elite Lux is making significant inroads with Harper Group. Caiden seems to favor Joyce, and whatever she brings to the table won¡¯t be trivial. We have nothing to worry about.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 386

    ?Chapter 386:

    Richard remained irked. Just yesterday, he had dreamt of Dani enriching their family with her wealth and status. Now, those dreams were pinned on Joyce.

    ¡°And what about Dani? Are you simply going to write her off?¡±

    ¡°Dad, drop it. She¡¯s history. I¡¯m moving forward with Joyce. Dani and I are done.¡±

    Richard¡¯s dreams of wealth shattered in an instant. He let out a heavy, defeated sigh.

    ¡°I just hope you don¡¯te to regret this.¡± That struck a nerve.

    Alexander¡¯s calm demeanor cracked.

    ¡°Regret? It should be Dani filled with regret! I swallowed my pride to make peace, yet she chose Cedric over me. She¡¯s dead to me now, and I don¡¯t want to hear her name again!¡±

    Richard sighed once more.

    What a fiasco!

    The wedding was hastily arranged.

    In their social circles, weddings required borate nning well in advance.

    Katrina fretted over potential hitches before the big day.

    Caiden was keen to secure the financial perks tied to the union.

    Despite his bitterness toward Dani, Alexander was determined to prove he could move on by marrying Joyce next month. Everyone had their own motives.

    The only beacon of genuine happiness was Joyce, buoyed by the belief that her love with Alexander was both deep and destined to endure forever.

    ????t£å??t ???????????????? ???? g¦Álnovels.£ã¦Ïm

    Word of the Harper and Bet families¡¯ alliance spread through Olisvine like wildfire. Soon, every tongue in the city was wagging about Joyce and Alexander¡¯s impending nuptials.

    The social elite were abuzz, their discussions a fiery mix of gossip and spection.

    Joyce, radiant with anticipation, dived into the onlinements, expecting a cascade of blessings and congrattory messages. Instead, the harsh reality of public opinion shattered her buoyant mood.

    ¡°Joyce is marrying Alexander? Can my eyes be deceiving me?¡±

    ¡°No deception here. Both Harper Group and Bet Group have broadcasted it on their websites. The wedding¡¯s scheduled for the end of next month.¡±

    ¡°Alexander¡¯s decisions are a riddle wrapped in a mystery. He divorced Dani only to marry her stepsister? What a tangle.¡±

    ¡°Has Alexander lost his marbles? Trading Dani for Joyce seems like a poor swap!¡±

    ¡°The lot of you are missing the point. Weak men choose partners they think they can dominate. Dani is too much of a titan for Alexander¡ªhe probably feels dwarfed by her. Joyce, on the other hand, is cut from the same cloth as her mother. Both arepletely dependent on their men¡ªa type far easier to sway.¡±

    ¡°Remember, Joycees with a child already in tow. Alexander¡¯s standards can¡¯t be very high, can they?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s clear as day, isn¡¯t it? She must be bringing a hefty dowry. With enough money on the line, the Bet family would overlook just about anything.¡±

    Joyce¡¯s face flushed a deep crimson as she scrolled through thements. In a fit of rage, she mmed herptop to the floor. Her fists clenched, her eyes ame with cold anger.

    Why?

    Why was she seen as lesserpared to Dani?

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 387

    ?Chapter 387:

    Fine. She would prove them wrong!

    Her wedding day would unveil a dowry sovish, a procession so grand, they would all be left speechless.

    Her lips pressed into a thin line, and she whirled around to face Katrina.

    ¡°When is Dad transferring his shares into my name?¡±

    Katrina hesitated at the question. After a moment, she responded, ¡°I¡¯ve discussed this with your father. The family coffers are thin right now, so we can¡¯t afford much. And his shares can¡¯t be transferred just yet¡ªnot until thepany¡¯s fortunes improve.¡±

    Joyce froze.

    ¡°What do you mean? Are you saying Caiden isn¡¯t nning to give me the shares?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not that he won¡¯t ever give them to you; he just ns to dy it a bit,¡± Katrina replied evasively.

    Katrina recalled Caiden¡¯s words.

    ¡°We¡¯re strapped for cash right now, depending on Harper Group to stay afloat. If we hand everything to Joyce, what¡¯s left for us? What about Jack? Honestly, Joyce isn¡¯t Dani. She knows nothing about running a business. It¡¯d be like throwing good money after bad.¡±

    Joyce stood, stunned, staring at Katrina.

    ¡°Mom, you agreed to this.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s cheeks colored with embarrassment.

    Explore the world of fiction at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    ¡°I didn¡¯t want to, but we really are strapped.¡±

    Joyce¡¯s voice sharpened, cutting through the excuses.

    ¡°Then sell the other half of Harper Group to Dani! You said because I was a mother before marriage, I needed a generous dowry to appease the Bet family. Now you¡¯re backtracking? All this talk about being broke¡ªit¡¯s just an excuse!¡±

    Katrina attempted an exnation, but Joyce, too wrought with emotion, was beyond listening. In her fury, she shoved Katrina to the floor.

    ¡°You¡¯re all liars! Every one of you!¡±

    The venomous onlinements echoed in her mind, mocking her, diminishing her, constantlyparing her to Dani. Her resentment boiled over, spilling out in unchecked torrents. She red down at Katrina.

    ¡°If you can¡¯t sort this out, I¡¯ll hate you all forever!¡±

    With that, Joyce stormed off.

    She had no constructive outlet for her emotions. When she felt aggrieved, she turned to retail therapy. If the world insisted she wasn¡¯t Dani¡¯s equal, she would submerge herself in luxury, basking in the obsequious attention of sales associates.

    Shopping always bestowed a fleeting sense of control. The ceaseless ttery from staff bolstered her ego and soothed her wounded pride.

    Meanwhile, Richard also stumbled upon the onlinements about Joyce.

    The mention of ¡°dowry¡± struck a chord, stirring his concerns.

    ¡°Alexander, did the Harper family rify the dowry Joyce is bringing?¡±

    Alexander, who was preparing for a business trip that wouldst over a month, replied nonchntly, ¡°Didn¡¯t they outline it during ourst talk? They promised all their assets to Joyce. Now, even though they own just half of Harper Group, with Dani¡¯s prowess, that half is likely more valuable now than the wholepany once was.¡±

    Richard¡¯s brow furrowed. The answer did little to alleviate his worries.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 388

    ?Chapter 388:

    He opened his mouth to probe further, but Alexander had already grabbed his suitcase and was heading out the door.

    Alexander left with a definitive stride, showing scant interest in the wedding details. He left it all in the Harper family¡¯s hands, indifferent to their ns.

    Richard, however, couldn¡¯t shake a nagging unease.

    Resolved to gain rity, he arranged a meeting with the Harper family over dinner.

    At the dinner table, Richard cut straight to the chase.

    ¡°As for the bride price, we¡¯re nning to provide Joyce with 30 million in cash, a mountaintop vi, and a few other tokens. All told, it sums up to about 50 million.¡±

    Joyce, soured by days of discontent, finally saw a spark of joy flicker across her face.

    The Bet family still valued her.

    Deep down, she had always believed that despite the world turning against her, Alexander would remain her steadfast champion.

    The Harper family¡¯s promises were of little consequence to her. Once married, she resolved to devote herself entirely to the Bet family¡ªto those who truly valued her.

    Joyce shed her brightest smile.

    But then Richard asked, ¡°So, what about Joyce¡¯s dowry?¡± The question caused Katrina and Caiden to hesitate momentarily, their polished expressions cracking ever so slightly.

    Before Joyce could respond, Katrina stepped in, masking any tension with a lightugh.

    Read it all on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    ¡°Richard, you¡¯re as thorough as ever. Joyce is our daughter, after all. There¡¯s no question we¡¯d give her the best in the world.¡±

    Richard, a veteran in the business world, was far too sharp to be cated by empty reassurances.

    He wanted a straightforward answer. With a polite smile, he lowered his gaze slightly and said, ¡°Of course, it¡¯s not about the amount Joyce brings. We value her as a person. But, as you know, we move in high-society circles. If Joyce¡¯s dowry falls short of expectations, it¡¯s not just Joyce who would face criticism. The Harper family¡¯s reputation would also be at stake.¡±

    Joyce¡¯s heart swelled with happiness at the phrase ¡°we value her as a person.¡±

    In that moment, she felt even more assured of the Bet family¡¯s genuine regard for her.

    Deep down, she resolved to repay Richard¡¯s thoughtfulness someday.

    However, Katrina and Caiden weren¡¯t fooled. Beneath Richard¡¯s courteous tone, they recognized his subtle probing.

    They also understood the true reason the Bet family had weed Joyce, even with her child. It wasn¡¯t about Joyce as a person¡ªit was the advantages that came with her.

    Katrina¡¯s smile didn¡¯t waver as she responded seamlessly, ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right. Joyce means the world to us. We¡¯d never allow her to be a subject of ridicule. As we mentioned earlier, our shares and vi will all be transferred to her name.¡±

    At this, Richard¡¯s expression eased, appearing satisfied for the moment.

    ¡°And when can we expect the paperwork to be finalized?¡± He wasn¡¯t the kind of man who could be swayed by vague promises.

    ¡°It¡¯s all taken care of!¡± Katrina said with a reassuring smile.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 389

    ?Chapter 389:

    ¡°The shares have been in Joyce¡¯s name for quite some time. We just kept it quiet to avoid any unnecessary issues. Don¡¯t worry; we¡¯d never cut corners when ites to Joyce. At the wedding, you¡¯ll have all the documents¡ªthe equity transfer agreement and the vi¡¯s deed.¡±

    Richard looked like he was about to ask more, but Katrina quickly added, ¡°Come on, we¡¯re about to be family. Do you honestly think we¡¯d lie to you about something so crucial? Do you want toe home with us and inspect the safe? Joyce is our one and only daughter. There¡¯s no way we¡¯d treat her unfairly.¡±

    At this point, there wasn¡¯t much more Richard could say. Reluctantly, he let the matter rest.

    At the table, Joyce clenched her fork so tightly that her knuckles turned pale.

    Everything had been a lie.

    They had deceived Richard in the same way they had deceived her. Caiden had never nned to hand over the assets.

    It was nothing but a charade!

    Anger seared through her, but she kept it buried deep. She knew that making a scene now would mean throwing away everything she had.

    Later that evening, Richard picked up his phone and called Alexander.

    The background noise of lively music and voices made it clear Alexander was at a bar. Richard¡¯s brow furrowed in disapproval.

    ¡°Are you there for business, or are you just out enjoying yourself?¡± Alexander¡¯s voice sounded muffled and distant.

    ¡°What do you need?¡±

    Check out the newest chapters g¦Ál¦Ç¦Ò¦Í?ls

    Richard exined everything from the dinner, including Katrina¡¯s assurances about Joyce¡¯s dowry. Alexander responded with a dismissiveugh.

    ¡°Katrina dotes on Joyce. She won¡¯t let her go into marriage empty-handed. Stop worrying about it. Let them sort out their problems. If they can¡¯t, they¡¯lle crawling to Dani eventually. We¡¯ll get what we need, one way or another. And let¡¯s face it, no matter how hard you push, Joyce will never be Dani.¡±

    And with that, he ended the call.

    Richard stared at the phone, regret shadowing his features.

    Alexander was right.

    No matter how things went, Joyce could never be Dani.

    On their ride home after dinner, Joyce¡¯s voice sliced through the silence.

    ¡°You promised to hand over Harper Group, and if that¡¯s not possible right now, I¡¯ll ept its cash equivalent. Converting it into money is fine by me.¡±

    Caiden, clearly frustrated, responded, ¡°How do you expect me toe up with such an amount? You know the situation with Harper Group. People think that Elite Lux¡¯s partnership with Harper Group has been a huge sess, but the truth is, it¡¯s been losing money all this time.

    Your wedding with Alexander was only secured because outsiders don¡¯t know the truth yet.¡±

    Turning her head away in frustration, Joyce eximed, ¡°Richard just said he and Alexander valued me as a person. What are you implying? Do you genuinely believe Alexander is after our fortune? Why must you see things so superficially? Do you think everyone is as maniptive as you are?¡±

    Her voice escted with each statement, and she instructed the driver to stop the car.

    Once the vehicle halted, she exited, turned back to Caiden and Katrina, and dered, ¡°The Bet family has promised me a bride price of fifty million dors.

    You need to provide an equivalent amount for my dowry.¡±

    With a forceful m of the car door, Joyce stormed away.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 390

    ?Chapter 390:

    Caiden remained seated, stunned, staring at Katrina.

    ¡°What kind of attitude is that? Joyce has changedpletely. What happened to the obedient, thoughtful daughter we once knew?¡±

    Katrina let out a deep sigh.

    The dynamics within the Harper family had once been peaceful, yet now, as Joyce was about to integrate into another family, her allegiances were evidently shifting.

    Joyce had harbored resentment toward her ever since she had spoken unfavorably about Alexander. Joyce had seemingly forgotten that she, her mother, was the very person who brought her into the world and would never intend harm.

    Overwhelmed by the ttery at dinner and her existing grievances, Joyce¡¯s allegiance had firmly shifted toward the Bet family.

    ¡°What should we do now?¡± Katrina inquired, a look of despair on her face.

    Caiden, lighting a cigarette, felt the burden of financial woes weighing heavily on him, reminiscent of the days before he met Brylee. After a pause, Katrina suggested, ¡°Perhaps we should speak with Dani. She remains a member of the Harper family and as Joyce¡¯s stepsister, it wouldn¡¯t be proper for Joyce to marry without some support from her.

    Looking into Katrina¡¯s eyes, Caiden retorted, ¡°Dani? Do you think she¡¯d ept such a simple exnation, given her astuteness?¡±

    Frustration colored Katrina¡¯s eyes as she spoke.

    ¡°What do you suggest then? Should we allow the dowry issue to push Joyce further away?¡±

    Katrina was aware that Harper Group had lost its value. Selling it would mean depleting their savings.

    Furthermore, if they transferred Harper Group to Joyce and Dani eventually exited, Joyce would undoubtedly find herself swamped with debts¡ªan oue Katrina dreaded.

    Katrina always wanted what was best for her daughter, but Joyce was blind to this.

    Her affections hadpletely shifted to the Bet family, leaving Katrina feeling both exhausted and heartbroken.

    The situation seemed insurmountable.

    Caiden had not cultivated strong or reliable connections in his professional circle over the years. The prospect of him seeking financial assistance as Joyce¡¯s wedding neared could lead to public disgrace. Rumors might spread, potentially causing the Bet family to reconsider the marriage.

    Upon reflection, Caiden understood that Dani was his only option.

    As they approached the vi, their car detoured to Elite Lux. En route, they stopped at a pastry shop where Caiden stepped out to purchase some snacks.

    Dani was engrossed in her work. The smart robot sector was thriving, and hertest models were so sought after that they could barely meet the demand. Despite the chaos, she remained focused, meticulously inspecting the production materials.

    Her office was a hive of activity. Design ns littered herrge desk, and the design team filled the room. Noticing Dani¡¯s workload, Cedric had sent additional designers from Phillips Group to assist.

    When Caiden pushed the door open, all eyes in the room turned to him.

    He was taken aback. It was past 11 p.m., yet Dani and her team were still diligently working.

    The secretary, clearly overwhelmed, hurried over. Recently, it had bemon for people to enter without knocking, and now it was Dani¡¯s father¡¯s turn, which meant she couldn¡¯t just turn him away.

    Dani dismissed her secretary with a brief look and addressed Caiden.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 391

    ?Chapter 391:

    ¡°I¡¯m currently too busy to talk.¡±

    Katrina chuckled and brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.

    ¡°That¡¯s alright; we¡¯ll wait.¡±

    She figured that despite Dani¡¯s apparent busyness, it was gettingte, and they wouldn¡¯t be kept waiting much longer.

    Nevertheless, they settled into the chairs by the door.

    But the wait wasn¡¯t brief.

    Hours ticked by.

    Now, past 2 a.m., Katrina and Caiden found themselves fighting to keep their eyes open, overwhelmed by fatigue.

    While Dani and her team delved intoplex discussions sprinkled with technical terms that flew over both Katrina¡¯s and Caiden¡¯s heads, the term ¡°smart robots¡± stood out as aprehensible snippet.

    A n began forming in Katrina¡¯s mind. She leaned in close to Caiden and murmured, ¡°Dear, have you heard? The smart robot sector is yielding huge profits. Dani has poured billions into it, unlike thenguishing Harper Group. Handing it over to Joyce won¡¯t really benefit her at all. Perhaps we should consider¡­¡±

    Her voice faded, yet Caiden grasped her drift instantly.

    Considering the minimal value of Harper Grouppared to Dani¡¯s thriving robot venture, why not suggest that Dani allocate shares of her robotpany to Joyce? They could present it as avish wedding gift. Joyce would reap financial benefits without any effort on her part.

    Why cling to the fading prospects of Harper Group when they could im a stake in a much more lucrative venture?

    Explore fresh tales at g aln ov el s ;

    Katrina observed the room brimming with designers and engineers, her instincts affirming that this sector was the technological wave of the future. She covertly signaled a figure to Caiden with her fingers.

    Caiden¡¯s eyes widened.

    ¡°Really, that much?¡±

    With a mischievous grin, Katrina whispered, ¡°Oh, you¡¯re so naive. We¡¯ll allocate a portion to Joyce as her dowry, and we can set aside the rest for our golden years. We could propose swapping Harper Group for a stake in Dani¡¯s robotpany. After all, isn¡¯t that her mother¡¯s legacy? How could she possibly reject such an offer?¡±

    Caiden gazed at Katrina, her shrewd gaze holding him in silence for an extended period before he finally nodded in agreement.

    ¡°We should go ahead with your n.¡±

    As the first light of dawn spilled into the room, Dani and her team concluded their marathon session.

    Throughout the night, she had barely acknowledged Caiden and Katrina¡¯s presence.

    When she finally turned to them, she was taken aback to find them not only still there but also surprisingly chipper. For their age, their energy seemed to outshine even the younger team members. Their eyes, alive with excitement, were fixed on her.

    Dani blinked in disbelief.

    The office slowly emptied, leaving the trio in a quiet hush.

    Caiden was the first to break the silence, setting a breakfast on Dani¡¯s desk with a flourish of faux affection.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 392

    ?Chapter 392:

    ¡°Dear, you must be famished. Eat something.¡±

    Dani eyed the food container, recognizing it instantly as Josie¡¯s.

    She sneered.

    How cunning¡ªusing someone else¡¯s gesture to y the doting father.

    Yet, her stomach rumbled. After a quick freshening up in the restroom, she returned and opened the container.

    At that moment, Cedric reappeared, bearing side dishes toplement her meal. He arranged them meticulously on the desk.

    As she began to eat, Cedric took a seat next to her, his demeanor grave andmanding.

    Caiden, clearly unsettled by Cedric¡¯s imposing aura, paused briefly before attempting a smile.

    ¡°Cedric, have you eaten yet?¡±

    Cedric¡¯s reply was icy, his stare piercing as he responded, ¡°I¡¯m not hungry.¡±

    His implication was unmistakable¡ªhis distaste for the duo was enough to spoil his appetite.

    Caiden¡¯s smile wavered, and he stiffened.

    ¡°Dani¡ª¡±

    Cedric interrupted him sharply.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s offers tales worth telling

    ¡°Let her eat first!¡±

    Caiden and Katrina recoiled, nodding hurriedly.

    ¡°Right, right! Eatinges first. We¡¯ll wait.¡±

    It had been ages since Caiden had shown any paternal concern for Dani. His sudden disy of warmth only underscored how forced and unnatural it felt.

    Dani, for her part, seemed unaffected. She continued her meal while Cedric¡¯s re turned even frostier, fixed intently on Caiden and Katrina.

    Cedric now embraced his role more boldly. Previously, as just a friend, he had treaded lightly around Dani¡¯s personal issues. Even his past confrontation with Alexander had been a cautious move.

    But now, he was more than a friend; he was her suitor¡ªher guardian, her knight. He embraced his duty to protect her without hesitation.

    Under Cedric¡¯s watchful, authoritative gaze, Caiden and Katrina squirmed like schoolchildren caught in a misdeed.

    Dani remained poised, her coolposure unshaken by the unnecessary drama.

    After finishing her breakfast, she closed the lid of the container. The weariness of the all-nighter began to settle in.

    With little emotion, she inquired, ¡°You¡¯ve been here all night. What do you want?¡±

    Katrina shot Caiden a meaningful nce, urging him forward. He stered on a smile, though itcked sincerity.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing major. I just realized I¡¯ve never really looked around your office before. And I must admit, it¡¯s quite the sight. Theyout, the space, and that view¡ªstanding at those floor-to-ceiling windows, it feels like Olisvine is at your feet.¡±

    As he spoke, Katrina¡¯s nods were overly enthusiastic, her smile painfully forced.

    Dani was unimpressed.

    ¡°Thest time you visited, you were too preupied with lecturing me and fishing for favors for Joyce. How could you have noticed the view?¡±

    Caiden¡¯s smile froze. Heughed awkwardly after a tense pause.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 393

    ?Chapter 393:

    ¡°Ah, you always had a sharp wit, dear.¡±

    Dani rubbed her eyes, clearly growing weary of the charade.

    ¡°If you have something to say, say it. I have a meeting this morning.¡±

    Caiden sighed inwardly, reminded starkly of the demands of wealth¡ªnights blending into mornings of relentless work. He could never live like that. He preferred a leisurely morning in the garden, basking in the sunshine.

    ¡°Dani, it¡¯s about Joyce¡ªshe¡¯s getting married soon.

    You¡¯re aware of that, right?¡± Katrina cut in, unable to contain her impatience any longer.

    Dani nodded slightly.

    ¡°I¡¯m aware.¡±

    ¡°Since you¡¯re her sister, don¡¯t you think a small contribution to her wedding would be appropriate? Just as a gesture?¡± Katrina suggested, her smile straining.

    Dani saw right through them. They were here for money.

    She understood the financial dynamics of Harper Group better than anyone. Since taking the helm, she had overhauled thepany, sidelining Caidenpletely.

    ¡°Joyce isn¡¯t my sister. I was my mother¡¯s only child,¡± Dani stated tly.

    Caiden¡¯s expression darkened, and he looked as though he might explode, but he caught himself when his gaze met Cedric¡¯s casual yet alert posture, a fruit knife casually in hand.

    Swallowing his rage, Caiden forced a smile.

    ¡°Dani, Joyce is your stepsister. Now that she¡¯s entering a new chapter, isn¡¯t it worth showing a little support, even symbolically?¡±

    Dani nodded. A gift was customary, even for an acquaintance. Even if it was one of her employees getting married, she would send a gift.

    Caiden caught her gesture and quickly exchanged a satisfied nce with Katrina.

    ¡°So, Dani, have you thought about what you¡¯d like to give?¡±

    Dani¡¯s lips curled into a subtle smile.

    ¡°What would you suggest as a fitting gift?¡±

    Even $1,000 felt more than generous in her mind.

    Katrina let out a practiced chuckle.

    ¡°Oh, Dani, you¡¯re heading Elite Lux now. Of course, you¡¯d want to maintain a certain standard, but don¡¯t worry¡ªwe wouldn¡¯t dream of asking for too much. Just a small token, something modest.¡±

    Dani¡¯s smile widened, though it carried a sharp hint of mockery.

    ¡°Katrina, you have quite the knack for dressing up your true intentions with polished words.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s expression hardened instantly. Had she note here asking for money from Dani, her temper would have red without hesitation.

    Dani, however, seemed uncharacteristically tolerant today. Normally, she would have ended this conversation by now.

    Instead, she leaned back slightly, her faint smile suggesting she was watching a cheap performance put on by a pair of desperate clowns.

    ¡°Dani,¡± Caiden finally said, his tone losing its usual warmth.

    ¡°Here¡¯s the thing. Joyce is getting married, and as her stepsister, you shouldn¡¯t be too tightfisted. We¡¯re not asking for a lot, just $20 million. What do you say?¡±

    He barely finished before Cedric¡¯s eyes turned cold, a sharp glint of danger flickering in them.

    Caiden caught the change in Cedric¡¯s demeanor and gulped audibly. Hastily, he added, ¡°If $20 million seems excessive, maybe a small percentage of shares in your roboticspany instead? Surely that wouldn¡¯t be asking for too much, right?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 394

    ?Chapter 394:

    Dani looked at them both.

    ¡°Are you even aware of the current valuation of the roboticspany?¡±

    Caiden faltered, his lips tightening briefly. He knew the answer, of course.

    Dani had invested hundreds of millions into thepany¡ªa fact widely recognized within the industry. Her bold, ambitious investments had earned her a reputation for taking calcted risks that few others would dare.

    Thepany¡¯s profitability was no secret either; even in its early stages, it had made significant waves in the market. Experts were already specting that Dani¡¯s robotics venture could cement her position as the wealthiest individual in the world for decades, if not an entire century.

    This was exactly the prize Caiden had been eyeing all along. But, of course, he couldn¡¯t let that show. He needed to maintain the act of being an uninformed, innocent parent.

    Putting on a naive smile, he replied, ¡°Oh, I wouldn¡¯t know. I¡¯ve heard the robotics field is a challenging one, with massive investments and minimal returns. That¡¯s why we felt it was reasonable to ask for just a small share for Joyce. It wouldn¡¯t hurt you much, and it would certainly earn you plenty of admiration for your generosity. Don¡¯t you think that sounds fair?¡± His smile grew wider, the creases on his face bing more pronounced as he worked to seempletely harmless.

    Dani sat in silence, observing him. The sunlight poured into her bright, spacious office, illuminating everything except the man before her. Try as she might, she couldn¡¯t recall a single instance when Caiden had treated her with genuine kindness.

    Whatever fleeting image she had once clung to of him as a loving father had long since disintegrated¡ªjust like Brylee¡¯s once-beautiful face, now erased by the unforgiving passage of time.

    A faint trace of sadness surfaced in Dani¡¯s heart, but it was swiftly devoured by a wave of disgust.

    Caiden had lingered in her office the entire night, fully aware of the true worth of the roboticspany.

    Yet, he had the audacity to demand shares¡ªfor Joyce.

    ¡°If you won¡¯t part with shares, then just hand over $20 million,¡± Katrina chimed in without hesitation.

    Daniughed then, a genuine soundced with biting mockery.

    ¡°Oh, so this is a multiple-choice test now? What happens if I give you nothing? What leverage do you think you have over me? You strolled in here, brazenly demanding money. If people heard about this little extortion attempt, what do you think they¡¯d say about you? Do you honestly believe you can take anything from me just by holding out your hands?¡± Katrina¡¯s face flushed red with anger. She opened her mouth to retort, but Dani was quicker.

    ¡°And one more thing. Does the Bet family know you¡¯re broke? That you came groveling to me like beggars? Alexander and his family don¡¯t care about Joyce. What they¡¯re after is what they think Elite Lux can offer Harper Group. That¡¯s the only reason they agreed to this farce of a marriage. If I were to inform the Bet family that I have no ns to support Harper Group, do you think Alexander would still go through with marrying Joyce?¡± Her wordsnded like a bolt of lightning.

    Katrina started to tremble, her body shaking with a mix of fear and fury.

    She stared at Dani, finally recognizing that the woman before her was no longer the meek little girl she had once manipted with ease.

    That once-shy girl had transformed into a queen¡ªcrowned andmanding her power with unwavering authority.

    ¡°Dani! You can¡¯t destroy Joyce¡¯s marriage!¡± Katrina¡¯s expression was a far cry from the smugness she¡¯d shown when she first learned Joyce had sabotaged Dani¡¯s wedding with fire. Now, she lookedpletely defeated.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 395

    ?Chapter 395:

    Dani felt a quiet sense of satisfaction as she offered a faint smile.

    ¡°Oh, really? I wasn¡¯t nning to get involved, but since you kept pushing, what else did you expect from me?¡±

    Caiden¡¯splexion turned ashen.

    ¡°Do you even care about your family? It¡¯s just a small portion of shares! Joyce won¡¯t have anything to do with managing thepany, so it won¡¯t affect you. And yet, you still refuse?¡±

    Dani tilted her head slightly, her voice steady.

    ¡°That¡¯s correct.¡±

    Caiden was momentarily speechless. He didn¡¯t want to drag the conversation on, but the idea of Joyce getting married without any support or assets from her family seemed unthinkable. He could already picture Katrina¡¯s fury once they returned home. Caiden waspletely out of options¡ªDani was his final hope.

    Never in his life had he imagined that, after all these years, it woulde down to her.

    Slowly, his expression began to soften.

    ¡°Dani, whether you admit it or not, I¡¯m still your father.¡±

    Dani¡¯s lips curled into a mocking smile.

    ¡°Oh, is that supposed to guilt-trip me? Let me remind you¡ªI lost my mother when I was five, and at the same time, I may as well have lost a father. I feel nothing for you.¡±

    Caiden gave a tired nod.

    ?????????v?????.co?? for more reading

    ¡°What about your mother, then? What about the love between your mother and me? How do you justify ignoring that?¡±

    Cedric, attuned to Dani¡¯s slightest changes, noticed a subtle shift in her demeanor. He turned to look at her. She still seemed calm on the surface, but something in her eyes struck him¡ªa deep, almost undetectable hatred that sent a chill through him.

    ¡°Dani, I wouldn¡¯t bring this up if I weren¡¯t truly at the end of my rope today,¡± Caiden started, his tone carrying an unusual weight of sincerity.

    ¡°I know you¡¯ve always held me responsible, believing me to be cold and heartless, but I want you to know¡ªI genuinely loved your mother. She had many suitors, but she chose me because I treated her with care and respect. When herpany was gearing up to go public, she pushed herself relentlessly, and I was there, staying up with her night after night. I didn¡¯t let the servants take over the household chores¡ªnot because they couldn¡¯t, but because I didn¡¯t trust them to do it right. When she was pregnant with you, I read every book on prenatal care. By the time you were born prematurely, even the nurses admitted I was more knowledgeable than they were.

    You were both in fragile health, and it was me who nursed you both back to strength, step by step. I gave it everything I had.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s voice trembled with emotion as tears streamed freely down his face.

    Dani remained seated, her expression a perfect mask, hiding any trace of her thoughts.

    Caiden continued, ¡°From the time you were one until five, I was the one who made sure the water you drank at school was just right. When your mother¡¯s skin became sensitive with the changing seasons, I was the one who cared for it. And every time she came homete from those social events, I was always there at the door, waiting for her, day in and day out. Dani, I¡¯ve worked hard, truly hard.¡±

    Katrina listened, her face showing a mix of emotions. She¡¯d never been on the receiving end of such intense attention. Dani, however, remained stone-faced. Slowly, she rose from her seat and told her secretary, ¡°Please show them out.¡± Without another word, she turned on her heel and made her way to the door.

    Caiden quickly stood up, knowing these words might not always get the result he hoped for.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 396

    ?Chapter 396:

    He was aware that Dani wouldn¡¯t soften towards him, but perhaps there was still a chance for Brylee¡¯s sake.

    Brylee represented the one thing in Dani¡¯s heart that could still be touched¡ªan irreceable softness.

    ¡°Dani, please! If not for me, then for the years I spent caring for your mother¡ªhelp me out of this mess. Just five percent of the roboticspany shares, that¡¯s all I ask!¡±

    But Dani didn¡¯t stop. As she continued walking away, a sudden loud sound echoed behind her.

    She paused and turned around, her eyesnding on Caiden, who was kneeling in the middle of the office. Tears of regret streamed down his face as he pleaded, ¡°Dani, this is my apology to your mother. I failed her. I cared for you, I held you close. Now, I beg you. Please have mercy!¡±

    Caiden¡¯s voice rang through the empty office, heavy with regret. Dani¡¯s gaze fell on him, her eyes distant as if she were looking past him to the version of him she had known before she turned five.

    Her face remained icy as she spoke with finality.

    ¡°I¡¯ll give Joyce the shares, but from now on, you will never speak of my mother again¡ªnot a single word.¡±

    Caiden was frozen for a moment, taken aback by her words. After a long pause, he finally muttered, ¡°Alright.¡±

    He understood that by offering the shares, Dani was cutting all ties between him and Brylee for good.

    It was just like when Dani allowed Joyce to join Elite Lux¡ªit would cost him their father-daughter rtionship.

    Chapters live now at ??????¦Ò????????.c§àm

    From that moment on, Dani never referred to him as her father again.

    For her, once a decision was made, there was no space for regret. It was final¡ªno further entanglements, no second chances.

    In the past, out of respect for Brylee, Dani had still offered him a shred of kindness.

    But after today, they would be nothing more than strangers.

    Caiden clenched his fists, a bitter ache settling in his chest. The legal team from Elite Lux worked efficiently, soon bringing in the contract for him to sign.

    Before Caiden could sign, thewyer asked, ¡°Mr. Harper, are you sure about this? Once you sign, it¡¯s final.¡±

    Caiden hesitated for a moment, his mind racing.

    Katrina, standing by his side, urged impatiently, ¡°Sign it! Five percent of the roboticspany shares¡ªthat¡¯s a fortune for us!¡±

    Katrina¡¯s greed was apparent in every line of her face. Her impatience and desperation marred her features as she urged Caiden forward, herposurepletely slipping away. The intensity of her desire for money clouded everything else, leaving her with no trace of dignity.

    Caiden stood motionless before her, his mind wandering in thought. His gaze remained vacant as he tried to gather his emotions. Thewyer stood by, offering no pressure, no urgency to move forward. The atmosphere was heavy with silence and indecision.

    After a long pause, Caiden finally broke the silence, his voice low and uncertain.

    ¡°Maybe we should.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Katrina snapped, her voice sharp, filled with venom as she red at him.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 397

    ?Chapter 397:

    ¡°What do you mean, maybe? Why the hesitation now? What¡¯s there to think about? Don¡¯t tell me you still have feelings for Brylee! Remember, Caiden, Joyce and I are all you have now!¡±

    Her words stung like a whip, and Caiden pressed his lips together, swallowing the resentment that threatened to rise in his throat. He was silent, caught in the weight of her demands.

    Before he could even react, Katrina took control, grabbing his hand and signing the contract herself. Caiden stared at the document, his own signature ring back at him in stark finality.

    With a long sigh, he exhaled heavily, the burden of his decision sinking in. His eyes lingered on the paper, but there was no satisfaction, only the emptiness of a choice he knew would cost him dearly.

    Meanwhile, Dani,pletely drained, headed straight to her bed. She was exhausted, both physically and emotionally.

    Cedric, however, wasn¡¯t at ease. He stood vigntly outside her door, his eyes constantly scanning for any sign of trouble. It wasn¡¯t long before Ryan and Lillian arrived, both clearly on edge.

    Lillian seethed, her fury palpable.

    ¡°Caiden¡¯s a bastard! He knows exactly how to exploit Dani¡¯s weaknesses, and he does it every time. He¡¯s despicable!¡±

    Ryan¡¯s icy stare matched his words, his face darkened with barely contained anger. The tension in the room thickened, and Cedric, feeling the weight of his own frustration, reached into Ryan¡¯s pocket for a cigarette. He didn¡¯t even bother lighting it, holding it absentmindedly between his fingers as his thoughts raced. His mind was overwhelmed with the endless cycle of people trying to drain Dani.

    He knew that if she didn¡¯t have someone solidly backing her, these leeches would just keeping back, trying to take everything they could from her.

    Fresh updates avable at ?@ln¦Ò¦Íe?s

    Lillian sighed.

    ¡°This is Dani¡¯s family issue, and it¡¯s not our ce to interfere. But if it were Alexander, I¡¯d have smashed his head by now! Honestly, if Dani had a real family to rely on, none of this would even be happening.¡± She said it casually, without thinking much of it.

    But then Cedric suddenly turned to face her.

    ¡°What?¡± Lillian blinked, momentarily confused. Then it dawned on her.

    Ryan straightened, finally understanding the direction this conversation was taking.

    Lillian¡¯s face brightened.

    ¡°That¡¯s it! Cedric, you should marry Dani! I know it might sound a bit bold, but your family¡¯s notplicated¡ªit¡¯s just you and your grandmother, right? No messy rtives or hidden agendas. And if you marry Dani, you¡¯d have the right to handle all of Caiden¡¯s issues. As her husband, everything would be above board!¡±

    The word ¡°husband¡± rang in Cedric¡¯s mind, and his expression softened. Husband¡­

    Dani¡¯s husband?

    Ryan and Lillian both watched him expectantly, waiting for his answer. After a pause, Cedric spoke seriously.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do my best. I¡¯ll work hard to marry her as soon as I can.¡±

    Yet, as the words left his lips, he knew this wasn¡¯t something he could rush. He didn¡¯t want to handle something so crucial with haste or carelessness.

    To Cedric, every moment of their rtionship mattered. The small, quiet moments where trust grew, the gradual deepening of their feelings, the meeting of families, and eventually, marriage.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 398

    ?Chapter 398:

    It was a journey he was determined to take with care and purpose.

    Dani deserved far more than a rushed decision made out of convenience or external pressure.

    She was exceptional. She deserved nothing but the best, and Cedric wasmitted to making sure she got exactly that.

    ¡°5% of the roboticspany¡¯s shares?¡± Joyce¡¯s face lit up in excitement as she looked at the contract. Unable to hold back, she wrapped her arms around Caiden, kissed his cheek, andughed.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe Dani was so generous this time. Dad, what did you do to change her mind?¡±

    Caiden remained silent. He couldn¡¯t bring himself to admit what had truly happened.

    The deal was sealed, and Katrina couldn¡¯t hide her joy. She patted Joyce¡¯s hand, saying, ¡°Sweetheart, your father put in so much effort. He begged Dani for ages. They¡¯ve had aplete fallout over this. From now on, your father has no one but you.¡±

    Her words held a subtle double meaning, directed at both Caiden and Joyce.

    But Joyce missed the implication. She simply nodded, shing a bright, carefree smile. Gripping the share contract tightly, she skipped off to find Alexander.

    Alexander¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief when he saw the contract. For a moment, he even questioned if it was real.

    ¡°Dani gave you 5% of the shares? Just like that?¡±

    While 5% might not sound like a lot, given the market value of the roboticspany, it was worth well over a hundred million dors. And Dani had just given it to Joyce?

    Find your next read at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    ¡°What¡¯s so odd about it?¡± Joyce responded, her tone casual but with a touch of arrogance.

    ¡°No matter what problems Dani has with the Harper family, she¡¯s still Dad¡¯s daughter. I¡¯m getting married; is it really so wrong for her to give me a little something?¡±

    Alexander frowned. This wasn¡¯t just a little gift. Deep down, he couldn¡¯t believe Dani would part with something so valuable without a deeper reason.

    If Dani still had any vulnerability regarding the Harper family, there was only one possibility¡ªBrylee.

    The very thought unsettled him. The idea that they might be exploiting a deceased woman¡¯s memory, squeezing out thest of her legacy¡¯s worth, was revolting.

    Richard, however, was unfazed.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t Joyce say it herself? They¡¯re family. Stop overthinking this.¡±

    As the wedding day arrived, Alexander¡¯s doubts lingered in his mind.

    The five percent shares filled Joyce with a newfound sense of assurance. At the wedding, she radiated pride. Her smile was wide and beaming as she referred to Dani as her ¡°sister¡± whenever she could, her voice soft and warm, as though their bond had always been wless.

    But as the ceremony unfolded, Dani¡¯s absence became more and more noticeable. Joyce¡¯s enthusiasm slowly faded into worry. She pulled Caiden aside, her voiceced with concern.

    ¡°Dad, did you invite Dani to my wedding?¡±

    Caiden couldn¡¯t bring himself to confess that he had knelt and begged Dani for the shares, or that Lillian had discarded the wedding invitation. Instead, he mustered a faint smile and answered, ¡°She¡¯s probably tied up with something. Maybe she¡¯ll show upter.¡± Despite everything, Caiden held on to a sliver of hope. He told himself Dani couldn¡¯t possibly be that harsh¡ªshe wouldn¡¯t sever their bond entirely.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 399

    ?Chapter 399:

    But as the ceremony drew to a close, Dani¡¯s absence remained constant.

    Weddings in high society were often seen as more than just celebrations. They were opportunities to make valuable connections. Joyce¡¯s wedding was no different. The grand hall was filled with influential figures from Olisvine¡¯s business circles, all eagerly awaiting the arrival of Dani, the CEO of Elite Lux.

    Guests craned their necks, ncing towards the entrance in anticipation. But as the wedding drew to a close, Dani was still nowhere to be found.

    Whispers of discontent began to circte among the guests. Finally, one man approached Caiden, his tone sharp.

    ¡°Ms. Harper isn¡¯ting, is she? You promised she would be here.¡±

    The wedding had attracted all the big yers from Olisvine¡¯s business world. Even a hardware mogul, still recovering from a broken leg, had managed to hobble in with an extravagant gift. But why? They hade for Dani. Not for Caiden. Not for Alexander.

    Caiden was fully aware of this.

    Yet, to help Alexander build connections, he had shamelessly used Dani¡¯s name to attract the guests.

    With a forced smile, Caiden responded, ¡°Of course, she¡¯ll be here. Dani is always so dedicated to her work that she¡¯s probably caught up with something. In the meantime, if there¡¯s anything you need to discuss, you can always talk to Alexander. It¡¯s pretty much the same thing.¡±

    He motioned for Alexander toe over. The young man approached with a wine ss in hand. Caiden gestured toward the guest and introduced him.

    ¡°Alexander, this is one of the top export distributors in the country.¡±

    Alexander offered a polite smile and raised his ss in greeting. But the guest¡¯s expression instantly hardened.

    More updates uploaded to g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??ls

    The guest refused to clink sses with Alexander, cutting straight to the heart of the matter.

    ¡°Mr. Harper, this is uneptable. Using your daughter¡¯s wedding to boost your son-inw¡¯s status is one thing, but iming Dani would attend when she¡¯s not here? That crosses the line.¡±

    Another guest, who had been quietly watching from the sidelines, stepped forward.

    ¡°Exactly. We¡¯re not here for the wedding¡ªwe came to meet Dani. The gifts we brought weren¡¯t for Joyce; they were investments in forging a connection with Dani. If this was just any wedding, I would¡¯ve shown up with a thousand bucks. But instead, I brought a priceless antique. If Dani doesn¡¯t show up, you¡¯d better return it to me.¡±

    The murmurs in the crowd grew louder.

    ¡°Exactly!¡± someone chimed in from the gathering crowd.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t this straight-up deception? Everyone knows the Harper family doesn¡¯t get along with Dani. Before I came, I asked multiple times if she¡¯d be here, and you assured me she would.

    You said she¡¯s family and wouldn¡¯t miss her sister¡¯s wedding. So where is she? Where is Dani?¡±

    Caiden¡¯s face turned red with embarrassment.

    He had warned Katrina that this n was bound to fail.

    These were people who couldn¡¯t be easily fooled. If Dani didn¡¯t appear, there was no chance they would simply let it go. But Katrina had brushed off his worries, saying, ¡°They¡¯ve already brought the gifts. Do you really think they¡¯ll take them back?¡± Caiden wanted to retort, ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t they?¡± A thousand-dor gift was one thing, but a priceless antique worth millions was another. Did Katrina think they brought these gifts for Joyce out of generosity? No, they were here for Dani. Now, realizing that Dani¡¯s bond with them had be so strained that she wouldn¡¯t even show up to the wedding, how could they possibly ept this without protest?

    Seeing the growing chaos, Katrina rushed over to Caiden, leaning in close.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 400

    Chapter 400:

    ¡°Call Dani. Now!¡± she whispered urgently. What should have been a joyous celebration was quickly turning into a public spectacle, all due to Katrina¡¯s insatiable greed.

    Meanwhile, Alexander and his father sat with nk expressions, clearly humiliated. They had never felt so ashamed. The Bet family¡¯s rtives around them kept their heads down, whispering quietly.

    ¡°Alexander was meant to be the pride of the Bet family. How did he end up marrying someone like her?¡± one of them muttered.

    ¡°Who knows? She¡¯s nowhere near as impressive as Dani. Joyce looks like trouble¡ªmark my words, the Bet family will regret this in the future.¡±

    ¡°This is a disgrace. Should we leave now? We¡¯re all businesspeople. Imagine the fallout if word gets out that the Bet family used deceit to collect expensive gifts. Who would trust us then?¡±

    The rtives shared looks of agreement before quietly slipping out through the back door.

    Watching this, the Harper family¡¯s rtives did the same, quickly leaving the wedding inrge numbers. By the time two-thirds of the event had passed, the majority of both the Harper and Bet families¡¯ rtives had already left. The tables in front of the stage now stood eerily empty. Caiden hadn¡¯t expected things to spiral so badly. Even reporters had arrived to cover the unfolding chaos.

    In his panic, he rushed to the hallway, desperate to reach Dani. But his calls were met with silence¡ªhis number had been blocked. Growing more desperate, he gged down a passing waiter and borrowed his phone. Dialing again, he held his breath as the phone rang.

    After a few rings, the call finally connected. Dani¡¯s voice came through the line, sharp and clear.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    Your source for updates g?ln¦Ò¦Í??ls

    For a moment, Caiden couldn¡¯t find the words. The silence stretched on until he felt Dani¡¯s growing impatience. He swallowed his hesitation, forcing a stiff ¡°Hello¡± from his lips.

    ¡°What do you want?¡± Dani replied, her tone cold and distant.

    Caiden finally managed to ask, ¡°Can youe to your sister¡¯s wedding?¡±

    Dani was sitting at the dinner table, surrounded by a crowd. Without raising her voice or stepping away, she stated coolly, ¡°I have no sister.¡±

    Caiden hesitated before replying, ¡°But blood is thicker than¡ª¡±

    ¡°Caiden Harper!¡± Dani cut him off, her tone calm and indifferent. She didn¡¯t raise her voice, nor did she show any anger, but the mere mention of his name made everyone at her table nce up, their eyes narrowing.

    ¡°My mother passed away long ago, and I have no one to protect me. Do you think that makes me weak?¡±

    Caiden was struck speechless. After a long pause, he managed to say, ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant. But so many people came to the wedding because of you.

    Your absence is causing a lot of trouble for me.¡±

    Dani replied coolly, ¡°I thought I made myself clear thest time you came to see me. But since you seem unable to grasp it, let me be blunt. I don¡¯t go looking for trouble, but I am not afraid of it. I have no ties to you anymore. So don¡¯t call yourself ¡®my dad¡¯ again¡ªit¡¯s revolting. Also, the matters of the Harper family have nothing to do with me. Stop involving me in your mess.

    You wouldn¡¯t like the fallout.¡±

    She paused, letting her words sink in before continuing again, ¡°Yes, I have no one to protect me. I¡¯ve known that for years. But that doesn¡¯t make me an easy target. It doesn¡¯t matter how many shares I¡¯ve given her. Taking you or Joyce down would be simple. And if you doubt me, feel free to try. I can make you smile one moment and have you in tears the next.¡± Her words were sharp, and her gaze emotionless.

    There was no anger in her voice, no personal grudge. This was simply business.

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Hello, dear readers! Wishing you a wonderful day filled with joy. We¡¯ll be back with new chapters soon. God loves you, and Noah wishes you the best! (>?=)

    .

 Chapter 401

    ?Chapter 401:

    ¡°Caiden, are you willing to try?¡± she asked.

    Caiden opened his mouth, struggling to find words.

    ¡°But I¡¯m still your¡ª¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Dani said, cutting him off with a slight nod.

    ¡°So you do want to try. Fine. Let¡¯s use Joyce¡¯s wedding to make an example.¡±

    Her words sent a chill of panic through Caiden.

    ¡°No!¡± he blurted out, but the call had already ended.

    Caiden stood motionless, staring at the phone in his hand, his face drained of color. Dani¡¯s cold tone echoed in his mind, her words heavier than he couldprehend.

    He realized, with a sinking heart, that she truly didn¡¯t care about him anymore. Regret ate at him. He regretted asking for that 5% of the shares in thepany.

    He regretted bragging to the guests earlier that Dani would show up.

    Katrina sneered, seeing the lifeless expression on his face.

    ¡°Seriously, Caiden? Is it really that bad? What¡¯s the worst she could do? Kill you? Look at you¡ªpale as a ghost. What a joke! When has a daughter ever humiliated her father like this?¡±

    Caiden hardly registered her words. Slowly, he lifted his head, his eyes drifting to the increasing crowd of irate guests, all demanding their gifts in return.

    A chill of dread washed over him. His chest constricted as a heavy, sinking sensation settled in his stomach.

    Katrina didn¡¯t have time to deal with Caiden. She walked over to the ones asking for their gifts back, standing with her hands on her hips.

    For updates, visit ?¦Ál?ov??s.co?

    ¡°Alright! Anyone who wants their gift back,e over here!¡± she snapped, her voice oozing with arrogance.

    The 5% shares in the roboticspany had given her a sense of power, and she looked down at the group with utter disdain.

    ¡°But let me make one thing crystal clear¡ªif you take your gifts back, don¡¯t even think about building any connections with our family ever again! Whether Dani showed up or not, she¡¯s still a Harper. She¡¯s a busy woman¡ªwe get it. But here you are, causing a scene at Joyce¡¯s wedding. Do you think Dani will forgive you for bullying her sister like this? And you still think you¡¯ll make ties with Elite Lux? Dream on!¡±

    Katrina had never been particrly close to Dani, but she had no hesitation when it came to exploiting Dani¡¯s reputation. She spoke with such strong confidence that everyone was left stunned into silence.

    Seeing their frozen expressions, Katrina allowed a smug smirk to spread across her face.

    She never missed an opportunity to press her advantage, even when it was clear she was in the wrong.

    Without a hint of shame, she pressed on.

    ¡°You all reallyck foresight. Let¡¯s forget Dani for a moment. Let¡¯s talk about Alexander¡ªhis name holds weight in Olisvine. And today, on his wedding day, you don¡¯t think it¡¯s worth giving some antique gifts? You all know how rich Dani is. She¡¯s got just one sister¡ªJoyce.

    You honestly think she¡¯d hold back from her? Dani cares about Joyce so much, she gave her shares in her roboticspany as a wedding gift. If she didn¡¯t care, would she do that?¡± Katrina shifted her focus to the man leading the group, narrowing her eyes.

    ¡°Dani gave those shares because she was concerned Joyce might struggle down the road. My husband and I told her it wasn¡¯t needed, but she insisted on doing it anyway. That¡¯s how much she cares. But of course, you people have no clue. Fine, if you want your gifts back,e to me. Write down your name and yourpany¡¯s name. Just know this¡ªonce you take your gifts, don¡¯t ever expect another invite or any chance to work with the Harper family. We won¡¯t be dealing with you again.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 402

    ?Chapter 402:

    Katrina¡¯s voice was unshakeable, and no one dared to make a move.

    The leader of the group stepped forward, a hesitant smile stuck to his face.

    ¡°No, no, we didn¡¯t mean it like that. We came here today to meet Dani. It¡¯s all just a misunderstanding. Nobody actually wants to take anything back. Please, calm down¡ªthere¡¯s no need to get upset.¡±

    Katrina let out a cold snort, but she wasn¡¯t about to let it go that easily.

    Her intense gaze fixed on the man, and she leaned in just enough to intimidate him.

    ¡°Weren¡¯t you the one making the most noise earlier? What¡¯s your name, and whichpany do you represent?¡±

    The man lowered his head and offered an apologetic smile. Just as the group was about to retreat back to their seats, every phone in the room vibrated with a notification.

    As the guests bowed their heads to nce at their smartphones, an ominous chill swept through Caiden, sinking deep into his bones.

    An intense sense of foreboding engulfed him, his heartbeat escting into a wild thump. His hand, previously rxed at his side, now quivered subtly.

    He resisted the urge to look at the notification that had captured everyone¡¯s attention. Instead, he remained motionless, anchored to the spot as if fearing the earth might crumble beneath him.

    Time seemed to stretch into eternity.

    The guests, who had just been maintaining courteous facades, suddenly became statuesque. Their expressions morphed¡ªfrom stiff cordiality to puzzled concern, then to a piercing realization. Gradually, they lifted their gazes to meet Caiden and Katrina, their eyes now gleaming with icy contempt.

    Find your adventure at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??§àm (uso de ¡°?¡± y ¡°§à¡± cir¨ªlica)

    The warmth of their previous looks had evaporated, reced by a cocktail of derision, disdain, and a sprinkle of indignation.

    Meanwhile, Katrina, blissfully unaware of the unfolding drama, stood poised, ready to wield Dani¡¯s name as a weapon to assert her dominance.

    ¡°With all due respect, if your intentions aren¡¯t genuine, we see no reason to ept your offerings. Should you choose not to align with the Harper family or Dani, feel free to retract your gifts and depart.¡±

    Her deration had just echoed in the air when the group¡¯s leader smashed his wine ss onto the table. The ss hit with such force that wine cascaded over its edges, the red sshes marring the once immacte white tablecloth.

    Katrina, previously exuding a false sense of bravado that had now vanished, stood paralyzed. Confronted with genuine opposition, she was utterly bewildered.

    ¡°Give them back! Why the hell would anyone want anything to do with the Harper family? They¡¯re a goddamn disgrace!¡±

    ¡°Nothing but shameless deceivers!¡±

    ¡°This is beyond appalling! What kind of bad luck drags the Bet family into dealing with deceitful pieces of shit like this?¡± Someone beckoned to Alexander, questioning, ¡°Were you aware of this whole gift scheme?¡±

    Alexander, always a figure of dignity and respect, now found himself drowning in disgrace. As he stood there, encircled by the business elite, he felt like the butt of some cruel joke. Once the golden boy, revered and admired in every circle, Alexander¡¯s world had turned upside down.

    He had seen the statement from Elite Lux and was overwhelmed with humiliation. Red-faced and visibly flustered, he bent forward in a deep bow and announced, ¡°I deeply regret any inconvenience caused today. Dani will not be able to join us. Please feel free to reim any gifts you¡¯ve brought.¡± He lowered himself into a second bow.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 403

    ?Chapter 403:

    Katrina¡¯s face twisted with annoyance.

    ¡°Alexander, what the hell are you apologizing for? Isn¡¯t Dani still a Harper? Just because she¡¯s absent today doesn¡¯t mean she has severed ties with us. There¡¯s no need for you to apologize.¡±

    The instant Katrina finished, the guests erupted in a cacophony ofughter.

    At that exact moment, Joyce made her entrance, decked out in her wedding dress, radiating an unmistakable arrogance. Now flush with cash, she regarded everyone around her with thinly veiled contempt.

    Alexander sent her a desperate look, silently begging her to defuse the escting tension. However, Joyce ignored his imploring gaze. With deliberate strides, she approached the table, seized a ss of wine, and flung its contents into the face of the man leading the rival faction.

    A suffocating silence descended upon the gathering. Every guest at the wedding banquet froze, utterly shocked by the audacity of her actions.

    A tremor ran through Richard¡¯s hands as his fury boiled over.

    A storm of thoughts surged through his head, allnding on the same brutal question: what kind of shitty luck led Alexander to marry this absolute moron?

    The man at the receiving end of Joyce¡¯s wrath was no ordinary guest; he was a longstanding client and ally of the Bet family. He hade earlier that day in a spirit of goodwill, hoping to help mediate the brewing conflict.

    Joyce didn¡¯t even bother to think. She marched over and dumped the wine on him without a second thought, her fury dripping alongside the red liquid.

    The wine wasn¡¯t the only thing she threw¡ªit was the trust and unity built over ten years between their families.

    ¡°What the hell, Joyce? Have you lost your mind?¡± Alexander¡¯s voice trembled with shock, his hands clenched at his sides. It took him a moment to recover before he snatched a handful of napkins and hurried over to the man drenched in wine, offering profuse apologies.

    L?t??¦Ó ch¨»¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?????.??????

    Meanwhile, Joyce remained poised, her arms crossed defiantly, radiating an air of indomitable pride. Supported by the formidable alliance of Elite Lux and Dani, along with the vast empire of robotics, her confidence soared. With Harper Group¡¯s endorsement and her marriage to Alexander, she felt an unprecedented surge of empowerment. To her, what was a mere ss of wine in the grand scheme of her backing? Who would dare challenge her or cross paths with Dani?

    The shares Dani had entrusted her with weren¡¯t just investments; they symbolized Dani¡¯s lingeringmitment to the Harper family. This connection was Joyce¡¯s leverage¡ªshe knew as long as it existed, Dani could not sever ties without consequence. Joyce was convinced she could exploit this to the fullest, for obsessions often revealed vulnerabilities.

    Her tant arrogance incited a wave of disgust among the onlookers.

    ¡°Alexander, this is the woman you¡¯ve chosen as your wife?¡± the drenched man retorted sharply, his voiceced with disbelief and disdain. He scrubbed his face and shirt vigorously with a napkin, but the deep red wine had already permeated the fabric of his pristine white shirt, staining it irreversibly and leaving it wrinkled and spoiled.

    In a fit of irritation, he flung the napkin to the ground and fixed a harsh re on Alexander.

    ¡°I¡¯ve always held the Bet family in high regard for their honor, which is the sole reason I¡¯ve kept you as my business partners all these years. But today, I see my trust was misced. If you can wee someone like her into your family, then clearly, I¡¯ve misjudged you all. We are done with our partnership, effective immediately!¡±

    With that deration, he stormed away, his anger palpable in every step.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 404

    ?Chapter 404:

    Richard and Alexander remained motionless, stunned by the turn of events. Around them, the other guests shuffled toward the reception desk, intent on retrieving their gifts.

    Katrina, who earlier had strutted around with a veneer of bravado, stood ck-jawed. The sight of the guests reiming their gifts had blindsided her. A wave of panic washed over her. She had been desperate to escape the clutches of poverty and had pinned all her hopes on profiting from this wedding.

    She abandoned all sense of decorum and dashed toward the gift table like someone possessed, frantically seizing the mostvish gifts.

    Her once immactely styled hair cascaded into chaos as she struggled to grip the wrapped treasures. Her cheeks flushed a deep shade of crimson from panic and frustration.

    ¡°Are you actually reiming your gifts? Have you all forgotten about Dani?¡±

    ¡°What the fuck does Dani have to do with this? She¡¯s already put everything out there for the world to see. Stop being a dumbass and check it for yourself!¡±

    Before Katrina could muster a reply, a hand snatched a gift box right from her grasp. The other guests followed suit, reiming their offerings. With each gift retrieved, another guest departed.

    Within moments, the once-bustling wedding banquet hall was deserted, leaving behind nothing but a chilling silence.

    The waiter stood frozen, the tray of wine still in his hands. It took him a moment to process what was happening, but when he did, he wasted no time in snapping a photo of the stunned Harper and Bet families before uploading it online.

    Katrina¡¯s wless hairstyle hadpletely unraveled, with strands of hair falling messily around her face. She stared, wide-eyed, at the disaster unfolding before her, before turning to Caiden.

    I@te$t ¡é#@pter$ In g@!novel$.c0m

    A chill ran down Caiden¡¯s spine as he pulled his phone from his pocket, his fingers shaking uncontrobly.

    Joyce stood there with her arms crossed, her voice dripping with disdain.

    ¡°Huh! Who cares if they leave? Let them go! Do we really need their money? Right, darling?¡±

    She copied Katrina¡¯s flirtatious tone, raising her voice on purpose and leaning against Alexander¡¯s arm.

    Richard, witnessing the absurdity of it all, nearly choked on his anger. Was this woman out of her mind? Flirting with her husband in the middle of all this chaos¡ªand in front of everyone? His stomach dropped with the ominous feeling that this woman would bring about the downfall of the entire Bet family.

    Katrina was devastated over the expensive gifts they had lost, not taking any responsibility for her own actions, but instead grumbling, ¡°These people are so ungrateful. They can¡¯t even recognize a golden opportunity when they see it. They¡¯ll regret it.¡±

    Caiden was about to say something, but before he could get a word out, Alexander lost his patience.

    ¡°Enough!¡± he shouted.

    A tense silence filled the hall.

    Joyce blinked in confusion.

    ¡°What¡¯s with all the yelling? Why are you so angry?¡±

    ¡°Why am I angry?¡± Alexander¡¯s gaze zed with fury as he fixed her with a heated stare. On their very first day of marriage, regret had already begun to settle in.

    ¡°I¡¯m angry because your family lied to me!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 405

    ?Chapter 405:

    Joyce stiffened.

    Katrina¡¯s face drained of color, as if something suddenly clicked in her mind.

    Alexander gave a cold, humorlessugh, his piercing gaze shifting from Caiden to Katrina before locking onto Joyce.

    ¡°You told me you had fixed things with Dani.

    You said she¡¯d always be part of the Harper family.

    You promised that after this marriage, Dani would back Bet Group without hesitation. Those were your exact words, right? And today, you used her name at this wedding, parading her reputation to trick people intoing and giving away their expensive gifts.¡±

    Katrina opened her mouth, desperate to find an excuse, but no words escaped her lips.

    Alexander wasn¡¯t done.

    ¡°Just a few days ago, you told me that Dani felt guilty for neglecting Joyce and willingly transferredpany shares to her as some kind ofpensation. Isn¡¯t that what you said?¡±

    Katrina recoiled, stammering, ¡°But Dani really did transfer the shares to us¡­¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Alexander¡¯s eyes burned with fury. He grabbed his phone and hurled it at Joyce¡¯s face.

    ¡°Dani just made a statement online. She said she has no connection to the Harper family. She never promised toe to this wedding, and in her eyes, Caiden isn¡¯t her father, and Joyce isn¡¯t her sister. She even said she¡¯d take legal action against anyone spreading lies about her.¡±

    Katrina froze,pletely taken aback. Her hands shook as she bent down to pick up the phone, her eyes quickly scanning the statement.

    Every tale finds a home at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    Alexander was seething. The shame of being so thoroughly deceived gnawed at him, threatening to consume him. He felt humiliated, his pride crushed by the lies that had been fed to him. Joyce, still utterly unaware of what was unfolding, furrowed her brow in confusion.

    ¡°But Dani really did transfer the shares to me.¡±

    Hearing the mention of the shares only intensified Alexander¡¯s contempt.

    ¡°Oh, she gave you the shares, but why? Why would Dani hand over something as valuable as that? Tell me, Joyce, what do you think her real reason is?¡±

    Caiden stood there inplete silence, his hands balling into fists at his sides.

    Joyce, clearly confused, shook her head.

    ¡°What are you even talking about, Alexander? We just got married today, and you¡¯re talking to my dad like this? The shares are in my hands now, so how we got them doesn¡¯t really matter, right?¡±

    ¡°Oh, it doesn¡¯t matter, huh?¡± Alexander¡¯s voice grew louder, his frustration boiling over. He let out a harsh, mockingugh.

    ¡°Take a good look, Joyce! Do you even have the slightest clue how those shares ended up in your hands? Caiden actually kneeled to Dani just to get them. Do you have any idea how humiliating that is? Caiden begging his daughter for money? That¡¯s a new level of disgrace!¡±

    Caiden remained frozen, his body stiff with embarrassment. Alexander¡¯s words shattered whatever dignity he had left,ying his shame bare for everyone to witness.

    Throughout his life, he had depended on others, but nothing had ever felt as humiliating as this. He couldn¡¯t even lift his head, too ashamed to face anyone. His thoughts raced back to the cruelments he¡¯d read online just moments before¡ªeach one digging into him deeper.

    ¡°Caiden has earned the title of Olisvine¡¯s number one shameless freeloader. This man would kneel and let people trample over him just for cash.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 406

    ?Chapter 406:

    ¡°A father kneeling before his daughter? That¡¯s disgusting. If I had a dad like this, I¡¯d rather not live. Poor Dani!¡±

    ¡°Brylee and Dani really got the worst of it, getting stuck with someone as shameless as Caiden. What a tragedy.¡±

    ¡°How is someone like Caiden still walking around? People like him shouldn¡¯t even be a thing.¡±

    ¡°Caiden¡¯sck of shame is honestly unbelievable. And I heard Joyce¡¯s wedding today was just a scheme to take advantage of others using Dani¡¯s name. What a revolting family.¡±

    The words reyed in his mind like an unrelenting echo.

    Standing there, Caiden felt as though an invisible crowd surrounded him. He could almost feel their fingers poking at his forehead, pointing, and mocking him withughter. His fists tightened so hard that his nails dug into his palms.

    He wasn¡¯t wrong! He couldn¡¯t be wrong!

    People would do anything for money. That was the reality of the world. These people were just envious that he had Dani as his daughter.

    But was she even still his daughter?

    Caiden recalled the official statement Dani had posted earlier on the Elite Lux website.

    ¡± I hereby sever all ties with Caiden, Katrina, and Joyce. As Caiden desired, I have given him 5% of the shares in my roboticspany. I hope they will stop exploiting my name. As for Joyce¡¯s wedding, I never promised to attend. If they continue to im I¡¯m still part of them, I will take legal action to protect myself.¡±

    Below that, an additional note read, ¡°One more thing. I¡¯d like to ask Caiden a question.

    Let your mind wander with g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s©q??????

    You knelt in my office, yet now you act as if that never happened? Have some dignity, will you? Also, I¡¯ve attached a video for everyone to enjoy. Consider it my wedding gift to the Bet family.¡±

    Everything wasid bare for the world to witness.

    Dani¡¯s words¡ª¡±Don¡¯t mess with me¡±¡ªburned in his mind. At that time, he had dismissed them, thinking they were just an empty threat. But now, he fully grasped the depth of her warning and the power behind it.

    The atmosphere thickened with tension, bing almost suffocating.

    The wedding host peered around the sparsely popted hall, paused uncertainly, and then whispered tentatively, ¡°Should we go on with the ceremony?¡±

    Richard reached his limit. Rising abruptly, he snatched his coat and bolted out, leaving a heavy silence in his wake.

    Alexander surveyed the few stricken faces of the Harper family with a cold, dismissive stare. With a scornful chuckle, he dered, ¡°Well, if ites to it, we¡¯ll just sign the divorce papers right after the ceremony.¡±

    He didn¡¯t wait for their response before turning on his heel and walking away.

    Joyce felt a pang of despair as she watched Alexander¡¯s back receding. Ovee with urgency, she dashed after him. In the echoing expanse of the banquet hall, only Caiden and Katrina were left standing.

    Shortly after, the hotel manager approached them with a courteous smile, presenting a bill.

    ¡°Would you like to settle this with cash or a card? Also, please note the wine spill earlier has ruined a carpet valued at ten-thousand dors, which we¡¯ve added to your total bill. The charge for today¡¯s event amounts to four million dors. Thank you.¡±

    The amount struck Caiden like a punch he never sawing.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 407

    ?Chapter 407:

    He was left with no option but to cobble together thest of the wedding gifts¡¯ money. Pleading for any reduction, he barely managed to clear the exorbitant fee.

    Clutching at nothing, Caiden stumbled from the hotel, emerging into the mor of the city street.

    He stood, momentarily adrift in the ceaseless tide of passersby, his thoughts a chaotic whirl. How had his life unraveled to this point?

    Dani had always been a beacon of kindness¡ªthe mostpassionate person he knew, always protective and quick to forgive.

    Why had ite to this?

    Dani, the CEO of Elite Lux, was his own flesh and blood. If he had shown her the slightest kindness, she would never have cast him aside.

    After all, he was her only remaining family. That fact alone should have guaranteed him a life filled withfort and luxury during his twilight years. So, what had driven them apart? What had caused the deep rift between him and Dani, as well as Brylee? Why had he let everything fall apart so disastrously?

    Lost in his regrets, Caiden wandered down the street, oblivious to the chaos around him until the screech of brakes shattered his reverie. His body was hurled through the air, tumbling, before it mmed down onto the hard asphalt.

    Lying there, his vision dimming and pain coursing through his body, a quiet thought fluttered across his mind. Had he really messed up this badly?

    Dani received a call from the hospital, pressing her to settle some medical expenses. Upon asking for the patient¡¯s name, the person on the other end hesitated, their words faltering without a clear answer. Realization dawned on Dani. Without a word, she ended the call and chose not to visit.

    At the hospital, Joyce stormed into the room, her expression clouded with anger.

    ¡°Dad, what¡¯s the matter with you? You¡¯re not a child anymore! Can¡¯t you watch where you¡¯re walking? I¡¯ve just started a new chapter in my life with my marriage, and here I am, rushing to the hospital because of your carelessness. Are you trying to sabotage my happiness?¡±

    Caiden, upon hearing Joyce¡¯s sharp rebuke, felt her words sting more painfully than his physical injuries.

    ¡°Joyce, I kneeled and begged Dani on your behalf. I pushed myself to the edge for you. I was worn out, and that¡¯s why I didn¡¯t see the car. And now you dare say that to me?¡±

    Joyce¡¯s voice cut through the air, sharp and chilling.

    ¡°So you kneeled before Dani? Look, you¡¯ve secured the shares, right? If a single act of submission can bring us that much gain, I¡¯d kneel every single day. Really, you¡¯re okay now, so what¡¯s the urgency in dragging me here? Dad, I¡¯m a married woman now.

    You shouldn¡¯t keep burdening me with these issues. It¡¯s wearing me down. If you can¡¯t manage your own medical bills and expect me to pay for them? Have you considered how much strain that puts on my rtionship with my husband and father-inw?¡±

    Caiden¡¯s gaze locked on her, his expression one of utter shock.

    ¡°What did you just say?¡± His voice was feeble, trembling with disbelief.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it clear enough? Do you think it¡¯s right to keep leaning on your married daughter like this? And don¡¯t forget¡ªI¡¯m not even your flesh and blood. If you¡¯re in need, you should reach out to Dani. She¡¯s your real daughter. Consider my predicament for once. My husband and father-inw are already displeased with me, and your demands are only making my life more difficult.¡±

    With a few quick taps, Joyce transferred just enough money into his ount to settle the hospital bills. She offered noforting words, no inquiries about his well-being. Without another word, she turned and left the room, leaving Caiden to sink back against his pillow, his figure deted, motionless as a statue.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 408

    ?Chapter 408:

    Katrina saw Caiden¡¯s expression clearly, yet she felt no urge tofort him. With Joyce now married to Alexander and a substantial fortune in her grasp, Katrina saw no reason for fear. As she aged, Joyce would care for her. While Joyce wasn¡¯t Caiden¡¯s biological daughter, she was undeniably Katrina¡¯s daughter.

    Katrina knew that Caiden, having cut ties with Dani, would have to depend on her. She had spent most of her life serving him. Now it was finally her time to enjoy a bit.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be heading home,¡± Katrina told him, her gaze indifferent.

    ¡°A caregiver will look after you. Once you¡¯ve recovered, you can head home as well.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s eyes widened, filled with disbelief.

    ¡°You¡¯re leaving me here by myself?¡±

    Although his condition was manageable, Katrina had never left his side before, even for minor concerns like a blood pressure check. At that moment, she was walking away, leaving him behind in the hospital.

    How could she remain so unaffected by it all? As Katrina adjusted her hair, a slight smile ying on her lips, she seemed to read his thoughts effortlessly.

    ¡°It¡¯s no big deal. The doctor expects your recovery in a few days. Why the fuss?¡±

    She turned to leave but paused just as she reached the door. For a brief moment, Caiden wondered if she had changed her mind. But Katrina added coldly, ¡°Since you¡¯re fine, don¡¯t bother Joyce about this. She¡¯s lost face before the Bet family because of you.

    You have your own daughter. Leave Joyce out of it. And by the way, my mother will take care of Jack since you¡¯re unwell.¡±

    Caiden froze, his eyes wide in disbelief.

    L¨»¦Ó??¦Ó c§ß¦Á¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ??n g??l??ov?l??.??o??

    ¡°What? But you said your mother was dead!¡± He grasped his head, his heart racing with the surreal turn of events.

    ¡°Did I?¡± Katrina responded, her voice devoid of emotion.

    ¡°Well, perhaps she¡¯se back to life.¡±

    With those words, she walked out of the room, her steps echoing a carefree rhythm.

    Caiden sat motionless in the hospital bed, unable to move or respond for what felt like an eternity. Was this really the wife he had loved for so many years? The daughter he had pampered for decades?

    By the time Katrina got home, Dani was already there. She sat rxed in the living room, eating a te of fruit that Cedric had prepared for her. She was watching TV with Ryan and Lillian, enjoying a variety show as bursts ofughter rang out asionally.

    ¡°Did you know your father¡¯s in the hospital?¡± Katrina called to Dani, shutting the door behind her.

    Unfazed, Dani kept her focus on the TV, eating her fruit. Then, she turned to Katrina with a small smile.

    ¡°Why are you smiling?¡± Katrina asked, her voice shaking. She couldn¡¯t hide it; she was bing more and more afraid of Dani. When Dani chose to be cruel, it was terrifying.

    ¡°Don¡¯t bother with your schemes, Katrina,¡± Dani replied coldly, maintaining herposure.

    ¡°You know I can ruin Joyce¡¯s life quite easily.

    You wouldn¡¯t want that, would you?¡±

    Katrina felt her smile stiffen.

    ¡°What are you implying?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 409

    ?Chapter 409:

    ¡°Let me be clear. Joyce¡¯sfort depends on my happiness. She might have the shares in the roboticspany, but remember, I have endless means to bankrupt you both. Would you dare challenge me?¡±

    The smile on Dani¡¯s face never faded. It was a serene smile, but the words she spoke sent a chill through Katrina, freezing her to the core.

    ¡°Save your hypocritical talk,¡± Dani warned.

    ¡°Try me again, and I¡¯ll have you thrown out of this house.¡±

    Flushed with a mix of rage and embarrassment, Katrina felt her cheeks burn.

    A maid moved to intervene, but Cedric¡¯s stern look halted her immediately, and she stepped back, choosing not to provoke him.

    ¡°I refuse to engage on your disgraceful level!¡± Katrina said, storming up the stairs.

    Once in her room, she pressed a hand to her chest, her heartbeat racing wildly.

    Though she was reluctant to acknowledge it, Dani¡¯s cold stare earlier had nted a deep, unnerving fear in her.

    ¡°Dani, that lunatic! As if I would waste my time talking to her!¡±

    When Joyce came to visit her mother the following morning, her posture radiated arrogance.

    Alexander, on the other hand, walked in with a grim expression. The farce at their wedding had thoroughly embarrassed the Bet family.

    Initially, Alexander hadn¡¯t intended to apany Joyce. However, her dramatic outburst,plete with tears, screams, and threats of suicide, had pushed Richard to his limits, prompting him to insist Alexander escort her. Reluctantly, Alexander hadplied.

    Before their departure, Joyce had raided several valuables from the Bet family¡¯s storeroom.

    Uncover new tales on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s??om

    Richard¡¯s expression was one of displeasure as he bid them farewell.

    Joyce¡¯s union with the Bet family had been anything but beneficial; it had been a catastrophe. Richard¡¯s restraint was fueled solely by the hope that future profits from the roboticspany might salvage the struggling Bet Group. Alexander¡¯s mind was far from such financial considerations. He was thoroughly disillusioned with Joyce.

    The sweet,pliant woman he had known had be a domineering spouse, embodying every negative trait imaginable. She scrutinized his every action, demanded ess to his personal phone, meddled in his secretary¡¯s duties, and dictated his social life.

    Merely one day into their marriage, Alexander was filled with regret.

    As he reflected on his previous marriage to Dani, the differences were unbearable. Dani had respected his independence, loving him quietly for a decade without ever attempting to curb his freedoms.

    During the drive, Joyce seemed to pick up on his distant mood. With a taunting smile, she said, ¡°I monitor you because I love you. Alexander, you¡¯re lucky to have such a devoted wife. Appreciate what you have.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s mood remained dark throughout the journey.

    Joyce gripped his phone tightly, making the cramped space of the car feel even more oppressive.

    He found himself thinking about what life might have been like if he had never divorced Dani.

    Bet Group wouldn¡¯t be in this mess. And if trouble had arisen, Dani would have handled it, just like she always had in the past. She wouldn¡¯t have tried to use it as a way to gain control over him.

    With each passing moment, Alexander¡¯s regret deepened. By the time they reached the Harper family¡¯s residence, the pressure seemed unbearable.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 410

    ?Chapter 410:

    Unconsciously, his steps led him towards Dani.

    Joyce¡¯s reaction was immediate; her hand gripped Alexander¡¯s arm with cold precision. She stared into his eyes, her voice sharp.

    ¡°Where are you going?¡±

    Alexander¡¯s gaze drifted to Dani, and Joyce¡¯s eyes followed. Dani, seemingly unaware of their presence, was absorbed in the TV. Beside her, Cedric offered her a slice of orange, which she epted and ate from his fingers.

    ¡°Alexander, let¡¯s be clear,¡± Joyce said, her voice slicing through the tension.

    ¡°Dani has moved on.

    You¡¯re lucky I¡¯m still here.

    You¡¯ll have to make do with me.¡±

    Her words pierced Alexander, leaving a stinging sensation.

    Joyce turned away, dismissing him. Cedric stood by Dani, the contrast between him and Alexander stark and evident. Dani¡¯s choice, should she ever have to make one, seemed clear.

    Katrina pulled Joyce aside into her room.

    ¡°So, how was the first day as a married woman?¡±

    With a flick of her dress, Joyce replied indifferently, ¡°It was disappointing.¡±

    Katrina paused, her voice filled with worry.

    L§Ñt??t ch¨»pt?rs ?n g??ln¦Ïv?ls.??¦Ï??

    ¡°What do you mean? What went wrong? Was it the bedroom?¡± Her expression was one of utter disbelief.

    Joyce let out a sharp, mockingugh.

    ¡°He didn¡¯t even touch me.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s eyes opened wide in surprise.

    ¡°What?¡± She hadn¡¯t anticipated such a response.

    ¡°Alexander dislikes you?¡±

    ¡°He never verbalized it, yet the signs were clear,¡± Joyce said with a chill in her voice.

    ¡°As soon as we went home, his family avoided mepletely. They used me of causing a debacle at the wedding, iming I drove away significant, long-standing clients. Alexander showered and left for the office. It was nearly morning when he returned.¡± As Joyce spoke, her irritation intensified.

    ¡°All night, I waited.

    Yet, the moment he arrived, he went straight into the study. In a rage, I shattered everything there. Without my outburst this morning, he wouldn¡¯t have bothered returning with me.¡±

    Katrina looked at Joyce in utter disbelief.

    ¡°Your outbursts are excessive, Joyce. Our indulgence has clearly gone too far.

    You must understand, you¡¯re married now. Such behavior is uneptable!¡±

    Joyce¡¯s anger peaked.

    ¡°Do you believe I enjoy this? Did you notice Alexander¡¯s expression when he nced at Dani? It was filled with regret and longing. He clearly regrets marrying me. He never intended to marry me so soon. Alexander was taking a risk, hoping that Dani would intervene and put an end to the wedding.

    Yet, the pace of events outstripped his expectations. The wedding concluded before Alexander could grasp the situation fully. Just now, his gaze was fixed on Dani, unwavering and intent. He seemed to have forgotten he was a married man.¡±

    Anger brewed in Joyce, and Katrina¡¯s expression was one of deep concern. The gravity of the situation had caught her off guard.

    ¡°However, this changes nothing,¡± Joyce said, her voice brimming with assurance.

    ¡°The Bet family wouldn¡¯t dare cross me. With my control over the robotics shares, they¡¯re forced to appease me. And Alexander? He might as well make the study his permanent bedroom.¡±

    Descending the stairs, Joyce unexpectedly greeted Dani before leaving. Pausing at the doorway, she turned sharply and called out to Alexander, ¡°Come on! Why are you still staring? No matter how much you look, she will never return to you.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 411

    ?Chapter 411:

    Her words sliced through the air, a testament to Joyce¡¯s cruel precision in delivering verbal blows.

    From the top of the staircase, Katrina observed the scene, her brow furrowed. Her eyes caught Dani¡¯s fleeting, mysterious smile.

    For reasons she couldn¡¯t quite understand, Katrina¡¯s heart skipped a beat. A chilling thought suddenly crossed her mind, one she hadn¡¯t considered before, but now couldn¡¯t push aside.

    Katrina wondered if Dani gave the shares to Joyce because Caiden knelt before her. Was Dani really this soft-hearted? Katrina knew she would never get the truth from Dani.

    Later that evening, Cedric asked Dani the same thing. Once Katrina and the maids had gone to bed, it was just Cedric and Dani left in the living room. It was then that he asked, ¡°You had this all nned out, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    It wasn¡¯t a question, but more of a statement.

    Dani was going over financial reports from one of the branch offices. She shot Cedric a brief look before offering a small smile.

    ¡°Yes,¡± she confirmed.

    ¡°You knew Joyce would lose it and reveal her true colors?¡± Cedric pressed.

    Without looking up from the reports, Dani replied, ¡°Yes. Joyce has always been stubborn and arrogant¡ªshe just knew how to mask it. Back when she was chasing after Alexander, she yed the part. But now that she has what she wants, along with the shares I gave her, her true nature was bound to surface.¡±

    Cedric gave a slight nod. He had already figured that much out.

    ¡°But that can¡¯t be all of it, right?¡± he pressed, sensing there was more to the story.

    L?t?st ch¦Ápt?rs ¦Én g??l??ov§Ö???.????

    Dani and Joyce were worlds apart now. There was no reason for Dani to get involved with Joyce, let alone go through the trouble of scheming. But somehow, she had done exactly that.

    ¡°Why, though?¡± Cedric asked again.

    Dani ced the tablet down carefully, letting out a soft sigh before meeting Cedric¡¯s gaze.

    ¡°Cedric, has anyone ever told you that being too clever can make you less charming?¡±

    Normally, Cedric would haveughed at such a remark. But this time, something felt different. He stared into her eyes, repeating his question with unyielding resolve.

    ¡°Why?¡± This was the second time he had asked her.

    Dani pursed her lips, pausing for a beat before speaking.

    ¡°One day, you¡¯ll understand, but not right now. I don¡¯t want to deceive you, so I¡¯m asking for your trust. Please let me keep this to myself for now. Can you do that?¡±

    Cedric wasn¡¯t ready to back down just yet. He still couldn¡¯t grasp the full extent of her reasoning, but he knew it wasn¡¯t as simple as it seemed. Whatever had pushed Dani toe back to this vi and relinquish shares worth a fortune was something significant. There was no way it had anything to do with Alexander.

    Cedric had the distinct feeling he was on the verge of discovering the truth, yet the truth slipped through his fingers, hidden behind a wall he couldn¡¯t break through. His anxiety grew, but he knew better than to interfere with Dani¡¯s carefullyid ns.

    ¡°Promise me¡ªno matter what your n is, no matter what you¡¯re trying to achieve, you will never put yourself in danger. Not now, not ever.¡±

    Dani looked him in the eye and nodded.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 412

    ?Chapter 412:

    ¡°I promise.¡±

    Afterward, she lowered her gaze and pretended to focus on her tablet. As soon as Cedric turned away, she absentmindedly touched her nose.

    Ryan and Lillian walked in from outside and caught Dani¡¯s subtle gesture. Ryan leaned in toward Lillian and whispered, ¡°Did Dani lie again?¡±

    Those close to Dani knew well¡ªwhenever she lied, her hand would instinctively reach for her nose. This habit had been with her since childhood. When she was young, her mother had once jokingly told her that lying would make her nose grow longer. That innocent joke had stuck with her ever since.

    Dani¡¯s eyes stayed glued to her tablet, yet her thoughts were miles away from the screen. She didn¡¯t take in a single word of the report she was supposedly reviewing.

    Joyce believed her priceless shares granted her an untouchable power. As time went on, her arrogance would only grow, testing the patience of the Bet family and pushing them to their breaking point. Then, Katrina would step in, attempting to calm the situation with money. And there would be the inevitable sh between Katrina and Caiden over financial matters.

    That would be Dani¡¯s cue to act. She would take Joyce¡¯s shares from her. Once that was done, chaos would flood the Harper family. All Dani had to do was be patient. She had to wait for the right time. When the truth was revealed¡ªwhen the one responsible for her mother¡¯s death was finally exposed¡ªDani would tear them apart.

    This was the strategy she had set in motion, and Cedric didn¡¯t need to be part of it.

    Under the gentle glow of the living room lights, her eyes drifted to Cedric¡¯s handsome face. Her thoughts inevitably turned to their childhood. It was Cedric who had lifted her from the shadows and guided her carefully through the murky depths of her depression, step by step. Now, she couldn¡¯t bring herself to involve him.

    He deserved a life of peace, free from the turmoil she was facing.

    Exclusive updates avable g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    Harper Group had been hanging by a thread, flirting with ruin for what seemed like forever. Joyce, having severed all financial aid to Caiden, left him without a cent to his name. Overwhelmed by desperation, he finally let go of his ego and reached out to Cedric for support.

    Caiden¡¯s initial n was to reach out to Alexander for assistance.

    Yet, Katrina shattered this notion with a scathingment.

    ¡°Seriously? You can¡¯t even take care of your own mess, and now you want to screw up your son-inw¡¯s life too? Are you trying to make Joyce theughingstock of the Bet family?¡±

    Feeling crushed and shamed, Caiden reluctantly discarded the idea. That bitter moment unveiled Katrina¡¯s true intentions. Her prior endearments and praises were nothing more than a charade, cleverly orchestrated to manipte him and exploit the Harper family¡¯s wealth tond Joyce a prosperous match.

    Now that she had secured her daughter¡¯s future, Katrina¡¯s facade of concern dissolved. The once docile and amodating woman had vanished.

    Brewing with resentment yet trapped by his financial destitution, Caiden realized his dire situation. Devoid of funds and influence, and dependent on Katrina even for daily essentials, he was forced to navigate his days with utmost caution around her dominating presence.

    Whenever Katrina¡¯s temper red, she would not tolerate Caiden¡¯s presence at the dinner table. Time and again, Caiden was left to sit at the bottom of the staircase, his meals apanied only by the weight of his solitude. These moments inevitably led his thoughts to wander to Dani¡¯s early years.

    Had she experienced this same feeling of exclusion and istion within her own family home? She was merely a child of five back then. The idea sent a cold shudder rippling through Caiden.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 413

    ?Chapter 413:

    Drowning in a deep pool of embarrassment and helplessness, Caiden was too daunted to seek Dani¡¯s assistance. The onlookers, it seemed, thrived on his predicament, eagerly watching for him to falter.

    Finding himself cornered by circumstance, Caiden approached Cedric, his demeanor meek, his eyes cast downward in a gesture of deference.

    ¡°I¡¯m at a loss here. Dani now controls Harper Group, yet she¡¯s letting it flounder. Thepany continues to bleed funds, its worth diminishing by the day. Even though she isn¡¯t exactly strapped for cash, watching such wastage is baffling. Real money is just being squandered away.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s eyes held a frosty detachment, radiating an imposing sense of authority.

    ¡°She has her reasons.¡±

    ¡°But what am I supposed to do?¡± Caiden asked, his voice faltering as he nervously chewed his lip.

    ¡°I can¡¯t even afford damn cabbage at my age. Fifty years of living for this? Every day feels like hitting rock bottom again. What¡¯s left for me?¡±

    Lowering his gaze, Cedric¡¯s face remained an impassive mask.

    ¡°Oh, really? Then perhaps it¡¯s time you confronted the person who dragged you into this mess. Don¡¯t ask me or her for answers.¡±

    A chill seemed to pass through Caiden, freezing him in ce.

    ¡°I know. I¡¯m painfully aware of my shorings as a father.¡±

    A crack appeared in Cedric¡¯sposed exterior as he let out a derisive snort.

    Your escape is on g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s

    ¡°If you were truly aware, you¡¯d spare us the charade of calling yourself her father. Stop dressing up your guilt in fancy excuses.

    You¡¯re not fooling anyone, and honestly, you¡¯re just making us both sick.¡±

    Caiden finally realized Cedric wasn¡¯t just annoyed¡ªhe was absolutely done putting up with his useless crap.

    He bowed his head, shrouded in a heavy silence. As Cedric began to turn away, Caiden finally asked, ¡°If I apologize sincerely, do you think Dani will forgive me?¡±

    Cedric¡¯s gaze was as sharp as steel, chilling him to the core.

    ¡°You tell me. Isn¡¯t self-awareness the bare minimum for a man? You got what you were after, and now you¡¯re trying to take it all back? Pathetic. Have you no dignity left?¡±

    Before Caiden could muster a response, Cedric continued, ¡°Even if you¡¯ve thrown away whatever shred of dignity you had left, you should be sensible, don¡¯t you think?¡± With that, he turned sharply and departed.

    Caiden remained, rooted in the stinging breeze, his face tight with frustration. His nose blushed crimson from the biting cold, and his heart sank into an abyss, dark and seemingly bottomless.

    As weeks turned into a bleak month, the burden grew heavier.

    Katrina¡¯s frequent outings to dine meant that the kitchen at home remained dormant. On such evenings, the task of cooking fell onto Caiden¡¯s reluctant shoulders. While savory scents floated tantalizingly from Dani¡¯s dining room, he could only gulp down his bitterness and silently grieve over his dreary circumstances.

    One day, the wind howled outside, relentless and unyielding. It had been a full week since Katrina had retreated to her mother¡¯s ce. Caiden, having devoured thest of his noodles, faced the barren shelves of his kitchen. Driven by hunger, he abandoned his pride and, te in hand, made his way to Dani¡¯s dining room. He settled himself at the table, disregarding the piercing stares from everyone seated there.

    Cedric, Lillian, and the others shot wary looks at one another before all eyes turned to Dani. Dani held her fork midair for a brief second, her face a mask of indifference, before she continued eating as though nothing unusual had urred.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 414

    ?Chapter 414:

    Once the meal concluded, Caiden gathered his courage. His voice barely above a whisper, he addressed her.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Dani turned her gaze toward Caiden.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for thanks. How did you find the meal?¡±

    Caiden offered a sincere reply.

    ¡°It was really delicious.¡±

    A subtle nod came from Dani.

    ¡°I¡¯m pleased to hear that. Although we aren¡¯t close personally, you¡¯re always wee to dine here. Just so you¡¯re aware, the meal here is $1,000 per person. How would you like to handle the payment? Cash, card, or would you prefer to settle up at month¡¯s end?¡±

    Caiden was rooted to the spot, his voice lost to surprise. With a sly smile, Dani went on, ¡°Whichever method you choose, payment is due. If paying per meal suits you, Josie will take care of it. Please understand, I don¡¯t offer credit here. After all, supporting someone else¡¯s father isn¡¯t my responsibility, is it?¡±

    With those words, she turned on her heel and departed, leaving Caiden to grapple with a mix of embarrassment and frustration. Once Dani had taken a shower, she headed down the stairs, only to be greeted by Josie, who was grumbling over Caiden¡¯s failure to pay and his bold excuse of being broke.

    From across the room, Dani¡¯s eyes flicked towards Caiden before she pulled out her phone and sent a quick message to Katrina.

    Thirty minutester, Katrina returned, storming through the door. She fixed Caiden with a withering look before scolding him.

    ¡°Uninvited, you impose yourself at Dani¡¯s dinner table. Humiliated for a mere meal, how do you justify that? Serves you right! Caiden, you¡¯re not a young man anymore. How could you let her humiliate you just for the sake of a meal? If she were willing to give you her attention, that would be one thing. But she doesn¡¯t care about you, yet you still think there¡¯s some lingering father-daughter connection between you? It¡¯s absurd! Can¡¯t you see the truth, Caiden? She no longer sees you as her father. She texted me in the middle of the night to settle your bill, threatening to cut Joyce¡¯s shares in the roboticspany if I don¡¯t. If you¡¯re so troubled that you¡¯re dragging your daughter into your mess, why not take the same path as Brylee? Spare others the pain!¡±

    M??? ?¦Ñ????? ?? ?????¦Í???.???

    Having vented her frustration, Katrina angrily sent a thousand to Josie, grabbed her suitcase, and ascended the stairs, leaving Caiden standing there, nothing more than a cold, unfeeling silhouette.

    From the living room, Dani turned to Caiden with a smirk.

    ¡°Do you remember how my mother died?¡±

    Caiden¡¯s face turned pale at her question. He ran upstairs, his footsteps erratic, almost tripping over as he ascended.

    Life for Caiden grew more suffocating from that day forward. With Katrina¡¯s return, their rtionship deteriorated further; she found him increasingly unbearable, and her verbal assaults intensified.

    In desperation, Caiden reached out to Alexander, using his influence to secure a few minor deals for Harper Group. He then begged Dani to transfer the profits from these deals to his ount.

    Subsequently, Caiden ventured into business independently. After several initial setbacks, he finally secured some contracts through Cedric.

    Having never encountered significant professional obstacles in his earlier years, Caiden now faced them head-on. Often returning home intoxicated fromworking events, he found the bedroom locked by Katrina and resigned himself to sleeping on the sofa.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 415

    ?Chapter 415:

    Dani was busy scrutinizing a business proposal. By the time Caiden stirred from his ufortable sleep, dawn was breaking.

    Dani remained focused on her work at the dining table while Caiden lingered in the living room, his gaze fixed on her. For a fleeting moment, he imagined he saw Brylee. He tried to speak, but his words caught in his throat.

    Realization hit him; he didn¡¯t know how to face Brylee.

    She had entrusted Dani to him, expecting him to cherish and protect her.

    Yet, he had let her down, failing both as a spouse and a father.

    Under his watch, Brylee¡¯s once-prosperouspany had declined.

    The shame was too much for him to bear.

    Caiden stood motionless for a while, gradually sobering. He then moved to the kitchen, warmed some milk, and set it next to Dani.

    ¡°I heard from Cedric you¡¯ve been having trouble sleeping. This milk¡¯s from your fridge, but it¡¯s on me. Have some; it might help you rest,¡± Caiden said, cing a hundred-dor bill next to the mug.

    Dani didn¡¯t look up from her work.

    ¡°No need.¡±

    ¡°Why turn down a simple act of kindness? It¡¯s just milk.¡± Dani had been reading all night, her eyes showing signs of strain. She blinked and then resumed wearing her anti-fatigue sses.

    ¡°Can we drop the act?¡±

    Caiden felt a sting from her cold tone.

    Discover more

    ¡°I¡¯m not acting. I saw you were tired and thought the milk might help. Why would you think I have ulterior motives?¡±

    Dani offered a faint smile, her attention returning to the documents, though she seemed less interested.

    She had long understood that she must rely on herself in this world.

    Without looking up from her reading, Dani spoke.

    ¡°I¡¯m beyond the point where small gestures affect me. I wear a coat if it¡¯s cold, and turn on the air if it¡¯s hot. I¡¯m fully capable of looking after myself. I don¡¯t need you, got it? To me, anything unnecessary is just an act. Keep your money and give me space, or I might have to ask you to leave to spare us both any unease. Perhaps then, you¡¯ll grasp the true cost of losing what little dignity you have left.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s face was etched with sadness as he looked at Dani.

    In his eyes, she remained the joyful little girl who once hugged his leg, but she had grown so distant and cold.

    ¡°Regardless of what you believe, I truly wish to do right by you,¡± he said.

    Dani remained expressionless, offering no reply to his heartfelt plea.

    Dani expected Caiden to leave, but instead, he remained in ce. Without saying a word, he pulled out a chair and took a seat.

    ¡°I did love your mother. To say I wasn¡¯t drawn to her wealth would be a lie. But I needed my pride, too.

    Your mother¡¯s sess intimidated me, and honestly, there were moments I felt uneasy. When I married Katrina, I focused only on myself. That¡¯s because I¡¯d been holding back my feelings for too long. I just wanted some breathing space after being suffocated.¡±

    At his words, Dani¡¯s gaze faltered for a moment. She let out a soft, sarcasticugh.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t anyone ever tell you that you can¡¯t have it all? You want an easy life without lifting a finger, but you can¡¯t hate my mother for being sessful.

    You chose Joyce, so don¡¯t expect anything from me. It¡¯s best not to be too greedy.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 416

    ?Chapter 416:

    Caiden opened his mouth to speak, but Dani cut him off.

    ¡°Back when I was a kid, other children were picked up by their parents on rainy school days, but I was alone. I¡¯d sit on a tiny bench, wondering why other dads loved their kids, while mine seemed to care more about someone else.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s face stiffened, difort washing over him.

    Dani smiled faintly, a smile that carried a sense of release.

    ¡°I was stubborn back then. I wrestled with this question for almost ten years before finally letting it go. I just wanted to escape a ce that never felt like home. Part of why I treated Alexander well was because I thought he was that boy from my childhood. But mostly, I wanted to leave, to find a ce where I could finally feel like I belonged.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s voice turned bitter as he spoke.

    ¡°You never said any of this to me.¡±

    ¡°There was nothing to say,¡± Dani replied, meeting Caiden¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°I told you long ago that I¡¯ve outgrown looking up to my father and seekingfort from him whenever I feel hurt. Don¡¯t expect anything more from me now. I¡¯ve already given all I can. Honestly, I don¡¯t owe you anything else. And if you have any decency left, don¡¯t bring up my mother again.

    You have no right to.¡±

    After that, Dani returned to her documents without another nce. Caiden¡¯s fists tightened as the realization hit him¡ªno amount of words could undo the damage he¡¯d done.

    He couldn¡¯t help but admit Cedric was right; there was no hope left for mending his rtionship with Dani.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s©q??o?? is where stories live

    In the end, he left without a word.

    The living room fell back into its calm silence until a second ss of milk was ced beside Dani.

    Before she could nce up, someone took the chair Caiden had just left, resting his head on folded arms on the table. Dani looked at Cedric, surprised to see he was still awake.

    ¡°Did I wake you?¡± she asked.

    ¡°No,¡± Cedric replied, his voice rough, carrying a weight that felt heavy in the silence of the room.

    ¡°Dani.¡±

    ¡°You once told me I did a great job on the North District project.

    You made a promise back then. Do you remember?¡±

    Dani nodded, her expression softening.

    ¡°Yes, I remember.¡± Cedric had poured countless hours into that project, crafting andmark building that exceeded every expectation. Dani had been grateful for his dedication and had promised that if he ever needed anything, he could ask, and she would do everything in her power to make it happen.

    ¡°You told me that you¡¯d always keep your promise. Does that still stand?¡± Cedric looked at Dani.

    Dani tilted her head slightly, her eyes meeting his as she asked, ¡°What is it you want, Cedric?¡±

    Earlier, Cedric had lingered at the staircase, the weight in his chest almost too much to bear.

    In his mind, he saw an image of a stormy night¡ªDani sitting all alone in a deste corridor, waiting for the rain to end. The image gripped his heart like an unseen hand squeezing it tight.

    He had been gued by doubts before, questioning if he had acted too rashly, if his choices had been too extreme, or if things were slipping beyond his control.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 417

    ?Chapter 417:

    But now, all those fears melted away. In this moment, nothing else mattered. All he wanted was to pull her into his arms, give her the protection she deserved, and stand as her unwavering shield against the chaos surrounding her.

    ¡°I want you,¡± Cedric said without a moment¡¯s hesitation. His voice was resolute. Observing Dani¡¯s confusion, he added, ¡°Yes, you understood correctly. I wish to leverage that promise you made as a means to start a rtionship with you.¡±

    Dani was stunned. The pen she held trembled lightly. Speechless, she realized her pulse was now surging.

    ¡°A rtionship? What sort of rtionship do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Marriage,¡± Cedric answered bluntly.

    At his deration, Dani felt a knot form in her chest.

    ¡°You must have heard my conversation with Caiden just now. There¡¯s no need for your sympathy.¡±

    Cedric, foreseeing her potential refusal, retorted, ¡°It¡¯s not sympathy I feel for you, Dani, but genuine affection. I want to marry you. I want to offer you the love, attention, and protection you were deprived of in your youth. In the future, on any rainy day, no matter the distance, I¡¯ll be there to cover you.

    You won¡¯t have to face anything alone again.¡±

    The proposal came so suddenly that Dani struggled to gather her thoughts.

    Cedric pressed on, knowing well that given time to think, Dani might decline due to her practical nature.

    ¡°You might think this low of me, but I¡¯mying all my cards on the table. Hearing your words to Caiden hurt me deeply. I¡¯m invoking the promise you made to propose marriage. I¡¯ve said my piece; now I need your decision. Does your promise still stand?¡±

    Find thetest stories g?ln¦Òv??ls

    ¡°Cedric, you¡¯re not being rational right now.¡± Dani¡¯s vision blurred as she set aside the paperwork.

    ¡°On the contrary, I¡¯ve been too rational until now!¡± Cedric eximed, straightening his posture.

    ¡°I¡¯ve always been overly cautious, ensuring I assessed every situation before acting, and I¡¯ve let you face challenges on your own. But no more. I don¡¯t just want to maintain a distance; I need to be your husband, Dani.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s demeanor wasmanding. His resolve mirrored the tenacity he applied in his business endeavors. He fixed his gaze on Dani, determination clear in his eyes.

    ¡°I can¡¯t continue as merely an admirer. This distance is intolerable. Today, I must secure my ce by your side.¡±

    Dani slowly withdrew her hand from the table. She was overwhelmed by the intensity of the moment. She had indeed made a promise, and she feltpelled to provide Cedric with a clear exnation, despite her reluctance.

    Dani took a moment to collect her thoughts, ensuring rity in her response.

    ¡°Cedric, over the years, I¡¯ve changed significantly,¡± she began. The overhead light cast a shadow, cloaking her in a mysterious, almost spectral glow. Her words were measured and thoughtful.

    ¡°I¡¯m not the child you once knew. Even my teachers have remarked on my extensive changes.¡±

    ¡°And you¡¯ve only grown more remarkable,¡± Cedric purposely twisted her words to mean something else.

    Dani pressed her lips together for a moment before adding, ¡°My personality has changed as well.¡±

    Cedric replied simply, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter to me.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 418

    ?Chapter 418:

    Dani continued, ¡°I¡¯ve been married once, briefly. It taught me that I struggle withmitments deeper than friendship. I¡¯m not particrly vibrant or engaging. In fact, I tend to be quite introverted.¡±

    Cedric said, ¡°When we first met, you were struggling with your health.¡±

    Dani raised her eyes to meet his.

    ¡°You once said I was your cure for depression. So, would you trust me once more?¡± Cedric asked, his voice filled with tenderness.

    ¡°Do you believe I can be there for you through the years?¡±

    His statement seemed to carry the weight of a vow.

    Life had a way of taking from Dani what she cherished most. Such apassionate soul stood before her, yet she harbored a deep-seated anxiety, as if he were merely an illusion that might vanish.

    Her life, though sessful, felt isting at its heights. The circle of people she trusted was small, and her fear of losing someone if she allowed them closer weighed heavily on her.

    ¡°You¡¯ve never met my mother,¡± Dani continued, biting her lip lightly.

    ¡°Many remark that I resemble her closely.

    You¡¯re familiar with Caiden; deep down, he¡¯s intimidated by her. He views her tactics as too forceful, her influence too expansive, and her wealth overwhelming¡ªfactors that diminish his self-worth.¡±

    Dani found herself at the peak of global wealth. Indeed, she upied the top tier of the world¡¯s financial hierarchy. Should she amalgamate her holdings, she might well im the title of the world¡¯s wealthiest person indefinitely.

    ¡°Do you worry I might end up like Caiden, intimidated by your sess?¡± There was a brief silence as Cedric studied Dani¡¯s face, seeking to reassure her.

    Stay connected at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    ¡°Do you fear I might distance myself, feel overshadowed by your wealth, or be daunted by your business insight?¡±

    Cedric¡¯s gaze softened, full ofpassion, as he continued, ¡°What other reservations might you have about me as your husband? Share them with me; I¡¯m here to listen and to address any issue you might raise.¡±

    Cedric exhibited patience and tenderness. Dani shook her head gently.

    ¡°That¡¯s all.¡±

    With a warm smile, Cedric reached for Dani¡¯s hand. He sensed her initial hesitation and did not grasp it immediately. Instead, he waited until she loosened her fingers slightly before taking her hand once more.

    ¡°Dani,¡± Cedric called out as the morning light illuminated his face, making his eyes sparkle with the reflection of hers.

    ¡°I¡¯m not Caiden; I¡¯m Cedric.

    You are not your mother; you are Dani, a remarkable woman in your own right.

    Your strength doesn¡¯t intimidate me; it makes me want to ensure your happiness even more.

    Your power doesn¡¯t scare me; it fills me with pride. I¡¯m not without ambitions; I have my pride and my own capabilities. So, Dani, is it me you doubt, or yourself?¡±

    Cedric was not one to speak often, but his words always carried weight and assurance. Now, as he spoke, Dani found herself unable to dispute his points. She clenched her hand, yet she hesitated to agree outright.

    Cedric asked, ¡°You¡¯re thinking it¡¯s all happening too quickly, aren¡¯t you? Change is always a bit daunting, but don¡¯t let the unfamiliarity deter you from moving forward, right?¡± Dani found no words to counter him.

    ¡°Feeling sleepy?¡± Cedric kept his gaze steady, his smile convincing.

    ¡°If you¡¯re tired, why not rest here in the living room? If not, perhaps we could go register our marriage.¡±

    Dani blinked in surprise.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 419

    ?Chapter 419:

    ¡°Are you in such a rush?¡±

    Her mind was indeed cluttered at the moment. She had been buried in paperwork, had a draining discussion with Caiden, and now was navigating this moment with Cedric. Her thoughts were tangled. She felt a thorough discussion was necessary to rify their rtionship.

    Cedric was naturally aware of Dani¡¯s reservations. He understood her concerns perfectly.

    Determined, he admitted he would use any means necessary to secure Dani¡¯smitment today. If he waited until tomorrow, once Dani had time to think it over, he feared he might lose his chance.

    Though anxious, Cedric hid his feelings well, asking smoothly, ¡°Any more doubts? Let¡¯s discuss them.¡±

    He maintained a calm demeanor while subtly pressing forward. Dani responded with a simple, ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Is it the pace that bothers you? Do you think we¡¯re moving too quickly?¡± Cedric asked further.

    Dani confirmed with a nod.

    ¡°Too quickly, you say?¡± Cedric asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ve made my choice, and you¡¯ve given your promise. It¡¯s inevitable, whether it happens today or tomorrow. Does the timing truly make a difference?¡±

    Dani found her thoughts increasingly scrambled by Cedric¡¯s arguments.

    Cedric continued, ¡°If we are destined together, why not fully embrace our future now? You¡¯ll need toe to terms with this eventually, and I¡¯m here to support you as you adjust.¡±

    Your favorite tales are on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??§ànn

    Dani bit her lip thoughtfully.

    ¡°How much time will you give me to adapt?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s for you to decide. Whenever you¡¯re ready, we¡¯ll share the same bed.¡±

    Dani blushed deeply.

    ¡°That¡¯s not what I was referring to.¡±

    Cedricughed.

    ¡°Of course, not that. Let¡¯s secure our marriage certificate today. As for the rest, you set the pace. It¡¯s only fair.

    You once promised me a favor, and this is all I ask.¡±

    Dani felt cornered. It seemed Cedric hadid out a strategic n, and she was inadvertently ying into his hands at every turn.

    As the official was poised to stamp the marriage certificate, Dani turned to Cedric.

    ¡°We need to keep this under our hats for the time being.¡±

    Cedric gave a subtle nod, his eyes tracking the official¡¯s movements, and gestured. The seal pressed down.

    Dani stared at him, dazed.

    ¡°You once mentioned sharing a bed someday. But I get to set the pace¡ªyou promised.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s demeanor was easygoing. Grasping the marriage certificate firmly, he tucked it securely into his suit pocket. Only then did he take Dani¡¯s hand in his, telling her, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll dance to your tune, honey.¡±

    That day, the sun zed down with unusual fervor. As Cedric led Dani out, her mind was a whirlwind.

    Married, just like that?

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 420

    Chapter 420:

    The expression on her face was indescribable.

    Thest time she was married, she had chased Alexander for a decade, only to see the marriage dissolve after just one day. Now, she hadn¡¯t even dated Cedric properly, yet here they were, hitched in the blink of an eye.

    As Dani turned to look at Cedric and saw his smile, a flicker of pity crossed her gaze. Did he truly grasp what he had signed up for?

    ¡°I want our marriage to be a secret,¡± Dani reminded him, clutching at the remnants of her rationality. She needed it to be a secret until she could avenge her mother¡¯s death. She wouldn¡¯t let her guard down, nor put Cedric at risk. Dani thought she must be losing her mind.

    When had her life turned into such a whirlwind?

    Love had never been in the blueprint.

    Chaos reigned.

    Cedric¡¯s smile was bright, almost boyish, as if he had conquered the globe.

    ¡°In private, may I call you honey?¡±

    Dani had been down the aisle twice already.

    Yet, the term still felt alien on her tongue. But Cedric seemedfortable with ¡°honey,¡± as if it had always been part of his vocabry.

    ¡°Is that alright, honey?¡±

    Dani sighed.

    ¡°Fine, do as you wish!¡±

    Updates loaded at g¦Ál¦Ç¦Ò¦Íe??s

    Cedric¡¯s eyes sparkled.

    ¡°Then let¡¯s toast to this. How about avish meal to celebrate?¡±

    Dani nodded, and Cedric whisked her away to the Night Lounge.

    The going rate at the Night Lounge was fifty thousand per head. Calling a waiter over, Cedric said, ¡°My wife isn¡¯t keen on spicy food or ginger. Any suggestions?¡±

    Dani¡¯s lips pursed in slight embarrassment. There was no need to hammer it home.

    The waiter, caught off guard and almost giddy with the news of his boss¡¯s impromptu wedding, seemed ready to burst. Cedric gave the waiter a stern look, adding in a grave tone, ¡°We¡¯re keeping this low-key for now, so hold the fanfare.¡± Dani wondered if silence was possible when Cedric kept broadcasting it like that.

    The waiter, nearly keeling over from the revtion, saw the restaurant manager approach, all smiles.

    ¡°Absolutely, Mr. Philips. As your manager, it¡¯s my honor to serve you and your wife personally. Why not try the steak today? It¡¯s particrly good.¡±

    Dani opened her mouth to speak, but Cedric interjected, ¡°My wife isn¡¯t a fan of steak.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± the manager replied with a polite nod.

    ¡°How about our seafood casserole then? The ingredients are topnotch today.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s not into shellfish either.¡±

    The manager nodded again.

    ¡°Noted. We can customize it.¡±

    Cedric scrutinized the menu closely.

    ¡°It includes bacon, right? She¡¯s not fond of that either.¡±

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Enjoy the weekend dear readers! New chapters on sunday. God loves you, and Noah wishes you the best! (©¤??O)

    .

 Chapter 421

    ?Chapter 421:

    The manager¡¯s smile didn¡¯t waver.

    ¡°No problem, we¡¯ll leave it out.¡±

    Cedric continued to peruse the menu with an eagle eye, while the manager kept up a facade of calm but was internally baffled. Hadn¡¯t Cedric been married before? Why all this fuss over a meal? He had designed the menu himself, hadn¡¯t he? So why this meticulous inspection? To an outsider, it could appear as though this wasn¡¯t even Cedric¡¯s own restaurant.

    Dani also felt Cedric was being overly meticulous. She was on the verge of speaking up when he suddenly stood, smoothly took off his suit jacket, shook it out, and hung it neatly on the back of his chair. He turned to her and said warmly, ¡°Just wait here for me. I¡¯ll cook for you on our first day as husband and wife.¡±

    Dani was momentarily speechless. Cedric was already on his way to the kitchen.

    The manager tucked the menu away and leaned in.

    ¡°Madam, would you care for a drink? Our boss has a few rare bottles stashed away, each a small fortune now. Shall we open one to celebrate?¡±

    Dani was about to decline, but Cedric reappeared, donning an apron.

    ¡°Open the most expensive one. It has a fruity undertone you¡¯ll appreciate, Dani. I bought it thinking of you. Go ahead, try it!¡±

    Cedric¡¯s culinary skills were exceptional. He rested his chin in his hand, watching her reaction closely.

    ¡°So, how is it?¡± Since they had registered their marriage, Cedric¡¯s smile hadn¡¯t faded. Seeing his unabated cheer, Dani found herself smiling back.

    ¡°It¡¯s delicious,¡± she admitted.

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll make it for you every day,¡± Cedric dered, his tone affectionate as if rehearsed many times over.

    Dani didn¡¯t protest. She didn¡¯t believe Cedric would hold to his word. She had long cultivated a practice of not relying on others¡¯ promises. That way, disappointment was less likely to sting.

    Cedric could tell right away that Dani didn¡¯t believe him, but it didn¡¯t bother him. After all, she was right there with him, and the marriage certificate was safely tucked in his pocket. He was now her legal husband, and he felt no worry in the slightest.

    After dinner, Cedric suggested they go out for a movie.

    Dani watched the screen with keen interest. Out of the blue, she felt a touch from the side, which jolted her. She was about to pull away reflexively when the familiar voice whispered, ¡°Honey, it¡¯s me.¡±

    That moment rified everything for Dani. She remembered she was married now, and the man beside her was her husband.

    Cedric, with a gentle smile, took Dani¡¯s hand in his, rested it on his knee, and murmured, ¡°Honey, your hands feel cold. Allow me to warm them.¡±

    Dani bit her lip slightly. Hearing that made her heart flutter unexpectedly. She wondered why this particr nickname made her feel so different when it came from Cedric. It seemed like a tender caress to her heart.

    This was a new sensation for her, one she had not felt with Alexander or during their marriage.

    The feeling was strange.

    Yet, she found herself not minding it one bit.

    Dani found herself gazing at Cedric¡¯s profile. Feeling her stare, he turned and met her eyes with a warm smile.

    In a soft tone, he teased, ¡°People oftenpliment my looks. What¡¯s your verdict?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 422

    ?Chapter 422:

    Dani, ever the serious one, took a moment to examine him more closely upon hearing his question. Under the cinema¡¯s flickering lights, Cedric¡¯s features were sharply cast. His face showed a harrowing handsomeness, the kind that sharpened when he pursed his lips but softened into reliability and warmth when he rxed.

    His skin was smooth, his nose distinguished, and his lips appeared soft.

    Dani pressed her lips together as Cedric turned his head to smile at her. His smile was tender, his eyes glinting with a bright spark that reflected Dani¡¯s image back to her.

    ¡°You are indeed quite handsome,¡± she responded.

    Cedric¡¯s charm was distinct from Alexander¡¯s polished grace or the gentle charm often attributed to more delicate features. He was strong andposed, yet gentle, and his smile had an irresistible allure.

    Cedric then slightly parted his lips, a deliberate move, as he leaned closer to whisper into her ear, now flushed with warmth.

    ¡°Remember, I am yours now.¡±

    Dani¡¯s heart skipped a beat. At that moment, her eyes caught the small beauty mark near Cedric¡¯s eye, prompting her to whisper, ¡°Cedric, thank you.¡±

    ¡°For what do you thank me?¡± Cedric asked.

    ¡°You dashed into a burning building for me, and you were there when I copsed in the hospital, carrying me to safety,¡± Dani said.

    ¡°Thank you for always being my protector.¡±

    ???§ÁE ??P?¦«T¦®? I§ª G¦«?§ª?V¦®??.???

    Cedric stroked Dani¡¯s hair, responding, ¡°It¡¯s nothing; you are my wife, after all.¡±

    ¡°Yes, I am now your wife,¡± Dani whispered back.

    As the movie yed on, the lead character¡¯s dialogue was engaging, yet Dani found herself more captivated by Cedric. Minutester, Cedric squeezed her hand a bit tighter, leaned back, and murmured, ¡°Honey, aside from my looks, I excel in many other areas too.¡±

    Dani, puzzled by his implication, asked, ¡°In what ways?¡±

    A subtle smile yed on Cedric¡¯s lips, but he remained silent. In the cinema¡¯s darkness, his gaze met Dani¡¯s intensely.

    As the credits rolled, Dani was still captivated by Cedric¡¯s deep, meaningful look, which seemed to convey words he hadn¡¯t spoken. Dani¡¯s heart thudded wildly in her chest.

    Throughout the ride home, Dani remained silent until they arrived. Cedric then turned to her with a grin.

    ¡°Your heart¡¯s pounding, honey. We might let our little secret slip if it continues like this.¡±

    Dani cast a helpless nce at Cedric. Cedric chuckled, bending slightly to meet Dani¡¯s wide-eyed stare. Momentster, their heartbeats resounded together, filling the quiet night like distant drums.

    ¡°Now, my heart matches yours,¡± Cedric joked.

    ¡°No one will suspect a thing.¡±

    It seemed both had momentarily lost theirposure.

    Upon reaching the house, Dani chose not to enter immediately with Cedric. She walked around outside to calm herself before she opened the door. Lillian looked up as she entered.

    ¡°Hey, Dani, why are you alone? Cedric just headed to his room. Didn¡¯t you both return together?¡±

    ¡°No, we came back separately,¡± Dani replied as she closed the door.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 423

    ?Chapter 423:

    Lillian leaned in and whispered to Dani, ¡°Cedric seemed different today.¡±

    Dani looked away.

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    Lillian leaned closer, lowering her voice so Katrina, who might be eavesdropping, couldn¡¯t hear.

    ¡°Cedric was in an unusually good mood today. He walked to his room with something in his arms, trying to keep it hidden. When I asked him about it¡­¡±

    Dani fixed her gaze on Lillian.

    Lillian imitated Cedric¡¯s cheerful demeanor.

    ¡°He just grinned and told me it wasn¡¯t my business. Something special must¡¯ve happened today; I¡¯ve never seen him so joyful.¡±

    Before Dani could respond, Cedric¡¯s door swung open.

    ¡°Lillian, don¡¯t disturb Dani. She didn¡¯t sleep wellst night and is quite exhausted. Let her rest.¡± He then turned his attention to Dani, his tone softening.

    ¡°I need to discuss a project with youter.¡±

    Dani acknowledged with a nod.

    As Cedric retreated and closed his door, Lillian stared at his door in disbelief.

    ¡°Did you catch that? His smile wasn¡¯t just happy; his eyes sparkled with excitement too.¡±

    Don¡¯t miss out g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??ls?c?m

    Just as Dani was about to respond, Lillian, still puzzled, spoke up.

    ¡°And what exactly does Cedric mean? I spoke to you and he imed I was disturbing your rest, but wasn¡¯t he bothering you as well by wanting to discuss a project? What is he trying to say?¡±

    Dani was taken aback by Lillian¡¯s sharp observation. She smiled and ascended the staircase.

    Following Dani¡¯s departure, Lillian leaned towards Ryan and whispered, ¡°Doesn¡¯t Dani seem off today?¡±

    Ryan, absorbed in hisputer, casually dismissed her concern.

    ¡°She¡¯s as calm and collected as she¡¯s always been.¡±

    Lillian nced skeptically between Cedric¡¯s door and the staircase.

    ¡°Really?¡±

    In the dining room, Katrina had been observing the exchange. When Dani saw Lillian frown, a mischievous thought crossed her mind. She quickly set her food aside and walked over, leaning in to whisper to Lillian, ¡°Did Dani and Cedric have a fight?¡±

    Lillian gave her a sharp, cold nce.

    ¡°They¡¯re perfectly fine.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Katrina smirked.

    ¡°They usually return together, yet Cedric arrived earlier today alone. Also, he didn¡¯t inquire about Dani immediately, which is unusual for him. He just headed straight to his room, seemingly indifferent about whether Dani was here.¡±

    Katrina settled beside Lillian.

    ¡°So, they must have argued, right? I¡¯ve always thought Dani was too distant for Cedric.¡±

    Lillian quickly said, irritated, ¡°And why isn¡¯t Dani right for him? Do you think someone else would be better?¡±

    Katrina¡¯s eyes sparkled with mischief.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 424

    ?Chapter 424:

    ¡°Absolutely! My niece, Shirley Randall, is gorgeous, tall, leggy, and buxom, which certainly appeals to men. Cedric and Dani are both too reserved. Honestly, I think bringing Shirley here could spark something with Cedric.¡±

    She felt a thrill at the thought of conflict between Cedric and Dani.

    Before Lillian could reply, Katrina strode out to the yard to make a phone call.

    Her voice was a bit too loud, reaching Dani¡¯s ears.

    After her shower, Dani preferred not to blow-dry her hair. With a towel in hand, she stood on the balcony and, by chance, overheard Katrina making a phone call below.

    ¡°I know a man of substance, Cedric Phillips, whom I¡¯ve mentioned before. He¡¯s often spotlighted in the financial press as a standout figure of our era. If Shirley pairs with him, she¡¯d be striking gold.¡±

    ¡°True, he¡¯s somewhat reserved, doesn¡¯t waste words, and can be quite austere. But that¡¯s hardly an issue. Isn¡¯t a touch of severitymon among men, especially the aplished ones like him? He possesses a razor-sharp intellect, and his reserved nature is hardly a drawback. If he¡¯s sparing with words, Shirley can simply fill the air with hers. I¡¯ve heard he hasn¡¯t been in a serious rtionship before.¡±

    ¡°No! Rest assured, he definitely has an interest in women! Cedric only has his grandmother, so the family fortune is bound to fall into hisp. If he and Shirley tie the knot, all that wealth will be hers as well. Isn¡¯t that a thrilling prospect? Send Shirley here. She¡¯s met Alexander, right? Believe me, Cedric outshines Alexander in looks!¡±

    Katrina was busy orchestrating Cedric¡¯s introduction in the yard. Meanwhile, Cedric, the very man Katrina depicted as having a frosty demeanor, had just emerged from a shower and was confidently striding into Dani¡¯s room, a project contract in hand.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Cedric set down the contract and approached Dani. He casually took the towel from Dani¡¯s hands.

    Overhearing Katrina¡¯s matchmaking efforts in the yard, Dani chuckled.

    L??t??st ch??pt??rs in g¦Ál??ovels.c?m

    ¡°Katrina¡¯s turned into quite the cupid. We didn¡¯te home together this evening, and she¡¯s already plotting your romantic engagements.¡±

    Cedric seemed unfazed by Katrina¡¯s matchmaking antics. He was more captivated by the challenge of taming Dani¡¯s silky strands.

    He picked up a bottle of essential oil, unopened and waiting on Dani¡¯s desk, warmed a dollop in his hands, and delicately worked it through her hair. Her hair slid through his broad palms like threads of fine silk.

    A shadow crossed Cedric¡¯s eyes as his thoughts drifted. He chuckled to himself, realizing how marriage had softened his usual resolve.

    Looking up, he caught Dani observing him with intense focus.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t necessary, it¡¯s such a chore,¡± she said.

    ¡°Lillian gifted you these over six months ago, and you haven¡¯t so much as cracked a seal. It¡¯s no wonder she marvels at your effortless grace.¡±

    Despite her aversion tote nights, Dani shunned borate grooming routines, yet her skin was smooth as porcin, prompting envious praises from Lillian.

    ¡°It¡¯s all too cumbersome, and using all these just once is wasteful. It¡¯s not worth the fuss.¡± Dani was never one for an extensive beauty regimen. In the harsh winter, she was content with just a dab of baby cream.

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind the hassle, though. From now on, I¡¯ll manage all your pampering needs.¡±

    His words tinged with a hint of double entendre.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 425

    ?Chapter 425:

    Dani¡¯s cheeks warmed with a blush.

    Cedric whispered in her ear, ¡°I could even assist with the body lotion.¡± With that, he turned to search for it.

    s! Lillian had supplied everything but body lotion!

    Cedric surveyed the array of cosmetics on the table and resolved to secure a bottle of body lotion himself the next day. Feeling slightly regretful, Cedric drew Dani into his embrace. Dani¡¯s face radiated heat.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± she inquired. Cedric, trying to steady his fluttering heart, inhaled deeply and said with measured calm, ¡°You¡¯ll need to grow ustomed to my touch. We¡¯re married now, and I am, after all, a normal man.¡± After he spoke, images shed through his mind.

    Overwhelmed, he pressed a kiss to Dani¡¯s forehead and descended the stairs.

    Once downstairs, he took a cold shower to regain some semnce ofposure.

    Then, a knock at the door.

    Cedric, still reeling from the heat of the moment he¡¯d left upstairs, wondered if Dani had noticed. Was she approaching to offer constion?

    With a hopeful smile, Cedric strode to the door and flung it open.

    ¡°Who are you?¡± His handsome features darkened upon seeing the visitor. The smile vanished.

    The visitor, taken aback, bit her lower lip and lifted a basket of fruit.

    ¡°I¡¯m Shirley Randall. My aunt sent me with some fruit for you.¡±

    gal¦Ç¦Ò¦Íe?s.c?m is your update source

    Under the soft glow of the indoor lighting, Shirley timidly raised her eyes to meet his.

    With just one nce, her heart skipped a beat, and her cheeks tinged pink. She breathed in his crisp fir scent, finding herself enchanted. With that one look, she knew she had fallen for him at first sight. Shirley, bashful yet bold, extended her hand.

    ¡°I washed the fruit myself. It¡¯s really sweet.¡±

    As she spoke, she subtly drew attention to her form. Shirley knew her strengths well.

    With flushed cheeks, she looked up at him once more. This time, she was even more convinced that he was her ideal match.

    Shirley¡¯s voice softened.

    ¡°Won¡¯t you have a bite?¡±

    Cedric frowned, his response chilly and concise.

    ¡°No!¡± He shut the door briskly.

    From a distance, Katrina witnessed the scene unfold. The sound of the door mming made her jump.

    Cedrked any semnce of chivalry. Could it be he had no interest in women?

    Shirley had chosen her outfit with care. Her attire, a light blue skirt with a wide neckline, was short and cinched at the waist, entuating her figure perfectly. Could Cedric be blind not to spare even a nce?

    It was obvious Cedric had no interest in Shirley. Katrina¡¯s enthusiasm quickly faded, while Shirley stared at the closed door, her eyes reflecting deep thoughts.

    ¡°Aunt, let me try again,¡± said Shirley.

    Upon hearing this, Katrina looked up at Shirley in surprise.

    Shirley¡¯s eyes shone with a sparkle, and a shy expression settled on her face, making her look just like a young girl experiencing the sweetness of first love.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 426

    ?Chapter 426:

    Katrina gave a firm nod.

    ¡°Alright, stay at home. Let me tell you, a woman can easily capture a man¡¯s heart if she makes the first move.

    You must be proactive, understand?¡±

    Shirley responded with a nod.

    ¡°I understand. Don¡¯t worry, I feel confident.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s face lit up with joy.

    Caiden observed silently, his patience tested once more. Was she really teaching her niece how to seduce a man?

    Katrina would stop at nothing for money.

    Katrina caught the sneer in Caiden¡¯s gaze and scoffed.

    ¡°When Brylee was alive, didn¡¯t you flirt with me as well? Men often let their desires make their decisions, and none of them are any good!¡± Even with his knowledge of Katrina¡¯s character, Caiden was shocked by her blunt words.

    ¡°You used to praise me, calling me elegant andposed, a true gentleman. How can you speak like this now? You told me your ex-husband abused you when he was drunk, and I felt sympathy for you. After Brylee¡¯s funeral, I married you, promising never to let you suffer. And now, you¡¯re telling me that I¡¯m just like those awful men?¡±

    Caiden felt a deep pain in his heart.

    Unmoved, Katrina looked at Caiden with hatred and eximed, ¡°Caiden, why pretend to be so affectionate? If you were truly devoted, you wouldn¡¯t have cheated with me. By that sense, you¡¯re worse than those other men.¡± The illusion waspletely destroyed.

    Caiden¡¯s face turned pale with rage, his body trembling. What he had believed to be love was nothing but a lie.

    Fresh updates loaded g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c?m

    His fists clenched tightly, and he gave a bitter, tremblingugh.

    ¡°Fine! You really are something,¡± Caiden said, his expression filled with anger.

    ¡°Katrina, I¡¯ve finally seen your true colors.¡±

    Katrina appeared unaffected.

    Nobody enjoyed serving others, especially not for a lifetime. She understood that Caiden¡¯s dered love for her was merely a search for the dominance he could not find with Brylee.

    If she pleased him, he was more than happy. If she displeased him, he would not hesitate to show his dissatisfaction through anger. Was that what they called love?

    If that was supposed to be love, she wanted no part of it. Now that Joyce was married, what was there to be afraid of? Katrina let out an insultingugh, not bothering to nce at Caiden again.

    Caiden lowered his head, elbows resting on his knees, and ran his hand through his hair, overwhelmed by frustration. How had he been so blind to see Katrina for the heartless woman she truly was?

    He had even cut ties with Dani because of her.

    Alone in the quiet, empty living room, Caiden cried with regret in his heart.

    While Caiden was absorbed by his regrets, Dani¡¯s roboticspany had made another remarkable breakthrough in the industry, achieving a worth of over a hundred billion dors. Thepany threw a grand celebration banquet.

    As Joyce entered the venue, she saw Dani on stage, gracefully holding her dress while delivering a speech. Cedric was by her side, holding a ss of water, his eyes sparkling with pride as he watched her.

    Joyce¡¯s eyes stayed on Cedric for an extended moment before she turned her gaze to Alexander. Alexander¡¯s expression was calm, yet Joyce sensed he must be feeling regret deep inside.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 427

    ?Chapter 427:

    Dani looked radiant and extremelypetent, her sesses now out of Alexander¡¯s league.

    Dani had lost all interest in Alexander.

    Reflecting on this, Joyce let out a softugh. She had once felt superior to Dani because she had stolen Alexander from her.

    Yet Dani had moved on to Cedric, who clearly surpassed Alexander in every way.

    It appeared she was the one who had truly lost.

    With a calm expression, Joyce brought her ss to her lips.

    Following Dani¡¯s speech, the crowd burst into apuse.

    Joyce¡¯s eyes returned to Cedric, his face bright with happiness and pride.

    It might have been her imagination, but Joyce felt that tonight, Dani seemed closer to Cedric than ever.

    As Dani stepped down from the stage, she even extended her hand to Cedric.

    This was different from her usual self. Dani had always been as independent as a lone wolf, always detached and unapproachable.

    Joyce nced at the person next to her, a smile tinged with sarcasm on her face.

    ¡°Don¡¯t bother watching. I bet they¡¯ll end up together soon, if they aren¡¯t already.¡±

    Alexander remained silent, finishing his wine in a single, heavy swallow.

    Joyce observed Alexander¡¯s aloof behavior, her expression growing darker with each passing moment. She was puzzled by the facade he presented, acting superior and detached.

    Previously, when he was with Dani, he had been kind to her.

    Yet now, despite their marriage, he remained distant, never once showing affection.

    It seemed the household staff had been whispering, for the entire circle of socialites was abuzz with talk that Alexander¡¯s marriage to her was devoid of love. They cruelly suggested he scorned her for her past. Such viciousments circted, yet not a single member of the Bet family rose to her defense.

    Determined, Joyce resolved to sleep with Alexander that evening. After all, initiating contact had simplified matters for Katrina in her rtionship with Caiden.

    Alexander was off to the side, silently nursing his drink. Keith approached, smirking, and taunted, ¡°Having regrets now?¡±

    Alexander responded only with silence, continuing to sip his drink.

    Keith continued, ¡°I told you Joyce is no match for Dani.

    You didn¡¯t believe me. Now, Dani seems to have moved on with Cedric, leaving you in the dust.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Alexander raised his head, his gaze sharp and cold.

    ¡°Has Dani herself confirmed she¡¯s with Cedric?¡±

    Keith answered confidently, ¡°Is it even necessary to ask? I may not know business, but I understand people. Dani has always been cautious with her feelings. She might have pursued you, yet she kept her distance emotionally. Was she ever truly intimate with you? Did she express any real desire? Have you ever actually been together physically? It¡¯s simple, Alexander. When a woman is truly interested in a man, she shows it, naturally wanting closeness.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s expression darkened further.

    ¡°What¡¯s your point?¡±

    Keith concluded, ¡°My point is, whatever Dani felt for you before was superficial. Now with Cedric, it¡¯s different. They share a chemistry that¡¯s palpable, and even if they haven¡¯t openly admitted it, it¡¯s obvious they share a connection.¡±

    At these words, Alexander¡¯s grip on his ss tightened. Keith, sensing the rising tension, patted Alexander¡¯s shoulder regretfully.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 428

    ?Chapter 428:

    ¡°Forget it, you¡¯re not destined for Dani. Just make it work with Joyce.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s grip on the ss grew even firmer as he turned his gaze to Joyce.

    At that moment, Joyce, holding a ss in hand, wasughing loudly with her friends, disying none of the poise expected of a refineddy.

    Meanwhile, Dani stood elegantly under the soft lighting in a light blue gown, engaging confidently with executives. Her lively demeanor drew the attention of every man present.

    In contrast, Dani, born into wealth, seemed worlds apart from the less polished Joyce.

    Alexander¡¯s face grew even more somber at the thought. As the evening progressed toward the opening dance, led by Dani, the moment to select a dance partner arrived. Alexander, hands now free from his pockets, fixed his eyes hopelessly on Dani, wishing to be the chosen one.

    ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it,¡± Joyce said, catching the longing look in Alexander¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Dani could pick anyone here, but she won¡¯t pick you. Not just because you¡¯re my husband, but because she doesn¡¯t revisit past romances.¡±

    Alexander was painfully aware of this reality.

    Yet, a faint hope flickered in his heart, filled with nervous anticipation. He clung to this unlikely possibility.

    However, his faint hope was dashed when Dani, microphone in hand, announced Cedric¡¯s name, drawing the crowd¡¯s focus.

    Disappointment engulfed Alexander, momentarily stopping his heart.

    L¦Á¦Ó??¦Ó ?§ß¦Á¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?l??.??om

    Watching Dani dance, he admired her grace and agility, her skirt twirling with the rhythm, captivating the onlookers.

    His hand tensed by his side, reflecting the turmoil within. Even after the dance concluded, his emotions remained in disarray.

    Watching Dani beam with joy on the dance floor, he was reminded painfully of their past together, and deep regret welled up inside him.

    Compelled by a mix of frustration and yearning, he brushed past Joyce, who blocked his path, and approached Dani with determination.

    ¡°May I have this dance?¡± he asked, his tonemanding.

    At that, Cedric intervened, positioning himself protectively in front of Dani, his expression darkening with hostility.

    Alexander¡¯s head spun with reckless abandon, oblivious to the curious stares piercing through the crowded room. He extended his hand towards Dani, his voiceced with a hopeful desperation.

    ¡°Would you grant me the pleasure? It¡¯s merely a dance.¡±

    Cedric¡¯splexion turned ghostly.

    ¡°Alexander, don¡¯t provoke me into violence right here! You¡¯re her husband. Do you realize the whirlwind of rumors and trouble your invitation could spawn for Dani?¡±

    Alexander was fully aware.

    Yet, at that moment, he couldn¡¯t care less. He yearned to dance with Dani, a desire so fervent he felt he¡¯d pay any price for just one dance.

    ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m not looking for another dance partner tonight,¡± Dani responded, her voice steady and unwavering. She offered an apologetic nod, but her expression remained resolute, devoid of genuine regret.

    ¡°Why?¡± Alexander pushed, unwilling to let the matter drop.

    Dani didn¡¯t bother with another reply. Instead, she tugged on Cedric¡¯s sleeve and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 429

    ?Chapter 429:

    Alexander caught the subtle interaction, his heart splintering in silent agony.

    ¡°When you chased after me before, you weren¡¯t this attached. Dani, are you with Cedric now?¡±

    Dani remained silent, her grip on Cedric¡¯s hand firm as they turned to leave.

    Alexander stood abandoned in the center of the dance floor, his heart turning to ice.

    Dani had chosen Cedric. He wanted desperately to tell her, ¡°If you still harbor any old feelings, I would divorce Joyce for you.¡±

    But the opportunity slipped through his fingers. Or perhaps, Dani no longer held any space for him in her heart.

    Alexander felt the weight of the surrounding gazes, and a profound sadness enveloped him. Had Dani truly written him off?

    Off to the side, Joyce took a bitter sip from her drink, her lips curling into a grim smile. Alexander was indeed regretting it.

    Alexander exited the celebration from the dance floor and headed straight to a bar.

    Joyce¡¯s car lurked at the bar¡¯s entrance.

    She waited like a predator in the shadows until she saw Alexander being propped up by his secretary, drunk and unsteady. Only then did she emerge from her car. The secretary was taken aback.

    ¡°Mrs. Bet, what brings you here?¡±

    As Joyce maneuvered Alexander towards her car, the secretary intervened hastily.

    ¡°Mr. Bet asked to be taken back to thepany.¡±

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s is your story source

    Joyce shot the secretary a frosty re.

    ¡°Whatpany? Alexander is married to me. It¡¯s my call where he spends the night.¡±

    The secretary¡¯s anxiety peaked.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t right. Mr. Bet explicitly said to take him to thepany¡¯s lounge. Please don¡¯tplicate this. If he wakes and realizes I didn¡¯t follow his directions, I¡¯ll be in a tight spot.¡±

    Joyce was unmoved by the plea. She forcefully pushed Alexander into her car, climbed in, and without a moment¡¯s hesitation, sped off into the night. The secretary gasped, ¡°This is not good!¡±

    It was well-known that since his marriage, Alexander hadn¡¯t shared a bed with Joyce. Now, in his inebriated state, he wouldn¡¯t even recognize if the person beside him was Joyce or someone else.

    The secretary wasted no time and rang up Richard.

    Richard blurted out, ¡°This is bad!¡± He then called Joyce.

    But Joyce was unreachable.

    She had not only powered down her own phone but also Alexander¡¯s.

    She whisked Alexander away to a friend¡¯s secluded vi and ushered him into the bathroom.

    In his muddled state, Alexander thought he saw Dani. His voice cracked as he called out, ¡°Dani?¡±

    Joyce lifted her gaze, a sly chuckle escaping her lips, and murmured, ¡°Yes.¡±

    Richard was pushed to his limit.

    He fully grasped why Alexander hadn¡¯t shared a room with Joyce yet.

    The reason was his unresolved feelings for Dani.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 430

    ?Chapter 430:

    He clung to the hope of reuniting with her.

    Sleeping with Joyce would solidify their status as a married couple. If Dani ever changed her mind, how could he exin his actions?

    Regret consumed Richard. He would have never consented to Alexander¡¯s marriage to Joyce if he had a choice.

    Joyce¡¯s presence was far more dominant than Dani¡¯s, and she couldn¡¯t handle any criticism.

    Initially, she pretended to be nice, but as the roboticspany flourished, her arrogance became unbearable.

    She even insulted Richard, calling him an old man.

    His heart was overwhelmed with regret.

    What kind of person had he introduced to the family? Joyce¡¯s audacity had grown to the point where she even dared to kidnap Alexander.

    Desperate, Richard turned to Dani for help, knowing the hackers shemanded were unrivaled. Finding Joyce¡¯s location should be easy with Dani¡¯s assistance.

    Richard tensed as he dialed Dani¡¯s number.

    After one ring, a deep, cold voice answered, ¡°Hello?¡±

    Stunned, Richard saw Dani¡¯s number on the disy. How could Cedric be on the other end? It was nearly midnight.

    ¡°Is Dani there?¡± he whispered, hesitating.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s is your escape to fiction

    Cedric immediately recognized his voice and responded, ¡°Mr. Bet.¡±

    ¡°Well, I need to speak with Dani. Can shee to the phone?¡± Richard inquired.

    Cedric looked over at Dani, who was engrossed in assembling a Lego model, and replied emotionlessly, ¡°She¡¯s busy.

    You can talk to me about it.¡±

    Richard knew he couldn¡¯t discuss his concerns with Cedric. That would be akin to exposing his strategy to a rival.

    He whispered, ¡°Never mind,¡± and quickly disconnected the call.

    Cedric held the phone, hesitated briefly, and then headed to the corridor to find Ryan.

    ¡°Ryan, see what Alexander and Richard are doing tonight.¡±

    A few minutester, Ryan indicated the surveince footage disyed on theputer screen from outside a bar.

    ¡°There¡¯s not much to see, but the video shows that Alexander never made contact with Joyce. His secretary stepped in.¡±

    Ryan adjusted theputer, and the camera view shifted to follow Joyce to a vi.

    At the vi¡¯s entrance, Joyce was already pecking Alexander on the cheek.

    Alexander seemed confused, his movements as erratic as his thoughts.

    They both entered the home.

    Before the massive window bathed in warm yellow light, they stripped each other and staggered upstairs.

    At this point, everything was obvious.

    Ryan chuckled.

    ¡°Interesting. Alexander was being forced.¡±

    Cedric, with a knowing smirk, realized the purpose of Richard¡¯s earlier call.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 431

    ?Chapter 431:

    Joyce was intent on binding Alexander to herself, and Cedric decided to assist her.

    He turned to Ryan and instructed, ¡°Release this surveince footage.¡±

    That evening, Olisvine was abuzz with rumors.

    ¡°Who would have guessed Joyce was so unrestrained? She couldn¡¯t even wait to get inside.¡±

    ¡°Take a closer look, that¡¯s neither the Harper¡¯s nor the Bet¡¯s doorstep. The couple found another spot for their escapades.¡±

    The following morning, Alexander awoke with an intense headache.

    As he reflexively reached for his phone, he felt an arm over his chest. Could it be Dani?

    The events of the previous night came flooding back.

    Initially stern, Alexander¡¯s face slowly rxed.

    He turned and saw the woman turned away from him.

    Her hair cascaded down her back, and in a raspy voice,

    Alexander called out, ¡°Dani.¡±

    Joyce spun around.

    In that moment, Alexander¡¯s mind was in turmoil.

    Suddenly, he lost control.

    That day, he nearly ended Joyce¡¯s life.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s hosts exclusive updates

    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Alexander demanded, his voice forced through clenched teeth.

    ¡°It¡¯s me,¡± Joyce replied, pale and gasping for air.

    ¡°It¡¯s always been me, Alexander! Release me!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve set me up!¡± His hold tightened, his gaze icy. Joyce was lying in the bed, herplexion turning from pale to a blue tint due tock of oxygen.

    At that instant, she felt her life hanging by a thread.

    The dread of suffocating made her eyes bulge.

    As Joyce¡¯s grip weakened, there was a knock at the door.

    Alexander¡¯s fractured sanity began to mend.

    He realized he had nearly strangled Joyce.

    As oxygen returned to her lungs, Joyce understood how close she hade to dying.

    She dropped to the floor, shaking and curling into a fetal position.

    She was overwhelmed with fear.

    The terror was real.

    If she hadn¡¯t cleverly arranged for a reporter to catch her and Alexander together, she might have died.

    The door swung open.

    The camera snapped photos, capturing everything. In response, Alexander angrily destroyed the camera held by the reporter.

    He spoke in a monotone.

    ¡°If this leaks to anyone else, I¡¯ll end you all.¡±

    At his words, Joyce¡¯s voice trembled like a leaf.

    She believed Alexander might actually take her life if she spread the news.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 432

    ?Chapter 432:

    Alexander seized his coat and stormed out.

    Joyce curled up in the corner, sobbing quietly. She reached out to Katrina.

    Desperate, she cried into the phone.

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m terrified.

    I need a divorce!¡±

    Katrina came to take her daughter home.

    Throughout the journey, Joyce shivered and remained silent, ignoring Katrina¡¯s questions.

    All she could say was, ¡°I need a divorce, Mom. I can¡¯t stay with Alexander any longer.¡±

    Katrina was confused.

    ¡°Why? Is Alexander mistreating you? Or are you stirring up trouble again? Listen, Joyce, the shares Dani gave you serve as leverage, but Alexander is still your husband.

    You can¡¯t manipte him forever or he¡¯ll reach his limit.¡±

    Holding onto Katrina¡¯s hand tightly, Joyce pleaded, ¡°Mom, I desperately need a divorce!¡±

    Katrina frowned and said, ¡°Joyce, stop being so willful.

    You and Alexander just got married. How can you think of getting a divorce now? Wouldn¡¯t that be absurd?¡±

    Joyce stamped her feet, shouting, ¡°I just want a divorce!¡±

    Feel the thrill at g aln  ov el s .

    Katrina became quiet. She decided she couldn¡¯t allow Joyce to remain so defiant, so she reached for her phone to call Alexander.

    ¡°Mom!¡± Joyce suddenly screamed.

    Katrina was startled into stillness.

    Joyce unwrapped the scarf from around her neck. Beneath the harsh white light, a deep bruise ringed her neck. The bruise was pronounced and severe.

    Immediately, silence enveloped the entire living room.

    Joyce was the first to shatter the quiet.

    ¡°Mom! Alexander is a monster! A monster! Ah! I want a divorce! Do you see this? He abused me, he tried to kill me!¡± Joyce¡¯s agitation was palpable. Her body trembled violently as she spoke. Her fear was evident to all.

    Katrina began to cry, afraid to even touch Joyce at that moment.

    ¡°How could this have happened?¡±

    ¡°Mom! You chose this son-inw for me! You pushed me into this marriage! He¡¯s a lunatic. Do you understand?¡± Every word Joyce spoke was a desperate shout. Her voice was hoarse as she used Alexander.

    As she began to faint, Joyce¡¯s final plea was, ¡°I can¡¯t be married to Alexander anymore. I was wrong to be so stubborn.¡±

    With that, Joyce copsed to the floor.

    Katrina, crying out in distress, tried to lift Joyce but couldn¡¯t manage. She looked desperately at Caiden.

    ¡°Caiden,e and see how injured Joyce is!¡±

    Caiden remained silent and walked over. He assisted Katrina in carrying Joyce into the room before returning downstairs.

    When Katrina came back down, her voice trembled with rage.

    ¡°I am so furious I could scream! I¡¯m going to kill Alexander!¡± She stormed into the kitchen, grabbed a knife, and prepared to confront him.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 433

    ?Chapter 433:

    The living room was full of people¡ªCaiden, Dani, Cedric, Ryan, Lillian, Shirley. They were all watching, but no one intervened.

    Slowly, the maid that Dani had brought in opened the door.

    Katrina was determined to defend Joyce, but she knew better than to confront Alexander on her own. Venturing into the Bet family¡¯s territory uninvited would be a recipe for disaster.

    ¡°Will you apany me to the Bet family¡¯s?¡± Katrina asked.

    Caiden¡¯s attention remained glued to the television in the living room, his responseced with derision.

    ¡°Me? Why on earth would I? Who am I to you?¡±

    Katrina¡¯s eyes widened, her voice tinged with incredulity.

    ¡°How can you even ask that? You¡¯re Joyce¡¯s father.¡±

    ¡°Am I, though?¡± Caiden retorted.

    ¡°When you need me, I¡¯m Joyce¡¯s father, but when everything¡¯s fine, I¡¯m nobody. No, I can¡¯t y this part-time father role any longer!¡±

    Katrina, her frustration mounting, stepped closer.

    ¡°What are you saying, Caiden? How can you call yourself nobody?¡±

    Nearby, Cedric, sensing the tension rising, instinctively drew Dani closer to protect her. Dani, previously absorbed in the unfolding scene, felt Cedric¡¯s pull andplied without question.

    Ryan munched on popcorn, seemingly uninterested in Katrina¡¯s drama yet intrigued by the interaction between Cedric and Dani.

    Your story source galnov??????c?m

    Katrina continued to plead her case, but Caiden¡¯s patience had frayed to its end.

    ¡°Oh, really? Have you forgotten your own words? You were the one who told me to turn to Dani in times of crisis, that she was my true daughter, and not to drag Joyce into anything. Remember how Joyce didn¡¯t even visit me in the hospital? Does that seem like a daughter¡¯s duty? Ha! I¡¯m not blessed with such a daughter!¡±

    ¡°You¡­¡± Katrina stuttered, lost for words, overwhelmed by the ghosts of past arguments. She had thought that once Joyce was married, she could sever her reliance on Caiden, never anticipating a day like this. If only she had known, she would have fostered a stronger bond with him.

    ¡°Joyce is just a child. Why hold a grudge against her?¡±

    ¡°Really? Is Joyce a child? How old is she now, still ying the child? She¡¯s a married woman with a child of her own, yet still immature? Perhaps what she really needs is a lesson in maturity. And weren¡¯t you being so arrogant a few days ago? If I hadn¡¯t kept my cool, I¡¯d have died of rage by now!¡±

    Tears began to stream down Katrina¡¯s cheeks.

    ¡°What are you implying? Are you leaving us now? I¡¯m still your wife!¡±

    Caiden rose from his seat, his face a mask of indifference.

    ¡°Whatever the case, I refuse to wade into Joyce¡¯s quagmire. She¡¯s not my biological daughter. If you wish to remain here, she may too. But if you¡¯re considering divorce, take Joyce with you. There¡¯s no room for either of you here.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s face crumpled with despair at his words. Perhaps she hadn¡¯t expected Caiden to say such things, or she hadn¡¯t expected to be at a disadvantage.

    Cedric leaned over and whispered to Dani, ¡°When did Caiden get so clear-headed?¡±

    Dani shook her head.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 434

    ?Chapter 434:

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, but it¡¯s really none of my concern.¡±

    As soon as Dani spoke, Katrina approached, her lips quivering, tears streaking her face. Cedric stood, blocking her path.

    ¡°These people have nothing to do with you. Move along.¡±

    Always intimidated by Cedric, Katrina bit her lip, realizing she held no sway over anyone in the room except possibly Caiden. Defeated, she copsed onto the sofa, wallowing in her misfortune.

    When her plight continued to be ignored, she ascended the stairs sulkily, presumably to seek an audience with Caiden. In family disputes like these, Caiden¡¯s support was crucial; otherwise, Alexander could believe he could trample over Joyce.

    What fate would befall Joyce?

    With a heavy heart, Katrina once again tried to soften Caiden¡¯s stance. One afternoon, while Cedric was upied with a phone call outside, Katrina attempted to engage Dani once more.

    Dani found it mildly amusing.

    ¡°Whatever befalls Joyce doesn¡¯t concern me in the slightest.¡±

    ¡°But Joyce is still your stepsister and a stakeholder in your robotics venture. If the news breaks that she¡¯s been beaten by her husband, it could reflect poorly on you.¡±

    Dani interrupted her smoothly, ¡°Rest assured, it won¡¯t affect me in the slightest.¡±

    Just as Katrina opened her mouth to respond, Cedric reappeared, prompting her hasty retreat.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s, home to unforgettable stories

    With dwindling options, Katrina resorted to spending a significant sum to secure a dinner with the Bet family. Richard already harbored disdain for Joyce, and Alexander remained a silent observer.

    Cornered, Joyce shrank into herself, while Caiden ate his food, leaving Katrina to confront Richard and Alexander alone.

    Later, Alexander¡¯s aunt arrived and began chastising Joyce.

    ¡°You¡¯ve married into the Bet family; you¡¯re one of us now. Running back to your parents over a trifling dispute? Childish,pletely childish! Men need to let off steam after all the work; a little scuffle is nothing to fuss over.

    You¡¯ve riled up your husband, and that¡¯s on you. If you can bear it, stay. Otherwise, the Bet family does not need your presence!¡±

    Katrina, dumbstruck, hadn¡¯t uttered a single word before being fiercely reprimanded.

    Alexander¡¯s aunt spat, ¡°Either live together peacefully or consider an early divorce.¡±

    Katrina was stunned. Divorce? Joyce and Alexander had only just wed, and already the possibility of divorce loomed.

    Rumors circted among their friends that Alexander felt no attraction towards Joyce. He found her undesirable and had never been intimate with her. Divorcing now would only validate the rumors that Joyce was difficult. Looking ahead, if Joyce wished to remarry or find apatible partner, the prospects would be significantly tougher. Additionally, the Harper family¡¯s financial situation had deteriorated. It seemed unlikely that Caiden would offer further support. Without financial means, a divorce would leave Joyce with nothing, potentially leading her to a mismatched marriage with a divorced man.

    Katrina considered her options carefully. As she looked at Joyce, a brief moment of uncertainty passed between them. At that moment, Joyce offered a small smile. She recognized the necessity of enduring the day¡¯s indignities.

    Katrina then addressed the room.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 435

    ?Chapter 435:

    ¡°We are all family, and we should forgive and forget, but that does not excuse violence. Alexander, your actions were uneptable, and I must express that.¡±

    She nced at Alexander with a meaningful look. She meant to demand an apology from him to Joyce, but the words faltered. Instead, she hesitated.

    ¡°Well, shall we leave it there for now? Joyce, take care of yourself.¡±

    No sooner had she finished speaking than Richard and Alexander rose, disregarding Katrina entirely. As they headed out, Richard said to Joyce sharply, ¡°Aren¡¯t youing?¡±

    Joyce trembled, then turned her gaze to Katrina. Her eyes conveyed deep sadness and a silent plea for understanding.

    A sharp pain gripped Katrina¡¯s heart. She moved her lips as if to speak but instead turned away, resigning herself to silence.

    As Joyce prepared to leave, she spoke icily.

    ¡°Mom, this is all on you! Everything bad happening is because of you! If you hadn¡¯t pushed me to sabotage Dani¡¯s wedding, they wouldn¡¯t have split, and I wouldn¡¯t be trapped in this violent marriage. This is all because of your schemes!¡±

    With those words, Joyce exited.

    Katrina¡¯s head drooped, tears streaming down her face before she was ovee by sobbing.

    She had spent years manipting events, never foreseeing such a tragic oue for her daughter. Katrina returned home, visibly drained.

    She spent several days confined to her bed, leaving Caiden to specte about her demise.

    The tales you love are at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    Caiden, however, was indifferent. He was quite content. He filled his days with securing sponsorships and deals for Harper Group, making a modest ie and enjoying social outings. His life continued pleasantly.

    Since neither Katrina nor Joyce viewed him as family, his efforts seemed pointless. Nheless, he had the vi, and Dani, showingpassion, had not evicted him. He believed she would arrange a proper funeral for him if he died.

    Caiden never talked to Dani about this, but he was very confident.

    Eventually, Caiden concluded that their familial connection was the reason Dani would never abandon him. With this thought, he felt at ease.

    At times, glimpsing at Dani reminded him of Brylee. Initially, Brylee had intimidated him, but now he was thankful to her. He was thankful for the capable daughter she had brought into his life.

    After resting for three days, Katrina¡¯s resolve hardened. Caiden continued to ignore her. She purchased many gifts and went to see Joyce. Upon returning, her eyes swollen and red, Katrina retreated to her room for another day of rest. Dani spent her days casually watching television, with Cedric keeping herpany.

    Observing them whispering together, Katrina turned to Shirley and advised, ¡°You can¡¯t just sit there idly.

    You need to learn how to attract a man¡¯s interest.¡±

    Shirley tilted her head to look at Katrina.

    Katrina began to share her strategies for captivating Caiden.

    ¡°You need to use your strengths, Shirley.

    You¡¯re attractive and beautiful, but you have one w: you¡¯re too proud.

    You may attract those less fortunate men, but high-ranking men don¡¯t appreciate women like that. They prefer women who are simple.¡±

    Shirley was doubtful upon hearing this.

    ¡°Really? I think Cedric actually prefers proud women. Look at how reserved Dani is; he always makes the first move with her.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 436

    ?Chapter 436:

    ¡°What do you know?¡± Katrina scoffed.

    ¡°Are you Dani? Do you have the brains to be a CEO like her at Elite Lux? Or are you as beautiful as Dani? You have nothing to boast about, yet you refuse to be humble. What advantage do you have?¡±

    Shirley pressed her lips together. She knew how to attract men, but she was unsure how to approach someone as brilliant as Cedric.

    Cedric¡¯s position was too high, unlike the men she could easily enchant with a simple smile. Except for Dani, nothing seemed to catch his interest.

    That day, during Caiden and Katrina¡¯s argument, the living room was buzzing with whispers.

    Cedric was an exception. He didn¡¯t spare a nce for Caiden and Katrina; his eyes were fixed on Dani, showing such deep admiration that Shirley felt a chill of hopelessness.

    She thought she stood no chance.

    Yet Cedric seemed too ideal, his status too high, like the moon unreachable in the sky.

    His gentle attention towards Dani sparked envy in her; she longed for such devotion for herself.

    Gritting her teeth, Shirley said to Katrina, ¡°I¡¯ll try once more, but I may need your assistance.¡±

    As she finished speaking, the door swung open.

    Joyce walked in with a look of displeasure, and Katrina could see she had faced mistreatment by the Bet family once again.

    galnov??s keeps you updated

    Initially, Katrina¡¯s attempt to pair Shirley with Cedric had been merely an experiment.

    But now, if Joyce was indeed unsessful with the Bet family, Katrina realized she would depend entirely on Shirley.

    Katrina quickly devised a strategy and assured Shirley,

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll work with you on this.¡±

    Shirley nodded, her smile returning, and then she headed to the courtyard to call her family.

    Her grandmother possessed an aphrodisiac that, once consumed, induced a strong physical urge, relieved only by having sex.

    The aphrodisiac was powerful, needing just a small amount to be effective, and it was harmless, even beneficial to one¡¯s health.

    Katrina was aware that Shirley nned to request this special aphrodisiac from her family. Joyce sat on the living room couch, sneering with disdain in her eyes. Katrina, visibly irritated, asked,

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter with you today?¡±

    ¡°What do you think? Alexander hasn¡¯te home again. He was seen flirting with a celebrity on camera yesterday. Just look at the man you chose for me! I could have picked anyone in Olisvine and been better off. Do you know what people are saying about me? Even the servants of the Bet family think I¡¯m like a forgotten¡­¡±

    Joyce¡¯s eyes drifted to Shirley in the courtyard, her emotions in turmoil, and she vented her frustration on Katrina.

    ¡°Are you even my mother?¡±

    Katrina sighed and asked,

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 437

    ?Chapter 437:

    ¡°Why the sarcasm? What are you trying to say?¡±

    Joyce gestured towards Shirley outside.

    ¡°Why do you let Shirley try to win over Cedric, but you forced me to marry Alexander? Why?¡±

    Everyone knew that Cedric was far superior to Alexander.

    ¡°If I had married Cedric, I¡¯m sure he would have treated me well and never hurt me. Mom, I¡¯m your daughter. Why would you offer such a good man to someone else?¡±

    Katrina retorted,

    ¡°Joyce, do you have any conscience? Didn¡¯t I encourage you to go after Cedric? You failed on your own, and now you me me?¡±

    Katrina was visibly exhausted.

    ¡°You never reflect on yourself. Why do you always hold me responsible for everything? I think I¡¯ve spoiled you far too much!¡± Joyce had endured enough disrespectful stares from others recently. Thest thing she expected was harsh criticism from Katrina at home.

    She lost control, hurling objects around the house in her fury.

    As she stormed out, she cast a heartbroken look at Katrina.

    ¡°People say that once a daughter is married, she¡¯s no longer part of her original family. I never grasped that until now. It seems I¡¯m not as dear to you as your niece!¡±

    With those words, Joyce left, leaving a trail of mess behind her.

    Caiden came downstairs, saw the chaos, and remained silent, as if unconcerned. He stepped around, avoiding the debris, turned on the television, and settled down to watch.

    Lose yourself in stories on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s

    When Shirley returned indoors, she exchanged a nce with Katrina and gave a subtle nod. She whispered to Katrina,

    ¡°My mom said she¡¯ll send it.¡±

    Katrina gazed at Shirley and felt that her future hopes now rested upon her.

    While Shirley bided her time, she was far from inactive. In the game of seducing men, Katrina believed Shirley yed a smarter hand than Joyce.

    As Shirley circled Cedric like a hawk, Caiden warned,

    ¡°Take this seriously, Katrina. Don¡¯t stir the pot with Cedric.¡±

    Katrina paused, turning to give him a curious look.

    ¡°Well, well, I thought you had taken a vow of silence. Seems you can still speak after all!¡±

    Her eyes danced with mockery as she probed,

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter now? Think Dani¡¯s your new champion, and you¡¯re ready to curry favor? You certainly know how to sail with the wind, Caiden.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d love to curry favor with her, but that would require Dani giving me the time of day,¡± Caiden retorted with frankness.

    ¡°I¡¯m not here to chat with you. I¡¯m warning you¡ªdon¡¯t poke the bear with Dani. She may not sweat the small stuff, but cross her lines, and she can make your life a living hell.¡±

    Caiden eyed Katrina¡¯s scornful smirk and added,

    ¡°Don¡¯t underestimate her. I¡¯m concerned you might just get us thrown out of this vi. It¡¯s always the still waters that run deep.¡±

    Katrina smirked, unimpressed.

    ¡°Oh really? And just how terrifying might that be?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 438

    ?Chapter 438:

    ¡°A woman like her didn¡¯t climb to her current heights by ying the damsel. Get the picture?¡± Caiden replied, his tone matter-of-fact.

    Without a knack for cutthroat tactics in the business realm, one would quickly be swallowed whole, leaving not a trace behind.

    Katrina, cloistered from the corporate battlefield, wouldn¡¯t grasp suchplexities. Before her marriage to Caiden, she was but a housemaid.

    What could she trulyprehend?

    Her expertisey solely in the arts of coquettish maniption.

    Her counsel to Joyce and Shirley on handling men was invariably woven from the same thread.

    Realizing further conversation was futile, Caiden awaited Dani at the door as she finished her day¡¯s work.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Dani inquired, not lifting her gaze from her phone.

    ¡°I¡¯m swamped right now. If it¡¯s trivial, please step aside.¡±

    Caiden asked, ¡°Is Cedric trivial enough for your time?¡± That caught her attention. Her eyes flicked up from her phone to his face.

    Caiden stole a nce at her phone, noting a screen filled with figures.

    Dani pocketed her device.

    ¡°Speak!¡±

    Caiden divulged, ¡°Shirley is attempting to charm Cedric.¡± Dani¡¯s initial reaction was dismissive, but her hand paused midway to her pocket as Caiden continued,

    Discover fresh tales at g ¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s,

    ¡°They¡¯re going to make Cedric take an aphrodisiac.¡±

    Dani¡¯s fingers slowly uncurled. Her face clouded over for a brief moment before she regained her usual poise.

    ¡°Understood,¡± she acknowledged, then entered the house.

    Watching Dani¡¯sposed figure, Caiden couldn¡¯t help but contrast her with Joyce and Shirley.

    The difference was night and day.

    He suddenly questioned what he ever found appealing in Katrina.

    What was she, after all?

    Dani returned home.

    Josie mentioned that Cedric had just returned from his business trip.

    As she spoke, the door to Cedric¡¯s room swung open.

    ¡°You¡¯re back.¡±

    Dani nodded.

    ¡°I thought you were on a business trip! Why are you back so soon?¡±

    Cedric approached, taking her bag as they ascended the stairs together. His voice, low and husky, carried a hint of warmth.

    ¡°I wanted to be back early. And I missed you.¡± A small smile yed on Dani¡¯s lips.

    Shirley observed their ascent to the room. The apple she had peeled, originally intended for Cedric, seemed redundant now; she ended up eating it herself. Suddenly, a thought struck her.

    Turning to the servant, she remarked,

    ¡°Don¡¯t you think Dani and Cedric seem almost toofortable with each other? So rxed¡­¡±

    ¡°They look like a couple!¡± Josie chimed in cheerfully.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 439

    ?Chapter 439:

    Shirley nodded in agreement.

    ¡°Exactly! Like a couple!¡±

    Shirley¡¯s face nched upon hearing the news.

    She had always sensed something unusual about Dani and Cedric¡¯s interaction, and now it seemed there was a deep bond between them.

    Eager for answers, Shirley quickly sought out Katrina to discuss her concerns.

    ¡°You¡¯re reading too much into it,¡± Katrina reassured her confidently while tending to her flowers.

    ¡°Their rtionship is purely tonic. Consider how Dani treats Ryan. She¡¯s kind to him as well. They couldn¡¯t be married. If there were, Dani wouldn¡¯t keep it hidden. Why should she hide Cedric?¡±

    Shirley wasn¡¯t entirely convinced by Katrina¡¯s reassurances.

    ¡°Listen,¡± Katrina added, ¡°Dani is much like her mother¡ªhard to understand, but deeply loyal once you get to know her. I was merely a servant, yet Brylee treated me like family. Some people genuinely go out of their way for those they value.¡±

    This trust had enabled Katrina to marry Caiden.

    ¡°If there was anything official between them, given their prominence, it wouldn¡¯t remain a secret. They just share a close bond.¡±

    Shirley nodded, though her gaze drifted back upstairs, wondering about the allure of Dani¡¯s room that kept Cedric returning so often.

    Lillian shared her confusion.

    ¡°Something¡¯s really off,¡± shemented to Ryan, who was seated on the floor, immersed in his coding.

    Read exclusive stories at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Ryan asked distractedly.

    ¡°Dani and Cedric have been acting oddlytely.¡±

    Lillian exined, ¡°They¡¯re distant in public but seem close at home, watching TV together. I initially thought they might have quarreled, but Cedric spends hours in Dani¡¯s room.¡±

    Ryan, having stayed up all night working on aplex programming task, multitasked between coding and responding to Lillian without breaking his focus, Ryan continued working. Lillian nudged him, asking,

    ¡°What¡¯s going on with them? Are they fighting or getting closer?¡±

    Ryan dismissed the idea with a shake of his head.

    ¡°No way, those two can¡¯t really fight.¡±

    ¡°Are they together then?¡± Lillian spected.

    Again, Ryan shook his head.

    ¡°Dani¡¯s not easy to win over. Cedric would need a decade at least to make any headway.¡±

    At that moment, Cedric descended the stairs, overhearing the tail end of Ryan¡¯s remarks.

    He cleared his throat, feigning irritation.

    ¡°What¡¯s this now? I¡¯m just trying to get some work done. Why bring me down? Do you really think I¡¯m that hopeless? Ten more years? How old do you think I¡¯ll be?¡±

    Lillian caught sight of Cedric and felt a familiar twinge. She whispered to Ryan,

    ¡°Did you see how Cedric just smiled? It¡¯s rare to see him smile that broadly.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 440

    ?Chapter 440:

    Ryan, preupied with a remote meeting, didn¡¯t notice. He responded nonchntly,

    ¡°Yeah, he¡¯s been smiling more oftentely. It¡¯s not that unusual.¡±

    Lillian sensed something amiss.

    After taking a shower, Cedric was about to head upstairs to see Dani.

    As he opened the door, Lillian¡¯s gaze followed every move.

    ¡°Heading upstairs again?¡± she called out.

    Cedric halted, then turned back, walking towards the living room instead. He casually picked up the remote.

    ¡°No, just nning to watch some TV.¡±

    Lillian squinted, skeptical.

    ¡°Really? You seemed pretty set on going upstairs.¡±

    Cedric, who had initially wanted to go up but knew Dani preferred to keep things discreet, turned to the television and responded cryptically,

    ¡°You must be imagining things.¡±

    Lillian frowned.

    ¡°I¡¯m not the one with illusions, Cedric. Just be careful with Dani.¡±

    Cedric smiled to himself, reflecting inwardly. He wasn¡¯t there to cause trouble; he was utterly enchanted by her.

    Lillian was a bundle of nerves as she went to Dani¡¯s room.

    Find your imagination at galn  ovels ; con

    ¡°Dani, Cedric has been behaving rather oddlytely.¡±

    Dani was engrossed in her puzzle, hardly looking up as she mirrored Ryan¡¯s earlier dismissive tone.

    ¡°Oh, really?¡±

    Lillian grasped Dani¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Seriously, don¡¯t brush this off. Men either simmer in silence or erupt without warning. I think he¡¯s teetering on the edge, about to lose it.¡±

    It was the first time Dani had encountered such a colorful portrayal. She burst intoughter, unable to contain herself.

    Lillian squinted with a hint of mischief.

    ¡°Dani, I suspect his entricity stems from his long, unsessful campaign to win your heart.¡±

    Meanwhile, downstairs, Cedric was channel surfing, unimpressed by the offerings. His gaze drifted upstairs, restless. No television drama could hold a candle to the intrigue of observing Dani.

    Shirley approached with a bottle of juice, leaning in to subtly showcase her figure.

    ¡°It¡¯s sweltering today. Have some juice.¡±

    Cedric barely acknowledged her, nudging her aside with the remote.

    ¡°You¡¯re blocking the view!¡±

    Shirley¡¯s grip on the bottle tightened.

    Was Cedric even interested in women?

    He just passed up a golden opportunity.

    Or perhaps his interestsy elsewhere?

    Shirley studied Cedric¡¯s chiseled features.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 441

    ?Chapter 441:

    A sudden realization dawned on her, widening her eyes in shock.

    She turned incredulously to nce at Ryan sitting nearby.

    Could it be that Cedric preferred Ryan?

    Shirley¡¯s voice wavered.

    ¡°What do you think of Ryan?¡±

    Cedric nced at her, reading her like an open book. After a brief pause, he nodded.

    ¡°He¡¯s great,¡± he affirmed, giving Ryan¡¯s leg a casual pat. Ryan remained oblivious, but Shirley¡¯s world seemed to crumble.

    ¡°Do you like men?¡± Shirley lowered her voice.

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Cedric responded without missing a beat. But in truth, his heart yearned for women, Dani in particr.

    Shirley¡¯s face turned pale, and she forced a smile.

    ¡°Alright then. I¡¯ll keep your secret.¡±

    ¡°Good. I hold a high position, and discretion is paramount. It could impact my business.¡±

    Shirley nodded.

    ¡°Okay, thank you for trusting me! I promise I won¡¯t tell a soul!¡±

    Cedric nodded internally, adding silently, ¡°Thanks.¡± Shirley¡¯s mind was abuzz.

    It took her a moment to find her footing, moving with awkward haste.

    Soon after, she hastily gathered her belongings and departed, leaving Katrina confused and perplexed.

    What was going on?

    Why the sudden exit?

    Katrina attempted to intercept her, but Shirley didn¡¯t even nce back, rebuking,

    ¡°Before matchmaking, you should at least get your facts straight.

    You¡¯ve wasted so much of my time.¡±

    Katrina, puzzled, responded,

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°What do I mean? I mean exactly what I said! I promised not to tell anyone, but now I see why Cedric frequents Dani¡¯s room as if it were his own, and why she trusts him implicitly. Now it all makes sense!¡±

    With that, Shirley stormed off, leaving Katrina standing there, utterly thrown off.

    What did she mean?

    What was really happening?

    What on earth had gone down?

    By the time Katrina tried to follow her, Shirley was already out of sight.

    Back in the living room, Ryan was doubled over withughter.

    ¡°Does Shirley have a brain? What was she even thinking? How could she possibly believe you like me?¡±

    Cedric dealt with the situation silently.

    When Katrina reentered the room, her expression stormy, she demanded,

    ¡°Cedric, what did you say to Shirley? Why did she leave in tears? Did you mistreat her?¡±

    Cedric didn¡¯t bother to be polite, turning with a sharp, cold stare.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 442

    ?Chapter 442:

    ¡°Do you really think I¡¯m someone to be trampled upon?¡±

    Cedric¡¯s gaze was piercing, sending a chill down Katrina¡¯s spine.

    Katrina couldn¡¯t get an answer from Cedric, so she turned to Shirley for it.

    At first, Shirley seemed determined to keep her lips sealed.

    But under Katrina¡¯s relentless questioning, she relented.

    ¡°Cedric likes men.¡±

    The confessionnded like a thunderbolt, leaving Katrina utterly stunned and scrambling to process it.

    ¡°Excuse me, what?¡±

    Shirley, sensing there was no point in sugarcoating,id it out inly.

    ¡°He told me himself. And I even had someone look into it¡ªCedric has never dated a woman.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s nerves frayed as she pressed,

    ¡°Has he dated men?¡±

    ¡°No, but¡­¡±

    Katrina felt a flicker of relief, but Shirley continued,

    ¡°His secretary? They¡¯ve been together for over ten years. Before that, they were ssmates. And yes, he¡¯s a man.¡±

    Katrina quickly dismissed it.

    Find inspiring stories on g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s???§àm

    ¡°That hardly proves anything.¡±

    ¡°His driver, too,¡± Shirley added.

    ¡°Another man who¡¯s been by his side for just as long.¡±

    Katrina bit her lip, stubbornly insisting,

    ¡°That still doesn¡¯t mean anything significant.¡±

    ¡°And what about Ryan?¡± Shirley pressed.

    ¡°Cedric gets along with him too. Think about it¡ªCedric may seem distant, but he has close ties with many men. Women approach him all the time, given his status, but he¡¯s never chosen one. Why do you think that is?¡±

    Katrina struggled toe up with a reply.

    ¡°Aunt Katrina, if you were a man with a good job, plenty of money, and lots of influence¡ªeverything looking perfect¡ªbut you never got married or even had a long-term girlfriend, what do you think that would mean?¡±

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t prove he¡¯s into men,¡± Katrina said, refusing to back down.

    ¡°Maybe, but doesn¡¯t it at least suggest he has little interest in women? I even hired a private investigator. Did you know all his secretaries are men? For apany of that size, it¡¯s practically unheard of! Not a single woman. In a country this big, where else would you find something like that? Doesn¡¯t that raise a g?¡±

    Her rapid-fire exnation left Katrina in a daze. She faltered for a moment, barely managing to murmur,

    ¡°But Dani is a woman, isn¡¯t she?¡±

    ¡°Dani¡¯s the exception, the only one,¡± Shirley replied firmly.

    ¡°Even with Lillian, Cedric is distant. Maybe he doesn¡¯t see Dani as a typical woman. To him, she¡¯s more like a man, someone strong enough to manage an empire that massive. She¡¯s anything but ordinary.¡±

    Katrina sat in silence for a moment, only to realize Shirley had already hung up.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 443

    ?Chapter 443:

    With that conversation still lingering in her mind, Katrina went back to observing Cedric.

    He seemed unbothered by her watchful gaze, as long as she didn¡¯t interfere with Dani.

    A few days passed, and Joyce stormed into the house with tears streaming down her face as she vented her frustrations.

    When no one downstairs gave her the attention she craved, she marched upstairs to find Katrina.

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯ve had enough! I want a divorce!¡± Joyce burst out the moment she stepped into the room.

    Katrina sighed, already weary, as Joyceunched into a tirade.

    ¡°Alexander doesn¡¯t love me at all! All he ever thinks about is work. He just got back from a trip two weeks ago, and now he¡¯s saying he has to leave again. I even checked¡ªhe barely traveled for business before. It¡¯s so obvious he¡¯s just avoiding me.¡±

    Katrina let out another sigh.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you to adjust your attitudest time? Did you do that?¡±

    ¡°Of course I did!¡± Joyce shot back indignantly.

    ¡°I followed your advice¡ªI even offered him a massage after work. And you know what he said? He didn¡¯t even look at me and just muttered something about not being into massages!¡±

    Katrina sighed yet again.

    L??€$? ???t??§ñ? ?¦Ç g??l??ov?l??.??§àm

    ¡°And what happened next?¡±

    ¡°Of course, I got mad! Mom, Alexander haspletely changed. He¡¯s not the same person anymore. If I¡¯d known he¡¯d turn out like this, I would¡¯ve never married him. I¡¯m still young, and I didn¡¯t sign up for a marriage where I¡¯d feel so ignored. I¡¯m serious, Mom. I want a divorce. If this continues, don¡¯t be surprised if I have an affair.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s eyes widened in shock as she pped Joyce¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Are you out of your mind? You can¡¯t just say things like that! If word gets out, your reputation will be ruined.¡±

    Joyce pouted, her defiance apparent.

    ¡°Then you figure it out. I¡¯ve got my own money now. The first dividend from the roboticspany just came in¡ªover three million! I don¡¯t need the Bet family anymore, so why should I be scared of Alexander?¡±

    Joyce¡¯s sudden confidence was fueled by the unexpected windfall.

    While the roboticspany¡¯s dividends weren¡¯t regr, the payouts were undeniably substantial.

    With three million already in her ount, just a few more payouts would ensure she was well off.

    She wasn¡¯t about to live like a widow while still so young. If Alexander insisted on ignoring her, she¡¯d make her own fun elsewhere.

    After all, Alexander would be the one losing face.

    While talking, Joyce transferred five hundred thousand to Katrina before asking,

    ¡°Where¡¯s Shirley?¡±

    Katrina nodded as she noticed the transfer.

    ¡°She¡¯s gone.¡±

    Joyce¡¯s head snapped up at the response.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 444

    ?Chapter 444:

    ¡°She¡¯s gone? Wait, don¡¯t tell me she¡¯s done with Cedric,¡± she asked, her eyes glinting with curiosity.

    ¡°She thinks Cedric might be into men,¡± Katrina said, feeling like her luck couldn¡¯t get any worse.

    Joyce¡¯s eyes lit up with a mischievous glint.

    ¡°Oh, really?¡± Then without another word, she headed downstairs.

    Downstairs, the living room was alive with the hum of the TV. Cedric sat off to one side, his long fingers idly stroking the fluffy head of a little dog resting by his side.

    Joyce had never confessed it to anyone, but she had a peculiar fascination with hands.

    The very first time sheid eyes on Cedric, her attention was immediately drawn to his hands.

    They were striking, long, and impably clean, with neatly trimmed nails that gleamed faintly under the light. His hands were a perfect blend of strength and elegance, exuding an effortless grace in every movement, no matter how mundane.

    Now, as she watched him gently stroke the head of a fluffy little puppy, a strange flutter stirred within her. Shirley had dared to approach him, so why shouldn¡¯t she? With Dani momentarily out of the room to take a phone call, Joyce made her way downstairs and took a seat beside Cedric.

    Mindful of his reputation for valuing personal space, she maintained a polite distance¡ªclose enough to speak, yet far enough to avoid making him uneasy.

    ¡°Cedric, do you like Dani?¡±

    It was a question that didn¡¯t really require a response. Cedric¡¯s feelings for Dani were practicallymon knowledge. But Joyce had her reasons for asking.

    Predictably, Cedric stayed silent.

    ¡°Shirley filled me in about you,¡± Joyce pressed on.

    ¡°Cedric, let¡¯s make a deal.¡±

    Cedric kept his eyes glued to the television, showing no interest in her words.

    Joyce, certain that Cedric was listening despite his indifference, carried on.

    ¡°I¡¯ll leave Alexander and marry you. Someone of your status will need to settle down eventually and have a family. I¡¯ll give youplete freedom, and all I ask is ten million a month. What do you think?¡±

    Cedric finally turned his head, giving Joyce a cool nce before chuckling.

    ¡°Not much to look at, but your ambitions sure are bold.¡±

    Convinced she had an edge, Joyce pushed further.

    ¡°No matter how close Dani is to you, she¡¯s only interested in men. She¡¯s no help to you.

    You¡¯d be better off choosing me.¡±

    Dani walked back into the room, catching the tail end of Joyce¡¯s statement.

    Narrowing her eyes, she asked, ¡°Choose who?¡±

    Joyce was fully aware of how crucial it was to stay on Dani¡¯s good side, especially now that Dani was running the roboticspany.

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s nothing. We were just chatting about a TV show.¡±

    Joyce rose to leave but leaned close to whisper to Cedric, ¡°Think it over,¡± before making her way upstairs.

    Dani took her seat, but before she could say a word, Cedric gently tapped her fingers.

    Their fingers were just about to intertwine when Lillian unexpectedly turned around.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 445

    ?Chapter 445:

    Cedric reflexively straightened up as Lillian squinted at him and asked,

    ¡°Cedric, what were you doing just now?¡±

    Cedric couldn¡¯t help but think that crowded ces were definitely not for him. He couldn¡¯t even hold his wife¡¯s hand.

    With a quiet sigh, he shrugged it off and said casually,

    ¡°Just watching TV.¡±

    From that point on, Lillian kept turning around, even going out of her way to physically separate them.

    Cedric clenched his jaw, narrowed his eyes, and nced over at Ryan, who was engrossed in typing.

    ¡°Would you mind taking her out of here? I¡¯d really appreciate it.¡±

    Ryan let out a brief chuckle.

    ¡°Sorry, but I don¡¯t make the rules.¡±

    Cedric clicked his tongue in frustration.

    ¡°How can you be so spineless?¡±

    Ryan looked up with a grin, his eyes clearly saying, ¡°Same goes for you.¡±

    That night, Cedric remained in the living room, stretching his stay until midnight.

    He assumed Dani had already turned in, yet Lillian was still wide awake.

    ¡°Lillian, why are you staring at me like that?¡± he asked.

    Find thetest releases g?ln¦Òv????s

    ¡°You¡¯re acting oddly. Cedric, let me make something clear: loving someone doesn¡¯t mean you have to be with them. Do you understand what I mean?¡±

    Cedric muttered, ¡°Yes.¡±

    Despite his exhaustion, he couldn¡¯t suppress a feeling of smugness.

    Loving someone didn¡¯t equate to being with them.

    Yet, he already had her.

    Dani was his wife, after all.

    It had been a whole month now.

    Lillian fixed him with a steady stare, and Cedric, feeling cornered, quickly sent a message to Ryan, who was still in the room.

    Ryan set aside hisptop, stood, and suggested,

    ¡°Lillian,e join me for ate-night snack.¡±

    Lillian declined with a curt,

    ¡°No.¡±

    Ryan nodded nonchntly.

    ¡°Oh, well, I¡¯ll go alone then. That ce had great foodst time.¡±

    He grabbed his coat and headed for the door.

    Cedric leaned back in his chair with a faint smile ying on his lips.

    ¡°The restaurant owner is quite friendly, too. She¡¯s made a few hints about wanting to have a fling with Ryan.¡±

    Lillian sprang to her feet and dashed after Ryan. Cedric chuckled to himself, turned off the TV, and headed upstairs.

    Dani, though exhausted, hadn¡¯t quite drifted off. She could tell the instant Cedric entered the room.

    Cedric gently lifted the nket, taking care not to disturb her at first.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 446

    ?Chapter 446:

    When the warmth of the room seeped in, he reached out and pulled Dani into his embrace.

    Dani, feeling sleepy, couldn¡¯t suppress a smile.

    ¡°Did Ryan take Lillian out?¡±

    Cedric sighed, pulling her closer.

    ¡°Yeah, she was being stubborn. I almost didn¡¯t think I¡¯d make it here.¡±

    Dani closed her eyes, a smile curling on her lips. Cedric suggested,

    ¡°Can¡¯t we just make it public? Not vex Ryan or Lillian?¡±

    Dani nestled deeper into Cedric¡¯s arms, seeking warmth. She feared the cold, and his embrace broughtfort.

    She was used to sleeping in his arms now.

    ¡°Ryan can know, but if Lillian hears about it with her big mouth, the entire world will know. I still have things to sort out.¡±

    More than the rumors about their rtionship, she feared people uncovering her weaknesses.

    ¡°Don¡¯te upstairs tomorrow. I can handle sleeping by myself,¡± she added.

    ¡°But when I¡¯m not here, you never sleep soundly.¡±

    Dani often struggled with sleep, finding it hard to rest deeply. In the past, she would turn to Cedric¡¯s puzzles, working on them until she was tired enough to fall asleep. Eventually, she realized that with Cedric beside her, she could finally sleep soundly.

    She had stopped doing puzzles altogether, and the ones scattered on the floor hadn¡¯t been touched in over two weeks.

    Stay updated with galn¦Ò¦Í??????.c?m

    Just now, she felt a little tired, but still, sleep wouldn¡¯te easily. Dani sighed to herself, marveling at how quickly habits could shift.

    In just half a month, her insomnia, which hadsted for years, seemed to have improved.

    ¡°I¡¯d eventually fall asleep,¡± Dani murmured, her voice drowsy, as her breathing evened out.

    Joyce, on the other hand, was still waiting for Cedric¡¯s answer.

    In the meantime, she had gone back home once.

    ¡°Going back to your parents¡¯ ce again?¡± Richard asked, his tone indifferent as he looked at her.

    Joyce didn¡¯t entertain him and replied curtly with a simple, ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°I heard Dani¡¯s roboticspany paid out dividends?¡± Joyce let out a scornful snort.

    ¡°Yes, they did.¡±

    Richard looked down on Joyce¡¯s arrogance. His friends were curious about the amount of the first dividend from the roboticspany. Since Joyce held a small stake, Richard didn¡¯t pay much attention when he asked about it.

    Joyce curled her lips into a smirk.

    ¡°Three millionst time, and another three million this morning.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Richard felt a surge of unease.

    ¡°Is that the total amount distributed, or what you actually received?¡± Joyce gave Richard a look of pure disdain.

    ¡°Are you serious? Apany asrge as a robotics firm¡ªhow could three million be enough for everyone? I¡¯m just a minor shareholder with no say in thepany. How would I know the total distributed? That¡¯s the actual amount I received.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 447

    ?Chapter 447:

    As soon as she said this, Richard¡¯s eyes brightened.

    Joyce hadn¡¯t done a thing, yet just because Caiden had knelt to Dani that time, she somehow struck it rich¡ªsix million just like that?

    If he had the chance, Richard wouldn¡¯t hesitate to kneel as well.

    Sadly, he wasn¡¯t fortunate enough to have a daughter like Dani.

    His lips tightened in frustration.

    If Alexander hadn¡¯t chosen to divorce Dani because of Joyce, Richard would be the one on top in Olisvine today. The more he thought about it, the more he loathed Joyce. His anger deepened as he remembered how she had manipted things to turn against Alexander.

    Joyce then headed upstairs, slipped into an outfit that screamed confidence, and left the house.

    As she passed, she didn¡¯t even spare him a nce, her arrogance unmistakable.

    Richard, irritated, wasted no timeining as soon as Alexander walked in.

    ¡°What kind of woman did you marry? She¡¯s acting like I¡¯m not even her father-inw. Don¡¯t you see that, Alexander?¡±

    ¡°Dani¡¯s roboticspany is raking in the cash, and Joyce is acting so smug about it. She even told the servants she won¡¯t be back for dinner. I¡¯m telling you, Joyce has some dangerously ambitious ns.

    You¡¯d better keep an eye on her, or she¡¯ll end up causing a scandal.¡±

    Alexander set his briefcase down, his attention elsewhere.

    ¡°Thepany is brand new. How much could they possibly distribute? A few hundred thousand, at most. Joyce might splurge on a couple of inexpensive bags, but that¡¯s all.¡±

    Your next chapter awaits at galn¦Ò????????

    Hearing this, Richard dramatically raised his fingers.

    ¡°Joyce imed they distributed this amount. They did itst week and again this morning. Looks like Dani¡¯s business is quite sessful!¡±

    Alexander nced at his fingers and fell silent, contemting for a long moment.

    ¡°That¡¯s not possible,¡± Alexander muttered as he hung his coat.

    ¡°Herpany hasn¡¯t been around long enough to distribute that much. Everyone knows tech startups need heavy investment, and it takes years before they even break even. There¡¯s no way they could give out so much so soon.¡±

    Richard remarked, ¡°Joyce let it slip this morning. She can¡¯t keep anything under wraps.¡±

    Alexander retorted, ¡°She has to be lying.¡± Richard didn¡¯t respond further.

    The atmosphere became heavy with silence.

    ¡°I¡¯ll give Raul a call. He made a small investment,¡± Richard said as he dialed the number.

    The call was answered promptly, and Richard went straight to the point.

    Raul clicked his tongue twice.

    ¡°You¡¯re well-informed, Richard. The funds just came in this morning, and you¡¯re already in the loop. Dani certainly knows how to run a business. Have you heard the gossip?¡±

    Richard had a sinking feeling that this wouldn¡¯t be good news. Without thinking, he asked, ¡°What is it?¡±

    Raul replied, ¡°Everyone¡¯s on the same page that the Bet family made a huge mistake. How could they let go of such a talented daughter-inw and bring in someone like Joyce instead? The word around town is that we should stop worrying about other investments and just follow Dani¡¯s example. Whatever she puts money in, we should too. Just a little bit of her sess would be enough to keep usfortable.¡±

    Richard¡¯s feelings became more tangled.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 448

    ?Chapter 448:

    ¡°Richard, we have awork that focuses on the elites at Elite Lux, collecting insider information. We often send gifts to find out what Dani¡¯s involved with. Would you like to be a part of it?¡± Raul asked.

    Richard was tempted, yet a sense of shame held him back.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. This might just be a lucky break. Don¡¯t get ahead of yourself; be careful not to overstep.¡±

    Raulughed lightly.

    ¡°You sound so cynical, Richard. Fine, if you¡¯re not interested, it¡¯s your call. We don¡¯t have many spots left, anyway. The fee¡¯s now two million, and we¡¯re full. Bye.¡±

    The call ended, and Richard felt even more downhearted. He had heard of that association before, but he had no idea just how exclusive it was.

    With over two thousand members, all scrambling to win Dani¡¯s favor.

    What shocked him, though, was the price of entry¡ªtwo million!

    It was downright ridiculous!

    The room fell into a heavy silence.

    Finally, Richard turned to Alexander with a sudden thought and asked, ¡°Do you think we should join this association? Is there still a chance we could get involved with that roboticspany? Could Joyce assist us?¡±

    Alexander¡¯s expression remained icy.

    ¡°You¡¯re better off relying on yourself than depending on others. Don¡¯t join that association; it¡¯s beneath you.¡± Without another word, he headed upstairs.

    Richard let out a heavy sigh. It was, indeed, humiliating. The gossip going around was that Alexander had traded a priceless gem for somethingpletely worthless.

    Ga ln ovels . fuels your imagination

    Richard had pushed away a perfectly good daughter-inw, and now, joining her association would make him theughingstock. But what choice did he have? There was too much money on the line.

    Reluctantly, Richard decided to keep pushing forward and went to seek out Joyce for help.

    ¡°So, you¡¯re saying you want to invest in the roboticspany?¡± she asked.

    Richard nodded, offering a charming smile.

    ¡°Exactly. After all, Dani is your sister, and your influence counts for a lot.¡±

    Joyce sneered in response.

    ¡°So now you recognize my worth? Now you¡¯re ttering me? Who was it that called me useless? And now you want my help? Forget it!¡±

    Joyce never missed an opportunity to speak her mind. She took pleasure in putting people down with her sharp words.

    Though seething with anger, Richard swallowed his pride.

    ¡°We don¡¯t need much, just 5% of the shares.¡±

    Joyce was even more satisfied, looking down at Richard with contempt.

    ¡°Who do you think you are? Do you really believe you¡¯re worthy of this? When Alexander married me, you barely cared. When he hit me, you didn¡¯t defend me. Have you ever treated me like family? People say Alexander can¡¯t stand me. Did you ever stand up for me? And now, just because there¡¯s a benefit, you want to use me? You¡¯ve got some nerve.¡±

    Richard¡¯s eyes went wide in shock. This wasn¡¯t the response he had hoped for. No one had ever spoken to him in such a way before.

    However, Joyce kept her cold smile in ce and continued,

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 449

    ?Chapter 449:

    ¡°You don¡¯t see me as a person, and frankly, I don¡¯t care about you either. Now that I have money, you think you can use me to get close to Dani? Dream on!¡±

    Richard was practically shaking with fury.

    Joyce relished the moment more and more.

    ¡°I love watching you squirm. Aren¡¯t you all so proud? And now you have to lower yourselves to me? How pathetic!¡±

    Richard¡¯s fingers quivered as he pointed at Joyce¡¯s arrogant face.

    ¡°Who are you calling pathetic?¡±

    ¡°You!¡±

    Suddenly, a sharp p echoed through the room. Joyce stood still for a moment, stunned, before wiping her mouth and noticing the blood.

    Narrowing her eyes, she stood tall and coldly stared up at Alexander, who was a head taller than her.

    ¡°You actually hit me? I¡¯ll make you pay for that!¡± With that, she charged at Alexander, but he responded by pping her hard again.

    Enraged, Joyce lost all control, her fury erupting as she began smashing everything she could get her hands on in the house.

    Alexander stood off to the side, watching with a calm expression. His indifference only fueled Joyce¡¯s anger. In a fit of rage, she stormed into the kitchen and returned with a knife in hand.

    The two shed fiercely, the tension escting with every passing second.

    During the fight, Alexander was shed.

    Explore more fiction on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s???????

    Richard¡¯s anger boiled over, his body trembling with rage as he dialed the police.

    When Katrina received the call, she was stunned. Alexander was nning to charge Joyce with attempted murder?

    It seemed utterly ridiculous to her.

    Panic surged through Katrina as her eyes met Caiden¡¯s icy stare.

    After a brief pause, Caiden turned his gaze elsewhere. Katrina clenched her teeth as the door to the vi creaked open.

    Dani entered the house.

    Katrina¡¯s eyes lit up when she saw Dani, almost as if she were looking at someone who could save her.

    However, she knew that asking for help from Dani would be futile. Dani would never agree to go with her to the hospital.

    Hurriedly, she approached Dani and said with urgency,

    ¡°Dani, Cedric¡¯s in the hospital! He called and said you need toe right away.¡±

    Without giving her a chance to protest, she pushed Dani out the door.

    As the driver sped through the streets, Dani narrowed her eyes at Katrina, her gaze so cold it felt like it could freeze the very air between them.

    ¡°Say that again,¡± she demanded.

    Katrina could sense Dani¡¯s presence growing more formidable, and she began to feel a twinge of fear.

    Nervouslyughing, Katrina added,

    ¡°Well, Joyce got into trouble, and there¡¯s no one else who can deal with it. Please, I¡¯m begging you;e with me to the hospital.¡±

    Dani¡¯s face hardened.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 450

    ?Chapter 450:

    At this moment, the car pulled up at the hospital entrance.

    Katrina practically dragged Dani towards the hospital, her urgency clear.

    But Dani pulled her hand away sharply, walking inside on her own without a second nce.

    Katrina hurried after her.

    ¡°I knew you still think of us as family.¡±

    Dani¡¯s lips curled into a smirk, but her tone quickly turned serious.

    ¡°If this happens again, the consequences will affect Joyce¡¯s financial interests.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s face drained of color at her words. She understood that Dani was talking about the five percent stake in the roboticspany.

    ¡°It won¡¯t happen again. Thanks foring.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to thank me. I just want to see how the things you fought so hard to steal are now leading to your downfall,¡± Dani replied, her tone biting.

    Katrina was left speechless.

    They both then made their way into the hospital.

    From down the corridor, Joyce¡¯s angry voice echoed. Alexander stood quietly to one side, his hand wrapped in a bandage from a recent injury.

    The police were trying to mediate, and as they drew closer, the first thing they heard was an officer¡¯s defeated remark.

    ¡°If this doesn¡¯t resolve, file awsuit.¡±

    Katrina hurried forward with a nervous grin.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s holds stories for every mood

    ¡°It¡¯s just a family dispute, nothing serious,¡± she said, trying to defuse the tension.

    Dani showed no interest in sticking around. Her attention was focused on responding to Cedric¡¯s messages.

    As she sent the message, Joyce¡¯s sharp voice cut through, coldly demanding of Alexander,

    ¡°Where are you looking with those eyes?¡±

    In that moment, Alexander truly grasped the vast differences between people.

    His first marriage had been with Dani, who had divorced him with courage and rity, walking away with nothing but offering them both a dignified exit. This had led him to believe that divorce could be a dignified solution when a marriage fell apart.

    But with Joyce, everything was different. He found himself struggling to adjust to her domineering nature.

    So why hadn¡¯t he divorced Joyce yet?

    Because he knew that, this time, there would be no dignity in it.

    Joyce was not a woman of grace¡ªshe wielded her crude power to crush everything around her, leaving no room for honor or respect.

    In Joyce¡¯s world, the idea of losing simply didn¡¯t exist.

    In the hospital corridor, heavy with the smell of disinfectant, Alexander gazed at Dani¡¯s luminous profile from a distance, regretting his rash decision to divorce her for the thousandth time.

    Joyce was escorted away, being led to a quieter space to calm down.

    Feeling the situation was boring, Dani was about to leave when Alexander approached her.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry you had to be part of this awkward situation.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 451

    ?Chapter 451:

    His demeanor had changed dramatically, but Dani didn¡¯t care to explore it and had no interest in engaging.

    She gave a slight nod before turning to walk away.

    Alexander stood still with a conflicted expression.

    Richard, eager to smooth things over, quickly caught up with her, a chuckle slipping from his lips.

    ¡°Dani, let me walk you out. I apologize for you having to witness all this mess today.¡±

    Dani said nothing in response.

    In the elevator, Richard shed a smile and leaned in.

    ¡°We¡¯ve known each other a long time, Dani, so I¡¯ll get straight to the point. I was wondering if your roboticspany is still epting investments. I have some funds and was thinking of contributing.¡±

    Dani made her way to the hospital entrance.

    Cedric¡¯s car was parked and waiting outside.

    She remained silent, yet Richard persisted in following her.

    Just as Dani was about to get into the car, Richard, unwilling to let go, called out to her.

    ¡°Dani, we wronged you in the past, but that¡¯s all behind us now. Marrying someone like Joyce, well, that¡¯s Alexander¡¯s karma. Please don¡¯t hold that against us. I don¡¯t have grand ambitions; I just want to dip my toes into a small investment. A million would barely make a dent for me. Can you allow me to be involved?¡±

    Dani turned her gaze toward Richard. After a brief pause, she finally responded,

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    She understood that sometimes, to earn, you had to invest.

    ¡°I¡¯ll have someone reach out to you soon. Make sure you¡¯re ready with the funds,¡± she added.

    Richard was over the moon at her response.

    He never saw this stroke of fortuneing.

    He was so thrilled, his excitement almost spilling over. At the same time, a part of him regretted not asking for more earlier.

    A million? That was small change.

    Richard, practically bubbling with excitement, could hardly contain himself as he rushed upstairs to tell Alexander the good news.

    ¡°Dani agreed. She¡¯s letting me invest!¡±

    Alexander, taken aback by the unexpected turn of events, was even more surprised than Richard had been.

    Richard couldn¡¯t hide his satisfaction.

    ¡°It¡¯s not a huge amount, but we can build on it over time. Alexander, Dani¡¯s really a kind soul. I made a sincere apology earlier, and at first, she didn¡¯t respond, but when I mentioned it was my life savings, she started to warm up. Dani is nothing like that cold-hearted Joyce. Despite how you neglected her before, she never held a grudge against you. I must say, she¡¯s a gem.

    You¡¯re truly missing out.¡±

    Alexander was overwhelmed with a mix of emotions. Standing silently in the cold corridor, he whispered to himself,

    ¡°If I truly apologize, will she forgive me?¡±

    As he reflected on this, he felt a subtle warmth begin to thaw the coldness that had taken root in his heart. Maybe it wasn¡¯t the right time yet. Perhaps he should wait just a little longer.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 452

    ?Chapter 452:

    He would wait until Bet Group was running smoothly again and securing a significant project. Then, he could approach Dani and ask for another chance, a fresh start.

    Only then would he feel like he could truly stand on equal ground with Cedric.

    He knew he hadn¡¯t been the best husband in the past, but if he could have another opportunity, he was determined to build a better future with Dani. To truly cherish her this time, never again exploiting her loneliness or allowing himself to take her for granted. With those thoughts, Alexander felt a surge of purpose, a renewed determination to make things right.

    Meanwhile, Joyce returned to Caiden¡¯s vi again. She waited for a quiet moment when no one was around and trapped Cedric in the garden.

    ¡°Have you thought more about my proposal?¡± Joyce asked with a sly smile, her eyes locked onto Cedric.

    His physique was exactly her type¡ªthin in clothes, yet toned and muscr underneath.

    His eyes, always indifferent, fascinated her. She was eager to see just how wild and uncontroble someone like him could be in bed.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. As long as the money is right, I won¡¯t spill your secret.¡± She edged closer, her voice low and tempting.

    Cedric¡¯s lips curled into a sneer as he smoothly sidestepped her approach, causing Joyce to stumble and crash to the ground.

    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± she snapped, ring up at him.

    Cedric¡¯s expression remained icy.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m, your destination for tales

    ¡°You¡¯re giving yourself too much credit. Do you honestly think you¡¯re in any position to be connected with someone like me?¡± Without a second nce, he turned and walked away, leaving her seething with anger.

    Joyce mmed her fist into the ground, frustration boiling over.

    Cedric had no idea what was good for him.

    If that was how he wanted to y it, she¡¯d make sure to use her own methods.

    It wasn¡¯t long before rumors started circting throughout Olisvine that Cedric had a preference for men. The rumors escted, growing wilder and more exaggerated with each passing day.

    Dani, attending a banquet without much concern, overheard people gossiping about it. Their faces were filled with sincere regret.

    ¡°How could Cedric¡­ What a shame!¡±

    ¡°My dad even told me to try harder to win his heart. After hearing that, he couldn¡¯t eat for three days.¡±

    ¡°Who wouldn¡¯t be disappointed? I always said I¡¯dpete with you fairly, but now, what¡¯s the point?¡±

    ¡°There are so few decent men left in the world, and now the good ones are being snatched away from us! Is there no justice?¡±

    ¡°I once saw Dani as a rival, but now I see Ipletely misjudged her.¡±

    Dani held her ss of wine, listening to every word of the conversation.

    Now it made sense why the other women at the banquet had been so friendly towards her.

    But she couldn¡¯t wrap her head around how these rumors had even begun.

    She nced at Cedric, who stood not far off, mingling with a drink in hand.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 453

    ?Chapter 453:

    He lookedposed and dignified, not at all like someone who¡¯d be linked to such rumors.

    ¡°Dani, are you shocked too?¡± someone murmured, leaning in to share a secret.

    ¡°My friend says Cedric is gay.¡± Dani turned to the speaker, her eyes wide with shock.

    ¡°Who told you that?¡±

    The person shrugged nonchntly.

    ¡°It¡¯smon knowledge now. And word on the street is that Cedric has some pretty unusual preferences¡ªthe stranger, the better.¡±

    Watching the man who had been wrongly used, Dani couldn¡¯t help but feel a deep sense of pity.

    She asked, ¡°I see. And what else have they been saying?¡± Dani didn¡¯t usually get caught up in gossip, but seeing her curiosity, everyone eagerly spilled thetest rumors.

    ¡°I heard Cedric goes to gay bars all the time and is pretty popr there.¡±

    ¡°And apparently, he likes them rough and strong. The image is just too much to handle.¡±

    Dani tried to picture it, but the thought felt too taboo for her to fully entertain.

    After finishing his rounds of socializing, Cedric nned to seek out Dani.

    But when he looked, there she was, surrounded by a group of women, all chatting excitedly.

    New chapters now on .c?m

    Cedric found it oddly interesting.

    Dani rarely showed interest in anything this much. It was rare to see so many people gathered around her for a conversation.

    But he enjoyed seeing her so lively and at ease.

    Cedric turned to Lillian, asking, ¡°What are they talking about?¡± Lillian chuckled lightly.

    ¡°They¡¯re talking about your juicy gossip.¡±

    ¡°My gossip?¡± Cedric raised an eyebrow in surprise. Lillian nodded, passing on the explosive rumors she¡¯d just caught wind of.

    She didn¡¯t buy into the idea that Cedric had any interest in men, so the gossip didn¡¯t really grab her attention. Instead, her focus remained on watching how Cedric and Dani interacted with each other.

    As she spoke, she observed Cedric¡¯s expression carefully.

    Even though he was the target of the rumors, Cedric didn¡¯t show a hint of anger.

    Holding his wine ss, he chuckled quietly, his gaze fixed on Dani.

    ¡°Does she actually enjoy hearing these outrageous stories?¡±

    Once more, a strange thought began to creep into Lillian¡¯s mind.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you angry?¡±

    Cedric smiled.

    ¡°Why would I be angry about it?¡±

    Lillian narrowed her eyes.

    As someone in a powerful position, being the subject of rumors was something Cedric would have to take seriously, even if he was broad-minded and not easily angered.

    While business sess depends on capability, the perception of those in power ys a crucial role.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 454

    ?Chapter 454:

    After all, why do so many CEOs go to great lengths to project an image of a perfect family life?

    A stable public image is key to gaining investors¡¯ trust.

    Cedric understood this basic truth better than anyone.

    Yet, he let the gossip about him spread without doing anything to stop it.

    Either Cedric was exactly what the rumors suggested, or¡­ Lillian¡¯s gaze fell on Dani, who was smiling.

    ¡°Cedric, do you not care, or is it because you value Dani¡¯s happiness over your own image and choose not to intervene?¡±

    As soon as she finished speaking, Lillian noticed Dani¡¯s and Cedric¡¯s eyes meet from across the crowd, followed by a shared smile. Something wasn¡¯t right!

    There had to be more to it!

    Unless they were very close, there couldn¡¯t be such a lingering, meaningful exchange of nces.

    Lillian¡¯s curiosity was piqued.

    She grabbed Dani and pulled her into the courtyard.

    ¡°Dani, what¡¯s really going on between you and Cedric?¡±

    Dani had been enjoying the conversation inside, where they were discussing Cedric being caught in apromising situation, when Lillian abruptly dragged her out.

    Dani felt a twinge of regret.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s, your source for inspiration

    ¡°You¡¯ve heard it all¡ªCedric likes men.¡±

    ¡°Stop with the nonsense. I don¡¯t believe it. Cedric is so traditional; he¡¯s only ever had eyes for you!¡±

    ¡°Then what do you want to ask me?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s your rtionship? Are you and Cedric together? Is there something between you two¡­¡±

    Just as Lillian was about to get to the heart of it, the driver called to inform her there was an issue with the car.

    Lillian urged, ¡°Don¡¯t think you can run off, Dani. Stay here. I¡¯ll be back. Don¡¯t try to deceive me.¡± With that, she stormed out.

    Dani let out a soft chuckle and settled onto a nearby bench to wait for Lillian.

    What no one noticed was that someone had been observing from the balcony upstairs the entire time.

    It was Alexander, silent and unmoving.

    Keith approached Alexander and peered down. He saw Dani sitting gracefully on the bench, her long dress flowing elegantly around her.

    ¡°You have to admit, even just sitting there, Dani radiates the elegance of an aristocraticdy. She mightck the harshness of someone in charge, but her charm is undeniable.¡±

    The moment he spoke, Keith felt a sharp, icy gaze cutting through him from beside him.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean it like that. I was just admiring her. What¡¯s that supposed to mean, Alexander? You¡¯re married. What does Dani have to do with you? Even if I do like her, what¡¯s the harm in that?¡±

    Alexander¡¯s cold gaze swept over him.

    ¡°How dare you!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 455

    ?Chapter 455:

    Keithughed.

    ¡°What? Do you still have feelings for her?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it normal for me to have feelings?¡± Alexander replied, taking a sip of his drink, his eyes fixed on Dani.

    ¡°She¡¯s my ex-wife.¡±

    Keith let out a short chuckle.

    ¡°The way you¡¯re talking, it¡¯s like she¡¯s still your wife, not your ex. But then again, who wouldn¡¯t be drawn to someone like Dani? If you¡¯re serious about it, you¡¯d better make a move before someone else does.¡±

    Alexander raised an eyebrow, his curiosity getting the better of him.

    ¡°What exactly are you getting at?¡±

    ¡°Everyone used to believe Dani and Cedric were a couple. So even if they had feelings for her, they didn¡¯t dare approach Dani. But now that it¡¯s clear Cedric prefers men, the chance is wide open. Now everyone¡¯s itching to make their move. Even if they¡¯re not genuinely interested in her, chasing after Dani¡¯s fortune is hardly a poor choice.¡±

    At those words, Alexander¡¯s fingers tightened around his ss.

    Just as he was about to reply, he noticed two men with drinks heading in Dani¡¯s direction.

    His expression hardened, and without another thought, he made his way downstairs.

    Joyce made her entrance, fashionablyte, just in time to witness the whole scene unfold.

    Your adventure awaits at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c©–m

    Katrina leaned in and whispered to her, ¡°After all this time, you still haven¡¯t won over Alexander?¡±

    Joyce clenched her teeth in frustration.

    ¡°He doesn¡¯t have feelings for me. He doesn¡¯t like me. What am I supposed to do?¡±

    Katrina hesitated, then spoke.

    ¡°If you really can¡¯t keep a man¡¯s heart, you¡¯ll have to learn how to make the best of your circumstances.¡±

    Joyce turned her head sharply, her eyes cold and calcting.

    ¡°You mean¡­?¡±

    Katrina urged, ¡°Seize half of Bet Group¡¯s assets. Divorce Alexander.¡±

    Momentarily, Joyce¡¯s expression tightened as she hesitated.

    ¡°Being tough is sometimes necessary for a woman to get what she deserves. If you hesitate now, Alexander will start hiding his assets.

    You could end up with nothing. Imagine him using what should have been yours to charm Dani. Could you live with that?¡±

    Joyce¡¯s hands balled into fists. She could not. Her discontent, however, was more profound.

    Alexander had once been fond of her, so what had caused him to stop noticing her all of a sudden?

    He had run into the fire to rescue her instead of Dani. These actions had convinced her of Alexander¡¯s genuine affection.

    But when had his attentiveness weakened?

    When had Alexander started to disregard her?

    Was it her assertiveness that repelled him?

    No man appreciated being forced.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 456

    ?Chapter 456:

    With fists still clenched, Joyce inhaled deeply and looked towards where Alexander had gone.

    ¡°Mom, I want to try again.¡±

    Katrina opened her mouth to respond, but Joyce cut her off.

    ¡°I¡¯ve decided. Don¡¯t try to change my mind.¡±

    Katrina sighed, resigned.

    ¡°Very well, but one day you¡¯ll see. When a man really cares, he¡¯ll go to any length for you, even risking his life. That¡¯s true love. But when he doesn¡¯t like you, he won¡¯t even spare you a single nce.¡±

    Joyce understood this.

    Yet, the dissatisfaction within her lingered.

    In the courtyard, Dani noticed two figures drawing near. She thought it was Lillian and Ryan. A bright smile spread across her face. Her smile momentarily overwhelmed the approaching men.

    Dani¡¯s beauty was renowned, yet her smile was rarely witnessed.

    But as soon as she realized who they were, her smile disappeared, reced by a polite expression.

    She rose, nodded at the two, and began to walk away.

    ¡°Ms. Harper,¡± one of them called out.

    Turning with a puzzled look, Dani responded, ¡°Yes?¡±

    g ? ln¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s, your storytelling home

    ¡°We don¡¯t know each other, but we¡¯re familiar with your reputation. Rumors say you¡¯re unapproachable, but seeing how you¡¯ve socialized today, you seem quite friendly. We were hoping we might be friends.¡±

    Dani acknowledged with a subtle smile.

    ¡°The rumors hold some truth.¡±

    Both men appeared puzzled.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°I do tend to keep my distance,¡± Dani exined.

    ¡°While friendship might be too much, perhaps we could consider a business partnership. Please excuse me; I must attend to other matters.¡± With these words, Dani left.

    The men exhaled deeply in disappointment.

    Even without Cedric, approaching Dani seemed an impossible task.

    Alexander arrived in the courtyard to find it empty.

    Dani was nowhere to be seen.

    His dreams of helping her hadn¡¯te to fruition.

    Amidst the silence, his quickened pulse now seemed out of ce.

    Inside, Cedric was at the piano, his fingers dancing across the keys, while Dani stood by, her smile subtle yet captivating.

    Entering the hall, Lillian caught Dani¡¯s attentive gaze and followed it to Cedric.

    ¡°Dani, hasn¡¯t Cedric been a bit too showytely?¡± Lillian asked.

    Feigning confusion, Dani responded, ¡°Has he?¡±

    Noticing Dani¡¯s amused expression, Lillian asked further, ¡°You know he has. Thest time Cedric yed the piano was when you came back from abroad. At a function after his big deal, he declined to y.

    Yet today, here he is, performing with such ir. Doesn¡¯t that strike you as strange?¡±

    Trying to discern Lillian¡¯s point, Dani sighed.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 457

    ?Chapter 457:

    ¡°What are you suggesting?¡±

    Narrowing her eyes, Lillian said, ¡°It¡¯s obvious you¡¯re together. That¡¯s why Cedric¡¯s been so joyful. Despite the rumors about his preferences, he looks content. He must have gotten what he wanted.¡±

    Dani chuckled.

    ¡°Really now?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Lillian said, her tone serious.

    ¡°And you¡¯ve been unusually cheerful yourself. Don¡¯t hide it from me, Dani. I promise I¡¯ll keep it to myself this time.¡±

    Dani paused to take a drink.

    Lillian¡¯s eyes pleaded for the truth.

    Just then, Cedric stepped down from the stage, approaching Dani.

    Under the ambient lighting, they appeared as the perfect duo.

    Turning to Ryan, Dani suggested with a smile, ¡°Why don¡¯t you exin to her?¡± Then she turned to Cedric.

    ¡°Shall we go home?¡±

    Lillian stood there,pletely stunned. She turned to Ryan, bewildered.

    ¡°Did Dani just suggest they go home together? What does that mean about their rtionship?¡±

    Dani and Cedric stepped outside together.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m brings endless adventures

    After taking a few more steps, they suddenly heard Lillian¡¯s shout, loud and uncontroble.

    Lillian¡¯s shout echoed through the space, drawing Alexander¡¯s attention as he stepped in from the courtyard.

    His eyes scanned the room, realizing that Dani was no longer present.

    A wave of disappointment washed over him, and he briefly thought about leaving.

    Yet before he could make his exit, he walked over to Lillian and asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    His motive was simple: to gain Lillian¡¯s favor, knowing she was connected to Dani.

    To his surprise, as soon as he spoke, Lillian turned on her heel and walked away, leaving him standing there, feeling awkward.

    Katrina and Joyce stood off to the side, observing the entire exchange.

    Joyce¡¯s fist tightened in frustration.

    Katrina spoke with a knowing tone.

    ¡°Alexander¡¯s pride knows no bounds. If it weren¡¯t for Dani, he wouldn¡¯t even spare Lillian a nce. Joyce, take my advice¡ªsecure half of the Bet family¡¯s assets first.¡±

    Joyce didn¡¯t respond; instead, she walked straight towards Alexander.

    ¡°Alexander, who are you looking for?¡± she asked, observing how he¡¯d been searching for someone ever since he stepped in from the courtyard.

    ¡°No one,¡± he replied, his voice losing its edge as he saw Joyce, his disinterest clear.

    ¡°I¡¯m leaving now,¡± he added before turning away.

    Joyce was left standing there, now the subject of whispered mockery.

    In the idle circles of the elite, gossip flourished, and that night, Joyce was the main topic.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 458

    ?Chapter 458:

    ¡°I used to think Alexander was really into Joyce. He still married her after she gave birth to another man¡¯s child. Turns out, there was more to it.¡±

    ¡°Exactly. It seems Alexander¡¯s heart is still with Dani. He likely used his connection to Joyce as a way to get closer to her.¡±

    ¡°Makes sense. After all, Joyce just can¡¯t measure up to Dani.¡±

    ¡°No wonder Alexander neveres home to sleep. The only time they had sex was because Joyce set him up.¡±

    ¡°Joyce¡¯s methods are truly underhanded.¡±

    ¡°The apple doesn¡¯t fall far from the tree.¡±

    Suddenly, fury contorted Joyce¡¯s face as she knocked all the drinks off the table.

    With anger boiling over, she stormed towards the gossipers and pped one of them three times.

    Still not satisfied, she grabbed the girl by the hair and mmed her head hard against the wall.

    The room fell silent in shock as the crowd stared, unable toprehend what was happening.

    Only when blood began pouring from the victim¡¯s forehead did the security rush in to hold Joyce back.

    Even with her hands held tight, Joyce erupted in a frenzy of harsh words, her fury spilling over as though she hadpletely lost control.

    The victimy motionless on the floor, unconscious and drenched in blood.

    The entire room watched in stunned silence.

    They stared at Joyce, as if she were insane.

    Richard stood on the sidelines, taking in the entire spectacle.

    He couldn¡¯t help but gasp in shock, desperately wishing he could slip away unnoticed from the unfolding chaos. It was beyond humiliating.

    Just as he was about to step away, Katrina¡¯s voice cut through the air.

    ¡°Richard, you can¡¯t leave.¡±

    A cold shiver ran down his spine as he realized everyone¡¯s gaze had shifted to him.

    He longed to leave, but with Joyce being his daughter-inw, he couldn¡¯t simply walk away from the mess.

    Sighing deeply, Richard stepped forward to manage the situation, cursing his bad luck for being caught up with such a crazy and vicious woman.

    The injured girl was rushed to the hospital, and Richard quickly paid a hefty sum of five hundred thousand as an advance for the medical bills.

    Afterward, he apanied Joyce and Katrina to the police station.

    By the following morning, the entire elite social scene was abuzz with the scandal: Alexander had married someone so unrefined, a simple country girl.

    Richard, seething with anger, yelled into the phone at Alexander, who was on his way to the police station.

    ¡°You need to divorce her now! This is thest straw!¡±

    Joyce was now Alexander¡¯s wife, and every action of hers reflected on the reputation of the Bet family. The unexpected violent episode had cost Alexander several important business deals as he made his way to the police station.

    His hands clenched the steering wheel with increasing force, his frustration mounting.

    He had once believed that once things calmed down, he could finally find the right moment to express his feelings to Dani.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 459

    ?Chapter 459:

    But Joyce had destroyed any chance of that now.

    A surge of anger bubbled within him.

    Still, the situation demanded his attention.

    Joyce remained his wife, and her actions meant the Bet family was left to shoulder the fallout of her scandal. Alexander headed to the police station and arranged for her bail.

    Richard, clutching his chest, turned to Alexander and said, ¡°Take Joyce to her parents¡¯. I don¡¯t want to see her around for a while!¡±

    Without giving him a chance to reply, Richard headed straight for the driver¡¯s car.

    Just before the door closed, he cast onest nce at his son, his voice firm and unyielding.

    ¡°Divorce Joyce! She¡¯s nothing but trouble, and the longer she stays, the worse it gets for the Bet family!¡±

    Left with no choice, Alexander took it upon himself to drive Joyce and Katrina back.

    Throughout the ride, Joyce wailed and voiced her grievances nonstop.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with Richard? It¡¯s the middle of the night, and he¡¯s kicking me out, sending me back to my parents¡¯. I¡¯m the victim here. Instead of ming those people, he¡¯s ming me. Alexander, say something! Your wife was wronged, and you just sit there silently.

    You¡¯re such a coward!¡±

    From the back seat, Katrina noticed how tightly Alexander¡¯s lips were pressed together.

    Her chest tightened as a flicker of worry passed through her.

    Read more chapters at g?ln¦Ò¦Í??ls

    She knew that silence like his only came from deep disappointment, the kind that left no room for words. In a gentle tone, Katrina said to Joyce, ¡°Enough now.

    You¡¯re at fault too. Alexander came to pick you up; isn¡¯t that enough? And hitting someone¡ªwhat were you thinking? That¡¯s more than anyone would expect, and it¡¯s definitely not okay.¡±

    Katrina nced at Alexander, offering a cating smile.

    ¡°Alexander, I¡¯m sorry. Joyce has been spoiled by me, and it¡¯s made her temper worse.¡±

    Joyce shot back instantly, ¡°Mom, what are you even saying? Those people were spouting nonsense! They¡¯re insane! That banquet was awful anyway, as if I cared to be there. I¡¯m a shareholder in a prestigious roboticspany now. Even if it¡¯s just a small share, my monthly earnings are enough to make them jealous. Why would I bother with them? And if they talk trash again, I¡¯ll put them in their ce!¡±

    Katrina sighed internally as a dull headache began to form. Once again, she couldn¡¯t help but think that Dani gifting Joyce shares in the roboticspany had been a mistake.

    It had only inted Joyce¡¯s already overbearing ego. Now, with some financial backing, Joyce seemed to dismiss everyone around her.

    Alexander stayed quiet, his expression unreadable. When they arrived, Joyce told Alexander, ¡°It¡¯ste, so why don¡¯t you just stay here tonight?¡±

    Ignoring Joyce¡¯s remark, Alexander looked at Katrina with calm politeness.

    ¡°Katrina, I need to have a private word with Joyce.¡±

    Katrina immediately grasped what he intended to discuss, and the realization made Joyce¡¯s heart skip a beat.

    Katrina let out a weary sigh and said, ¡°Alright, you two have your conversation. I¡¯ll head to the kitchen and whip something up. It¡¯s been a long day, and you must be starving.¡±

    With that, she turned and left, leaving them to sort things out on their own.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 460

    Chapter 460:

    Joyce lingered, pressing her lips into a sly smile as she raised a brow, mimicking how Katrina always seduced Caiden.

    Leaning toward Alexander, she murmured, ¡°Alex¡­¡±

    But before she could finish, he pulled her away forcefully.

    ¡°Joyce.¡± Alexander¡¯s voice pierced through the stillness of the night, cold and sharp like a de.

    ¡°It¡¯s time we end this. Let¡¯s get a divorce.¡±

    Even though she had braced herself for this moment, hearing the words out loud sent a jolt of panic racing through her.

    ¡°What are you saying?¡±

    ¡°I mean exactly what I said. Let¡¯s end this. There¡¯s no point in dragging it on.¡±

    Fury bubbled inside Joyce. She was ready to snap but held herself back, her voice barely a whisper.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Why? It¡¯s clear as day.

    You¡¯ve been part of the Bet family for months, yet not a single one likes you. The house staff doesn¡¯t respect you, and the employees think you¡¯re useless. Joyce, can¡¯t you see? Everyone looks down on you.¡±

    Joyce balled her fists, scrambling for a reason.

    ¡°It¡¯s because you¡¯re indifferent to me! The way you treat me sets the tone for everyone else. If you showed me some real affection, they¡¯d follow suit. They¡¯re all just a bunch of yes-men, only reacting to what you do!¡±

    Alexander could feel a headache brewing, his frustration growing by the second.

    Your next story starts here: g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    ¡°Is that your view of them? Let me remind you, on our wedding day, when you were drunk, it was the staff who took care of you. My father made you soup in the morning, and my uncles gave you gifts. Have you ever stopped to wonder why they don¡¯t like you now? It¡¯s because you think you¡¯re better than everyone now that you¡¯ve got some cash.¡±

    Joyce sulked.

    ¡°If they had the skills, they¡¯d make as much as I do.¡±

    Alexander felt like he was speaking to a brick wall.

    ¡°I¡¯ve said all I need to say. We can part ways peacefully, or we¡¯ll go to court. It¡¯s up to you.¡±

    Without another word, Alexander turned and walked away, not willing to stay in the same room a second longer.

    A few momentster, Katrina appeared and saw Joyce standing alone, her face streaked with tears and smeared with snot.

    Dani and Cedric had already made their way home. As the door creaked open, Dani peeled away from Cedric¡¯s warm embrace, her attention riveted to the TV screen. Cedric exhaled deeply, and Dani nced at him with a smile.

    Katrina and Joyce walked in mid-conversation.

    ¡°You really need to rein in that temper of yours, Joyce.

    You¡¯ve gone from bride to nearly divorced. What does that tell the world about you?¡±

    Joyce dismissed the mention of divorce with a casual shrug, as if it were mere pillow talk. Divorce was often a card yed but seldom dealt. She figured a bit of sweet-talking could smooth things overter. Even as a twice-married woman, she knew Alexander¡¯s track record was no trophy either.

    With a dismissive wave, Joyce ascended the stairs to retire for the night, while Katrina took the food to the kitchen.

    A sudden thought struck her, and she turned, casting her gaze from Dani and Cedric to Lillian.

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: I hope you enjoyed the chapters, dear readers. God loves you, and Noah wishes you all the best! (>?=)

    .

 Chapter 461

    ?Chapter 461:

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you sitting between Dani and Cedric anymore? Weren¡¯t you keeping an eye on them?¡±

    Lillian, her mouth busy with chips, responded with indifference, ¡°The word on the street is that Cedric prefers men. So, to me, he and Dani might as well be besties! No need for concern.¡±

    Katrina pondered this and made her way upstairs. As the sound of a closing door echoed, Lillian stole a nce at the couple.

    Dani was sprawled across Cedric¡¯sp, engrossed in her phone game.

    ¡°Hey, shouldn¡¯t you two keep your rtionship under wraps? What¡¯s all this about?¡± Lillian chided.

    Dani chuckled.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t we practically besties now? So, a little closeness shouldn¡¯t matter.¡±

    Cedric tenderly brushed a stray hair from Dani¡¯s face.

    ¡°Exactly, no harm in it.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re just indulging her,¡± Lillian muttered, half-amused, half-exasperated.

    ¡°Despite the rumors swirling around, you two seem to relish the drama.¡±

    That night, Cedric, usually so guarded, strutted upstairs with an overt confidence. Lillian sighed, wondering how the girls would react once they realized they¡¯d been duped. Katrina felt a nagging suspicion. While dabbing on her night cream, she asked Caiden, ¡°You¡¯ve been around quite a bittely. Noticed anything untoward between Cedric and Dani?¡±

    Caiden rolled over, his back to Katrina, signaling his disinterest.

    Katrina squinted as she continued to apply her cream.

    Your escape begins at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    ¡°Something just doesn¡¯t sit right.¡±

    In the dimly lit room, Cedric drew Dani close. Looking down at her, with her eyes twinkling, he asked, ¡°Is it that amusing?¡±

    Dani nodded.

    ¡°I¡¯ve just realized the potency of rumors. Did you hear? They said you were gay. It¡¯s just ludicrous.¡± As Dani¡¯sughter filled the room, Cedric¡¯s expression subtly darkened.

    Herughter tapered off. She scooted away, wrapping herself in a nket, inching towards the edge of the bed. Cedric¡¯s lips pursed.

    ¡°I¡¯m off to shower.¡±

    Dani peeked out from the nket.

    ¡°Another one? Wasn¡¯t one enough?¡±

    Cedric took a deep breath, his jaw set.

    ¡°Should I not?¡±

    Dani giggled.

    ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    He bent down, kissing her lightly, and said, ¡°I¡¯ll deal with youter.¡±

    Ten minutester, Cedric stood up, nced at Dani¡¯s slightly parted lips, closed his eyes for a brief moment, and headed to the bathroom. Dani, her smile lingering, drifted off to sleep, enveloped in the scent of Cedric that lingered in the air. The next morning, the housekeeper told Joyce, ¡°There¡¯s a package for you on the table.¡±

    Puzzled, Joyce approached and, upon opening the envelope, was taken aback by its contents. As Katrina descended the stairs, the look on Joyce¡¯s face revealed the nature of the documents she held.

    ¡°Mom,¡± Joyce cried out, tears streaming down her face.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 462

    ?Chapter 462:

    ¡°Alexander wants to divorce me! He¡¯s serious this time!¡± Her wails echoed throughout the house, reaching every ear.

    Inconsble, she sobbed, ¡°Mom, what do I do?¡± Katrina¡¯s eyes flicked to Caiden descending the stairs, then quickly away. Even if Caiden wanted to intervene, the precarious state of Harper Group meant that Alexander wouldn¡¯t take him seriously. Only Dani could sway him now.

    As Dani appeared, Katrina, bypassing Joyce, pleaded, ¡°Dani, could you talk to Alexander? Couples have their disagreements, but if it drags on, it¡¯ll lead to divorce.

    You have a lot of sway now; could you speak up for us?¡±

    ¡°Are you out of your mind?¡± Cedric cut in sharply before Dani could utter a word, his expression chilling. Lillian, poised to interject, withdrew silently, her heart sinking slightly. It was clear that Dani no longer required her guardianship.

    Katrina was caught off guard by Cedric¡¯s bluntness.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Your family¡¯s drama shouldn¡¯t entangle Dani,¡± Cedric said coldly.

    ¡°Have you even considered the weight of what you¡¯re asking her to shoulder?¡±

    Frustration knotted Katrina¡¯s brow, and she yearned to retaliate but held back, knowing Cedric was not one to challenge lightly. Masking her agitation with a strained smile, she ventured, ¡°But what if Dani herself is open to stepping in?¡± Her eyes then sought Dani, who remained head bowed and dered, ¡°I¡¯ll listen to Cedric.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s face fell, words failing her as the retort died on her lips. Lillian, rising, felt a sharp pang of discontent.

    She had no desire to witness the sugary disy that was about to unfold.

    Find your favorite stories at g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s., conn

    Katrina¡¯s gaze remained fixed on Dani.

    ¡°Dani, I know we¡¯ve had many misunderstandings in the past. That¡¯s on me, and I¡¯ll take full responsibility.

    You can me me all you want, but please, don¡¯t take it out on Joyce. She¡¯s still young. Can you help her? Please?¡± A flicker of emotion crossed her eyes as she looked at Dani.

    But before Dani could respond, Cedric¡¯s voice cut through the air.

    ¡°Still young? Joyce is an adult, isn¡¯t she? Do you think you can push Dani around just because you assume she has no one to defend her? Let me make one thing clear¡ªDani has people protecting her. Don¡¯t drag your family¡¯s mess into her life.¡±

    Katrina opened her mouth to argue, but Cedric didn¡¯t give her the chance.

    ¡°Joyce!¡± he barked.

    Joyce emerged from the kitchen, holding a knife, and pointed it toward Katrina¡¯s face.

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Phillips.¡±

    The blood drained from Katrina¡¯s cheeks, leaving her pale and trembling.

    In his eyes, they had all lost their minds. All of them!

    Seeing no other way, Joyce tried to stall for time.

    Maybe the topwyer from Elite Lux could help craft a strategy. But Cedric wasn¡¯t about to give her that opportunity.

    His patience snapped.

    ¡°Don¡¯te any closer. My tolerance for this nonsense is wearing thin. If you dare take advantage of Dani again, I¡¯ll buy out Harper Group tomorrow, and you¡¯ll find yourself thrown out of this house.¡±

    His words hit like a sledgehammer, and Katrina, consumed by fear, grabbed Joyce¡¯s arm and dragged her away.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 463

    ?Chapter 463:

    Several days passed.

    Alexander¡¯s secretary stepped into the house.

    ¡°Mr. Bet¡¯s message is clear¡ªdragging this out is pointless. It¡¯s better to finalize the divorce sooner rather thanter.¡±

    Katrina stared at the divorce agreement and was about to speak when Joyce burst out of the room. Refusing to ept the harsh reality, she ran straight to Alexander¡¯s car and knocked on the tinted window.

    ¡°I¡¯m not the type to cling shamelessly. Get out here and let¡¯s talk. If you still want the divorce after that, fine, we¡¯ll get divorced.¡±

    The car door opened, and Alexander stepped out.

    But the moment he stood in front of her, it became clear¡ªJoyce had no intention of letting him go.

    She continued speaking about her hardships, about how difficult it was to be in a marriage without love.

    ¡°Alexander, I¡¯ve already been judged for having a child out of wedlock. If you divorce me now, how am I supposed to face anyone? How will I ever marry again? I know you¡¯re still upset about what happenedst time, but it was only because I love you.

    You married me but never touched me. Do you know what people say? They call me tainted, damaged. Have you ever thought about how that makes me feel? This marriage can¡¯t work if I¡¯m the only one trying.¡±

    Joyce¡¯s tears fell freely now, as she recited the lines she had carefully rehearsed over the past few days, clinging to the hope that they might soften his heart.

    ¡°Let¡¯s not divorce. Let¡¯s go back home and make this work. Please.¡± For the first time since their marriage, Joyce adopted a posture ofplete humility.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??§àm, where stories thrive

    She thought that as long as she admitted her mistakes, Alexander would reconsider. But she was wrong.

    In the dim light of the evening, Alexander stood before her like an immovable mountain. His presence was cold, his expression distant.

    ¡°I don¡¯t like you. We¡¯re not suited for each other, and forcing this will only lead to misery for both of us. I can¡¯t do this anymore. This marriage has to end.¡±

    Joyce hadn¡¯t imagined that even after lowering herself so much, Alexander would remain utterly unyielding. A flicker of anger crossed her face, but she forced it down, masking her frustration.

    ¡°Alexander, I know you¡¯re still furious about what happened before, but I swear it won¡¯t happen again. I¡¯ll apologize to the one I hurt. I¡¯ll even make up for the Bet family¡¯s losses.¡±

    Before he could cut her off, she rushed to speak again, her voice trembling.

    ¡°That¡¯s enough. Don¡¯t say anything. I¡¯m going back inside now.¡±

    Without waiting for a response, she turned on her heel and hurried away, her steps uneven and rushed.

    Alexander remained rooted in ce, exhaling a long, weary sigh. As he moved to return to his car, faint footsteps caught his attention.

    Turning toward the sound, he saw Dani walking a small dog. The bell on its cor jingled, its gentle chime breaking the stillness of the dusky evening.

    The weight pressing on Alexander¡¯s chest seemed to lift, his earlier frustration dissolving.

    His eyes lingered on Dani as she crouched down to scoop up the lively dog. She smiled as it wriggled in her arms, its fur brushing against her cheek as if it were sharing a secret.

    Herugh, light and melodic, carried through the air as she murmured, ¡°Why are you being such a little troublemaker today?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 464

    ?Chapter 464:

    Alexander knew he shouldn¡¯t approach her. He¡¯d told himself that before thest time he¡¯d seen her at the dinner party. But, just like then, restraint slipped through his fingers.

    ¡°Dani.¡±

    The smile on Dani¡¯s lips gradually faded. She gently ced the dog on the ground, her grip on the leash steady, her face unreadable.

    ¡°Mr. Bet.¡± Her tone was formal, distant¡ªlike a stranger addressing someone they barely knew.

    Alexander¡¯s chest tightened with a sharp ache.

    ¡°Do you really need to be so cold? You used to call me Alexander.¡± But Dani¡¯s eyes drifted to the dog instead, her attention shifting away as if his words hadn¡¯t even reached her.

    ¡°You must have heard by now,¡± he continued, his voice softer, almost pleading.

    ¡°I¡¯m divorcing Joyce. The details are already being sorted out.¡±

    Dani didn¡¯t flinch; her expression remained like stone, distant and detached. She kept her hold on the leash and took a step forward, her intention to leave clear. Alexander panicked and followed, his steps quick to match hers.

    She stopped suddenly, her sharp gaze locking onto him like ice.

    ¡°Alexander, do you hold some kind of grudge against me?¡±

    His breath hitched at her unexpected question.

    ?¦Ò???? ¦Ô???????????? ¦É?? ?????????????????.??????

    ¡°Your divorce from Joyce has nothing to do with me. Stop trying to drag me into this mess. I want no part in your drama or your love life.¡±

    Alexander opened his mouth to respond, but she cut him off, her tone dripping with disdain.

    ¡°Frankly, I find it revolting.¡±

    Alexander felt his entire body tense as Dani¡¯s icy words¡ª¡±I find it revolting¡±¡ªpierced him like shards of ss. The ache in his chest spread like wildfire, bitter and unrelenting.

    For a moment, he just stood there, frozen in ce.

    Dani, watching him, assumed he would leave. She knew the kind of man Alexander was; his pride wouldn¡¯t allow him to endure such humiliation.

    But to her surprise, he stayed.

    Her brows furrowed slightly. If he wasn¡¯t going to leave, she would. She had no intention of prolonging the encounter. After all, if Joyce caught wind of this, she would twist the narrative to make it seem as though Alexander¡¯s divorce was her fault. Joyce was the kind of person who always needed a scapegoat, someone to bear the weight of her insecurities.

    She wasn¡¯t afraid of Joyce. She simply found it a waste of time to get tangled in someone else¡¯s drama.

    Without hesitation, she turned on her heel and began walking away. Alexander¡¯s voice broke the silence.

    ¡°Are you still ming me?¡±

    She didn¡¯t even nce back, refusing to dignify the question with an answer. Her pace remained steady, her back straight.

    But Alexander wasn¡¯t ready to let it go. He followed her, his tone pressing, desperate.

    ¡°Dani, is this still about the fire? Are you angry because I saved Joyce instead of you?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 465

    ?Chapter 465:

    The question struck a nerve, but not in the way he might have expected.

    Once, it had felt like the ultimate betrayal¡ªa moment she could never forgive.

    Now, as he mentioned it, the memory seemed distant, faded. It was like a photograph left too long in the sun, its colors dim and muted.

    Time had dulled the sharp edges of her pain.

    She could still recall the bitter disappointment she had felt that day, the way her heart had twisted with disbelief.

    But that version of her was long gone. Her heart had learned to let go, to move forward without carrying the weight of the past.

    ¡°I can exin,¡± Alexander said, stepping in front of her to block her path.

    ¡°Dani, please, let me exin. Back then, in the fire, the smoke was so thick I couldn¡¯t see anything clearly. All I could remember was that you were wearing red that day¡ªred, like a winter rose. When I rushed inside, the first thing I saw was a sh of red. I thought it was you. I swear, I didn¡¯t know it was Joyce. I was trying to save you.¡±

    Dani stood silently, her gaze steady as she watched him struggle to exin himself.

    The memory, once searing and unbearable, no longer held power over her.

    She nodded faintly, her voice t as she replied, ¡°Noted.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s anxiety spiked at her indifference. His hands clenched at his sides as he pressed on.

    L¦¡¦Ó??¦Ó ch¦Á¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?l??.??????

    ¡°I know you misunderstood me back then. But I didn¡¯t exin myself because I thought it wouldn¡¯t change anything. What happened had already happened.¡±

    Dani tilted her head slightly, her eyes narrowing as she nced at him.

    ¡°Then why are you bringing it up now?¡±

    ¡°Because I think you misunderstood me,¡± Alexander blurted out, his words spilling over each other.

    ¡°And misunderstandings should be cleared up, don¡¯t you think? Dani, you¡¯ll forgive me, won¡¯t you?¡±

    His voice wasced with desperation, his eyes searching hers for any sign of forgiveness.

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t supposed to be like this. We were supposed to get married and live a good life together.

    You were supposed to be my wife. And we were already married. Everything was perfect, but because of that one mistake, everything went off course. Now, I just want to fix it. I want everything to go back to the way it should have been, back to the right path.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s gaze burned into Dani, his words tumbling out in a rapid, almost breathless cadence, as if he feared she would walk away before he finished.

    He believed that if he could just exin himself, if he could just clear up the misunderstanding, everything could be salvaged. There was still hope. There had to be.

    ¡°I¡¯m divorcing Joyce. We weren¡¯t right for each other. Dani, you¡¯re the one who¡¯s truly right for me. Dani, please, give me another chance.¡±

    By this point, Alexander¡¯s tone was almost pleading. Dani looked at him¡ªthe man she had loved for so many years.

    The sight should have stirred something within her. Once upon a time, she might have dreamed of this moment, of Alexander lowering his proud head to speak such words.

    But now, there was no joy, no sense of triumph in her heart. Was it pity?

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 466

    ?Chapter 466:

    Not in the slightest.

    She had something better now, something far greater than the fleeting emotions she had once felt for him. She was not someone who dwelled on the past.

    Every step she took was deliberate, every choice well considered. Regret was a luxury she had never allowed herself to entertain.

    Meanwhile, Joyce had finished knitting a scarf for Alexander. It was a gift she had worked on tirelessly, picturing the moment she would hand it to him.

    She stepped outside, the scarf clutched tightly in her hands, her heart light with anticipation. But she heard Alexander¡¯s words.

    She stood there, unmoving, as the truth hit her like a gust of cold wind.

    She even wanted tough.

    So this was it. This was the truth.

    No matter what challenges they faced, she had always kept a ce for Alexander in her heart.

    Back then, when the mes raged around her, Alexander had burst into the building and pulled her to safety. He had risked his life for her, not Dani.

    That memory had been her anchor, the reason she had convinced herself to hold onto him.

    And now, she realized the favor she had cherished for so long was nothing more than an illusion.

    Joyce recalled the moment Alexander had told her he couldn¡¯t take it anymore, his voice cold and distant as he dered he wanted a divorce.

    She hadshed out, her words sharp and cutting, but deep inside, she had already started to let go.

    She had always known herself too well.

    She wasn¡¯t the kind of woman who could suppress her temper or swallow her pride for the sake of appearances. Shecked the poise and grace expected of a CEO¡¯s wife. The endless rules, the polite facades, the intricate games of high society¡ªit had never been her world.

    Their marriage had been short, but it felt longer, weighted down by all the ways she didn¡¯t belong. More than once, she had thought about letting go.

    In fact, she had already told herself that if Alexander ever insisted on a divorce, she would agree.

    She had resolved to set him free, and in doing so, she would free herself as well.

    But now, he was saying that he had saved the wrong person.

    Joyce discovered that the favoritism she once believed in was merely an illusion.

    This epiphany rendered her previous decision to walk away almostical.

    Sheughed so intensely that tears cascaded down her cheeks.

    As sheughed, Dani and Alexander turned around, drawn by the sound.

    Tightening her grip on her scarf, Joyce inhaled deeply and straightened up. She then draped the scarf around her neck.

    She affirmed to herself that a man incapable of loving her was unworthy of her heart.

    With the scarf securely in ce, Joyce approached Dani and Alexander.

    Alexander, looking bewildered, watched as Joyce confidently linked her arm through his. With a superficial smile, she asked, ¡°Why haven¡¯t you left yet? What were you discussing with my sister?¡± Her smile, though faint and unconvincing, did not reach her eyes, hinting at the coldness behind it.

    Alexander frowned deeply.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 467

    ?Chapter 467:

    Turning to Dani, Joyce said, ¡°I need a moment more with Alexander.¡±

    Dani gave a brief nod and walked away.

    Alexander made to follow Dani, yearning for a response to his earlier confessions, but Joyce obstructed his path.

    ¡°Don¡¯t waste your time.¡±

    Alexander faced her, irritation sharp in his voice.

    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±

    Joyce offered a wry smile, the warmth of the scarf around her neck contrasting with the coolness of her demeanor. She adjusted the scarf casually and warned, ¡°Alexander, no matter your beliefs or whether Dani ends her rtionship with Caiden, she remains my sister. Our marriage is still legally valid, and should you pursue anything with her, just a few tears from me in public could wreak havoc on Bet Group.¡±

    She chuckled dryly, herugh piercing the tense air.

    ¡°After all, is there anything more scandalous than you having an affair with your sister-inw, wouldn¡¯t you?¡±

    Alexander¡¯s expression darkened, his eyes narrowing.

    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t dare.¡±

    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I?¡± Joyce retorted, her voice calm yet detached.

    ¡°What do I have to lose? I don¡¯t rely on you, Alexander. But do you dare to take that risk?¡± She stepped closer, her tone quietly menacing.

    Step into new worlds at g ? ln¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s?conn

    ¡°Are you willing to risk Bet Group¡¯s future against me? Perhaps you should proceed. Maybe Dani will be touched by your persistence and forgive you eventually.¡± She crossed her arms and shed him a cold, mocking smile.

    ¡°So, what¡¯s your decision? Your business empire or the beauty? Choose.¡±

    Joyce didn¡¯t wait for his response. Before walking away, she turned sharply, her voice firm and decisive.

    ¡°I don¡¯t consent to a divorce.

    You¡¯re wee to file if you wish, but be ready to lose everything. I¡¯ve realized I quite enjoy being your wife.¡± Then, she let out a wild, almost unhingedugh before turning and walking back to the vi. Her eyes were cold, her expression resolute.

    If she couldn¡¯t have a happy life, they might as well be miserable together.

    Alexander stood frozen, Joyce¡¯s ultimatum¡ª¡±your business empire or the beauty¡±¡ªresonating in his mind like a deafening roar.

    He hadn¡¯t anticipated Joyce would take such drastic steps, cing herself yet again as an obstacle between him and Dani.

    His gaze lingered on Dani as she walked away, and his hand slowly clenched into a tight fist.

    That same day, Joyce packed her belongings and left. When Katrina inquired about her actions, Joyce dered she wasn¡¯t seeking a divorce. She intended to endure this marriage for the rest of their lives.

    As she spoke, Dani was in the living room. Joyce¡¯s gaze fixed on her throughout the conversation.

    Dani, however, showed no reaction, making it unclear whether she had heard it or not.

    Joyce grabbed her suitcase, ready to depart, yet paused, reflecting briefly before setting it back down. She approached Dani and stood next to her.

    ¡°Dani, I¡¯ve decided not to divorce Alexander. What do you think about that?¡± Joyce felt a twinge of fear towards Dani.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 468

    ?Chapter 468:

    Dani, invaluable for her connections, was like a treasure trove of opportunities. Joyce was aware of Dani¡¯s influence, having witnessed powerful men submit to her at Elite Lux with utter obedience. If she angered Dani, and Dani chose to reim the roboticspany shares, Caiden wouldn¡¯t be able to retrieve them a second time.

    Without Dani¡¯s financial support, Joyce questioned how she could possibly challenge the Bet family. Dani, engrossed in a report, seemed not to hear Joyce initially.

    Dani nced at Joyce, prompting her to repeat her statement.

    Dani¡¯s reply came tly.

    ¡°It¡¯s up to you. Why are you telling me? I¡¯m not your mother.¡±

    Nearby, Joyce¡¯s mother, observing the exchange, narrowed her eyes at Dani, suspecting an ulterior motive.

    Unlike her mother, who possessed keen instincts, Joyce simply offered a tentative smile to Dani.

    ¡°I felt I should consult you. Without the support from the robotics firm, what else can I count on?¡±

    Realizing the futility of any deception in front of Dani, Joyce let go of any facade.

    As she concluded, her phone chimed with a notification. She made no move to check her phone.

    Dani raised her chin slightly and asked, ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to check that?¡±

    Joyce was initially baffled by Dani¡¯s words. She hesitated, her head bowed as she fished out her phone from her pocket.

    M¦Òr¦Å ¦Ôpd¦Á§äes ¦Én G¦Áln¦Ò¦Íels.c¦Òm

    Upon viewing the text, Joyce became statue-still. Then, looking at Dani, she uttered, ¡°What are you getting at?¡±

    ¡°You were seeking some leverage, weren¡¯t you?¡±

    Tears welled up in Joyce¡¯s eyes as she leaned in, trying to hug Dani.

    But Dani blocked her advance, keeping her at arm¡¯s length.

    ¡°Thank you, Dani!¡±

    Dani cracked a small smile and shifted her focus to her phone.

    ¡°You¡¯re a shareholder of the roboticspany. Should you need support, thepany will stand behind you.

    You¡¯ll see dividends in due course; financial worries won¡¯t trouble you.¡±

    Joyce¡¯s excitement was unmistakable, radiating from her expression.

    However, Katrina¡¯s expression darkened.

    This windfall only fueled Joyce¡¯sbative spirit. The more Dani contributed, the bigger the storm Joyce would brew for the Bet family.

    Joyce had just learned that Alexander had intended to save Dani from the fire, and now she seethed with anger.

    With fresh resources and Dani¡¯s pledged support, Joyce was primed to return and wreak havoc on the Bet family.

    Katrina saw Joyce as a pawn in Dani¡¯s game.

    As Joyce stood abruptly, pride lifting her stature, Katrina reached out and held her arm.

    ¡°Joyce, listen to me. Dani has an agenda.

    You¡¯re too upset now. Maybe hold off on going back just yet.¡±

    Joyce shook off Katrina¡¯s grasp, her face etched with frustration.

    ¡°Mom, I don¡¯t understand you anymore. Can¡¯t you see Alexander has driven me to the edge? Instead of backing me, you¡¯re preaching calm? You never held back when you went after Dani.

    You always taught me that victory was all that counts. If I back down now, I¡¯ll be forever marginalized in the Bet family.

    You¡¯ve always lived by your own rules, and now you expect me to just fold? That¡¯s hardly fair!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 469

    ?Chapter 469:

    ¡°You¡¯ve grown old and lost your zest, and frankly, Dani shows me more kindness than you do. People are inherently selfish; that much is clear.

    You just want afortable life, just like when Alexander hurt me and you turned a blind eye.¡± Tears streamed down Katrina¡¯s cheeks.

    ¡°Darling, how can you use me like that?¡±

    ¡°Mom, stop worrying about me. I know what I¡¯m doing.¡±

    ¡°You go ahead and cozy up to Dani. She¡¯s a good person.¡±

    With those words, Joyce departed without a backward nce.

    Katrina watched her daughter disappear, a pang of dread rising in her heart.

    She felt on the brink of losing Joyce; perhaps she already had.

    Fright gnawing at her, Katrina approached Dani hastily.

    ¡°What are you plotting? What are your intentions with Joyce?¡±

    Dani paused, then locked eyes with Katrina.

    Under the harsh overhead lighting, Dani¡¯s eyes shone with a sharp gleam, her lips curving into a subtle, icy smile.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you tell me?¡±

    Katrina was momentarily taken aback. Under Dani¡¯s prating stare, her heart pounded wildly. She had an uneasy suspicion that Dani knew more than she was letting on. But she wasn¡¯t sure.

    ¡°What do you mean? Are you trying to hurt Joyce? Dani, we¡¯ve never been adversaries. Why manipte her like this?¡±

    Dani brushed off the allegation, nonchntly turning off her phone¡¯s screen. She then rose gracefully to her full height, looming over Katrina, who clenched her fists. Dani leaned in, her voice a whisper near Katrina¡¯s ear.

    L?t?st ?h??pt?rs ¦Én g??lnov§Ö???.??????

    ¡°Are you certain we¡¯ve never been adversaries? Or perhaps¡­¡±

    She trailed off, leaving the thought hanging.

    Katrina watched as Dani straightened, her demeanor echoing that of Brylee¡¯s. A chill snaked through Katrina.

    She shivered slightly as Dani finished her thought.

    ¡°Or perhaps this is a blood feud!¡±

    Every strand of hair on Katrina¡¯s body prickled as she absorbed Dani¡¯s words.

    Her eyes widened in shock, meeting Dani¡¯s gaze. Unintentionally, she eximed, ¡°What do you know?¡±

    When Dani heard this, her smile grew even wider. It wasn¡¯t a reassuring smile; instead, it was the kind that sent a shiver through Katrina¡¯s heart. Dani advanced slowly, her steps deliberate.

    Instinctively, Katrina moved back.

    She never imagined that the little girl she had once bullied, the one who would sit at the stairs with a bowl, eating quietly, had now turned into someone who could make her shrink back with just a nce.

    A pang of regret hit Katrina. She regretted not dealing with Dani permanently, much like she had with Brylee.

    ¡°What do you think I know?¡± Dani asked, her voice calm yet filled with cold.

    Katrina stood there, frozen, for what felt like an eternity. She couldn¡¯t find the words to respond to that question. As the true meaning of Dani¡¯s words slowly sank in, a cold shiver ran down her spine, freezing her blood in its tracks. She trembled, the coldness seeming to prate her bones.

    When she regained herposure, she found herself alone in the living room, engulfed by fear.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 470

    ?Chapter 470:

    Turning to her husband, Katrina said, ¡°Caiden, Dani is targeting Joyce!¡±

    Caiden had juste home, slightly buzzed from an evening out. Heughed it off with a dismissive wave. Katrina raised her voice, desperate.

    ¡°I¡¯m serious! Dani¡¯s distributed dividends from the robotics firm frequently, and her re just now¡­ it was as if she wanted me dead.

    You¡¯ve seen Joyce grow. We can¡¯t let Dani harm her.¡±

    Again, Caiden brushed her concerns aside.

    ¡°Dani¡¯s got too much on her te for such pettiness. She wouldn¡¯t target Joyce over something trivial like Alexander. If she wanted to hurt Joyce, why would she have given her shares in the first ce?¡±

    Katrina faltered, at a loss for words.

    Caiden shrugged, rxed.

    ¡°She would only be really angry when Brylee was involved.¡±

    Without bothering to freshen up, Caiden covered himself with a nket,y down, and soon began snoring. Katrina, on the other hand, was overwhelmed with anxiety.

    She reached for her phone and dialed.

    ¡°Mom, I think Dani remembers what happened to Brylee.¡±

    ¡°What? That happened so long ago. Don¡¯t work yourself up. Even if Dani suspects something, does she have any proof? She was only five when Brylee died. Can you remember anything from when you were five? By now, she¡¯s probably forgotten it all.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s expression darkened, and her voice dropped to a murmur.

    Updates loaded at g??????¦Òv????s.co??

    ¡°Five years old¡­ Surely she remembers more than that.¡±

    Briefly hesitating, Katrina then instructed, ¡°Mom, we need a hypnotist, but not the old one. Find someone young and attractive. I intend for Dani to meet her mother¡¯s fate!¡±

    As she hung up, Katrina nced nervously towards the bedroom.

    Caught up in thoughts of Brylee, she realized she had neglected her usual cautions. She picked up a fruit knife and paused by the bedside.

    Her hand clenched tightly around the knife, her determination firm.

    Meanwhile, Caiden continued to snore, unaware of the tension.

    Katrina exhaled slowly, her nerves easing slightly. She scolded herself internally to remain vignt.

    She couldn¡¯t let Dani turn the tables on her after all these years.

    Katrina headed to the bathroom to freshen herself up. Unbeknownst to her, Caiden¡¯s eyes fluttered open in the bedroom. His hand was damp, his grip uneasy.

    The sharp edge of the fruit knife glinted menacingly on the nightstand. A bead of cold sweat trickled down Caiden¡¯s forehead.

    He wiped his brow roughly, his hand shaking, then closed his eyes once more.

    Silence surrounded the room again, as though the night had swallowed the earlier disturbance.

    The next morning, Cedric stepped out of Dani¡¯s room.

    It was still early, five o¡¯clock in the morning.

    The house was eerily quiet.

    As Cedric made his way downstairs, he found Caiden lingering near the door to his own room.

    Cedric hesitated, caught off guard by the unexpected sight.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 471

    ?Chapter 471:

    He stood still for a moment, trying toe up with a reasonable exnation, but before he could speak, Caiden broke the silence.

    ¡°Hey, Cedric. Got any work tripsing up? Maybe something you could send me on?¡±

    Cedric gave him a confused look.

    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±

    Caiden¡¯s unease was evident, and he seemed desperate.

    ¡°I just need to escape for a while. Katrina¡¯s making me lose my mind, and a business trip is the perfect excuse. No matter what happens between you and Dani, I¡¯m still her father, right? While you¡¯re trying to win her over, you can¡¯t forget about me.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s face hardened as he heard those words. His contempt for Caiden deepened.

    Just moments before, he hade downstairs from Dani¡¯s room, yet Caiden didn¡¯t ask a single question, showing no concern as a father.

    Instead, Caiden seemed focused on exploiting the situation for his own benefit.

    How could someone like him ever be fit to be a father? Cedric¡¯s expression remained frosty as he washed up and replied tly, ¡°There is a trip, but it¡¯s quite far.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s face immediately brightened.

    ¡°Really? Perfect! Just send me then!¡±

    Cedric answered in a detached tone, ¡°I¡¯ll have my secretary check if it can be arranged.¡±

    . is your storytelling hub

    Caiden seemed thrilled.

    ¡°You¡¯re the boss, after all. If you tell your secretary to book me a flight, she¡¯ll get it done, won¡¯t she? Perfect! I¡¯ll go pack right now.¡±

    Without waiting for a response, he hurried off to prepare for the trip.

    Cedric went for his usual morning run and then made breakfast. By eight o¡¯clock, he made his way upstairs and knocked softly on Dani¡¯s door.

    As he entered, he found Dani still deep in sleep.

    The cold edge in Cedric¡¯s gaze softened instantly.

    He knelt beside the bed and lightly tapped Dani¡¯s nose.

    ¡°It¡¯s eight. Time to wake up?¡±

    Still half-asleep, Dani grabbed his hand, pulling it under the covers with hers. She drifted for a moment longer before finally blinking her eyes open.

    Once she had dressed and freshened up, Cedric spoke up.

    ¡°Caiden asked me to set up a trip for him. I told him it¡¯d be quite far, and he seemed pretty excited about it.¡±

    Dani gave a small nod, unfazed.

    ¡°Sure. Let him go then.¡±

    She thought that adding another person to the war between her and Katrina would only make her ns moreplicated.

    The questions from the previous night had unsettled Katrina just enough for Caiden to pick up on it. Now, he was eager to make his escape.

    That confirmed everything Dani had suspected from the start.

    Cedric nced at Dani.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to tell me what you¡¯re nning?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 472

    ?Chapter 472:

    Dani smiled faintly.

    ¡°Haven¡¯t you already figured it out?¡±

    Cedric wasn¡¯t as oblivious as Joyce. He likely had his own suspicions and was just waiting for Dani to confirm them.

    ¡°I take care of my own vengeance,¡± Dani said with conviction.

    Cedric nodded.

    ¡°As long as you stay out of real danger, do what you need to do. I¡¯ve got your back. But if you push it too far and risk your safety, I¡¯ll step in.¡±

    For him, that was the one line he wouldn¡¯t cross. His priority was making sure Dani remained safe.

    That day, Caiden boarded a private jet owned by Cedric¡¯spany, his excitement barely contained as he imagined the ¡°work trip¡± ahead. Just before the ne took off, Cedric asked, ¡°Anything else?¡±

    Caiden waved a hand nonchntly.

    ¡°Just make sure the local branch handles my meals. I¡¯m a bit particr about what I eat.¡±

    With that, Cedric gave him a nod, turned on his heel, and walked away.

    When he returned hometer, Lillian, who had been waiting for him, gave him a curious nce.

    ¡°So, where exactly did you send him off to?¡±

    Cedric¡¯s expression darkened.

    Fresh content live now g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s

    ¡°It was the City of Romance.¡±

    Lillian¡¯s grin widened.

    ¡°And now?¡±

    ¡°A desert,¡± Cedric replied.

    On the ne, the moment Caiden realized his actual destination, his face turned pale. He erupted in disbelief, ¡°A desert? Are you kidding me? I came here to enjoy life, not to mess around with sand.¡±

    The ne had already crossed into another country. Up in the sky, no matter how much he shouted, the ne¡¯s course couldn¡¯t be altered.

    Katrina believed Caiden was away on a business trip. She thought he had buried himself in work due to financial struggles, so she had no reason to suspect anything. Early that morning, she returned home with a young man in tow.

    He appeared to be in his mid-twenties, with a bright smile and dimples that added to his charm, making the whole room light up.

    It was the weekend.

    Dani made her way downstairs and saw the young man, who introduced himself as Johan Randall.

    ¡°Good morning,¡± Johan said, his eyes lifting to meet hers with an air of polite familiarity.

    Dani offered Johan only a fleeting nce, her silence speaking volumes.

    Katrina hurried over, stepping in to exin, ¡°This is Johan, my nephew. He¡¯ll be staying with us for a few days.¡± As she took a sip from the ss of juice Cedric had handed her, Dani allowed a faint smile to y on her lips.

    ¡°You seem to have quite the extended family. First, your niece; now, your nephew. Who¡¯s next on the guest list?¡±

    Katrina¡¯s smile stiffened, and her jaw tightened.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 473

    ?Chapter 473:

    ¡°Well, family visits are just a part of life, aren¡¯t they?¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Dani replied with an easy shrug.

    ¡°Actually, Peyton was talking about visiting soon. Maybe we should invite her too.¡±

    At the mention of Peyton, Katrina¡¯s face immediately paled.

    She knew all too well that Peyton¡¯s hostility towards her would make any visit a recipe for disaster.

    With Joyce and Caiden in the midst of a heated fallout, Peyton was undoubtedly relishing every moment, spreading the gossip about Joyce¡¯s personal matters wherever she went.

    Katrina couldn¡¯t stand it, but there was little she could do to silence Peyton¡¯s chatter.

    Suppressing her frustration, Katrina took a steadying breath.

    ¡°Dani, she¡¯s getting older. Let¡¯s not trouble her. I know you prefer fewer people around, so I¡¯ll be more considerate next time.¡±

    Dani stayed silent, not responding to Katrina. She let out a quiet scoff and returned to her breakfast, ignoring the tension in the air.

    Nearby, Johan lingered, watching Dani¡¯s profile with a gentle smile.

    ¡°You¡¯re really something, Dani. I like that about you.¡±

    Cedric approached, holding a te of food, and shot Johan a disapproving look.

    With a faint smile, Dani responded, ¡°I¡¯m d you do. Hope it sticks.¡±

    1???E$? ?????€?S 1? g¨»l??¦Ïv?l?.§ão??

    Johan quickly showed just how persistent he could be.

    Whenever Dani wasn¡¯t in her room, he¡¯d hover around her, constantly talking about his campus life with an eager grin stered on his face.

    He yed the part of the innocent, carefree young man effortlessly.

    Without a word, Dani let him carry on, sinking deeper into the couch as she typed away on her phone. Curious, Johan leaned in to take a look, but Dani quickly handed the phone to Cedric instead.

    Cedric took a quick look at the screen.

    The filebeled ¡°Johan Randall¡± showed one simple message: ¡°No record found.¡±

    A yful smile tugged at Dani¡¯s lips. Johan,pletely unaware, grinned back at her.

    ¡°What¡¯s got you smiling so much?¡±

    Remainingposed, Dani answered smoothly, ¡°Just stumbled upon a little trickster. It¡¯s kind of amusing.¡±

    The air around Johan grew tense at her words.

    He began to wonder if Dani was hinting at something more.

    For a brief moment, it seemed like Dani could see right through him.

    ¡°You¡¯re quite the jokester,¡± he remarked, his eyes fixed on her phone. Reaching out to grab it, he was met with a quick tap that locked the screen with a sharp click. Without another word, Dani stood up and began heading upstairs. Johan followed closely behind. When Dani entered her bedroom, he moved to follow her in.

    But the door mmed shut in his face with a loud thud, leaving him with a stinging nose.

    Momentster, Cedric appeared with a te of fruit, and Johan pointed at the electronic lock.

    ¡°She locked it.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 474

    ?Chapter 474:

    With a calm, practiced motion, Cedric ced his finger on the panel, and the door clicked open.

    As Cedric stepped inside, Johan attempted to follow, but Cedric shot him a cold, unwavering look.

    ¡°Try one more step, and you¡¯re done.¡±

    Johan¡¯s smile faltered, freezing in ce.

    His eyes locked with Cedric¡¯s, and though his youthful appearance remained unchanged, the intensity in his gaze hinted at something far darker.

    Johan carefully ced his foot back down.

    ¡°What¡¯s the deal? Why are you both targeting me?¡±

    Cedric shed a mocking grin, his eyes glinting.

    ¡°Maybe you should ask yourself why you came knocking on our door, practically asking for trouble.¡±

    The forced smile on Johan¡¯s face quickly disappeared. Once again, he was struck with the realization that his cover had been blown.

    Cedric walked into the room and saw Dani seated at herputer, diving into research about Johan.

    As the phrase ¡°world-ss professional hypnotist¡± popped up on the screen, Cedric¡¯s eyes narrowed with suspicion.

    Dani¡¯s lips curled into a smirk when she came across the line, ¡°amission fee starting at eight million dors.¡±

    It became clear that Katrina had likely borrowed money from Joyce.

    Your favorite stories g?ln¦Ò¦Íels

    Dani had anticipated this moment for a long time.

    Picking up her phone, she stepped out onto the balcony and dialed the finance department at the roboticspany.

    ¡°Suspend all dividend payments,¡± she ordered.

    Meanwhile, Katrina was sprawled on the living room couch downstairs, leisurely watching TV.

    Joyce texted her, ¡°Mom, you said you¡¯d figure out a way to pay me back soon. Don¡¯t forget your promise.¡±

    Recliningfortably, Katrina typed back with a serene smile.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you trust me? Once Dani¡¯s gone, everything she owns will go to Caiden.

    You¡¯ll get far more than eight million. In fact, Elite Lux will be yours entirely.¡±

    Joyce¡¯s eyes widened in surprise.

    ¡°Really?¡±

    Katrina responded confidently, ¡°Of course.¡±

    As Katrina hit the send button, Johan appeared, descending the staircase.

    Narrowing his eyes, he remarked, ¡°Dani has formidable psychological defenses. She¡¯s not easy to hypnotize.¡±

    Katrina leapt up in frustration.

    ¡°Are you joking? I thought hypnotists could hypnotize anyone with ease!¡±

    Johan squinted, responding calmly, ¡°Not at all. Hypnosises with specific requirements¡ªa quiet, enclosed space. I can¡¯t even get near Dani¡¯s room. And as for Cedric, he might seem insignificant, but he shows up the second I try to approach her. Are you certain he doesn¡¯t have feelings for her?¡±

    If Katrina hadn¡¯t repeatedly insisted they shared no romantic rtionship, Johan would have sworn that Dani and Cedric were married.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 475

    ?Chapter 475:

    The unspoken bond between the two was like an invisible fortress¡ªimprable to outsiders.

    ¡°Impossible,¡± Katrina dered with unwavering certainty.

    ¡°Cedric likes men.¡±

    Johan¡¯s brow furrowed in disbelief.

    ¡°Are you serious?¡±

    The intensity in Cedric¡¯s gaze whenever he looked at Dani painted a very different picture. Whether they were married or not, there was no denying they were a couple. How could he possibly like men?

    ¡°He admitted it himself,¡± Katrina replied, her voice steady.

    ¡°He likes Ryan.¡±

    For a moment, Johan was caught off guard. It was rare for him to misread people, yet Cedric had managed to throw him off entirely.

    ¡°Whatever the case, make sure Dani is dealt with quickly.¡± Katrina hadn¡¯t forgotten her promise to hand Elite Lux over to Joyce.

    With apany as powerful as Elite Lux in Joyce¡¯s hands, the Bet family would have no choice but to acknowledge her.

    Meanwhile, Cedric was battling his own frustrations. Johan¡¯s constant appearance around Dani left him with no opportunity to sneak upstairs at night. Dani asked him to sleep in his own bedroom.

    Cedric had a sleepless night, yearning for her presence. With dark circles under his eyes and a growing irritation, he decided it was time to confront Johan.

    But Dani had other ns. She dragged Cedric out for a movie, hoping to lighten his mood. By the time they reached the concession stand, Cedric, with a tub of freshly bought popcorn in his hands, noticed Dani grinning mischievously.

    Find magical tales on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c????

    ¡°What¡¯s with that look?¡± Cedric asked, tilting his head as he followed her gaze.

    In the corner of the theater, a woman wearing a mask was giggling flirtatiously with a man.

    Cedric¡¯s brows lifted as he recognized the woman.

    ¡°Joyce?¡± Dani smirked, her tone carrying a hint of amusement.

    ¡°Well, I knew Joyce would cheat on Alexander, but this is faster than I expected.¡±

    As the lights dimmed and the movie began, Cedric followed Dani into the same screening room as Joyce. Joyce and the man slipped into the most secluded seats in the theater, making it clear that the movie wasn¡¯t their main focus.

    Dani, with mischief in her eyes, chose a seat behind them.

    Before long, they heard Joyce¡¯s voice.

    ¡°Ah, be gentle. Milo, that hurts. More, I need more.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s expression grew as dark as the pitch-ck cinema screen.

    The mortifying whispers persisted throughout the film, testing Cedric¡¯s patience to its very limit.

    Dani, unfazed, lounged in her seat with her multidimensional sses on, munching popcorn. It was hard to tell if her attention was on the big screen ahead or the awkward live drama unfolding.

    After what felt like an eternity, the credits rolled, signaling the end of the movie.

    Cedric hade with the simple n of holding Dani¡¯s hand and stealing a kiss in the dimly lit cinema, but the evening had derailed far from his intentions. Exiting the theater, Dani nced at Cedric, and his sour expression was impossible to miss.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to keep tailing them?¡± Cedric asked, his voice tinged with irritation.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 476

    ?Chapter 476:

    ¡°There¡¯s no need. Their little affair is practically an open secret. Let¡¯s just wait until Alexander catches wind of it,¡± Dani replied nonchntly.

    Just then, her eyesnded on Alexander, walking down the opposite corridor. Dressed sharply in a tailored suit, he was surrounded by a group of polished executives, clearly fresh from sealing an important deal.

    Completely unaware of her surroundings, Joyce was engrossed in yfully sharing candy mouth-to-mouth with herpanion.

    Alexander, fresh from sealing an important deal, was strolling through the corridor on his way to grab a bite.

    As he headed to the restaurant, something¡ªor rather someone¡ªcaught his eye. His stride faltered slightly, and he turned his head for a clearer look.

    ¡°Dani? What brings you here?¡±

    Alexander was quite taken aback to see Dani at the mall. She never liked shopping, and even when chasing after him, she seldom wished to spend time with him. For Dani, shopping was aplete waste of time.

    With a chuckle and clear amusement, she remarked, ¡°Bet, you¡¯re concentrating on the wrong aspects.¡±

    Alexander hadn¡¯t expected Dani to reply, yet there she stood, ready to engage.

    Previously, Alexander had been indifferent to herments, but today, something had changed.

    Dani¡¯s readiness to converse delighted him.

    He even smiled, his voice growing gentle.

    Latest chapters uploaded g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s

    ¡°What do you mean? Where should my attention be?¡±

    Dani smiled faintly. She observed Joyce reaching up to kiss the man next to her and coyly snuggling into his arms.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Alexander inquired, noticing Dani¡¯s silence.

    ¡°Why did you stop talking?¡± Dani redirected her gaze back to him.

    Alexander continued, ¡°Where should my attention be, Dani? I believe my focus is correct.¡± His voice was soft and yful, touched with flirtation.

    Cedric could no longer bear it and stepped in, pulling Dani away. He sneered, ¡°What nonsense is this? Alexander, you¡¯re a married man. Shouldn¡¯t your focus be elsewhere? Do you need Dani to teach you that?¡±

    Alexander stood tall, meeting Cedric¡¯s re.

    ¡°I am merely speaking with Dani. It¡¯s well known that Joyce and I are ipatible. I¡¯m in the midst of divorcing her. Dani is an extraordinary woman, and she¡¯s free to be pursued by anyone. What authority do you have to interfere?¡±

    If Alexander had not spoken those words, Cedric might have remained calm. However, the mention of ¡°authority¡± made Cedric smirk with evident satisfaction.

    ¡°What authority do I have? You¡¯re not worthy of an answer.¡±

    Alexander scoffed, ¡°To an outsider, it might seem like Dani is already your wife.

    You should think before you boast, especially in her presence.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s smirk was one of utter self-satisfaction.

    ¡°Her marrying me is just a matter of time. I¡¯mpletely in control here.¡±

    Alexander frowned at his words.

    Dani, noticing Joyce descending the stairs, quickly lost interest in her discussion with Alexander. She pulled on Cedric¡¯s sleeve.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go. It¡¯s time to head home.¡± With that, Dani and Cedric left without a backward nce.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 477

    ?Chapter 477:

    Earlier that day, after signing a contract, Alexander felt a surge of happiness, feeling a newfound closeness to Dani.

    Yet, he was restless throughout their dinner.

    The memory of Dani tugging on Cedric¡¯s sleeve haunted him.

    Dani, a woman who treasured her personal space more than most, usually didn¡¯t let just anyone close. Alexander had always viewed her need for space as an intense obsession.

    But moments ago, Dani had easily invaded that space with Cedric, so naturally that she might not have even realized it.

    Alexander¡¯s gaze grew darker, his heart sinking deeper. He believed he had to work harder and elevate his financial status to match Dani¡¯s before he could dere his love for her once more.

    Joyce had not yet left the mall when she bumped into Katrina.

    ¡°Oh my gosh!¡± Katrina gasped and hurriedly pulled Joyce into the women¡¯s restroom.

    Joyce called out to the man waiting outside, ¡°Milo, wait for me. I¡¯ll be out soon.¡±

    Katrina was visibly upset.

    ¡°Joyce, have you lost your senses? Are you cheating on Alexander?¡±

    Joyce looked back calmly.

    ¡°Why not? If Alexander won¡¯t sleep with me, someone else will.¡±

    Your next favorite is on g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s£®??o??

    Taking a moment, Katrina inhaled deeply before probing further.

    ¡°How much are you paying this man each month?¡±

    Joyce raised three fingers.

    Katrina¡¯s expression turned to shock.

    ¡°You¡¯re out of your mind! I¡¯ve seen this man at a party before. He was with a woman who ended up losing everything because of him! Everyone knows about it. Weren¡¯t you aware?¡±

    Joyce responded confidently, ¡°That won¡¯t happen to me. I¡¯m not like the rest. Besides, Milo isn¡¯t with me for my money.¡±

    Katrina scoffed at her reply.

    ¡°If not for money, then what? Why would you give him three million a month?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s my decision,¡± Joyce retorted.

    ¡°We are a couple. I get dividends each month. What¡¯s wrong with sharing a bit with him? I just want him to befortable. Is there anything wrong with that?¡±

    Now, Katrina regretted her earlier decision deeply. Had she foreseen this oue, she would not have persuaded Dani to give Joyce those shares.

    Wealth could change people, and it was clear Joyce wasn¡¯t adept at handling it.

    She had never imagined Joyce would betray her husband like this.

    ¡°Why are you so astonished, Mom? When you were seeing Caiden, wasn¡¯t he still married? Brylee was alive then. How is what I¡¯m doing any different from what you did?¡±

    Katrina paused, taking a deep breath.

    ¡°It¡¯s different. Caiden was wealthy, and I benefited from him. What do you get from this rtionship?¡±

    ¡°Joy, happiness. What Alexander can¡¯t provide, he can,¡± Joyce answered.

    Katrina narrowed her eyes.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 478

    ?Chapter 478:

    ¡°You two are out shopping in such a public ce. Aren¡¯t you concerned about running into Alexander?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Joyce responded with confidence.

    ¡°Alexander¡¯s on a business trip.¡±

    Katrina was startled by this.

    ¡°Joyce! How could you be so careless? I just saw Alexander. He mentioned he¡¯s heading upstairs for dinner. How do you not know whether your husband is on a business trip or not? If you cheat on him, he¡¯s sure to divorce you!¡±

    Joyce gave a nonchnt shrug.

    ¡°If he wants a divorce, that¡¯s fine by me. I¡¯m financially stable, and there are plenty of other options out there. I don¡¯t need to cling to Alexander. He doesn¡¯t love me, anyway. Don¡¯t worry, Mom. I know what I¡¯m doing. Milo is waiting for me outside. I have to go.¡± With that, she fixed her hair in the mirror and departed.

    Katrina¡¯s expression turned to one of disapproval. Losing interest in shopping, she headed straight home to wait for Dani.

    Meanwhile, Cedric, feeling the movie outing wasckluster, decided to return home and watch a film in Dani¡¯s room instead.

    But as he opened the vi door, he was surprised to see Katrina there without Johan.

    With a grave look, she addressed Dani.

    ¡°Dani, I need a moment with you.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s expression soured immediately. Why was it so difficult to have a private moment with his wife?

    Dani gave Cedric a reassuring smile, then told Katrina, ¡°Wait a moment.¡± She then guided Cedric upstairs.

    Cedric was still bewildered when Katrina stood and addressed Dani sharply.

    ¡°How long must I wait? I have something important to say.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll need to wait until I¡¯m done here before we can talk,¡± Dani responded without turning, her tone dismissive.

    Cedric was then escorted back to Dani¡¯s room. He lingered there, gazing at her.

    Despite being taller, he felt overwhelmed in her presence, as though she could easily sway him.

    Dani motioned Cedric into the room and met his gaze silently, saying nothing.

    Under her intense stare, Cedric¡¯s earlier irritation melted away. He asked softly, ¡°What¡¯s troubling you?¡±

    ¡°Why do you seem upset?¡± Dani inquired. Cedric averted his eyes, replying, ¡°I¡¯m not upset.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    Affirming, Cedric said, ¡°Yes.¡±

    Dani then rose slightly on her toes and kissed him gently.

    It was a brief kiss, but it sent a shiver down Cedric¡¯s spine. As he looked at her, Dani questioned him again, ¡°Why are you upset?¡± Her expression was cool and detached. Cedric, gathering his resolve, countered, ¡°You¡¯re my wife. Is it wrong to show my feelings?¡±

    Dani simply looked at him. She then tiptoed again and delivered a longer, more meaningful kiss.

    ¡°Still upset?¡± she asked.

    Cedric nodded.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 479

    ?Chapter 479:

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Dani continued to kiss him, soothing his feigned distress.

    Meanwhile, downstairs, Katrina¡¯s patience was wearing thin. She quietly asked the maid, ¡°What are they possibly discussing upstairs for so long?¡±

    The maid, not bothered by the inquiry, answered, ¡°They¡¯re always like this. They get along well. I noticed Cedric making frequent early morning visits upstairs, saying he was bringing Dani water.¡±

    Hearing the maid¡¯s exnation, Katrina was incredulous. Didn¡¯t Dani have water in her room? Was it something special about the water provided by Cedric?

    As she pondered this, Dani descended the stairs.

    Katrina quickly asked, ¡°Where¡¯s Cedric? Still in your room?¡± Dani¡¯s face remained impassive, though her lips were slightly reddened.

    ¡°He¡¯s organizing somepany data,¡± she responded nonchntly as she walked towards the sofa and turned on the TV.

    ¡°What did you want to discuss with me?¡±

    While Dani focused on the TV, Katrina, feeling a bit dissatisfied, decided not to press further. Instead, she ventured, ¡°Could you do me a favor?¡±

    Dani, picking up an apple, responded tly, ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t even told you what it is yet.¡±

    Dani stayed silent, her attention fixed on the TV, her demeanor detached.

    Your favorite stories are on g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s?c?m

    When Cedric descended the stairs and saw Dani¡¯s aloof expression, the peace he had just reimed was unsettled again.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing serious,¡± Katrina mentioned, trying to remain nonchnt despite her internal turmoil over Joyce¡¯s recent actions.

    ¡°Could you transfer Joyce¡¯s dividends to me?¡±

    Dani turned and asked, ¡°Why?¡±

    Unable to reveal her true motives, Katrina said, ¡°I¡¯m a bit strapped for cashtely.¡±

    Dani responded, ¡°Ask Joyce to transfer them to you. I don¡¯t handle those details.¡±

    Katrina clenched her teeth in frustration.

    ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll tell you the truth¡ªJoyce and Alexander are divorcing. I don¡¯t want the Bet family to get any dividends from the roboticspany. I¡¯d appreciate it if you could halt the dividend distribution until I get things sorted.¡±

    Unbeknownst to Katrina, Dani had already ordered the halt on dividends.

    Seeing Katrina willing to take the me, Dani was content to let her do so.

    ¡°What should I say if Joyce asks?¡± she asked.

    Katrina asserted with conviction, ¡°me it on me. After all, I¡¯m Joyce¡¯s mother.¡±

    Dani stayed quiet, her attention turning back to the television as she nibbled on her apple.

    Katrina pleaded for a long time, even writing a formal letter, before Dani finally relented.

    Grateful, Katrina showered her with thanks.

    ¡°We¡¯re family, after all. I always knew you had a soft heart, Dani, far more understanding than Joyce.¡± She then headed upstairs.

    She was certain that without financial support, Milo would leave Joyce.

    Everything would then revert to normal.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 480

    ?Chapter 480:

    When Joyce stormed in, Johan was attempting to hypnotize Dani.

    The sudden intrusion caused Johan to jump, disrupting the hypnosis¡ªit was ineffective.

    Though Johan harbored resentment, Joyce¡¯s overbearing nature overshadowed his feelings.

    With determined strides, she closed the distance to Dani, her toneced with frustration.

    ¡°Why haven¡¯t I received the dividends yet?¡±

    Dani propped her chin on her hand and nced at Katrina, who recoiled slightly.

    ¡°We¡¯re facing some operational challenges, so the dividends are on hold for now. Is there an issue with that?¡±

    Caught off guard, Joyce faltered, her haughty demeanor softening slightly.

    ¡°But the payments were made every five days before!¡±

    ¡°Perhaps they were, but that¡¯s not the case now.¡±

    ¡°Why not?¡±

    ¡°I see no point in repeating myself. Were you not able to grasp what I said?¡±

    Joyce¡¯s arrogance crumbled even more, her voice faltering.

    ¡°But¡­¡±

    Stories live now on galn¦Ò??????????o??

    ¡°No buts, Joyce. Have you forgotten that you¡¯re merely a minor shareholder? Or has thepany¡¯s support made you lose sight of your ce here?¡±

    At that moment, any trace of arrogance left in Joyce evaporated.

    Johan watched, utterly fascinated.

    Dani had the uncanny ability to sway emotions effortlessly. With just a handful of words, she had left Joyce deted and defeated.

    Joyce, clearly upset, protested, ¡°But you can¡¯tpletely halt the distributions. We all have emergencies to deal with.¡±

    Katrina, who had been a silent observer, was surprised by Dani¡¯s tactfulness in not outing her involvement.

    Watching Joyce lose her edge, Katrina got up with a steady gaze.

    ¡°Joyce, enough of this nonsense. Thepany must make its own decisions. How dare you challenge Dani¡¯s management? You should be more mindful of expenses. Thepany¡¯s growth is paramount. Besides, owning such a minor share, why the¡­¡±

    This statement made Joyce frown deeply. She bit back her rage, knowing better than to lose it in front of Dani now.

    Quietly, she pulled Katrina aside to the doorway and then burst out.

    ¡°Mom, what was that about? Were you really taking Dani¡¯s side just now? What the hell is wrong with you? Remember, I loaned you that eight million. Well, since you believe it¡¯s all for thepany, you might as well give it back. I need it back now.¡±

    The heat of Katrina¡¯s rage burned through her piercing stare.

    ¡°Have you lost your mind, squandering money on a gigolo? Didn¡¯t I make it clear what that money was for? And now you have the nerve to ask for more? Do you still covet what Dani has?¡±

    With a sharp re, Joyce fired back, ¡°I¡¯ve given up on that. I just want Milo. It¡¯s been days since hest took my calls. Just give me the money!¡±

    Katrina¡¯s hands trembled with fury. The thought that her daughter was being manipted by a man filled her with disgust.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 481

    ?Chapter 481:

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing left! Joyce, I¡¯m warning you! Dump that worthless Milo, or don¡¯t bother calling me your mother ever again!¡±

    With those final words, Katrina whirled around and stormed back into the vi, mming the door with such force that it made Johan startle in the background. Meanwhile, Dani remained engrossed in the television, utterly indifferent.

    Standing by the door, Katrina gazed at Dani¡¯sposed figure and felt a surge of frustration. Why couldn¡¯t she have a daughter as remarkable as Dani? Why was her own daughter ensnared in foolishness? All the dreams she had harbored for Joyce crumbled to dust, all her efforts rendered futile.

    Katrina stepped into the room and murmured a sincere ¡°Thank you¡± to Dani.

    Dani offered Katrina a fleeting nce but chose to remain silent.

    She kept to herself the fact that Katrina had prompted her to withhold the dividends, understanding well that anger, when allowed to fester and boil over time, could erupt with devastating effect. This was when the results were most profound.

    Dani maintained herposure, serene and unruffled, while nearby, Johan queried, ¡°When are we going to share a meal together?¡±

    Leaning her chin on her hand with a soft smile, Dani replied, ¡°There will be an opportunity soon.¡±

    That evening, as Dani graced the banquet, she couldn¡¯t help but notice Joyce had brought Milo along. With a sharp click of her tongue, Lillian shook her head.

    ¡°Milo really has a way with Joyce, charming her into bringing him here.¡±

    Ryan chimed in, ¡°I heard Milo gave Joyce the cold shoulder, pushing her to borrow money at steep rates just to appease him. He insisted oning here, and Joyce, fearful of upsetting him,plied.¡±

    Explore captivating tales on g¦Á ? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s

    Dani chuckled.

    ¡°It seems Joyce¡¯s affair is the talk of our circle now, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely. Milo¡¯s ying Joyce like a fiddle, using her to pave his path to more affluent connections. He¡¯s quite proud of his maniptions and doesn¡¯t shy from unting them. Tragically, Joyce is blinding herself to the reality, trapping herself with no way out.¡±

    With a spark of curiosity, Lillian leaned in and questioned, ¡°What¡¯s so special about Milo that Joyce is this crazy about him?¡±

    Ryan cast a nce towards Lillian, remarking with a hint of intrigue, ¡°To thrive in this business, one must possess a certain charm. I¡¯ve heard he¡¯s damn good when ites to the bedroom.¡±

    Overhearing the conversation, Cedric turned his gaze sharply towards Dani.

    Lillian grasped Dani¡¯s arm.

    ¡°Come, let¡¯s see for ourselves what kind of man Joyce has managed to snag.¡± With little resistance, Dani found herself swept along by Lillian¡¯s enthusiasm.

    They approached cautiously, halting a few paces away to observe.

    Milo Brewer, the man linked with Joyce, had an androgynous appeal that blurred the lines of gender. His demeanor shifted intriguingly with his gaze¡ªpitiful when cast downward, yet mysteriously captivating when he looked up.

    His eyes, when he fixed them on someone, shimmered with a profound affection that was hard to ignore.

    Standing tall at six feet three inches, Milo¡¯s heritage was a tapestry of diverse ancestries, highlighted by his striking blue eyes that seemed to capture and reflect every flicker of light.

    After a thorough appraisal, Lillian affirmed with a nod, ¡°It¡¯s no mystery why Joyce is so enchanted; he¡¯s truly a remarkable sight.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 482

    ?Chapter 482:

    Dani, after a brief nce, averted her eyes and turned her attention to the fruit beside her.

    Despite his looks, she remained unimpressed. Her own allure and the charm of her handsome husband were more than enough for her.

    ¡°Dani, he¡¯s watching you,¡± Lillian whispered, nudging her slightly.

    Dani didn¡¯t react at first, her gaze lowered. However, when she finally lifted her eyes, they collided with a pair of deep blue ones, reminiscent of an endless ocean¡ªmysteriously deep and strikingly beautiful.

    Men often shied away from the term ¡°beautiful,¡± aware it was a standard not easily met. Over her years, Dani had encountered few who could bear the weight of such a description; Cedric had been one of those rarities.

    Now, Milo stood before her as the second.

    Yet, despite his beauty, hecked Cedric¡¯s breathtaking allure. He was simply, undeniably beautiful¡ªnothing more.

    As their eyes locked, Milo approached her with a smooth stride.

    ¡°Ms. Harper, I¡¯ve heard so much about you.¡±

    Dani offered him a courteous smile.

    ¡°Likewise.¡± Without another word, she turned on her heel and walked away, leaving a lingering curiosity in her wake.

    From the sidelines, Milo watched her departure, swirling the wine in his ss. A smirk yed on his lips, piqued by the enigma of Dani.

    Beside her, Lillian inquired, ¡°Dani, what do you think?¡±

    Fresh content live on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv??ls?c?m

    Dani scrunched her nose slightly.

    ¡°His cologne is overpowering. It¡¯s almost suffocating me.¡±

    With a slight tilt of her head, Lillian mused, ¡°Is that so? I personally find it rather charming.¡±

    Ryan, wearing a scowl, abruptly pulled Lillian away, cutting their conversation short.

    As the evening wound down and the banquet drew to a close, Cedric slipped out to fetch the car. Dani lingered by the entrance when Milo suddenly emerged beside her. Startled, she instinctively stepped back.

    The brisk wind funneling through the entryway buffeted Milo, who stood in its gusts. Dani adjusted her scarf upwards, partly to shield herself from the chill and partly to block the waft of his cologne.

    ¡°Ms. Harper, you¡¯re tearing my heart to pieces.¡±

    Dani offered him a faint smile.

    ¡°Would you mind keeping a distance of five steps, please?¡±

    Obligingly, Milo raised his hands in a gesture ofpliance and retreated five steps.

    ¡°Tell me, what¡¯s your favorite fragrance? Next time, I¡¯ll wear it just for you.¡±

    His every phrase seemed to waltz on the edge of flirtation, yet remained tastefully non-intrusive.

    ¡°Ms. Harper, may I be so bold as to ask for your contact information? I have long admired you from afar, and to meet you today has been nothing short of captivating.¡± Milo exuded confidence, clearly at ease in the interaction. His history told him that strong, sessful women like Dani appreciated acknowledgment and ttery. He leveraged his extensive experience to make his approach, confident of his eventual sess.

    ¡°Oh, really? Well, paying for men isn¡¯t my style. I¡¯ve heard your smile couldunch a thousand ships, and frankly, I can¡¯t afford that kind of expense.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 483

    ?Chapter 483:

    ¡°You¡¯re far too modest. As the CEO of Elite Lux, is there really anything out of your reach? I suppose I just haven¡¯t captured your attention yet. No matter, I relish a good challenge, and time is on my side.¡± With a graceful bow, Milo tipped an imaginary hat to her.

    Before he turned to leave, he shed Dani a conspiratorial wink and a grin.

    ¡°A smile that couldunch a thousand ships, for sure. But yours? It¡¯s in a league of its own, worth a million times more. If you¡¯d agree to spend some time with me, I¡¯ll dly serve you in any way. What do you say?¡±

    Milo wrapped up the conversation and strolled off, exuding confidence with a self-assured smile.

    Turning her head, Dani noticed Cedric¡¯s car already waiting at the side, and slid into the passenger seat.

    Cedric, his voice low, remarked, ¡°That guy was flirty with you.¡±

    It was a statement, not a question.

    Dani shot Cedric a nce and smiled. He had a habit of getting jealous, and she secretly found it endearing.

    From the back seat, Lillian jumped in, her voice brimming with curiosity.

    ¡°Dani, I heard Milo charges fifty grand a night for hispany. If he¡¯s willing to waive that for you, isn¡¯t that a pretty sweet deal?¡±

    Dani let out a quiet chuckle, her eyes flicking to Cedric¡¯s visibly sour expression.

    ¡°That¡¯s true. But I prefer things that retain their value.¡±

    L?t??¦Ó §éh?¦Ñ¦Ó?r? ¦Én g¨»l??¦Ïv?l?.§ão??

    Pulling out her phone, she transferred ten million to Cedric.

    ¡°I¡¯d rather invest in a truly expensive man, like one worth ten million a night.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s phone vibrated, and when he checked it, he saw a notification confirming a ten-million-dor deposit into his ount.

    Lillian leaned forward to peek at Cedric¡¯s screen, then groaned dramatically.

    ¡°Ugh, you two lovebirds are unbearable! Let me out of the car¡ªI can¡¯t handle all this.¡±

    Cedric turned the wheel with a grin that stretched from ear to ear, unable to hide his delight.

    In that moment, Dani realized she had discovered a fresh reason to work hard and earn more money. She found that teasing Cedric was a surprisingly enjoyable hobby.

    While she didn¡¯t care much for indulging herself, she genuinely enjoyed spoiling Cedric.

    Standing at a distance, Joyce watched as Milo engaged in a deep conversation with Dani. He wouldn¡¯t let her approach, leaving her to gaze at them with longing. After losing Alexander to Dani, Joyce couldn¡¯t shake the fear that Milo might slip away from her too. Unsure of how to keep his attention, she resorted to showering him with money.

    But the borrowed funds soon ran out. By the time Joyce had maxed out over a dozen credit cards, Milo had vanished from her life once more.

    The situation left her in a state of extreme anxiety. To her dismay, she found Milo standing beside her rival, Liza Alvarado.

    Her anger boiled over. Determined, she stormed off to find Dani. Bursting into the room, she shouted, ¡°Dani, I don¡¯t care what it takes¡ªyou need to give me money right now!¡± Dani, sitting in the living room with the TV on, didn¡¯t flinch. Her expression remained calm and unreadable.

    ¡°Or better yet, how much for those stocks?¡± Joyce pressed.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 484

    ?Chapter 484:

    ¡°Just tell me how much, and I¡¯ll sell them to you.¡±

    Katrina sprang to her feet, her face flushed with anger, and pped Joyce hard.

    ¡°Have you lost your mind?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m crazy!¡± Joyce shouted back.

    ¡°I need Milo in my life¡ªhe makes me feel alive, like a real woman! I¡¯ll do whatever it takes to keep him! So, either you give me the money, or I¡¯m selling the shares. The choice is yours!¡± After her outburst, Joyce turned her attention to Dani, waiting for a response.

    Dani realized this was the moment she had been anticipating. Smiling faintly, she asked, ¡°Joyce, have you forgotten? Those shares were a gift from me.¡±

    Joyce frowned, confused.

    ¡°What do you mean? A gift can¡¯t be sold?¡±

    Johan, seated quietly nearby, watched as Dani carefully maneuvered toward her desired oue.

    ¡°The shares I gave you can¡¯t be sold,¡± Dani dered matter-of-factly.

    Panic shed across Joyce¡¯s face.

    ¡°Why not?¡± she demanded.

    Dani exined, ¡°Because they came with conditions. Imagine if you sold them to someone who could use them against me. I can¡¯t afford to leave myself vulnerable.¡±

    Joyce stood frozen, unable to process what she had just heard.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s©q??????, the heart of fiction

    Dani added, ¡°And about the dividends¡­¡±

    Katrina¡¯s face went pale. She feared what Dani would say next.

    Dani went on, ¡°Your mother told me not to distribute dividends to you. Since money shouldn¡¯t just sit idle, I reinvested it into thepany¡¯s next research project. There won¡¯t be dividends for the next ten years.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s jaw dropped in disbelief at Dani¡¯s revtion. Snapping back to reality, she eximed, ¡°I only told you to withhold dividends temporarily, not to sink them into investments!¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t be serious. This ispany money. The funds have to be utilized, so as the majority shareholder, I reinvested them into research. It¡¯s a logical decision based on what you told me. Are you now trying to backtrack?¡±

    Her words hit Katrina like a dagger.

    Johan watched in amazement from the sidelines.

    Was Dani truly unaware of psychology?

    How could someone so seemingly unaware be so skillful at psychological maniption?

    Joyce, upon hearing everything, was on the verge of breaking down. She confronted Katrina, crying out, ¡°Mom! Why would you do that? Ten years with no dividends! You did it deliberately, didn¡¯t you? If I don¡¯t do what you want, you make my life a nightmare!¡± Joyce beat her chest with a loud thud.

    ¡°I¡¯m your daughter!

    Why are you doing this to me? Why?¡±

    Her voice cracked as she screamed, ¡°Why?¡±

    Katrina moved to exin, but Joyce shoved her away violently, ¡°You¡¯ve never treated me like your daughter.

    You¡¯ve only seen me as your puppet.

    You want to control me, to manipte me for your entire life. If I don¡¯t follow your orders, you punish me without mercy.

    You¡¯re not my mother, not really. I can¡¯t stand it anymore. I never want to be under your control again!¡±

    Katrina shook her head in desperation.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 485

    ?Chapter 485:

    But Joyce, in a fit of rage, shoved her once again.

    The force sent Katrina tumbling to the floor, her head hitting the steps, causing a painful crack and blood to start trickling down her temple.

    Joyce, however, showed no concern. She red at Katrina with a look of pure hatred, as though the woman on the floor wasn¡¯t her mother but a bitter enemy she could no longer tolerate.

    Katrina watched, stunned, as Joyce knelt before Dani. Her eyes widened with shock. Struggling to her feet, she cried out, ¡°Joyce! Have you lost your senses? How can you kneel before Dani?¡±

    Joyce, her own daughter, was kneeling to Brylee¡¯s daughter.

    To Katrina, having battled to surpass Brylee, this was tantamount to a crushing defeat.

    It felt like a silent confession of her defeat.

    No! She wouldn¡¯t lose! How could she lose to Brylee¡¯s daughter? Never!

    ¡°Joyce, stand up!¡± Katrina yelled, her face contorted with anger. Clutching her throbbing head, she tried to pull Joyce away.

    However, Joyce held firmly to Dani¡¯s pants, unmoving. Watching Dani sit upright with a chilly look, Katrina¡¯s stance faltered.

    When Dani looked up and their eyes met, Katrina felt as if she saw Brylee¡¯s reflection in her. Guilt washed over her, and she quickly looked away.

    Meanwhile, Joyce, unaware of the emotional turmoil, continued to thud her head against the floor. In desperation, she blurted out to Dani, ¡°These shares are worth a lot! I¡¯ll sell them to you for just twenty million. Hand me the money, and they¡¯re yours.¡±

    Dani rose slowly, gazing down at Joyce with clear disdain.

    More books avable at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv?ls

    Her look was as dismissive as one might nce at an unworthy pet.

    In a calm, measured voice, Dani responded, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but you can¡¯t alter the past. The profits have already been allocated to a new venture, so withdrawing them isn¡¯t possible.¡±

    Dani skillfully shifted the me onto Katrina.

    For the first time, Katrina witnessed a profound hatred in Joyce¡¯s eyes.

    Her heart quivered as she murmured, ¡°Joyce, I did everything for your benefit.¡±

    ¡°For my benefit? That¡¯sughable. Where were you when the Bet family shunned me? Why did you arrange my marriage to Alexander, only to leave me feeling deserted? And now, you alone decide on my shares! Ten years without dividends¡ªwhat good are these shares to Joyce was desperate.

    She had less than ten days.

    If she didn¡¯t send money to Milo within ten days, he¡¯d leave her.

    This thought triggered a surge of panic in Joyce. She feared losing Milo and couldn¡¯t ept that possibility.

    In a rush, Joyce ran off, Katrina¡¯s voice echoing after her into the void.

    Meanwhile, everyone in Olisvine was reeling from the robotpany¡¯s announcement of a ten-year halt on dividends.

    ¡°Why? Weren¡¯t they making regr payouts before?¡±

    ¡°Indeed, I¡¯ve just invested in a vi, relying on those returns. What about my mortgage now?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve purchased a luxury vehicle. Without those dividends, I can¡¯t even cover the fuel costs!¡±

    ¡°My entire retirement hinges on these dividends. What¡¯s happening?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 486

    ?Chapter 486:

    Richard, who had recently funneled his retirement funds into thepany, was awaiting another significant return when the payments abruptly stopped. Pale and unsteady, he contacted thepany¡¯s operations manager.

    The manager courteously exined that the dividend suspension was due to internal business decisions. Richard felt something was amiss with Dani¡¯s management style.

    As he prepared to confront her, the association that had dealings with Dani¡¯spany came to a decisive conclusion.

    ¡°Richard, your family has really put us in a difficult position!¡±

    Richard waspletely taken aback.

    ¡°Enough with the underhandedments. I¡¯ve put in money too, just as much as you! How is this debacle my fault?¡±

    ¡°Richard, are you really in the dark?¡± The mocking tone from the other end of the phone stung.

    ¡°Haven¡¯t you heard? It¡¯s your daughter-inw, Joyce, who stirred up this ho¡¯s nest. I¡¯ve done some digging. Joyce was desperate for cash to prop up her beau. Worried Joyce would squander it, Katrina had Dani put a freeze on the dividends. Dani felt the funds could serve a better purpose, so she channeled them into a new venture. Now, all that cash is tied up in research and development, which means dividends are off the table for now.¡±

    Richard absorbed every word. He understood them all individually, but pieced together, they were gibberish to him.

    His mind whirled, torn between asking, ¡°Which man is Joyce supporting?¡± and ¡°Is it certain there will be no dividends?¡±

    The voice continued, ¡°Richard, it¡¯s the talk of Olisvine. Because of Joyce, there are no dividends. Joyce and Katrina are now public enemies. Tell your daughter-inw to watch her back outside, or she might find herself in hot water!¡±

    Discover what¡¯s new on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv??ls

    The speaker was Richard¡¯s old friend. Despite his attempt to moderate his tone, the words came out biting. To mess with someone¡¯s financial lifeline was to court disaster.

    This grudge was monumental.

    Richard¡¯s first move was to call the roboticspany, which confirmed the invested funds were locked in.

    He hung up and sat stunned.

    His retirement savings, umted from years of toil, were meant to secure a stress-free twilight.

    And now, because of Joyce, they were up in smoke. A fierce rage burned within Richard.

    Just as he was about to call Alexander, the door clicked open and Joyce entered.

    ¡°How dare you show your face here?¡± Richard leaped to his feet.

    ¡°Joyce, do youprehend the chaos you¡¯ve caused? Because of you, the Bet family is dragged through the mud. How can you just waltz in here? Are you tangled up with another man?¡±

    He couldn¡¯t bring himself to say ¡°having an affair.¡± He trusted Joyce hadn¡¯t strayed that far.

    Before marrying Alexander, Joyce had been as headstrong about it as Dani. Having achieved her goal, why would she stray?

    Dani was decent. Joyce, raised in the same home, should know better.

    But Joyce, disheveled, dered, ¡°Everything they say is true. I want a divorce from Alexander, and half of the Bet family¡¯s assets.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 487

    ?Chapter 487:

    Richard froze. A chill crawled up his spine. He stared at Joyce, his eyes wide with shock and dismay.

    ¡°What did you just say?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m perfectly calm, and I mean every word,¡± Joyce asserted, her lips pressed tight. Before arriving, she¡¯d talked to Milo. He wasn¡¯t after her money, but he was strapped for cash. If she couldn¡¯t help him, he¡¯d have to look elsewhere.

    How could she let the man she loved slip through her fingers? Milo was too precious; he was hers alone. Since she couldn¡¯t liquidate her shares in the roboticspany, she¡¯d cash in her now meaningless marriage instead.

    She settled herself on the sofa, channeling Dani¡¯s usualposure, trying to think what her sister would do in such a scenario. Somehow, this brought her peace. She told Richard, ¡°The Bet name carries weight, and Alexander cares about his image. I¡¯m still his wife. If I¡¯m shamed, it reflects poorly on him too, right?¡±

    Richard trembled with anger at that. He realized he had overestimated Joyce¡¯s sense of propriety. He scoffed, ¡°So what?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to have a falling-out with you. I¡¯ve given my all to this marriage, but Alexander has never truly epted me. He¡¯s hinted at divorce before. I know he still pines for Dani. I¡¯m ready to step aside. After the divorce, me it all on me, and I¡¯ll bear it silently.¡±

    Richard was taken aback. He saw that when people lost all shame, they gained a cunning edge.

    Joyce was so clear-headed, calcted, and determined. She eyed Richard and said, ¡°But this divorce won¡¯te cheap.¡±

    Richard braced himself, knowing Joyce was about toy down her terms.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s, the heart of storytelling

    ¡°I want half of the Bet family¡¯s assets, not a penny less.¡±

    Securing half of the fortune would more than suffice to tide Milo over through his financial storm. Then, they could weave their future together.

    Richard, trembling with fury, pointed a finger at Joyce, his tone icy and measured.

    ¡°You¡¯ve only been part of the Bet family for a mere half a year. Aside from a trail of scandals, what value have you added? On what grounds do you stake a im to our wealth? Joyce, if you have any conscience, you¡¯d initiate the divorce yourself, respecting the years you and Alexander have shared.¡±

    Joyce responded with a cold, humorless smile.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have any conscience. There¡¯s no thread binding Alexander and me. I am not as forgiving as Dani. Iy im to what¡¯s mine, and I will seize it.¡±

    Richard¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief.

    ¡°Joyce, how dare you im the Bet family¡¯s wealth as yours? It has nothing to do with you. Moreover, you¡¯re the one having an affair.

    You deserve nothing.¡±

    Joyce looked at Richard with a chilly gaze.

    ¡°What? Do women who marry into your family have to leave empty-handed? I am not Dani. If you care about your family¡¯s reputation, you should give me half of the assets. Otherwise, don¡¯t me me for making things awkward!¡± Joyce ascended the stairs.

    ¡°I¡¯ll give you one night to think it over. If you don¡¯t transfer the funds by tomorrow, I¡¯ll release the scandalous photos of me and the man. Then, Bet Group¡¯s stocks will take another hit.¡±

    Richard remained below, watching Joyce disappear into her room.

    His anger was so intense he thought he might have a heart attack.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 488

    ?Chapter 488:

    Joyce was nothing but a bitch!

    She was ready to tarnish her own reputation for a man! Now, she was threatening to expose her infidelity. How could the Harper family have raised such disparate daughters?

    Back then, Dani had departed quietly without any drama.

    In contrast, Joyce seemed like a person possessed by a demon, hell-bent on destroying the Bet family.

    What a malevolent woman!

    Richard tried to reach Alexander, but all attempts to contact him failed.

    Left with no other options, he decided to call Katrina. Dani, reclining on the sofa, could hear Richard¡¯s voice on the other end,shing out at Joyce.

    Nearby, Johan observed Dani¡¯s stoic expression as she continued to watch TV.

    However, he suspected that Dani was somehow linked to this entire debacle.

    She had masterminded the ruin of these people silently. As he was lost in his thoughts, Dani slowly raised her eyes to meet his in a silent, icy stare thatsted a few seconds.

    Johan felt a tight grip of anxiety as he clenched his hands on his knees.

    Dani turned her attention back to the TV, her expression unchanged.

    Richard¡¯s voice filled the living room.

    ¡°Joyce has really outdone herself! Do you know what she told me? I can hardly say it! She wants half of the Bet family¡¯s assets now. I won¡¯t go into details, but Katrina, is my family¡¯s wealth what you¡¯re really after?¡±

    I??¨¨$? ¡é??t?€§ñ? 1n ??l¦Ðo¦Í¦Ål?.c??

    Before Katrina could reply, Richard continued, ¡°If that¡¯s what¡¯s happening, then fine, let¡¯s throw caution to the wind!¡±

    Quickly, Katrina apologized.

    ¡°Joyce has lost her mind. That¡¯s why she¡¯s behaving like this. Please, don¡¯t be angry. I¡¯ll speak to my daughter. Let¡¯s not mention divorce. She¡¯s still young, and everyone makes mistakes at times. Let¡¯s just say Joyce is indebted to Alexander for this. We¡¯llpensate himter, so please, calm down.¡± After Katrina offered a barrage of soothing words, Richard hung up the phone.

    Katrina then reached out to Joyce.

    Joyce responded curtly, ¡°Either you get me the money, or I will divorce Alexander. The choice is yours!¡±

    Just as Katrina was about to reply, the call abruptly ended. Katrina remained in the living room for a long while, visibly frustrated and tugging at her hair.

    When she finally looked up, her eyes met Dani¡¯s.

    At that moment, Johan saw Cedric narrowing his eyes.

    ¡°Dani,¡± Katrina said boldly, ¡°you heard everything, didn¡¯t you? We¡¯re all family.

    You need to help me.¡± Dani changed the channel on the TV with the remote.

    ¡°It¡¯s not much, just lend me ten million, okay?¡± Katrina added.

    Dani chuckled briefly.

    ¡°So now you need money to support Joyce¡¯s man? That¡¯s quite unexpected!¡± Katrina pursed her lips, tightened her grip, and seemed toe to a firm decision.

    ¡°Dani, I won¡¯t just borrow your money. At an auction once, I won something quite valuable. Let me know how much you¡¯d want for it, alright? Consider it a purchase from you.¡±

    Dani remained silent.

    After a moment, Katrina returned from her room holding a brocade box.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 489

    ?Chapter 489:

    Dani casually nced up, but her expression froze in shock upon seeing Katrina¡¯s item.

    Cedric immediately perceived a shift in Dani¡¯s emotions.

    Approaching Dani, Katrina opened the box to reveal a radiant, luminous pearl.

    ¡°Could this be worth ten million?¡±

    The nkness in Dani¡¯s eyes slowly gave way to profound, icy intensity. Her gaze shifted from the pearl to Katrina¡¯s face, and she scoffed derisively.

    Katrina felt her heart miss a beat.

    ¡°Is this yours?¡± Dani inquired, her tone icy.

    Katrina inhaled deeply.

    When Brylee jumped off the building, she had this pearl in her hand.

    Originally intended as part of a crown for her daughter¡¯s wedding, Brylee had the pearl with her that day. After Brylee¡¯s leap, Katrina found the invaluable pearl and took it for herself.

    Initially, she intended to give it to Joyce as a wedding gift. However, as Dani¡¯s influence expanded, Katrina reconsidered. Now, facing desperate circumstances, she feltpelled to take a risk.

    She wagered that Dani was too young at the time to recognize the pearl¡¯s worth.

    She spected that Brylee had never shown the pearl to Dani and that Dani was too young to recall any of it.

    Katrina hesitated as she held out the pearl.

    Discover the best stories at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv????s

    Dani gave no visible sign of surprise, which allowed Katrina to release a quiet breath of relief.

    ¡°Take a look at this pearl. Caiden presented it to me on our wedding day. I never thought I¡¯d let it go, but I¡¯m in dire need of cash at the moment. What do you think it¡¯s worth? Just throw out a number; I promise I won¡¯t haggle.¡±

    Dani¡¯s gaze remained fixed on the television, seemingly uninterested.

    As the echo of Katrina¡¯s plea died away, the dialogue from the television filled the expansive living room, the characters¡¯ voices a stark contrast to the tense silence between the two women.

    Seeing Dani¡¯s continued indifference, Katrina¡¯s heart sank, her hopes of a simple transaction fading.

    She pressed her lips together, contemting her next move¡ªto take the pearl to an auction house, though she dreaded the hefty fees that would diminish its yield. Just as Katrina was about to reach out to the auction house, Dani¡¯s voice cut through the quiet.

    ¡°Ten million.¡± Her tone was nonchnt, her eyes still on the screen.

    tion surged through Katrina. She nced at the pearl cradled in her palm, feeling a twinge of greed.

    ¡°Dani, we¡¯re family. Don¡¯t you think that¡¯s a bit on the low side? Perhaps consider a higher offer? This piece is truly magnificent.¡±

    Dani responded with only a slight, enigmatic smile.

    Across her, Johan reclined in his chair.

    ¡°Well, aren¡¯t you starting to push your luck?¡±

    Unruffled as ever, Dani maintained her usual stoic demeanor, seemingly indifferent even at home.

    The air tensed around Katrina; a surge of anxiety struck her.

    ¡°Don¡¯t get upset. We¡¯re family, after all. A little more or less shouldn¡¯t matter, right?¡± Despite her efforts to appear calm, Katrina harbored a growing fear of Dani.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 490

    ?Chapter 490:

    ¡°How about twelve million?¡±

    ¡°Eight million,¡± Dani countered without missing a beat. Katrina¡¯s heart skipped.

    ¡°Why drop the price, Dani?¡± She clutched the pearl more tightly.

    ¡°Twelve million is already under the market rate.¡±

    ¡°Six million.¡±

    A knot formed in Katrina¡¯s stomach.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t fair¡­¡±

    ¡°Five million.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s eyes widened in dismay.

    Dani shed her a chilling, dismissive smile, shattering Katrina¡¯s hopes in an instant.

    Dani¡¯s voice was icy, herposure unshaken.

    ¡°Katrina, you¡¯re hardly in a position to negotiate. Frankly, I¡¯m not interested in that pearl. But what about Joyce¡¯s predicament? Didn¡¯t she set your deadline for tonight toe up with the funds? Imagine what will happen if you don¡¯t deliver by tomorrow. Soon enough, the whole town will buzz with tales of your daughter and her never-ending scandals.¡±

    Katrina was well aware that presenting the item at an auction would entail a long wait, hoping against hope for the right purchaser toe along.

    Such a process could span several agonizing weeks.

    Yet Joyce couldn¡¯t afford to dy.

    Updates always at galno¦Íe??s

    Both Dani and Katrina recognized the urgency.

    As Josie handed Dani a te brimming with fresh fruit, Dani epted it, then dered with cold firmness, ¡°Four million. Say another word, and I won¡¯t give it a second thought.¡±

    Without waiting for a response, Dani rose and made her way upstairs.

    Watching Dani¡¯s retreating back, Katrina¡¯s frustration bubbled over, and she bit her lip hard, her gaze burning with indignation. Cornered and out of options, she conceded, her voice strained.

    ¡°Fine! Four million!¡±

    At Katrina¡¯s capittion, Dani halted her ascent, pausing on the stairs above to cast a sweeping nce downward.

    For a flicker of a moment, Katrina suspected Dani remembered the pearl. It seemed Dani always knew it was meant to be the gift from her mother.

    Before Katrina could fully grasp the moment, Cedric took the pearl from her.

    ¡°I¡¯ve transferred the four million to you.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s eyes darted to her phone, confirming the transaction wasplete.

    ¡°Wasn¡¯t Dani supposed to handle the payment?¡± she asked Cedric.

    ¡°She doesn¡¯t need to concern herself with paying for something so minor. I¡¯ve taken care of it.¡± With that, Cedric turned and ascended the stairs, pearl in hand. Left alone, Katrina clutched her phone, her fingers white from the grip.

    A surge of humiliation washed through her¡ªshe had sacrificed her pride for the sake of money, only to be yed by Dani¡¯s maniptive games.

    Cedric, seemingly oblivious to the weight of his gesture, nonchntly paid as though the amount was a mere four dors.

    Katrina was seething with resentment.

    She couldn¡¯t help but wonder why her own daughter hadn¡¯t married someone as influential as Cedric. What qualities did Dani possess that Joyce seemed tock?

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 491

    ?Chapter 491:

    Unbeknownst to Cedric, the pearl held a tumultuous history. Dani¡¯s revtion of its story left him profoundly shaken.

    Earlier, when they were downstairs, he had only noticed her distress; he hadn¡¯t grasped the depth of her turmoil until now.

    His heart heavy with empathy, Cedric enveloped her in aforting embrace and murmured, ¡°It seems that fate has returned the pearl to you. I¡¯ve taken care of the payment, Dani. Consider it a blessing from your mother, delivered through my hands. Please, let go of your sorrow. Remember, I¡¯m here for you, and in spirit, so is she.¡±

    That night, Dani retreated to her room, her spirit dampened by the day¡¯s emotions.

    Cedric joined her, synchronizing his nightly routine with hers in a tender gesture of solidarity.

    It was only after Dani drifted into sleep that he opened his eyes in the quiet darkness.

    A fierce resolve ignited within him, casting a stark contrast to the gentleness he had just disyed. Alexander had spent more than a month working on a major business deal.

    Just as he was poised to finalize the agreement, Phillips Group unexpectedly swooped in and clinched a five-year deal with his prospective partner.

    Stunned by this sudden turn of events, Alexander discreetly passed some money to a contact at the otherpany, seeking rity.

    ¡°Did you offend Cedric? We¡¯re far from a big yer; it¡¯s unusual Cedric would notice us. There¡¯s no way it¡¯s solely because of our work. So, what¡¯s the real reason behind his sudden interest? Could it be an act of retribution against you?¡±

    Fresh chapters uploaded on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv??ls?c?m

    Alexander was at his wits¡¯ end.

    For ages, Cedric had never once made a move against him. Such behavior seemed beneath Cedric, as though he considered it beneath him to sully his hands.

    Thus, Alexander had been living in a bubble of security.

    Why then was Cedric now showing his displeasure?

    As Alexander grappled with his confusion, a distressing development urred. Phillips Group had poached several of their long-standing clients overnight.

    Those who resisted signing with Phillips Group found themselves swallowed up through hostile takeovers. The remaining clients of Bet Group were now quaking in their boots.

    Over the phone, Alexander¡¯s secretary asked, ¡°What¡¯s our n?¡±

    Alexander was at a loss for words. Later, a tip from an ally revealed they had paid a handsome sum to bribe a manager at Phillips Group for insights. The aggressive strategy, it turned out, was all because Joyce had crossed Cedric. The manager also sneered that Alexander was cursed by bad luck to have married such a disaster like Joyce.

    Fury zed within Alexander.

    Realizing that staying abroad would do no good, he booked the next flight home.

    Upon arriving, he tore off his tie in frustration and flung his briefcase onto the sofa.

    Just as he was about to summon Joyce, Richard burst in, seething.

    ¡°Joyce¡¯s kept a boy toy!¡±

    Alexander¡¯s world stopped. He stared icily at Richard, disbelief etching his features. He squeezed his eyes shut, struggling to cage his wrath.

    ¡°How long has this been going on?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 492

    ?Chapter 492:

    Richard¡¯s face was a picture of fury.

    ¡°It¡¯s been whispered about for some time, but she¡¯s only recently started unting him in public. Now the whole town¡¯s abuzz. It¡¯s utterly shameful.¡±

    Richard shook his head in revulsion.

    ¡°That¡¯s thest straw.

    You need to divorce her. There¡¯s no telling what other stunts she¡¯ll pull. She¡¯s thrown decency to the winds. Justst week, she conned four million dors from Dani and squandered it with that man in mere days. Now, she¡¯s roped Katrina into her schemes to drum up more cash. Joyce haspletely lost her senses.¡± He massaged his temples wearily.

    ¡°We need to discuss this divorce tonight. I refuse to live under this cloud of disgrace any longer.¡±

    With that, Richard retreated to his room, clearly drained and disgusted.

    Katrina, equally shamed, agreed to meet with Richard and Alexander.

    When Alexander arrived, Katrina greeted him with a smile.

    Alexander¡¯s face was set in stone as he walked through the living room, his eyes briefly meeting Dani¡¯s. She sat on the sofa, legs crossed, engrossed in her phone. Alexander knew Cedric was absent, tied up at an international conference as its keynote speaker.

    Ryan and Lillian were also absent.

    Pausing in the living area, Alexander addressed Dani, who seemed lost in her own world.

    ¡°It¡¯s been a while, Dani.¡±

    Explore new stories g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??s.c?m

    Herck of response was as if she deemed the conversation beneath her interest.

    ¡°I need to talk to Joyce shortly. Care to join?¡± Wary of a rejection, Alexander added, ¡°Could be interesting gossip for you.¡±

    Dani responded tly, ¡°Not interested.¡±

    Alexander pressed his lips together, holding back furtherment, and moved towards the dining room where Katrina and Joyce were already seated.

    Joyce¡¯sughter was scornful.

    ¡°Really, Alexander? Inviting Dani to join us? What are you ying at? Looking for your next trophy wife? Think dumping me will impress her? Has anyone ever told you you¡¯re acting like aplete asstely?¡±

    Alexander took a seat, his demeanor cool. In his eyes, Joyce was already nothing more than a stranger. Her affair was a thorn in the side of his business, but beyond that, he felt nothing.

    The loss of a major business deal because of her was thest straw.

    He was resolute about the divorce.

    His invitation to Dani was indeed a signal that he was back on the market.

    Katrina clung to a sliver of hope for reconciliation. She smiled weakly.

    ¡°Joyce, stop talking nonsense.

    You two are the married couple here. He invited Dani simply because she¡¯s alone and he thought she might be bored.¡±

    Joyce sneered.

    ¡°The whole world knows what¡¯s really going on. Spare us the facade.¡±

    Just then, the door swung open, and the servant announced Richard¡¯s arrival.

    Richard paused in the living room, addressing Dani warmly.

    ¡°Hello, Dani. It¡¯s chilly today, isn¡¯t it? Make sure you keep warm.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 493

    ?Chapter 493:

    Joyce overheard Richard¡¯s cordial words. She curled her lips into a scornful smile.

    Once upon a time, Richard had scorned Dani, but now here he was, pretending to be considerate. How utterlyughable!

    As soon as Richard caught sight of Joyce¡¯s mocking smirk, his previously good spirits vanished.

    He sat down, his face a mask of granite, clearly in no mood for niceties.

    Joyce felt a familiar fire of anger re up within her.

    Joyce was on the brink of speaking when Richard stood and addressed Dani.

    ¡°Dani, care to join? Could be interesting gossip for you.¡±

    Joyce¡¯s face soured further at his words.

    ¡°You already invited her. Have you all be Dani¡¯s hounds now?¡±

    Richard, unbothered by Joyce¡¯s barb, beamed at Dani.

    ¡°Dani? Why not sit next to me? You¡¯re family, after all.¡±

    Joyce erupted into scornfulughter.

    ¡°Family? What sort of family do you think you are to her? How pretentious! Dani¡¯s the richest soul under the sun, and here you are, offering nothing but a face of desperation. Maybe take a long look in the mirror first!¡±

    Alexander¡¯s face darkened at the exchange.

    Seeing Dani putting on her headphones, Richard had no choice but to return to his seat.

    The only reason he had shown up was the lure of the chance to speak with Dani.

    Explore new chapters g?l¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    He needed to recover some of his past investments, and Dani was his only hope.

    With his patience for Joyce¡¯s antics drained, Richard cut straight to the chase.

    ¡°Let¡¯s skip dinner. I¡¯ve lost my appetite. We might as well settle this now. As far as I¡¯m concerned, Joyce and Alexander are on a fast track to divorce.¡±

    Joyce was perched across from them. She locked eyes with Alexander.

    ¡°What¡¯s your take?¡±

    Alexander¡¯s reply was crisp and clear.

    ¡°We¡¯re getting a divorce.¡±

    A shadow of bitterness flitted across Joyce¡¯s face.

    ¡°Fine. I want half of your fortune. If that¡¯s agreeable, we can divorce tomorrow.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s expression turned steely.

    ¡°Do you even grasp what you¡¯re demanding?¡±

    Joyce¡¯s gaze didn¡¯t waver.

    ¡°If you deny me what I want, I won¡¯t grant you a divorce. I¡¯ll make sure you regret it.¡±

    Richard couldn¡¯t contain his fury any longer.

    ¡°You¡¯re the one at fault here! How dare you have the audacity to make demands from us?¡±

    ¡°I have my faults, but what about Alexander? He entered this marriage while his heart belonged to another. He¡¯s well aware of it.¡±

    Richard clenched his jaw.

    ¡°You¡¯ve kept a boy toy, and it¡¯s the talk of the town! How can you stand there and say nothing?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 494

    ?Chapter 494:

    ¡°Why shouldn¡¯t I? If my husband fails to meet my needs, I¡¯ll find someone who does.¡± Joyce¡¯s voice was icy, her face unflinching.

    Richard¡¯s anger was palpable, but Alexander intervened.

    ¡°This marriage is over, regardless. I can¡¯t split the assets in half, but to part amicably, I¡¯ll offer you six million for the six months we¡¯ve endured together. Take it or leave it. If you refuse, I¡¯m filing for divorce.¡±

    Joyce sneered.

    ¡°Six million? Are you trying to discard me like I¡¯m worthless?¡±

    Alexander retorted, ¡°As far as I can tell, you¡¯re in dire need of cash. Milo isn¡¯t a reliable fallback. Without that six million, he¡¯ll leave you. I can afford to draw this out in court. Can you?¡±

    Alexander had done his homework on Joyce¡¯s affair with Milo.

    Joyce loathed those who exploited vulnerabilities for personal gain.

    Alexander was employing the same tactic Dani had once used to manipte Katrina.

    Katrina¡¯s voice was harsh.

    ¡°Fifty million. Not a penny less! Otherwise, Joyce will remain Alexander¡¯s wife indefinitely. And don¡¯t bother threatening us with court. Sure, Joyce is at fault, but Alexander¡¯s absence hasn¡¯t exactly been conducive to a healthy marriage.¡± Richard¡¯s hand trembled on the table.

    ¡°Joyce! Just by having you as my daughter-inw, our family has lost millions in deals. How dare you demand fifty million!

    Would it kill you to let go?¡±

    At this, all pretenses fell away.

    Joyceughed mockingly.

    ¡°Why should I care about dignity now? I need the money to support Milo! I¡¯vee too far to turn back now. Give me what I want, and what happens next is none of your concern. But if you refuse, Alexander, you¡¯ll live with the shame of my indiscretions. Up until now, I¡¯ve kept silent. If talks break down, who knows what I¡¯ll say?¡±

    Richard mmed his fist on the table.

    ¡°What are you implying?¡±

    ¡°What do you think? Alexander has neglected me for so long. If I im he¡¯s impotent, who would doubt it? Coupled with my affair, it would all add up.¡± Joyce was ready to sacrifice her pride for financial gain. Richard was seething, barely able to contain his rage.

    Katrina turned to interject, but Joyce cut her off coldly.

    ¡°Mom, if you can¡¯t support me, at least don¡¯t hinder me!¡±

    Alexander faced Joyce, his gaze acknowledging her resolve.

    ¡°Alright, you¡¯re determined. I must admit, that¡¯smendable.¡±

    Alexander slid the divorce agreement across the table.

    ¡°Sign it.¡±

    Fifty million in hand, Joyce signed the agreement, officially ending her marriage.

    As she stood to leave, Alexander didn¡¯t even nce at her. His only sign of hesitation was a brief moment of stillness in the living room.

    Joyce lingered in her seat, a sudden emptiness settling over her. With a forced smile, she turned to Katrina.

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m finally free! The divorce is done, and now I can go after the love I¡¯ve always wanted!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 495

    ?Chapter 495:

    Katrina let out a heavy sigh. In her eyes, Joyce¡¯s history¡ªhaving a child, ending a marriage, and keeping a boy toy¡ªmeant she¡¯d never find anyone better than Alexander.

    She shook her head.

    ¡°You¡¯ll regret this, Joyce.

    You¡¯ll see.¡±

    Joyce let out augh, her disbelief evident.

    ¡°No, I won¡¯t. Mom, I¡¯m texting Milo. He¡¯sing over for dinner tomorrow. I¡¯m going to marry him!¡±

    Katrina felt as though the weight of the world was crashing down on her, utterly drained by Joyce¡¯s choices. Meanwhile, Dani ignored the conversation entirely, her patience with the family dramapletely spent. Johan leaned towards Dani, his voice a low murmur.

    ¡°Did you catch that? Joyce just finalized her divorce.¡± Tonight, Johan saw an opportunity.

    With Cedric and Dani¡¯s friends absent, it was the perfect moment for him.

    Johan exchanged a knowing nce with Katrina, who understood his unspoken intention. As she began to share her n to hypnotize Dani with Joyce, thetter marched out the door.

    The silence in the living room was immediate and thick. Katrina, visibly tense, sat in the dining room, watching the fondue pot bubble without taking notice.

    A few momentster, Johan¡¯s voice came from the living room.

    room, quiet but final.

    Your imagination takes flight on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    ¡°It¡¯s done.¡±

    Shocked into motion, Katrina sprang from her seat, her chair teetering dangerously behind her.

    Johan, startled by her sudden movement, rushed to her side.

    ¡°Quiet down,¡± he hissed, his voice urgent. Katrina gave a quick nod, her breath still shaky.

    Together, they crept towards Dani.

    Sitting motionless on the couch, Dani seemed lost, her eyes distant and unfocused, as if she were in another world.

    Johan shot a questioning nce at Katrina.

    ¡°What should I do now?¡±

    Katrina¡¯s gaze turned cold, locking onto Dani with an almost venomous intensity. Her voice wasced with frost as she spoke to Johan.

    ¡°Take her to the rooftop.¡±

    Understanding Katrina¡¯s intent, Johan gave a subtle nod.

    He acted quickly, guiding Dani with steady hands.

    The wind howled fiercely across the balcony, its strength tugging at Dani¡¯s long dress as she stood there, almost motionless.

    The fabric fluttered upward, caught by the fierce gusts. Her hair was tossed around wildly, adding an extrayer of fragility to her already delicate appearance.

    Katrina asked, ¡°She won¡¯t just wake up on her own, will she?¡±

    Johan chuckled, sucking on a lollipop.

    ¡°Not unless someone says her name. Rx, you¡¯ve done this before¡ªfifteen years ago, remember? You¡¯re a pro.¡±

    Pulling out his phone, Johan continued, ¡°Okay, just a few more steps, and we¡¯re done. I¡¯ll head downstairs to cover my tracks. Transfer the money now. I¡¯m out after this.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 496

    ?Chapter 496:

    Katrina¡¯s eyes flicked to Dani.

    The scene mirrored what had happened with Brylee all those years ago.

    A sense of relief washed over Katrina as she transferred the funds to Johan.

    Once the transaction wasplete, Johan checked the confirmation and leaned in close to Dani, whispering the finalmand in her ear.

    ¡°In an hour, you¡¯ll be jumping from this building.¡± With those words, Johan pulled his cap lower over his eyes and turned to leave the rooftop.

    Just before exiting, Johan paused and cast onest nce at Dani.

    For a fleeting moment, unease washed over him, as if Dani could see through everyyer of his n. Despite the nagging feeling, everything had gone ording to n that day.

    Pushing the unease aside, Johan shook off the nagging feeling.

    He adjusted his cap one final time before slipping away from the house.

    Alone on the rooftop, Katrina remained, perfectly at ease. She had done this before.

    An entire hour stretched ahead, plenty of time for everything to unfold.

    Ryan and Lillian had gone out for dinner, and it would be at least three hours before they returned.

    Cedric was stuck at an international conference, followed by a banquet, and wouldn¡¯t return untilte that night. In one hour, Dani would vanish from existence, just like her mother.

    Everything Dani had worked for would fall into her hands.

    1@?€$? ¡é#4??€?$ 1? g??novels.c?m

    A triumphant smile tugged at Katrina¡¯s lips.

    Gazing at Dani¡¯s face, so eerily reminiscent of Brylee¡¯s, Katrina¡¯s sense of victory swelled.

    ¡°Talent doesn¡¯t save you, does it? You and your mother are still nothing more than pawns in my hands. If you two hadn¡¯t been so skilled at making money, I wouldn¡¯t have ever bothered with you. But don¡¯t worry, Dani. I¡¯ll take over Elite Lux for you. All of it will be Joyce¡¯s.

    You and your mother were both so short-sighted, paving the way for myfort all along.¡±

    Caught up in her glee, Katrina almost forgot the frustration she felt over Joyce¡¯s divorce.

    Money was all Joyce needed to have any man she desired. In contrast, Alexander was a mere shadow of the wealth Joyce truly deserved.

    The Bet family would soon regret their decisions.

    The scandal involving Joyce caused Alexander to lose several key business deals. His divorce also drained a significant portion of hispany¡¯s funds. Overwhelmed by these setbacks, he walked around the house in silence, filled with frustration.

    Initially, his n had been to secure some major contracts, then confess his feelings to Dani. However, with his finances depleting, he felt he could no longer dy.

    Alexander remembered Dani¡¯s distant manner in the living room, which sparked an unexinable anxiety within him. He worried she might not wait for him or possibly fall for someone else. He longed to ask her, ¡°Can you wait for me? I¡¯ll treat you well. I¡¯ll give you everything.¡±

    Pacing nervously in the living room, Alexander was consumed by his thoughts. Just as Richard was about to speak, Alexander abruptly took the keys from the table and left without saying a word.

    Richard was aware that Alexander was on his way to see Dani. He actually hoped that Alexander and Dani woulde back together. If not, the investment he made in the roboticspany would be locked up for a decade, a period during which he might not even be alive to reap the benefits.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 497

    ?Chapter 497:

    Richard remained in the living room, his resolve unwavering, waiting for Alexander to return with positive news.

    Meanwhile, Alexander was driving fast. Dani was on the balcony, her dress and hair fluttering wildly in the wind. Katrina sat in a nearby chair, observing Dani with an icy stare.

    ¡°Dani, you previously assisted by holding back Joyce¡¯s dividends, so perhaps I owe you thanks.

    Yet, you are too adept, reminiscent of Brylee¡ªcalm, skilled in finance, just like your mother.

    Your mother and I were once close. I suggested subtly that she should leave Caiden, but her pride made her cling to him, leaving me no choice but to eliminate her. It was not my intention to end her life. She sealed her fate by choosing the wrong man. Now, here you are, repeating her errors. Why did you choose to divorce Alexander? Would it not have been simpler to remain with him? If you hadn¡¯t divorced him, he wouldn¡¯t have pursued Joyce, making her a citywide joke. But fret not, you will depart first, and soon after, I will deal with Alexander.¡±

    ncing at the clock, Katrina noted there was still half an hour before Dani would need to obey Johan¡¯s directive to jump. She needed to leave to establish an alibi. Offering Dani a faint smile, she murmured, ¡°Goodbye, Dani.¡± Tonight, everything owned by Dani would be hers. And it wouldn¡¯t stop with Dani. Alexander and, eventually, Caiden would also meet their ends at her hands.

    Katrina chuckled softly as she prepared to leave.

    ¡°Dani!¡± Just then, a voice called out from below, startling her.

    ¡°Dani!¡±

    Check updates now on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    Startled, Katrina hurried back to the edge of the balcony and looked down. It was Alexander.

    Using a hypnotized person¡¯s name is a potent method to disrupt their trance. Concerned, Katrina nced back at Dani, who appeared still dazed.

    Katrina attempted to descend, but as she opened the rooftop door, Alexander was already ascending. Upon seeing Katrina as well, Alexander bit back the words he was about to say to Dani.

    ¡°Katrina, what are you doing on the rooftop?¡±

    He then looked toward Dani, who had her back turned to him.

    ¡°Dani?¡± Alexander called again.

    At the sound of his voice, Dani seemed to ease slightly. Alexander quickly moved to stand in front of her. He noticed rity in her eyes momentarily, as if she were snapping out of a trance.

    Frowning, he grabbed her arm and turned toward Katrina.

    ¡°What happened to Dani?¡± His voice carried a tone of suspicion, almost as if he were interrogating Katrina.

    For a brief moment, Katrina¡¯s mind went nk. She worried she had identally revealed too much. She nervously sped her hands together, her eyes darting around in panic.

    Alexander¡¯s scrutiny intensified as he watched Katrina avoid his gaze, her face reddening with an unmistakable sign of guilt.

    ¡°What were you doing just now?¡± he demanded, his voice sharpening with suspicion.

    Katrina felt the weight of his piercing stare and for a brief moment, she felt utterly cornered. Just as she was about to answer, she saw Dani¡¯s hand slip from Alexander¡¯s. Her heart skipped a beat, but she quickly turned her attention to Dani, whose face seemed distant.

    ¡°Were you feeling unwell just now?¡± Alexander¡¯s voice softened, but his concern was still evident.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 498

    ?Chapter 498:

    Dani shook her head gently.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s just the wind on the balcony is too strong. I¡¯m heading downstairs.¡± With that, she turned and left for the lower floor.

    Alexander remained on the balcony, his focus now fully on Katrina. His gaze was unyielding, and his voice wasced with tension.

    ¡°What were you really doing out here? Or more precisely, what were you doing to Dani?¡±

    Katrina¡¯s attempt at a nervousugh was weak, her nose crinkling in an effort to mask the difort.

    ¡°What could I do? We were merely chatting. Why won¡¯t you believe me? It¡¯s absurd to think I could harm Dani.¡±

    With that, Katrina quickly turned and walked away, her silhouette fading into the distance, carrying with it an air of defeat.

    Alexander stood there for a moment, his mind racing. He said nothing as the wind picked up, swirling around him. The gusts nearly knocked him off bnce, but he steadied himself, looking down from the balcony¡¯s edge.

    The vi was five stories high, but with the high ceilings, the drop seemed even more intimidating. From his vantage point, all he could see was an abyss¡ªendless and foreboding. His thoughts drifted back to the vacant look in Dani¡¯s eyes earlier, sending a chill through him.

    Alexander made his way down the staircase, only to find Katrina feigning nonchnce as she watched the television.

    Outside, in the courtyard, Dani was deep in conversation on the phone. Bits and pieces of her chat floated in through the window. It sounded as though Lillian was inquiring about Dani¡¯s ns for a midnight meal.

    Alexander¡¯s eyes lingered on Katrina once more. She was preupied with an apple, devouring it with increasing fervor.

    L§Ñt?st ch¦Ápt?rs in g??l??ov??ls.£ã¦Ïm

    ¡°Katrina.¡± Alexander broke the silence abruptly.

    Startled, Katrina nearly leaped out of her skin.

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re practically down to the apple¡¯s skeleton.¡± Katrina nced at the apple, paused, then let out a forced chuckle.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t paying attention. Did youe to see Dani?¡±

    Alexander didn¡¯t reply immediately. His intense stare continued to bore into Katrina, as if he was about to strip away her veneer at any moment.

    ¡°I need to leave now. If you need to speak with Dani, go ahead. I¡¯ll leave you two to it.¡±

    Katrina rose hurriedly without waiting for his response, scrambled into a pair of heels at random, and scurried out the door.

    Since her marriage to Caiden, Katrina had always been a stickler for sartorial precision. Her ensembles were meticulously nned, with not a color out of ce.

    But just now, Alexander noticed that Katrina was wearing a long ck dress paired with garish yellow high heels. It was the exact ensemble Joyce once attempted to wear, which Katrina had adamantly criticized. Now here was Katrina, adorned in just that.

    Alexander¡¯s suspicions about Katrina¡¯s erratic behavior deepened.

    He opted to remain in the living room, awaiting Dani¡¯s conclusion to her phone call.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 499

    ?Chapter 499:

    Outside, Dani wrapped up her conversation with Lillian.

    Cedric dialed Dani.

    ¡°Katrina¡¯s just left.¡±

    Peeking inside, Dani noticed the now-vacant couch.

    ¡°Did you capture anything worthwhile?¡±

    ¡°Yes, she spilled the beans. But then Alexander appeared out of the blue and threw a wrench in the works.¡± Dani had meticulously orchestrated this scenario, only for Alexander to unwittingly disrupt it.

    This did little to improve Dani¡¯s mood.

    Cedric tried to soothe her over the phone.

    ¡°Let it go. We¡¯ll hatch another nter.¡±

    Dani sighed.

    ¡°Okay. It¡¯s getting cold out here. Why don¡¯t youe inside?¡±

    After ending the call, she lingered in the courtyard for a moment topose herself before entering.

    Alexander rose from the sofa.

    ¡°Dani, we need to talk.¡± Dani appeared visibly fatigued.

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk another day. I¡¯m rather worn out.¡±

    ¡°But it¡¯s important.¡±

    Explore magic at g¦Á ? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s,

    At that moment, Cedric barged through the door. Alexander hesitated, locking eyes with Dani, and fell silent for a long moment.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to say something?¡± Dani prompted, looking at Alexander.

    Alexander pressed his lips tightly together, hesitant to disclose his discovery in Cedric¡¯s presence. He believed it was a secret between Dani and him. It needed no other ears.

    While Alexander wrestled with his thoughts, Cedric made his way into the living room. Dani kept her gaze fixed on Alexander.

    Finally, Alexander spoke.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I heard you¡¯ve been battling sleepless nights, so I got my hands on some supplements.¡±

    Dani nodded.

    ¡°Thank you. That¡¯s very thoughtful. Fortunately, I don¡¯t suffer from insomnia anymore, so I won¡¯t be needing them.¡± With that, she ascended the stairs.

    Cedric, who had spent a good part of the night by the door, hoping to record Katrina trying to harm Dani, was thwarted by Alexander¡¯s untimely arrival.

    He decided to shower. Emerging from the bathroom, he found Alexander had left. He proceeded upstairs.

    He found Dani lying in her bed, engulfed in gloom. Kneeling beside her, he whispered, ¡°It¡¯s okay. We¡¯ll get another shot at this.¡±

    Dani remained silent.

    Cedric persisted, ¡°Do you reckon Alexander picked up on something today?¡±

    ¡°Likely. When he walked in, Katrina¡¯s voice quivered so much, it would¡¯ve been difficult not to notice something was amiss.¡±

    ¡°I wonder why he showed up out of the blue in the first ce.¡±

    Dani stared at the ceiling.

    ¡°Who knows? Maybe he genuinely came to deliver supplements.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 500

    ?Chapter 500:

    Cedric tilted his head to regard Dani.

    ¡°Want to try them? He left them on the table.¡±

    Dani rested her head against Cedric¡¯s abdomen and murmured, ¡°No need. I have you now, and sleepless nights are a thing of the past for me.¡±

    Once Dani finished speaking, exhaustion overcame her, and she drifted into a deep slumber. A subtle smile yed on Cedric¡¯s lips.

    Katrina had been feeling uneasy since leaving home. She was certain that Alexander¡¯s sharp instincts had caught on to something. Regret gnawed at her. Her exit had given Alexander the opening to speak with Dani.

    Anxious, she turned around and rushed back to the vi. But by the time she returned, the living room was eerily quiet.

    Katrina swallowed her unease, the thought of the night ahead keeping her awake. Morning came too soon, and Katrina rose before the sun, fatigue heavy in her eyes. As she quietly slipped from her room, Dani¡¯s door creaked open just ahead.

    Katrina froze, her heart racing, and quickly withdrew. She stayed hidden, waiting for the sound of footsteps descending the stairs.

    When she finally stepped out again, she saw Cedric instead of Dani. Katrina¡¯s eyes darted to the clock. It was five in the morning. At this hour, even the maids were still in bed. What could have brought Cedric out of Dani¡¯s room so early? Had he been there all night? Or had he just arrived with the first light?

    A surge of unease washed over Katrina, and she made her way downstairs, halting just outside Cedric¡¯s room. The door creaked open just then. Before she could avert her gaze, their eyes locked.

    ¡°Up this early, Cedric?¡±

    Cedric, dressed in his workout clothes, simply nodded. His expression gave nothing away. Without a word, he continued his path towards the door.

    Your next tale lives on g ? ln¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s,

    Katrina¡¯s eyes lingered on his retreating figure.

    Shaking off the moment, Katrina went outside to grab a ss of water, her mind still focused on Dani¡¯s bedroom window above. That room, once Joyce¡¯s, boastedrge floor-to-ceiling windows and a stunning view, perfectly centered within the vi. It was nearly a hundred square meters of space. Katrina noticed the curtains were tightly drawn. Dani was clearly still resting.

    Katrina¡¯s eyes fell to the floor, but then a wild thought darted through her mind. Did Cedric really like men? Or did he only love Dani? Perhaps he simply wasn¡¯t interested in any woman other than Dani. For a brief moment, Katrina¡¯s imagination ran wild, but she quickly shut down the thought.

    After all, she held the belief that every man eventually strayed, so the idea of Cedric staying loyal to just one woman felt far-fetched. Even someone as spineless as Caiden had betrayed Brylee for her back then. She felt confident that Cedric¡¯s eyes would eventually wander towards her niece. Katrina was certain of it and decided to set the thought aside.

    Still holding her phone, Katrina considered reaching out to Alexander for a meal, hoping to learn if he had uncovered anything the day before and told Dani. However, she feared that seeming too eager might reveal some of her own hidden truths. So, she turned to Joyce, who was still asleep well into the afternoon.

    Joyce¡¯s reaction to Katrina¡¯s suggestion was immediate. Her face twisted with frustration.

    ¡°Mom, can¡¯t you stop being so self-centered? I just divorced Alexander, and now you want me to go back to him? What kind of excuse would I even give? What would people think of me? Have you even thought about that? Milo would get upset.¡±

    Joyce stood up, snatched her purse off the cab, and added, ¡°And don¡¯t act like you forgot¡ªyou still owe me eight million.

    You can¡¯t just pretend that never happened.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 501

    ?Chapter 501:

    Katrina stared at Joyce in disbelief.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t Alexander just hand you fifty million? Are you seriously iming you¡¯re still broke?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been putting money into a business with Milo.¡± The mention of business made Katrina uneasy.

    ¡°Joyce, you¡¯re no business expert. What do you even know about running apany? How could you invest in that? Don¡¯t let yourself be duped!¡±

    ¡°Stop doubting me, Mom.

    You always think I¡¯m incapable, but Milo says I¡¯m actually clever. I¡¯ve just been waiting for the right moment. Now that it¡¯s here, I¡¯m not going to let it pass me by.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s expression hardened.

    ¡°And just how much did you put in?¡±

    She had assumed a small investment, maybe one or two million at most. However, Joyce raised her fingers in front of her.

    Katrina¡¯s chest tightened.

    ¡°Four million?¡±

    Joyce burst intoughter.

    ¡°Mom, are you serious? What¡¯s four million going to do for me? I put in forty-five million. Milo promised a huge return. I know you never believed in me, always thinking I¡¯m foolish, but just wait. I¡¯ll bring in a fortune before long.¡±

    With that, Joyce turned and made her way towards the door. As she passed, she shot a final reminder at her copsing mother.

    Feel the magic on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s

    ¡°And don¡¯t forget¡ªeight million is still on you.¡±

    She walked out with a confident stride, leaving Katrina¡¯s mind spinning.

    In a panic, Katrina dialed the number of a private investigator she knew, requesting him to dig into thepany Joyce had mentioned.

    Surveying the empty space around her, Katrina realized how isted she truly was. Her grip on the phone tightened as her anxiety intensified.

    She couldn¡¯t settle, her nerves frayed, until finally, Dani emerged from upstairs. Trembling, Katrina rushed towards her, pleading, ¡°Dani, please.

    You have to help me this time.¡±

    The disappointment from yesterday¡¯s failed ns had soured Dani¡¯s mood, leaving her with little patience for niceties.

    In a voice devoid of warmth, Dani questioned, ¡°Is it now?¡±

    ¡°It seems Joyce might have been caught up in a scam. I¡¯ve already reached out for some help, but they¡¯re not as efficient as your contacts at Elite Lux. Could you possibly get someone on it?¡± Katrina asked, her voiceced with urgency.

    Dani proceeded downstairs to have her breakfast, with Katrina trailing right on her heels. Once Dani had finished her meal, Katrina, unable to contain her desperation any longer, pleaded, ¡°Please, Dani, can you help me? I¡¯m truly desperate here. Joyce has poured all her savings into this venture!¡±

    Dani was already aware of the situation. With a nonchnt air, she picked up her phone, tapped a few keys, and dered, ¡°Thepany is a sham. They¡¯re nning to vanish abroad with the investments in a matter of days.¡±

    Katrina felt as if a bolt of lightning had struck her. Herplexion drained of color, and suddenly, she found herself copsing to her knees.

    ¡°What can we do? Help us, please! That money is all Joyce has!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 502

    ?Chapter 502:

    Dani observed Katrina, now crumpled on the floor and weeping bitterly. A frosty gleam flickered in her eyes as she recalled Katrina¡¯s harsh words yesterday¡ªthat Brylee deserved to die.

    Katrina was oblivious to Dani¡¯s thoughts. She was consumed by panic. If Joyce lost the money, she¡¯d never recover financially. Her future would be bleak and filled with hardship. What could possibly be done now?

    ¡°Please,¡± Katrina implored, her voice quivering with desperation.

    ¡°I¡¯m begging you, Dani.¡±

    Dani offered a slight, indifferent smile.

    ¡°I can¡¯t assist with this matter.

    You might want to speak with Alexander. Milo has ties to the Bet family.¡± She left her statement deliberately vague, shrouded in ambiguity.

    Her cryptic words caused Katrina¡¯s mind to race toward a darker interpretation. She deduced that the Bet family had never truly weed Joyce, cunningly using Milo as a pawn in a sinister plot. They resented the hefty fifty-million-dor divorce settlement they werepelled to pay, devising a scheme to reim it. In the wake of Dani¡¯s veiled insinuations, Katrina stood frozen momentarily, her thoughts frantically assembling the pieces. A sudden epiphany struck her, propelling her to her feet.

    ¡°What did you just say? Milo and Alexander know each other?¡±

    The more Katrina considered it, the clearer it became. She had always felt that Milo and Alexander looked somewhat alike.

    Fueled by fury, Katrina murmured a terse thanks to Dani, grabbed a knife from the table, and stormed out, her emotions in turmoil.

    Stay connected g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv????s

    Upon entering, Cedric noticed the fierce anger etched across Katrina¡¯s face.

    ¡°What happened to her?¡± he inquired, turning to Dani.

    With a shrug, Dani narrated the events, to which Cedric responded with an approving thumbs up. This tactic of deflecting the me had taken Alexander by surprise.

    Confronting Alexander, Katrina demanded, ¡°Do you know Milo Brewer?¡±

    Without room for denial, Alexander admitted, ¡°He¡¯s my cousin.¡±

    Those words incensed Katrina further.

    Seething, she withdrew the knife from her bag.

    The incident erupted into headlines, igniting a whirlwind of media attention. Spection soared wildly.

    ¡°The crap these rich folks pull gets nastier every day!¡±

    ¡°Wait, Alexander actually paid some guy to seduce his wife?¡±

    ¡°Honestly, I didn¡¯t think it was possible for a man to stoop so low and embarrass himself this badly.¡±

    ¡°Rumor has it, he¡¯s still yearning for his ex-wife. Could this be the reason for his desperate actions?¡±

    ¡°Pathetic Joyce, always the idiot falling for his maniptive schemes.¡±

    As the scandal intensified, the Bet family¡¯s reputation suffered a devastating blow. Their stock prices plummeted to unprecedented lows, leaving Alexander in a frantic search for solutions. His only feasible strategy was to convince Joyce to publicly rify the situation.

    When Joyce answered his call, her response was a chillyugh.

    ¡°You must be dreaming! When we were married and you disregarded me, I didn¡¯t see you debasing yourself like this. Don¡¯t think for a moment that I¡¯m unaware of your motives.

    Your recent scramble to forge new partnerships is nothing more than a ploy to reim Dani¡¯s affection. Well, here¡¯s a newssh¡ªI won¡¯t let you manipte me!¡±

    With a sharp click, Joyce ended the call.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 503

    ?Chapter 503:

    From that moment, the Bet family¡¯s chance to rectify their tarnished image was irretrievably lost.

    Katrina faced legal consequences for her previous actions. By the time she was released, darkness had enveloped the city.

    She attempted to reach Joyce, but her calls went unanswered.

    Weighed down by defeat, she trudged back to her home, where she took a long shower and finally copsed into bed, utterly exhausted.

    As shey in the dim quietude, her mind wandered through a lifetime of calcted maneuvers that had led her to this dismal point.

    Drained to her core, Katrina found no sce in rest. The following morning, at the brisk hour of five, she jerked awake, stirred by an unyielding instinct. This time, instead of venturing out, she paused by her bedroom door.

    Minutes ticked by until the soft creak of a door pierced the silence.

    Her eyes narrowed, suspicion igniting like a flint spark.

    Quietly, Katrina twisted the doorknob and peered through the sliver of an opening. From this covert viewpoint, she spied Cedric.

    A crease formed between Katrina¡¯s eyebrows as pieces of a disturbing puzzle began to fit together.

    Over the ensuing days, she monitored Cedric¡¯sings and goings with a hawk¡¯s vignce, her suspicions growing as she uncovered his secrette-night visits to Dani¡¯s room.

    On one such asion, as she strained to see through the thin crack of her door, a slight noise escaped her. Cedric halted on the staircase, his head snapping in her direction.

    Their eyes locked through the narrow gap¡ªhis gaze icy andmanding, exuding a dominance that sent an involuntary shiver cascading down Katrina¡¯s spine, even as he was the one cloaked in secrecy.

    Get the newest chapters g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv??ls

    The door mmed shut with a resounding crash.

    Katrina¡¯s heart raced furiously.

    Compared to Cedric¡¯s cid demeanor, she felt exposed, like a guilty child caught in the act of sneaking a cookie. It wasn¡¯t until the familiar hour of her usual breakfast that Katrina gathered enough courage to venture downstairs.

    Cedric had returned from his morning jog, his demeanor as serene as a still pond. With her heart in her throat, Katrina approached him.

    ¡°Cedric¡­¡±

    Cedric paused and turned to face her.

    ¡°Why were youing out of Dani¡¯s room this morning?¡± Her voice trembled slightly, stark against Cedric¡¯s tranquility.

    ¡°Did I?¡± Cedric¡¯s reply wasced with feigned ignorance.

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve seen you do it several times.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s eyes narrowed, his gaze cutting through the air like a knife.

    ¡°Is there a problem with that?¡±

    Katrina bit her lip, struggling to find her words.

    ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ Dani is a woman. It doesn¡¯t seem proper for you to stay in her room overnight, does it?¡±

    Cedric gave a nod, his face an unreadable mask.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 504

    ?Chapter 504:

    ¡°Indeed.¡± Katrina stared, confused.

    Just that? Then what? Wasn¡¯t he going to borate? No flurry of excuses? No desperate bribes to keep her silent about his secret? Nothing. Cedric disyed none of those. Instead, his response was chillingly detached.

    ¡°From now on, if you notice anything like this, you know what to do, don¡¯t you?¡±

    Katrina stood dumbfounded.

    Cedric¡¯s voice was icy, a stark contrast to the warmth he showed Dani.

    ¡°If this matter gets out, I will deal with you.¡±

    Katrina recoiled.

    ¡°Or Joyce.¡± Cedric dabbed his forehead with a towel, his expression one of utter indifference.

    ¡°I don¡¯t easily lose my temper, but I¡¯ve had my limits tested before. Those people have disappeared.¡±

    His words were delivered calmly, yet each one bore a threat.

    ¡°Feel free to challenge me, but be warned¡ªI don¡¯t negotiate, and I certainly don¡¯t take kindly to threats.¡± With that, Cedric turned and retreated to his room. Katrina remained frozen in ce.

    She couldn¡¯t react for a long time.

    Had she just been threatened?

    It was Cedric whose secret had been uncovered.

    Discover fresh updates g¦Áln¦Ò¦Í?ls

    Yet, he had turned the tables, making her the target of his intimidation.

    Seething, Katrina dialed the media tip-off hotline. But when someone answered, her voice caught in her throat.

    She couldn¡¯t deny it; Cedric¡¯s intimidation had struck a nerve.

    From that day forward, Cedric became brazen. Previously, he would sneak to Dani¡¯s room when the house was quiet.

    Now, he ascended the stairs without hesitation, and Katrina even caught him showering in Dani¡¯s bathroom once.

    Katrina seethed with anger.

    Yet, she felt powerless to intervene. Eventually, she resigned herself to the situation.

    It was okay. She had sought Alexander¡¯s help before, who had done nothing. Now, with Cedric and Dani openly together, Katrina found twisted satisfaction in watching Alexander trying to win Dani back, but to no avail.

    But her amusement was short-lived.

    Joyce returned home after vanishing for several days, her demeanor crushed.

    ¡°Mom, can you just give me back the eight million?¡±

    Katrina thought Joyce had finallye to her senses, but her next words nearly made Katrina faint.

    ¡°Thepany I invested in is in a bit of a bind. It needs eight million to weather the storm. Mom, please give me the money.¡±

    Katrina felt as though she¡¯d raised aplete fool.

    ¡°Eight million? You gave me eight million, and now, by sheer coincidence, yourpany is short exactly that amount? Joyce, think it through! Does that not strike you as suspicious?¡±

    Joyce shook her head.

    ¡°It¡¯s exactly that¡ªa coincidence. Milo says thepany is thriving! It¡¯s just a temporary cash flow hup. Once we plug that gap, we¡¯ll be rolling in profits. Mom, please, I need that money.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 505

    ?Chapter 505:

    Katrina scoffed bitterly.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have that kind of money. What do you want me to do, sell myself?¡±

    At this, Joyce¡¯s expression hardened, and her eyes grew icy.

    ¡°Mom, must you stand in the way of my sess? What¡¯s happened to you? You¡¯ve changed, and it breaks my heart.¡±

    Katrina was so enraged that she was speechless. Joyce stared defiantly at her mother, her voice cold and detached.

    ¡°Fine. Don¡¯te to regret this.¡± With those words, Joyce stormed out.

    Later that day, Joyce became the subject of viral videos across all tforms. Her appearance was disheveled, her expression haggard, and her confessions shocking. She openly admitted to infidelity and med herself for the dissolution of her marriage.

    She even branded herself a whore in front of the cameras.

    Katrina, watching the videos, felt her heart splinter into fragments.

    This was the daughter she had adored for over two decades. She was doing this to quell the Bet family¡¯s scandal and get money from them.

    For Milo, Joyce had sacrificed her dignity and trashed her own reputation.

    The ache in Katrina¡¯s chest was agonizing.

    Only then did she grasp the true weight of Joyce¡¯s parting words: ¡°Don¡¯t regret it.¡±

    But it was already toote.

    Find your next adventure at g¦Á ?¦Ç ¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s

    Joyce again squandered the eight million dors she had taken from the Bet family.

    That night, Katrina sat in the living room, the inte ame with scorn and ridicule, while calls from dismayed rtives flooded in.

    Caiden, who seldom reached out, finally called.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe I ever married you.

    You and Joyce have brought disgrace upon me. I¡¯m severing all ties with her.¡± With that, Caiden hung up, his decision as final as when he had disowned Dani.

    Katrina copsed onto the couch, unable to utter a word for three long days and nights.

    The once poised woman, always impably dressed, now seemed drained of life, her face etched with premature lines, gray hairs emerging one by one.

    One morning, as Cedric descended the stairs, Katrina¡¯s weary eyes lifted to meet his. She pleaded, ¡°Please, Cedric, save Joyce. If no one helps her, her life will be ruined forever!¡±

    Cedric paused on the staircase, his gaze icy and distant.

    ¡°When Dani was left to fend for herself, did any of you consider stepping in to save her? Joyce still has your support, but back then, Dani had nobody. Her family showed lesspassion than mere strangers. Dani was once vibrant and spirited. Do you realize you crushed her spirit, leaving her so numbed by pain that she no longer even weeps? It was you. Every single one of you. And now, you¡¯ve earned every bit of this miserable downfall.¡±

    Katrina had always perceived Cedric as devoid of emotion, a fixture of stoic detachment.

    Yet, in that fleeting moment, she glimpsed a fierce hatred zing in his eyes. A chill ran down her spine.

    Without another word, Cedric¡¯s stoic mask returned as he turned and disappeared into his room.

    After Alexander gave Joyce eight million dors, Bet Group¡¯s ounts dwindled to a mere few hundred dors, driving Richard to such a peak of fury that itnded him in the hospital.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 506

    ?Chapter 506:

    Alexander left the hospital and headed straight for Elite Lux. His concern for Dani weighed heavily on his mind,pelling him to remind her of what happened on the rooftop that day, though weeks had passed since the incident.

    Upon his arrival at Elite Lux, Alexander found Dani absorbed in a meeting. As her secretary guided him to Dani¡¯s office, they passed the ss-walled conference room and Alexander saw Dani.

    Shemanded the room from the center, her figure entuated by the sleek lines of her tailored suit, the epitome of elegance and professionalism. As she projected data onto the screen, her voice resonated with a confidence that captured the undivided attention of the senior executives encircling her. They scribbled notes fervently, hanging on her every word.

    At that moment, the secretary interjected, obstructing Alexander¡¯s view as she addressed him.

    ¡°Mr. Bet, this way, please.¡±

    Alexander trailed behind her into a well-appointed office and took a seat as instructed.

    ¡°Ms. Harper is tied up in a meeting. She¡¯ll be another hour. Please, make yourselffortable,¡± the secretary informed him before leaving the room. Alexander responded with a silent nod, his thoughts drifting back to a time when the roles were reversed, and it was Dani who had waited for him in his office at Bet Group.

    The office at Elite Lux was an expansive space, marrying functionality with aesthetic appeal through its minimalist design. A gentle floral scent hung in the air, soothing and subtle.

    Alexander, aware that Dani never wore perfume, noticed a flowering gardenia nt perched on a nearby desk.

    The secretary, returning briefly, stated, ¡°That was a gift from Mr. Phillips. He tends to it personally, and as you can see, it¡¯s thriving. It seems the environment here nurtures both nts and people alike.¡±

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s is where magic happens

    She smiled, excused herself, and promised to return shortly with a cup of coffee for him.

    Time passed slowly, and over an hourter, Dani emerged from her meeting.

    The secretary had already informed her that Alexander was waiting in the office.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Dani asked, wasting no time on pleasantries.

    ¡°There¡¯s something important I need to tell you,¡± Alexander replied.

    The secretary closed the door behind her, leaving them to their private conversation.

    Dani nodded, methodically signing documents as she conversed.

    ¡°Go on.¡±

    ¡°Katrina is scheming behind your back.¡±

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Dani responded in a tone that bordered on disinterest.

    Alexander¡¯s anxiety was palpable.

    ¡°Absolutely. Remember the incident on the rooftop? Katrina led you there. The winds were fierce that day¡ªit¡¯s evident she had ill intentions.¡±

    Briefly lifting her eyes to meet his, Dani asked, ¡°Are you suggesting she intended for me to fall off the roof?¡±

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Alexander affirmed with a nod.

    Returning her gaze to the documents, Dani asked, ¡°And your basis for this im?¡±

    Alexander¡¯s expression turned to one of confusion, revealing his inner turmoil.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 507

    ?Chapter 507:

    ¡°Since I cut my ties with Caiden, my assets are no longer intertwined with his. What reason could Katrina possibly have to target me? Merely out of spite? Alexander, do you honestly believe that spite is enough to justify attempted murder?¡±

    Caught off guard, Alexander struggled to find his voice. Each time Dani countered with her poised, logical arguments, he felt increasingly out of his element. The undeniable authority she wielded as a leader rendered him nearly powerless, dwarfed by her formidable presence.

    Time and again, Alexander found himself deferring to Dani, uncertain how to steer their conversations.

    ¡°Stop dragging me into your nonsense¡ªI¡¯ve got better things to do,¡± Dani said, her eyes meeting his as she clutched her pen.

    Alexander managed a terse, ¡°Just be careful.¡± Dani offered no reply.

    A heavy silence settled over the spacious office. Alexander knew he should make his exit, yet something made him linger. Dani, however, seemed utterly disinterested in continuing their interaction.

    ¡°I guess I¡¯ll be on my way then,¡± he remarked, locking eyes with Dani.

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t help but notice your office only has one nt¡ªkind of drab, don¡¯t you think? I¡¯ve ordered some sweet osmanthus flowers to brighten it up. They¡¯ll be here soon.¡±

    Dani didn¡¯t get a chance to object as Alexander hurried out, perhaps fearful of a rejection.

    The moment the flowers arrived, the secretary let out a soft gasp, unable to hide her surprise.

    ¡°Where do you want me to put these?¡± she inquired.

    Unforgettable stories on g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s??o??

    ¡°Keep them downstairs,¡± Dani responded with a hint of annoyance.

    ¡°I¡¯m allergic to them.¡±

    The secretary wasted no time and had the flowers sent straight to the first-floor restroom, where Dani would never see them.

    The sheer weight of the massive flower pot had the employees gasping for breath by the time they got it downstairs.

    ¡°Is Alexander out of his mind? If he was going to send flowers, shouldn¡¯t he have checked her preferences first? Dani is allergic, and he is clueless?¡±

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t Dani just turn him down?¡±

    The gathered employees turned to the secretary, their curiosity unanimous.

    ¡°Does she still have feelings for him?¡±

    The secretary let out a frustrated sigh.

    ¡°Are you all out of your minds? Dani has someone as remarkable as Cedric pursuing her. Why on earth would she waste a second on Alexander?¡±

    The team exchanged puzzled nces.

    ¡°Then why does she keep the flowers Alexander sent?¡±

    Reflecting on Dani¡¯s response, the secretary spected, ¡°She probably just couldn¡¯t be bothered. Refusing would have meant exining herself, and we all know she doesn¡¯t like revealing her weaknesses to outsiders.¡±

    At the mention of outsiders, the group nodded in agreement.

    It was clear: someone like Alexander could never hold the same appeal for Dani as Cedric did.

    Alexander was under the illusion that his flowers had earned him the same privileges Cedric had¡ªprivileges like regr visits to Dani¡¯s office.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 508

    ?Chapter 508:

    The next day, he took the opportunity to go up to her office, iming it was to tend to the flowers.

    The secretary, aware of Dani¡¯s allergy to those flowers, simply told him they had been moved to the first floor. Confused, Alexander made his way downstairs, only to find the flowers ced near the restroom.

    His excitement fizzled out in an instant, leaving him deted.

    While walking around, he overheard the employees discussing Dani¡¯s allergy to the flowers he had sent. A wave of frustration quickly shifted to guilt as he absorbed the information.

    Determined to make it right, Alexander rushed out and bought an evenrger pot of gardenias¡ªbigger than the one Cedric had given her.

    However, this time, he didn¡¯t encounter Dani. Instead, he crossed paths with Cedric, who had just finished tending to the flowers.

    ¡°Mr. Bet? This isn¡¯t yourpany. Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s a bit inappropriate for you to be nting flowers here?¡± A smug smile tugged at Cedric¡¯s lips.

    Once, he had always felt overshadowed by Alexander, never quite able to stand up to him. But now, he was Dani¡¯s husband. That little fact gave him the confidence to speak his mind, as he now had every right to do so. Even though their marriage was still a secret, Cedric still ordered the staff to dispose of Alexander¡¯s flowers without a second thought.

    ¡°That¡¯s not something you can just do!¡± Alexander snapped.

    ¡°Oh, I can and I will.

    You don¡¯t belong here, Alexander. Don¡¯t think you can crawl back to Dani just because things fell apart with Joyce.¡±

    Don¡¯t miss it: g?l§Úov???.c§àm

    A flush of anger spread through Alexander as he gritted his teeth.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean it that way. It was just a simple gift, trying to be friendly.¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t need your gift. We already have flowers and someone to care for them.

    You¡¯re not needed.¡± Rage burned inside Alexander, but he knew better than to challenge Cedric face-to-face. A sense of inferiority gnawed at him. In business, Cedric had the upper hand, and deep down, he knew he couldn¡¯t measure up to Cedric.

    In this world, power and wealth were the keys to everything. Alexander¡¯s fists tightened in silent resolve. He vowed to himself that one day he¡¯d stand toe-to-toe with Cedric. He would reim his ce at Elite Lux, win Dani back on his terms, and show her he could provide all she deserved.

    As Alexander stormed off, Cedric allowed himself a quiet chuckle. Alexander¡¯s intentions were apparent, and Cedric understood them perfectly. Alexander wouldn¡¯t be granted the opportunity to redeem himself, nor would he ever stand before Dani again. There were certain losses that couldn¡¯t be undone.

    Upon Dani¡¯s return, the secretary filled her in on the events of the day.

    ¡°Did he get upset?¡± Dani asked, her voice calm.

    The secretary, assuming Dani referred to Alexander, nodded.

    ¡°Yes, he was absolutely furious when he left.¡±

    Dani shifted her gaze towards the secretary.

    ¡°I was asking about Cedric.¡±

    The secretary¡¯s response was immediate.

    ¡°No. He was in a great mood. After Alexander left, he was tending to the flowers and humming a tune.¡± A faint smile tugged at Dani¡¯s lips.

    Curiously, the secretary watched her and then asked, ¡°Should I handle these situations differently next time?¡± In business, it was often more advantageous to have allies than adversaries.

    ¡°No need to worry,¡± Dani replied withposure.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 509

    ?Chapter 509:

    ¡°When I¡¯m not here, trust Cedric to handle matters.¡± With that, Dani walked back to her office.

    The secretary stood frozen, ncing at Lillian in disbelief.

    ¡°Lillian, what did Dani mean by that?¡±

    Lillian¡¯s smile widened.

    ¡°It meant exactly what you think it did.¡±

    ¡°Are Cedric and Dani an item?¡±

    Lillian gave a sly nod, apanied by a quiet gesture to keep it hush-hush.

    ¡°Best to keep it between us.¡±

    The secretary nodded enthusiastically.

    The next day, as Dani stepped out for a meeting, Cedric arrived once more. He immediately noticed the warmer reception awaiting him in the secretary department.

    ¡°Mr. Phillips, we¡¯ve prepared your favorite coffee. Would you like me to make you a fresh cup?¡±

    ¡°Mr. Phillips, this one¡¯s brand new and seems to suit you perfectly. Please, have a seat and let us know if it feels right.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Phillips, here¡¯s the watering can. It¡¯s already filled for you.¡±

    Cedric asked in confusion, with all the sudden enthusiasm.

    A chuckle escaped the secretary¡¯s lips.

    Every journey starts at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c????

    ¡°Dani mentioned that when she¡¯s away, you¡¯re the one in charge. We just want to make sure everything¡¯s perfect for you.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s face lit up with a smile of satisfaction. As Dani entered, the door swung open, and she was instantly embraced by Cedric.

    The secretary slipped out with a knowing smile. Looking up, Dani found herself met with a tender kiss warm and lingering, the kiss slowly broke, leaving them both with racing hearts. After a while, Dani let out a breathlessugh.

    ¡°Are you really this happy?¡± she asked, her voice soft and teasing.

    ¡°I am really happy,¡± Cedric admitted.

    Dani chuckled.

    ¡°Once everything is settled, I promise you a grand wedding. How does that sound?¡±

    Cedric held Dani in a warm embrace. Knowing her distaste for unnecessaryplications, he leaned in, his voice a whisper meant only for her.

    ¡°More than a wedding, I¡¯d rather¡­¡±

    His voice tapered into a whisper.

    Dani¡¯s cheeks flushed as she nced up at Cedric.

    ¡°Is that all you daydream about?¡±

    Cedric nodded, unabashed.

    ¡°Let¡¯s wait until we¡¯re back home.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Not at the Harper family residence¡ªtoo many prying eyes there! We¡¯ll head to our own home.¡±

    The opulent vi he had acquired for a staggering five billion dors had be the talk of the town. Everyone whispered that it was the love nest for him and his future wife.

    Indeed, it was intended for Dani. Hearing her suggest it, Cedric¡¯s heart swelled with joy.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 510

    ?Chapter 510:

    He tightened his embrace, as if fearing she could vanish into thin air.

    After a pause, Cedric sighed deeply.

    ¡°Let¡¯s wrap up our affairs swiftly, shall we?¡±

    Dani nodded and reciprocated his embrace.

    Once they cleared their current hurdles, she hoped to give Cedric two children, adding branches to his family tree.

    Their intimate moment was shattered by a knock at the office door.

    Dani and Cedric reluctantly parted. Cedric stole a quick kiss and gently squeezed her waist before stepping back.

    ¡°Come in,¡± Dani called.

    Katrina burst into the room, her entrance so frantic she nearly tripped over her own feet.

    ¡°Dani, you must rescue Joyce this time!¡±

    Katrina copsed to her knees, clutching desperately at Dani¡¯s skirt.

    ¡°Joyce has thrown herself into that venture, and now, with Milo vanished with all the money, she¡¯s the one in the crosshairs. Thepany owes a hundred million, and they¡¯re threatening her life if she can¡¯t settle the debts. Dani, I implore you. She¡¯s your stepsister.

    You can¡¯t just stand by and watch her perish!¡±

    Dani looked down at Katrina, who was groveling on the floor. She recalled the opportunity Alexander had unwittingly disrupted, now seemingly returned to her. A sly smirk crossed her face.

    ¡°I can¡¯t help her.¡±

    L?t£åst ch?pt?rs in g??lnovels.??¦Ï??

    Katrina¡¯s voice quivered as she remained kneeling.

    ¡°I know I¡¯ve wronged you in the past. I was harsh, acting out of fear of not being epted by you after marrying your father. Dani, it was never my intention. I¡¯m truly sorry.¡±

    Katrina bowed her head repeatedly, each nod echoing in the tense silence of the room.

    Dani observed her with a frosty detachment.

    ¡°I acknowledge my mistakes, Dani. Just give me a chance to make things right. Please, save Joyce. She¡¯s still so young. If you turn your back now, she might not survive this.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s plea rasped with desperation, but Dani remained stoic in her chair.

    After what seemed like an eternity, Katrina realized her pleas were in vain. She wiped away her tears, standing defiantly.

    ¡°Dani, you won¡¯t lift a finger for Joyce, will you?¡±

    Dani remained silent, her expression chillingly indifferent.

    ¡°Very well! If that¡¯s how it is, don¡¯t me me for what happens next!¡± Katrina pulled out her phone and called Caiden.

    ¡°You wanted to sever ties with Joyce, right? Well,e home immediately, Caiden. I want a divorce!¡± With that, Katrina ended the call abruptly.

    She turned back to Dani, her voice steel-d.

    ¡°I¡¯m divorcing Caiden, and I¡¯m iming half of the Harper family¡¯s fortune!¡±

    Dani let out a lightugh, spreading her hands.

    ¡°Sure, if you think you can actuallyy im to it, by all means, try!¡±

    On that day, Caiden returned from abroad.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 511

    ?Chapter 511:

    After eating in Dani¡¯s kitchen, he finally settled onto the living room couch.

    ¡°If you want a divorce, fine. But splitting the family fortune? Not on my watch,¡± he dered tly.

    Katrina hadn¡¯t genuinely intended to pursue a divorce. At her age, starting anew was not on the cards. The threat of divorce was merely a gambit to coerce Dani into rescuing Joyce.

    What Katrina hadn¡¯t anticipated was Dani pulling Caiden into the fray to confront the issue head-on.

    In a panic, Katrina fell to Caiden¡¯s feet.

    ¡°Honey, I know this mess is Joyce¡¯s doing, but can¡¯t you find it in your heart to save her? Please?¡±

    Caiden flicked her hand off his knee with disdain.

    ¡°Save her? How about you save me for a change? Look at the havoc you¡¯ve wreaked on this family! I can¡¯t step outside without whispers that I fathered a disgraceful daughter!¡±

    Katrina dissolved into tears.

    ¡°I know. It¡¯s all Joyce¡¯s fault. But you¡¯ve doted on her for so many years. Please, she¡¯s still your daughter!¡±

    A shadow of regret crossed Caiden¡¯s face.

    ¡°Had I known Joyce would turn out like this, I would never have weed her into our family! I pushed away my own daughter for her, and now I¡¯m filled with remorse. I¡¯ll make it clear to the public that I have only one daughter¡ªDani!¡±

    With those words, Caiden shoved Katrina aside and stormed out into the yard, where he promptly called hiswyer.

    New updates in g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    That same day, Caiden issued a public statement severing all ties with Joyce. The statement also dered his intention to divorce Katrina, consolidating the Harper family¡¯s control under him and Dani. This announcement was not merely a step to distance the Harpers from the scandal caused by Katrina and Joyce, but also a strategic move to ingratiate himself with Dani.

    When the topic of mending his rtionship with Dani arose, Cedric was quick to interject.

    ¡°There¡¯s no fixing what¡¯s irreparably broken. Dani has all the care she needs.¡±

    Hearing this, Dani nced up at Cedric. He stood before her like a guard dog protecting its territory.

    Caiden was taken aback by the scene. In the past, Cedric had always shielded Dani, yet he had maintained a respectful distance, never overstepping his boundaries or speaking out of turn. But now? Cedric appeared empowered, advocating for Dani without hesitation.

    What was the nature of their rtionship now? Were they an item? If so, their united front would be a formidable force in the nation. It was a level of influence that could intimidate the most stoic observer.

    Caiden¡¯s demeanor softened as he turned his gaze to Dani, his voice almost pleading.

    ¡°Dani, my dear, our blood ties are undeniable. Regardless of past events, think of the money I took as merely a father¡¯s due support from his daughter. Can we agree on that?¡±

    Dani had long be immune to Caiden¡¯s audacity. However, Cedric was seething. His fury was almost tangible as he stepped closer, his presence imposing.

    ¡°Taking what¡¯s not yours andbeling it a freebie? The world doesn¡¯t operate on your whims, Caiden. Let¡¯s be clear¡ªyou¡¯ve burned this bridge.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 512

    ?Chapter 512:

    Cedric had once given Caiden a chance to prove himself. When Caidenst departed, he must have sensed Katrina¡¯s brewing schemes. A single word of caution to protect Dani would have sufficed, yet Caiden remained silent. Instead, he chose flight over fight, preupied with his own safety.

    Such a man was unfit to be called a father.

    Cedric didn¡¯t wait for a response. He took Dani by the hand and led her to her room.

    Dani sighed, and as Cedric held her, she patted his back.

    ¡°Why waste anger on someone like him?¡±

    Cedric, still fuming, replied, ¡°Dani, I don¡¯t understand why you¡¯re still smiling. My heart breaks for you!¡±

    Dani didn¡¯t care in the slightest. Caiden had always been the epitome of selfishness, driven solely by his own interests. If he weren¡¯t, how else could he have remarried with such haste after Brylee¡¯s death?

    The very idea of seeing him as a father had faded into irrelevance for her years ago.

    But Cedric couldn¡¯t understand Dani¡¯s apathy. Though he only had one family member, his grandmother, she had loved him dearly. Whenever he interacted with Caiden, he couldn¡¯t help but cling to a faint hope that Caiden might show a bit more kindness towards Dani.

    It was a glimpse of Cedric¡¯s own humanity¡ªa part of him that remained tender and idealistic despite his hard-earned sess.

    Watching Cedric¡¯s frustration with Caiden often made Dani think about how, despite being a billionaire CEO, he still carried a soft, vulnerable heart. It touched her in a way she hadn¡¯t expected.

    Maybe it was because someone else still held on to what she had long since given up on.

    L??t??¦Ó ?h??¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?l??.??§àm

    When Dani came down the stairs, she was greeted by the sight of Caiden pacing angrily, his face flushed with frustration.

    ¡°Dani! Do you even know what Cedric has done to me?¡± heined.

    Dani¡¯s face remained unreadable. Of course, she knew. Caiden had been leveraging her and Cedric¡¯s names to secure business opportunities. After the fundsnded in Harper Group¡¯s ounts, he convenientlybeled them as profits and distributed them as dividends.

    The sums weren¡¯t significant¡ªjust tens of thousands a month at most.

    Yet, Caiden basked in the illusion of sess. At first, he knew full well that his so-called achievements stemmed from Dani¡¯s and Cedric¡¯s reputations. But as time passed, he began to convince himself he was a brilliant businessman.

    Cedric, however, had reached his limit. With one decisive move, he severed every business tie Caiden had built.

    ¡°Cedric told everyone in the industry that if they even think about working with me, he¡¯ll cklist them. Is this how he ns to go against me?¡± Caiden asked, his voice rising in frustration.

    Dani took a slow sip of her water, her gaze unwavering.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it clear?¡± she replied coolly.

    Caiden almost sputtered in fury.

    ¡°Dani! I brought you into this world. How can you just stand there and let this happen to me?¡± he demanded, his face flushed with anger.

    A faint smile tugged at Dani¡¯s lips.

    ¡°My mother brought me into this world, not you,¡± she said calmly.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 513

    ?Chapter 513:

    ¡°You¡­¡±

    Dani maintained herposure, not once feeling responsible for Caiden¡¯s emotions.

    Without another word, she turned and walked away, sitting down in front of the TV.

    Caiden shot her a furious re.

    ¡°If you¡¯re not going to let me run my business, then you¡¯d better start giving me money. Dani, supporting your parents is a legal duty. Don¡¯t try to back out of it by saying we¡¯re estranged. I¡¯ve already spoken to awyer.

    You¡¯ll be required to pay me an allowance every month.¡±

    That much was true. Dani was well aware of that fact.

    Without taking her eyes off the TV, she responded, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. If you need the money, I¡¯ll give it to you.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s eyes instantly sparkled with excitement at her words.

    ¡°Are you serious?¡± he asked, his voice betraying his greed.

    Dani gave a quick nod.

    ¡°Of course. I don¡¯t break thew.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s face broke into a wide grin. Given Dani¡¯s wealth, the financial support wouldn¡¯t be a small amount.

    Had he known it would be this easy, he never would have bothered with business in the first ce.

    He could have simply asked Dani for money straight away.

    New updates uploaded to g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    Caiden left happily, excited to get his monthly allowance from Dani.

    On the other hand, after Caiden made his public deration severing ties with Joyce, Katrina¡¯s anxiety intensified.

    If Joyce no longer had ties to the Harper family, how could those who owed money possibly let her off the hook? Katrina spent her days in helpless tears, consumed by worry.

    Caiden, however, remained utterly indifferent. His cold demeanor gave no hint of the affection he had once shown her.

    Katrina couldn¡¯t help but regret her past choices.

    She bitterly recalled the wealthy man her mother had once tried to set her up with. How different things might have been if she hadn¡¯t turned him down.

    Just as this thought crossed her mind, her phone buzzed with an iing call.

    ¡°Has Joyce made it back home yet?¡± her mother asked from the other end. The faint clink of poker chips and the shuffle of cards were barely audible in the background.

    ¡°No,¡± Katrina whispered, her voice trembling as tears she could no longer hold back began to fall.

    ¡°Mom, what am I supposed to do? I¡¯ve begged Dani, I¡¯ve even pleaded with Caiden, but neither of them will spend a penny to help Joyce.¡±

    There was a brief pause on the other end, followed by the sound of cards being shuffled and the low murmur of people cing bets.

    A few minutester, the sound of a chair scraping against the floor broke through the quiet, and the background noise began to fade.

    Her mother¡¯s voice returned, this time with less noise in the background.

    ¡°When you reach a dead end, it¡¯s time to walk away. Remember that wealthy man I told you about? He¡¯s still an option. Just recently, he asked about you, wondering if you¡¯d reconsidered.¡±

    Katrina was quiet for a moment.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 514

    ?Chapter 514:

    ¡°He¡¯s a great match. His wife passed away, and despite being introduced to other women, he showed no interest in any of them. But the moment he saw your picture on my phone, he was immediately interested. He told me money¡¯s no concern for him. I did some digging. He¡¯s in the oil industry, and he spends like money¡¯s nothing.¡± Katrina bit her lip, weighing her options.

    ¡°I understand what you¡¯re holding on to, but Dani is beyond Caiden¡¯s reach now.

    You¡¯re only fooling yourself if you think you can outsmart her, especially with Cedric backing her.

    You¡¯re out of your league here.¡± Her mother paused, letting her words sink in.

    ¡°From everything you¡¯ve said, it sounds like Dani might already know the truth about her mother¡¯s death. If that¡¯s the case, you need to leave while you still can. If you don¡¯t, it won¡¯t be just you¡ªit¡¯ll be Joyce too.

    You saw how cruel Brylee was. Her daughter is more ruthless than her.¡±

    Katrina knew how ruthless Brylee was.

    At an borate dinner, a group of men had pressured Brylee into consuming an excessive amount of alcohol. She drank each ss without ever faltering in her demeanor. However, when their tactics took a deceptive turn, Brylee shattered a bottle over one man¡¯s head. The violence escted when a knife was driven cleanly through the man¡¯s palm, filling the room with his pained screams.

    Amid the chaos, someone tried to film Brylee, intending to portray her as the violent instigator.

    Yet, Brylee remained unfazed.

    That night¡¯s events made Brylee a well-known figure. Afterward, no one dared to challenge her again. Even yearster, Katrina still vividly remembered the image of Brylee¡¯s blood-streaked face on the video.

    Latest stories on

    Dani, in many ways, was both simr to and distinct from Brylee.

    She shared Brylee¡¯s indomitable strength and authoritative air.

    Yet, she possessed a serenity that Brylee never had, her emotions hidden behind a veneer of perfect calm. This aspect of Dani was indeed intimidating to Katrina.

    ¡°Katrina, you are my daughter. I would never hurt you. Opportunities like this are rare. If you don¡¯t grasp it now, it may nevere again. I¡¯ll leave the choice to you, though. Take your time to think it through.¡±

    Katrina responded with a soft, barely audible agreement. As they were about to end the call, Katrina paused, then spoke up hesitantly.

    ¡°Mom? I¡¯ve always tried to support you, but now I¡¯m the one in need. Could you possibly lend me some money?¡±

    Her voice quivered as she continued, ¡°This isn¡¯t for me; it¡¯s for Joyce. I need to settle her debts to bring her home. I wouldn¡¯t be asking if I weren¡¯t desperate.¡± A heavy silence fell on the other end of the line.

    After a tense pause, Katrina¡¯s mother responded, ¡°Alright. I don¡¯t have much to spare either. I¡¯m old, Katrina. I can¡¯t risk leaving myself destitute. But I¡¯ll send you most of what I¡¯ve saved, keeping just enough to get by.¡±

    Lately, Katrina had faced nothing but rejections.

    The unexpected support from her mother brought tears to her eyes instantly.

    ¡°Mom, I swear I¡¯ll repay you,¡± she murmured, her voice thick with emotion.

    ¡°Don¡¯t say things like that, Katrina. We¡¯re family. During tough times, you realize who truly values you. Remember who¡¯s there for you now and who just stood by, watching you struggle. Forget about those who didn¡¯t care. Think about that wealthy man I mentioned. I¡¯ll wire the moneyter.¡±

    With a sudden click, the call was disconnected. The woman bearing two jagged scars across her face returned to her seat at the poker table. The ttering of cards and chips resumed.

    ¡°Erika, didn¡¯t I tell you that the rich guy has some weird quirks? Why didn¡¯t you pick someone else for this?¡± Erika Schmidt, with a wry smirk and a cigarette dangling from her lips, replied evenly, ¡°Why pass up such a chance on outsiders when I can keep it within the family?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 515

    ?Chapter 515:

    ¡°Fair enough. That guy is loaded, but I¡¯ve heard hisst few wives¡­ Well, let¡¯s just say their ends were anything but peaceful. Are you going to warn Katrina about that? It¡¯s not something just anyone can handle.¡±

    Erikaughed.

    ¡°Warn her about what? It¡¯s tough to earn a buck, and life¡¯s no walk in the park. She¡¯ll catch on soon enough. Nothing¡¯s handed to you on a silver tter. Once she¡¯s free of Caiden, she¡¯ll adapt just fine. All I need to do is grab the cash.¡±

    Five hourster, Katrina¡¯s phone chimed, signaling a wire transfer of five hundred thousand dors hadnded in her ount.

    It was less than she¡¯d expected, yet it was still a decent sum.

    A surge of relief washed over her, and just as she was about to redistribute the funds, her phone buzzed again. This time, it was a photo.

    The man in the photo was unmistakably wealthy but looked entirely ordinary with his stout frame, round face, and shifty, narrow eyes that sparkled with a disconcerting greed.

    Seeing him was enough to make Katrina¡¯s stomach twist ufortably.

    Without hesitation, she deleted the image, secured her funds, andpleted a transfer of three million dors. With a quick handoff of two hundred dors to the intermediary, she sealed an agreement to gradually return a staggering hundred million.

    With everything in motion, Katrina was left to anxiously await further developments.

    Meanwhile, Caiden was waiting for money as well. His phone never left his hand. In the meantime, he managed to squeeze in attendance at a social event. Recently, he felt suffocated, confined by his own circumstances. The debacle with Joyce had severely dented his image, casting a shadow over his reputation. With the public deration to sever all ties with Joyce now circting, Caiden felt liberated enough to step out into the world again.

    As he neared the restaurant¡¯s entrance and reached for the door handle, a flurry of voices spilled out from within.

    Don¡¯t miss fresh updates on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    ¡°I really have to give Caiden credit. Everyone¡¯s buzzing about Joyce being nothing but trouble, yet here he is, not hiding away.¡±

    ¡°Unbelievable. I burst outughing the moment I saw Caiden¡¯s post. That guy? He cuts people off if they embarrass him, but grovels back when he needs something from them.¡±

    ¡°Absolutely. I caught him the other day, practically on his knees to Dani, who wouldn¡¯t even nce his way.¡±

    ¡°Dani¡¯s got such a cool temperament. Were it me, Caiden would¡¯ve earned a good few ps by now!¡±

    ¡°Exactly! And here¡¯s the kicker¡ªimagine if Dani hit a rough patch and Joyce ended up with some wealthy guy. Do you seriously believe Caiden would stoop so low as to crawl back to Joyce? The thought alone is hysterical!¡±

    ¡°Caiden is so pathetic!¡±

    The mockingughter from inside the restaurant echoed in Caiden¡¯s ears. His smug grin faded in an instant, reced by a stormy expression.

    For a moment, he considered walking away, but after a few hesitant steps, he spun around and marched inside. The door swung open with a loud thud, silencing the chatter as heads turned his way. Caiden scanned the room before confidently iming a seat.

    ¡°Apologies for beingte, everyone,¡± he began, his voice dripping with exaggerated politeness.

    The people in the restaurant exchanged amused looks.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 516

    ?Chapter 516:

    Caiden continued, ¡°Dani insisted on getting me a new outfit. I told her something from Elite Lux would do, but she wouldn¡¯t hear of it.¡± Tugging at his cored shirt, he added, ¡°Just look at this. Pure wool. Set her back fifty grand.¡±

    Not a trace of embarrassment crossed his face.

    Pausing briefly, heunched into more boasting.

    ¡°She also promised to take me on a trip this holiday. Bought her own private ind, you know? You probably saw it in the news. Once it¡¯s ready, she¡¯ll fly me out personally.¡±

    Hearing this, everyone couldn¡¯t help but marvel at Caiden¡¯s luck in having such an extraordinary daughter. Even if they felt a hint of envy, there was nothing they could do. After all, Dani was undeniably remarkable.

    As the world¡¯s richest woman, her wealth was beyondprehension. Even if Caiden lived recklessly, just a small portion of her fortune was enough to ensure a lifetime offort.

    While theirpliments flowed freely, jealousy simmered beneath the surface. Caiden soaked up their ttery, reveling in a swell of pride and self-importance.

    Rather than holding back, he leaned into his bragging even further.

    ¡°I¡¯m not even old enough to retire yet, but Dani insists on giving me a monthly allowance. I told her it wasn¡¯t necessary, but she wouldn¡¯t take no for an answer. In fact, this month¡¯s payment shoulde through today.¡±

    Taking out his phone, he began recording a brief video for Dani, ensuring the group was in full view.

    ¡°Hey Dani, I¡¯m out with some friends you¡¯ve met before,¡± he said, panning the camera to capture the group, who eagerly waved and smiled.

    Watching them light up at the opportunity to impress the world¡¯s wealthiest woman, Caiden smirked in satisfaction.

    Discover fresh tales on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??§à??

    Moving closer to the window, he lowered his voice and spoke with a sly smile.

    ¡°Send over that allowance now, and while you¡¯re at it, cover this dinner for me. Help me make an impression here.¡±

    He pressed send and caught a few curious, slightly skeptical nces from the others. Ignoring them, he grinned and settled back in his seat, cing his phone on the table like a trophy.

    He was eagerly waiting for the bank notification, ready to show it off once again.

    As he waited, someone chuckled and asked, ¡°So, Caiden, with your daughter being the richest woman alive, how big is that monthly allowance?¡±

    At that, every pair of eyes around the table turned to Caiden.

    Caiden soaked in the attention, giving a modest smile before replying, ¡°Well, it¡¯s decent.¡± The truth was, he had no idea how much Dani would give him, so he couldn¡¯t afford to overdo the boasting.

    ¡°I¡¯m practically retired now, so I don¡¯t really need much. My daughter always says her money is there for me. She takes care of all the bills at home and even reimburses anything I spend elsewhere. She keeps reminding me not to stress about money at my age and just enjoy life.¡±

    As he finished speaking, his phone buzzed on the table. Caiden¡¯s face brightened instantly as he grabbed his phone and held it up for all to see.

    ¡°Look at this. Another transfer. Dani¡¯s covering today¡¯s food and drinks. Thanks for thepany, everyone!¡±

    He unlocked his phone and proudly disyed the transaction.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 517

    ?Chapter 517:

    The group leaned in eagerly for a closer look.

    A wave of superiority washed over Caiden as he savored the attention.

    But the moment he saw the ring figure of two thousand, his smug grin vanished.

    The others exchanged quick nces, then leaned back in their seats.

    Caiden let out a forcedugh.

    ¡°Ah, she must¡¯ve just sent enough to cover our meal.¡±

    Just then, Dani¡¯s audio message arrived. Hoping for a lifeline, Caiden quickly pressed y. Dani¡¯s voice filled the room, sharp and clear.

    ¡°I¡¯m sending you four months of your basic allowance, that¡¯s five hundred a month. That should keep you quiet for a while. And Caiden, if you¡¯re inviting people out, the bill is yours. Have you forgotten your ce?¡±

    The message ended abruptly, and a heavy silence followed. Then, suddenly, a burst ofughter erupted. Some wiped tears from their eyes, others held their sides inughter, and a few were doubled over, barely holding onto their seats.

    Caiden¡¯s face burned with humiliation. He shot up from his chair, stiff as a board, and bolted out.

    The mockery behind him only intensified. Even outside, he could still hear theirughter.

    ¡°That shirt¡¯s ancient. He really thought we¡¯d believe Dani bought it for him!¡±

    ¡°And when he tried whispering for more money by the window? I nearly died!¡±

    ¡°I know, right? He thought no one heard him, but he was the biggest joke.¡±

    ¡°All he did was name-drop Dani. Bet she doesn¡¯t even care about him.¡±

    ¡°Seriously? Secondhand embarrassment hit me so hard!¡±

    The jeering voices behind him cut through his pride like daggers. Ovee with shame, Caiden kept his head down, unable to meet anyone¡¯s gaze.

    Caiden believed it was all Dani¡¯s fault. Had she just yed along, his public humiliation could have been avoided.

    Five hundred a month? That sum wouldn¡¯t even cover his tips. Seething, Caiden made his way home.

    Upon arriving, he found Dani deeply engrossed in a video game she¡¯d recently developed, sprawledfortably on the couch.

    He approached her aggressively, questioning, ¡°Dani, what do you think you¡¯re doing?¡±

    At that moment, Cedric appeared, stepping out of a bedroom, a towel draped around him.

    Caiden red at Dani.

    ¡°Do you even understand how embarrassing today was for me?¡±

    Unaware of the specifics, Dani could only assume that Caiden had failed another of his schemes.

    ¡°Maybe you wouldn¡¯t feel so embarrassed if you stopped making baseless ims.¡±

    Her reply only fueled Caiden¡¯s anger.

    ¡°Dani! I am your father! Does my disgrace mean nothing to you? Does it please you to see me degraded?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m honestly d for my mom. Being with you had only brought her pain,¡± Dani responded with augh, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

    Caiden felt like he was about to burst with anger.

    Cedric prepared to step in.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 518

    ?Chapter 518:

    With a piercing stare, Dani confronted Caiden.

    ¡°If she were still here, Caiden, do you think she would regret her marriage to such a fool?¡±

    In a fit of anger, Caiden raised his hand, ready to strike.

    Dani rose to her feet, her eyes piercing Caiden with cold intensity.

    ¡°Do you truly believe that my mother took her own life out of mere despair?¡±

    Suddenly, Caiden froze, struck by a grim realization. As Dani moved closer, he backed away.

    ¡°She¡¯s been haunting my dreams, telling me about the pain of her fall. She talks about her bones breaking, her blood spilling, and how peace never came. And yet, you call yourself my father, her husband? Did it ever cross your mind that it might not have been just an ident?¡±

    Overwhelmed, Caiden sank into the couch. His face turned pale.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know anything,¡± he stammered, then raced up the stairs.

    His nerves had wiped the initial argument clean from his memory.

    Hourster, with a defeated slouch, Caiden stood at Cedric¡¯s door and said, ¡°I¡¯m heading back to Zentara.¡±

    Standing by therge window and mid-call, Cedric paused to say, ¡°We¡¯ll leave it here for now,¡± to the person on the line before turning to Caiden.

    ¡°Whatever happened back then didn¡¯t involve me. I¡¯m clueless about it, and I¡¯m intent on returning to Zentara.¡± In the dim ambiance of the room, only a sliver of light cast shadows. Cedric¡¯s silhouette was just visible to Caiden, who couldn¡¯t make out his expression.

    ¡°Do you really believe you¡¯re innocent? Aren¡¯t you the one who imed Dani as your daughter and Brylee as your wife? And now you say it¡¯s none of your concern?¡± Anger red within Caiden.

    More novels avable at g¦Áln¦Òv???s?c?m

    ¡°Brylee is gone! I¡¯ve cut ties with Dani! If they want revenge, that¡¯s up to them. There¡¯s nothing I can do. I need to leave for Zentara now, Cedric.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s voice turned cold as he looked up.

    ¡°They don¡¯t care about me anymore, and I¡¯m no use to them. I need to leave. Right now.¡±

    Caiden had always detested the tough life in Zentara. He used to constantly dream of returning.

    Yet now, he was anxious to leave.

    Cedric, however, simply said, ¡°No.¡±

    Caiden looked up sharply.

    ¡°Why not?¡±

    ¡°Because you instigated all this chaos.

    You were unfaithful, giving Katrina the opening she needed to disrupt your marriage, and it was Brylee who suffered.

    You robbed Dani had a happy childhood.

    You failed as a husband and as a father. This me is on you. There¡¯s no escape this time.

    You can¡¯t just run away.¡±

    In the hushed room, Cedric¡¯s voice cut through the silence, resolute and calm.

    Caiden¡¯s initial agitation dissolved under the weight of Cedric¡¯s usations. Overwhelmed by despair, Caiden copsed to the floor, clutching his head. His voice broke as he murmured, ¡°It¡¯s not my fault. I didn¡¯t do this. It¡¯s all their doing.¡±

    Caiden seethed with anger after Cedric tly refused to send him back to Zentara. With nowhere else to go, he crashed at a friend¡¯s house for a few days.

    When Dani came to pick him up, his face was twisted in frustration.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 519

    ?Chapter 519:

    ¡°Dani, you¡¯re really heartless. Do you actually expect me to face Katrina?¡±

    Dani didn¡¯t even nce in his direction. While ying on her phone, she replied, ¡°You¡¯re a witness to this whole thing.

    You can¡¯t just walk away now.¡±

    She had limited Caiden to a mere five hundred dors per month. Broke and out of options, Caiden had no ce to turn. Desperate, he even toyed with the idea of selling the vi. However, anyone wealthy enough to consider buying it had already heard Dani¡¯s ominous warning.

    ¡°Anyone who dares to purchase Caiden¡¯s vi is dering war on Elite Lux.¡± Despite the price being shed repeatedly, no one dared to finalize the sale.

    Once again, Caiden was reminded of the sheer reach of Dani¡¯s power in Olisvine. Feeling defeated, he abandoned his schemes altogether.

    Late that night, as darkness cloaked the area, a car pulled up to the front gate of the vi. It paused for just a moment before speeding away. Curious, the security guard went to check and discovered a bup sack lying on the ground.

    When he opened it, he was horrified to find a woman inside, her hair tangled and a filthy rag gagging her. He aimed his shlight at her face and recoiled in shock.

    ¡°Who the hell are you?¡±

    By chance, Dani was driving past at that exact moment. She recognized the woman as Joyce and called Katrina.

    Joyce had passed out, and an overwhelming stench clung to her.

    Katrina rushed over but quickly realized she couldn¡¯t move Joyce on her own. Reluctantly, she called Caiden for help.

    Stay connected through g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    As soon as he approached and caught a whiff of the foul odor, he couldn¡¯t hold back and vomited on the spot. Ultimately, one of the guards stepped in, pinching his nose as he dragged Joyce into the vi, treating her as if she were nothing more than discarded trash.

    ¡°Joyce, Joyce?¡± Katrina¡¯s voice quivered as she took in the jagged cuts marring Joyce¡¯s once-smooth face. The evidence of Joyce¡¯s brutal torment was undeniable. When she finally regained consciousness, her mind seemed shattered. She grabbed Katrina¡¯s arm tightly, her sobs erupting uncontrobly.

    ¡°Mom, please save me! Those people are monsters. They said if I don¡¯t pay by next week, they¡¯ll take me back. I¡¯d rather die than face them again. Please, Mom, help me!¡± Overwhelmed by panic, her body gave out, and she fainted once more.

    As the harsh overhead lights illuminated Joyce¡¯s wounds, Caiden¡¯s eyes widened in horror at the word etched into her skin: ¡°bitch.¡± A sickening jolt struck his chest as he turned to Dani, only to find her face devoid of any reaction. For the first time, an unsettling fear of his own daughter crept into Caiden¡¯s heart.

    Clenching his trembling hands into fists, he waited until Katrina escorted Joyce to the bathroom before leaning toward Dani and whispering, ¡°Did you have someone do this?¡±

    Dani cast a cold, indifferent nce his way. Caiden was convinced that Dani had to be behind this. Lowering his voice, he said, ¡°Even if you have a grudge against Katrina, Joyce had nothing to do with it. Don¡¯t you think this is too far?¡±

    Dani let out a chuckle, her toneced with mockery.

    ¡°Oh? You really think this is too much?¡±

    Caiden gave a solemn nod.

    ¡°Of course it¡¯s too much! If those scars on her face be permanent, her life will be ruined. How could you do something so heartless?¡±

    Moments earlier, the sight of Joyce¡¯s mutted face had shocked everyone.

    Yet Dani¡¯sposure remained eerily undisturbed, her gaze chillingly indifferent. The cold detachment in her eyes was nothing short of terrifying.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 520

    Chapter 520:

    Dani¡¯s cold smile lingered.

    ¡°Heartless? Me? I wasn¡¯t always this way. I used to be hopeful, even innocent. Do you remember that? What Joyce suffered today might have been from a knife, but when I lost my mother, the wounds I endured were invisible yet far deeper. Did you ever stop to consider how broken I was back then? Of course not. I didn¡¯t scream or cry, so my pain went unnoticed. I was left to suffer alone, wasn¡¯t I? And yet, you seem to have forgotten someone who once loved me more than life itself. That person died because of you.¡±

    A fiery glint ignited in Dani¡¯s eyes, her voice steady but charged with fury.

    ¡°The question isn¡¯t whether I orchestrated what happened to Joyce. What matters is that I could.

    You better hope you weren¡¯t involved in my mom¡¯s death, because if you were, I¡¯ll make sure your fate is far worse than Joyce¡¯s.¡±

    With that, she dismissed him entirely, her attention snapping back to the TV without a second nce. Caiden stood frozen, her words sending an icy jolt straight to his core. His heart raced wildly, and his legs trembled so much he could barely keep himself upright. After a few failed attempts to speak, he finally stammered out a shaky protest.

    ¡°I had nothing to do with it. I swear.¡±

    Dani didn¡¯t even blink in response.

    Upstairs, Katrina¡¯s muffled sobs echoed through the halls as she carefully bathed Joyce. A maid descended the stairs, her face pale. She hesitated before telling Caiden, ¡°Sir, the scars are not just on her face. They¡¯re everywhere.¡±

    Her voice dropped to a whisper.

    Updates loaded at g@lno¦Íe??s

    ¡°Even her most private parts have been carved with the word ¡®bitch.''¡±

    Even with the best reconstructive surgery, restoring Joyce¡¯s appearance seemed almost impossible. Caiden found himself stunned yet again. Throughout it all, Dani sat unbothered, her attention locked on the television as if nothing unusual had happened.

    A deep, gnawing fear began to settle in Caiden¡¯s heart. This wasn¡¯t merely fear of Dani¡¯s influence¡ªit was a bone-deep dread, as if he were staring into the face of a living nightmare.

    That night, Katrina stayed upstairs long past midnight, tirelessly caring for a traumatized Joyce. When she eventually came downstairs, exhaustion consumed her, and she nearly crumpled at Dani¡¯s feet.

    ¡°Dani, I¡¯m begging you, please save Joyce! A hundred million might be a fortune for most, but for you, it¡¯s nothing but just a drop in the ocean.¡±

    Dani turned off the television, her eyes finally settling on Katrina.

    ¡°You¡¯re right, a hundred million doesn¡¯t mean much to me. But tell me, why should I save Joyce?¡±

    Katrina¡¯s voice trembled with desperation.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t help, they¡¯ll kill her. They¡¯ve already beaten her, shed her¡ªher body is covered in scars. They said they¡¯ll sell her if we don¡¯t pay!¡±

    Dani¡¯s lips curled into a faint smile.

    ¡°And what, exactly, does any of that have to do with me?¡±

    Katrina froze, biting her lip to keep herself from breaking down.

    ¡°I understand this isn¡¯t your problem, but after all, we¡¯re family, aren¡¯t we?¡±

    Dani¡¯s response was icy.

    ¡°I do have family, but it¡¯s certainly not you. Whether Joyce lives or dies is irrelevant to me.¡±

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Hi, dear readers! A lot has happened these past days¡ªthe host info got wiped out, and the website was down for many hours. Thankfully, it¡¯s been fixed, and I really hope this time for good.

    That said, thank you for being here, dear ones. I truly want you to enjoy your time on . Right now, I have around 300 novels in correction/trantion, and I can¡¯t wait for you to dive into all these stories!

    And well, as ever, God loves you, and Noah wishes you all the best! (>?=)

    .

 Chapter 521

    ?Chapter 521:

    With that, she rose from her seat. Katrina¡¯s fists tightened as she stared at Dani¡¯s icy expression, a chill spreading through her chest. Caiden instinctively stepped back, determined to avoid being drawn into the confrontation.

    ¡°Dani, you¡¯re seriously not going to do anything?¡± Katrina asked.

    Dani cast a mocking nce at Katrina.

    ¡°Can¡¯t take it anymore?¡±

    Katrina¡¯s expression froze, her pride battling with her desperation.

    Dani¡¯s voice dripped with disdain.

    ¡°Begging doesn¡¯t suit you, so why bother? Why not drop the act? Your pathetic sob story is sickening.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s face stiffened again, and her lips pressed into a firm line. Using her hands, she pushed herself to her feet. She cast a sharp nce at Dani before slowly shifting her gaze to Caiden.

    Fear flickered in Caiden¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Why are you looking at me like that?¡±

    Katrina¡¯s gaze was earnest as she addressed Caiden.

    ¡°Caiden, I¡¯ve served you for nearly twenty years. I may not have achieved much, but I¡¯ve always given my best. Please, talk to Dani. If she agrees to save Joyce, I promise to serve you for the rest of your life, just like I always have.¡±

    Her words carried a heartfelt sincerity as she spoke.

    Caiden hesitated, stealing a nervous nce at Dani. Dani¡¯sugh cut through the air just as he was about to say something.

    L?t??st ch¦Ápt?rs in g??lnovels.c??m

    ¡°Caiden, let¡¯s skip the fact that you no longer have any influence over me. Even if you did, do you honestly think Katrina¡¯s worth a hundred million? How funny!¡±

    The cruel remark drained the color from Katrina¡¯s face.

    Caiden¡¯s lips tightened as he stepped back, throwing Katrina an awkward shrug.

    ¡°This is between you two. Don¡¯t drag me into it.¡±

    Seeing Katrina frown, Caiden added hastily, ¡°Joyce isn¡¯t even rted to me anymore. Frankly, I shouldn¡¯t have let her in tonight. The fact that she has a room here is me being generous. Don¡¯t involve me¡ªDani¡¯s ruthless, and I want no part of this.¡±

    Katrina had long known that Caiden couldn¡¯t be trusted.

    Yet she hadn¡¯t anticipated that two decades of shared history could crumble so effortlessly under a few biting words from Dani.

    ¡°Fine.¡± Katrina wiped her tears and took a steadying breath.

    ¡°Then let¡¯s talk divorce.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s eyes darted nervously to Dani, who remained silent with an unreadable expression. Unable to gauge Dani¡¯s thoughts, Caiden dared not say a word. All he wanted was to vanish into thin air.

    ¡°Regarding the divorce, I¡¯ll go along with whatever Dani decides,¡± Caiden mumbled atst.

    Katrina turned to face Dani.

    ¡°Here¡¯s the deal: this vi, half of Harper Group¡¯s shares, and Caiden¡¯s personal assets converted into cash. Just give me a hundred million in total, and I¡¯ll divorce Caiden right away. I know you don¡¯t want me here, Dani. Pay up, and Joyce and I will disappear.¡±

    Her tone was unyielding.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 522

    ?Chapter 522:

    Dani, however, let out augh.

    ¡°Is this how you ask for help? Let¡¯s be clear¡ªyou¡¯re the one in a rush, not me.¡± Dani¡¯s sharp retort left Katrina momentarily speechless.

    At that moment, the door clicked open, and Cedric entered the room. Caiden had never felt so relieved to see Cedric in his life. Rushing to Cedric¡¯s side, Caiden leaned in and whispered urgently, ¡°You¡¯ve got to do something about Dani. She¡¯s absolutely out of control tonight!¡±

    Cedric ignored him entirely and strode across the room to take his ce behind Dani. Not a single word escaped his lips, but his presence spoke volumes. He was there as her steadfast protector. Katrina¡¯s jaw tightened. Dealing with Dani on her own was already no small feat, but with Cedric standing firmly at her side, it felt like an impossible mountain to climb.

    ¡°What¡¯s your endgame here?¡± Katrina demanded, her voiceced with frustration.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried that I won¡¯t leave this vi?¡±

    Dani gave a casual shrug.

    ¡°Makes no difference to me. My mother bought this vi. Whether or not Caiden ims me as his daughter, I have my ce here.¡± From his spot near the door, Caiden gave a small nod.

    ¡°She¡¯s right.¡±

    Fury simmered within Katrina.

    ¡°What exactly do you want?¡± she asked, her voice rising.

    Your source of stories: g¦Áln¦Ò¦Í??s.c??m

    Dani stood under the re of the overhead light, her expression calm yet detached. All eyes in the room were fixed on her.

    Dani approached Katrina and leaned in to whisper something into her ear.

    Katrina shook uncontrobly after hearing Dani¡¯s final words. A look of fear shed across her face, soon reced byplete confusion. Dani had already gone upstairs, and though time had passed, Katrina¡¯s hands remained chilled in shock. Suspicions were one thing, but when Katrina confronted the harsh reality, her mind spiraled into chaos. Dani was already upstairs, and Cedric had gone up with her.

    Caiden approached Katrina with confusion written across his face.

    ¡°What did she say? Aren¡¯t you overreacting?¡±

    Katrina slowly lifted her pale face. She tried to speak, her mouth opening and closing several times, before the words finally tumbled out, choked with tears.

    ¡°She told me she knows what it¡¯s like to watch the person you love most walk away, and she wants me to feel that same pain.¡±

    Her voice trembled as she locked eyes with Caiden.

    ¡°What does Dani mean by that?¡±

    A wave of unease washed over Caiden. After a long, tense pause, he spoke tly.

    ¡°Is there any point in pretending anymore?¡±

    Until now, Dani hadn¡¯t asked a single question about the past. But she was convinced that Katrina had murdered her mother.

    Katrina wanted to defend herself. She walked up to Dani¡¯s door, but as she stood there, she found herself at a loss for words. Just then, Cedric came out to get some milk for Dani and saw Katrina standing by the door.

    Hoping he would be easier to convince, Katrina said, ¡°Cedric, I had nothing to do with Brylee¡¯s death. The police investigated, and I had a solid alibi. Dani can¡¯t use me without any proof.¡±

    She held her breath, hoping he¡¯d believe her. But Cedric¡¯s response was even colder than Dani¡¯s.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 523

    ?Chapter 523:

    His gaze hardened as memories surfaced¡ªhow Dani had grown up without a mother¡¯s love, while Katrina had taken everything that had once belonged to Brylee, raising her own daughter like royalty. A surge of rage coursed through Cedric; he wanted to destroy Katrina in that moment.

    Panic gripped Katrina as she stumbled backward, losing her bnce before tumbling down the stairs. Her scream echoed through the vi, sharp and filled with pain. Katrina had broken two ribs.

    As she was rushed to the hospital, Joyce burst out of her room. She stood there, utterly confused, the weight of the situation crashing down on her. She had hoped Katrina would save her from the cruel torment. But now that Katrina was injured, what could she do? What was left for her?

    Joyce froze at the top of the stairs, her legs trembling as memories of the endless, inhuman torture she had suffered flooded her mind. Steeling herself, she made her way slowly down the stairs.

    Seeing Caiden watching TV, she tried to summon the image of the obedient daughter she once was.

    ¡°Dad.¡±

    Caiden didn¡¯t even nce at her, his voice cold as he snorted.

    ¡°I¡¯m not your dad.¡±

    Joyce understood the resentment in his voice. Kneeling beside him, she tried to reach him. Her face remained ghostly pale, still marked by the trauma she had suffered. With desperation, she grasped Caiden¡¯s hand and begged, ¡°Dad, I know I acted horribly before, but I¡¯ve changed.

    You¡¯re getting older. Please, let me take care of you. I¡¯m still your loyal daughter.¡±

    Your escape begins with g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?????m

    Caiden¡¯s gaze shifted to Joyce at her words. After all, he had once cared deeply for her, and for a moment,passion stirred in him. Joyce bowed her head, letting it rest against his knee, her voice soft and vulnerable.

    ¡°Dad, you know I¡¯ve always been a bit naive, just a little stubborn.

    You¡¯ll forgive me, won¡¯t you?¡±

    Caiden clenched his jaw, his silence speaking volumes.

    Seeing the familiar softness in his expression, Joyce pressed further, her eyes shining with determination.

    ¡°I really mean it, Dad. Everything I¡¯ve gone through has shown me just how much family matters.

    You¡¯re the most important person in my life.¡±

    Caiden often melted at sweet words, but Joyce¡¯s next words caught him off guard.

    ¡°Dad, if you pay off that hundred-million-dor debt for me, I¡¯ll change myst name to Harper.¡±

    The mention of a hundred million shattered any lingering fantasy Caiden had of a heartfelt family reconciliation.

    ¡°What did you say?¡± Caiden squinted at Joyce, his confusion quickly turning to disbelief. She might have once been his daughter, but now she seemed like a parasite, clinging to him with nothing but greed.

    Thinking she had finally softened him, Joyce was blindsided by what happened next. Caiden suddenly sprang to his feet, and Joyce was thrown off bnce, stumbling to the floor in shock.

    ¡°Dad¡­¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare call me Dad. Have you lost all sense of guilt? I fed you, clothed you, and raised you. I even turned my back on my own daughter for you. And now you want to take everything I have?¡±

    Joyce shook her head fervently.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 524

    ?Chapter 524:

    ¡°Dad, I have no way out. Please, help me!¡±

    Caiden sneered.

    ¡°Yes, you have no way out. If you had one, you wouldn¡¯t be begging.

    You ran off with that useless Milo. Now that you¡¯ve been fooled, deal with it on your own!¡±

    With that, he turned and walked away.

    Joyce sat motionless on the floor, her gaze nk as she stared into the vast emptiness of the vi. She remembered a time when she had been the beloved daughter, adored by Caiden, with her mother holding the highest ce of favor in the household. She had been a prominent socialite in Olisvine, admired and envied by many.

    Joyce couldn¡¯tprehend how she had fallen so far, reduced to a figure of disdain and contempt. Bitterness filled her chest, like a growing storm. Her heart felt cold, as though it had stopped beating. The endless torment she had endured felt like a slow, unrelenting agony, each day stretching out longer than thest. She had no one to turn to, no one to lean on.

    The thought of being dragged away again, tossed into that dark warehouse to face another round of cruelty, filled her with dread. With trembling legs, Joyce made her way upstairs, the maid¡¯s calls echoing behind her, but she didn¡¯t stop or answer. When she stepped out onto the balcony, the cold wind hit her face sharply, as though it was trying to strip away thest shreds of her humiliation.

    Surprisingly, Joyce felt an odd sense of relief, a strange kind of peace settling over her.

    Just as Joyce leaned forward, someone yanked her back. Cedric¡¯s gaze was icy, filled with chilling indifference. Tears streaked down Joyce¡¯s face as she looked at him miserably. Never in her wildest thoughts had she imagined that Cedric, of all people, would be the one to pull her back from the edge.

    ¡°Cedric, let me go! I want to die!¡± she cried out.

    Discover more at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??s

    Cedric dragged her inside and dropped her to the floor, treating her like nothing more than a burden. Despite his harshness, Joyce felt a strange softening in her heart. Just moments before, she had been lost in a haze, almost ready to end it all. Now she was terrified just thinking back on it.

    Her fear made her vulnerable. She stared up at Cedric. His eyes were razor-sharp, like an eagle¡¯s, radiating the authority of someone inmand. Seeing him like this stirred something in her. She bit her lip, tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, attempting to mimic how Katrina used to flirt with Caiden.

    ¡°Cedric, you saved me.¡±

    Had this vi not been the one Brylee left to Dani, Cedric might have kicked her off the roof. But Joyce remainedpletely oblivious to Cedric¡¯s true thoughts.

    Lowering her voice, she asked, ¡°Cedric, you do care about me, don¡¯t you?¡±

    He remained silent, offering no response.

    Undeterred, Joyce pressed on, ¡°If you didn¡¯t care, you wouldn¡¯t have followed me up here.

    You saw I was struggling and came after me. I¡¯ve noticed you sneak little nces my way.

    You do like me, don¡¯t you? I know I¡¯m not as beautiful or aplished as Dani. Cedric, I¡¯m willing to be your mistress if you help me pay off the hundred million I owe. My child and I will belong to youpletely.¡±

    With newfound resolve, she reached out to hug him. The feel of his solid form against hers sent a surge of excitement through her. Joyce opened her eyes, puckered her lips, and leaned in, but before she could make contact, a hand suddenly pressed firmly against her forehead.

    ¡°Joyce, what nonsense is running through that head of yours?¡±

    Joyce froze in ce, her gazending on Dani. Confusion clouded her mind.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 525

    ?Chapter 525:

    ¡°Where¡¯s Cedric? He cares about me. Where did he go?¡±

    ¡°Dani, you can¡¯t stop us, no matter how rich or powerful you think you are.

    You can¡¯t stand in the way of two people who truly love each other!¡±

    Dani scoffed, a scornfulugh escaping her lips.

    ¡°Katrina¡¯s still in the hospital, and you¡¯re here acting like this is some trashy romance novel? I¡¯m warning you, if you want to die, do it somewhere else. Don¡¯t dare ruin my home. Even if you die, I¡¯ll step over your body.¡±

    Joyce pressed her lips together, holding back her frustration.

    ¡°Then give me a hundred million, or I¡¯ll pester Cedric. I¡¯ve got nothing to lose, so why should I care about my reputation?¡± She had reached the end of her rope.

    Dani sneered.

    ¡°You¡¯re expecting the debt collectors soon, aren¡¯t you? Go ahead and waste whatever time you have left chasing Cedric.¡± Joyce¡¯s face drained of color.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you go visit Katrina in the hospital? Maybe she¡¯ll take care of it for you,¡± Dani suggested. At the mention of Katrina, Joyce hesitated and nced at Cedric, who had somehow ended up standing behind Dani.

    She gritted her teeth and walked away.

    After she had gone, Cedric let out a sigh of relief and pulled Dani close with an arm around her.

    ¡°Crazy woman. I honestly thought I might end up tainted by her kiss.¡±

    Dani chuckled, patting his hand reassuringly.

    M??? ??d???? ?? g????????.????

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. As your wife, I¡¯m here to protect you.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s eyes sparkled with a new light. It was the first time Dani had referred to herself as his wife. He pressed his lips to her soft neck, his voice low as he murmured, ¡°As your husband, I intend to exercise my rights.¡±

    Just as he finished speaking, Lillian, who had juste upstairs, quickly spun around on her heel.

    ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t hear anything. I just heard the maid mention Joyce might try to jump off the vi, so I rushed up. I didn¡¯t hear a word.¡±

    Meanwhile, on her way to the hospital, Joyce tried reaching out to several of her old friends.

    Most of them hung up before she could even finish a sentence.

    Some so-called friends had no qualms in telling her, ¡°Just find a rich guy to look after you. Stop pretending you¡¯re above it all. It¡¯s a quick way to earn money.¡±

    Joyce wasn¡¯t even remotely interested in such a suggestion. Despite everything she¡¯d been through, her heart still longed for love.

    Perhaps if she met someone like Cedric¡ªsomeone aplished¡ªit could be different. But she found most wealthy benefactors thoroughly unattractive.

    Her self-respect meant more to her than any sum of money.

    Dani¡¯s words echoed in her mind. Maybe Katrina could help fix everything. After all, Katrina had always been the one to pick up the pieces when she made a mess of things.

    Dani might have money, but she had her mother, who would go to any lengths for her.

    Before she got out of the car, Joyce called Alexander.

    ¡°We were married once. I was tricked, and now you owe me.

    You should help me out.¡±

    Before Alexander had a chance to say anything, Richard snatched the phone out of his hand.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 526

    ?Chapter 526:

    ¡°Joyce, you¡¯ve got some nerve! Do you even realize how much you¡¯ve dragged our family down? We got delisted because of your scandals. Our business has fallen back fifty years. I can¡¯t even go out in public anymore, and you still have the audacity to ask for money? Why didn¡¯t those goons just finish you off already?¡±

    The line went dead with a sharp click as the call abruptly ended.

    Staring at the nk screen of her phone, Joyce was overwhelmed by a deep sense of dejection. With a heavy heart, she pushed open the door to Katrina¡¯s hospital room.

    Katrina, looking drained and fragile, caught sight of her and felt a sharp headache building.

    ¡°Mom, have youe up with a n? The debt collectors are going to be here soon.¡±

    Katrina sighed deeply.

    ¡°Do you always make me worry so much?¡±

    Joyce stuck her tongue out yfully.

    ¡°If you can¡¯t get the full amount, try for half, at least.¡±

    Katrina nced at Joyce¡¯s foolish expression, wishing she had known better from the very beginning.

    ¡°Half is fifty million. Don¡¯t you understand how tight things are right now?¡±

    Joyce¡¯s throat tightened as she swallowed.

    ¡°So, what do we do?¡±

    I??€?? ¡é§ß?¦Ñ§ä¦Å?? ?¦Ç g?l§Ú¦Ò¦Í¦Å??.c?m

    Sitting on the bed, Katrina nced at a text from her mother.

    ¡°There¡¯s a man named Doug Fairburne. I told him you need money, and he said he¡¯s willing to help. If you keep himpany, he¡¯ll transfer the funds right away.¡±

    Katrina furrowed her brow as she switched off her phone. The thought of wealthy people dabbling in shady dealings was nothing new to her. Over the years, she had grown ustomed to herfortable lifestyle and had no desire to face a harsher reality.

    cing her phone aside with a sigh, Katrina nced at Joyce and said, ¡°I need to use the restroom.¡± Joyce got up to assist her mother.

    Once Katrina was inside, Joyce quickly stepped out, her eyes darting to the phone Katrina had left on the bed.

    ¡°Joyce, I need a hand, please,¡± Katrina called from inside.

    ¡°I¡¯m on my way,¡± Joyce answered hastily, cing the phone back exactly where it had been and heading to help her mother.

    When they came back, Joyce sat down and eagerly began peeling an orange for Katrina.

    Katrina observed her daughter with a hint of surprise.

    ¡°You¡¯re in an unusually sweet mood today, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Joyce beamed at her.

    ¡°You¡¯re my mom. Why wouldn¡¯t I want to take the best care of you?¡±

    Katrina¡¯s face softened into a smile.

    Joyce continued, ¡°Mom, you¡¯ve always been there for me, haven¡¯t you? I know I can count on you to keep me safe. I¡¯m so thankful you¡¯re my mom.¡±

    Joyce hardly ever spoke so openly, and it nearly brought Katrina to tears.

    That night, Joyce stayed by Katrina¡¯s side, looking after her before heading home. For the first time in a while, Katrina felt genuinelyforted. It felt like her child had finally started to mature, making all the sacrifices she had made feel worthwhile.

    When Joyce returned home, she found Dani immersed in reviewing a pile of reports. A secretary stood beside Dani, briskly updating her on various work matters.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 527

    ?Chapter 527:

    Dani caught sight of Joyce entering and narrowed her eyes slightly but said nothing.

    Cedric quickly took a seat beside Dani. He wasn¡¯t interested in Joyce, but he thoroughly enjoyed being the center of Dani¡¯s attention.

    A little pampering now and then didn¡¯t bother him at all. As Cedric moved closer to her, Dani offered a faint smile before turning her attention back to the documents spread out in front of her.

    Joyce felt like she had just been subjected to an overly sugary moment. Mumbling something under her breath, she stomped upstairs.

    When Joyce returned downstairs, Dani¡¯s secretary was already gone.

    Joyce threw herself onto the living room sofa, exuding a newfound sense of confidence. Even Caiden couldn¡¯t help but notice how much Joyce¡¯s mood had improved.

    ¡°So, what¡¯s the deal? Did someone bail you out of your debt mess?¡± Caiden asked, raising an eyebrow. Joyce let out a sarcastic chuckle.

    ¡°Yeah. Who needs a useless dad when I¡¯ve got someone who actually steps up?¡± Caiden instantly caught the meaning behind her words. He didn¡¯t care much and shrugged it off as something that didn¡¯t affect him.

    Caiden turned his attention back to the TV, while Dani cast a calm, measured nce at Joyce. To Dani, there were people who would never learn restraint, no matter how many times life knocked them down. And Joyce was exactly that type of person.

    Settling on the couch, Dani opened herptop and started typing with purpose. She¡¯d already had a nagging feeling that something didn¡¯t add up.

    Katrina had imed to be out of options, yet somehow she¡¯d managed to gather millions to secure Joyce¡¯s release. Katrina, who had been Caiden¡¯s wife for years, might have stashed away a small fortune. But did she truly have ess to a hundred million? That question alone stirred Dani¡¯s suspicions.

    £í????£å £õ??£ä??£ô£å£ó ??£î ???£ì????£ö??£ì??.??????

    With swift precision, she hacked into the banking system and retrieved Katrina¡¯s recent transaction records. As expected, a seven-figure transfer hadnded in Katrina¡¯s ount just one day before Joyce¡¯s release.

    Dani tapped on the screen, and the sender¡¯s name popped up. Erika Schmidt.

    Dani recognized the name instantly¡ªit was Katrina¡¯s mother, a notorious gambler. Katrina had often supported Erika financially in the past, so it wasn¡¯t shocking to see some money flowing back her way. But still, where did Katrina manage to secure a hundred million for Joyce?

    Dani checked every phone number linked to Erika, her fingers dancing over the keyboard. It didn¡¯t take long for her to uncover all of Erika¡¯s recent calls and messages.

    One message, in particr, grabbed Dani¡¯s attention.

    ¡°There¡¯s a man named Doug Fairburne. I told him you need money, and he said he¡¯s willing to help. If you keep himpany, he¡¯ll transfer the funds right away.¡±

    Dani angled herptop, letting Cedric read the message glowing on the screen.

    Cedric¡¯s eyes instantlynded on Doug¡¯s name. He lifted a hand and tapped the screen lightly. Dani gave a small nod in response. Cedric winked at her.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Joyce asked, her mood noticeably brighter after reading the message, which she believed held the key to solving her problems. Her dreams of a fresh start rekindled, and she looked at Cedric with affection.

    But Cedric and Dani seemed so engrossed in each other that they barely acknowledged her presence. They looked as if they might lean in and kiss at any second. Dani tilted her head slightly, catching Joyce¡¯s gaze, and offered a faint smile.

    The moment Joyce caught that smile, a sense of unease gripped her. She knew all too well that whenever Dani smiled like that, it usually spelled trouble for her.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 528

    ?Chapter 528:

    With a slight tremor in her voice, she asked, ¡°Why are you smiling?¡±

    Dani leaned back into the sofa with a casual air.

    ¡°It must¡¯ve been tough, huh? Not many people in this city cane up with that kind of money.¡±

    Caiden nced up at her words, his curiosity piqued.

    Joyce straightened her posture and shot back, ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Jealous that I¡¯ve got someone who¡¯s got my back?¡±

    As Joyce spoke, Cedric silently reached for Dani¡¯s hand, ensuring it stayed out of Joyce¡¯s line of sight. Dani¡¯s smile grew wider.

    ¡°Oh, absolutely. I¡¯m a little envious of how resourceful your mom is. She must¡¯ve put in a lot of effort, don¡¯t you think?¡±

    Caiden had been quietly observing Cedric and Dani¡¯s secretive hand-holding, but the moment he heard Dani speak, he turned away. Dani continued, ¡°Even for married couples, it¡¯s not easy toe up with that amount of money so quickly, especially to cover an endless debt.

    Your mom must¡¯ve gone through a lot.¡±

    Her words left both Joyce and Caiden visibly pale. While Joyce appeared uneasy, Caiden¡¯s expression shifted to genuine fear, as if terrified that Katrina had cheated on him. Dani watched their reactions with quiet amusement, her eyes glinting with satisfaction.

    Without another word, she leaned back casually and continued scrolling through her phone, clearly entertained by the drama she¡¯d just sparked.

    Caiden shot up from his seat, his voice thunderous.

    ¡°Joyce! Tell me exactly how you managed toe up with the money to pay off your debt!¡± Joyce¡¯s heart raced in panic. A hundred million was an enormous amount. She had no clue how toe up with a believable story to exin it.

    Get thetest g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    The weight of the situation hit her, and she couldn¡¯t help but regret her earlier arrogance. She should have kept her head down and stayed out of trouble.

    ¡°You¡¯re nothing to each other anymore,¡± Caiden snarled.

    ¡°If I don¡¯t want you here, you¡¯re gone. And if Katrina has betrayed me, I¡¯ll make sure you both pay for it!¡±

    Caiden¡¯s obsession with his reputation consumed him. The mere thought of his wife betraying him was intolerable. He wouldn¡¯t stand for it¡ªever. The more the idea festered, the hotter his anger burned. Furious, he stormed upstairs, grabbed Joyce¡¯s luggage, hurled it outside the vi, and tossed down a divorce agreement he¡¯d already signed.

    ¡°Get Katrina to sign this! She leaves with nothing. This house belonged to myte wife, and it¡¯s got nothing to do with her! Both of you, out!¡±

    The thought of Katrina stooping so low for money only fueled Caiden¡¯s rage further. It was well past ten o¡¯clock, and no cabs ran through this vi district.

    Joyce stood at the gates of the vi, her tears falling silently down her cheeks. The night stretched on, growing colder and darker. Shivering in the cold night air, Joyce heard the sound of the vi door opening. She turned around to find Dani standing under the porch light, her expression unreadable.

    Dani offered, ¡°Come inside.¡±

    Joyce sniffled, her voice trembling.

    ¡°Are you really that nice?¡±

    Dani smirked. She wasn¡¯t being kind¡ªshe simply relished the drama. Kicking Joyce out would¡¯ve been too easy, too boring. With nowhere else to turn, Joyce reluctantly hauled her suitcase back inside the house.

    Caiden shot Joyce a furious re before turning to Dani.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 529

    ?Chapter 529:

    ¡°Why are you letting her back in? Haven¡¯t we endured enough humiliation?¡±

    Caiden¡¯s anger was unmistakable, and Dani could see it clearly in his expression. However, she remained unfazed, her voice steady as she replied, ¡°You were right about one thing earlier. This vi belonged to my mother.

    You have the right to throw people out, and I have the right to let them in. When you brought people in without consulting me, it only seems fair I don¡¯t need your permission now.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s frown deepened. Dani shed a faint smile, gazing down at Caiden.

    ¡°If I wanted, I could even throw you out.¡±

    Joyce¡¯s face brightened upon hearing Dani¡¯s audacious words. Her smug expression returned, her confidence restored. Some people never seemed to learn their lesson. Caiden clenched his teeth, his eyes following Joyce as she lugged her suitcase upstairs.

    When the room fell silent, Caiden spoke again.

    ¡°Dani, what¡¯s your game? You clearly can¡¯t stand them, yet you won¡¯t let them leave. What¡¯s your point?¡±

    Dani¡¯s expression remained unchanged, her calm demeanor unwavering.

    ¡°Dani, I know them. When backed into a corner, they¡¯ll fight back,¡± he added.

    ¡°Really? Let them try. I¡¯m curious to see just how far they¡¯ll push it.¡± Dani chuckled coldly. She was eager to see what desperate moves Katrina and Joyce would make next.

    Caiden clenched his jaw tightly. He felt a deep, genuine fear of Dani now¡ªfar more than he¡¯d ever feared angering Brylee. With Brylee, he could smooth things over and return to his usual carefree self once her temper passed. But Dani was entirely different. She was firm and unrelenting in her stance. She was immune to both soft and hard tactics. Caiden now lived with a constant, gnawing fear that Dani might toss him out of the vi at any moment.

    Your next chapter awaits g?ln¦Ò¦Í??ls?c?m

    ¡°Whatever Katrina and her daughter do, it has nothing to do with me. I just want to stay out of it. If they stir up any trouble, don¡¯t me me,¡± he said. Dani could see the fear in him. The emptiness of his pockets and the constant uncertainty were indeed a slow, agonizing torment. She didn¡¯t offer a singleforting word. Instead, she let him worry day after day, believing that was the only way he could atone for his sins.

    Early that morning, Joyce filled a thermos with breakfast the maid had prepared and set off to visit Katrina at the hospital. As she was leaving, she noticed Caiden but ignored him. Caiden¡¯s expression darkened as he spat disdainfully at her retreating figure, regretting everything more than ever.

    The whispers of rumors people had spread behind his back echoed in his mind.

    ¡°Caiden must have some nerve. How could he raise someone else¡¯s child so willingly?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t understand. One day, I visited his ce when it was freezing, and Dani was wearing nothing but a thin shirt. I asked the maid why she didn¡¯t make her wear something warmer, and she said Dani was just that stubborn¡ªshe didn¡¯t feel the cold.¡±

    ¡°If the maid was bold enough to speak like that, Katrina must have been even tougher on her.¡±

    ¡°Caiden¡¯s a fool. He should¡¯ve cherished his own daughter. I witnessed Joyce pour freezing water over Dani in the middle of winter. Caiden saw it too, yet he acted oblivious.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯ll eventually face the consequences of his actions.¡±

    ¡°Damn, Caiden.¡±

    There had been countless simrments, but Caiden had always dismissed them as idle gossip. Now, however, he felt the weight of every wording to life. The reality of it all sank in, and he finally understood¡ªhe was facing the consequences he had long avoided, the ones he truly deserved.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 530

    ?Chapter 530:

    Meanwhile, Joyce made her way to the hospital with the thermos in hand. With a wide smile, she sat by Katrina¡¯s bedside and peeled an orange for her. Katrinay there, feelingforted, believing that all the love and care she had given her daughter over the years had finally borne fruit. Now, Joyce was taking care of her.

    ¡°Mom, how does it taste?¡± Joyce brought a piece of orange to Katrina¡¯s lips. Katrina smiled.

    ¡°It¡¯s sweet. And it warms my heart. There¡¯s nothing that makes me happier than seeing you so caring.¡±

    As she spoke, Katrina¡¯s thoughts wandered, weighed down by the crushing burden of Joyce¡¯s debt. If things get tooplicated, I¡¯ll divorce Caiden. Dani has a tight grip on the finances, but maybe I can squeeze ten million out of him. It won¡¯t cover everything, but it should help with part of what you owe. After that, I¡¯ll figure out the rest.

    Suddenly, Joyce¡¯s cheerful demeanor faded. She slowly raised her gaze, her eyes turning cold.

    ¡°Mom, what did you just say?¡± she asked.

    Katrina kept a faint smile on her face, but it faltered as she noticed Joyce¡¯s change in demeanor.

    ¡°First, I¡¯ll divorce Caiden, and then¡­¡±

    ¡°Divorce?¡± Joyce sprang from her chair, her voice sharp with agitation.

    ¡°And ten million? Mom, you know how much I owe. Ten million is barely a fraction of it. And if you divorce Caiden and cut ties with the Harper family, what happens to me? How am I supposed to use that status to secure a future, especially when ites to getting married? And what about my son?¡±

    Fresh updates avable at galno¦Íe?s?c?m

    Katrina¡¯s brow furrowed.

    ¡°I know this is difficult for you, but it¡¯s the only option we have at the moment.¡± As she spoke, her chest tightened, a sharp pang of pain shooting through her. She gripped her chest, struggling to catch her breath. The orange she had just eaten turned bitter in her mouth.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll work something out for you. Jack can stay somewhere else for now. We¡¯ll rent a ce. And¡­¡±

    Joyce found the entire suggestionughable. Her gaze turned cold, and she fixed Katrina with a steely stare.

    ¡°Mom, I refuse to return to a poor life. And don¡¯t even mention marrying someone else who¡¯s easy to control. Men like Caiden, who are that naive, don¡¯te by often.

    You¡¯re getting older. Do you really think you canpete with younger women?¡±

    Katrina bit her lip, feeling the sting of Joyce¡¯s words deep within her. She was about to protest, ready to ask, ¡°Why do you think I¡¯m doing all this?¡±

    Joyce cut her off.

    ¡°And is this really the only way?¡± The words lingered, heavy in the air.

    Katrina¡¯s forehead creased, a look of confusion crossing her face.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Joyce was ruthless, but shecked the cunning to y the game behind the scenes. Without hesitation, she admitted, ¡°Mom, I saw the message Grandma sent you.¡± Katrina was caught off guard.

    ¡°And what if you did?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that the simplest answer?¡± Joyce retorted.

    ¡°Grandma said Doug throws money around like it¡¯s nothing. He could give you a fortune. What¡¯s stopping you?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 531

    ?Chapter 531:

    Joyce shot Katrina a quick look and continued, ¡°Doug didn¡¯t ask for a divorce. He just wants you to keep himpany. Mom, that¡¯s one hundred million! And isn¡¯t dealing with men something you¡¯re well-versed in?¡±

    Katrina feltpletely exhausted. If she had the energy, she would have pped Joyce across the face. This was her precious daughter. The one she had loved with all her heart.

    ¡°How could you say something like that?¡± Katrina felt her heart crack. She was filled with a deep sense of disappointment.

    Lately, she¡¯d been wondering: If Dani killed her, would Joyce step in to avenge her, as Dani had done for her own mother?

    The thought made her heart ache with sadness. Joyce was still so young and had to carry such a heavy burden of bitterness.

    But now, it turned out she had been fooling herself all along.

    Joyce was nothing like Dani.

    Years ago, Brylee had been too busy, hardly ever spending time with the five-year-old Dani. But that young Dani clung to her mother¡¯s memory with relentless devotion.

    Meanwhile, Katrina¡¯s own daughter¡ªthe one she had raised for over two decades¡ªwas now telling her to sleep with a stranger to settle her debt. It felt as though her whole world was crumbling around her.

    ¡°Joyce, you¡¯re aware I¡¯m married, right? You¡¯ve called Caiden ¡®Dad¡¯ for more than twenty years. How could you ask me to go along with this?¡±

    Unfazed by her mother¡¯s pain, Joyce responded casually, ¡°But didn¡¯t you do the same thing before? You cheated on my real dad with Caiden. I was young, sure, but I wasn¡¯t blind. The garden, the bathroom, the rooftop, the kitchen. Didn¡¯t you and Caiden sneak around in all those spots? How is this any different? Caiden wasn¡¯t even close to being as rich as Doug, was he?¡±

    Katrina felt a painful tightness grip her chest.

    Uncover new worlds at g   alnov els

    ¡°Joyce, think about it. I asked you once how you¡¯d feel about Caiden bing your new father, and you agreed.¡±

    Joyce nodded.

    ¡°And now, I agree with Doug bing the new father.¡±

    Katrina feltpletely crushed. She had always seen Doug as ast resort, someone she could turn to only when all other options were exhausted.

    Years ago, there had been some love between her and Caiden. But now, she faced the possibility of staying in her marriage while getting involved with another man purely for financial gain.

    A decade ago, perhaps she could have. But after so many years offort, she wasn¡¯t willing to sacrifice her dignity like that anymore.

    She had worked so hard to leave her past behind, and now it felt like she was slipping right back into it. Leaning back against the headboard, Katrina sighed.

    ¡°Joyce, you just don¡¯t get it.¡±

    Joyce narrowed her eyes.

    ¡°So, you¡¯re refusing to help me? You were willing to sneak around with Caiden for your own sake, but now you won¡¯t make a single sacrifice for me?¡±

    Joyce threw the orange she had been holding onto the floor in frustration.

    ¡°Katrina, you brought me into this world.

    You¡¯re responsible for me! You have to figure out a way to clear my hundred-million debt!¡±

    With that, Joyce stormed out of the hospital room without a second nce.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 532

    ?Chapter 532:

    She was sure Katrina would eventually turn to Doug.

    So, when the debt collectors arrived, Joyce felt a mix of desperation and boldness. Without hesitation, she knelt before them, pleading for just two more days.

    One of them, a man named sh Dixon, leaned in and grabbed Joyce¡¯s chin with a sly grin.

    ¡°You know what¡¯ll happen if you don¡¯t pay, right? Gotta admit, a youngdy raised with money like you is a rare find.¡±

    Joyce shuddered.

    ¡°I¡¯m from the Harper family. My dad might not have money, but I have a sister. She¡¯s filthy rich.¡±

    sh raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued.

    ¡°Is that so?¡±

    ¡°Yes, she¡¯s the true heir to the family, Brylee¡¯s biological daughter. She¡¯s stunning and wealthy. Forget about a hundred million. She could easilye up with billions.

    You should go after her.¡±

    sh listened closely, pressing his tongue to the side of his mouth.

    ¡°You¡¯re not lying, are you?¡±

    Still on her knees, Joyce nodded urgently.

    ¡°Completely truthful. Look it up now! If I¡¯m lying, you can kill me right here!¡±

    sh pulled out his phone.

    ¡°What¡¯s her name?¡±

    ¡°Dani Harper.¡±

    Dani had found herself caught in a relentless whirlwind of work.

    Hermitment to the headquarters left her no time to unwind or take a breath. By the time she returned home, it was often well past nine at night.

    Though Cedric usually picked her up, the demands of arge project at Phillips Group recently made Dani insist that he meet her at home instead.

    One day, just as Dani got into the car, the driver nced back.

    ¡°There¡¯s a car trailing us. I¡¯ve been noticing it for days. That car has been tailing us ever since we left the office.¡±

    Without looking up from her tablet, Dani replied, ¡°I see.¡±

    The driver asked cautiously, ¡°Should I get someone to handle it?¡±

    Still focused on her tablet, Dani answered, ¡°No need. They haven¡¯t made a move, just keeping their distance. If we take action now, we¡¯ll only alert them.¡±

    The driver nodded firmly.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    As they pulled up to the Harper family vi, they saw Cedric arriving at the same time.

    He made his way over to Dani, his expression serious.

    ¡°You¡¯re aware a car¡¯s been tailing you, right?¡±

    A faint smile tugged at Dani¡¯s lips.

    ¡°Did you notice it too?¡±

    Seeing her smile, Cedric rxed slightly, his posture shifting.

    ¡°Yeah, I was behind you. I saw that car follow you into the neighborhood.¡±

    Together, they walked into the house, and Dani nodded.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 533

    ?Chapter 533:

    ¡°It¡¯s been going on for a few days now.¡± Cedric¡¯s face tightened with concern.

    ¡°Should I handle it?¡±

    Bending down to swap her shoes, Dani responded, ¡°There¡¯s no need. They¡¯re not posing any danger.¡±

    Cedric fell quiet. He sensed that Dani always had a n. Herposed manner spoke volumes about her confidence.

    After a brief pause, Cedric took her hand and said, ¡°I¡¯ve told you before, there are lines I won¡¯t cross. Do you remember?¡±

    A smile yed on Dani¡¯s lips.

    ¡°I remember.¡±

    With a curious nce, Cedric asked, ¡°And what exactly are those lines?¡±

    ¡°Not allowing myself to get hurt,¡± Dani answered simply.

    His gaze locked with hers, and he asked again, ¡°You promised, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    The worry in Cedric¡¯s eyes was undeniable, a concern so palpable that Dani couldn¡¯t dismiss it.

    She had always been detached, indifferent to most things around her, keeping a distance from the world. No matter what happened, it never truly bothered her.

    The world kept turning whether she existed or not.

    However, when she looked into Cedric¡¯s eyes, the anxiety she saw there caused a gentle, unexpected flutter in her chest.

    Her expression softened, and with a calm smile, she reassured him, ¡°Yes, I promise.¡±

    Your imagination starts at g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s?conn

    Cedric knew that when Dani gave her word, it was unshakable.

    Once she made a promise, it was as good as done¡ªthere was no turning back.

    A slight tension eased in Cedric¡¯s shoulders as he heard her words.

    In the high society they navigated, being followed was far from unusual, but it still stirred a protective unease in Cedric.

    If it had been him being followed, he might not have cared as much.

    But when it came to Dani, he wouldn¡¯t stand for any threat to her.

    She was everything to him, his entire world.

    Anyone daring to harm her would have to face the full force of his anger.

    They had already eaten at the office, and after a quick shower, they slipped into their familiar routine¡ªrxing together in front of the TV in the living room.

    In the midst of their quiet evening, Joyce quickly passed through the living room, her head lowered, and dashed upstairs.

    Cedric¡¯s eyes left the TV and followed her for a moment, moving towards the staircase.

    After a brief pause, Cedric turned his focus back to the screen.

    Joyce didn¡¯t return downstairs after that.

    Once in her room, she began typing out Dani¡¯s detailed daily routes and schedule, sharing every little detail with sh.

    Her hand trembled as she pressed send.

    Fear clung to her, but she couldn¡¯t pinpoint which terrified her more¡ªsh, or Dani.

    A sense of unease settled deep within her, making it impossible to shake off.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 534

    ?Chapter 534:

    Long after midnight, Joyce decided to head downstairs for a drink. She flicked on the hallway light and made her way down.

    As she reached for a bottle in the wine cab, a figure on the sofa caught her attention.

    Startled, Joyce ced her hand over her chest and moved closer to get a better look.

    ¡°Cedric?¡±

    There, Cedric sat in simple loungewear, his form illuminated by the moonlight.

    The glow softened the usual sharpness of his features, making him appear unexpectedly gentle.

    With a nervous flutter in her chest, Joyce tightened her grip on the bottle and walked over to him.

    ¡°Struggling to sleep too?¡± she asked, her shirt slipping slightly off her shoulder to reveal her smooth skin.

    Cedric didn¡¯t acknowledge her. He remained still, and just as Joyce was about to step closer, his voice cut through the silence, cold and distant.

    A harsh,manding ¡°Get lost!¡± echoed through the vast living room.

    Joyce froze in her tracks, her cheeks flushing with humiliation.

    That familiar sting of not being good enoughpared to Dani crept in once again, filling the quiet night.

    Her eyes grew red as she gazed at Cedric¡¯s chiseled features.

    ???? ??????? ?? ?????????.???

    She couldn¡¯t understand what she was missing. Why could he show so much kindness to Dani but not to her?

    His eyes held such warmth for Dani, yet when they turned to her, they were nothing but icy.

    What was it about her that fell short next to Dani? Why did Cedric, with all his capability, refuse to even look her way?

    Ovee with bitterness, Joyce clenched her jaw and tore off the thin robe she had draped around herself. She had been about to settle into bed, used to sleeping with as little as possible.

    On her way to grab a drink, she had casually thrown on a simple robe. Now, she was naked.

    Thete-night breeze cut through the room, sending a chill across her skin.

    Standing tall, Joyce revealed herselfpletely. She was convinced that Cedric wouldn¡¯t miss her presence in the expansive living room.

    Back in the bedroom, Dani instinctively reached out for the person she expected to be beside her, but her hand only met cold, empty sheets.

    Frowning, she felt around the mattress, the coolness confirming she was alone.

    She slowly opened her eyes, letting them adjust to the darkness around her.

    ¡°Cedric?¡± But the silent room offered no reply.

    Tossing the covers aside, Dani figured he must have gone downstairs for water and decided to check for him. As she reached the staircase, her eyesnded on Joyce, who stoodpletely naked in the middle of the living room.

    Cedric stood not far off, seemingly deep in thought. A deep frown etched onto Dani¡¯s face as she hurried down the stairs.

    Before Joyce could utter a word or make a move, Dani positioned herself in front of her.

    Grabbing the discarded robe from the sofa, Dani gripped Joyce by the neck and pushed her toward the entryway.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 535

    ?Chapter 535:

    Joyce barely had a moment to process what was happening before the robe hit her face with a jarring smack.

    The sharp impact on her skin fanned the mes of her anger.

    She yanked the robe away and was ready to dere that she and Cedric were caught up in a moment of passion. But as soon as her eyes met Dani¡¯s piercing re, she went rigid.

    Her heartbeat thundered in her ears.

    She had never seen Dani in such a state before.

    Typically, Dani was the picture of indifference.

    Whether it was handling Caiden¡¯s favoritism, going after Alexander, or dealing with the gossip that followed her, she always kept her cool. Her confidence never wavered, and there was never a hint of emotion that could be easily read.

    There was a time when Joyce had even convinced herself that Dani was incapable of feeling anger or contempt. After all, when Alexander and Dani¡¯s marriage fell apart, she didn¡¯t waste time trying to exin herself to the media. Instead, she just showed them the evidence, straightforward and without fuss.

    It was moments like that which led Joyce to believe Dani was far tooposed to ever lose control.

    Yet now, Dani¡¯s icy, piercing stare bore into her, and the grip around her neck gradually tightened.

    The choking terror of having her life in jeopardy was far worse than the time she had been trapped in that bleak warehouse.

    ¡°Do you really think I wouldn¡¯t hurt you?¡± Dani¡¯s face was no longer nk; a faint, almost pleasant smile spread across her lips.

    Your next chapter is here g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    Joyce opened her mouth to defend herself, intending to me Cedric for seducing her.

    But before she could say anything, Dani¡¯s grip on her neck tightened once more, silencing her.

    With her other hand, Dani pressed a finger firmly against Joyce¡¯s lips, stopping her words in their tracks.

    ¡°I¡¯m not interested in your excuses. I don¡¯t need your denial.¡±

    ¡°Terror widened Joyce¡¯s eyes.

    Dani¡¯s gaze sharpened as her fingers pressed harder into Joyce¡¯s neck.

    Joyce¡¯s face turned ashen, and the blood drained from her features in mere moments.

    Joyce¡¯s hands pped desperately at Dani¡¯s arm, but Dani shoved her forcefully to the floor.

    The impact jolted through her, and Joyce¡¯s head hit the floor with a sickening thud, the blow nearly knocking her unconscious.

    Her vision blurred and faded at the edges, and for a brief, terrifying moment, she felt as though death was right on top of her.

    A wave of fear flooded over her, her body trembling as something warm began to trickle down beneath her.

    ¡°Dani!¡± Cedric¡¯s voice rang out, sharp and urgent.

    ¡°Let her go!¡±

    He had never seen Dani behave this way. She seemedpletely deaf to his voice, no matter how much he raised it.

    Not wanting to use force, he crouched and encircled Dani in his arms, whispering, ¡°It¡¯s over now. Don¡¯t let it upset you. I¡¯m fine, really. There¡¯s no need to be angry.¡±

    Joyce¡¯s mind grappled with a sudden truth just before darkness overtook her senses.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 536

    ?Chapter 536:

    Dani, too, was only human. She could lose control. She had someone she cared about, and that was Cedric.

    With that realization, Joyce slumped into unconsciousness.

    Lillian and Ryan returned from theirte meal to a surprising scene¡ªCedric holding Dani.

    ¡°Hey, you two, it¡¯ste. Maybe take the romance upstairs?¡± Lillian was poised to exit, but Cedric¡¯s voice halted her retreat.

    ¡°Deal with the mess down here.¡±

    At that moment, Caiden, disturbed by the noise, descended in a hastily worn robe.

    He entered the living room just as Cedric spoke. As he noticed Joyce prone in a puddle of something odious, disgust flicked across his face.

    Ignoring everything, Cedric guided Dani upstairs, their hands intertwined as though they were alone.

    Catching sight of Dani, Caiden recoiled instinctively.

    ¡°What¡¯s with her? Why the fury?¡± Caiden murmured.

    ¡°Was she about to kill Joyce?¡±

    Dani¡¯s intensity shook him, drawing the remark from him without thought.

    Upon hearing him, Dani looked up from the intertwined hands of her and Cedric.

    Caiden stood frozen, struggling to find words. Locked under Dani¡¯s daunting gaze, as terrifying as a ghost from tales of old, he opened his mouth.

    ???€$t ¡é?¦Á¦Ñ?§×§ñ? 1¦Ð [dot

    But the malice in her eyes silenced him before he could speak.

    She advanced a single, menacing step towards him.

    Startled, Caiden hit the floor with a loud thud.

    Cedric drew Dani closer with a gentle tug of her hand. Bending close, he murmured, ¡°Come on, honey. Let¡¯s go back to our room.¡±

    Dani blinked, seeing her own reflection in Cedric¡¯s eyes.

    He then led her into their bedroom.

    For a while, Caiden¡¯s heart raced until it finally calmed. He suddenly recalled that it wasn¡¯t the first time Dani¡¯s eyes had held that fierce look.

    Back when Brylee passed away, whispers of her hysteria circted.

    These whispers morphed into wild rumors that Brylee had overdosed on aphrodisiacs, which led to her death.

    She wasbeled a slut by many.

    Initially, Dani didn¡¯t grasp the meaning of ¡°slut.¡± Observing Caiden, she tried to discern if the term was derogatory.

    By that time, he had married Katrina and seemed indifferent to the nder about Brylee.

    Time moved on.

    Dani matured.

    Exceptionally intelligent, she advanced several grades, entering senior high at just ten.

    Among older peers, she frequently heard the careless slinging of the word ¡°slut.¡±

    Her gaze then mirrored the intensity seen moments ago. One ssmate¡¯s insult resulted in him sustaining five broken ribs, a disfigured face from candle wax, and deep emotional scars.

    Caiden was taken aback.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 537

    ?Chapter 537:

    As Caiden fetched Dani from school, the look in her eyes deterred him from any scolding.

    It was fear, not affection, that silenced him.

    The ferocity in a ten-year-old¡¯s demeanor disturbed him deeply.

    Dani¡¯s emotional turmoil eventually leveled out on its own.

    Caiden chose not to dwell on the past.

    It was onlyter that he understood that Dani¡¯s mood disorder red due to that singr term.

    This only urred when something deeply affected her core.

    Caiden stared with a hardened gaze at the closed door of Dani¡¯s bedroom.

    Apart from Brylee, it seemed Cedric had be another crucial person in Dani¡¯s life.

    Rising, Caiden expressed his frustration.

    ¡°Unbelievable. After all these years of my support, you¡¯ve never defended me as a daughter should. Joyce merely attempted to seduce Cedric, and he was unharmed. Was such a drastic reaction really necessary?¡±

    Descending the stairs, he presumed Joyce had simply passed out.

    However, upon noticing the vivid red marks encircling her neck, he stood frozen. The front door swung open.

    Ryan lingered by the threshold with azy stance. Outside, Lillian was speaking on the phone.

    L??e$? ??¦¤T??R? 1¦Ð ???lnovels.c??m

    ¡°So, she¡¯s still alive, right? Should we take her to the hospital? If she were dead, I¡¯d just bury her here and save the trouble.¡± The response from the other end caused Lillian to end the call in annoyance. She turned to Ryan.

    ¡°What if we just end her here? The hospital visit sounds tedious. We¡¯d need to wait for the car.¡±

    Ryan, absorbed in his phone, merely shrugged.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t bother me.¡±

    Caiden was taken aback by their indifference.

    Concerned, he dered, ¡°I¡¯ll make the call. I¡¯ll take her myself.

    You two take a break. This is still about a human life. Let¡¯s not treat it so lightly.¡±

    After speaking, Caiden caught a glimpse of Lillian¡¯s mocking smile.

    ¡°Really? Do you actually believe a life is that significant? That we should treat it with more care?¡±

    Pausing, Caiden sensed the implication in her words.

    As Lillian moved past, she tapped Ryan on the shoulder.

    ¡°Let¡¯s head back to bed.¡±

    The entrance then quieted down abruptly.

    Caiden quickly phoned for an ambnce. As they helped Joyce into the ambnce, he realized she waspletely exposed beneath her robe.

    A sudden gust of wind whipped the fabric away.

    Now, Joyce was fully exposed to everyone¡¯s eyes.

    One paramedicmented in dismay, ¡°We¡¯re here to save a life, not to be confronted by such a distasteful sight.¡±

    Caiden stood frozen, his eyes narrowing as he shot a frosty re at Joyce.

    Why did she have to push Dani¡¯s buttons? Wasn¡¯t she just inviting disaster upon herself?

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 538

    ?Chapter 538:

    The hours ticked by as the night grew darker. Cedric led Dani back to their bedroom.

    Theforting familiarity of the room eased Dani¡¯s tension little by little.

    Cedric settled down across from her, holding out a ss of water. Dani simply shook her head.

    With a soft sigh, he set the ss down, his attention returning to her.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t really paying attention. My mind was elsewhere, and I didn¡¯t notice Joyce¡¯s actions. Then you came downstairs.

    You got upset, right?¡±

    Dani shook her head again but then gave a small nod. Cedric smiled slightly.

    ¡°You¡¯re upset with Joyce, not me, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Hearing that name brought a flicker of anger to Dani¡¯s gaze.

    Cedric reached for Dani¡¯s hand and cleaned it with a wet wipe.

    ¡°I can handle myself. I just wasn¡¯t paying attention earlier. Don¡¯t let it upset you.¡±

    His tone was gentle, almost like calming a child.

    ¡°But it bothers me too¡ªit hurts right here.¡±

    He guided Dani¡¯s hand to rest over his chest.

    She observed him in silence.

    The moonlight streaming through the tall window softened Cedric¡¯s sharp features. Dani noticed her own reflection mirrored in his steady gaze.

    L?t§Öst ch¦Ápt?rs in g??lnovels.??m

    Then Cedric spoke, his voice steady.

    ¡°Dani, I love you. I always will.

    You don¡¯t need to worry about anyone else. I¡¯ll keep myself safe, and you can have anything pure and real from me.¡±

    Dani¡¯s face softened, the anger fading and reced by a calm, deeper longing.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we get some rest now?¡± Cedric suggested, patting Dani¡¯s hand gently.

    He crouched down to grab the ss from the floor, nning to set it on the table. But just as he reached for it, a hand gripped his wrist.

    He nced over, and before he could fully process what was happening, something soft grazed his lips. A tender warmth brushed against him, stirring something deep within.

    Cedric felt his heart soften, almost melting at the touch. At first, he let Dani¡¯s hesitant kiss continue, but her soft, impatient sounds made him chuckle before he leaned in to return the gesture fully.

    It wasn¡¯t long before hisughter faded, overtaken by a deep, smoldering desire.

    Cedric kept the ss in one hand while his other arm wrapped around Dani¡¯s waist.

    In the past, she had always held back, and Cedric never pressured her.

    He allowed her to set the pace for everything between them.

    He would always give in to whatever she desired. Even when his desire for her burned fiercely, he¡¯d cool off with a cold shower.

    He had a feeling she was holding something back, or maybe she was leaving him a way out. He couldn¡¯t understand why she thought he needed that. He didn¡¯t. He never wanted an escape.

    But because it mattered to her, he went along with it without question.

    Now, as Dani¡¯s hands reached for the buttons of Cedric¡¯s shirt, his expression turned serious in an instant. He pulled away slightly, his voice soft yet firm.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 539

    ?Chapter 539:

    ¡°Is this just a fleeting moment, or are you sure of what you want?¡± Despite his question, she continued to undo his buttons, drawing closer for another kiss.

    ¡°Dani?¡± Cedric¡¯s voice was gentle,ced with a touch of self-awareness. Though he couldn¡¯t deny the excitement building within him, a part of him wrestled with doubt, wondering if he was somehow overstepping. That small voice of reason urged him to pause, and so he called her name, seeking reassurance before moving any further.

    However, Dani ignored him. She focused on the buttons again but soon grew frustrated and looked up at Cedric with a silent, pleading gaze.

    ¡°You do it yourself.¡± Her voice was gentle and enticing. Cedric¡¯s hand shook slightly around the ss, droplets of water falling onto his arm like little sparks.

    The drops felt strangely hot against his skin. He could no longer control himself.

    Cedric¡¯s lips curved into a yful smile as he looked at her.

    ¡°You¡¯re quite the demanding one, aren¡¯t you? Toozy to undress me yourself, so now I¡¯ve got to handle it all?¡±

    Dani¡¯s eyes were tinged with faint redness.

    Without saying a word, she focused on his buttons again. Cedric¡¯s heart raced, a dizzying feeling washing over him. Every part of this moment seemed to pull him in, intoxicating and irresistible.

    She fumbled with the shirt for what seemed like an eternity, and Cedric couldn¡¯t tell whether it was frustrating her or himself.

    Atst, he ced his hand over hers, meeting her gaze.

    ¡°If you regret thister, I won¡¯t feel bad. But right now, all I want is you.¡±

    hosts great stories

    As soon as he finished speaking, Dani closed the distance and kissed him once again.

    Without missing a beat, Cedric deepened the kiss, matching her intensity. After they pulled back, breathless and dazed, Dani whispered, ¡°I like that.¡±

    Cedric blinked,pletely taken aback, his mind racing to process her boldness.

    Dani lifted her shirt as she spoke.

    Deeper grew the night outside.

    On the table, a ss perched precariously, shaking and causing subtle ripples to dance on the water within.

    Low whimpers echoed through the room, stretching the night into an endless void. The following day dawned.

    Cedric awoke, his spiritpletely rejuvenated. Snuggling close to Dani, he admired the gentle curve of hershes.

    A profound sense of relief swelled in his chest.

    Echoes of an almost surreal thought lingered in his mind. Dani was lost in a deep sleep, dreaming of aforting warmth pressing against her.

    When the warmth turned stifling, she shifted, only to feel it persist.

    A hot breath against her skin then dragged her back into a suffocating sleep.

    Half-asleep, she caught Cedric¡¯s low chuckle as he murmured, ¡°Once Ipletely owned you, I never want to let go of you.¡±

    She slept on, undisturbed.

    Cedric went downstairs to cook for Dani when Caiden returned from the hospital.

    ¡°Cedric, you need to pay up. I can¡¯t shoulder these hospital bills.¡±

    In loose white loungewear, Cedric watched the soup simmer.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 540

    Chapter 540:

    Caiden, fraught with anxiety, inquired, ¡°Where¡¯s Dani?¡±

    ¡°In her room,¡± Cedric replied calmly.

    ¡°But I advise against going up there right now.¡±

    Caiden paused on the stairs upon hearing that.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you pay the bills then? It¡¯s only thirty grand, a mere slice of your bank bnce.¡±

    Content, Cedric responded lightly, ¡°I don¡¯t control my finances.¡±

    ¡°Then who does?¡± Caiden blurted out, realizing his question¡¯s futility afterward. He groaned in frustration.

    ¡°You¡¯re content not controlling your money?¡±

    Cedric¡¯s assured demeanor might lead one to think he let Dani manage his finances.

    ¡°You¡¯re just dating, yet she already controls your money?¡± Reconsidering, Caiden chose not to ascend the stairs. Instead, he attempted to reason with Cedric.

    ¡°Listen, every man should have some essible cash.

    You¡¯re not even married to Dani yet. If she wants to control your finances, you can refuse. Besides, with your business, surely you¡¯ve got some reserves?¡±

    Cedric responded, ¡°No, there¡¯s only about ten dors left in my ount.¡±

    The previous night, while embracing Dani, he had transferred all his funds into her ount.

    He subscribed to the belief that a true man, once married, should relinquish financial control, living modestly under his partner¡¯s vignt supervision.

    Discover your escape on g aln ov el s

    Caiden was baffled by the joy evident on Cedric¡¯s face.

    ¡°You¡¯re a CEO and you¡¯re down to ten bucks?¡±

    Cedric gestured towards the phone on the table. Approaching, Caiden peered at the screen and saw the bnce was a mere cent.

    ¡°Not even ten dors!¡± Caiden gasped in disbelief. Cedric nced at the disy.

    ¡°Looks like they charged a fee. I¡¯ll need to ask Dani for lunch moneyter.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s astonishment grew.

    ¡°Billions at your disposal, and you can¡¯t even afford lunch? Does Dani really control your finances that tightly?¡±

    Cedric simply smiled.

    ¡°Yes, she¡¯s quite strict.¡±

    Caiden, observing Cedric¡¯s increasingly satisfied expression, clicked his tongue twice. Despite his concerns for Cedric¡¯s well-being, a sense of solidarity emerged.

    ¡°Would Dani cover Joyce¡¯s hospital expenses if I asked? She must, right? Saving is tough on my budget.¡±

    He then showed Cedric the paltry sum in his ount.

    ¡°This is all that¡¯s left.¡±

    Cedric, while serving soup, nodded.

    ¡°Ask her, if you feel bold enough.¡±

    Caiden hesitated, wishing Cedric would offer to ask instead. Noting Cedric¡¯s passivepliance as he carried soup upstairs, Caiden abandoned the thought.

    ¡°Forget about it.¡±

    He realized that Cedric¡¯s predicament might be more severe than his own.

    Unfortunate man.

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Nice day dear ones! God loves you, and Noah wishes you all the best! (?O?=)? ?

    .

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 541

    ?Chapter 541:

    Meanwhile, Dani nestled within Cedric¡¯s hold, briefly waking to sip some soup before drifting back to sleep. As darkness enveloped the outside, she stirred once more.

    Opening her eyes slowly, she noticed Cedric sitting quietly beside her.

    Hisughter greeted her awakening.

    ¡°Wee back.¡±

    Dani turned away from him, her eyes closing once more.

    ¡°I¡¯m done with that.¡±

    Cedric, sitting on the bed¡¯s edge like a devoted dog, panicked slightly.

    ¡°What? Why not?¡±

    He carefully turned Dani to face him.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you like it? Wasn¡¯t it enjoyable?¡±

    Dani¡¯s cheeks gradually warmed with a blush. The color deepened, spreading from the tips of her ears down to her neck, concealed beneath the nket.

    Cedric, seldom seeing Dani this shy, was pleased.

    He leaned forward, cupping her face and locking eyes with her.

    In a gentle, teasing voice, he asked, ¡°So, was I that bad?¡± Dani blinked, catching the gleam of desire in Cedric¡¯s eyes¡ªalmost predatory.

    Her eyes widened in rm.

    ¡°Cedric, I¡¯m really tired.¡±

    ?@???? ??@t?¨¨?? ¨ª¨½ ??????????????????.??????

    He chuckled, touching his nose to hers as he whispered, ¡°Next time, I¡¯ll choose something simpler. This was a first for me. Go easy.¡±

    Dani was about to reply when Cedric flung back the nket.

    His hand glided up her smooth abdomen.

    Cedric mentally promised it was just a light tease. Previously, even if Dani resisted going further, he always had a way of yfully agitating her.

    He was confident in his self-control now.

    Yet, the moment he felt her silky skin and heard her subdued, breathy sounds, all restraint dissolved.

    Swept up by the moment, Cedric surrendered to his desires, captivated by the woman in front of him.

    Amidst the fervor, a thought sparked within him. Once he¡¯d embraced such unrestrained wildness, it was difficult to retreat.

    Past midnight, Cedric enveloped Dani in a soft nket and carried her downstairs for a meal.

    He first reheated some soup for her.

    Then, he began preparing additional dishes.

    Josie, alerted by the sounds, entered the kitchen, but Cedric assured her he was fine on his own.

    At the dining table, Josieplimented Dani.

    ¡°Cedric is quite skilled in the kitchen. He¡¯s got everything under control.¡±

    Dani offered a weary smile in agreement.

    As she bent to sip her soup, the nket slid down. Her loosely fitting top exposed a few red marks at her neckline.

    Josie noticed, then chuckled before her expression turned slightly serious.

    ¡°You should warn him to take it easy. Going two days without food is too much for anyone.¡± Despite her concern, Josie felt content.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 542

    ?Chapter 542:

    ¡°Cedric has always thrived in a lively environment. I¡¯ve seen his home grow empty and him colder each day. Solitary business endeavors are challenging. He has faced many trials alone. His grandmother and I did our best to support him, but it was hardly enough. He was always disciplined, precisely knowing his limits. Throughout these years, I¡¯ve never observed him care for anyone like he does for you. It warms my heart to see him find true love. I¡¯m thankful you¡¯ve entered his life. Otherwise, I feared he might end up alone. When he asked me to care for you, I didn¡¯t hesitate because any woman who could win Cedric¡¯s heart must be extraordinary.¡±

    Wrapped in a warm nket and enjoying some hot soup, Dani looked towards Cedric, who was busy in the kitchen, and a gentle smile crossed her face.

    She thought to herself how wonderful Cedric was and dreaded the thought of ever losing him.

    Meanwhile, Katrina and Joyce shared a hospital room in silence.

    Eventually, Katrina broke the silence.

    ¡°Joyce, you¡¯re young and don¡¯t grasp the dangers of high society¡¯s games. People can die from them. No matter how upset you are, I won¡¯t get involved with Doug.¡±

    Joyce gazed coldly out the hospital garden window.

    ¡°I don¡¯t expect you to go out of your way for me. I have my methods, and I¡¯m prepared to risk everything, even if it means sacrificing my life.¡±

    Following this, Joyce requested a nurse to change her room.

    A chill gripped Katrina as she remembered Dani¡¯s willingness to risk everything for her mother, contrasting sharply with Joyce¡¯s readiness to risk only her mother¡¯s well-being.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s, where the best stories live

    Katrina sighed deeply, closed her eyes, and tears began to fall.

    Despite her injuries, the debt collectors that arrived weren¡¯t deterred.

    They stormed into the hospital, knives at the ready, pressing against Joyce¡¯s already bruised face.

    ¡°You nned this, didn¡¯t you? You told us Dani was wealthy and then told Cedric to stick by her side, preventing us from kidnapping her.¡±

    Joyce shook her head in fright.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t do that. Why not bring more muscle? Can¡¯t you handle Cedric?¡± Immediately, another wound marked Joyce¡¯s face.

    ¡°Still brave enough to talk back? Do you realize who Cedric is?¡±

    Confused, Joyce replied, ¡°Cedric is the CEO of Phillips Group. Are you intimidated by a mere businessman?¡± If so, Dani¡¯s influence was muchrger. Shouldn¡¯t they fear her more?

    ¡°Cedric is Ramon Dillon¡¯s adopted son, and he¡¯s long been connected to the underworld, more than you know. Are you concealing more? Is Cedric protecting Dani merely over business interests?¡± Struck by this, Joyce fell silent.

    Ramon Dillon? The man was known for his ruthlessness. Cedric was Ramon¡¯s adopted son?

    ¡°Do you have secrets to tell?¡± The debt collector eyed Joyce coldly.

    ¡°No, there¡¯s really nothing more. They are merely business partners. Had there been more, it would have been public by now. Initially, Cedric showed interest in Dani, but that changed over time.¡± Joyce paused, then added, ¡°Now, he has feelings for me.¡±

    The moment Joyce finished speaking, the debt collectors erupted inughter, full of scorn.

    ¡°What nonsense! Cedric wouldn¡¯t even look at you! Tell the truth, or you¡¯ll regret it.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 543

    ?Chapter 543:

    ¡°I¡¯m telling the truth. There was a time when Cedric showed interest in me. That¡¯s why he moved into the Harper family¡¯s vi. Dani couldn¡¯t handle it and returned there too. If you don¡¯t believe me, go see for yourselves¡ªthey¡¯re both living there.¡±

    With a mixture of truth and fabrications, Joyce added, ¡°If you¡¯re still uncertain, just ask Cedric yourself.¡± The debt collectors knew that Cedric had taken up residence at the Harper family¡¯s vi, but rumors about Cedric¡¯s romantic interests were scarce. They had no clue who he was involved with, if anyone.

    A heavy silence settled over the group.

    They knew better than to cross Cedric or Ramon.

    ¡°Listen, I know I owe you. But you¡¯re better off going after Dani. Take her down, and you¡¯d be doing Cedric a huge favor. She¡¯s a constant headache for him, and trust me, he¡¯d owe you for that. Why wouldn¡¯t he? Besides, Dani is loaded. Forget about the hundred million. If you handle her like you did me, she might cough up a billion just to keep the peace. And you¡¯d have Cedric¡¯s gratitude. A win-win, don¡¯t you think?¡± Joyce¡¯s voice was firm, and her eyes shone with a purposeful resolve.

    ¡°Cedric and Dani are still business partners. He can¡¯t just ignore her, notpletely. I get that thisplicates things for you. So, here¡¯s my idea. I¡¯ll make sure Dani ends up at the hospital during work hours. On her way there, that¡¯s when you can act. What do you think? At that time, Cedric will be caught up in an international deal. He won¡¯t be watching her.

    You should have no trouble making your move then, right?¡± Joyce finished exining and locked eyes with the group, her gaze intense, awaiting their response.

    If they agreed, she could use them to get rid of Dani.

    In Joyce¡¯s eyes, Dani had always been too proud, too untouchable. Seeing Dani being kidnapped by these people would be satisfying, perhaps even sweet revenge. Joyce daydreamed of the chaos that would follow once rumors of Elite Lux¡¯s CEO being kidnapped for 48 hours surfaced. Dani would have no choice but to resign to protect thepany¡¯s reputation.

    g¦Á ? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s has it all

    And in that moment, no one would darepare Dani¡¯s respectability or talent to hers.

    Joyce couldn¡¯t shake the thought that everything she¡¯d suffered, Dani must experience in kind.

    Only then would the bitterness consuming her heart begin to fade.

    As the debt collectors finally departed, a cold, malicious smile crept onto Joyce¡¯s face.

    Reaching for her phone on the bedside table, she dialed Dani¡¯s number without hesitation.

    ¡°Get here, now. The doctor says I need another surgery, and you¡¯re paying for it. If you refuse, I¡¯ll call Cedric. And if neither of you shows up, I¡¯ll go to the media and im you were the one who hurt me.¡±

    The line went silent the moment Joyce finished speaking. Joyce sat in the hospital bed, her mind suddenly clouded with doubt about whether Dani would really show up. The uncertainty gnawed at her.

    After what felt like an eternity of worry, Joyce decided to send a text instead to Dani.

    ¡°I saw Cedric at the hospital. If you don¡¯t show up now, I¡¯ll go find him myself.¡±

    Joyce understood that fabricating something too extreme would backfire.

    If she pushed her lies too far, Dani would uncover the truth in an instant.

    All she could do now was wait, silently hoping that the debt collectors would take care of Dani.

    If they seeded, Dani would be out of the picture, and she would no longer feel so overshadowed, so ordinary, inparison.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 544

    ?Chapter 544:

    The debt collectors had waited through the day and night, yet Dani remained inside her home. Joyce understood that Dani would not trust her.

    In a desperate move to draw Dani out, Joyce clenched her teeth and jumped from the second-floor window of the hospital.

    The incident prompted an immediate call from the hospital to the Harper family.

    The maid, after a pause filled with stunned silence, rushed to alert Dani.

    ¡°Miss Harper, Joyce has jumped from the building! The doctor requires a family member¡¯s consent for her surgery.¡±

    Dani replied icily, ¡°How convenient. Isn¡¯t her mother already there in the hospital?¡±

    The maid, still agitated, said, ¡°They can¡¯t find her mother at the moment.

    You should go to the hospital.¡±

    Dani, recalling Joyce¡¯s earlier words, began to sense a setup.

    A smirk crossed her face quietly.

    She then went upstairs to change clothes.

    Back at the hospital, learning that Dani had departed the vi brought Joyce a sharp intake of relief.

    Her risky decision to jump hadn¡¯t been futile.

    On the road, Dani¡¯s driver noted, ¡°There¡¯s a car following us.¡±

    Dani checked a message from Lillian and responded withposed assurance, ¡°Understood.¡±

    ???€$? ?§ß???€?$ 1? g??l??ov?l??.????m

    Initially, the mysterious car maintained its distance.

    It then suddenly elerated, cutting off and halting Dani¡¯s car in the street¡¯s center, drawing the attention of bystanders as other vehicles quickly dispersed. One vehicle that had passed returned with a sharp U-turn.

    Inside, Dani¡¯s frown deepened.

    Outside, a man with a scarred face demanded loudly,

    ¡°Get out!¡±

    Before she could respond, Alexander emerged from his car, impetuous as always.

    ¡°What are you doing? This is a public road!¡±

    Dani momentarily shut her eyes, frustrated by Alexander¡¯s reckless bravado.

    His confrontation diverted the thugs¡¯ focus from Dani to him.

    Alexander pointed at the leader.

    ¡°What¡¯s your business here? Don¡¯t block the road. Move on immediately.¡±

    The leader¡¯s biceps bulged with menace as he snarled, ¡°This doesn¡¯t concern you. Back off!¡± His threatening stance made him appear particrly formidable.

    Alexander stood firm.

    ¡°I am not afraid even if there are more of you.¡± He nced quickly at Dani and yelled, ¡°Dani, go! Get out of here!¡±

    The leader¡¯s gaze darkened with murderous intent.

    ¡°Do you know each other?¡± he asked Dani.

    While seated in her car, Dani responded coolly, ¡°I don¡¯t know him.¡±

    Simultaneously, Alexander eximed, ¡°How could I not? She¡¯s my ex-wife!¡±

    Dani shut her eyes.

    Spotting the glint of a de outside, she quickly exited the car.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 545

    ?Chapter 545:

    But Alexander threw himself right into harm¡¯s way. The leader paused, shocked by the blood now on his own hand. He cursed angrily, ¡°Are you out of your mind?¡± Alexander, holding his abdomen and kneeling in pain, still tried to sound heroic.

    ¡°Dani, run!¡±

    The leader looked at Alexander skeptically.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t a movie.¡±

    Unable to tolerate more, he knocked Alexander out with a single punch.

    The area finally calmed down.

    ¡°Do you want to feel the knife, or will you get in the car yourself?¡± the scar-faced man asked Dani.

    Dani offered a slight smile.

    ¡°I¡¯ll get in, but first I need to speak to my driver.¡±

    The scar-faced man eyed Dani¡¯s serene expression suspiciously.

    Dani leaned towards the driver and instructed, ¡°Take the car to a carwash. Don¡¯t let the blood stain the seats.¡±

    The man sneered, ¡°You might not even return, and you¡¯re worried about keeping the car clean?¡±

    Remaining calm, Dani said, ¡°I¡¯m a bit of a neat freak.¡±

    She pushed the cold de away from her neck.

    ¡°Keep that away from me.¡±

    g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s, where stories thrive

    Herposed demeanor unsettled the scar-faced man. He suspected she was plotting something.

    Observing her frail appearance and doubting her capability to fight, he said, ¡°Stop acting tough and get in.¡± Dani got into the car without any protest.

    As the vehicle began to move, a bloodstained hand grabbed the door.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Alexander demanded.

    The scar-faced man frowned and was about to push him off when Dani stated calmly, ¡°I¡¯d hurry if I were you. It looks like the traffic police are here.¡±

    The vehicle had been stationary for too long, drawing attention.

    Alexander reached for Dani, but the scar-faced man took advantage of the moment to pull Alexander into the car.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry! I¡¯ve got this,¡± Alexander said as he entered.

    His words made everyone in the carugh.

    In contrast to Alexander, Dani stayed calm.

    They blindfolded her and drove off to an undisclosed location.

    Midway through the journey, she spoke up, her voice firm yet polite.

    ¡°Sorry, but this blindfold is too tight. Could you loosen it a bit?¡±

    Alexander felt like a coward next to Dani.

    He tried to emte her calm and fell silent.

    The car became quiet.

    After another half hour, it stopped.

    Alexander and Dani were forced out. Sheposed herself and walked where they led her, while Alexander squirmed and kept asking, ¡°Do you know who I am? Do you know who she is?¡±

    Annoyed, the leader pped Alexander, knocking him to the ground.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 546

    ?Chapter 546:

    ¡°Why bring both?¡± someone shouted from above.

    An underling replied, ¡°This guy kept talking, so we brought him. ims he¡¯s a CEO, but he¡¯s nothing special. We¡¯ll dump himter.¡±

    ¡°And her?¡±

    ¡°Boss, while you were away, Joyce couldn¡¯t clear her debt, so I brought her sister here.¡±

    The area fell silent for a long stretch.

    Then someone opposite them, sounding shocked, asked, ¡°What did you say? Who did you bring?¡±

    ¡°Joyce¡¯s sister, Dani Harper, head of Elite Lux. She¡¯s very wealthy. Joyce said we could get billions if we kidnapped her.¡±

    The shock was met with a long silence.

    Another added quickly, ¡°Boss, I checked. Dani is indeed wealthy, not simple at all.¡±

    No reply came from the other side.

    Soon, rapid footsteps approached.

    The sound of dress shoes clicked against the floor.

    ¡°Boss, whye down here? It¡¯s just a woman. We¡ª¡±

    ¡°Boss, what are you doing?¡±

    I??§Ö$§ä ¡é#¦Áp?¨º§ñs I§Ú galno¦Íels

    The scar-faced man was stunned. Their usually stern boss now appearedpliant.

    ¡°You fool! Didn¡¯t I tell you Joyce¡¯s debts are her own? Why involve innocent people?¡±

    The scar-faced man looked confused.

    ¡°But Joyce has no money. She helped us trap Dani. Isn¡¯t that beneficial?¡±

    Their boss shouted back, ¡°No, it¡¯s not! Not at all! You fools almost caused a disaster. I¡¯ll deal with youter!¡±

    After this, he turned to Dani with a warm smile, bowed slightly, and said, ¡°I¡¯m very sorry.¡±

    Dani kept herposure, her eyes twinkling as she looked at him.

    ¡°Logan, you¡¯ve been quite carelesstely.¡±

    Logan Lee replied, ¡°It wasn¡¯t intentional. These fools haven¡¯t harmed you, right?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Dani said calmly.

    Relieved, Logan exhaled.

    ¡°I¡¯m d. Seeing you from afar, I was so startled I thought I was seeing things.¡±

    Dani smirked slightly.

    ¡°Oh, really? I half expected you to flee the moment you spotted me.¡±

    Logan touched his nose, acknowledging her point with an awkward smile.

    After her release, Alexander was still not awake.

    The goons loaded him into an ambnce. Dani checked her phone to find that Logan had transferred a substantial apology fee, which brought a small smile to her face.

    One of Logan¡¯s men grumbled quietly, ¡°Boss, we didn¡¯t eveny a hand on her, and we¡¯re suddenly down two hundred million?¡±

    Logan watched Dani¡¯s car pull away, his expression icy.

    ¡°Idiot. We nearly caused a huge issue. Dani¡¯s supporters are not ones to mess with. We couldn¡¯t have disentangled from her without paying a steep price.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 547

    ?Chapter 547:

    The man with the scar on his face tightened his grip in frustration.

    It was all due to Joyce.

    How else could they have squandered two hundred million?

    This mess was Joyce¡¯s doing.

    When Alexanderter awoke in the hospital, he opened his eyes wide at the sight of Dani sitting by his bed, absorbed in her phone.

    As soon as Alexander noticed Dani, he sat up quickly.

    ¡°Are you alright?¡±

    Dani, realizing he was awake, started to leave.

    ¡°Dani!¡± Alexander called out.

    ¡°Are you really just going to walk away?¡±

    Dani retorted, ¡°What? Haven¡¯t you been enough? You want me to stay and hit you?¡±

    Pain flickered in Alexander¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°After everything we¡¯ve been through, can you at least speak to me kindly?¡±

    He believed he had intervened to protect her.

    He thought she should be thankful, not harsh.

    His heart ached, and his spirits sank.

    ????t??st ch??pt??rs in g??lno¦Íels.??????

    He felt his sincere efforts werepletely ignored. Dani dismissed his feelings as ridiculous.

    ¡°Just keep out of my affairs next time.¡±

    Alexander stared at Dani in shock.

    ¡°I saved you! Is this your thanks to someone who saved you?¡± She continued walking without replying.

    Suddenly, Alexander yelled, ¡°Dani, doesn¡¯t my risking my life for you deserve another chance? Am I inferior to Cedric?¡±

    Dani stopped briefly, then chuckled.

    ¡°The audacity,paring yourself to Cedric.¡±

    Alexander remained motionless. He was bewildered.

    He knew Dani was fiercely loyal to those she cared about. To others, she was indifferent.

    Yet, here she was, vehemently defending Cedric.

    This realization chilled Alexander.

    ¡°What do you mean by that? What exactly is happening between you and Cedric that makes you defend him so passionately?¡±

    Dani didn¡¯t see the need to borate. Her rtionship with Cedric was clear and uplicated.

    However, due to Alexander¡¯s close rtionship with Katrina, Dani chose not to disclose details that might reach Katrina. It simply wasn¡¯t worth the risk.

    ¡°You¡¯re just friends,¡± she remarked casually, looking down at her phone.

    She was reading Cedric¡¯s message when footsteps approached.

    Alexander quirked an eyebrow.

    ¡°Cedric, did you hear that?¡± he eximed with evident glee, his eyebrows raised in amusement.

    At that moment, Dani understood that Alexander had tricked her.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 548

    ?Chapter 548:

    ¡°Really?¡± Alexander pretended to be disappointed, eyeing Dani.

    ¡°Just friends, huh?¡±

    Seeing Cedric disappointed was a rare sight for Alexander, and he was visibly pleased by it.

    Alexander¡¯s mood remained uplifted even after Dani had gone.

    He clung to hope as long as Dani was not officially with Cedric.

    They had never be a couple, leading him to believe they never would.

    Alexander felt confident, considering his recent close encounter with Dani during the kidnapping. Reflecting on their shared ordeal, Alexander smiled and started browsing the trending news.

    He scrolled but found no reports on their kidnapping.

    Alexander¡¯s brow furrowed deeply in confusion.

    This seemed incorrect.

    Why was there no news?

    Shouldn¡¯t the police have caught those criminals by now? With their level of influence, Alexander expected some media coverage.

    He continued to search without sess and eventually contacted a few media outlets.

    They confirmed having no information on the matter. Alexander¡¯sst memory was being punched by one kidnapper.

    If Dani had not informed the authorities, how had they escaped without issue?

    Every chapter lives on g a lno vels ;m

    What more did he not understand about her? Meanwhile, Joyce was taken aback by Dani¡¯s unharmed condition.

    Even more troubling, Joyce had just received a menacing message from sh, her debt collector, threatening to sell her if she failed to pay within five days.

    The thought made Joyce shudder.

    Katrina was groggy as she answered a call from her mother.

    ¡°Katrina, you¡¯re aware that Joyce has only five days to clear her debt, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Katrina responded, her brow furrowing.

    ¡°What are your thoughts? It¡¯s quite urgent. We¡¯re out of options. Remember that affluent man I told you about earlier? What do you think about meeting him?¡±

    Katrina hesitated, biting her lip.

    ¡°Mom, could you possibly lend me some money instead?¡±

    Silence lingered on the line.

    ¡°Mom, over the years, I¡¯ve contributed a lot to you. Surely you have some savings left. I¡¯m really in a bind and have no other options. Could you lend me part of it? I promise to repay you once I¡¯m back on stable ground.¡±

    In a detached, terse tone, Erika responded, ¡°I¡¯ll see what¡¯s avable, though it might not be much. Why must you be so stubborn? You have an opportunity with a good man now, yet you choose to stay with Caiden. What do you gain from that?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m okay, Mom. I just need a little support,¡± Katrina replied, maintaining a neutral tone. The conversation concluded abruptly.

    Joyce was nervously awaiting Katrina¡¯s decision to assist, only to receive a brief message instead.

    ¡°Joyce, your grandmother has agreed to lend you the money.¡±

    Infuriated by the disappointing oue, Joyce threw her phone across the room, watching it smash into pieces.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 549

    ?Chapter 549:

    The argument between Joyce and Katrina had escted to a level neither of them had ever reached before.

    ¡°You¡¯re really not going to help me? You¡¯re my mother! If I can¡¯t pay this debt, I¡¯m finished. I¡¯m your daughter, and you still won¡¯t step in? Grandma does have enough to lend, maybe a million at most, but that¡¯s barely a drop in the ocean when ites to the interest!¡± Joyce yelled.

    Katrina¡¯s brow furrowed.

    ¡°I¡¯m doing everything I can to find a solution. But don¡¯t expect me to sell myself just to fix this!¡±

    Joyce¡¯s temper red, her words sharp and bitter.

    ¡°Why not? Whether it¡¯s Caiden or anyone else, it¡¯s the same!¡±

    The p that followed was sharp and resounding. For a moment, Joyce stood frozen, stunned by the force of the strike.

    Her hand pressed against the stinging skin, and Joyce red at Katrina with cold fury.

    ¡°Fine. If you won¡¯t help, I¡¯ll figure it out on my own.¡±

    With that, she stormed out of the room.

    Katrina stood in the doorway, her eyes following Joyce as she stormed out. A deep, exhausted sigh escaped her lips. Later that day, Katrina made the decision to leave the hospital.

    Her n was to approach Dani once more.

    But as Katrina faced Dani, her words came out stiff.

    Explore captivating tales on  .

    ¡°Dani, if I divorce your father, what will you give me?¡±

    Without looking up from her phone, Dani replied, ¡°Nothing. If you want out, you leave with nothing.¡± The weight of her words sank in, and Katrina knew the conversation hade to a dead end.

    With a bitter nce at Dani, Katrina turned and made her way upstairs.

    Days passed, and Joyce vanished without a trace.

    In the wake of it all, Dani¡¯s grip on the Harper family¡¯s wealth tightened, leaving Caiden with no influence,pletely powerless.

    Katrina¡¯s financial situation had hit rock bottom, her funds barely enough to keep her afloat.

    Then, out of nowhere, a million dors appeared in her bank ount.

    A sinking feeling twisted in Katrina¡¯s stomach as soon as she saw the deposit.

    Without hesitation, she checked the details of the transfer.

    As expected, Joyce¡¯s name was disyed on the screen, confirming her suspicion.

    The message apanying the transfer sent a clear message.

    ¡°Repayment, with interest.¡± Katrina understood immediately.

    Joyce was severing all ties, cutting thest thread between them.

    Frustration bubbled inside Katrina as she tried reaching out, but there was no clue where to begin.

    In a moment of desperation, Katrina held Dani back.

    Dani nced at her coldly.

    ¡°So, now you finally know what it feels like to lose someone who matters, don¡¯t you?¡±

    In that instant, a cold sensation swept through Katrina¡¯s chest. Her eyes flickered.

    ¡°Dani, are you telling me you nned all of this?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 550

    ?Chapter 550:

    Dani shook her head.

    ¡°Joyce made her own choice.¡±

    Katrina didn¡¯t believe her. She asked Dani, ¡°Did you send Joyce away?¡±

    Dani just smiled and stayed silent, the quiet saying more than words ever could.

    Katrina¡¯s mind raced, flooded with countless theories about Joyce.

    But in the end, they all fell apart in the face of truth. At the banquet for Dani¡¯s newpany, Katrina mindlessly held a ss of wine.

    Without warning, a waiter appeared at the door, his voice respectful as he called out, ¡°Mrs. Fairburne.¡±

    Katrina was about to turn when a group of women near her started whispering and giggling.

    ¡°She¡¯s really throwing her life away for money?¡±

    ¡°Did you notice how tightly she¡¯s wrapped? There are probably marks all over her skin.¡±

    ¡°Still, marrying Doug is no small feat. She must have some remarkable strategies.¡±

    ¡°Doug is worth billions and spends without a care. In Olisvine, only Dani could rival him.¡±

    ¡°Quiet, she¡¯sing this way.¡±

    In a perfectly timed chorus, the women around them all greeted her.

    ¡°Mrs. Fairburne!¡±

    More content now at g?l¦Ç¦Òv???s

    ¡°Hello, everyone.¡±

    A voice, smooth and undeniably familiar, sliced through the air, carrying a hint of a husky tone.

    Katrina¡¯s body tensed. With a stiff movement, she turned to face the source of the voice.

    Three months had passed since Joyce had vanished without a trace. Now, she was Doug¡¯s wife.

    The realization hit Katrina all at once.

    After Joyce¡¯s disappearance, Erika had never once mentioned Doug¡¯s name to Katrina. Even when Katrina offered Erika money, she¡¯d dismiss it with a simple, ¡°Keep it for yourself.¡±

    Initially, Katrina assumed her mother was upset with her. But soon, she found Erika had bought a luxury house.

    The realization hit Katrina like a lightning bolt¡ªErika must have introduced another woman to that wealthy man.

    At the time, Katrina hadn¡¯t even considered Joyce. After all, Doug had pursued her first, and she never imagined Joyce would take such a drastic step.

    A step so bold, even Katrina herself would never dare to take.

    Katrina¡¯s body shook under the weight of the revtion. She approached Joyce and asked, ¡°Joyce, have you lost your mind?¡±

    Joyce met her gaze with a cold stare, unfazed by the harsh question.

    The crowd around them parted like the Red Sea, creating a clear path for Joyce.

    ¡°Joyce, do you even realize what you¡¯re doing?¡±

    Joyce gave Katrina a subtle smile, her confidence unshaken.

    ¡°I¡¯ve never been more certain of what I want.¡±

    If degrading herself meant a lifetime of luxury and admiration, she would embrace the title of Mrs. Fairburne without hesitation.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 551

    ?Chapter 551:

    This was the life she had chosen, and she was prepared to live it forever.

    Katrina couldn¡¯t contain her emotions any longer. She yanked Joyce outside, her temper ring.

    ¡°Joyce, do you really intend to embarrass me like this?¡±

    Joyce¡¯s demeanor was unaffected. Her face showed no emotion, utterly impassive.

    ¡°Mom, I pleaded with you, yet you declined.

    You prioritized your own desires, neglecting mine. I had no choice but to depend on myself. Was I wrong? The reason I¡¯m here today is because of you.

    You¡¯re the one who should be reflecting on this.¡±

    Katrina felt herself teetering on the edge of sanity. Her eyes bore into Joyce with a frosty intensity.

    ¡°Leave Doug now! Return home, and you¡¯ll still be my daughter.¡±

    ¡°Being your daughter means little to me at this point. What matters is preserving my integrity,¡± Joyce responded indifferently.

    Katrina¡¯s eyes welled up with tears.

    ¡°I put so much effort into raising you, and this is how you repay me? I promised I would find a way to help you.¡±

    In her sleek, designer dress, Joyce maintained herposure.

    ¡°Oh really? Your help involved letting someone attack me with a knife? You had an option but chose not to take it. I was forced to carve my own path. I stand by my actions.¡±

    Tears rolled down Katrina¡¯s cheeks.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s???§àm hosts thrilling adventures

    Joyce, however, stayed unmoved.

    ¡°I see, Mom. Everyone looks out for their own interests. I understand.

    You weren¡¯t willing to make sacrifices for me.¡±

    Katrina opened her mouth to respond, but Joyce cut her off.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for further discussion. I¡¯ve made my choice. I¡¯ve never managed to make you proud. If you feel disgraced by me, then feel free to dere to the world that you don¡¯t have a daughter like me.¡±

    With these words, Joyce began to walk away.

    Katrina hugged herself tightly, shivering as tears streamed down her face, watching Joyce¡¯s figure recede into the distance.

    At that moment, she realized she was on the verge of losing the daughter she had cherished all her life. Doug was well-known for his notorious sexual escapades. Despite Joyce¡¯s attendance at the event in a stunning gown, her attire revealed no skin. The rationale was clear to all present.

    Beneath the outward elegancey a life filled with pain and sacrifice.

    Upon Katrina¡¯s return home, she found Dani already there.

    Bathed in soft lighting, Dani looked as radiant as ever. Cedric was there too, feeding her orange slices one by one.

    Cedric murmured something quietly.

    Dani looked at him with a mix of surprise and curiosity, to which Cedric simply offered a reassuring smile.

    The atmosphere in the living room was warm and intimate.

    Katrina lingered at the doorway, paralyzed, until the numbness in her feet jolted her back to reality.

    Her daughter was enduring hardship. Why was Brylee¡¯s daughter being doted on by Olisvine¡¯s most distinguished man?

    How could Katrina not feel envious?

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 552

    ?Chapter 552:

    How could she not harbor resentment?

    How could she not be seething with anger?

    As Katrina¡¯s hands formed tight fists, Dani seemed to finally notice her. Dani nced her way, her expression indifferent and almost dismissive.

    After a brief moment, she turned her attention away,pletely ignoring the rage in Katrina¡¯s eyes.

    Katrina was seething with anger. Her fists tightly clenched, she approached Dani.

    ¡°Is this your doing? Did you orchestrate Joyce¡¯s marriage to Doug?¡±

    Dani reclined on the sofa, fixing Katrina with a cold stare.

    In the past, when confronted with usations like this, she would simply respond, ¡°You¡¯re overthinking it.¡±

    However, today, when Katrina pressed her, Dani chuckled briefly and asked, ¡°What if I did?¡±

    Her cold gaze slowly rose to meet Katrina¡¯s.

    ¡°What are you going to do about it?¡±

    For a moment, Katrina was at a loss for words.

    She felt an urge to lunge forward and strike Dani.

    Yet, as her hand lifted, Cedric intercepted it and pushed it away.

    Find your favorite stories at

    Katrina staggered and nearly toppled over.

    Observing Dani¡¯sposed expression, Katrina understood that this was Dani¡¯s retribution for Brylee.

    ¡°You¡¯re trying to destroy me and Joyce. Dani, you venomous snake!¡±

    Dani kept her eyes on the television, her face remaining stoic and detached. She did not even nce at Katrina again.

    Katrina boiled with rage, yet she was powerless to act. Cedric¡¯s presence barred her from getting any closer to Dani.

    ¡°Very well, Dani, just you wait!¡±

    Dani¡¯s smile was serene.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for this.

    Just don¡¯t keep me waiting too long.¡±

    Before speaking with Dani, Katrina had called Joyce, but thetter had refused to answer. Then, she had dialed Alexander¡¯s number.

    As the phone rang and connected, she began to talk to Dani.

    As soon as Dani left, Katrina turned to her, tears welling up.

    ¡°Did you hear that, Alexander? She was manipted by Dani. She didn¡¯t betray you of her own will. It was all Dani¡¯s doing. Can¡¯t you see the cruelty that lies beneath Dani¡¯s pretty face?¡± Katrina was convinced that Alexander might be Joyce¡¯s saving grace in the future.

    If Joyce were to regret her actions, perhaps Alexander might feel some sympathy for her.

    ¡°Katrina, I have always shown you a basic level of respect, yet now I feel you¡¯re making a fool of me.¡±

    Katrina was taken aback.

    ¡°Alexander, why would you think that? You just heard Dani¡¯s confession. I¡¯m not deceiving you.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Alexander gave a sarcastic smile.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 553

    ?Chapter 553:

    ¡°It seems you believe I¡¯mpletely naive.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s brow furrowed.

    Alexander continued, ¡°If Joyce was truly unwilling, nobody could havepelled her. Besides, during our marriage, she showed a clear interest in other rich men.¡± Katrina¡¯s heart missed a beat.

    ¡°I hadn¡¯t brought it up before because I didn¡¯t think it was important. Our connection never deepened. It wasn¡¯t Dani causing issues; it was the marriage itself. We never should have entered into it.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Katrina quickly interjected, ¡°How can you say that? Alexander, I know you don¡¯t mean it.

    You¡¯re just too angry.¡±

    Alexander, however, refused to listen further.

    ¡°I¡¯m clear about my feelings.¡±

    Katrina frowned, understanding that sometimes silence was preferable, as speaking certain truths could irreversibly damage paths back.

    This time, however, Alexander was unusually direct.

    ¡°During that fire, I saved Joyce instead of Dani, so you all assumed I harbored feelings for Joyce. If that¡¯s what you think, I¡¯d rather rify things now instead ofter.¡±

    Katrina attempted to interrupt him, but Alexander persisted bluntly, saying, ¡°I¡¯ve always been unclear about my feelings, and now, I deeply regret that.¡±

    Alexander emphasized his regret.

    ¡°Given another chance, I would have defended Dani fiercely. But now, merely glimpsing her feels like a privilege.¡±

    Read it first on g?lno?els.c?m

    A profound emptiness washed over Katrina.

    She decided not to question whether Alexander¡¯s regret stemmed from Dani¡¯s newfound prominence or from a realization of his enduring affection for her.

    She knew only one thing: the backup n she had for Joyce was now gone.

    Their call had concluded quite some time ago.

    However, Katrina couldn¡¯t shake the sound of Alexander¡¯s final words echoing in her mind.

    ¡°I should have told you earlier that I love Dani. Regardless of her status today, my love remains unchanged. Even if she orchestrated my situation with Joyce, I am happy. So, please stop calling me.¡±

    The conversation ended right there.

    Despair washed over Katrina as she looked around. At that moment, all her strategies for Joyce were conclusively ruined.

    When Dani walked into thepany the next morning, seeing Alexander there didn¡¯t surprise her. Alexander was no fool; his sess wasn¡¯t based on luck. He could sense something off in Dani¡¯s behavior.

    ¡°Katrina called me yesterday.

    You were aware, weren¡¯t you?¡±

    Dani didn¡¯t attempt to hide it.

    ¡°Yes, I knew.¡±

    Alexander experienced a blend of sadness and a hint of happiness.

    He was saddened because Dani had shown him her more ruthless side, which wasn¡¯t typically exposed to someone she cared about.

    Yet, he felt a sense of happiness that Dani chose to reveal this aspect to him.

    Could this mean she trusted him, even slightly?

    A small smile appeared on Alexander¡¯s face.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 554

    ?Chapter 554:

    ¡°I¡¯ve warned you before about Katrina; she¡¯s dangerous.¡±

    ¡°Desperate times lead to desperate measures. Why didn¡¯t you listen?¡±

    His voice was questioning, yet his gentle tone carried more warmth than usation, sounding almost tender.

    Dani¡¯s expression immediately contorted in disgust, as if she had just tasted something foul. She stepped back.

    Her defensive stance saddened Alexander.

    ¡°Dani, I mean no harm. I¡¯m merely here to remind you. There are many ways to seek revenge, but you opted for the harshest one. Why choose such a path? You¡¯re the CEO of Elite Lux now.

    Your mother passed away long ago. Why allow someone from your past to spoil your promising future? You know there¡¯s more to life than vengeance. Think about the family and children you once dreamed of, or the hobbies that bring you joy. These could help you ovee your resentment. Dani, perhaps you could give me a chance to help you let go of this hatred.

    You have to trust me now.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s sincere confession was heartfelt.

    Unbeknownst to them, someone recorded the entire exchange on camera.

    At that moment, Dani was bathed in the morning sunlight.

    She had never fully grasped the concept of love. She thought she liked Cedric, but couldn¡¯t pinpoint exactly what it was about him.

    More to discover g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Íe?s?c?m

    However, as she gazed at Alexander now, her understanding suddenly clicked into ce.

    She offered a smile, yet her eyes remained cold as she met Alexander¡¯s look.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe how blind I was before.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s confident expression wavered for a moment.

    ¡°Alexander, we¡¯re fundamentally different.

    You¡¯re fixated on power and wealth. To you, they are more important than any personal connection. When Katrina brought me to the rooftop, you were fully aware of what was unfolding.

    Yet, you were too frightened to intervene.

    You maintained your distance, feigning concern for me.

    You said all the right things but never left yourfort zone.¡±

    At her usation, Alexander¡¯s sense of rm intensified, and he started to desperately defend himself.

    But Dani stopped him with a raised hand, her tone steady.

    ¡°I know what you¡¯re going to say, but I don¡¯t base my judgments on words alone. Actions are what count. Alexander, I don¡¯t wish to dwell on the past, and to be honest, I see no role for you in my future. Can we agree on that?¡±

    Dani sought someone who would be unwaveringly loyal, ready to face any ordeal alongside her, not a slick deceiver who offeredforting words without genuine intent.

    Alexander¡¯s hopes crumbled instantly.

    He stood immobilized, his facade dismantled. His instinct was to refute everything.

    But how could he possibly deny it?

    Overwhelmed, he struggled to maintain his poise, yet he remained silent.

    Dani had seen straight through him.

    She saw his selfishness and his smooth, misleading words. He was like a manid bare, his wspletely exposed.

    He was utterly humiliated.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 555

    ?Chapter 555:

    As Alexander looked away, Dani was already striding towards the Elite Lux building.

    Her steps were decisive, never faltering or ncing back. Each step she took seemed to slice through his heart.

    The footage of Alexander¡¯s heartfelt confession to Dani quickly spread across the inte.

    Cedric had just returned from a business trip and was en route to the Elite Lux building.

    His secretary, who was sitting next to him, broached the subject of the trending video.

    ¡°Mr. Phillips, there¡¯s a lot of talk online. Don¡¯t you want to see what it¡¯s about?¡± It was a simplement.

    The secretary was aware that Cedric usually maintained a strong sense of self-assurance and typically disregarded online gossip orments.

    Phillips Group¡¯s public rtions team was essentially just for show.

    ¡°Let me see it.¡±

    When those words echoed in the car, the secretary was momentarily stunned, and the driver was just as surprised.

    Still in a state of shock, the secretary handed over the phone.

    Cedric, bathed in the morning light and impably dressed, tilted his head with a dignified air as he began scrolling through his phone.

    ¡°Is Alexander trying to rekindle an old love?¡±

    Read thetest updates at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    ¡°Show some self-respect. Should this even be trending? It¡¯s disgusting for both Dani and us.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right! I¡¯ve always said Cedric is the genuine article! I heard he and Dani were old schoolmates. Maybe he knows something about their history!¡±

    ¡°I agree! They¡¯re always so low-key. There¡¯s barely any information about them. But whenever they¡¯re seen together, they seem like the perfect couple.¡±

    ¡°Check this out, I was in their ss! If you¡¯re curious about the details, just check my profile. I¡¯ll spill all the secrets!¡±

    Cedric¡¯s eyes remained fixed on thestment for an extended period.

    The secretary observed Cedric and noted a gentle smile breaking across his usually stoic face.

    It became apparent to the secretary that Cedric had started following a specific ount.

    The car had been stationary outside the Phillips Group building for some time now.

    Cedric showed no signs of leaving the car while his employees gathered outside, wondering about their boss¡¯s unusual behavior today.

    Every decision made by their boss, a man who dealt with millions every minute, was crucial for thepany. Consequently, all eyes were glued to the car door, anticipating its opening.

    Yet, it stayed shut.

    ¡°Mr. Phillips? We¡¯ve arrived at thepany.¡± After spending thirty minutes exchanging looks with the driver, the secretary finally broke the silence. Cedric, still engrossed in his phone, casually acknowledged with an ¡°Okay.¡±

    He then passed the phone back to the secretary. Upon reaching the elevator, Cedric instructed, ¡°Send me that ount¡¯s details.¡±

    The secretary responded, ¡°Okay, sir.¡± While the reply was calm, curiosity still showed on the secretary¡¯s face.

    As they neared the CEO¡¯s office in the elevator, the secretary, feeling a flush of curiosity, quietly asked, ¡°Mr. Phillips, is what was posted on that ount urate?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 556

    ?Chapter 556:

    The secretary had only glimpsed at the ount briefly.

    That very ount had shared many insider details, each garnering tens of thousands of shares. In just thirty minutes,ments had soared past a million.

    The PR department, which had been inactive for some time, was on standby, ready to spring into action. They awaited Cedric¡¯smand to quash the rumors with decisive action and show that Phillips Group¡¯s PR was more than just a show.

    The secretary viewed the PR director¡¯s message inquiring about the online rumors and asked Cedric, ¡°Do we need to address the online rumors?¡±

    The gentle chime of the elevator echoed.

    Cedric stepped out, his voice calm.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to deal with the rumors.¡±

    The secretary gave a hesitant nod before asking, ¡°Do you think Ms. Harper will be upset?¡±

    The secretary was aware of how much Cedric cherished Dani, but he wasn¡¯t sure where their rtionship stood now.

    Were they more than friends, or was it just a casual connection?

    ¡°No, she won¡¯t,¡± Cedric responded, effortlessly interrupting the secretary¡¯s swirling thoughts.

    Surprised, the secretary looked at Cedric, uncertain of what to make of his confidence.

    Lately, he had noticed a remarkable shift in Cedric¡¯s manner.

    Cedric, who once carefully weighed every move, now carried himself with a bold, new assurance without sacrificing his usual attention to detail.

    Explore fantastic tales on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s; ?¦Ïm

    The secretary couldn¡¯t help but wonder¡ªwere Cedric and Dani together?

    Despite his subtle attempts to probe Cedric, the secretary received no answers, a silence that typically hinted at a negative response.

    Confusion tugged at the secretary¡¯s mind as he tried to make sense of it all.

    The secretary paused, weighing his words carefully before asking, ¡°Should I reach out to Elite Lux¡¯s public rtions team to explore possible strategies so we¡¯re not caught off guardter?¡±

    Cedric walked into his office.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. Elite Lux won¡¯t be involved in this.¡±

    The secretary observed as Cedric settled into his chair, unlocked his phone, and began scrolling through Twitter. He quickly located the ount of the person responsible for the leaks and followed it.

    The secretary left Cedric¡¯s office and checked the post himself.

    Just as he started reviewing it, a call interrupted his focus, and he quickly set his phone aside to attend a meeting. By noon, after sifting through some documents, he approached Cedric again to gather his signatures. Cedric scrolled through his phone inplete silence, lost in thought.

    The secretary didn¡¯t rush him but stole a quick nce at Cedric¡¯s screen.

    To his surprise, Cedric was still fixated on that post, undisturbed by the passing hours.

    As the workday drew to a close, the secretary gently knocked on the office door and said, ¡°Mr. Phillips, if there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯ll be heading out.¡±

    Without lifting his gaze from his phone, Cedric instructed, ¡°Reach out to the forum administrator about this ount. Ensure it doesn¡¯t get banned.¡± The secretary nodded.

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 557

    ?Chapter 557:

    However, once outside, his curiosity got the better of him, and he checked his phone immediately.

    To his surprise, the post had evolved into an entire fan fiction saga inspired by the rumors surrounding Cedric and Dani.

    Some of the scenes were undeniably provocative, enough to leave anyone blushing.

    By the time ten o¡¯clock rolled around, the secretary had caught up on thetest updates.

    Now it made sense why Cedric had been so absorbed in his phone¡ªhe had been reading too.

    Meanwhile, fresh news began to make the rounds.

    This time, it was about Joyce and a man caught in a steamy hotel rendezvous. Late-night footage revealed Joyce pressed against the window, the man just behind her.

    This scandal exploded online, gaining as much traction as Dani¡¯s rejection of Alexander.

    The screenshots from the footage spread like wildfire, quickly paired with the audio of Joyce¡¯s confession about setting fire to Dani¡¯s wedding.

    Before long, Olisvine was aze with gossip, as everyone echoed that Joyce had gotten exactly what she deserved.

    Dani arrived at the Harper family vi to find Katrina kneeling at the entrance.

    When Dani stepped out of the car, Katrina immediately surged forward, desperation in her voice.

    Your imagination thrives at  punt

    ¡°Dani, please, I beg you. Spare Joyce. I¡¯m the one to me. Everything is my fault!¡± Coldness filled Dani¡¯s eyes.

    Just as she opened her mouth to respond, Cedric appeared from the car behind her.

    Rather than approaching Dani, he made his way to arge tree across the street.

    There, he seized a man with a camera hanging around his neck and dragged him toward Dani.

    ¡°Mr. Phillips¡­¡±

    With a chilling look, Cedric¡¯s gaze froze the unlucky reporter in ce. Meanwhile, the secretary, still seated in the car, sighed in sympathy for the man¡¯s misfortune.

    ¡°Which media outlet are you from?¡± Cedric asked, his voice sharp, cold, andcking any hint ofpassion.

    The reporter, sensing the danger, tried to escape, but Cedric caught him by the cor, holding him firmly in ce.

    Glimpsing the press badge pinned to the man¡¯s chest, Cedric turned to his secretary, who had just left the car.

    ¡°Do you have the number for ze Media¡¯s head?¡±

    The secretary handed Cedric the phone number.

    Without hesitation, Cedric dialed it and said, ¡°Maximus Hewitt, you truly are one of a kind.¡±

    The reporter stood frozen, listening as his boss offered profuse apologies over the phone, his voice trembling as though he were on the verge of tears.

    Although Cedric had released the reporter¡¯s cor, the man remained rooted to the spot, too terrified to move. After the reporter took the phone from Cedric, his boss¡¯s voice shouted from the other end, ¡°Kent Weaving, are you out of your mind? Didn¡¯t I make it clear to avoid any coverage involving Mr. Phillips? What on earth have you done?¡±

    The reporter whispered, ¡°I haven¡¯t taken any photos yet.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 558

    ?Chapter 558:

    ¡°If you had, it would be the end of me! Who told you to photograph him?¡±

    In a low voice, the reporter replied, ¡°Katrina Harper paid me a hundred thousand. She didn¡¯t say much. She just wanted some photos. Then, out of nowhere, she knelt down. Before I could even use my camera, Mr. Phillips appeared. Boss, I¡¯m confused. Didn¡¯t you once say journalism sometimes requires unconventional methods?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Unconventional methods are necessary¡ªbut not if they lead straight into a trap!¡±

    The reporter exhaled sharply.

    ¡°Is the situation really that serious?¡±

    ¡°It most certainly is! Mr. Phillips is the major shareholder of ourpany. How can you not understand the gravity of this?¡±

    The reporter¡¯s mind went nk.

    Standing before Cedric, he stammered out an apology.

    ¡°Mr. Phillips, I¡¯m so sorry. I had no idea you were the major shareholder of ourpany. The offer was substantial, and I thought a few photos wouldn¡¯t be an issue.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s piercing stare cut through him.

    Clutching his camera, the reporter bowed repeatedly before hurrying away.

    Meanwhile, Katrina remained kneeling in front of Dani. And Dani made no effort to stop her.

    ?????? ???????? ? g??lnov?l??.???m

    Filled with frustration and anger, Katrina red critically at the reporter.

    She was still kneeling before Dani. The scene was picture-perfect, and a single image could dominate the trending news about Joyce if it reached the inte.

    But her hopes quickly crumbled.

    As the reporter dashed away, Katrina¡¯s frustration boiled over.

    Fuming, she got to her feet and shouted, ¡°Hey! I paid you! You can¡¯t just leave!¡±

    Her voice echoed, but it was toote. The reporter was already out of reach.

    Stunned, Katrina froze in ce.

    Dani, still seated, observed her with a cool detachment. Her eyes reflected a cold indifference, as though Katrina were no more than a passing nuisance. Even after the reporter had disappeared, Katrina remained rooted to the spot.

    Without a word, Dani moved forward, brushing past Katrina with her shoulder, snapping her out of her daze. Dani continued on without hesitation, heading toward the garden¡ªa ce haunted by memories of her mother¡¯s tragic fall.

    She knew Katrina was preparing for onest desperate move. But she felt no fear. Instead, an odd surge of excitement coursed through her.

    As Dani sat in the living room, Cedric entered and said, ¡°Katrina is desperate and on edge. She¡¯s bound to make a move soon. I¡¯m arranging extra protection for you.¡± Dani remained silent as he spoke.

    Lillian stared at Cedric in surprise before turning to look at Dani. Dani nodded.

    ¡°Okay,¡± she replied sweetly, her tonepliant.

    Suddenly, Lillian began coughing harshly.

    Dani nced at Lillian, who waved a hand dismissively.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I just heard a spooky story.¡±

    Cedric, indifferent to their interaction, frowned, grabbed his phone, and stepped outside.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 559

    ?Chapter 559:

    Once at the door, he wasted no time making a call.

    ¡°Logan, I need a team of mercenaries.

    Yes, only the top-tier bodyguards.¡±

    Lillian watched Cedric intently as he spoke near the doorway.

    ¡°Dani, why not tell Cedric that you¡¯re¡­¡±

    Before Lillian could finish her sentence, Dani¡¯s attention shifted slightly, prompting Lillian to ask curiously, ¡°Are you not going to tell him?¡±

    Dani replied calmly, ¡°No. He worries too much about me. If he knew, it would probably keep him up at night.¡± After a moment of thought, Lillian nodded in agreement.

    ¡°Indeed.¡±

    When Cedric came back, Dani was absorbed in her phone.

    He was about to speak when Katrina burst through the door with an icy demeanor. Without a word, she walked in and headed straight upstairs.

    Dani and Cedric had anticipated that Katrina would take some action, but they were caught off guard when she once again proposed divorcing Caiden.

    Dani found the sight of the divorce agreement rather amusing.

    She never expected Katrina to be so terrified of dying.

    The divorce agreement was ced in the living room. Caiden noticed it but only gave it a cursory nce before looking away.

    Discover new content now g?ln¦Ò¦Íe?s?c?m

    Katrina, however, demanded that he sign it.

    Pointing to Dani, who was eating, Caiden said, ¡°Talk to her. Whatever Dani decides, I¡¯ll go along with. If she approves, I¡¯ll sign it.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s hatred for Caiden was evident.

    ¡°I truly regret marrying you. Asshole!¡± she spat, before lunging at him, her long nails shing across his face.

    Caiden was not the type to stand by and take it. He had long been dissatisfied with their situation and med Katrina for everything.

    If not for her maniptions, he might have been content with Brylee forever.

    Now, he realized that the freedom of living off others far outweighed the fear of growing old alone.

    With that reflection, his regrets ran deep.

    That day, his frustration erupted into unrestrained fury.

    Caiden grabbed Katrina¡¯s hair and pped her repeatedly, each blow ringing loudly through the living room. The maid stood paralyzed in shock, while Dani remainedposed, not bothering to look up as she continued her meal.

    Only when Katrina was left reeling, her face marked by the blows, did Caiden release her. He was breathing heavily.

    Katrina crumpled to the floor, unable to say a word. Her shoulders shook as she red at him through her messy hair, her eyes full of anger.

    Caiden spat at her in disgust before turning and walking away.

    The room returned to a heavy silence.

    Trembling, Katrina struggled to lift herself, her face feeling numb. She knew she had to get to a hospital¡ªher face was her livelihood.

    Limping toward the door, she paused by the dining room for a moment, trying to steady herself.

    ¡°Feeling satisfied now, are you?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 560

    ?Chapter 560:

    Dani didn¡¯t even nce at Katrina and continued having her meal as if nothing had happened.

    ¡°Dani Harper, don¡¯t get too confident. No one can im victory until it¡¯s all over.

    Your mother thought she had it all under control, but she never saw her deathing.

    You¡¯re her daughter, so be careful¡ªdon¡¯t end up like her!¡± Katrina¡¯s eyes zed with rage as she shot a hateful look at Dani.

    Dani, unfazed, kept eating, a small smile tugging at her lips. But this time, it wasn¡¯t her usual smile. It was a smile of genuine amusement, as though Katrina¡¯s words were nothing butughable.

    ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± Dani¡¯s voice was cold and almost mocking.

    ¡°I¡¯mughing at your foolishness. I don¡¯t know what the future holds, but one thing¡¯s certain. Everything you care about, and everyone who ever cared about you, has already walked away. Katrina, have you ever considered¡ª¡±

    Katrina cast a harsh look at Dani¡¯s side.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°I have the power to destroy you, yet I haven¡¯t. Have you wondered why? There¡¯s a reason I¡¯ve kept you around all this time. Aren¡¯t you curious?¡±

    Katrina snapped back, ¡°You just want to see me isted, with no one left on my side.

    You¡¯re cruel, Dani.¡±

    Dani chuckled, shaking her head, and went back to eating without a care.

    Under the bright lights, she seemed calm and unaffected, which only left Katrina feeling more confused. The uncertainty gnawed at her, filling her with unease.

    ¡°Then why? What are you trying to say, Dani? Why haven¡¯t you gotten rid of me yet?¡± Katrina¡¯s heart raced with worry.

    She kept her eyes on Dani, throwing question after question, but Dani said nothing.

    Her silence only fueled Katrina¡¯s frustration and rage, intensifying like a fire out of control.

    Ignoring her pain, Katrina staggered toward Dani, her voice raspy with fury.

    ¡°What are you nning? What do you want from me?¡±

    But Dani remained silent, not even bothering to acknowledge her.

    Katrina was nearing her breaking point, but the brutal beating she¡¯d endured was too much. As Dani stood, Katrina¡¯s legs buckled, and she crumpled to the floor.

    Struggling to push herself up, she found her body too weak to cooperate. On her knees, she managed to summon thest of her strength and, with a frustrated gasp, demanded, ¡°Dani! What are you plotting?¡±

    Dani gave Katrina a cold, mocking look as she stood over her. Without saying anything, she walked past Katrina and left without looking back.

    Katrina found herself in the hospital shortly after. It didn¡¯t take long for the headlines to turn, exposing the real Katrina to the public.

    A reporter appeared on camera, disclosing how Katrina had bribed him. He called on viewers to reject such corrupt actions and formally apologized to Dani.

    Katrina¡¯s reputation in Olisvine was left in tatters.

    She knew she couldn¡¯t leave the Harper family without something to show for it in the divorce. Otherwise, all her years of effort would have been for nothing.

    After lying in the hospital bed for what felt like an eternity in silence, Katrina finally dialed Alexander¡¯s number.

    She realized just how powerful Dani truly was. Trying to fight back without a solid n would only end in defeat. She knew that the only way to seed was to catch Dani off guard and strike when she least expected it. Her thoughts turned cold and calcting.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 561

    ?Chapter 561:

    In the harsh light, her eyes appeared even more ominous, full of dark schemes.

    She reached for a spare phone and dialed a number she hadn¡¯t called in over ten years. The voice on the other end of the line was thick with irritation.

    ¡°What do you want?¡±

    Katrina¡¯s voice was low and threatening.

    ¡°Dani¡¯s targeting me. She knows the truth behind Brylee¡¯s death. If you help me, I¡¯ll keep everything hidden. But if you refuse, I¡¯ll make sure every secretes to light. Then we¡¯ll see if Dani still wants you by her side.¡±

    The voice on the other end was low, its coldness cutting through the line.

    ¡°Katrina, have you lost your mind? Why are you even mentioning that? So many years have passed!¡±

    Katrina could feel herself slipping, as though her grip on the situation was slowly fading. Perhaps, it had already slipped away entirely.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to bring it up either. But Dani won¡¯t let me go. The one losing it now is her!¡±

    Katrina knew reconciliation with Dani was impossible; that much was clear.

    Her decision had already been made¡ªto leave the Harper family and divorce Caiden¡ªbut Dani wasn¡¯t backing down.

    Every move Dani made had been carefully calcted to bring her to her knees.

    ¡°What¡¯s the worst that could happen? Does Dani even have proof? These events happened ages ago. Why drag them up now? If I¡¯m stuck in this mess, you¡¯ll be dragged down with me!¡±

    ¡°Do you think I want to talk about this?¡± Katrina¡¯s voice cracked as she stormed through the courtyard, her steps frantic.

    I@?e$t ¡é§ß@???§ñ$ ?¦Ç ???§Ú?v¦Å??.c?m

    ¡°But Dani is relentless! Have you seen thetest about Joyce? She¡¯s pushed me to this point, and she won¡¯t stop. She wants nothing more than to destroy me. If you don¡¯t do something, I¡¯ll pull you down with me!¡± Fury twisted Katrina¡¯s face, her teeth grinding together as her eyes burned with vengeful fire.

    ¡°You¡¯re the real fool here! And you think you can bring me down? If this goes wrong, I¡¯ll drag you and Joyce down with me! You had the perfect hand, and you ruined it!¡± Anger surged through Katrina, her body trembling with frustration.

    ¡°Do whatever you need to do. But if I die, everything wille to light. And you, along with everyone else behind you, will fall with me!¡±

    After those words, Katrina¡¯s gaze shifted. She froze, her breath catching for a split second.

    Then, with the phone still pressed to her ear, she slowly lifted her gaze.

    Across from her, a surveince camera blinked steadily, its red light shing ominously.

    Katrina was shocked.

    In a panic, she ended the call abruptly.

    The following day, Dani left for work.

    Her driver, ever observant, broke the silence, his voice low.

    ¡°We¡¯ve got two groups tailing us.¡±

    Dani leaned back in her seat, her expression casual.

    ¡°I understand.¡±

    The driver¡¯s eyes flicked to the rearview mirror, his tone calm as he said to Dani, ¡°There are now three groups tailing us.¡±

    With a subtle turn of her head, Dani¡¯s gaze shifted to assess the situation.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 562

    ?Chapter 562:

    A sh of cold intent gleamed in her eyes, so fleeting that even the driver, sharp as he was, failed to catch it. The car pulled up at Elite Lux. As Dani stepped out, both Lillian and Ryan appeared from the building.

    ¡°Dani!¡± Lillian greeted her, her eyes scanning the crowd of passersby.

    ¡°Why would Katrina go this far? There are at least five groups tailing you!¡±

    A realization settled in Dani¡¯s mind, slowly taking shape. The pieces clicked together.

    ¡°It¡¯s not Katrina. She doesn¡¯t have the reach for this.¡±

    Lillian nced at Dani with caution.

    ¡°Then who¡¯s behind this?¡±

    Dani answered, ¡°I don¡¯t know yet. But if we want to catch them, we need to be patient. They¡¯re too impatient. It¡¯s only a matter of time before they make their move.¡±

    Lillian gave a brief nod.

    From that day forward, a strange series of events began unfolding around Dani, each one more bizarre than thest.

    There was a time when she was on her way to a cafe for a business meeting.

    As she stepped out of the building, a vase toppled from the twentieth floor, shattering just inches from her.

    The security team rushed upstairs without dy, but when they arrived, there was no sign of what had happened.

    Later, on her way to work, her car¡¯s tire exploded, and within moments, both the steering wheel and brakes malfunctioned.

    Your hub for updates: g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    That evening, as she parked after work, a fleeting figure darted past her, barely visible in the shadows.

    Lillian had been keeping an especially close watch on Dani in recent days.

    She couldn¡¯t help butment, ¡°They¡¯re not holding back. These must be top-tier mercenaries. If they keep failing, they¡¯ll escte to more drastic tactics soon.¡±

    However, Dani remained unruffled, her voice calm as she responded, ¡°Let them try.¡±

    The relentless string of incidents surrounding Dani had escted to a point where even Cedric couldn¡¯t ignore them any longer.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Dani murmured gently, her head resting on Cedric¡¯s chest that evening.

    ¡°Lillian¡¯s by my side.¡±

    ¡°But she was hurt today, and both of you are women. How can you handle this?¡±

    Cedric¡¯s hands trembled as the memory of the harrowing event reyed in his mind.

    The car, out of control, veered recklessly on the overpass, its tires spinning wildly until the front mmed into the guardrail, finally bringing it to a stop.

    Lillian¡¯s hand was injured.

    Without hesitation, Dani, Lillian, and the driver scrambled out of the car. Barely a minuteter, the vehicle erupted in an explosion.

    From a distance, Cedric watched in horror, his legs giving way as he staggered out of his car.

    Nothing terrified Cedric more than the idea of something happening to Dani. The mere thought gripped him with unease.

    He couldn¡¯t fathom why Dani remained so poised, even knowing Katrina had caused Brylee¡¯s death. It was as if she were a predator, patient and calcting, toying with Katrina while staying inplete control.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 563

    ?Chapter 563:

    At that moment, another thought crossed Cedric¡¯s mind. Someone else must be pulling the strings behind Katrina, and Dani had already figured it out. That was why she hadn¡¯t acted yet.

    It felt like a high-stakes game, with Dani slowly cornering her opponent, waiting for them to expose their next move.

    Cedric had assumed Dani would be shaken. Instead, she called the police and sent Lillian to the hospital, herposure unshaken. This only deepened Cedric¡¯s confusion.

    Business was Dani¡¯s arena, but corporate battles couldn¡¯tpare to the raw intensity of real-life threats. So why was she so unshaken?

    As they drove back, Cedric couldn¡¯t help but steal a nce at Dani.

    Feeling his eyes on her, Dani turned to him.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    Cedric asked, ¡°Are you scared?¡±

    Confusion flickered across Dani¡¯s face.

    ¡°Scared of what?¡±

    After a brief pause, Cedric pressed on, saying, ¡°The explosion. When the car blew up, didn¡¯t that scare you?¡± At his question, Dani¡¯s lips curved into a gentle smile.

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Not scared? Or is this just something you¡¯ve dealt with before?¡± Cedric asked bluntly.

    Shaking her head, Dani shrugged nonchntly.

    Find more content at ???????¦Ò????????.c§àm

    ¡°Nope. I¡¯m just a businesswoman. I don¡¯t get mixed up in stuff like that. I was just too slow to react. I suppose I¡¯m a bit detached from situations like these.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s gaze lingered on Dani for a moment before he shifted his focus back to the road.

    He had the urge to ask her if there were secrets she hadn¡¯t shared with him, beyond being the CEO of Elite Lux and an aplished businesswoman.

    But as soon as the thought crossed his mind, he realized he hadn¡¯t revealed everything to her either.

    It didn¡¯t bother him, though. They had all the time in the world to truly understand one another.

    Once Cedric headed for the shower, Dani made her way downstairs to the living room. Lillian, her gaze flickering toward the stairs, asked, ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to tell him?¡±

    Dani shook her head.

    ¡°I¡¯ll tell him eventually. Not now, though. The situation is still too murky. If I share it with him now, all I¡¯ll do is add to his anxiety. Let¡¯s focus on solving the problem first.¡±

    A look of admiration shed in Lillian¡¯s eyes as she gazed at Dani.

    ¡°You¡¯ve really evolved, Dani. There was a time when you said if a man couldn¡¯t handle your identity, he wasn¡¯t worthy of you. Are you worried Cedric will be intimidated by you?¡±

    With a quiet sigh, Dani replied, ¡°What I fear is not his fear of me, but my inability to protect him.¡±

    Exposing the enemy often meant making hard sacrifices. She had no intention of involving Cedric in the chaos, and she certainly didn¡¯t want him to be hurt in any way.

    ¡°Work with Ryan. Grant Phillips Group the airline agency rights. That will keep Cedric busy. By the time a month passes, I¡¯ll have everything in ce on my side.¡± Lillian nodded, acknowledging the n.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 564

    ?Chapter 564:

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    When Dani entered the bedroom, Cedric was already out of the bathroom.

    The hum of the hairdryer filled the silence.

    Cedric, still facing away from Dani, broke the quiet after a long pause.

    ¡°I¡¯ve told you before. Everything can be negotiated, but your safety isn¡¯t up for debate.¡±

    It was clear to Dani that Cedric had sensed something was off.

    She wasn¡¯t ready to discuss it yet, so instead, she pressed her soft form against his back, seekingfort.

    The room was filled with the sound of their heavy breaths, growing more frantic with each passing moment.

    As they reached the climax, Cedric stopped suddenly.

    Dani blinked, confused and flushed.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Cedric looked at Dani lying beneath him. She looked like an angel. Her long hair spread out like a waterfall, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

    ¡°Are you hiding something from me?¡± Cedric asked, each word sharp as he moved.

    Dani fought back tears from the physical strain. She answered his questions, none too important, but always dodged the ones that mattered.

    Cedric stared at her, who was biting her lip, and felt his resolve begin to crumble.

    ???€$? ¡é????€?$ ?? g??l??ov?l????o??

    With a sigh, he decided to shift the conversation.

    As the night stretched on, Cedric wrapped his arms around Dani, the weight of sleep tugging at him. Before drifting off, he whispered near her ear, ¡°You know what you¡¯re doing. I¡¯ve already made myself clear.

    Your safety alwayses first.

    You¡¯re ying with fire, and the thought of it, the worry it brings me, it cuts deep.¡±

    The following morning, as Cedric made his way to work, his secretary burst in with enthusiasm, saying, ¡°You won¡¯t believe it! The world¡¯srgest airline wants to form a partnership with us!¡±

    The offer was something they¡¯d dreamed of for years but had been out of reach.

    Phillips Group had tried time and again, but obstacles had always stood in their way.

    Now, the opportunity hade to them, and there was no denying the excitement it stirred.

    The secretary could hardly contain his excitement, almost giddy with the news.

    The airline¡¯s reputation was unmatched worldwide, with dominance in the industry that was nearly unrivaled. If Phillips Group secured the partnership, they could rest easy for decades.

    With a serene smile, Cedric remained unfazed. The secretary grinned and said, ¡°Congrattions!¡±

    Cedric¡¯s eyes flicked over his phone, his expression a mask of indifference.

    ¡°And what did they have to say?¡±

    ¡°Not much, but they did emphasize how much they admire Phillips Group¡¯s reputation. If we¡¯re on board, they want to seal the deal within a month.¡±

    Cedric paused, his thumb stilling on the screen.

    ¡°A month?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. That¡¯s what they said. I was a bit taken aback by the timeline, but they insist theirpany moves quickly and decisively.¡±

    The secretary, confused by Cedric¡¯sck of enthusiasm, couldn¡¯t help but wonder why he wasn¡¯t more excited. After all, this was a major opportunity.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 565

    ?Chapter 565:

    Breaking the silence, Cedric gave a directive, saying, ¡°I want a full report on thispany.¡±

    The secretary blinked, taken off guard.

    ¡°A multinationalpany like that? You really think we need to investigate them?¡±

    Given thepany¡¯s size and global reach, it would take considerable time and effort to dig through theiryers. Cedric caught the slight hesitation in his secretary¡¯s expression and said, ¡°Look into any connections with Elite Lux.¡±

    The secretary nodded, now clear on the direction.

    Cedric never liked to lean on others for business advantages. He wasn¡¯t interested in pursuing deals linked to Dani.

    With that understanding, the secretary quickly began his investigation. Half an hourter, he returned with an update.

    ¡°Thispany has no connection to Elite Lux.¡± Cedric¡¯s gaze turned sharp, his curiosity piqued.

    ¡°And what about Dani?¡±

    The secretary¡¯s confusion grew as he replied, ¡°No connection there either.¡± He couldn¡¯t understand the shift in Cedric¡¯s focus. Had Cedric been reading too many gossip-filled online novels about him and Dani? What else could exin such a bold assumption?

    The secretary knew Elite Lux had a stake in aviation, but it was a side project, not their primary business¡ªa detail Cedric had already long understood.

    After a thoughtful pause, the secretary asked, ¡°Are you suspecting something here?¡±

    ¡°Not exactly,¡± Cedric replied dismissively as he picked up his phone, opening one of those serialized novels about him and Dani.

    Read new content at g¦Áln¦Ò¦Íe?s

    ¡°Inform them we¡¯re not moving forward with this partnership for the time being.¡±

    The secretary¡¯s phone hit the floor with a sharp tter. His jaw dropped, wide enough for a fly to swoop in.

    ¡°What?¡± It took several seconds before he could form words.

    ¡°Sorry, but could you repeat that? I didn¡¯t quite catch it.¡±

    The truth was, he heard it loud and clear but couldn¡¯t bring himself to believe it.

    Why in the world would Cedric let such an opportunity slip through his fingers?

    He studied Cedric¡¯s unruffled face and then his eyes, which remained glued to the phone. It dawned on the secretary that Cedric¡¯s obsession with online distractions might be getting out of hand.

    As he delivered pastries to Dani, the secretary couldn¡¯t help but vent, saying, ¡°Cedric hasn¡¯t been able to look away from his phone for days. He even turned down a massive deal because of it.¡±

    Dani and Lillian already knew about Phillips Group¡¯s decision to decline the partnership.

    They shared a look.

    With a hint of concern, Dani asked, ¡°Is he really addicted to the inte?¡±

    She hadn¡¯t realized Cedric had developed such a habit at home.

    ¡°True,¡± the secretaryined, remembering the huge business opportunity. The wholepany was gearing up, with some departments already preparing data, only for Cedric to dismiss the coboration.

    ¡°The entire Phillips Group is in chaos. Everyone¡¯s talking, wondering why the CEO would reject such a significant deal. Is something changing within thepany?¡±

    As he walked away, the secretary turned back with onest plea to Dani.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 566

    ?Chapter 566:

    ¡°Please, talk to him. Convince him not to let distractions derail his focus. I¡¯ve already reached out to the airlinepany and asked them to hold off, hoping there¡¯s still a chance. Cedric listens to you. Help us bring him back.¡±

    His face held an expression of sincere sorrow, as if the weight of the loss crushed him.

    Cedric¡¯s connection with Dani¡¯s secretary went back years; they had been ssmates.

    The shift in their tone made the conversation feel more genuine and rxed.

    It was evident that his concern was real.

    Later that evening, Cedric arrived to pick up Dani from work. After a series of unforeseen events, they finally made their way back home.

    As they stepped inside, Dani said, ¡°I heard you¡¯ve been pretty wrapped up in the online worldtely?¡±

    The moment she spoke, Cedric¡¯s head snapped up.

    ¡°What did you say?¡±

    ¡°Why are you turning down the offer from Dreamfly Airlines?¡±

    ¡°Did my secretary tell you about that?¡±

    Dani nced at Cedric.

    ¡°He didn¡¯t say what you¡¯re so focused on.¡±

    As she spoke, Dani noticed Cedric¡¯s neck turning red.

    L¨»t?st ch¦Ápt?rs ??n g??l??ov????.§ã??m

    Dani was taken aback.

    It had been ages since Cedric blushed like that, a raritypared to when they first started seeing each other.

    ¡°What kind of naughty things have you been browsing online?¡± she teased.

    Cedric looked away at her words, making Daniugh. She didn¡¯t think much of it, assuming it was just typical curiosity for a young man. She wasn¡¯t one to demand that Cedric had no secrets, so she simply smiled and let it pass.

    ¡°Is it just an inte obsession that¡¯s keeping you from Dreamfly Airlines?¡± she asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m not ready,¡± Cedric replied.

    Dani nced at him andughed again.

    Cedric was a master in business. Did he really need more time to prepare?

    Still, Dani didn¡¯t push him further. She had her own ways to make sure Cedric would eventually ept the partnership.

    The next day, as soon as Cedric stepped into the office, his secretary was already waiting for him.

    ¡°Good morning, Mr. Phillips. Cutler Stout is waiting for you.¡±

    Cedric looked at the secretary, surprised.

    ¡°Cutler?¡± He picked up his pace.

    ¡°Yes, he¡¯s been waiting for you for over an hour.¡±

    Cutler Stout wasn¡¯t just anyone. He had been Cedric¡¯s middle school teacher, the one who pulled him out of his rebellious phase.

    Even through high school, Cutler remained a steady influence, guiding Cedric like a father. People often said Cutler had always treated Cedric as his own flesh and blood.

    When Cedric reached the top of the stairs, he found Cutler waiting at the door with a smile.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 567

    ?Chapter 567:

    Now in his fifties, Cutler had long since left teaching behind, his expertise in aeronautics had brought him sess, making him a respected figure in the field. When he saw Cedric, he approached him cheerfully.

    ¡°Cedric, I justnded a huge contract, and you were the first person who came to mind.

    You know Dreamfly Airlines, right?¡±

    Cedric¡¯s secretary felt a twinge of regret. That golden opportunity was supposed to go to Phillips Group.

    ¡°I¡¯ve signed a major deal with them, but we still have some details to work out. I¡¯d love to partner with you on this. They¡¯ve already given us the advance, and if we y our cards right, we could see a fantastic profit. What do you think?¡± Cutler¡¯s eyes lit up with excitement. Times had been tough economically, and everyone was anxious.

    Landing such arge order could ease their worries for the next ten years.

    Cutler spoke with a beaming smile and bright eyes.

    Cedric realized he could¡¯ve easily found someone else for this job¡ªsomeone who might have been easier to work with and could bring in more cash. But he was the first person Cutler had approached.

    Cedric could see that Cutler really wanted to help him seed.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Cutler asked after noticing Cedric¡¯s silence.

    ¡°Do you have any worries?¡±

    Of course, Cedric did have worries.

    He wasn¡¯t naive; passing on such a golden opportunity was tough.

    However, he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that Dreamfly Airlines might somehow be linked to Dani.

    He had no proof, just a gut feeling.

    With all the chaos surrounding hertely, he couldn¡¯t help but feel anxious.

    ¡°No. It¡¯s just that Phillips Group has been really busy. Maybe you should look for someone else.¡±

    ¡°Too busy for what?¡± Cutler asked, a look of confusion crossing his face.

    ¡°You run a business, but you¡¯re fretting over having too much on your te? Hang on a second. Do you honestly believe I would ever harm you?¡±

    Cedric quickly responded, ¡°Not at all! It¡¯s just that I¡¯ve got so much on my te right now.¡±

    Cutler remained skeptical.

    ¡°You¡¯re the CEO! All you need to do is make decisions. How can you be too busy? What exactly are you referring to? Don¡¯t you have a team to delegate tasks? I won¡¯t argue this point with you.

    You¡¯d be out of your mind not to seize this chance. That¡¯s it. If you¡¯re too swamped, have someone else reach out to me. I¡¯ll leave the contract here. If you still see me as your mentor, don¡¯t waste any more time talking.¡± With that, Cutler confidently left the office.

    The secretary walked in, scanned the contract, and couldn¡¯t help butment, ¡°After all these years, it¡¯s clear that Cutler still has your best interests at heart. Just look at that amazing profit-sharing deal. I¡¯m not sure anyone else in Olisvine could top that.¡±

    Cedric was well aware of Cutler¡¯s reputation. Still, his thoughts were clouded by concerns for Dani. This anxiety was persistent, gnawing at him no matter how hard he tried to shake it off.

    ¡°You haven¡¯t truly experienced love yet. Once you meet that special someone, everything will make sense,¡± Cedric said.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 568

    ?Chapter 568:

    The secretary immediately countered with a shake of his head.

    ¡°I¡¯d prefer to pass on that experience.¡±

    Bing someone he barely recognized was thest thing he desired.

    Ultimately, Cedric affixed his signature to the contract, but he stripped away most of the obligations, retaining only the consulting role. Symbolically, he marked the contract amount at just a single dor.

    Cedric kept up his daily routine of driving Dani to and from work. Dani hadn¡¯t mentioned the string of strange and dangerous incidents that had be a regr part of her workday.

    One day, a sniper¡¯s bullet shattered the floor-to-ceiling windows of the office while she was inside.

    Another time, the water dispenser sparked with electricity just as she bent down for a drink.

    During a meeting, the projection screen came crashing down without warning.

    And the list went on.

    A relentless series of hazards.

    Lillian, lounging in the CEO¡¯s office with her games, looked up and said, ¡°Dani, you¡¯ve got nerves of steel.¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to do something about all this?¡±

    A dangerous glint sparked in Dani¡¯s gaze.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    galn¦Ò¦Íels.c¡ðm hosts fresh updates

    Later that evening, she stepped into the house to find Cedric in the living room. He kept his eyes down, his face unreadable.

    Only when they found themselves in the bedroom did Cedric pull Dani close and say, ¡°I¡¯ll be away on a business trip for a day.¡±

    Dani smirked.

    ¡°Then go.¡±

    ¡°But I¡¯m worried.¡±

    ¡°Worried about what?¡±

    Cedric stayed silent, choosing to be intimate with Dani all night. He didn¡¯t stop until his secretary called. Their time together spanned ten passionate hours. After a lingering kiss to say goodbye, Cedric left the house.

    Exhausted, Dani slept for a full day and night. She couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that Cedric¡¯s goal was to wear her outpletely, so that she wouldn¡¯t go out. When she finally regained her bearings, Dani made her way downstairs.

    With a mischievous grin, Lillianmented, ¡°Dani, is Cedric so worried about you going out on your own that he did this?¡±

    Dani paused, closing her eyes for a moment. Was it really that obvious? Did Cedric¡¯s concern show so inly to everyone around her?

    Later, she went to work. On her way downstairs, she crossed paths with Alexander. It wasn¡¯t exactly a coincidence.

    Alexander hade to see Dani.

    After pausing for a while, he approached, clearly hoping to exchange a few words with her.

    But as his eyes caught the scarf around her neck, he couldn¡¯t ignore the red mark hidden just behind her ear. A sharp twinge seized Alexander¡¯s chest.

    Without thinking, he stepped in front of Dani, blocking her path.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 569

    ?Chapter 569:

    ¡°You¡­¡± Alexander began, his voice heavy with emotions that swirled in his dark eyes.

    The words caught in his throat, leaving him unsure of what to say next.

    It felt as though someone had carved out a piece of his soul, leaving an aching void. What was the point of regret now?

    At that moment, he couldn¡¯t help but think he had been utterly foolish.

    Divorcing Dani had been his greatest mistake.

    He had already confessed his remorse.

    But even with that admission, why did it feel like a second chance was forever out of reach?

    Alexander felt as though a de had pierced straight through his chest.

    Tears threatened to spill from his reddened eyes.

    ¡°Dani¡­¡± he whispered after what felt like an eternity, his voice trembling.

    ¡°Could you wait for me just a little longer?¡±

    Dani¡¯s expression didn¡¯t waver. She didn¡¯t even bother to respond.

    To her, love that arrived toote was worthless.

    And truthfully, Alexander had never held her heart. Silently, Dani stepped around him and walked away, leaving him frozen in ce.

    Alexander stood there, watching her disappear into the distance. A cold, hollow despair seeped into him, numbing everything else.

    ¡°You might not know, but Dani is with Cedric now.

    I??€$? ¡é??t??§ñ? ?¦Ç ga?n?¦Í¦Ål?.c??

    Yesterday, when he was supposed to leave for a business trip, they stayed locked in their bedroom all day and night. She only came downstairs today. I¡¯m sure you can guess what they were doing.¡± Katrina appeared unexpectedly, a sly smirk tugging at her lips.

    ¡°They¡¯re already living together?¡±

    A low, amusedugh escaped Katrina.

    ¡°Well, of course. I¡¯ve always thought their rtionship seemed a little toofortable. Honestly, I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if they¡¯re married by now.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not possible,¡± Alexander said, his denial almost frantic.

    ¡°Dani isn¡¯t the type to act on impulse like that.¡± Deep down, Alexander clung to the selfish belief that any moment of weakness Dani had should be reserved for him alone, not shared with another man. He refused to let that happen.

    Watching Alexander¡¯s struggle unfold, Katrina gave a slow, almost sinister smile. With a mocking sigh, she added with false sympathy, ¡°Honestly, Cedric can¡¯t hold a candle to you.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s words were so insincere that after thinking for a long time, she couldn¡¯te up with a single reason why Cedric was any less than Alexander.

    After a brief pause, she said gently, ¡°You and Dani share years of history. Back when she was chasing after you, Cedric was just a ssmate. She chose you. It¡¯s just that somewhere along the way, things fell apart. Now, her focus is elsewhere. Still, I always thought it was a shame. Back then, she hid her true identity from you. But now, living with Cedric, she¡¯s openly the CEO of Elite Lux.

    You never got to experience her best.¡±

    The weight of her words made Alexander realize his emotions had slipped out of control. Quickly regaining hisposure, he replied coldly, ¡°There¡¯s no need for these insinuations.¡±

    ¡°You misunderstand me,¡± Katrina said smoothly, her voiceced with feigned innocence.

    ¡°What would I gain by doing that? I¡¯m genuinely speaking out of concern. That¡¯s all.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 570

    ?Chapter 570:

    Turning slightly, Alexander gave Katrina a skeptical look.

    ¡°What are you trying to say?¡±

    ¡°If you want to live under the same roof as Dani, I know a way.¡±

    Suspicion flickered in Alexander¡¯s gaze, but he didn¡¯t outright reject Katrina.

    Katrina smiled knowingly.

    ¡°Stay at my ce for now. I¡¯ll tell everyone I¡¯m introducing you to my niece. That way, you¡¯ll have an excuse to stay close.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s expression didn¡¯t soften. He wasn¡¯t so easily swayed.

    ¡°What¡¯s the catch?¡±

    ¡°I want the Harper family¡¯s vi.¡±

    Alexander took a moment to consider, then nodded.

    ¡°Alright, it¡¯s a deal.¡±

    A satisfied smile yed on Katrina¡¯s lips as she continued, ¡°Pack your things and move in. Cedric¡¯s not home today, so it¡¯s the perfect time. Oh, and just a little tip: don¡¯t always wear that serious expression. Girls these days aren¡¯t into that.

    You¡¯ve got to soften up and show some care. Dani¡¯s got her own wealth now; don¡¯t expect her to pamper you as she did before.¡±

    Alexander didn¡¯t say a word, but he understood exactly what she meant.

    Dani had transformed into someone entirely different, someone with influence and a solid foundation behind her.

    Even though she had once been married, her newfound status had only elevated her allure.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m is packed with great reads

    How could Alexander afford to be careless now? That afternoon, he moved back into the Harper family¡¯s residence.

    But this time, Dani wasn¡¯t there to wee him. She watched with a cold stare as Alexander carried in his luggage, her face set in a frown.

    ¡°Do you really think you can just stroll in here as if it¡¯s some kind of hotel?¡± Dani asked coldly.

    Caiden stood by, watching the scene unfold with a hint of amusement on his face.

    Alexander hadn¡¯t expected Dani to say that. He began to exin gently, ¡°Katrina told me she¡¯s been feeling unwell and doesn¡¯t have anyone to look after her. She was hoping I could stay for a few days to help.

    You don¡¯t mind, right?¡±

    Once he finished speaking, Alexander picked up his luggage and started walking inside.

    However, Dani retorted, ¡°Actually, I do mind.¡±

    Alexander froze for a moment, staring at Dani in disbelief.

    ¡°What did you say?¡±

    The Harper family¡¯s vi, once owned by Brylee at the height of her wealth, stood as one of the most luxurious properties around. With more than 30 guest rooms, there was plenty of space for Alexander to settle in.

    Alexander never imagined Dani would turn him away, not even offering him a single room.

    ¡°I said I mind,¡± Dani repeated, her voice steady and firm.

    ¡°This is my home, and you have no right to stay here.¡±

    Katrina was about to speak, but Dani interrupted her.

    ¡°Just because I¡¯ve been quiet doesn¡¯t mean Katrina gets to call the shots here. Got it? I don¡¯t agree, so you can¡¯t stay.¡±

    Katrina bit her bottom lip, a touch of embarrassment crossing her face.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 571

    ?Chapter 571:

    ¡°Dani, don¡¯t be so bossy. It¡¯s just for a few days. Plus, we all know each other. So, why make it harder for him? What did I do wrong? Tell me, and I¡¯ll fix it. Just don¡¯t make things difficult for Alexander, alright?¡±

    At that, Dani let out a soft chuckle.

    ¡°Fine.¡±

    Katrina was momentarily surprised, and then a smile spread across her face.

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll let Alexander before Katrina could finish, Dani continued, ¡°I told you before. If you don¡¯t behave, there¡¯s no ce for you in the vi. Do you remember?¡±

    Under Dani¡¯s indifferent gaze, Katrina felt a surge of anxiety wash over her. She muttered, ¡°How can you be like this? I didn¡¯t mean anything by it. I¡¯ve already made that clear.¡±

    Dani picked up her phone to call the moving department of Elite Lux.

    ¡°Send a team over.¡±

    After hanging up, she returned to watching TV,pletely ignoring the situation.

    Thinking the matter was settled, Katrina told Alexander to head to the guest room.

    Not long after, nearly 100 people arrived, beginning to move Katrina¡¯s and Caiden¡¯s belongings out of the house and into a small shed nearby.

    ¡°Dani! You¡¯re taking this too far!¡± Katrina eximed. Dani¡¯s gaze stayed icy as she replied, ¡°I can make things even harder for you. Want to test me?¡±

    Katrina was stunned for a moment, then gritted her teeth.

    ¡°I¡¯m not moving out of this house.¡±

    Every story starts at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s©q??§àm

    Dani said nothing, her silence heavy in the air. Whether Katrina stayed or left was never a decision she had the right to make.

    The leader of the moving staff approached Dani and reported, ¡°Ms. Harper, the move isplete.¡±

    Katrina didn¡¯t have many personal belongings, and the shed provided barely enough room for them. The task was finished quickly, thanks to therge group of movers. Dani pointed at Katrina with obvious hatred and instructed the leader, ¡°Take her away. Make sure to station security at the front door. Don¡¯t let anyone in without permission.¡±

    Events unfolded with such speed that Caiden found himself unable to respond before it was all said and done. Frustrated, he shouted, ¡°Dani, this has nothing to do with me.

    You¡¯re taking it out on the wrong person.¡± Dani ignored him, her attention staying fixed on the TV.

    That night, the vi was enveloped in silence.

    Dani nced at Alexander, who stood motionless at the door.

    Her gaze returned to the TV, and she asked coolly, ¡°Will you be leaving on your own, or should I have someone escort you out?¡±

    Alexander had never anticipated the icy chill in Dani¡¯s demeanor towards him.

    He was in a daze for a long time, his expression vacant. Even as he walked out of the vi, he still hadn¡¯te to his senses.

    It wasn¡¯t until someone suddenly gave him a harsh nudge that he snapped back to reality.

    It was Katrina, her face etched with indignation, her voice a fiery burst of anger.

    ¡°Dani¡¯s a fucking monster. There¡¯s no line she won¡¯t cross!¡±

    Feeling a pang of heartache, Alexander struggled topose himself.

    His thoughts were too scattered to entertain Katrina¡¯s grievances, and just as he turned to leave, she stepped in, cutting him off.

    ¡°If you walk away now, you¡¯re sealing your fate.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 572

    ?Chapter 572:

    Alexander built his life on pride, but today, he felt the bitter sting of humiliation as if someone had torn it from him.

    ¡°Why should I even bother staying? She¡¯s made it clear she wants nothing to do with me.¡±

    Katrina offered a thin, almost mocking smile.

    ¡°So that¡¯s it? You¡¯re just giving up? Remember how Dani fought for you once? Where¡¯s your resolve now? Think it over. If you go now, there¡¯s noing back¡ªthis is the end for you and Dani.¡±

    A bitter taste filled his mouth, but the memory of Dani¡¯s unwavering support despite his silent treatment sparked a flicker of warmth in his weary heart.

    ¡°What do you suggest I do?¡±

    Katrina¡¯s eyes glinted with a mix of resolve and strategy.

    ¡°There¡¯s a guest wing near the vi, with five vacant rooms. Stay there with us. It¡¯s a start.¡± Without hesitation, Alexander nodded.

    ¡°Fine.¡±

    Katrina tilted her head slightly and insisted, ¡°You need to be more patient. Otherwise, why would she be drawn to you? Besides, you were in the wrong before. Swallowing a bit of pride won¡¯t kill you.¡±

    Alexander turned away, his gaze drifting towards the brightly-lit vi in the distance.

    A determined spark flickered in his eyes as he silently vowed that one day, Dani would personally invite him to take his ce there.

    When Cedric returned, his first encounter was with Alexander.

    Magic begins at g ¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s

    ¡°Cedric, what¡¯s the deal between you and Dani now?¡± Alexander¡¯s heart thudded faintly, haunted by the nagging fear that they might already be married, and he needed to confirm his suspicions.

    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Cedric asked instead of answering his question.

    The directness of his question threw Alexander off bnce. He remembered a time when Cedric never had the confidence he was showing now. This newfound assertiveness, as if he had already imed both Dani and the vi as his own, unnerved Alexander.

    ¡°Are you two dating?¡± Alexander asked.

    ¡°Or are you just¡­¡± Before he could get another word in, Dani pushed open the door and stepped outside.

    She nced at the two men standing side by side, her eyebrow arching inquisitively.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got to go to work. Now that you¡¯re back, why don¡¯t you rest for a bit?¡±

    Cedric had returned after cramming two days¡¯ worth of work into just a day and a half.

    He simply nodded, watching as Dani strode towards the parking lot, her steps in sync with Lillian¡¯s. The moment Cedric stepped back into the vi, Alexander bolted outside, chasing after Dani¡¯s fading presence.

    Alexander only managed to catch up with Dani once she had already arrived at thepany.

    ¡°Dani, Cedric already told me about everything,¡± he dered, blocking her path.

    Dani eyed him with a blend of fatigue and indifference.

    ¡°If you find yourself with this much free time, perhaps you should invest it in your ownpany¡¯s affairs.¡±

    Alexander locked eyes with her, his gaze sharp and unwavering.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 573

    ?Chapter 573:

    ¡°Cedric told me you two are just that kind of rtionship.¡±

    Her expression unchanging, Dani responded evenly, ¡°And what kind would that be?¡±

    ¡°You two are merely sexual partners.¡±

    A soft chuckle escaped her.

    ¡°Well, if that¡¯s what he¡¯s told you, then I suppose you have your answer.¡±

    As she spoke, Alexander¡¯s mind scrambled to weave this new information into his narrative of her¡ªDani, ever the romantic obsessive.

    Once, she had been hopelessly entangled with him; now, it seemed, she was in love with Cedric.

    Comforted by this thought, his initial worries began to dissolve.

    ¡°Dani, I understand you¡¯re a mature woman now, but such fleeting rtionships seldomst. Marriage offers more stability.¡±

    Dani eyed Alexander with incredulity, her gaze as if sizing up a man who¡¯d lost his sense.

    Alexander, always keen to assume the role of the wise mentor, now basked in a newfound sense of superiority, knowing Dani had unfulfilled desires.

    With a grandiose flourish, he posed a question, draped in an air of generosity.

    ¡°Have you ever considered that perhaps I might be a better fit for you than Cedric?¡±

    Amused by his audacity, Dani quirked an eyebrow.

    Step into a new world at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    ¡°A better fit for what, exactly?¡±

    Frustration flickered across Alexander¡¯s face, his patience fraying as he mistakenly thought Dani was feigning ignorance.

    ¡°For an intimate rtionship. I believe I¡¯m far more suited for you than Cedric. We¡¯d be remarkablypatible.¡±

    Dani¡¯s response was a sarcastic sneer, her amusement turning to disdain.

    ¡°Let me get this straight¡­ you just trashed this kind of rtionship, and now you¡¯re eagerly signing up for it? Are you always this full of shit?¡±

    At her sharp words, Alexander¡¯s cheeks flushed a bright red.

    ¡°Yes, but that doesn¡¯t apply to me. Dani, we¡¯ve been in each other¡¯s lives for what feels like forever.

    You know the kind of man I am. I would never harm you or use you for my own gains. Moreover, entering into this kind of rtionship could be our stepping stone to something more permanent, like marriage.¡±

    He straightened, his voice taking on a tone of benevolence.

    ¡°And let¡¯s not forget, I¡¯m willing to overlook your past with Cedric. But should we move forward together, I expect you to show the same integrity and not entertain his advances anymore.¡±

    Dani¡¯sughter echoed in the crisp morning air, unrestrained and clear.

    ¡°Hearing you talk like this¡ªit¡¯s almost like listening to aedian at work.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s face went nk, his expressionpletely frozen.

    Dani¡¯s voice broke the silence.

    ¡°Old habits are hard to shake, aren¡¯t they?¡±

    Alexander¡¯s brows furrowed, and he opened his mouth to respond, but Dani cut him off before he could say anything.

    ¡°Do you have any idea what you look like right now? Like one of those arrogant people who think the world owes them something.

    You carry yourself as if you¡¯re untouchable, expecting everyone to grovel just to catch your attention.

    You think you won¡¯t hurt me? There are plenty of couples who stay together even when they¡¯re distant, but we couldn¡¯t evenst that long. We were divorced after just one day of marriage, which proves you were never the right choice. And honestly, how could you evenpare to Cedric?¡±

    It felt like Alexander had walked into a dream, only to be ripped from it and pped awake in the most brutal way. His face went as white as a sheet.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 574

    ?Chapter 574:

    ¡°Do you really believe you canpete with Cedric?¡± Dani¡¯s patience had clearly run thin. Though her voice remained calm, her words hit with brutal precision.

    ¡°To me, you don¡¯t even measure up to a fraction of him. Just thinking about you disgusts me.¡±

    With that, she didn¡¯t spare him another look. She spun around and walked into Elite Lux.

    Alexander remained where he was, a cold emptiness settling deep in his chest.

    Dani had always been poised and polite, yet she had said his very presence repulsed her. The words hit Alexander like a blow, leaving him shattered.

    Aimlessly wandering the streets, he found himself outside a department store. Through the ss windows, he spotted Joyce inside, shopping with ir, enjoying herself, and acting superior with every small victory. When she caught sight of him watching, she nced over from a distance. She hesitated briefly, then smirked and sauntered towards him.

    ¡°Care for coffee?¡± she suggested casually, already making her way towards the cafe across the street.

    The cafe was warm and inviting, with soft ssical music ying in the background. But Joyce¡¯s eyes were icy as she spoke.

    ¡°You look like you¡¯ve hit rock bottom. Let me guess¡ªDani turned you down? I saw you two talking earlier. Alexander, let me give you a little reality check. Stop wasting your energy. I¡¯d bet Dani and Cedric have been together for a while now. She¡¯s stubborn, and if you hadn¡¯t been so cruel back then, she wouldn¡¯t have turned to anyone else. But now Cedric treats her like she¡¯s priceless. She¡¯ll never leave him. Why would she, when she¡¯s got someone as exceptional as him? She¡¯s no fool, Alexander. She won¡¯te back to you.¡±

    Alexander raised his coffee to his lips, trying to appearposed, but his knuckles whitened as his grip on the cup tightened.

    ¡°So, you¡¯re just here to mock me?¡± Alexander was always a realist. Dani had her own sess and looked at him from a higher pedestal, which, frankly, made sense. But Joyce, who had no shame about selling herself, was in no position to make fun of him.

    Your source: g??ln??v??ls.??????

    Alexander scoffed.

    ¡°You¡¯re no better than me. Just as foolish. Do you even realize how you¡¯ve got your current life? Everyone in Olisvine sees it, but you walk around acting like you¡¯re above them?¡±

    Joyce didn¡¯t hesitate. She shot to her feet and flung her coffee straight at Alexander.

    ¡°You jerk!¡±

    Alexander wiped his cheek with a paper napkin and said, ¡°Seriously? With all your experience, you should be able to handle this.¡±

    Joyce marched over, her hand lifted to p Alexander, but he grabbed it with ease and then forcefully shoved her to the ground.

    A passerby caught the scene on camera and uploaded it online.

    Before long, thements came flooding in, and they were surely brutal.

    ¡°Are these two getting back together?¡±

    ¡°Neither of them is worth anything. A match made in hell!¡±

    ¡°I heard Alexander saw Dani before meeting up with Joyce.¡±

    ¡°Leave Dani out of this! She¡¯s with Cedric.¡±

    Thanks to a popr serialized novel, Dani and Cedric had be an incredibly beloved couple among fans.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 575

    ?Chapter 575:

    At first, people just watched the spectacle unfold, but once Dani¡¯s name was thrown into the mix, fans went wild, flooding Bet Group¡¯s website in protest.

    This was the first time a fan protest of this scale had been directed at someone outside the entertainment industry.

    Richard stared at his screen in disbelief as Bet Group¡¯s website crashed, filled with hateful messages. His anger was reaching its boiling point.

    He wasted no time dialing Alexander.

    ¡°¡¯We lost five more regr clients today. Alexander, Dani is your only lifeline. If she¡¯s willing to help, we might still have a shot. Otherwise¡­¡±

    Richard didn¡¯t need to finish the thought; Alexander understood exactly what he was implying.

    The Bet family had endured one setback after another and hadn¡¯tunched any significant projects in ages. If more regr clients pulled out, Bet Group could be facing bankruptcy.

    Alexander had never thought he¡¯d find himself in a position where he might have to beg Dani for mercy to keep Bet Group afloat.

    Feeling defeated, Alexander made his way back to the Harper family¡¯s residence.

    But this time, Katrina wasn¡¯t as weing as she usually was. She had seen the news and was aware of Bet Group¡¯s situation to some degree.

    In a detached tone, she remarked, ¡°You¡¯re doing this for yourself now, so there¡¯s no need for me to pamper you anymore, right? You know what needs to be done. If you want the money and thepany, forget your pride. Get on Dani¡¯s good side, and you¡¯ll find your way out.¡±

    Alexander stared at Katrina, whose attitude flipped faster than a page turning, and forced a bitter smile.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c¨®m is your escape

    These people were so incredibly pragmatic!

    He knew exactly what needed to be done.

    Winning Dani wasn¡¯t just about personal gain; it was the doorway to all the wealth and power in the world. Without her, he¡¯d be left with nothing but empty hands and shattered dreams.

    At that moment, Alexander realized how far he¡¯d fallen. His pride, his dignity¡ªthey were long gone. From now on, he¡¯d have to beg for Dani¡¯s favor, clinging to the hope of a second chance.

    What was self-respect worth anyway?

    Without Bet Group, it was all just an illusion.

    His family¡¯s legacy, everything they had built over generations, couldn¡¯t end like this. Not in his hands. He couldn¡¯t let that happen.

    As Dani pulled her car into the vi¡¯s driveway, an uneasy sensation prickled at the back of her neck. She couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that someone was watching her.

    She blinked, her eyes darting sharply around her surroundings, but whatever presence she felt seemed to have vanished.

    With a skeptical arch of her brow, Dani shrugged off the feeling and stepped inside the house.

    Later that evening, while they lounged on the couch watching TV, Cedric told Dani, ¡°I¡¯ve had your secretary set up a desk for me in your office.¡±

    Dani nced up, her expression nk.

    ¡°Hmm?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 576

    ?Chapter 576:

    ¡°My office is under renovation.¡± Dani chuckled.

    Cedric asked her, ¡°Is that okay?¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Dani replied with a faint smile.

    Cedric wasn¡¯t naive. With the whirlwind recently surrounding Dani, he silently vowed to stay close and vignt. He was resolute to find out who dared to target his woman.

    Katrina approached, telling Alexander, ¡°If you want to spend more time with Dani, you need to head to Elite Lux. There¡¯s plenty of space there.¡±

    As she spoke, her eyes drifted over his frame, a satisfied smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

    Alexander¡¯s expression darkened at the way Katrina¡¯s gaze lingered on him. With a frown of distaste, he turned away and retreated to his room without a word.

    In the shower, his mind churned.

    All or nothing.

    He decided to gamble.

    After his shower, he went to the mall and picked out an outfit.

    Behind him, two sales assistants whispered, their curiosity barely contained.

    ¡°Who would¡¯ve thought such a good-looking guy would be in that line of work? I can¡¯t help but wonder how he¡¯ll look in it.¡±

    Alexander ignored them, his pace quickening as he exited the mall and headed home.

    Explore new chapters gal¦Çovels.c¡ðm

    At home, Katrina noticed the distinctive logo on the bag. She smiled knowingly at him.

    ¡°You¡¯re really pulling out all the stops, huh?¡± Katrina knew the brand all too well as she was a frequent customer.

    It was renowned for its bold, sensual, and provocative themes, subtly showcasing the intimate dynamics between men and women, making it utterly captivating. Once upon a time, Caiden had loved seeing her in such pieces.

    Katrina retreated to her room, her heart racing as memories flooded back. She pressed herself against Caiden, her voice soft and pleading.

    ¡°Hon¡­¡±

    Caiden cut her off coldly, shoving her aside. His face twisted in disgust.

    ¡°Don¡¯t start acting up. I wouldn¡¯t be stuck in this damned ce if it weren¡¯t for you, Katrina! Don¡¯t even think about touching me again. I want a divorce.¡±

    Caiden was infuriated.

    Since marrying Brylee, he had grown ustomed to a life of luxury, not this humiliation.

    Being exiled to such a small house at his age was a bitter pill to swallow, and Katrina only made it worse every time heid eyes on her.

    Still, she had the audacity to approach him, and he wished he could tear her apart.

    Caiden turned away, closing his eyes as he warned coldly, ¡°Find somewhere else to sleep. If youe near me again, you¡¯ll regret it.¡±

    Katrina stared silently at the back of Caiden¡¯s head, her eyes narrowing in frustration.

    Fine. If Caiden wouldn¡¯t give her what she wanted, someone else would.

    She let out a huff. Passing Alexander¡¯s room on her way to another guest room, she suddenly stopped, her eyes narrowing with curiosity and intrigue. How would Alexander look in that outfit?

    The next morning, Alexander was up early. After a quick shower, he left smelling fresh, a bag slung over his shoulder.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 577

    ?Chapter 577:

    Katrina watched him from the corner of the hallway, a knowing smirk tugging at her lips.

    Alexander headed straight to Elite Lux, determination in his stride.

    But a security guard stepped forward, blocking his way at the entrance.

    ¡°Sorry, sir. I can¡¯t let you through without an appointment.¡±

    Thest time, the guard had failed to stop him and had been harshly reprimanded by his supervisor.

    This time, when Alexander appeared, the guard was ready, his stance firm and his eyes sharp.

    Alexander held the bag, his tone calm and friendly as he said, ¡°I¡¯m just going to Dani¡¯s office to drop something off, and then I¡¯ll be right back. Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t cause you any trouble.¡±

    The security guard shot him a hard look.

    ¡°Appointment, no entry!¡±

    Alexander¡¯s polite tone now didn¡¯t mean he¡¯d take responsibility if things went south.

    He leaned in and lowered his voice.

    ¡°I can personally vouch for a position at Bet Group for you if anything goes wrong.¡±

    Hearing that, the guard burst intoughter.

    ¡°Are you serious? Can Bet Group evenpare to Elite Lux? Do you have any idea what I make here every month?¡±

    Every story starts at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s

    The guard shed his fingers.

    ¡°This much. Can Bet Group top that?¡±

    Elite Lux¡¯s jobs were highly coveted. The guard had used his connections to get in and nned to stick around until retirement.

    Would he throw away his lucky break for the so-called Bet Group?

    The guard dismissed Alexander with a wave.

    ¡°Get going! No more of this nonsense.¡±

    Alexander hadn¡¯t anticipated Elite Lux¡¯s security pay to be so high, nearly on par with a project manager¡¯s sry at Bet Group. Heposed himself and pulled a check from his pocket.

    ¡°Just a little something to show my gratitude, and I¡¯ll take full responsibility if anything goes wrong.¡±

    The outfit he had bought yesterday stilly in the bag, and Alexander was determined to make today a sess. The guard looked at the amount on the check before saying, ¡°Add another zero.¡±

    Alexander made his way upstairs with the bag, a sharp, cold pain tightening in his chest.

    His visit to Elite Lux had already set him back by 100. This time, Ryan had sent a text.

    ¡°He¡¯s upstairs. Should we stop him?¡±

    Cedric didn¡¯t respond right away.

    His eyes scanned thetest market share reports of Bet Group¡¯s subsidiaries, and in an instant, he made up his mind.

    He squinted and replied to Ryan, ¡°No need. Let him do whatever he wants.¡±

    Another message from Ryan popped up.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 578

    ?Chapter 578:

    ¡°He just told the secretary he¡¯s heading to Dani¡¯s office. The lounge door¡¯s never been locked. Is Alexander really that desperate?¡±

    Cedricmanded, ¡°Let him be.¡±

    Ryan responded, ¡°Got it.¡±

    Cedric ran his tongue over his teeth, a flicker of cold, dangerous intent shing in his eyes.

    He believed in fair y, but resorting to underhanded tactics to win Dani¡¯s favor was a step too far.

    It was downright despicable!

    Even as those thoughts churned in his mind, Cedric hesitated.

    It wasn¡¯t fear of Alexander that held him back, but concern for Dani.

    He bit his bottom lip, then turned to meet her gaze.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think we¡¯ve ever really talked about your past with Alexander.¡±

    Dani raised an eyebrow in surprise.

    ¡°You want to talk about it now?¡±

    Cedric pursed his lips.

    ¡°It¡¯s a long drive. Can we talk?¡±

    Dani didn¡¯t mind. She hadn¡¯t brought it up before because it didn¡¯t seem necessary. But if Cedric wanted to talk about it, she was okay with that.

    ¡°What do you want to ask?¡±

    Exclusive updates: galno¦Íe??s.co??

    At her question, Cedric fell quiet again. The past didn¡¯t concern him. He only cared about whether Dani would be in his future.

    ¡°So what do you think of Alexander now?¡± He asked what truly mattered to him, his voice careful, as if their rtionship wasn¡¯t fully settled yet.

    Dani¡¯s response was direct and firm.

    ¡°He¡¯s in the past. I don¡¯t think about him.¡±

    After a moment, she continued, ¡°I don¡¯t waste time thinking about someone who¡¯s just a stranger now.¡±

    Cedric nodded, his eyes narrowing slightly.

    ¡°And what if he regrets it? I can see he¡¯s always regretted divorcing you.¡±

    Dani gave a small nod.

    ¡°True, but that¡¯s not what matters to me. What¡¯s important is the person I love and the one who holds a special ce in my heart. In a situation like this, I don¡¯t consider anyone else. I simply follow what feels right for me.¡±

    Dani was always blunt.

    Cedric¡¯s lips slowly turned into a smile as he looked at her.

    She met his gaze and asked, ¡°What¡¯s going on? Do you want me to regret it?¡±

    ¡°Of course not!¡± Cedricughed nervously.

    ¡°I¡¯m terrified. If you told me you still had feelings for him, I¡¯d crumble right in front of you.¡±

    Dani gave a small smile.

    ¡°I don¡¯t look back or dwell on the past. So, you can rx.¡±

    Cedric felt a wave of relief, his grin growing.

    ¡°I¡¯ll make sure I always impress you, so you¡¯ll be happy with me forever.¡±

    Dani didn¡¯t believe Cedric needed to put so much effort into winning her over.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 579

    ?Chapter 579:

    He was already well-known as the most handsome man in Olisvine.

    She had seen his sense of responsibility, his ambition in his career, and his strong character.

    If he hadn¡¯t possessed all of that, she never would have ced her trust in him.

    Cedric gave a cheerful ¡°Mm-hmm¡± before dialing Phillips Group¡¯s PR department, directing them to reach out to all major media outlets in Olisvine and send them to Elite Lux.

    Ryan personally went down to meet the reporters, making sure all 56 media outlets were settled in the lounge.

    The lounge hummed with low conversations.

    ¡°Is this news real or fake? I got the call, and I¡¯m still in shock.¡±

    ¡°It has to be real. Haven¡¯t you noticed how Bet Group¡¯s stock has been dropping fast? It seems they can¡¯t keep it together, so Alexander is trying something new.¡±

    ¡°So, he values money more than his own dignity, huh?¡±

    ¡°This is a risky move.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d say Alexander is just too sure of himself. Dani divorced him a long time ago, and with Cedric¡¯s strong, handsome presence, who would choose Alexander?¡± The whispers carried on.

    Dani and Cedric¡¯s car pulled up in the underground parking lot.

    ¡°Sweetheart, I¡¯m craving a sandwich from the shop across the street. Could you grab one for me?¡± Cedric asked, his voice soft, which was unusual for him. It was a simple request, and Dani readily agreed without hesitation.

    ¡°I¡¯ll head upstairs first. My secretary has some files for me,¡± Cedric said.

    L?t§Öst ch¦Ápt?rs ??n g??l§ßov?ls.§ã§à??

    Dani nodded, and Cedric reluctantly let go of her hand, giving it onest gentle squeeze before releasing it. He then turned and made his way upstairs without another word.

    The entrance was crowded with the entire Elite Lux executive team and more than a hundred media reporters.

    The door to the CEO¡¯s office swung open abruptly, revealing a man in a mesh top and barely-there bottoms. He turned towards Dani, with a smile, and in a low voice, he said, ¡°Dani, I love you. Please, give me another chance. I¡¯ll do anything for you.¡±

    The words lingered in the air, thick with tension.

    Alexander stood rooted to the spot, unable to move. shes of light blinded him, one after another, filling the spacious office with their harsh echoes.

    The executives of Elite Lux were busy recording the scene on their phones.

    Alexander¡¯s scalp prickled with difort, the sensation of beingpletely exposed overwhelming him. It was as if there was nowhere to hide, his every moveid bare for all to see.

    A breeze swept in through the open door, lifting the already thin fabric of his nerves. The crowd collectively gasped.

    Just then, Dani arrived with the sandwich, ready to ask what was going on, but Cedric quickly covered her eyes and guided her away.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Dani asked as Cedric led her, his arm wrapped around her waist.

    ¡°Alexander is in your office.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 580

    Chapter 580:

    Dani¡¯s head snapped towards him in shock.

    ¡°What¡¯s he doing here? And with all these reporters?¡±

    Cedric chuckled, guiding her towards the stairwell and pulling her close as he kissed her.

    ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± Dani gasped for air.

    ¡°He¡¯s trying some absurd seduction trick.¡±

    Dani¡¯s mind went nk for a second.

    ¡°Who?¡±

    ¡°Alexander Bet.¡±

    Dani looked confused.

    ¡°Seduce me?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Cedric kissed her again, keeping her focused.

    ¡°Don¡¯t think about it. Don¡¯t ask. If you want to see, I¡¯ll wear it for youter.¡±

    Dani waspletely new to this and couldn¡¯t even begin to imagine it.

    Her curiosity sparked, and she smiled.

    ¡°Alright, then you can wear itter. Should I buy it for you?¡±

    Her innocent expression was warm, offering a gentle invitation.

    Cedric gritted his teeth, looking at her, fighting the surge of desire inside, and smiled helplessly.

    Visit gal????v??ls for updates

    ¡°Yes!¡± He was tempted, but the situation wasn¡¯t right. All he could do was hold her tightly, gently biting her neck.

    ¡°When we get home, I¡¯ll satisfy you.¡± Dani¡¯s eyes glimmered as she chuckled.

    Cedric realized they couldn¡¯t linger any longer, or something would definitely happen.

    After taking a moment to steady himself, he led Dani out of the room.

    By the time they stepped out, the once-bustling office had fallenpletely silent.

    Lillian was leaning against the wall, scrolling through her phone, her expression one of amusement. She looked up at them and said with a grin, ¡°Well, you two missed an unforgettable scene. Alexander,pletely humiliated, changed his clothes and ran off. The reporters were all over him, chasing him down. It was something to see. And now? It¡¯s all over Olisvine¡¯s media sites. Alexander¡¯s a nationwide sensation now. It¡¯s a huge deal, and let me tell you, he really made a fool of himself this time.¡±

    Dani only learned about the incident through the newster that day.

    Cedric couldn¡¯t help but feel a twinge of worry, unsure if Dani might still have lingering feelings for Alexander.

    But the moment she heard about what happened, she turned to her secretary without hesitation and asked, ¡°Alexander didn¡¯t go into my lounge room, did he?¡±

    She had a meticulous streak and was a bit of a neat freak. She couldn¡¯t tolerate anyone she wasn¡¯t close to intruding on her personal space, not even slightly.

    ¡°No, he didn¡¯t. Don¡¯t worry; I made sure it was locked beforehand.¡±

    Disgust spread across Dani¡¯s face. The mere thought of someone changing clothes in her office was utterly uneptable to her.

    Without hesitation, she instructed her secretary to have the entire office thoroughly disinfected.

    The incident quickly caused Dani to trend on social media.

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Double chapters to make up forst friday dear readers! God loves you, and Noah wishes you all the best! (=?=) /

    .

 Chapter 581

    ?Chapter 581:

    It was likely a moment Alexander desperately wished the ground would open up and swallow him whole.

    He was baffled, unable toprehend how so many people had suddenly shown up or how things had escted so dramatically.

    The shareholders of Bet Group pulled out their investments, and loyal clients abandoned ship. Thepany now teetered like a fragile house of cards on the verge of copse.

    Richard¡¯s anger reached such heights that he ended up being rushed to the hospital.

    The city buzzed with mockery, and he felt like the butt of every joke.

    Alexander gripped the steering wheel with such force that his knuckles turned stark white.

    When he arrived at Katrina¡¯s ce, she greeted him with a sneer.

    ¡°Alexander, you¡¯repletely useless.

    You couldn¡¯t even manage such a small issue. Now, you¡¯ve humiliated yourself on a national scale. And you still believe you can win Dani back? That¡¯s nothing but a pipe dream.¡±

    Alexander shot Katrina a frosty re.

    ¡°You were the one who pushed me into this mess. Let me tell you, Katrina¡ªif the Bet family goes under, it¡¯ll be on your shoulders.¡±

    Having said that, he grabbed his luggage and walked out without a backward nce.

    New chapters now on g@?¦Ç¦Òv???s.c§àm

    As he approached his car, his eyes caught sight of Joyce standing under a sprawling tree across the street.

    Her lips curled into a derisive smile as she watched him. Alexander had no intention of engaging and silently reached for his car door, but her voice rang out unexpectedly.

    ¡°I can help you.¡±

    He froze mid-motion and turned to scrutinize her with narrowed eyes.

    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that,¡± Joyce said coolly.

    ¡°Doug may have his ws, but when ites to money, he¡¯s never stingy. In all of Olisvine, aside from Dani, I¡¯m your only chance at help.¡±

    He couldn¡¯t deny it. Doug was indifferent to money andvishly generous with the women in his life. For him, tossing out a billion dors was barely a stretch. Joyce noticed the change in Alexander¡¯s eyes and gave him a casual smile.

    She raised her wrist, showing ovepping red marks¡ªsome faint, others disturbingly deep.

    The sight was unsettling, but she didn¡¯t seem to care at all.

    ¡°What¡¯s the catch?¡± Alexander finally asked, his voice guarded.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you always look down on me? Didn¡¯t you believe I¡¯d open my legs for money, letting men treat me as they pleased? Fine, Alexander. If you want my help, then you¡¯ll serve me in bed.¡±

    Her gaze turned colder as she went on, ¡°You think I¡¯m low and worthless? Maybe I am. But you¡¯re not any better. I want to shatter that pride of yours and show you the true power of money¡ªthat even a once-proud CEO like you can be made to bow. Didn¡¯t you parade around in that ridiculous outfit to see Dani? Fine. I want you to put on that ridiculous outfit again, kneel at my feet, and serve me.¡±

    Joyce¡¯s words, though sharp as a de, were born from a wound that ran deep.

    During the year she had been married to Alexander, she had endured relentless neglect and cold indifference. His cold, dismissive stares had been a torment that haunted her every waking moment.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 582

    ?Chapter 582:

    If Alexander thought she was beneath Dani, then she would shatter that illusion herself.

    She would strip away every ounce of his pride and turn him into a devoted, obedient ve at her beck and call. The thought of his humiliation thrilled Joyce, sending a ripple of cruel satisfaction through her.

    ¡°In your dreams!¡± Alexander¡¯s fury boiled over, and he spat, ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it!¡±

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Joyce replied with a confident smirk.

    ¡°You¡¯lle around. I¡¯ll give you two days, Alexander¡ªtwo days to realize your ce. If you do, put on the clothes you wore for Dani and meet me at this hotel.¡±

    She then tossed a business card in his direction, hitting him squarely.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t show up in two days, you¡¯ll lose the chance to ever seek me out again. So think it through.¡±

    With that, Joyce turned and strode off, her high heels clicking with confidence.

    She was certain Alexander would show up. His insecurities and his need to uphold his pride in front of others wouldn¡¯t let him stay away. To Alexander, Bet Group was his everything¡ªhis identity, dignity, and sense of worth.

    So, he was bound toe back. And when he did, he would end up being her most submissive ve.

    Joyce had been married to Doug for a while. She had mastered the art of torturing people. Alexander couldn¡¯t imagine lowering himself to the extent Joyce had.

    So, when Joyce presented her conditions, he scoffed at them.

    g??????¦Òv??????.c?m ¨C check it out!

    Determined to w his way out of the abyss, he threw himself into action. He began shing profits to attract partnerships, attending minor events he once dismissed as beneath him, and courting small businesses he had long ignored. Alexander wasn¡¯t clueless¡ªfar from it. His years in business hadn¡¯t been idle. He knew the game.

    So, the day he scored a new client, he was all smiles as he swung by to pick Richard up from the hospital.

    ¡°This deal looks promising. But with such a hefty deposit, can you manage it?¡± Richard sighed heavily.

    ¡°I¡¯ll figure something out.

    You just focus on getting better, Dad,¡± Alexander replied.

    Richard fell silent, his brows furrowing in thought. Finally, he said, ¡°I still have over five million on hand. For the rest, you might have to consider selling our vi.¡±

    Alexander stiffened, his jaw tightening.

    ¡°But you¡¯ve always said the vi is Grandpa¡¯s legacy.

    You swore we¡¯d never touch it, no matter what.¡±

    Richard sighed wearily.

    ¡°But what choice do we have? We can¡¯t just sit back and watch the Bet family fall apart.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s eyes darkened. After a moment, he spoke, his voice quiet but firm.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Dad. I¡¯ll find a way to save the Bet family¡ªand the vi.¡±

    With that, Richard waved him off, retreating upstairs to rest.

    The Bet family¡¯s assets were already mortgaged to the hilt. Even so, they were still short by over ten million.

    For a man who had grown up surrounded by privilege, who had once basked in the glow of Dani¡¯s unwavering devotion, Alexander found himself in uncharted territory. Never in his wildest dreams did he think ten million would ever keep him up at night.

    He reached out to every connection he had across Olisvine, but even after exhausting every favor, he was still eight million short.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 583

    ?Chapter 583:

    Just as desperation began to creep in, his phone buzzed with a message from Joyce.

    ¡°Have you thought it through?¡±

    The sight of her name made his blood boil. His grip tightened around the phone, his knuckles turning white.

    He didn¡¯t want to think about it. But as his options dwindled, he felt the walls closing in. He¡¯d been hanging by a thread, down to hisst roll of the dice.

    The weight of her words¡ªbe Joyce¡¯s ve¡ªhung over him like a guillotine. Joyce wasn¡¯t just offering help; she was dangling it like bait, knowing full well the humiliation it would cost him.

    That evening, as Dani left work, Alexander waited for her outside.

    ¡°What do you want?¡± Dani asked, her toneced with disdain. Just the sight of him seemed to sour her mood.

    ¡°I need to talk.¡±

    If he had to swallow his pride, he¡¯d rather do it in front of Dani.

    ¡°Can you lend me ten million dors?¡± he asked.

    Dani raised an eyebrow.

    ¡°I need it urgently,¡± he continued.

    ¡°Just for a month. I¡¯ll pay you back with interest. Market rate, of course.¡±

    Dani just looked at him.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s has the stories you love

    ¡°Given our history, do you really think it¡¯s appropriate toe to me? Or do you think we¡¯re close enough for this kind of favor?¡±

    He opened his mouth to respond, but Dani cut him off with a shake of her head.

    ¡°We¡¯re divorced, Alexander. What makes you think you have the right to ask me for anything? Do you have no shame?¡±

    His cheeks flushed, the sting of her words sharper than he¡¯d anticipated.

    ¡°It¡¯s not like I¡¯m asking for charity. I said I¡¯d pay you back¡ªwith interest.¡±

    Dani retorted, ¡°Do you think I need your interest? That¡¯s not the point.¡±

    Of course, she didn¡¯t. He knew that.

    ¡°But I¡¯ve run out of options,¡± he admitted.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know who else to ask.¡±

    Dani¡¯s frown deepened.

    ¡°And that led you to me?¡± Her cold indifference was like a dagger to his chest.

    ¡°Do you really hate me that much?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not about hate, Alexander. It¡¯s about moving on. There¡¯s no reason for us to stay connected anymore. We¡¯re not in the same world. Can¡¯t you see that?¡± Dani¡¯s words cut through him like ice. She had ascended to a realm of unimaginable wealth and power, while Bet Group teetered on the brink of copse, unable to scrape together even ten million. They really were living inpletely different worlds now.

    The sky grew darker, eventually. A cold wind swept through the streets, carrying the first drops of rain.

    As the storm rolled in, Alexander stood alone, his despair as heavy as the weight of the falling night.

    Ultimately, Alexander sold off every valuable thing his family owned. After careful calction, he found himself stillcking over a million.

    To gather the remaining million, he humbled himself, going so far as to beg. But in the entire city of Olisvine, no one was willing to lend him even a million.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 584

    ?Chapter 584:

    Even with the promise of repaying double, not a single person agreed.

    ¡°Look, it¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to lend you the money, but my father has made it clear.

    You married Dani, then started something with Joyce. People already questioned your integrity. Then, you divorced Dani and married Joyce. Now you¡¯re still chasing after Dani. A man like you isn¡¯t someone we want to be connected with.¡±

    ¡°I kept in touch with you quietly before, but after your visit to Dani¡¯s office was exposed, everyone started saying you have no morals when ites to money. My family warned me that if I kept dealing with you, they¡¯d break my legs.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just being honest with you now. All the big families have received simr warnings.

    Your reputation is shot, and you¡¯re not going to get the money. Just let it go, man.¡±

    Alexander stood there, frozen, a cold chill creeping down his spine. He hadn¡¯t realized just how badly his reputation had taken a hit.

    With a slow, defeated nod, he turned and walked out into the pouring rain, feeling utterly lost and empty. Once again, Alexander found himself at Dani¡¯s doorstep, asking for a million.

    ¡°Even if you see me as a beggar, you still wouldn¡¯t give me that much, would you?¡±

    Physically drained and mentally worn, Alexander hade face-to-face with the worst of human nature in recent days, and now, facing Dani, he was no longer the confident man he once was.

    Dani was busy, and when her secretary came to call her for a meeting, she dismissed him with, ¡°I can¡¯t lend you the money,¡± before ending the call.

    L§Ñt?st ch¦Ápt?rs in g?lnov?ls.?¦Ïm

    However, Alexander didn¡¯t give up. He waited downstairs at Elite Lux, his pride hanging by a thread. Even though it was hard, he preferred swallowing his pride in front of Dani rather than begging Joyce for the million.

    When Dani came out of the building, Cedric was by her side. They were chatting, exchanging light smiles¡ªthe kind she used to give him.

    A wave of jealousy and regret washed over Alexander.

    ¡°Dani, do you have a moment?¡±

    Dani raised an eyebrow in surprise. Alexander seemed more humble than she¡¯d ever seen him.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already said everything I needed to,¡± she replied, curious about why Alexander wasing to her now. She was aware that the upper-ss circles had turned their backs on him, and she had no intention of making things worse, nor did she n to offer any assistance. In fact, she was intrigued. Why did Alexander believe she would lend him money and continue toe to her? If he thought she still cared for him, it was downright absurd.

    ¡°I know, but I really need to talk to you,¡± Alexander said, his urgency clear. A new partnership was in the works, and any dy could disrupt everything. If that happened, the Bet family would be on the brink of bankruptcy.

    In moments like this, pride and arrogance could be set aside.

    ¡°Just five minutes. Give me five minutes, please. It¡¯s too crowded here. Let¡¯s step aside for a moment. I promise, after this, I won¡¯t trouble you again. Is that alright, Dani?¡± His voice was soft, his eyes pleading.

    ¡°Just five minutes, or I won¡¯t feel at peace. I know you¡¯re frustrated, but please, just five minutes to wrap this up, alright?¡±

    Alexander wasn¡¯t sure why he was saying any of it. His thoughts were jumbled, his wordscking logic.

    Just as he moved to reach her, Dani stepped back. She walked a few steps to the side with Alexander, Cedric trailing behind them.

    Alexander, no longer caring, blurted out, ¡°I know you won¡¯t just give me the money. How about we make a deal?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 585

    ?Chapter 585:

    Dani nced at him with indifference, her expression as if he were just another stranger.

    ¡°What kind of deal are you proposing?¡±

    ¡°If this business works out, I¡¯ll give you a twenty percentmission. That¡¯s about five million. How does that sound?¡±

    Dani responded coolly, ¡°I refuse. Elite Lux doesn¡¯t deal with small projects.¡±

    Alexander had expected that response before approaching her. He bit his lip and nced briefly at Cedric, who was standing a few steps away. He turned back to Dani, taking a deep breath before asking, ¡°What about me?¡±

    Dani was taken aback, confused by his sudden words.

    ¡°I¡¯ll give myself in exchange for the million. I don¡¯t mind serving you, even alongside Cedric. Whatever you want from me, I¡¯ll do it. No time limit, no boundaries. I just need that million. Does that work for you?¡±

    Dani was stunned. She never expected Alexander to make such a proposition. The once-proud Alexander, who used to refuse to tip less than a thousand, had clearly fallen far since his divorce from Joyce.

    ¡°Dani¡­ The outfit I wore to your office the other day¡­

    You didn¡¯t notice it, but I can wear it again if you prefer. I¡¯ll do whatever you ask, as long as I get that million. A million isn¡¯t much to you. I¡¯m willing to stay by your side, even if you end up with someone elseter. I won¡¯t make a fuss or cause any issues.

    You can think of me as someone at your service. Does that sound good?¡±

    Just as Cedric turned his head, he caught sight of Alexander kneeling before Dani. He lowered himself slowly, his forehead gently resting against the tip of Dani¡¯s high-heeled shoe. His bodynguage screamedplete submission.

    Your next story begins at  .

    Cedric frowned but stayed silent. He stood there, his eyes carefully watching Dani. People often had things they could not get when they were young. And when they finally had the means, they strived to make up for that regret.

    It wasn¡¯t always about deep affection; sometimes, it was simply the persistence of obsession. It was their way of unting their newfound sess. Cedric had encountered many individuals like this. He couldn¡¯t judge if it was right or wrong¡ªit was just a personal choice. But he knew Dani was different from the rest.

    True to form, a momentter, Dani asked, ¡°Are you serious right now?¡± A smile crept across Cedric¡¯s face, the tension within him loosening.

    Alexander, still kneeling on the floor, remained motionless.

    ¡°You want me to give you money and watch you wear something like that? Alexander, what are you even thinking? I can¡¯t make sense of it, and frankly, I couldn¡¯t care less. It doesn¡¯t just annoy me¡ªit disgusts me.¡±

    With that, Dani turned and walked away. She made her way over to Cedric and asked, ¡°Do you have a spare pair of shoes in the car?¡±

    Cedric fetched a pair from the trunk, and once Dani changed into them, she tossed the heels Alexander had touched straight into the trash. She then climbed into the car without a second thought. Cedric made a move to follow but hesitated for a brief moment before heading toward Alexander.

    Alexander, using his knees for support, gradually rose to his feet.

    ¡°Do you understand where you messed up?¡± Cedric inquired.

    ¡°She¡¯s not Joyce, nor you, nor anyone from that crowd outside. Dani has a sharp mind, and by using tactics like this, you¡¯repletely underestimating her. This will only end poorly for you. With Dani, it¡¯s already toote.¡±

    After delivering his words with cold finality, Cedric turned away with a sense of dignity and left without a nce back.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 586

    ?Chapter 586:

    Alexander stood frozen, lost in thought, unable to shake off Cedric¡¯s words.

    It took him a while to gather himself before he made his way home.

    When he walked in, Richard was there, pacing nervously.

    ¡°What happened?¡±

    Alexander simply shook his head in response.

    Richard was in a state of panic.

    ¡°What now? The loan¡¯s interest is piling up every day. Are we really going to dere bankruptcy? Dani is being so cold to you. It¡¯s just a million! She won¡¯t even lend a hand? I¡¯ll go talk to her myself!¡±

    Alexander gave a hollow, bitterugh.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to ask her for help? Dad, you were never exactly kind to her in the past. Why would she lift a finger now?¡±

    Richard was left speechless, unable to respond. Alexander dragged himself upstairs, each step feeling heavier than thest.

    It was clear to him now that Dani wouldn¡¯t offer any help.

    Alexander¡¯s eyes carried a cloud of despair as he made his way back to his room. He sat there in silence for what felt like hours, his mind reying memories of Dani.

    Dani had once protected him, brought him homete at night, and was always the first to step up when thepany was in jeopardy. It was thanks to her that Bet Group had flourished.

    Yet, her constant support had blinded him to the true extent of her contributions.

    Or maybe her deep affection for him had made him forget that she had the power to walk away as well. Even after the divorce, and despite Dani¡¯s firm stance that their rtionship was over, Alexander could never fully ept it.

    Deep down, he clung to the belief that a part of her still hesitated to let go. He convinced himself that as long as that flicker of hesitation remained, she wouldn¡¯t simply stand by and do nothing.

    But now, confronted with the undeniable truth, he found it hard to ept.

    Lowering his gaze, his eyes fell on the contact list on his phone. The screen was filled with names¡ªpeople he had reached out to over the past weeks. But one name stood out, untouched. He hadn¡¯t dared to call.

    He understood that making this call would mean crossing a point of no return.

    Still, as much as he hated to admit it, it seemed like there was no other choice left.

    Joyce chuckled over the phone.

    ¡°Doug¡¯s back, so I don¡¯t have time for youtely. But hey, if you send me a nude photo, it might brighten my day. I¡¯ll call you once I have a look.¡±

    Alexander wasn¡¯t naive. He understood exactly what she was up to¡ªshe wanted leverage over him.

    ¡°Absolutely not,¡± he shot back instinctively.

    ¡°Suit yourself,¡± Joyce replied with a teasingugh.

    ¡°If I don¡¯t get that photo in five minutes, I¡¯ll move on to something else. The choice is yours. Alexander, have you still not grasped the situation? You¡¯re the one who dialed my number, practically begging me, remember?¡± Before he could respond, the line went dead with a sharp click.

    Standing on the balcony, Alexander felt a cold dread creep over him. A million! It was just a million! Did it really have toe to this? The idea of taking such a photo made his skin crawl. What if it leaked? How could he ever hold his head high again?

    But soon, desperation drowned out his hesitation. With his pride in shambles, he snapped the photo. Within five minutes, the photo was sent, and the money hit his ount instantly.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 587

    ?Chapter 587:

    Tears welled up in Alexander¡¯s eyes, smudging the numbers glowing on his phone screen.

    Once the money was transferred, the partnership was finally sealed. The deal turned out to be highly profitable, with the other party already making an advance payment of five million. Looking at the money, Alexander felt a mix of emotions.

    This was what his dignity had cost him.

    A monthter, the project was running smoothly. In the meantime, Alexander managed tond a municipal contract, offering Bet Group a temporary lifeline.

    That evening, at the celebratory dinner, just as Alexander was preparing to move ahead with renewed determination, a message from Joyce popped up on his phone. There wasn¡¯t a single word¡ªjust an image of an opulent hotel suite.

    The message was clear without needing an exnation. His smile faltered, and the wine he sipped suddenly tasted acrid.

    He returned home, collected his belongings, and got ready to head out.

    Richard sat on the sofa, his eyes fixed on Alexander as he came down the stairs. He could already guess what Alexander was about to do. The man who was once the pride of the family had fallen so far. Richard was overwhelmed with sadness but still held on to a tiny shred of hope.

    ¡°Can¡¯t we just give the money back to Joyce?¡± he asked.

    ¡°It won¡¯t work,¡± Alexander answered in a steady tone.

    ¡°She¡¯s not after the money. What she wants is a way to release all the coldness I once showed her. She needs someone to bear the weight of everything she suffers with Doug.¡±

    Stay tuned at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    It was a price that money couldn¡¯t cover. That photo request back then? It was all for this moment¡ªwhen she could manipte him without uttering a single word.

    Alexander spoke no more and walked out the door.

    ¡°Alexander, I¡¯m sorry,¡± Richard said, his voice heavy with regret.

    ¡°It¡¯s on me for being so hard on Dani back then. If I hadn¡¯t, she wouldn¡¯t have left you. She¡¯s not the type to turn her back on old bonds. I was wrong. I destroyed you.¡±

    But it was far toote. Nothing could be undone now. Alexander reached for the doorknob, turned it, and left without a nce behind him.

    At the hotel, he hesitated briefly at the door before entering. Inside, Joyce was already waiting. Dressed in a sheer silk nightgown that shimmered under the light, she moved with effortless grace, pouring herself a ss of wine.

    ¡°You made it,¡± she remarked nonchntly.

    Alexander gave a small nod, took a seat across from her, and slid a check across the table. Joyce nced at the figure¡ªit matched exactly what she had sent him before.

    ¡°And what¡¯s this supposed to mean?¡± she questioned.

    ¡°You gave me the money before. I¡¯m paying it back now.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t need the money.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m aware,¡± Alexander replied, his expression unchanging as he set a bag containing specific clothing on the table. Joyce nced at it, her smile growing broader.

    ¡°I¡¯m willing to be with you for one night, but just that¡ªafterward, we¡¯re square.¡±

    Joyce took another swirl of her wine andughed again.

    ¡°That wasn¡¯t the deal, was it? You need to realize, Alexander, that the terms and how long thissts are in my hands now.

    You never seem to grasp your ce. But it¡¯s fine. This time, I¡¯ll let you have your way. One night¡¯s not enough. How about a whole day and night instead?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 588

    ?Chapter 588:

    Alexander clenched his jaw, his face tightening with tension. Joyce chuckled, clearly enjoying the sight of him.

    ¡°I just love this look on your face¡ªswallowing your pride, yet with no option but to give in. A full day and night is the least I¡¯ll ept. If you don¡¯t agree, you¡¯re free to walk away right now. But don¡¯tin when I get ruthless.¡±

    As Alexander stared at her assured expression, his hatred burned, but there was no escape. The business he had fought so hard to build had to be preserved. He couldn¡¯t let go of the Bet family¡¯s legacy, something that had stood for over a century.

    Joyce was certain Alexander wouldply. She turned on some ssical music and stepped into the bathroom for a bath, leaving the door ajar. From there, she had a perfect view of Alexander¡¯s inner turmoil and slow unraveling. Joyce couldn¡¯t help but smile.

    When she had chosen Doug, she hadn¡¯t felt much different from how Alexander felt now. But that was just how people were. Once there was a firstpromise, there would be a second.

    Each time she gave in, it made it easier, and soon the struggle was forgotten, bing something she just epted. After all, the difort was only temporary, but the happiness that money broughtsted forever.

    Joyce smiled as she watched Alexander get up from his seat. Slowly, he started to take off his clothes, one piece at a time.

    It was strange, considering she and Alexander had only been together once before. It wasn¡¯t particrly memorable, especially whenpared to Doug¡¯s rough ways. But Joyce was thrilled by the sight.

    She wasn¡¯t in love with Alexander; it was about her pride. Didn¡¯t Alexander look down on her when they married? Now, seeing him kneeling before her, kissing her feet, Joyce¡¯s face twisted with satisfaction.

    Dive into the story world at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s?c?m

    Alexander initially assumed the ordeal would be over within an hour. Women and indulgence had never been his weakness, nor did he care for indulgence.

    Yet when Joyce unleashed her endless repertoire of tricks, Alexander was taken aback.

    In that moment, he understood why Joyce had managed to remain Doug¡¯s woman for so long and even be his wife¡ªit was no coincidence.

    As tension built, the veins on Alexander¡¯s forehead throbbed, and he couldn¡¯t help but wish it were Dani in Joyce¡¯s ce.

    One full day and night crawled by.

    When Alexander finally left, his body felt drained and heavy.

    Joyce, her lips curling into a smug smile, called out, ¡°Feel free to reach out if you ever have the need again.¡±

    With his disciplined workout routine, Alexander boasted a chiseled physique far superior to Doug¡¯s, whose age had long dulled his vigor.

    Joyce, meanwhile,y sprawled across the bed, her deep sleepsting for hours.

    As Alexander exited the hotel, his phone vibrated, notifying him of a money transfer. He nced at the screen.

    His bank ount showed a deposit of fifty million. For a brief moment, Alexander hesitated, tempted to stick to his principles.

    Yet Joyce¡¯s earlier words echoed in his mind¡ªbeforehand, morality had seemed insurmountable, and the idea of taking money felt wrong.

    Now, with fifty million staring him in the face, Alexander rationalized it as fair payment for a day and night¡¯s work. Why refuse? He convinced himself it was well-earned.

    With a final nce at his phone, Alexander silently epted the deposit.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 589

    ?Chapter 589:

    Using the funds, he steadily expanded his business, and Bet Group¡¯s operations began to bounce back piece by piece.

    Over time, Joyce approached Alexander several times, dangling alluring offers in front of him.

    But Alexander declined each time.

    He was determined to forge his own path to sess in Olisvine. His confidence in himself was unshakable.

    Dani remained indifferent to such affairs. She knew Caiden had beaten Katrina up multiple times.

    Eventually, Katrina approached Dani, wearing the same submissive demeanor Alexander once had.

    ¡°I¡¯m not asking for much. Give me five million, and I¡¯ll divorce Caiden right away.¡±

    Dani responded with a soft chuckle.

    ¡°I never wanted you two to divorce. Haven¡¯t you realized that by now?¡±

    Katrina countered, ¡°But you¡¯ve got no proof, so you can¡¯t do anything to me. Instead of keeping me around as a daily nuisance, why not let me leave? I swear I¡¯ll disappear from Olisvine¡ªyou can pretend I¡¯m dead.¡±

    Dani offered a faint smile.

    ¡°You want me to pretend you¡¯re dead?¡±

    Katrina nodded eagerly, her desperation evident.

    ¡°That¡¯s not quite the same as being truly dead,¡± Danimented dryly.

    Katrina narrowed her eyes.

    ¡°Dani, I came here to settle things peacefully, but if you¡¯re unwilling, don¡¯t me me for being ruthless. Do you want a repeat of those ¡®idents¡¯?¡± she warned.

    Dani¡¯s faint smile lingered.

    ¡°Feel free.¡±

    Katrina stormed away, pulling out her phone as soon as she reached the yard.

    ¡°Is this all you¡¯re capable of? Back when you had me take care of Brylee, you were so decisive. Now I¡¯m being targeted by Dani while you sit back and reap the benefits like nothing ever happened. Do you really think that¡¯s fair? Make Dani disappear within a week, or I¡¯ll spill everything to her about what happened back then. I¡¯m warning you, Dani isn¡¯t like Brylee. She has powerful allies, with money and influence. They could crush you with ease, and you know it.

    You¡¯ve got one week¡ªif Dani¡¯s still alive, we all go down together.¡±

    Katrina ended the call angrily, her gaze drifting towards the vi as her eyes narrowed.

    Turning around, she suddenly spotted Caiden.

    It was obvious he had overheard her phone call.

    ¡°You¡¯d better act like you heard nothing and keep your mouth shut, or you¡¯ll be the first to go,¡± Katrina hissed before walking away.

    The following day, as Dani arrived at work, she noticed Caiden loitering in the parking lot.

    ¡°Dani, I swear I had nothing to do with any of it. Please, let me move back into the vi,¡± he pleaded.

    Just as Dani reached for her car door, Caiden hurriedly said, ¡°I overheard Katrina on the phone yesterday¡ªshe admitted to killing your mother.

    You shouldn¡¯t be ming me.¡±

    Dani¡¯s brows furrowed slightly.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 590

    ?Chapter 590:

    ¡°Are you iming you had nothing to do with it?¡± she asked, her tone colder than usual.

    Caiden¡¯s gaze wavered nervously.

    ¡°If it weren¡¯t for you, my mother would still be alive.

    Your greed and vanity set all of this in motion. Do you truly im no responsibility? You could¡¯ve fallen for anyone else.

    You could¡¯ve just divorced my mother. But you were too tied to her money to let her go. And in all these years, did it never cross your mind that Katrina might¡¯ve been the one who killed her?¡±

    Caiden quickly retorted, ¡°No, really, I didn¡¯t. It was all Katrina! I share some me, but the majority of it falls on her.

    You can¡¯t pin everything on me!¡±

    Attempting to gain her sympathy, Caiden added, ¡°Dani, I¡¯m getting old¡ªI can¡¯t handle much more of this. The small house is freezing, and I just can¡¯t endure it anymore. Let mee back to the house. Deal with Katrina however you want, but please, just let me return.¡±

    Dani chuckled icily.

    ¡°You don¡¯t know? Then why did you plead with Cedric to send you to Zentara?¡±

    Caiden¡¯s heart raced, his eyes widening in disbelief as he stared at Dani.

    ¡°Why did you refuse to share a room with Katrin and insist on sleeping in the guest room? Or why did you suddenly feel the need to deliver that fruit knife downstairs in the middle of the night? Do you truly not know, or have you just been pretending all along?¡±

    More chapters just for you g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv????s

    Her words stripped away his facade without mercy. A cold shiver coursed through Caiden. After a long pause, he asked, ¡°So you¡¯ve known all along?¡±

    Dani didn¡¯t deny it.

    ¡°Why else do you think I moved back to the vi?¡±

    Caiden was left reeling in shock. Suddenly, the events of the past weeks began to make sense.

    ¡°So, you came back on purpose.

    You just wouldn¡¯t let Katrina get away.¡±

    Dani said nothing. Her silence confirmed everything. Caiden¡¯s heart quaked as he gazed at Dani, as though seeing her true self for the first time.

    He had never fathomed that Dani could be this calcting.

    ¡°But I didn¡¯t kill your mother. I¡¯m still your father. Can¡¯t you show me mercy? I don¡¯t need much¡ªjust a hundred million, send me abroad, and I swear I¡¯ll never return. I¡¯ll leave everything of the Harper family to you. That¡¯s all I ask. Is that too much?¡±

    Dani let out a bitterugh.

    ¡°Even now, all you care about is money.¡±

    Shaking her head, she refused to entertain him any longer.

    Without another word, she turned on her heel and walked away.

    That same day, Dani threw Katrina and Caiden out of the small house.

    Reduced to the doghouse, Katrina snapped, charging at Dani with a kitchen knife in hand.

    Dani narrowed her eyes, standing her ground with eerie calmness.

    Suddenly, a figure stepped in front of her, acting as a shield.

    Katrina was kicked to the ground, her unhealed illness ring up violently.

    Blood spewed from her mouth, mingling with the rain, eerily mirroring the blood that had pooled beneath Brylee¡¯s lifeless body.

    An ambnce arrived to take Katrina away. As the paramedics loaded her into the vehicle, she fixed Dani with a venomous re and screamed, ¡°Dani, you ruthless bitch! You¡¯ll get what¡¯sing to you¡ªjust wait!¡±

    Dani stayedposed in Cedric¡¯sforting embrace. Caiden was paralyzed with fear, his legs trembling beneath him. He hastily packed his belongings that night and fled to the countryside.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 591

    ?Chapter 591:

    That very day, Dani went to Harper Group. Before Caiden¡¯s departure, she ensured he transferred Harper Group¡¯s ownership entirely to her.

    ¡°Dani, what brings you here today?¡± asked her aunt, Elyse Dury.

    Elyse, who had been managing her own business, offered to assist Dani after her return. Given Brylee¡¯s close rtionship with Elyse, Dani had no qualms about her managing Harper Group.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be taking over the management of Harper Group from now on. Thank you for all your hard work, Aunt Elyse.¡±

    ¡°Oh, Dani, don¡¯t be so formal. We¡¯re family.

    Your mother¡¯s gone, so it¡¯s my duty to look after you. If you weren¡¯t my niece, I wouldn¡¯t have left my job toe here. Brylee only had you, and I¡¯m here to ensure you¡¯re safe.¡±

    Elyse had shared a close and affectionate bond with Brylee.

    As soon as Dani stepped into Harper Group, Elyse presented her with the ount books.

    ¡°Since you¡¯re taking over, it¡¯s wise to conduct a thorough audit. There are several discrepancies that need attention.¡± Elyse, armed with her extensive financial expertise, approached everything with precision and care.

    Once Elyse concluded, the department heads of Harper Group arrived to give their progress updates. Each one voiced their appreciation for Elyse¡¯s leadership during this transitional period.

    ¡°I finalized this order on myst trip. Dani, let me know if you think anything needs adjustment,¡± Elyse said.

    Dani skimmed through it; the details were precise, and the contract was wless.

    Step into fiction with g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s???o??

    ¡°Alright, review it and tell me if there¡¯s anything else to adjust. I¡¯ll take care of it. I¡¯ve also had your office revamped with high-end furnishings. Let me know if anything feels off, and I¡¯ll fix it,¡± Elyse offered.

    A small group of staff entered the office together. Lillian nced around and remarked to Dani, ¡°The view might not rival Elite Lux, but there are plenty of thoughtful details.

    Your aunt really takes care of you.¡±

    Dani¡¯s expression stayed neutral, and she offered no response to the remark.

    That evening, there was a department gathering. Dani was present, apanied by Lillian.

    At the event, Elyse was undeniably the center of attention, radiating vitality and charm. Her rtionship with Dani was well-known, and she was treated with deference. Toasts made in Dani¡¯s honor invariably includedpliments for Elyse.

    As the evening progressed, Elyse approached Dani, smiling.

    ¡°Darling, you¡¯ve truly excelled. I¡¯m so proud of you. I bet your mother is too, watching over you with joy. We used to talk about everything. I promised her that if she ever had a daughter, I¡¯d cherish her as my own. Sadly, I didn¡¯t keep that promise.

    Your hardships in the Harper family were unbearable, and I was helpless to intervene.¡±

    Elyse¡¯s eyes welled up as she recounted. She paused, searching Dani¡¯s face for any sign of emotion, but finding none, she embraced her.

    ¡°My dear, you seem so much more reserved now. It¡¯s my fault. Please, if anything is bothering you, you must share it with me.¡±

    Dani distanced herself from Elyse, her response detached.

    ¡°Nothing is troubling me.¡±

    Elyse epted this, nodding.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 592

    ?Chapter 592:

    ¡°You¡¯ve always been perceptive, even as a child.¡±

    Drying her tears, she leaned closer, lowering her voice.

    ¡°What are your thoughts regarding that woman?¡±

    ¡°Which woman?¡± Dani asked.

    ¡°Katrina,¡± Elyse answered.

    ¡°Be cautious around her; she¡¯s shrewd.

    Your parents had a wonderful marriage until she came along. I suspect she yed a role in your mother¡¯s tragic death.¡±

    Dani yed idly with her wine ss, her voice casual.

    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Elyse insisted, her tone filled with conviction.

    ¡°I often visited your home back then. I witnessed your father growing close to her in the vi. Had it not been out of concern for your mother¡¯s feelings, I would have exposed their affair much earlier. And sure enough, after your mother died, Katrina assumed her ce. It¡¯s too coincidental to be innocent.¡±

    At this, Dani¡¯sughter was sharp and cold.

    ¡°Aunt Elyse.¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡± Elyse answered, but Dani didn¡¯t speak for a while.

    Elyse looked up abruptly, meeting Dani¡¯s indifferent gaze. There was an unmistakable distance to Dani¡ªsomething Elyse couldn¡¯t quite connect with.

    As Elyse was about to say more, Dani spoke evenly.

    Find exclusive chapters g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s

    ¡°Three years ago, before my marriage to Alexander, I asked you a question.¡±

    Suddenly, Elyse¡¯s smile vanished, her face suddenly tense. She stuttered, ¡°Did you? What was it that you asked?¡± A flicker of recollection crossed Elyse¡¯s features, herplexion turning ashen.

    Dani replied, ¡°I asked whether Katrina had an inappropriate rtionship with my father and if her involvement had anything to do with my mother¡¯s death.¡±

    At that time, Elyse had dismissed the idea with a wave of her hand, saying, ¡°Impossible! Your mother was a business genius. What harm could Katrina, just a maid, do to her? It was purely an ident. Don¡¯t dwell on it. Let the past stay in the past.¡±

    Dani vividly recalled Elyse¡¯s dismissive gesture from that conversation. Elyse had been so certain back then. She was one of the very few Dani had truly trusted. But now, Elyse¡¯s words were at odds with her previous assurances.

    Elyse¡¯s expression momentarily tensed but quickly smoothed over.

    ¡°You were on the verge of marrying Alexander at that time. I feared revealing more might disrupt your ns. Besides, given your circumstances then, I wanted to protect you from potential harm.¡± Elyse quickly crafted a usible exnation, aligning her reasoning neatly.

    ¡°Now, however, your circumstances have changed.

    You wield more power, and I believe you deserve the truth. Dani, surely you don¡¯t hold my earlier silence against me?¡±

    Dani¡¯s gaze dropped to her wine ss as she murmured, ¡°No, I don¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°I knew you¡¯d understand. As your mother¡¯s cousin, my loyalty to you is unwavering. Dani, you must recognize the danger Katrina poses and address it.¡±

    Dani took a sip from her ss and rose.

    ¡°I¡¯m feeling rather weary. Aunt Elyse, I¡¯ll be leaving now.¡± With those words, she walked away.

    Elyse watched Dani¡¯s departure, shaking her head slightly before seamlessly blending back into the gathering.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 593

    ?Chapter 593:

    In the car, Lillian turned to Dani andmented, ¡°I think your aunt has a point. Katrina is a problem. Why not take care of her sooner rather than waiting?¡±

    Dani, seated in the back, observed the passing scenery, her eyes gradually narrowing.

    On the day Katrina was discharged from the hospital, Dani was just leaving her office.

    ¡°Dani! Your reckoning wille soon enough!¡±

    Dani wasn¡¯t in the best of moods. Turning her head, she fixed Katrina with a nk expression, her gaze cold and intimidating.

    Katrina mped her mouth shut, instinctively retreating a step in fear.

    Dani advanced towards her slowly, step by step, forcing Katrina to back away until she hit a dead end. Dani closed the gap between them, standing just inches away.

    ¡°Katrina, if it¡¯s trouble you want, I¡¯ll dly give it to you. Keep pushing me, and you¡¯ll face the consequences.¡±

    Though fear flickered in her eyes, Katrina refused to back down and feigned confidence.

    ¡°You think I¡¯m scared of you?¡±

    Dani let out a derisive snort, slid her hands into her coat pockets, and walked away without another word.

    Katrina brushed off the warning, assuming it was an empty threat.

    New chapters uploaded at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    It didn¡¯t take long for her to realize how wrong she was. A domestic financial crisis struck, obliterating all the secret investments Katrina had made behind Caiden¡¯s back.

    Even the funds Joyce had recently provided her were wiped out.

    Katrina stared at her depleted bank ount in shock, a wave of unease washing over her.

    Desperate, she called Joyce, but her calls went unanswered.

    When the servant brought up the unpaid living expenses for what felt like the fiftieth time, Katrina lost her temper.

    ¡°Aunt, can¡¯t you be reasonable for once? It¡¯s been just a week since Ist paid you. Do you even realize how much I¡¯ve given you in the past? I¡¯m facing a minor setback, and you¡¯re acting like I can¡¯t pay. What¡¯s the meaning of this? Do you really think I¡¯d cheat you over a sum this small?¡±

    The servant sneered, curling her lips.

    ¡°Who knows? You¡¯re only here because you forced yourself in. What¡¯s past is past. Right now, you owe me my sry. If you¡¯re so capable, why don¡¯t you pay the $5,800 first?¡±

    Katrina shut her eyes for a moment.

    ¡°You¡¯re underestimating me. $5,800? Make it a hundred thousand before youe back to me.¡±

    The moment the words left her mouth, the servant untied her apron.

    ¡°Forget it. I¡¯ve had enough. Keep your money. I quit!¡±

    With that, the servant flung her grease-stained apron at Katrina, who yanked it off in disgust as the woman stormed out.

    With no other options left, Katrina decided to seek out Joyce.

    Sitting in the lobby of Joyce¡¯s home, Katrina¡¯s ears picked up on the unmistakable soundsing from upstairs, leaving little to the imagination.

    Katrina felt an unsettling weight in the air, but the servants around her carried on as though nothing unusual was happening, their faces devoid of emotion.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 594

    ?Chapter 594:

    She sipped her coffee, trying to mask her difort.

    The muffled sounds from upstairs changed, evolving into anguished screams and finally into desperate, gut-wrenching pleas.

    The harsh, guttural cries were punctuated by the sharp crack of a whip, reverberating through the grand vi. Katrina¡¯s hands shook, the coffee cup trembling against its saucer.

    She¡¯d always known Doug had a dark side, but she hadn¡¯t imagined it was this depraved.

    A chill of dread coiled around her.

    Just as she gathered the courage to leave, the eerie silence upstairs brought her to a halt.

    The door creaked open, and Doug emerged at the top of the staircase.

    His sharp, narrow eyes locked onto her, a glimmer of amusement flickering within them.

    The intensity of his gaze sent a wave of unease washing over her.

    Katrina rose to make her escape, but Doug¡¯s voice pinned her in ce.

    ¡°Are you here for Joyce?¡±

    She forced herself to respond, ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Second room upstairs. Go on in.¡±

    Without another nce, Doug pushed open the patio door and strolled into the yard, golf club in hand.

    Katrina remained frozen, waiting until she was absolutely certain he was out of sight before heading upstairs cautiously.

    The door stood slightly ajar, and a faint, metallic scent of blood seeped through the opening.

    A servant brushed past her, carrying a cup of coffee in and emerging momentster with a rumpled quilt. Katrina hesitated before pushing the door open.

    The room was dimly lit. Standing in the doorway, she called out softly, ¡°Joyce?¡±

    Her words seemed to trigger the automatic curtains, which drew back with a mechanical hum.

    Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, pooling onto the polished floor.

    Only then did Katrina grasp the scale of the room¡ªan expansive two hundred square meters, barren except for a massive bed and an adjoining bathroom.

    Amid the disarray, Joyce sat nonchntly, one hand tracing the edge of the freshly changed sheets, the other clutching a cigarette.

    She inhaled deeply, her head tilted slightly back, exhaling a plume of smoke with a detached air.

    ¡°What is it you want?¡±

    She didn¡¯t even nce at Katrina, her indifference speaking louder than any words could.

    Katrina¡¯s brows knitted tightly. Her eyes fell on the bruises marring Joyce¡¯s skin.

    ¡°You can¡¯t stay with someone like him. If he loses control, he could kill you. How could you get involved with a man like that?¡±

    Joyce flicked the ash from her cigarette, her face remaining unreadable, unmoved by Katrina¡¯s concern.

    ¡°What is it you want from me?¡± Joyce¡¯s voice dripped with weariness, cutting through Katrina¡¯s attempt at sympathy.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 595

    ?Chapter 595:

    ¡°Spare me the act and get to the point.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s frown deepened.

    ¡°Joyce, I¡¯m only saying this because I care about you.

    You¡¯re in your prime. Why would you throw it away on a man like Doug?¡±

    Joyce rose from the bed. The marks covering her bare skin were ringly evident, yet she moved with a calm indifference, unbothered by her own vulnerability. She walked to the bathroom, stepping under the spray of the shower.

    Streams of crimson trickled from her skin, swirling down the drain, only to reveal fresh wounds beneath. She showed no sign of pain, as though she had grown immune to it.

    Draping a towel around herself, she cast a scornful nce at Katrina and chuckled bitterly.

    ¡°Spare me that pitying look. Doug and I are married. What happens in our bedroom is no different than what you did to keep Caiden happy.

    You¡¯re no better than me.¡±

    Memories of Katrina and Caiden making out¡ªscenes witnessed by both Dani and Joyce¡ªshed vividly through Joyce¡¯s mind.

    Katrina froze, her lips trembling as tears welled up and spilled down her cheeks.

    ¡°And isn¡¯t this what you always preached? That a woman¡¯s purpose is to please men? I¡¯m just living the way you taught me. Tell me, did I get it wrong?¡±

    Katrina wept openly now, her head shaking in denial, unable to reconcile the image of her cherished daughter with the woman standing before her.

    galn¦Òv???s.????m ¨C your update hub

    A wave of disappointment, heartbreak, and despair consumed her. She couldn¡¯t bear it.

    ¡°From the very beginning, you drilled it into me¡ªmoney always outweighs dignity,¡± Joyce said, her tone icy and unyielding.

    ¡°You shaped me into this person, so don¡¯t pretend to be upset now. I don¡¯t need your pity. Just tell me why you¡¯re here. Doug¡¯s desires are insatiable, and he¡¯ll be back any moment.¡±

    Katrina pressed her hand over her mouth, disbelief etched across her face.

    A part of her wanted to walk away, dragging Joyce along with her. But reason quickly took over; she couldn¡¯t even sustain herself at the moment.

    After all, the reason she was here today was to ask Joyce for money.

    The words stuck in her throat, but Joyce showed no urgency.

    She reclined casually on the bed, her gaze fixed on a news report detailing thetest economic crisis, which had shaken multiple industries, including Alexander¡¯s Bet Group.

    A faint, sarcastic smirk tugged at Joyce¡¯s lips.

    ¡°If that¡¯s all, you should go. I have other things to handle,¡± she said, grabbing her phone to ce a call.

    ¡°Actually, I do,¡± Katrina burst out, stopping Joyce just as she was turning away.

    Joyce already knew why Katrina was here; it was all about the money.

    Katrina had entered, urging her to leave Doug, but when it came to asking for cash, Katrina was hesitating. Joyce feigned ignorance, waiting for Katrina to spit it out. Katrina bit her lip nervously.

    ¡°I¡¯ve gone bankrupt. Can you lend me some money?¡±

    ¡°How much do you need?¡± Joyce replied coolly.

    ¡°Five hundred thousand,¡± Katrina murmured hesitantly. Joyce responded with a derisiveugh.

    ¡°Weren¡¯t you always calling my money dirty? Funny how it doesn¡¯t seem so filthy now, huh? You¡¯re such a hypocrite.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 596

    ?Chapter 596:

    Katrina¡¯s expression stiffened, shame washing over her like a wave.

    ¡°Just go. I¡¯ll send it to your ount tomorrow,¡± Joyce replied indifferently, her eyes fixed elsewhere as she strolled onto the balcony with her phone in hand.

    Katrina cast Joyce a lingering nce, her teeth sinking into her lip before she turned and left.

    On her way down, she crossed paths with Doug climbing the stairs.

    His eyes roved shamelessly to the neckline of her blouse, and a lecherous chuckle escaped his lips.

    Instinctively, Katrina hastened her steps, eager to escape. Just as she reached the door, Doug¡¯s voice rang out from the staircase.

    ¡°Katrina, isn¡¯t it? My offer to your mother still applies. Anytime.¡±

    A shiver ran through Katrina at hisment. She spun around, her re brimming with disdain, before bolting out of the house.

    ¡°Ugh!¡± Katrina staggered past the guard post, bending over as she retched uncontrobly.

    As Doug stepped into the room, his eyesnded on Joyce, who stood on the balcony. Her expression was distant, and her eyes were clouded with unreadable emotions. He moved closer, but before he could study her,

    Joyce seemed to snap back into the present. With a smile, she leaned in and kissed him, her hand undoing the knot of her bathrobe.

    Doug lifted Joyce into his arms, his eyes momentarily looking out the window.

    Outside, Katrina was doubled over, throwing up by the doorway.

    Your next journey starts at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s???o??

    With a smug grin, he flung Joyce onto the bed, ready to force more torment upon her.

    Katrina¡¯s stomach churned as she leaned against the gate, the world spinning violently. Looking back, she saw a haunting image¡ªJoyce pressed against the window. Overwhelmed by fear, she stumbled away, too terrified to nce back at the scene.

    Back at home, Katrina couldn¡¯t shake the sound of Joyce¡¯s cries. They rang in her head, relentless and cruel, driving her closer to the edge.

    In desperation, she picked up her phone and dialed her mother.

    ¡°Mom, you need to help Joyce,¡± she begged, her voice trembling.

    The familiar sound of shuffling cards came to an abrupt stop on the other end, followed by a long pause. Finally, Erika spoke, her tone calm and indifferent.

    ¡°What are you talking about? What¡¯s happened to Joyce?¡±

    ¡°Mom, Doug¡¯s horrible! You don¡¯t know what he¡¯s done. I saw Joyce a few days ago¡ªthere wasn¡¯t a single part of her left unharmed.

    You were the one who introduced her to Doug, and now I¡¯m begging you, please help her. She¡¯s your granddaughter!¡±

    Erika¡¯s voice remained cold.

    ¡°What nonsense are you saying? Joyce married Doug to secure afortable life. Just because it¡¯s not what you¡¯d choose doesn¡¯t mean she¡¯s wrong. She¡¯s clever and practical¡ªthis was her decision. Why would you stand in the way of her good life?¡±

    Katrina felt her strength leaving her, teetering on the edge of breaking downpletely.

    ¡°Good life? Is that what you call it? Mom, have you even looked at Joyce? She was once full of life, so pure, and now, she¡¯s like a prostitute. Please, I¡¯m begging you¡ªset her free. I know Doug paid you. Just tell me how much, and I¡¯ll owe you every cent. I swear I¡¯ll repay you. Just save her!¡±

    ¡°Katrina, have you lost your mind?¡± Erika¡¯s voice grew colder, dripping with disdain.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 597

    ?Chapter 597:

    ¡°Joyce is doing just fine. And what money are you talking about? Don¡¯t use me of things that aren¡¯t true! If you want to live a poor life, that¡¯s your problem, but leave Joyce and me out of it. Besides, how Joyce ended up is because of your so-called parenting, isn¡¯t it? And now you dare point fingers at me? Huh! Doug¡¯s generosity far surpasses anything Caiden ever gave.¡±

    With those cutting words, Erika ended the call abruptly. Katrina sank to the floor, her entire body shaking uncontrobly.

    The realization hit her like a storm¡ªsomeone she once trusted implicitly had betrayed her sopletely.

    Katrina racked her brain for ways to scrape together funds, but with no experience or useful connections, she found herself trapped. Her hatred for Doug burned fiercely, but she still found herself using the money Joyce had sent her, an irony she couldn¡¯t escape.

    In the end, something inside her broke.

    She dialed a number from her contacts, her tone sharp and unyielding.

    ¡°Hand over a hundred million, or I¡¯ll spill everything to Dani about what happened back then. I¡¯ve got nothing to lose, but you? You¡¯ve got plenty at stake!¡±

    The person on the other end, who had been trying to soothe her, went quiet after her sharp warning.

    ¡°I¡¯m serious! If Joyce and I can¡¯t live a peaceful life, you won¡¯te out of this unharmed either!¡± Katrina added.

    In a quiet corner of the Elite Lux building, a conversation unfolded.

    ¡°I think Katrina¡¯s gone off the deep end. What¡¯s our next move?¡±

    More books uploaded on g?ln¦Ò¦Í??ls?c?m

    A voice echoed from the shadows, cold and distant.

    ¡°The pawn has served its purpose. Get rid of it.¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    The conversation ended as quickly as it began, leaving behind a faint pile of ash, untouched by the breeze.

    Lillian took a step forward, her gaze sharpening as she dialed Dani.

    ¡°They¡¯re getting ready to make their move.¡±

    Katrina waited restlessly, her nerves fraying as she anticipated the funds toe through.

    Beforehand, she went to visit Joyce.

    ¡°Joyce, I¡¯m pulling together the money. Get ready to leave. I¡¯lle for you soon. I don¡¯t care about anything else anymore; I just want you safe.¡±

    Joyce sat across from Katrina, her face a mask of indifference.

    With a cigarette delicately bnced between her fingers, she said, ¡°I don¡¯t need your help. I¡¯m perfectly fine.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s frustration bubbled over.

    ¡°Fine? You call this fine?¡±

    The morning light filtered down, casting a soft glow on Joyce¡¯s hollowed cheeks. She smoked with the ease of someone who had done it countless times, taking a deep drag that made her cheeks sink further.

    No longer the proud heiress of the Harper family, she now seemed like a socialite adrift in a life of indulgence.

    Katrina¡¯s heart ached as she whispered, ¡°I regret everything. If I¡¯d known this would happen to you, I would¡¯ve taken the hit myself.¡±

    Joyce had no interest in listening. She savored the thrill of being praised. In the Harper family, Dani¡¯s brilliance always outshone hers, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn¡¯t seem to catch anyone¡¯s eye.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 598

    ?Chapter 598:

    But with Doug, things weren¡¯t the same.

    Doug might have been cruel, but he was generous. To the world, she was his wife. Sure, people might mock her behind her back, but in her presence, they had no choice but to smile and bow.

    Even if the admiration was superficial, Joyce still thrived on it.

    What did Dani¡¯s achievements matter now?

    She had everything she needed¡ªa life of luxury, entirely on her own terms.

    Even someone as proud as Alexander had no choice but to bow down to her, and that made her feel like it was all worth it.

    Katrina just couldn¡¯t grasp it.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think so. I¡¯m happy with my life now. If you¡¯ve got nothing more to say, don¡¯te looking for me again.¡±

    Katrina stared at Joyce in shock.

    ¡°All my efforts¡­ Do you know who they were for? I even went so far as to¡­ Do you have any idea how much I¡¯ve sacrificed for you?¡±

    Katrina spoke with all the sincerity she could muster, but Joyce didn¡¯t flinch.

    She had be like a pampered pet in a golden cage, with her instincts dulled and her ability to survive on her own forgotten. All that remained was her vanity.

    ¡°Joyce, please listen. Soon, I¡¯ll have a lot of money. Come with me. We¡¯ll leave and start over somewhere far away.¡±

    Just then, Joyce¡¯s phone buzzed in her pocket. She checked it quickly before standing up.

    L?t?st ch?pt?rs in g?lnovels.c?m

    ¡°I told you, I don¡¯t need it. Doug woke up and wants to see me. Don¡¯t bother looking for me again. I¡¯m doing just fine.¡±

    Without another word, Joyce turned and walked away.

    Katrina stood frozen, her heart aching as she watched her leave, tears silently trailing down her cheeks.

    In a sudden burst of desperation, Katrina grabbed something from her bag and rushed toward Joyce, wrapping her arms around her tightly. Joyce frowned, but before she could pull away, Katrina slipped a USB drive into her bag.

    ¡°Joyce, I regret it. If I had known this is how it would turn out, I never would¡¯ve married Caiden, never would¡¯ve crossed Dani. I would¡¯ve chosen a simple life with you.¡±

    Joyce shoved Katrina aside, giving her a long look before leaving quietly.

    She didn¡¯t look back, so she didn¡¯t see the regret in Katrina¡¯s eyes.

    As she reached home, her phone rang once more. She checked the screen and saw a message from Alexander.

    ¡°The Bet family is short eight million because of the economic crisis. Can you help again?¡±

    Joyce smirked. If she was Doug¡¯s trapped pet, only good for pleasing him, then Alexander was slowly but surely heading into her trap too.

    Without a second thought, Joyce sent Alexander a room number, deleted the chat, and walked into the house. That evening, as Doug flew overseas, Joyce, toozy to go out, sent an invitation to Alexander toe over.

    When Alexander stepped in, he saw Joyce sprawled on the sofa, nearly naked, her body covered only by a sheer scarf that barely served a purpose.

    Her wrists had marks from restraints, which made him pause in surprise.

    He frowned instantly and asked, ¡°Are you out of your mind? Inviting me here?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 599

    ?Chapter 599:

    He never imagined Joyce would be so audacious. Joyce giggled, the foul stench from her mouth unmistakable.

    She didn¡¯t care. Grabbing a ss of water, she downed it along with the disgusting fluid without hesitation. Alexander stood off to the side, watching the entire scene unfold, his stomach twisting with unease. Finally, he couldn¡¯t hold it anymore and rushed to the bathroom, vomiting.

    Joyce listened to Alexander gagging in the bathroom, and her expression grew more distant.

    However, just as he came out, the coldness in her eyes melted away, reced by amusement.

    ¡°Alexander, what¡¯s the matter? Can¡¯t take it?¡±

    Alexander¡¯s brow furrowed as he prepared to leave. But Joyce didn¡¯t stop him; instead, she lit a scented candle.

    When she turned back, she saw him standing by the door, unsure whether to stay or go, and couldn¡¯t help butugh.

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you leaving? Is it because you haven¡¯t gotten the money yet? Seems like your pride isn¡¯t worth much. If you actually left, I might even admire you.¡±

    Alexander stood stiffly, feeling torn.

    Joyce leaned back on the sofa, her voice soft butmanding.

    ¡°Come here.¡±

    Her tone was like that of someone calling a pet toe.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c???? brings imagination alive

    Alexander didn¡¯t move right away, and Joyce wasn¡¯t in a hurry either.

    She stretched outzily, starting a game on her phone¡ªit was one made by Dani¡¯s gamingpany. The sound of gunfire from the game echoed through the room, and Alexander couldn¡¯t help but think Joyce was nuts.

    When the round wrapped up, Alexander finally walked to her.

    Joyce didn¡¯t look surprised at all. She gestured for him to sit on the sofa, then casually draped her legs across hisp.

    ¡°Give them a good rub.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s expression darkened.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried Doug will find out?¡±

    Joyce burst outughing. Sheughed so hard she had to hold her stomach, unable to stop.

    ¡°Worried? Not at all. And you¡¯re not either, are you, Alexander? Otherwise, what are you doing here? Seriously, stop acting all high and mighty with me. At the end of the day, we¡¯re both cut from the same cloth.¡±

    Joyce caught the disapproval in Alexander¡¯s furrowed brow when she mentioned ¡°we¡¯re both cut from the same cloth.¡±

    A smirk tugged at her lips as her confidence grew. She loved the feeling of getting under his skin, especially when it came to someone like Alexander.

    ¡°Alexander, do you even understand why Dani chose Cedric in the end?¡±

    As soon as she finished speaking, Joyce felt a little more pressure on her legs. It wasn¡¯t painful, just a subtle difort, but she didn¡¯t mind it.

    There was something twisted about the way she enjoyed seeing Alexander¡¯s strained expression.

    ¡°You¡¯re so full of yourself.

    You always think the world revolves around you. When Dani came back, you were convinced she still loved you. But Cedric? He was different. He made her his world. He put everything into her, and no woman can resist that kind of devotion. While you were still stuck in your ways, Cedric had already imed her heart.¡±

    For a moment, Alexander¡¯s hands stopped moving, and his eyes grew cold, locking onto her. A sh of something dark passed through his gaze¡ªmurderous, even.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 600

    Chapter 600:

    Joyce saw it, and it only made herugh harder.

    ¡°You know, when I was messing around with men and had a kid, your father once said Dani wouldn¡¯t have done anything like that. He said I was no match for her. If Cedric were in your shoes today, he wouldn¡¯t be crawling back to me, begging for money like you. He wouldn¡¯t lower himself. So you¡¯re not better than Cedric either.

    You were never worthy of Dani.

    You and I? We¡¯re the same. So stop chasing things that are beyond your reach. Do you really think you deserve it?¡±

    Joyce¡¯s words cut deep, offering no space for mercy.

    Sheughed again, but this time, it was more maniacal.

    ¡°Do you honestly think rebuilding yourpany will change anything? That Dani will look at you differently? What do you think¡ªyou¡¯re going to make it that big? Howughable! Every time your business hit a crisis, who was there to bail you out? Dani, remember? Your so-called ¡®business talent¡¯ doesn¡¯t even hold a candle to hers.

    You¡¯re just like everyone else¡ªordinary. And that¡¯s why, when Dani left, you couldn¡¯t even handle a small setback. And here you are again, begging me for money. Let me guess, are you going to say it again tonight? That you¡¯ll ¡®serve me just this once¡¯? Go ahead, say what you want, but in the end, you¡¯ll always crawl back to me, using my money to feed your fragile pride.¡±

    Her words hit like a series of heavy blows.

    Alexander sprang from the sofa, his chest rising and falling with barely controlled anger.

    ¡°Joyce, that¡¯s enough!¡±

    Gal no ve l s . hosts your favorite stories

    Joyce didn¡¯t move, staying stretched out on the sofa.

    Alexander¡¯s voice turned icy.

    ¡°Just because you toss me a few scraps doesn¡¯t give you the right to humiliate me like this.¡±

    That was thest straw. Alexander stormed out of the house, his anger palpable.

    The door mmed behind him, the force of it echoing with a sharp bang.

    Joyce didn¡¯t care at all, a smirk curling on her lips.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you think you¡¯ve gone too far? What if he doesn¡¯te back?¡± Erika stepped into the room.

    Joyce didn¡¯t even nce up, her focus still on the game.

    ¡°If I don¡¯t crush his pride, how else am I supposed to keep him as my little pet?¡±

    Erika hesitated.

    ¡°But what if he really doesn¡¯te back?¡± Joyce shrugged, still not looking up.

    ¡°Then he doesn¡¯te back. What do I need with a disobedient man? I already have to put up with Doug. Why would I bring another man into my life to step on me? With money, I can have any man I want. Alexander¡¯s not worth this kind of stubbornness.¡±

    At that moment, Cedric¡¯s determined face shed in Joyce¡¯s mind.

    If it had been Cedric, she might have given it some thought.

    ¡°Joyce, you¡¯ve got more going for you than your mother. Well, your mother seems to be plotting to take you away,¡± Erika said, concern creasing her face.

    Joyce kept ying her game.

    ¡°Rx, I¡¯m not going anywhere. I¡¯ll make sure you get the money every month, and I¡¯ll even send more¡ªjust give it to my mom and tell her to drop those crazy ideas. I¡¯m perfectly fine here.¡±

    Erika¡¯s weathered face lit up with a smile.

    ¡°Yes, moments like these don¡¯te often. How could you leave? You can¡¯t leave.¡±

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Nice wednesday dear ones! God loves you, and Noah wishes you all the best! (©¤??O)

    .

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 601

    ?Chapter 601:

    Joyce didn¡¯t have the energy to deal with Erika.

    Standing off to the side, Erika threw a quick nce at Joyce before quietly slipping one of her expensive scarves into her bag.

    Joyce noticed but chose to ignore it, finding it too trivial to care about.

    Wearing a sickly-sweet smile, Erika chirped, ¡°So, when are you going to pull the reins tighter on Bet Group?¡±

    Without much interest, Joyce replied, ¡°When the moment¡¯s right. There¡¯s no rush¡ªjust wait.¡±

    When Joyce had first approached Erika to set up an introduction to Marvin, Erika had demanded apany. In a sprawling city like Olisvine, Erika had her sights set on Alexander¡¯s business.

    Buying it outright wasn¡¯t an option since Alexander would never let it go willingly. So, Erika¡¯s game was patience, waiting for the moment his defenses crumbled.

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re catching feelings for Alexander again?¡± Erika¡¯s words lingered in the air like an usation.

    Joyce¡¯s expression turned icy.

    Realizing she might¡¯ve crossed a line, Erika let out a nervousugh.

    ¡°Oh, forget I said that.

    You divorced him because he¡¯s cold and detached. No way you¡¯d go back to that. Besides, he¡¯s still hung up on Dani, not you. Let¡¯s keep this simple¡ªdon¡¯t let emotions ruin the n.¡±

    Joyce¡¯s face remained nk.

    Your story source g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    ¡°Get out. I gave you my word, and I¡¯ll deliver. Just stay out of my hair until then.¡±

    Erika chuckled awkwardly and left, but not without snagging an antique vase on her way out.

    Joyce tossed her phone aside, no longer interested in her game.

    She stared at the stark white ceiling, her lips curling into a bitter smile.

    With the kind of money she had, why would she settle for Alexander?

    Meanwhile, Katrina was anxiously checking her ount, waiting for the funds to arrive. But her bnce remained unchanged.

    Frustrated, she crossed the street, her mind distracted, when a speeding car came hurtling towards her.

    Frozen in fear, Katrina couldn¡¯t move. Her thoughts went nk, and her legs felt like they were glued to the ground. As the car drew closer, her eyes widened, breathsing quick and shallow.

    At the veryst second, a powerful hand yanked her backward.

    She stumbled, nearly losing her footing.

    A split secondter, the car zipped past, narrowly missing her by mere inches.

    Katrina¡¯s breath hitched in her chest. For several moments, her mind refused to catch up with what had just happened.

    With trembling hands, she turned to re at the retreating white car.

    Her stomach dropped as she recognized that license te instantly.

    The other party wanted her gone.

    The realization was too much to bear, and before she could even turn to see who had saved her, her vision blurred, and she copsed into unconsciousness.

    Standing over Katrina¡¯s unconscious body, Lillian stared nkly before pulling out her phone.

    ¡°Dani, she fainted. What now?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 602

    ?Chapter 602:

    On the other end, Dani¡¯s voice was cool and direct.

    ¡°Juste back.¡±

    Without hesitation, Lillianplied, leaving the scene as Katrinay sprawled on the pavement. An ambnce arrived shortly after to take her away.

    Katrina had braced herself for retaliation, but even in her worst fears, she hadn¡¯t imagined they¡¯d go as far as attempted murder.

    The doctor had said she needed to stay under observation for another day.

    Just as Katrina turned off the lights and closed her eyes, a sound from the window jolted her awake.

    Her heart raced in her chest.

    She opened her eyes, barely catching sight of a cold gleam in the darkness. A sharp de wasing down in the moonlight.

    All Katrina could do was squeeze her eyes shut.

    ¡°Seems like they¡¯re desperate to silence her. She knows too much.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s eyes snapped open at the sound. To her relief, it wasn¡¯t an attacker but Lillian.

    In the pale light of the moon, Lillian was engaged in a fierce struggle with a bulky man, fighting with nothing but her bare hands.

    Katrina gripped her head tightly, panic overwhelming her as she tried to scramble away from the corner. Fear consumed her¡ªshe couldn¡¯t bear the thought of dying.

    ¡°Hey!¡±

    Explore more chapters on g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s?c?m

    The fighting suddenly stopped.

    Trembling, Katrina slowly let go of her head and looked up to see Dani and Lillian standing in the doorway. Lillian stood with her arms crossed, her voice cold.

    ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re crawling off to?¡±

    Tears flowed down Katrina¡¯s face as she looked up, desperation in her eyes. She crawled to Dani¡¯s feet, her voice shaky.

    ¡°Someone¡¯s trying to kill me!¡±

    However, Dani¡¯s expression was unreadable.

    ¡°Who?¡± she asked.

    Katrina¡¯s face contorted with emotion, and she hesitated.

    ¡°Why do they want to kill you?¡± Lillian¡¯s question was sharp and probing.

    Katrina¡¯s heart tightened at the pressure of the question. The anxiety coursing through her became almost unbearable.

    She released her grip on Dani¡¯s shoe and stammered, ¡°No one¡­¡±

    Dani nodded, her voice cold.

    ¡°Katrina, people only get one life.

    You won¡¯t always be lucky enough to be saved. If you really want to die, I won¡¯t stop you.¡±

    Without another word, she turned and walked away.

    Lillian followed closely behind her.

    As the car sped down the road, she turned to Dani and asked, ¡°Shouldn¡¯t I stay with her? If they try again, taking her out would be so easy.¡±

    Dani¡¯s fingers tightened around the steering wheel, her face calm and focused as she drove.

    ¡°They won¡¯t act tonight. After two failed attempts, they¡¯ll rethink their approach. Besides, making Katrina feel like she¡¯s constantly under threat is far more effective. If she feels untouchable when you¡¯re around, she won¡¯t spill anything.¡±

    Soon enough, the car came to a stop at the Harper family residence, where Cedric was already waiting by the door.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 603

    ?Chapter 603:

    ¡°What¡¯s the reason for being sote today?¡±

    Dani smiled smoothly.

    ¡°Just got caught up with some work at thepany.¡±

    Cedric nodded, his eyes scanning Dani¡¯s shoes, noting they were different from the ones she had on earlier in the morning.

    ¡°Did you change your shoes?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, they got dirty, so I switched them out and threw the old ones away.¡±

    Though Dani wasn¡¯t someone known for extravagance, she did take cleanliness seriously. The fact that she had discarded her shoes implied someone had touched them.

    ¡°So, what happened?¡± Cedric asked.

    Dani simply smiled and waved it off.

    ¡°Oh, nothing major. I just spilled some coffee on them at the office.¡±

    He gave a nonchnt nod, epting her exnation.

    ¡°Alright, then.¡±

    Cedric wasted no time in seeking out his hacker friend.

    Data lines looped endlessly on theputer screen, but Dani¡¯s information was still scarce.

    ¡°I can¡¯t quite crack it,¡± Killian Reynolds muttered through a mouthful of sandwich, clearly irked.

    ¡°Cedric, when did you find this girlfriend? She¡¯s incredible.¡±

    The best reads are at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    Cedric sighed.

    ¡°Are you sure this profile is fake?¡±

    Killian nodded confidently.

    ¡°It¡¯s fake. A casual user wouldn¡¯t notice anything, but for hackers like me, theyers of security scream custom protective programming.¡±

    Cedric squinted thoughtfully.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to be the best hacker in the country? Giving up already?¡±

    Killian chuckled.

    ¡°I¡¯m the best in the country, sure, but what can I do when the other side is the best in the world? Cedric, are you certain Ryan¡¯s the one who built these hidden codes?¡±

    ¡°No one else around Dani is close to her level ofputer skills,¡± Cedric replied firmly.

    Killian took another bite of his sandwich, shaking his head.

    ¡°Then it¡¯s not him.¡±

    ¡°Why not?¡± Cedric asked.

    ¡°Ryan¡¯s good, no doubt, but I know his style. His codes areplex but not impossible to crack. This one, though, is deceptive. It looks simple on the surface, but it¡¯s so hard to figure out and decode.¡±

    Cedric arched a brow.

    ¡°Maybe Ryan¡¯s leveled up while you¡¯ve been cking off. He is one of the top experts in the world, after all.¡±

    Killian scratched his head, a sheepish grin forming.

    ¡°Really? So much progress in such a short time? Let me give it another shot.¡±

    Determined not to concede defeat, Killian¡¯s fingers danced across the keyboard with relentless precision.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 604

    ?Chapter 604:

    Meanwhile, across town, an alert popped up on Ryan¡¯s screen.

    ¡°Dani, someone¡¯s trying to breach the program you wrote. They¡¯re after your profile.¡±

    Dani strolled over, her gaze flicking to the monitor.

    The intruder wasn¡¯t half bad.

    Ryan quickly began typing a counterattack, his movements swift and precise. Beside him, Dani casually ced a takeout order.

    When the delivery arrived, Ryan gestured for Dani to step in and take his ce for a moment.

    Dani nced at the screen, and with a few seemingly random keystrokes, she effortlessly resolved the issue.

    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± Ryan asked, utterly dumbfounded.

    Dani nodded, already unpacking their meal.

    ¡°Yeah. Now eat before it gets cold.¡±

    Ryan stared at the screen, typing a few more lines to double-check before leaving.

    Back at Cedric¡¯s ce, he stood behind Killian, watching the battle unfold onscreen. At first, it seemed like an even match. But then, without warning, Killian¡¯s system crumbled.

    Not only had his hacking attempt failed, but hisputer was now riddled with a dummy program so absurd it seemed like a taunt. Killian¡¯s pride took a nosedive. Cedric had never seen anyone humiliate Killian so thoroughly in the cyber world.

    As Cedric looked down at Killian, he noticed Killian¡¯s expression had darkened significantly.

    Killian shut his eyes in frustration, then turned his head sharply.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s, the ce for amazing tales

    ¡°Cedric, whoever¡¯s on the other end, I swear on my life, it¡¯s not Ryan!¡±

    Just as Killian finished speaking, the rebootedputer shed a mocking text in bold.

    ¡°Get lost, idiot!¡±

    Killian took a deep breath and closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, his gaze was still burning with fury.

    ¡°I swear, I¡¯m going to kill whoever¡¯s on the other side! Did you see that, Cedric? They¡¯re mocking me! Toying with me!¡±

    For the next week, Killianunched counterattack after counterattack, calling in favors from every contact in his hackerwork.

    The oue?

    All he saw were rows ofputers being counter-hacked, along with those bold, mocking words.

    ¡°Get lost, idiot!¡±

    Cedric watched Killian slump in his chair, utterly defeated. Even his elite allies had been outmaneuvered. Cedric leaned back, lost in thought. Was Ryan really this good?

    Killian couldn¡¯t shake off his restlessness and insisted that Cedric take him to Elite Lux. Cedric agreed and took him there.

    The moment they entered the building, Ryan was already waiting for them.

    ¡°What brings you here?¡± asked Ryan, who had a strained rtionship with Killian.

    Killian, who had been beaten by Ryan earlier, wasn¡¯t in the mood to respond kindly.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 605

    ?Chapter 605:

    ¡°What¡¯s your problem? Am I not allowed here?¡±

    Believing Ryan didn¡¯t realize he had been the one defeated, Killian shot back, ¡°What¡¯s the issue? Can¡¯t I visit Dani? Does it matter to you?¡±

    The three of them headed towards Dani¡¯s office, where Dani and Lillian were enjoying ate-night supper.

    Cedric walked over, grabbed a pair of disposable gloves, and started peeling shrimp for Dani.

    Killian sat down in the chair across from them.

    ¡°Dani, when are you going to fire Ryan? I can take his spot.¡± At first, Dani had picked Killian to be thework security officer at Elite Lux. However, Ryan had offered himself for the role, and after some thought, Dani decided to keep him.

    Somehow, Killian learned about it and started holding a grudge against Ryan, convinced that Ryan had taken away one of the rare chances to work closely with Dani.

    ¡°Really? You think you can handle it?¡± Ryan scoffed, leaning against the wall.

    ¡°Do you even know what you¡¯re capable of?¡±

    Killian wanted to snap back, but after his defeat, he couldn¡¯t summon the energy.

    He clenched his jaw and gave Cedric a look, signaling his desire to sneak into the server room to check if the impressive work he had seen earlier was really Ryan¡¯s doing.

    Cedric chuckled, then turned to Dani.

    ¡°Killian wants to learn some tricks. Is it okay if he checks out the server room?¡±

    Step into a new journey on  .con

    Dani, as usual, agreed with his request and nodded.

    ¡°Sure. Go ahead.¡±

    As soon as she gave her consent, Killian sprang to his feet and rushed towards the server room.

    Thirty minutester, Killian stood at the entrance of the crucial server room, his gaze fixed on the ceiling in frustration.

    When did Ryan get so good at this?

    Killian couldn¡¯t hide his frustration.

    Ryan noticed the dark look on Killian¡¯s face and let out a scoff.

    ¡°Did you write thosest lines of code?¡±

    Killian squinted, his disbelief obvious.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t the proof right here in front of you?¡±

    Killian was left without words, his frustration taking over.

    ¡°How did you suddenly be so capable?¡±

    Ryan didn¡¯t even look up.

    ¡°Did I? Or is it just that you¡¯re too weak?¡±

    Completely defeated and disheartened, Killian walked out.

    Ryan crossed his arms and nced over at Dani, who had been standing quietly beside him.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to tell him you wrote thosest lines of code?¡±

    ¡°Is it necessary?¡± Dani answered.

    ¡°I¡¯ve always wanted to know, why did you pick me instead of Killian? He was your first choice, wasn¡¯t he?¡±

    Dani nodded.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 606

    ?Chapter 606:

    ¡°He was.¡±

    ¡°Then why did you change your decision?¡±

    ¡°Because he was too loud,¡± she replied tly.

    Killian had never known that the reason Dani reced him wasn¡¯t because of his skills, but because he was too noisy.

    For the first time, Ryan felt thankful for being a man of few words.

    ¡°Does this mean Killian is investigating you? He works for Cedric, so it¡¯s yourwful husband looking into you.¡±

    Dani nodded again.

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind. Let him try.¡± But he wouldn¡¯t uncover anything.

    Cedric was well aware that Dani could see through him, so he decided toe clean right away.

    ¡°Killian¡¯s been feeling down. He thinks Ryan haspletely surpassed him. Ryan¡¯s gotten so good that Killian feels like he has no way to keep up. He¡¯s been asking me where Ryan learned all his skills, and now he¡¯s thinking of finding a mentor himself.¡±

    When Dani heard that, she couldn¡¯t help but smile with a hint of mystery.

    ¡°Have him solve that piece of code, and I¡¯ll have Ryan reveal who his mentor is. After all, there¡¯s always a test when you want to learn from someone, right? Let that code be the challenge.¡±

    Cedric looked at her, clearly puzzled.

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you have Ryan consult his mentor? Killian¡¯s skills are solid, and with the right guidance, he could probably figure it out pretty quickly.¡±

    Dive into fiction with g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s

    shing a smile, Dani stated, ¡°I have a solid connection with Ryan¡¯s mentor. If Killian really pulls this off, I¡¯ll back him up as a spokesperson.¡±

    In the days that followed, Killian¡¯s obsession with decoding the mystery deepened.

    Meanwhile, Cedric watched on with a blend of patience and anticipation, hoping Killian would master the code, apprentice under its enigmatic creator, and unearth the secrets Dani had carefully concealed.

    Yet, as weeks turned into a month, Killian¡¯s frustration became palpable. He had anxiously tugged at his once-lush hair, now thinning rapidly, but still, no breakthroughs emerged.

    Realizing the answers might forever elude him, Cedric abandoned his wait.

    With a resolute stride, he made his way to Elite Lux to confront Dani in person.

    However, just as he approached Dani¡¯s office, the secretary stopped him with a curt note that Dani had left with Lillian.

    Elsewhere, hidden within the walls of the Harper family estate, Katrina had been living under a veil of dread. Now, forced into the open, her anxiety surged.

    As their car exited the vi¡¯s gates, the driver turned, his face etched with concern.

    ¡°Mrs. Harper, we¡¯re being followed.¡±

    A wave of fear washed over Katrina, herplexion draining.

    ¡°Drive faster! Lose them!¡± shemanded, her voice quivering.

    The driver nodded just as their car was abruptly rammed from behind. Katrina¡¯s head snapped forward, colliding with the seat in front of her. The impact left the driver scrambling to regain control, his hands trembling on the wheel.

    ¡°Hurry up! We need to move faster!¡± Katrina¡¯s voice wasced with urgency as she leaned forward in her seat, her eyes wide with panic.

    The driver, sensing the gravity of the situation, pressed his foot harder against the elerator.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 607

    ?Chapter 607:

    The car surged forward, cutting through the wind with a fierce howl.

    Katrina¡¯s gaze was fixed on the road as the car swerved skillfully to dodge the other vehicles, her heart pounding against her chest. Despite the chaos, the relentless pursuit of the car behind them only intensified. As they took a sharp turn onto a narrower road, Katrina¡¯s hands shook visibly as she fumbled with her phone to dial Dani¡¯s number.

    In that moment of sheer panic, it was Dani¡¯s name that sprang to her lips¡ª not Joyce, not Caiden, but Dani, the stepdaughter she had wronged for so many years.

    ¡°Dani, I¡¯m in real trouble here. Please, you have to help me. If you do, I¡¯ll tell you everything,¡± Katrina pleaded into the phone, her voice trembling.

    On the other end of the line, Dani¡¯s response was eerily calm as she eyed the wreckage of a vehicle ahead, its front end horribly twisted.

    ¡°And what is it that you¡¯re going to tell me, Katrina?¡±

    Katrina was quick to respond, desperation clear in her voice.

    ¡°Listen, I know you¡¯ve been digging into your mother¡¯s death. Help me now, and I¡¯ll spill everything. I¡¯m just a pawn in a muchrger game. Don¡¯t you want justice for your mother? Save me, Dani!¡±

    ¡°You better not be lying,¡± Dani warned, her voice chillingly cold.

    With a sharp turn and a heavy foot on the gas, Dani sped away like a racer chasing the finish line. Back in her own vehicle, Katrina¡¯s breath hitched as they nearly collided with another car.

    She squeezed her eyes shut, bracing for impact.

    Discover more on g¦Á ? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s,

    But then, there was a massive thud¡ªa sound that seemed too soft for the collision she anticipated. The car rebounded gently and rolled to a stop.

    Silence enveloped the interior, punctuated only by the ragged breathing of the driver, who was just as shaken as she was.

    As Katrina slowly opened her eyes, her gazended on Dani, who stood firm, giving sharp, decisive orders to the emergency crew.

    For a fleeting moment, Katrina forgot everything¡ªhatred, jealousy, resentment, unwillingness. These feelings dissipated into thin air. Overwhelmed by an unexpected sense of gratitude, she yearned to embrace Dani in a thankful hug.

    ¡°You saved me!¡± Katrina eximed, her voice trembling as tears brimmed in her eyes. However, Dani¡¯s face was a mask of stoic indifference, untouched by Katrina¡¯s outpouring of thanks.

    Dani¡¯s voice was cold, dismissive.

    ¡°I saved you today.

    You better keep your promise, or I¡¯ll deal with you in the same way.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s heart hammered in her chest as the weight of their recent ordeal crashed back upon her.

    ¡°Send me away. I need to disappear¡ªsomewhere far, where no one can reach me. Dani, you bought an ind, didn¡¯t you? That¡¯s where I need to be. Only there will I be truly safe.¡±

    For the first time, Katrina felt a genuine regret for her actions towards Brylee.

    If she hadn¡¯t been so cruel, perhaps Dani¡¯s kindness would have extended to granting her this escape. But regret was useless now¡ªthe damage was already done.

    ¡°You¡¯re not going anywhere, Katrina. It¡¯s time for you to face the consequences of your actions,¡± Dani dered, her tone unwavering.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 608

    ?Chapter 608:

    ¡°Death would be too merciful for you.

    You have two choices¡ªconfess everything and turn yourself in, or face a much harsher fate. Choose wisely.¡±

    A shiver ran through Katrina as her eyes locked onto Dani.

    ¡°Please, let me go! I¡¯ll confess everything, but I can¡¯t surrender myself. I just can¡¯t. If I do, everything I¡¯ve built will be destroyed.¡±

    Dani¡¯s eyes were icy as she gave a small nod.

    ¡°Looks like you¡¯ve already chosen the path that¡¯ll destroy you. Fine, I won¡¯t stop you. But don¡¯t expect any help from me again.¡±

    Without another nce, Dani slid into her car, showing no interest in letting Katrina speak further.

    In desperation, Katrina ran after the car, her voice cracking as she cried out, ¡°Dani! Don¡¯t leave me! Take me with you! I¡¯ll tell you everything. Isn¡¯t that enough?¡± Her voice was raw, and soon she crumpled to the ground, struggling to catch her breath.

    Tears flowed freely down her face as she stared at the unfamiliar faces surrounding her, her fear spiraling out of control.

    She was paralyzed by fear.

    Yet no one stepped forward to offer her sce or protection.

    Her trembling hands reached for her phone as she dialed Caiden¡¯s number.

    Fresh chapters live g?ln¦Ò¦Íe?s?c?m

    When he answered, his voice was icy.

    ¡°Do you realize what you¡¯ve done to me? I used to have a daughter I was proud of, and now I have nothing. I¡¯m stuck in this godforsaken ce, being ridiculed as a man who depends on women.

    You¡¯ve ruined everything, even turned my brothers against me.

    You¡¯re the one to me! And now you want me to help you? I wish you were dead!¡±

    The word ¡°dead¡± cut through Katrina, and she couldn¡¯t bear it.

    She hung up the phone in haste and called Joyce instead.

    Joyce was in the garden when a maid approached her.

    ¡°Ma¡¯am, a man named Alexander Bet is here to see you.¡±

    Joyce smiled and dismissed Katrina¡¯s call.

    Turning to the maid, she said, ¡°Let him in. And you can go ahead and leave after that. I¡¯ve got a dinner party tonight, so you¡¯ll have tomorrow off. I need to catch up on some rest.¡±

    The maid nodded obediently.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    As Alexander stepped inside, the maid quietly gathered her things and left, leaving the space feeling unexpectedly empty.

    Joyce continued tending to the flowers, those that Doug particrly adored.

    She could hear the footsteps behind her, drawing nearer. She recognized it was Alexander, even before he came into view.

    He stopped behind her, standing in silence for what felt like an eternity.

    Joyce, however, wasn¡¯t pressed for time.

    She leaned into the moment and waited for Alexander to give in.

    She enjoyed the stillness, savoring the power of the moment.

    Atst, he spoke, his voice steady but resigned.

    ¡°I can agree to your long-term lover. Just tell me your price.¡±

    At his words, Joyce¡¯s lips curled into a sly smile.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 609

    ?Chapter 609:

    The rush of satisfaction was undeniable.

    Alexander had once looked down on her, and deep inside, he still did, but he had no choice now but to submit. She thrived on this feeling of control, loving every second of it.

    She turned her head slowly, her eyes glinting with interest as they met Alexander¡¯s.

    ¡°What did you say? I didn¡¯t quite catch it.¡± Her voice dropped, icy and mocking.

    ¡°Say that again?¡±

    Alexander knew thating to Joyce meant sacrificing his pride, but even now, he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling of disgrace.

    He found himself wishing Dani were the one standing before him instead.

    With Dani, it wouldn¡¯t feel like humiliation¡ªit would have been yful, even enticing.

    He stood frozen while Joyce watched him patiently. She gave him time, waiting for him to finally surrender, piece by piece.

    ¡°I¡¯ll say it again.¡± Alexander clenched his jaw, grinding his pride into dust.

    ¡°I ept your terms. What do you have to offer me?¡±

    Joyce let out a sharp, wildugh, almost manic in its tone. With a smug look, she turned to Alexander and asked, ¡°This is the money I earned through sleeping with Doug. Does that bother you?¡±

    Alexander clenched his jaw, refusing to say a word.

    His pride wouldn¡¯t let him.

    Find your next chapter g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s

    Joyce let out a softugh, clearly enjoying every second of his difort without any rush.

    With a sly smile, she walked closer and started to undress him. First, she slid off his jacket, unbuttoned his shirt, and finally reached for the belt on his trousers.

    The sharp ¡°click¡± of the belt buckle seemed to hit a nerve, echoing in his mind.

    Instinctively, Alexander¡¯s hand shot up, holding the belt in ce.

    Joyceughed again, teasing, ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Her fingers easily brushed his hand aside.

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯ve forgotten your brilliant n to save Bet Group.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s gaze burned, his eyes streaked with anger and shame.

    The sheer humiliation coursing through him left him trembling faintly.

    Joyce¡¯s smirk grew wider as she smoothly pulled the belt free.

    ¡°You really should¡¯ve considered all this before stepping into my world, don¡¯t you think?¡±

    Her words lingered as her hand glided over Alexander¡¯s firm stomach, fingers lingering just above his waistband. Just as her fingers inched lower, Alexander¡¯s hand shot out and gripped her wrist firmly.

    Joyce¡¯s crooked smile stayed in ce, unbothered. She was in no rush, quietly watching and waiting to see how Alexander would respond.

    ¡°Alright.¡± His face reddened as he hastily gathered his clothes, dressed, and bolted from the house.

    He moved quickly, his pace frantic, like a man fleeing something he couldn¡¯t face.

    The moment her hand started to move lower, a sudden vision of Dani filled his mind. At that moment, he realized he no longer cared about being the CEO of Bet Group.

    A wild thought took hold of him¡ªhe wanted Dani more than anything else.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 610

    ?Chapter 610:

    Nothing else mattered; he¡¯d sacrifice everything just to have her.

    He couldn¡¯t ept the idea that they¡¯d keep slipping away from each other forever.

    By the time Alexander reached Elite Lux, Dani had already left, and Cedric was sittingfortably in her office.

    Killian, meanwhile, waspletely consumed by the code that was making him lose his mind. He insisted Dani¡¯s office was his creative haven and vowed not to budge until he solved it.

    Teetering on the edge of a breakdown, Killian red at the endless lines of code when Alexander strode in.

    His eyes darted to Alexander the second he entered. His expression soured as he narrowed his eyes, clearly unimpressed by Alexander¡¯s appearance.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Dani?¡± Alexander demanded. Cedric¡¯s smile felt like a dagger to his chest.

    This should have been his life! Yet here was Cedric, the outsider, sitting smugly, having stolen it all.

    The more Alexander thought about it, the darker his mind became.

    If Cedric wasn¡¯t in the picture, maybe Dani woulde back to him. Could they find their way back to what they once had?

    Fueled by this thought, Alexander¡¯s re hardened as he spat, ¡°Phillips, don¡¯t you have your own office? Showing up here is bad enough, but dragging someone else along? You think Dani¡¯s too polite to throw you out, so you¡¯ve just decided to overstay your wee, huh?¡±

    Cedric wasn¡¯t the type to back down from a fight. He¡¯d never cared for Alexander, but he chose to remain civil for one reason only.

    He didn¡¯t want Dani¡¯s decade-longmitment to Alexander to seem utterly meaningless.

    Read exclusive content at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    He hoped they could go their separate ways with grace.

    Yet, Alexander had a knack for testing limits.

    ¡°Who do you even think you are?¡± Killian was the first to snap.

    ¡°Alexander, I¡¯m so done with your nonsense. Everyone knows you sold yourself to Joyce for cash. What now? She kicked you to the curb, and you¡¯vee crawling back to Dani? Have you no shame?¡±

    Those words hit Alexander like a punch to the gut¡ªit was the one thing he didn¡¯t want to face. A dark look crossed his eyes.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you ever say that again!¡±

    Killian stood his ground, unbothered by Alexander¡¯s threat.

    ¡°Oh, did I lie? Can you honestly deny selling yourself to Joyce for cash? Everyone in Olisvine knows by now!¡±

    Alexander tightened his fists and took a step toward him, full of anger.

    Cedric raised a hand, blocking his path.

    Alexander¡¯s re shifted to Cedric instantly.

    Unfazed, Cedric met Alexander¡¯s hostility with ease and said, ¡°Joyce spilled the beans herself. She¡¯s even spreading videos of you two in bed.¡±

    The words hit Alexander like a blow. His eyes widened, and his face went pale.

    ¡°What did you just say?¡±

    Killian, standing behind Cedric, called out with a smirk, ¡°Come on, Alexander, stop acting tough. Joyce even made a group chat to make fun of yourck of skills in bed. Weren¡¯t you the golden boy once? Didn¡¯t all those women adore you? Now they can grab an uncensored video of you and Joyce in bed for just five bucks!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 611

    ?Chapter 611:

    Killian gestured towards the screen.

    ¡°Want proof? I can hack into Joyce¡¯s files and give you a free peek.¡±

    Alexander stumbled, barely managing to stay upright.

    So everyone saw him with Joyce in bed?

    Had Dani seen it as well?

    What could she possibly think of him now?

    Would she feel hurt?

    Would she look at him with disappointment?

    A storm of emotions churned inside Alexander¡¯s chest.

    Cedric watched Alexander¡¯s face shift between shock and despair, then spoke evenly.

    ¡°She knows. But she didn¡¯t care enough to say a word.¡± And that was the in truth.

    Ryan was the first to stumble across the leaked videos and had shown them to Dani¡¯s driver.

    While the driver was watching, Dani identally heard the audio.

    The driver quickly apologized, and the car raced down the road in awkward silence.

    Worried about losing his job for watching such videos on duty, the driver pleaded with Ryan to speak to Cedric on his behalf.

    As they were discussing the issue, Dani happened to pass by.

    Find the best stories g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    Cedric addressed it head-on, exining the driver¡¯s concerns to Dani.

    Ryan chimed in, ¡°Honestly, Joyce is brutal. Filming that secretly and airing it everywhere? Now everyone knows Alexander stooped so low for money. Crystal-clear footage, too. Imagine being that proud and falling this far. If it were me, I¡¯d just disappear.¡±

    While speaking, he kept sneaking nces at Dani, eager to gauge her reaction.

    Cedric trusted Dani entirely.

    Yet, even he couldn¡¯t help but wonder how she truly felt about all this. Because, in the end, she mattered to him.

    What if the woman he¡¯d finally won over was slipping away?

    Dani¡¯s expression didn¡¯t waver, not even for a second. With a detached grunt, she shifted her focus back to the meeting minutes, her demeanor unruffled.

    Ryan blinked in surprise, sharing a look with Cedric before trailing after her.

    ¡°Dani, aren¡¯t you even a little shocked? Don¡¯t you have anything to say about what happened?¡±

    Dani¡¯s tone was steady.

    ¡°What exactly am I supposed to say?¡±

    Ryan narrowed his eyes, suspicion etched on his face.

    ¡°I¡¯m beginning to wonder if you ever actually liked Alexander. Didn¡¯t everyone say you were in love with him for ten years?¡±

    Dani gave a simple nod.

    ¡°I did.¡±

    Ryan¡¯s doubt deepened.

    ¡°Is this how someone acts after loving someone for ten years?¡± Ten years¡ªa whole decade.

    In a lifetime, a decade is no small span of time.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 612

    ?Chapter 612:

    For ten years, Alexander had been the center of Dani¡¯s heart. And now, he had plummeted from his pedestal, reduced to a shadow of his former self in front of the world.

    Yet, Dani¡¯s emotions seemedpletely untouched.

    Ryan found it impossible to wrap his head around it.

    Could this really be what love looked like after ten long years?

    Ryan ran a hand through his hair, ncing at Dani as she continued signing papers without a flicker of emotion.

    ¡°Cedric, do you think she really doesn¡¯t care, or is it all an act?¡±

    Cedric remained silent, unsure.

    Later that night, he pulled Dani into his arms and murmured, ¡°If that¡¯s the kind you prefer, I can be like that too.¡±

    Half-asleep, Dani let out a soft ¡°Mm,¡± the meaning of Cedric¡¯s words slowly registering in her mind.

    As she slipped into slumber, she murmured, ¡°Cedric, I see how hard you¡¯re trying to be the perfect husband. I truly value that, but what matters most is that you¡¯re both my husband and your true self. Whatever role life may bring, stay true to who you are.¡± Dani¡¯s love had always been expansive¡ªnever about chaining the one she cherished.

    To her, love that sought to possess and control wasn¡¯t love. By now, Cedric was convinced that Dani¡¯s heart was his and his alone.

    Alexander couldn¡¯t help but notice the calm confidence radiating from Cedric.

    Once upon a time, he had that same unshakable poise, but his arrogance had grown from years of taking Dani¡¯s love for granted. The soft click of the office door opening broke the silence, and it swung inward.

    Your favorite tales live at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s£®??????

    Dani stepped in, her smile warm and a bag in hand, her gazending on Cedric.

    She raised the bag with a small grin.

    ¡°Your favorite dish. I packed some for you. If you like it, I¡¯ll grab more next time.¡±

    Alexander remained off to the side, a bitter wave of humiliation washing over him.

    Once, no matter where they were, Dani¡¯s eyes would find him first. Now, it was as if he didn¡¯t even exist.

    ¡°Dani.¡± Alexander¡¯s restraint crumbled, and he spoke up.

    Shame burned through him, especially after the exposure of Joyce¡¯s videos, but he forced himself to muster courage. He was ready to let go of every shred of his pride.

    Dani¡¯s love was the only thing he craved now.

    ¡°I need to talk to you. I know you won¡¯t agree to a private conversation, so I¡¯ll say it here,¡± he blurted, his voice trembling with resolve.

    Dani hadn¡¯t even registered Alexander¡¯s presence until now. Her brows furrowed the instant his voice cut through the room.

    ¡°How did you even get up here?¡± she asked coolly.

    Her icy question froze Alexander mid-confession. For a moment, he could only stare at her, utterly stunned and silent.

    After a long pause, his voice quivered as he finally spoke, tinged with usation.

    ¡°Do you have any idea how much bravery it took for me to face you?¡±

    Dani remained utterly clueless, her expression one of confusion, yet she was indifferent.

    Alexander, however, was desperate and frantic.

    ¡°I know you¡¯ve seen my videos with Joyce, but here I am, still standing before you. Do you have any idea how much courage this took?¡± His voice cracked with sorrow as he asked, ¡°Do you even realize what this means?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 613

    ?Chapter 613:

    Alexander¡¯s face drained of color, yet he stood tall, refusing to hide his vulnerability, determined to set his pride aside for Dani.

    He locked eyes with her, urging, ¡°Do you see how determined I am?¡±

    Alexander desperately sought some sign of emotion, some hint of the passion she once had when chasing after him. But she remained unmoved, her calmness unwavering.

    Alexander was lost, unable toprehend Dani¡¯s reaction.

    ¡°Why should I care?¡± Dani asked in a detached tone.

    Alexander stood frozen for a moment, all his hope, vulnerability, and careful emotions crumbling in an instant. His voice wavered.

    ¡°What did you just say?¡±

    Dani, unaffected, stood in stark contrast to Alexander¡¯s unraveling. She felt like a distant observer in this exchange. Thinking he hadn¡¯t heard her properly, Dani repeated, ¡°Why should I care?¡±

    Dani was direct and forthright.

    ¡°To me, you¡¯re just a memory from the past, someone I waited for endlessly. I don¡¯t see the purpose of youing to me now with all these things to say.¡±

    Alexander raised his voice, desperation clear.

    ¡°I want us back together. Can¡¯t you see that? Dani, I regret divorcing you. I want us to be a couple again.¡±

    Dani¡¯s brows knitted slightly at his words.

    Endless adventures await on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s

    Alexander pressed on, ¡°You once told me I didn¡¯t understand love. Maybe I was already in love with you back then. It¡¯s just I hadn¡¯t realized my feelings. Dani, don¡¯t you see? I love you.¡± He yelled, his voice filled with raw sincerity, as though his love for Dani was the deepest truth.

    ¡°I could have stayed with Joyce, but you kept haunting my thoughts, every smile and frown of yours etched in my memory. I couldn¡¯t continue with her. Dani, I was slow to realize, but I now see that you¡¯ll always have a ce in my heart. Don¡¯t you remember how wonderful we were together? I want to go back to that time. Can you love me again?¡±

    Without hesitation, Dani shook her head.

    ¡°No. It¡¯s not possible.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s face flushed with anger.

    ¡°Why not? Is it because of Cedric?¡±

    Dani answered calmly, ¡°It¡¯s because I don¡¯t like you anymore. Or maybe, like you, I was slow to realize I never really did. Honestly, this conversation today feels like a waste of time.¡±

    A cold shiver ran down Alexander¡¯s spine at her words.

    He opened his mouth to respond, but Dani interrupted, her voice more direct than ever.

    ¡°I have someone I truly love now, and I understand what real love feels like. I never loved you before, I don¡¯t love you now, and I won¡¯t in the future. So, I¡¯d appreciate it if you didn¡¯te to Elite Lux anymore. It won¡¯t bother me, but it would inconvenience my secretary, and I don¡¯t want to create unnecessary misunderstandings for the person I love.¡±

    Dani¡¯s final words stirred jealousy in Alexander¡¯s heart.

    His eyes darkened as he shot a sharp look at Cedric.

    In a mocking tone, he asked, ¡°How can you be so sure that what you feel for Cedric is love? You chased me for ten years, and now you say it was all an illusion. What makes you think your feelings for Cedric won¡¯t fade like mine did in the future?¡± His expression twisted with doubt.

    ¡°How can you be sure Cedric will be your one and only love?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 614

    ?Chapter 614:

    Alexander, regaining his confidence, confronted Dani.

    ¡°What makes you so sure Cedric won¡¯t end up like me?¡±

    He then turned to Cedric, his gaze hardening as he warned, ¡°Don¡¯t get toofortable! Dani loves with all her heart, and what you¡¯re enjoying now is what I once had. My downfall could easily be your future. What makes you think you¡¯re better than I am?¡±

    In the end, Alexander felt a strange satisfaction.

    The future was unpredictable, and he was determined to nt seeds of doubt in their rtionship. His sense of triumph grew stronger.

    Cedric¡¯s brow furrowed.

    It was one thing for Alexander to speak to Dani, but to make her question her feelings and upset her waspletely uneptable.

    He tightened his gaze, ready to speak out, but Dani spoke first.

    ¡°It¡¯spletely different.¡±

    Her words hung in the air, leaving everyone stunned.

    All eyes were now on Dani.

    Alexander¡¯s face registered shock.

    ¡°How is it different?¡± he demanded.

    As the words hung in the air, Elyse knocked and stepped into the room.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s is where imagination thrives

    She paused upon seeing the gathered people, her gaze sharp.

    ¡°Alexander? You have the audacity to be here?¡±

    Alexander ignored Elysepletely, his focus solely on Dani.

    ¡°What¡¯s so different? Dani, you pursued me for ten years. What haven¡¯t you given me?¡±

    Dani¡¯s response was a soft chuckle, her smile filled with self-assured confidence.

    Alexander narrowed his eyes, watching her intently. Standing before her, he caught a brief movement of her lips. A single word left her mouth, and a cold shiver ran down his spine. Cedric, Killian, and Elyse, standing by Dani¡¯s side, didn¡¯t see the word she mouthed.

    It was a word so powerful that it left Alexander speechless, defenseless, unable to form a single counterargument. His eyes filled with deep frustration as he red at Dani, feelingpletely wronged.

    ¡°Dani, is this how you treat me? Do you know why I¡¯m here? I¡¯m here to tell you I don¡¯t want Bet Group. I don¡¯t care about my pride. I want nothing but you. If you still want me, I¡¯ll be the man behind you, like your father was for your mother. I will love you unconditionally. Is this how you repay me?¡±

    Dani spread her hands casually.

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡±

    With that, her attention seemed to shift away from Alexander. She nced past him to Elyse standing in the doorway.

    ¡°Aunt, is there something you need?¡±

    Elyse nodded, walking forward and briefly ncing at Alexander as she passed by.

    In that moment, Alexander seemed stripped of all his previous arrogance, like a stray dog. He appeared to have finallye to terms with his situation. He was trembling uncontrobly, and his eyes lost all focus.

    Elyse said, ¡°I¡¯ve secured some major contracts for Harper Group that need your signature.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 615

    ?Chapter 615:

    Dani smiled warmly.

    ¡°I¡¯ve always trusted your work, Aunt,¡± Dani said.

    Elyse smiled in return.

    ¡°Nina¡¯s graduated now. She¡¯s always been frail. I was thinking of having her work at Harper Group. What do you think, Dani?¡±

    Dani signed the contracts, her smile soft and approving.

    ¡°Sure, arrange a position for her as you think best.¡±

    Elyseughed lightly.

    ¡°She¡¯s not capable of much, so a regr clerical position will be fine.¡±

    As Dani handed over the signed contracts, her smile was warmer than Elyse¡¯s.

    ¡°I recall Nina studied finance. Let her learn in the finance department.¡±

    Elyse chuckled.

    ¡°No, she¡¯s a bit too careless. Let her stay by my side as a clerk. If she can¡¯t handle it, I¡¯ll personally take care of it.¡±

    Dani nodded.

    ¡°It¡¯s your decision.¡±

    Elyse smiled once more.

    ¡°Nina¡¯s waiting outside. She was determined to see you as soon as she heard I was here.¡± With that, Elyse walked to the door and called for Nina toe in. Nina Dury, Elyse¡¯s eldest daughter, entered the room with a fragile, delicate air about her, her head lowered in a shy gesture.

    g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s, your fiction escape

    Yet as she passed Cedric, she faltered, before standing opposite Dani and calling her name quietly.

    ¡°Dani.¡±

    Dani offered a soft smile in return.

    Nina¡¯s voice was gentle as she spoke.

    ¡°Dani, I don¡¯t want to stay by my mother¡¯s side forever. May I apply to join Elite Lux?¡± Before Dani could say a word, Elyse¡¯s expression hardened, her brow furrowing.

    ¡°Nina, have you lost all sense of your limits? Elite Lux isn¡¯t the ce for you.

    Your health is fragile, so stay with me and prepare for marriage. Why can¡¯t you just listen?¡± At these words, Nina couldn¡¯t hold back, and her tears began to fall.

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯ve graduated. I want to prove myself. I don¡¯t want to follow you forever. I¡¯ve grown up and can stand on my own. Though my health isn¡¯t perfect, Dani can look after me,¡± Elyse stood, her hands firmly nted on her hips, too furious to say anything more.

    A heavy silence fell over the office as all eyes turned to Dani, waiting for her response.

    Dani maintained her calm smile.

    ¡°It¡¯s good to see Nina has such ambition. Joining Elite Lux is perfectly fine.¡± Nina¡¯s face lit up with excitement at Dani¡¯s words.

    Just then, Lillian opened the door, and from where she stood, she caught Nina stealing a nce at Cedric.

    Had it not been for Lillian¡¯s sharp instincts, she might have missed it entirely.

    Nina kept her head lowered, her face hidden behind stray strands of hair, her expression a mystery to those around her.

    Elyse chuckled.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 616

    ?Chapter 616:

    ¡°I told you, Dani, she¡¯s a bit of a troublemaker. Go ahead and spoil her. Nina, tell Dani what position you¡¯d like.¡±

    Lillian¡¯s expression soured. It was clear to her that this was all a performance, a scheme tond Nina a spot at Elite Lux. She cast a nce at Dani, who remained unbothered, before taking a seat.

    Dani smiled warmly at Nina, asking, ¡°So, what do you think, Nina?¡±

    Nina¡¯s voice remained soft, yet every word was unmistakable.

    ¡°I want to learn from you, Dani.

    You¡¯ve always been the one I look up to.¡±

    Elyseughed.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be silly. I¡¯m happy Dani is your role model, but your future should focus on finding a husband.¡±

    Nina pouted, clearly displeased with her mother¡¯s words. Dani chuckled.

    ¡°Alright, Nina can start in the secretarial department tomorrow.¡±

    Elyse¡¯sughter echoed once more.

    After a few more exchanged pleasantries, Elyse left with Nina. As they passed Cedric, Nina¡¯s ears flushed red, and she let out a soft chuckle.

    Her chuckle was so soft that only those nearby, like Killian and Cedric, could hear it.

    Killian raised an eyebrow, exchanging a nce with Cedric.

    Once they had left, Lillian stood, her dissatisfaction clear.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s has your next chapter

    ¡°Those two are masters of maniption! What a performance they put on this morning!¡±

    Alexander remained rooted to the spot,pletely disregarded by Dani.

    He was seething with anger, yet a sliver of hope still lingered as he asked, ¡°Dani, do you really not want me anymore?¡±

    Dani was taken by surprise as she gazed at Alexander.

    ¡°You¡¯re still here?¡±

    Alexander inhaled deeply. Normally, with his pride, he would have walked out by now.

    But today, something was different.

    His fists tightened, as if he were throwing all caution aside, unwilling to back down until he had his answer.

    ¡°I need you to answer me.¡±

    Without hesitation, Dani replied, ¡°I refuse.¡±

    Alexander nearly lost his breath.

    ¡°Did you ever love me?¡±

    Dani hesitated briefly, then answered, ¡°No.¡±

    Alexander nodded, his voice cold.

    ¡°Alright. Dani, I hope you never regret what you¡¯ve said today. One day, I¡¯ll make you see me in a new light, reconsider me, and you¡¯ll want me again. But by then, I¡¯ll be out of your reach.¡±

    With that, Alexander walked away, his pride shattered.

    Killian nudged Cedric.

    ¡°When Alexander said Dani had given him everything, what did she say that left him so defeated?¡±

    Cedric had an inkling, but he still made his way downstairs. He called out to Alexander, ¡°What did she say to you? We didn¡¯t catch it.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 617

    ?Chapter 617:

    Alexander suspected Cedric was purposefully trying to mock him. He narrowed his eyes.

    ¡°You don¡¯t know?¡±

    Alexander thought Cedric was more maniptive than that woman named Nina he had just encountered.

    Cedric raised his hands in mock innocence.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, and I am curious.¡±

    Alexander was enraged by Cedric¡¯s response. He shot Cedric a furious re.

    Earlier, he had told Dani, ¡°You¡¯ve given everything for me. How am I any different from Cedric?¡± Dani had replied, ¡°It¡¯s different.¡±

    Unseen by the others, she had mouthed, ¡°Myself.¡±

    ¡°Dani has always gone above and beyond for me, but she never gave herself to me,¡± Alexander yelled at Cedric, his frustration boiling over.

    ¡°She¡¯d do anything I asked, yet she wouldn¡¯t even let me hold her hand, let alone anything more personal. But you¡¯ve crossed that line with her, haven¡¯t you? So, tell me, Cedric, does it make you feel proud? Does it feel special to have what she kept from me? Well, don¡¯t get toofortable. People change, Cedric, and mark my words¡ªsooner orter, Dani will realize I¡¯m the one she¡¯s truly meant to be with.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s words were sharp and icy, each syble cutting through the air like a de.

    Cedric¡¯s lips curved into a faint, smug smile as he replied, ¡°Oh? Is that what she let you believe?¡±

    Fury radiated from Alexander like heat from a wildfire, his clenched fists trembling.

    With a final, venomous re, he spat, ¡°The future is long¡ªwe¡¯ll see who wins in the end!¡± Turning on his heel, he stormed off, refusing to nce back.

    In the office, Lillian¡¯s brows knitted together.

    ¡°Dani, why on earth did you hire Nina as your secretary at Elite Lux? She¡¯s going to be hovering around you constantly.¡±

    It felt like handing Elyse a front-row seat to every move Dani made.

    Dani¡¯s smile was calm, almost serene.

    ¡°To catch the big fish, you need the right patience.¡±

    Lillian nodded, though her frown lingered.

    ¡°Nina might look fragile, but her eyes? They¡¯re always darting around, especially when Cedric¡¯s nearby¡ªthere¡¯s a predatory gleam you can¡¯t miss.¡±

    Dani nodded slightly.

    ¡°Elyse has been livingfortably off my mother¡¯s shares for years. Her daughters? They¡¯ve grown up spoiled, thinking the world owes them something. Nina might be petty, but her sister Natalie, who¡¯s abroad? She¡¯s the real one to watch.¡±

    Back then, Brylee had poured her heart and soul into supporting Elyse and her family.

    And what did she get in return?

    A cruel, tragic ending. Katrina never talked about the details, but Dani had pieced the story together on her own.

    ¡°Lately, Katrina¡¯s been through hell¡ªeight car idents, six other incidents. She¡¯s been breaking down, crying, begging to see you, Dani. Do you want to talk to her?¡±

    Dani shook her head firmly.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 618

    ?Chapter 618:

    ¡°No, not yet. Some people only realize their mistakes after they¡¯ve been broken down enough. Just make sure she stays alive.¡±

    Lillian gave a curt nod.

    ¡°From the looks of Katrina¡¯s recent string of disasters, Elyse¡¯s hand in this is unmistakable. But something tells me it¡¯s not just her. Is there someone else pulling strings behind her?¡±

    Dani didn¡¯t say a word. She stood quietly by the floor-to-ceiling window, her gaze fixed on the bustling traffic below, her eyes thoughtful.

    Alexander left Dani¡¯s office and made his way to Joyce¡¯s residence.

    Joyce greeted him without surprise. She knew Dani¡¯s nature well¡ªgenerous unless betrayed, then utterly unforgiving. Alexander had hoped for reconciliation, but deep down, he knew Dani¡¯s forgiveness was out of the question.

    Upon arriving at Joyce¡¯s ce, Alexander began undressing immediately. Standing before her, stripped bare, he felt her gaze appraising him, her eyes calcting.

    ¡°So, are you trulymitted this time?¡±

    Alexander¡¯s expression was cold, his disdain for Dani evident, though his thoughts still lingered on her.

    ¡°Yes. I am decided.¡±

    Joyce¡¯sughter rang out, sharp and cautionary.

    ¡°Alexander, you can¡¯t just waltz in and out of here on a whim.¡±

    Explore fresh updates on g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s

    His brows furrowed at her words.

    ¡°What are you implying?¡±

    ¡°You should know I¡¯m neither short of money norpanions. This isn¡¯t just a ce for quick cash. Got it?¡±

    It dawned on Alexander that Joyce was proposing a continuous, intimate rtionship.

    With a sly smile, Joyceid out her terms.

    ¡°One year, at my disposal.

    You willply with all my requests. In return, I¡¯ll ensure Bet Group thrives.¡±

    The memories of thepromising videos made Alexander¡¯s mood darken further.

    Joyce chuckled softly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Sign this contract, and I¡¯ll treat you fairly. Those videos were just to curb your lingering feelings for Dani. Stay true to me, and I promise no more games.¡±

    Alexander was staggered by howpletely Joyce seemed to dominate him now.

    ¡°Do you need time to consider?¡± Joyce asked.

    His jaw clenched, and Alexander dismissed the need for dy.

    ¡°No need.¡±

    Joyce pped her hands lightly, the sound cutting through the tense air.

    ¡°Excellent. Here¡¯s the contract. Abide by it, and I¡¯ll elevate Bet Group. Break it, and yourpany bes mine.¡±

    She slid the contract across the table to him before retreating to the bathroom to undress, leaving him alone with his thoughts. The faint sound of running water echoed from the bathroom as Alexander stared at the contract, his fists clenched. His hand shook visibly as he gripped the pen.

    He convinced himself that with enough wealth, Dani would regret her indifference. He was determined to rise to prominence, to change how Dani saw him.

    With trembling hands, Alexander signed the document.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 619

    ?Chapter 619:

    From the bathroom, Joyce¡¯s voice floated out casually.

    ¡°Once you¡¯re done signing, join me.¡±

    Resolutely, Alexander made his way toward the bathroom.

    Steam enveloped the room, where Joyce, unclothed and rxed, perched on the edge of the sink, smoking a cigarette.

    Upon his entrance, she flicked her cigarette away with a smirk.

    ¡°Carry me to the bath.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s eyes were zed over, and he moved as though on autopilot. He bent down to lift Joyce and ced her in the bathtub. Joyce smiled, pinched Alexander¡¯s chin, and said, ¡°Come in.¡±

    Heplied without a word.

    As Joyce stretched out in the soothing water, closing her eyes in contentment, shemanded, as if casting a spell, ¡°Kneel. Kiss me.¡±

    As the night wore on, it became evident to Alexander that his proud, self-respecting persona was crumbling under Joyce¡¯s demeaning demands.

    Three dayster, when Doug returned, Alexander exited the vi through the back door, clutching the check Joyce had given him. After some distance, he nced back.

    Joyce was hunched over the window, with Doug behind her.

    Yet, her gaze seemed to pierce through the distance, locking with Alexander¡¯s.

    As Alexander held the check, a wave of revulsion overcame him, and he vomited forcefully by the roadside.

    Your new favorite is g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c?m

    After a moment, he recovered, clenched the check tightly, straightened up, and strode into the darkness, a resolve hardening within him.

    Back at the office, Dani was immersed in her work. Lillian, watching the news, turned to Dani with a click of her tongue.

    ¡°Have you seen this? Alexander is nowpletely under Joyce¡¯s control.¡±

    Dani, who had been preupied with acquiring newpanies and engrossed in her projects, barely registered the gossip. Noticing the shift in focus, Lillian redirected the conversation.

    ¡°Katrina also met with Joyce recently. Joyce apparently handed her ten million, which Katrina used to fortify her security. Should we step in?¡±

    Dani raised an eyebrow.

    ¡°Doug¡¯s pretty open-handed with Joyce. There¡¯s no need for us to get involved. Besides, isn¡¯t Nina starting tomorrow? Elyse is far more eager to see Katrina dealt with than we are.¡±

    The following morning, Nina made a striking entrance in a vibrant pink ensemble, capturing everyone¡¯s attention. Known for her polite demeanor, she courteously greeted everyone at thepany.

    As Lillian escorted her through various departments, Nina¡¯s charm quickly won over many of her male colleagues.

    Hailing from the Dury family, renowned for their attractiveness, Nina skillfully used her beauty to influence those around her.

    Yet, she tended to look down on those she considered beneath her.

    Her motivation for joining Elite Lux was clear¡ªshe had already marked a target.

    When Lillian and Nina returned to the secretary department, Nina¡¯s gaze locked onto Cedric.

    Ignoring Lillian, Nina approached Cedric.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 620

    Chapter 620:

    With one hand behind her back and the other extended, Nina offered a shy smile.

    ¡°Cedric, you were my senior from high school, and I¡¯m so happy to see you again at Elite Lux. It¡¯s great that we¡¯ll be working together once more.¡±

    Cedric appeared taken aback.

    Nina¡¯s expression softened, her eyes misting over, yet she maintained a strained smile.

    ¡°We attended the same high school, though you were quite prominent, so you may not recall me. We once coborated on a ss project, or perhaps a bulletin board.¡±

    Cedric struggled to remember, responding with a polite nod. As he moved to enter Dani¡¯s office, Nina called out to him again.

    ¡°Would you like something to drink? Can I get you anything?¡± Nina¡¯s voice floated gently, apanied by a light smile, seemingly innocent.

    Cedric looked at her and replied briefly, ¡°No, thank you.¡±

    Unfazed, Nina maintained her smile, keeping up with him.

    ¡°Maybe you¡¯re not a fan of coffee? I¡¯m really good at making fresh juice.¡±

    As soon as Cedric heard this, his expression slowly hardened.

    ¡°Nina Dury.¡±

    Nina¡¯s eyes sparkled with anticipation as she fixed her gaze on Cedric.

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m here.¡±

    Discover what¡¯s next on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s???o??

    Cedric¡¯s expression showed a hint of annoyance.

    ¡°Remember, you were employed by Elite Lux, not Phillips Group.

    Your duties are to Dani, not to me. Focus on her needs instead of mine.¡±

    Nina¡¯s smile abruptly stiffened.

    Cedric nced at Lillian, who seemed to be enjoying the exchange with a hint of amusement.

    ¡°Could you please take your colleague away?¡±

    With that, Cedric turned and entered Dani¡¯s office.

    Nina bit her lip, her eyes welling up with unshed tears.

    Lillian let out a quietugh.

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m up for either coffee or juice. Mind making one for me?¡±

    Silently, Nina nodded and walked toward the pantry.

    Entering the office, Cedric found that Dani was not there but in a meeting. The previous night, he had acquired a splendid sapphire jewelry piece at an auction. Intending to surprise Dani, he was about to ce it in her lounge when the door to the meeting room swung open.

    Without looking back, Cedric assumed it was Lillian.

    ¡°Keep an eye on your team members. Ensure they don¡¯t get ideas above their station.¡±

    After making his point, Cedric retrieved the jewelry from its bag and set it on the lounge table, opening the box to inspect it. Nina stood behind him, holding a freshly brewed cup of coffee. As she nced over, her eyesnded on the jewelry, which radiated a captivating green shimmer. She gasped in awe.

    This piece was said to have been part of an ancient queen¡¯s dowry to her daughter, an item of immense value. Many collectors had aggressively contested for it the previous night. Ultimately, a mysterious affluent buyer acquired the jewelry, leaving behind a note that read, ¡°A priceless jewel for a beloved.¡±

    Nina stared at Cedric, her expression one of disbelief. Rumors had circted about Cedric¡¯s infatuation with Dani, but could he truly justify spending billions on a piece of jewelry just to win her over?

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Happy weekend dear readers! God loves you, and Noah wishes you all the best! (©¤??O)

    .

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 621

    ?Chapter 621:

    Cedric¡¯s generosity seemed boundless. As Nina watched him, her heart pounded with intensity, captivated by Cedric¡¯s profile. She thought such a man truly deserved the finest partner. A look of admiration and yearning filled her eyes.

    Realizing they were alone in the office, Nina approached Cedric and ¡°identally¡± tilted her coffee cup. The coffee stained Cedric¡¯s immacte white shirt.

    Cedric turned, expecting Lillian, but instead, he met Nina¡¯s apologetic gaze. She appeared flustered, rapidly grabbing tissues.

    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Cedric. I didn¡¯t mean to. This was clumsy of me.¡±

    While apologizing, she reached out with a tissue towards Cedric¡¯s midsection. Cedric frowned, instinctively stepping back. He was about to respond when the office door swung open.

    Lillian entered, mid-conversation.

    ¡°Dani, about Nina¡­¡± She halted abruptly upon seeing the scene in the office.

    Dani entered behind her.

    ¡°I apologize, Dani. This was my mistake. Please don¡¯t misinterpret what happened,¡± Nina pleaded, her voice tinged with distress as she bit her lip.

    After Nina finished speaking, she bowed her head and began to weep quietly, giving the impression that something significant had urred between her and Cedric, who had earlier been alone with her in the office. Lillian¡¯s expression soured as she observed Nina, the situation leaving a bad taste in her mouth.

    Nina kept her gaze lowered, oblivious to Dani¡¯s reaction. With a soft voice, she added, ¡°I apologize, Dani.¡±

    Cedric was about to rify things to Dani when she entered the room and replied, ¡°Is that so? What exactly are you apologizing for?¡± Dani¡¯s calm question seemed to diffuse the tension Cedric had been feeling.

    Nina frowned. Was Dani genuinely this undisturbed? Perhaps Dani harbored no romantic feelings for Cedric, or she trusted him implicitly. Nina suspected it was the former; trust was seldom granted freely in their circles.

    ???????? ?????????????? ???? ??????????????????.??????

    Feeling a glimmer of hope, she reassured herself that if there was no romantic link between Dani and Cedric, she might still have a chance.

    ¡°Look, Dani, I identally spilled coffee on Cedric earlier. It was purely an ident.¡±

    Lillian scoffed dismissively.

    ¡°Really? Is that it? Your expression just now suggested Cedric was at fault for something far more serious.¡±

    Nina widened her eyes, her expression filled with an adorable sense of disbelief.

    ¡°How could you say that? There¡¯s absolutely nothing improper between Cedric and me. Lillian, why would you entertain such unsavory ideas?¡±

    Lillian met her gaze with a mocking sneer.

    ¡°We¡¯re not fools here; your motives are quite transparent.¡±

    As soon as she heard those words, tears that had been brimming in Nina¡¯s eyes began to spill over.

    ¡°Lillian, have I done something to offend you? Why must you cast such aspersions about me? Cedric is a distinguished guest at Elite Lux. I hold him in high regard. Is that objectionable? Must everyone agree with you? I didn¡¯t realize you were so overbearing, Lillian.¡±

    Lillian bristled at the usation.

    ¡°Excuse me! What did you just call me?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 622

    ?Chapter 622:

    Nina remainedposed, her tone even.

    ¡°Overbearing.¡±

    Lillian was visibly agitated, ready to confront Nina further, but Dani intervened. Nina, misinterpreting Dani¡¯s action as support, allowed herself a smug expression.

    Just as Nina was about to add more, Dani¡¯s look became stern.

    ¡°Are you sure you want to continue this?¡±

    Nina hesitated, then closed her mouth.

    Dani¡¯s voice was cold.

    ¡°Lillian is your supervisor here. If you¡¯re unable to show the necessary respect and can only behave courteously towards Cedric, maybe you¡¯d be better suited as a secretary at Phillips Group.¡±

    Nina cast a quick nce at Cedric. Indeed, she had ambitions to join Phillips Group, but Cedric had not yet made such an offer. She had only recently secured her position at Dani¡¯spany, and being dismissed on her first day would be disastrous, especially in her mother¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°I apologize,¡± Nina quickly said, her tone smooth and practiced.

    ¡°Lillian, I ept full responsibility. I¡¯ll reflect on my behavior. Please don¡¯t hold this against me.¡±

    Nina was aware that Dani, likely out of respect for her mother, wouldn¡¯t dismiss her hastily. Thus, her remorse was not entirely genuine.

    After her plea, she turned to Dani, attempting to charm her.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s has stories worth exploring

    ¡°Dani, I¡¯ve apologized. Let¡¯s not dwell on this. I was really frightened when I identally spilled coffee on Cedric. Can we move past this, please? Your mother always forgave my mistakes; she wouldn¡¯t scold me if she were here. Dani, you¡¯re wonderful.

    You won¡¯t stay upset with me, right?¡± Nina delivered her apology with a seemingly innocent smile, her underlying motives well-hidden. Even the finance manager, pausing at the door to deliver his report, found himself momentarily moved by her act.

    Dani issued a mild reproof to Nina before dismissing her.

    As Nina exited, she cast multiple nces back at Cedric.

    When Nina had finally left, Lillian exhaled deeply, turned to Dani, and warned, ¡°Dani! Nina and Elyse are far more maniptive than Katrina.¡±

    Dani responded with a light chuckle.

    ¡°The Dury women are worldly; their broad experiences, connections, and influence grant them a certain stature in their social circles. They¡¯re not limited in their views like Katrina. It¡¯s best to keep your distance to avoid any potential harm.¡±

    Lillian was about to reply when Cedric added, ¡°I¡¯ll be on guard as well.¡±

    Dani looked at Cedric, who was visibly cautious, and smiled, shaking her head.

    In the following days, Nina kept a low profile at work. She was hardworking and adjusted well to her duties, though she asionally showed signs of emotional instability, and her eyes involuntarily followed Cedric. For the most part, however, her conduct was impable. Observing this, Lillian suggested to Dani, ¡°Should we see if she takes the bait?¡±

    At that moment, Dani was busy signing documents. Upon hearing Lillian¡¯s suggestion, she paused and looked up, asking, ¡°The bait?¡±

    Lillian nced toward Cedric, who was focused on his work near the office entrance.

    ¡°Nothing great is achieved without some risk.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 623

    ?Chapter 623:

    In Lillian¡¯s opinion, Dani was always stringent with herself, and she believed Dani should apply the same standards to others. Previously, to draw Katrina out, Dani had not hesitated to use herself as bait. Thus, employing Cedric as bait now seemed trivial byparison. After all, it was just a strategic move. They hadprehensive protection in ce to ensure Cedric¡¯s safety, eliminating any cause for concern.

    Lillian was certain of Cedric¡¯s loyalty; she knew he would consent to being the bait. In her view, Nina was more cunning than Katrina, but not particrly dangerous. It would simply involve capitalizing on Cedric¡¯s charm. It wasn¡¯t anything too serious.

    Once Lillian finished proposing the idea, she waited for Dani¡¯s approval. Dani, however, remained quiet.

    ¡°Dani?¡±

    Lillian, thinking Dani might not have heard her, was about to repeat her suggestion when Dani responded firmly.

    Anything that might put Cedric at risk is out of the question,¡± Dani dered decisively.

    Lillian was caught off guard.

    ¡°But it¡¯s not really dangerous, is it?¡±

    ¡°Regardless,¡± Dani replied, her voice steady and authoritative.

    ¡°He shouldn¡¯t be dragged into my personal affairs.¡±

    Cedric was invaluable to her. Dani regretted involving him in herplex life, burdening him with concerns for her well-being. She refused to expose him to any risk. Absolutely not.

    Lillian was struck by Dani¡¯s determination. Dani seldom expressed her feelings openly. Lillian had never been under the impression that Dani deeply cared for Cedric. At best, she thought Dani valued him as a friend and had begrudgingly epted their rtionship. Now, Lillian found herself questioning her assumptions. Could it be that Dani truly had deeper feelings for Cedric? Lillian pondered this until Katrina showed up, looking utterly disheveled and distressed.

    Dani initially suspected Katrina was fleeing from someone, but as soon as she entered the office, Katrina broke down in tears.

    ¡°Dani, are you going to address the situation with your dad? As a high-profile CEO, it can¡¯t look good to have a father used of domestic abuse, right?¡±

    Nina, standing in the doorway, watched in silence, her eyes widening at the usation.

    Dani nced up and noticed Nina.

    ¡°He is not my father.¡±

    The revtion made Nina pause, taken aback, while Katrina, though surprised, seemed somewhat prepared.

    ¡°So, you¡¯re saying you won¡¯t intervene with your father mistreating me?¡± Katrina asked, her voice wavering.

    ¡°He¡¯s been excluded from the family and has returned to town. He threatened to harm me unless you allow him to stay at the Harper family vi.¡±

    Dani, aware that Katrina had recently been funded by Joyce, knew that despite hiring bodyguards, Katrina likely still had some financial resources.

    ¡°Are you asking for my help?¡± Dani asked.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Katrina replied.

    ¡°Very well. What¡¯s your price?¡± Dani inquired.

    Katrina was taken aback by the question.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 624

    ?Chapter 624:

    ¡°You¡¯re wealthy, and yet you¡¯re asking me for money?¡± she asked in disbelief.

    Dani responded calmly, ¡°I¡¯m a businesswoman. I don¡¯t provide help without something in return.

    You know this as well as anyone.¡±

    Katrina tightened her lips, clearly frustrated.

    ¡°How much are you asking?¡± she demanded.

    Dani smiled and raised a finger.

    ¡°Ten thousand?¡±

    Katrina scoffed, her expression darkening.

    ¡°One hundred thousand?¡± Dani proposed.

    Katrina shook her head in disbelief.

    ¡°Really, Dani? A million? Why not just rob a bank while you¡¯re at it?¡± she eximed.

    Dani¡¯s face remained emotionless.

    ¡°If that¡¯s uneptable, we can end this discussion. Feel free to seek help elsewhere.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s anger red. She considered looking for another solution, but everything depended on Dani¡¯s approval since she controlled the property.

    ¡°One million, covering three months¡¯ rent. Additional days will incur further charges. Mull it over and return if you wish to discuss it further.¡± Dani¡¯s demeanor was firm, signaling she was ready to dismiss Katrina if needed.

    Katrina clenched her jaw.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have that kind of money,¡± she dered, then dramatically sat down on the floor.

    ¡°If you leave me no choice, then I won¡¯t leave.¡±

    After all this time, Katrina hade to realize that staying by Dani¡¯s side was safer than facing the unpredictable dangers of the outside world or returning home to endure Caiden¡¯s beatings.

    Watching Katrina on the floor, Dani allowed a slight smirk to form.

    ¡°Are you trying to pressure me?¡±

    That smile was exactly what Katrina dreaded most about Dani. It always seemed to precede severe consequences, as if the sword of Damocles hung over her head.

    Dani¡¯s approach was always understated, yet impactful.

    ¡°Get up,¡± Danimanded, her expression suddenly stern. Her intense gaze made it clear that Katrina had no choice but to rise swiftly.

    ¡°Can¡¯t you speak more gently?¡± Katrina¡¯s voice shook slightly, betraying her nervousness.

    Dani shed a smirk and said, ¡°You im to have no money, yet Joyce has plenty.¡±

    Katrina¡¯s expression tightened.

    ¡°Joyce avoids me. She only sends me twenty thousand dors a month.¡±

    Replicating Katrina¡¯s earlier tone, Dani smiled yfully.

    ¡°There¡¯s a banquet tonight where Joyce will be present. I¡¯ll bring you along. As her mother, she won¡¯t be able to dismiss you.¡±

    Katrina realized that Dani was cleverly using her own logic to corner her. Though hesitant, she saw no alternative.

    Dani instantly picked up on Katrina¡¯s reluctance.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 625

    ?Chapter 625:

    ¡°You¡¯ve always been there for Joyce, far more than Caiden ever was for me. It¡¯s only fair that Joyce supports you.¡±

    Katrina found no fault in that reasoning and remained silent. Lillian then took the disheartened Katrina to change into the evening attire for the event.

    As they prepared to depart, Katrina caught sight of Nina by the doorway. Her reaction was immediate¡ªher pupils dted, herplexion paled, and a shiver ran through her. Instinctively, she sidestepped and hurried out of Dani¡¯s office. Nina, lingering at the door, reflected on her observations. Initially, she had underestimated Dani, attributing her sess to mere luck. However, witnessing Danimand a room during meetings had changed her perspective.

    Dani¡¯s dominance and the respect shemanded were undeniable. Today, as she watched Dani handle Katrina with such deft authority and strategic conversation, Nina was convinced of Dani¡¯splexity.

    Quietly, Nina bowed her head and texted Elyse:

    ¡°Dani will be at the banquet tonight, wrapping up around eleven. I¡¯ll keep Cedric busy. Handle Dani on your end!¡±

    After sending the text, Nina shifted her focus back to Lillian. Lillian appeared experienced in handling difficult situations. Nina knew she had to find a way to prevent Lillian from attending the banquet, isting Dani for the evening.

    After a brief pause, Nina swung open the door to Dani¡¯s office, wearing a bright smile and adopting an overly sweet tone.

    ¡°Dani, it seems like I¡¯m not on your radar at all.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Dani responded with a light chuckle.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m is a world of wonder

    ¡°Are you attending the banquet tonight? You haven¡¯t considered inviting me to join you for someworking. Are you only taking Lillian? We are family, after all.¡±

    Dani arched an eyebrow.

    ¡°Is that so?¡±

    ¡°Yes, we are all part of the Dury family. We should stick together and lift each other up. Please, Dani, I¡¯d love to go to the banquet with you tonight. Leave Lillian behind.¡±

    Dani¡¯s smile was gentle, her voice teasing.

    ¡°You¡¯re quite demanding, aren¡¯t you? Why can¡¯t Lilliane?¡±

    Nina made a face, resembling a sulking child.

    ¡°I just had a small argument with Lillian. I need some space. Dani, please, just take me.¡±

    Dani nodded.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Nina¡¯s face lit up with delight. She quickly nced at Cedric, who was preupied with his phone, and her heart skipped with excitement.

    ¡°Dani, may I stop by Elite Lux¡¯s high-end designer section to pick a dress?¡±

    Dani gave her permission with a nod.

    ¡°Of course, go pick something nice.¡±

    Nina¡¯s eyes sparkled.

    ¡°Thanks so much, Dani!¡±

    As Nina exited the office, she strutted confidently, assured by her victory. Tonight, she believed, Cedric would bepletely captivated by her.

    Lillian escorted Katrina to Elite Lux¡¯s exclusive wardrobe to pick out an outfit. Amidst the splendid array of garments, Katrina selected a particrly luxurious gown.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 626

    ?Chapter 626:

    The moment she wore the dress, she felt unstoppable. From the top floor of Elite Lux, Katrina gazed down at the city below, overwhelmed by a sense of supremacy.

    Katrina savored this feeling, vowing silently to always live in luxury.

    By 6 P.M., Katrina was riding in Dani¡¯s car, gliding smoothly along the streets. Nina upied the front seat, while Katrina and Dani were in the back.

    Turning her head, Katrina looked at Dani, whose poise and confidence were palpable against the backdrop of shifting city lights, making her seem inplete control of her fate.

    ¡°Why are you helping me?¡± Katrina asked in confusion. Dani, previously resting with her eyes shut, opened them slowly.

    In the car¡¯s confined space, her low chuckle resonated, reigniting Katrina¡¯s unease.

    ¡°Why are youughing?¡±

    Dani remained silent, and shortly after, the car arrived at the event venue.

    Katrina quickly spotted someone she knew and walked over to engage them in conversation. Nina, still waiting for Cedric to arrive, struck up a casual conversation with Dani.

    ¡°Why do you bother helping Katrina?¡±

    Sipping her drink, Dani answered, ¡°She¡¯s still my stepmother, despite everything. I can¡¯t let her face utter humiliation. We are family, after all. Whatever her past actions, I expect her toe around to my side eventually.¡±

    As she spoke, Dani¡¯s gaze shifted back to Nina, who appeared contemtive.

    With a mimicked innocence, Dani continued, ¡°In her old age, when she can no longer walk, who else will she depend on but me? Katrina is no fool; she understands the stakes. It¡¯s just that she¡¯s not ready to shift her loyalty yet. I¡¯m patient. I know she¡¯ll confess whatever I need to hear within a few days.¡±

    Nina¡¯s frown deepened at Dani¡¯s confidence.

    ¡°You¡¯re certain of this?¡±

    Dani responded with a serene smile, her face illuminated softly by the ambient lighting, giving her an almost otherworldly appearance.

    Nina couldn¡¯t help but admire Dani¡¯sposed demeanor, even as she felt a pang of jealousy for her seemingly effortless grace. Distracted by her thoughts, Nina barely caught Dani¡¯s next words.

    ¡°Katrina has been my stepmother for years. I understand her well. It¡¯s no more challenging than negotiating in the boardroom.¡±

    After making thisparison, Dani fixed her gaze on Nina, who looked visibly unsettled and excused herself to make a phone call.

    Dani continued to engage politely with the guests, epting a ss of wine with a reserved smile.

    In the garden, Nina was on the phone.

    ¡°Did Dani say this herself?¡± asked the person on the other end of the line.

    Nina ryed the conversation.

    ¡°Dani seems convinced Katrina will confess soon.¡±

    The response from the other end of the phone was a prolonged silence, followed by a chilly deration.

    ¡°Understood. If that¡¯s the case, we no longer need to wait.¡±

    Nina replied, ¡°Yes. Just make sure it¡¯s handled cleanly.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 627

    ?Chapter 627:

    Hanging up, Nina spotted Cedric making his way into the hall, dressed in a sharp ck suit. She straightened her dress and confidently approached the gathering.

    Dani, observing Nina¡¯s reentry, allowed a slight curl of disdain to touch her lips.

    When Katrina finished mingling, she found her ce at the dinner table,forted slightly by seeing Joyce¡¯s name next to hers.

    Yet, what she saw next caught her off guard.

    Katrina furrowed her brows in confusion as she grabbed Joyce by the arm, her voice filled with disbelief.

    ¡°Joyce, are you out of your mind? Keeping Alexander as a lover is one thing, but why would you bring him to the banquet? If Doug finds out, not only will your marriage be over, but your life will be in danger too.¡±

    Joyce calmly took a seat.

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t make it a bigger deal than it is. Doug thinks little of anyone in Olisvine except Dani. He barely interacts with anyone here and onlyes home for two days each month. When he does, he¡¯s too wrapped up in having sex with me to care about rumors.¡±

    Joyce spoke with unshakable confidence.

    ¡°And let¡¯s not forget, Doug¡¯s desires are endless. Do you really think he¡¯s being faithful? Why can he step out, but I can¡¯t?¡±

    Katrina¡¯s expression darkened.

    ¡°Joyce, don¡¯t you get it? Whoever controls the money controls everything. Men can be unfaithful, but they won¡¯t tolerate their wives stepping out. It¡¯s not about love¡ªit¡¯s about ownership. By being his wife, you¡¯re his image, and if he finds out you¡¯ve betrayed him, he won¡¯t let you go.

    ???????? ?????????????? ???? ??????????????????.??????

    You¡¯ve got a good life, yet you¡¯re throwing it away for Alexander. I heard he charges a million per night for a night with you. Is he some kind of goldmine?¡±

    Joyce nced over at Alexander. The sharp edge that once defined him had softened, reced by a docile, submissive aura. She was oddly drawn to this state of submission. Being the center of Alexander¡¯s universe thrilled her.

    ¡°Mom, you¡¯ve never been through it, so you wouldn¡¯t get the satisfaction,¡± Joyce replied, her tone casual.

    Katrina paused, shutting her eyes for a moment.

    ¡°Fine. I didn¡¯te here to argue. Dani promised to let me stay in the Harper family¡¯s vi if I give her a million dors.¡±

    Joyce frowned slightly upon hearing that.

    ¡°You¡¯ve been asking me for money a lot recently. I remember giving you some just a couple of weeks ago. Mom, I might have married a rich man, but he doesn¡¯t treat me like a person. Money doesn¡¯te easy, you know?¡±

    Her frustration was evident in her voice.

    Without another word, Joyce quickly wrote out a check and tossed it toward Katrina.

    The checknded awkwardly, pping Katrina¡¯s face, a clear sign of Joyce¡¯s impatience.

    Katrina was shocked. She looked down at the check on the floor, then stared at Joyce in disbelief.

    Unmoved, Joyce turned her head, catching sight of Dani making her way to the table. A smirk spread across Joyce¡¯s face, as if eager to unt a rare prize.

    ¡°Alexander, peel a shrimp for me,¡± shemanded, her tone firm. The nearby onlookers, who loved a bit of drama, eagerly watched to see how the once-proud man now knelt for money under Joyce¡¯s control. They wondered if Dani, his ex-wife, still had any sympathy left for him.

    Alexander gripped the shrimp in his hand, already numb from the many humiliations he had endured. Joyce took pleasure in showing him off, unting how the man who once rejected her now groveled like a dog desperate for her approval.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 628

    ?Chapter 628:

    He had long since hardened to such demeaning moments. But today was different¡ªDani was here. A new wave of humiliation hit Alexander, despite Dani¡¯s silence. His cheeks slowly turned red with shame.

    ¡°He can still blush? I thought all his pride had been wiped out.¡±

    ¡°Right? Did you hear? Just yesterday in a bar, Joyce made Alexander kneel and lick spilled beer off the table.¡±

    The room buzzed with shock, everyone leaning in, eager for more.

    ¡°And then? What happened?¡±

    The speaker dragged out the words with a mocking tone.

    ¡°Then Joyce tossed him a million, and he just took it. So, you see¡ªmen shouldn¡¯t get too cocky. Watch out, or you might end up like Alexander, with your dignity crushed underfoot.¡±

    The room erupted inughter as the words sank in.

    Alexander¡¯s hands shook ever so slightly as he held the shrimp. Joyce saw Dani and sneered, keeping her eyes on her face. Dani had always been the one people noticed, and that was still true.

    Most of the men in the room were watching her.

    Dani ate calmly while Cedric whispered something to her. She nodded, and he smiled gently, his eyes filled with affection. Only Joyce could see it, but Cedric gently squeezed Dani¡¯s fingers in a gesture full of tenderness.

    Cedric was a powerful figure in the business world, yet before Dani, he always lowered his guard, offering her nothing but affection.

    Joyce¡¯s hands balled into fists, her eyes zing with fury.

    g ¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s takes you away

    ¡°Alexander! You fool! You can¡¯t even peel a shrimp properly. What use are you?¡±

    And with that, a sharp p rang through the room.

    The lively atmosphere, filled withughter and toasts, suddenly stilled into an ufortable silence.

    At a nearby table, Richard could feel a heavy unease settle over him. The sound of the p made him stand up in stunned disbelief. He understood how hard it must have been for Alexander to submit to Joyce like this.

    He had heard the whispers and clenched his teeth, hoping that once Bet Group¡¯s situation improved, Alexander would finally escape Joyce¡¯s grasp. He never imagined Joyce would stoop so low. She actually humiliated Alexander in front of everyone like that.

    Just as Richard was about to step in, Joyce¡¯s icy voice cut through the tension.

    ¡°Peel this te of shrimp for me!¡±

    Alexander¡¯s fingers quivered as he sat still, lost in the heavy silence of the moment. He could feel the scornful gazes of the others boring into him, yet he remained unmoved. He didn¡¯t care anymore.

    The only thought that mattered to him now was Dani. What would she think of him now? Would she see him the way everyone else did, like he was just embarrassing himself? Would she regret pushing him away, leaving him in this mess?

    Alexander bit his lip, his eyes wavering as he slowly looked up. One quick nce, and his heart nearly broke.

    Dani wasn¡¯t even looking his way. Cedric showed up with a small te of roasted ribs and set it in front of her, smiling. She looked up in surprise as Cedric held out a piece of rib to her lips, his smile soft and inviting.

    From where Alexander sat, he could see Dani¡¯s lips part to take the piece of meat, with Cedric¡¯s fingers brushing her lips in the briefest touch.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 629

    ?Chapter 629:

    Dani smiled, her eyes lighting up as her lips brushed against Cedric¡¯s fingertips, over and over.

    Cedric, known for his cold and distant reputation, was now full of smiles and warmth¡ªqualities no one could have predicted.

    Alexander clenched his fists, his heart aching so much that it felt like he couldn¡¯t breathe. Every moment, every touch, should have been his. But Cedric had cruelly taken it all away.

    It was all because of him. If Cedric weren¡¯t in the picture, Alexander was sure everything would¡¯ve been different. Dani would have changed her mind. The weight of everyone¡¯s gaze made Alexander¡¯s chest feel heavy, and he couldn¡¯t shake the rage burning inside him. The look in his eyes left everyone stunned, unable to look away.

    Joyce, observing from the sidelines, grasped the situation. She snorted derisively, her voiceced with mockery.

    ¡°Stop fantasizing.

    You¡¯re no longer part of her life. If she truly cared, do you think your strugglingpany would still require you to exhaust yourself trying to fix it?¡±

    Joyce crushed everyst bit of hope Alexander had left. His fists, once clenched tight, loosened, and his anger drained away as he lowered his gaze. With a heavy heart, he resumed peeling the shrimp, his movements stiff and automatic.

    Joyce smiled faintly, exchanging a brief, distant look with Dani. Dani turned away, and Joyce chose not to approach, unwilling to ruin her own mood.

    As the banquet neared its conclusion, Katrina stepped forward to speak with Joyce once more.

    ¡°Joyce, I regret everything.¡± Although Katrina had expressed regret before, this time, her remorse was unmistakably sincere.

    Stay tuned for updates at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    ¡°Joyce, I¡¯ll find a way to get some money. Let¡¯s leave and start fresh somewhere no one knows us. I made a mistake. I gave you the wrong values, the wrong upbringing, and that¡¯s how you became who you are. If I could go back, I wouldn¡¯t take any shortcuts. I¡¯d raise you right¡ªraise you to be the most incredible girl in the world.¡±

    Joyce blinked, pulling at her lips in a faint smile.

    ¡°Mom, let¡¯s not dwell on the past. It¡¯s pointless. We should focus on living well now.¡±

    And with that, she turned and walked away without a second nce.

    Katrina remained frozen in ce, her eyes following Joyce until she disappeared down the road. After a moment, she typed out a message to Joyce.

    ¡°Joyce, I really loved your yellow bag when we had coffeest time. Could you let me borrow it next time?¡±

    A minute after sending the message, Katrina felt the cold press of a dagger against her back. Tears streamed down her face as she realized what was happening. She had known this day woulde, but she hadn¡¯t expected it to be so soon.

    Her vision began to fade, and her body gave out, copsing weakly. She could hear the panicked screams of those around her and the warmth of blood flowing quickly from an unseen wound.

    Struggling, she managed to crack open her eyes. For a moment, she thought she saw Joyce rushing towards her ¡ª her only daughter, the one she loved more than anything.

    ¡°Mom? What happened? Mom, please! Help! Is there a doctor here? Someone, please help me!¡±

    Katrina¡¯s consciousness slowly slipped away. In her final moments, all she could hear were the heavy footsteps. She forced her eyes open and saw Caiden standing outside the crowd¡ªthe man who had once propelled her to the heights of sess.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 630

    ?Chapter 630:

    He stood at a distance, his gaze cold and indifferent as it locked with hers. He made no move to approach her.

    As she weakly raised her hand towards him, he spat on the ground with utter disdain. In that instant, Katrina¡¯s fragile spirit broke beyond repair.

    Caiden¡¯s harsh spit of disgust echoed through the air, instantly grabbing Joyce¡¯s attention. She was about to scowl when she saw Katrina¡¯s hand, which had been raised, slowly drop.

    Panic surged through Joyce, and she cried out in distress.

    Dani stood just off to the side, her eyes tracking the lone figure in ck. She quickly followed, her eyes briefly scanning Caiden¡¯s expression, which was as cold and emotionless as stone. A slight frown tugged at her brow.

    She couldn¡¯t deny her dislike for Katrina, but one thing was clear: Katrina would do anything for Joyce, even if it cost her life. Caiden, on the other hand, was a different story. He was selfish, wrapped up in his own world.

    With firm resolve, Dani took a step forward, determined to follow the figure in ck as it moved towards the door.

    Cedric caught sight of Dani and rushed to follow, but by the time he reached the entrance of the hotel, the busy street outside had already swallowed her up, leaving no trace.

    He quickly dialed for the bodyguards, then turned to find Lillian standing nearby, lookingpletely unfazed by the whole situation.

    ¡°What¡¯s with that look on your face?¡± Cedric asked, his voiceced with confusion. Lillian¡¯s bond with Dani was solid, yet she seemed oddly unmoved by her sudden disappearance.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Lillian acted surprised, pouting her lips and putting on an exaggerated worried face.

    Latest updates at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    ¡°I¡¯m just so worried. Really panicked. We¡¯ve got to find Dani fast. A girl like her shouldn¡¯t be out alone after the banquet.¡±

    Without waiting another second, she disappeared into the night. Cedric¡¯s features stiffened. He felt something was off, but his concern for Dani kept him from thinking too much about it.

    As he rushed down the street, he finally spotted Lillian at a corner, casually munching on something from a food vendor,pletely unbothered.

    She instructed the vendor, ¡°Make it extra spicy, with a real kick. Thanks!¡±

    Cedric was at a loss for words.

    Momentster, Ryan appeared, just asid-back as ever, even ordering a beer. As Cedric walked up to them, Lillian nearly choked on her noodles, and Ryan ended up spraying beer all over the ce.

    ¡°Cedric, weren¡¯t you looking down the other street? Why are you here?¡±

    Cedric squinted his eyes. He had never questioned Dani¡¯s connection with them, but now, something felt off.

    ¡°You¡¯re keeping something from me,¡± he said with certainty. Cedric had a feeling that it was something important, something that would surprise him.

    Back at the banquet, Nina searched frantically but couldn¡¯t find Cedric anywhere.

    From the shadows, Elyse stepped out and said, ¡°Stop looking. He left with Dani.¡±

    Nina stared at her, wide-eyed.

    ¡°Who did they leave with?¡±

    ¡°Dark Night,¡± Elyse replied calmly.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 631

    ?Chapter 631:

    Dark Night was one of the world¡¯s most elite mercenaries, known for his secrecy. He only ever appeared to Elyse, always under the cover of night.

    Nina froze, struggling to believe it.

    ¡°What are you talking about, Mom? Are you serious? Dark Night is the best. How could Dani possibly go with him?¡±

    Elyse was shocked too, but she had seen Dani leave with Dark Night. What unsettled her even more was that Dark Night hadn¡¯t replied to any of her messages since then. An uneasy feeling began to stir in her chest.

    ¡°This can¡¯t be right, Mom,¡± Nina said, her voice tight with disbelief.

    ¡°Dark Night never fails a mission, and there¡¯s no way he¡¯d let a fragile woman follow him. If anyone found out, it would ruin his entire reputation.¡±

    Dark Night was a top assassin, offered millions every year, but he chose to remain by Elyse¡¯s side.

    Why?

    Even the most powerful men couldn¡¯t resist beauty, and the women of the Dury family were undeniably breathtaking. Nina, sensing her mother¡¯s growing concern, quickly tried to reassure her.

    ¡°Mom, go home. Dark Night could have returned by now. Dani¡¯s disappearance works perfectly. I was already nning how to handle Cedric.¡± With that, she walked into the night.

    Her white dress made her look like a ghostly vision. She spotted Cedric on the street and quickly adjusted her strap before walking toward him with an exaggerated sense of urgency.

    ¡°Cedric, have you found Dani? I¡¯m so worried about her.¡± Her tears sparkled under the moonlight, something she had practiced many times in front of the mirror.

    .c¨®m is the source

    Nina was confident¡ªshe knew how to charm anyone with just a look.

    Over the years, this trick had never let her down.

    Surprisingly, Cedric¡¯s focus was elsewhere, and he seemed irritated by Nina blocking his path.

    Nina briefly shut her eyes, wondering if something was wrong with Cedric¡¯s sight. How else could he resist her appeal?

    She took a deep breath, and just as Cedric was about to walk away, she let out a soft, dramatic ¡°Oh dear!¡±

    Her n was for Cedric to turn around, and then she would pretend to faint. But unfortunately, Cedric didn¡¯t even look back and continued walking. Nina gritted her teeth and fake-fell to the ground. This time, her ¡°Oh dear!¡± was much louder, enough to catch Cedric¡¯s attention. He turned around, but his expression was one of clear impatience.

    Nina brushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear and said in a sad tone, ¡°Cedric, I twisted my ankle. Could you help me up?¡± She raised her arms and pouted.

    Cedric paused for a moment.

    ¡°You, take her back to the Dury family,¡± he ordered, looking at his bodyguard.

    Nina was shocked. Before she could protest, the strong bodyguard crouched down and picked her up.

    Nina cried out, quickly jumping out of the bodyguard¡¯s hold.

    ¡°I think I¡¯m fine now. My ankle¡¯s better.¡±

    Cedric shot her an irritated look before walking off, still searching for Dani.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 632

    ?Chapter 632:

    Nina didn¡¯t care about what happened to Dani. She kept pace with Cedric, her voice soft yet persistent.

    ¡°Cedric, you¡¯ve been walking for more than half an hour. Aren¡¯t you tired? How about we take a break at this hotel?¡±

    Seeing Cedric remain unaffected, she pushed further.

    ¡°Cedric, you really don¡¯t have to worry. Dani is strong, almost like a man. She probably went home. There¡¯s a nice caf¨¦ nearby. Let me buy you coffee.¡±

    Nina couldn¡¯t help but admire Cedric¡¯s striking profile, made even more captivating by the glow of the night lights. Her heart fluttered with desire, and without thinking, she reached out and tugged at his sleeve. In a soft, teasing tone, she said, ¡°Cedric, could you slow down a little? You¡¯re walking so fast, I can hardly keep up.¡±

    Cedric was anxious and frustrated. He had a short temper, and Nina¡¯s constant attempts to get closer had drained all his patience.

    He suddenly spun around and looked at Nina coldly, who was staring at him with longing eyes.

    His voice was ice-cold as he asked, ¡°What do you want?¡±

    Nina bit her lip and replied, ¡°Don¡¯t you know what I want?¡± She reached out yfully, trying to touch Cedric¡¯s chest, but he stepped back to avoid her.

    ¡°I really don¡¯t,¡± he answered, his voice distant.

    Nina lowered her gaze, her voice gentle and alluring.

    ¡°I understand your feelings for Dani, but the truth is, she¡¯s only focused on her work. If she cared about you, she wouldn¡¯t have kept you waiting all this time. Cedric, I¡¯ve had feelings for you for so long. Don¡¯t you notice me? When I was younger, my aunt always said I resembled Dani a lot. People used to think we were twins. I care about you, Cedric, and I¡¯m not bothered by the idea of being the one you lean on when she¡¯s out of reach. I don¡¯t mind at all.¡±

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s hosts captivating tales

    She took a step closer.

    Nina¡¯s words came from the heart, and soon, tears began to fall. People passing by nced over, pitying the delicate woman.

    ¡°Do you really think you canpare to Dani?¡± Cedric¡¯s words cut through the air.

    Nina believed her honesty would touch Cedric, but instead, he gave her a cold and dismissive reply. She was taken aback.

    ¡°Cedric, Dani doesn¡¯t feel the same way about you. No matter how much you try, you¡¯re just another one of her admirers. She enjoys the attention, but she won¡¯t treat you like a boyfriend. Can¡¯t you see that? You¡¯re just a backup to her. The moment someone else catches her eye, she¡¯ll leave you behind.¡±

    Cedric answered bluntly, ¡°Is that so? I¡¯m fine being a backup. I¡¯m happy to be Dani¡¯s backup forever.¡±

    Nina¡¯s face darkened at his words.

    ¡°What did you just say? Cedric, are you out of your mind? You¡¯re the wealthiest man in the country, the one every woman dreams of.

    You should be basking in their admiration, and yet you¡¯re willing to settle as Dani¡¯s backup? That¡¯s insane.¡±

    Cedric, however, was always direct. When it came to rtionships, he was careful, always maintaining a respectful distance from women. He never hesitated to make his rejections clear.

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m okay with being Dani¡¯s backup, but I don¡¯t need a recement. No one can rece her¡ªnot in this world.

    You might look like her in some ways, but you have to understand, beauty is more than just appearance. There¡¯s something about Dani that you¡¯ll never have.

    You might seem simr on the outside, but inside? It¡¯s a whole different story.

    You¡¯ll never match her, not now, not ever. Do you get it?¡±

    Cedric¡¯s voice grew sharper with every word.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 633

    ?Chapter 633:

    ¡°I can¡¯t stand anyone but Dani getting close to me, touching me, or trying to please me. It makes me sick! And I won¡¯t tolerate a single word spoken against her in my presence. From now on, stay away from me. And don¡¯t call me Cedric. Call me Mr. Phillips. Understood?¡±

    Without another word, he turned and walked away, his back cold and unyielding.

    Nina stood there, stunned, struggling to process the harsh words she¡¯d just heard. After everything she had done, Cedric rejected her so decisively, without a care for how it made her feel.

    Cedric turned on his heel and walked away as soon as he finished speaking.

    Nina stood frozen in ce, her gaze locked on his retreating figure.

    ¡°Well, what did I tell you? Someone like you could never capture the interest of a man like Cedric!¡± Elyse appeared beside her, her face calm andpletely unsurprised.

    ¡°Men like him? They¡¯re drawn to women who shine, not those who stumble in their shadow.

    You¡¯d do better waiting for Dani to return¡ªsave yourself the embarrassment.¡±

    Nina bit her lower lip, her fists clenching at her sides. Tears welled in her eyes as she turned to Elyse, her voice trembling with sadness.

    ¡°Mom, do you really think I¡¯m destined to fail at everything? Am I always inferior to Natalie in your eyes?¡±

    Elyse¡¯s response was cold and cutting, her calmness almost cruel.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t the proof right in front of you? You¡¯re not just a disappointment to me, Nina. Even Cedric thinks so.¡± With that, Elyse turned away and left.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s©q??§àm opens doors to fiction

    Nina stayed behind, her shoulders shaking as tears fell freely. Silently, she made a vow¡ªa vow to prove everyone wrong, to show them that she wasn¡¯t just Natalie¡¯s lesser sister.

    Later that evening, Dani returned home, leaving Dark Night¡¯s subordinates to handle the rest. At the vi¡¯s entrance, Caiden was waiting. The moment he saw Dani approaching, he spoke without hesitation.

    ¡°The police said Katrina was stabbed to death.¡±

    As Caiden spoke, he carefully studied Dani¡¯s expression.

    ¡°You don¡¯t seem surprised,¡± he ventured cautiously, his voice tinged with unease. Truth be told, Caiden was scared.

    Dani¡¯s gaze flicked over him, reading his emotions inly. She slipped off her shoes and asked, ¡°What exactly are you trying to say?¡±

    Caiden swallowed hard. There was something about her¡ªa quiet menace simmering just beneath the surface. Usually well-concealed, today it seemed more apparent, bubbling closer to the top.

    ¡°I don¡¯t mean anything by it. I just hope you don¡¯t get the wrong idea,¡± he replied, avoiding her gaze. Dani let out a soft chuckle.

    ¡°The wrong idea about what?¡±

    He flinched at her tone.

    ¡°I know you never liked Katrina.

    You always thought there was something suspicious about your mother¡¯s death.¡±

    Caiden was eager to distance himself from the situation.

    ¡°But I swear, whatever happened, I wasn¡¯t involved. It had nothing to do with me!¡±

    His gaze fixed on Dani, waiting for her reaction.

    Dani entered the room and poured herself a ss of water.

    ¡°Is that so? You¡¯re absolutely certain it has nothing to do with you?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 634

    ?Chapter 634:

    Caiden¡¯s eyes widened in shock.

    Dani turned her head slowly, her clear, steady gaze locking with his.

    ¡°Do you think Katrina had something to do with my mother¡¯s death? And who do you think is responsible for Katrina¡¯s murder?¡±

    Dani let out a low chuckle, her toneced with audacity.

    ¡°Or is it that you think I killed Katrina?¡±

    Her words came out with unnerving candor.

    Caiden froze, caught off guard by her bluntness. He had expected evasion, maybe deflection¡ªnot this direct confrontation. His eyes darted nervously, guilt flickering in his expression.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. All I know is that it has nothing to do with me. If you¡¯re nning to stir up trouble, don¡¯t drag me into it.¡±

    Without waiting for a reply, Caiden spun on his heel, intent on fleeing the suffocating tension.

    But he hadn¡¯t taken more than a few steps when Dani¡¯s voice echoed behind him.

    ¡°You can¡¯t outrun the consequences of your actions.¡±

    The words hit him like a blow to the back, forcing him to halt.

    A shiver crawled down his spine as he stood frozen in ce. Slowly, almost unwillingly, he turned around.

    What he saw made his blood run cold. Dani stood with unwavering confidence, her arms raised, hands mimicking the shape of a gun.

    Check new chapters at

    At that exact moment, a gust of wind barreled through the hallway, mming the door shut with a deafening bang. The sound reverberated like a gunshot, perfectly echoing her mock gesture.

    His breath hitched, and the chill of terror settled deep into his bones as Dani¡¯s smile widened.

    He stood there, rooted to the spot, words failing him as dread coursed through his veins.

    Without another nce, Dani turned and strode gracefully into the house.

    When Cedric returnedter that evening, he found Dani already home.

    ¡°You¡¯re back,¡± Dani greeted him, her smile warm andposed.

    Cedric lingered by the doorway.

    ¡°You came home earlier than I expected.¡±

    ¡°Yes. The banquet was draining. I needed some time to myself.¡±

    Cedric stood at the door, quietly watching Dani. After a moment, he stepped inside.

    ¡°Katrina is dead. Did you hear about it?¡±

    Dani nodded.

    ¡°I saw it on the news.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t seem surprised,¡± Cedric observed.

    Dani¡¯s smile didn¡¯t falter.

    ¡°Why should I be? I was there when it happened. I saw everything unfold with my own eyes. Isn¡¯t it natural that I wouldn¡¯t be shocked?¡±

    ¡°This doesn¡¯t add up,¡± he replied.

    Dani let out a softugh.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 635

    ?Chapter 635:

    ¡°Hmmm?¡±

    ¡°I said, this doesn¡¯t add up.¡± Cedric rarely spoke so seriously.

    In all their time together, he had always been gentle with Dani¡ªpatient and considerate, never raising his voice or challenging her like this. But now, his expression was grave, his face devoid of its usual warmth or even a hint of a smile.

    Although there was only a sofa separating them, Cedric suddenly felt as though Dani was an ocean away. For the first time, he realized he might not know her as well as he thought.

    ¡°You¡¯repletely convinced that Katrina killed your mother,¡± Cedric continued, his voice steady and deliberate.

    ¡°If you wanted to take action against her, there are countless ways you could¡¯ve ensured her death¡ªor even made her suffer a fate worse than death.¡±

    Dani listened quietly, her gaze steady.

    ¡°But you never made a move. It wasn¡¯t out of fear¡ªfear has never held you back.

    You¡¯ve always known that some things are worse than death, like a life filled with misery.

    You made sure Caiden saw who Katrina truly was, exposed her real self to Joyce, and let everyone witness her selfishness.

    You cut her off from everyone, leaving her utterly alone.

    You wouldn¡¯t have gone to such lengths just for her story to end so abruptly today.¡±

    Dani¡¯s lips curled into a soft, almost yful chuckle.

    ???????? ?????????????? ???? ??????????????????.??????

    ¡°But she¡¯s gone now, isn¡¯t she?¡±

    The open window let the curtains dance in the breeze, giving the room an almost haunting atmosphere and making the figure near the doorway seem otherworldly.

    Cedric felt a sharp twinge of sorrow.

    ¡°Yes, Katrina is dead, but you don¡¯t seem surprised.

    You¡¯re not unsettled, and it¡¯s clear her death hasn¡¯t thrown off your ns. That can only mean you knew this was going to happen all along.¡±

    Dani arched a brow, caught off guard by Cedric¡¯s perceptiveness. There was more than just warmth in her gaze¡ªthere was a quiet admiration as well.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t kill Katrina,¡± Dani exined.

    Cedric responded without hesitation, ¡°I know. If you let Katrina die, it means there¡¯s a bigger n at y. It has to tie back to the conspiracy surrounding your mother¡¯s death.¡±

    In that moment, the carefully guardedyers of Dani¡¯s secrets were stripped away.

    She offered a soft smile.

    ¡°Anything else?¡±

    Cedric¡¯s voice was steady as he asked, ¡°What do I mean to you?¡± Dani had braced herself for a biting remark, expecting Cedric to unleash his frustration.

    But instead, his tone softened, losing its usual sharpness, as he asked quietly, ¡°Dani, what am I to you?¡±

    Dani¡¯s smile fadedpletely. She stood rooted to the spot, unable to move. In the stillness of the vi, bathed in harsh lights, Dani could almost feel the vulnerability hiding beneath Cedric¡¯s usually imprable exterior.

    He hadid his heart out for her to see. His voice, though soft, carried an edge of pain.

    ¡°I¡¯ve never tried to control what you do.

    You¡¯ve always known the only line I draw is your safety. I thought you understood that, but now I see you don¡¯t.

    You never value your own life. Whether it was confronting Katrina on the rooftop, putting yourself at risk with the real culprit, or chasing after that man in ck alone tonight¡ªit¡¯s always the same. Dani, I don¡¯t ask for much, but I need to know this: What do I mean to you?¡±

    Dani bit her lip, her hand at her side tightening into a fist. She wanted to brush it off, like she always did, but this time, she couldn¡¯t bring herself to smile or pretend it didn¡¯t matter. Cedric¡¯s words were too heavy, too honest.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 636

    ?Chapter 636:

    She stayed silent, the weight of the moment pressing down on her.

    Cedric, watching her, nodded slowly, as if the truth was already settling in.

    ¡°You won¡¯t even give me a fake answer now, will you? You¡¯ve always left me with a way out. That¡¯s why our rtionship is a secret. When it¡¯s just us, you let me be with you however I want, but the moment anyone else is around, you keep me in the shadows. People think I¡¯m just some guy chasing after you. But is that what it is, Dani? Are you so good at hiding your feelings for me, or¡­¡± He took a shaky breath, his eyes dark with sorrow.

    Dani¡¯s heart clenched at the rawness in his voice.

    Then came the sharp, mocking edge in Cedric¡¯s tone.

    ¡°So, what am I to you? Am I just someone who can be discarded whenever you choose? Do you see me as your husband, or am I just someone you feel obligated to show affection to?¡± The words had been buried deep inside him, festering for too long. Cedric had told himself countless times that as long as Dani stayed by his side, nothing else mattered.

    If she didn¡¯t want to talk about it, he wouldn¡¯t push. If she didn¡¯t want to go public with their rtionship, he would quietly remain her hidden partner, content to stay in the background, seen by everyone else as nothing more than a friend. None of it had ever bothered him.

    But seeing Dani continue to put herself in danger, he could no longer keep his feelings contained.

    As soon as the questions left his lips, he regretted them.

    The silence in the vi stretched on, and Cedric¡¯s heartbeat thundered in his ears. He was terrified of the answer he might hear. The thought that Dani might end their rtionship made his stomach churn.

    More content at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    When he felt her about to speak, panic hit him. For the first time ever, Cedric turned and ran, too scared to face what mighte next.

    That night, Cedric ended up sleeping in Dani¡¯s lounge at Elite Lux.

    The next morning, Nina walked in and was taken aback when she saw him there. Her eyes widened in surprise, but as soon as she remembered how bluntly he had rejected her the night before, she paused, quietly collecting herself.

    ¡°Good morning, Mr. Phillips,¡± Nina greeted, her voice steady and calm.

    She knew well that men often valued what was hard to get, not what was always there for them. So, she kept her cool, maintaining a slight aloofness. She even tried to mirror Dani¡¯s usual smile, offering a soft grin.

    Cedric greeted her back and left Dani¡¯s lounge without a second nce.

    Nina watched his retreating figure with a smirk, then quickly looked down at her phone.

    ¡°Mom, it seems like Dani and Cedric had a fight!!!¡± Nina texted, making sure to add three exmation marks for emphasis.

    She could feel the excitement bubbling up. This was her chance. If the two of them had fought, it meant there was a crack in their perfect rtionship¡ªsomething that couldn¡¯t easily be fixed.

    Now, all she needed to do was get Cedric drunk. With her slight resemnce to Dani, she was sure it would be enough to win him over.

    Nina¡¯s chest swelled with pride as she imagined her ning to life.

    Standing nearby, Elyse frowned slightly. She didn¡¯t buy Nina¡¯s theory. After all, what kind of man, after arguing with his woman, would sulk and sleep in an office lounge? It didn¡¯t add up. If Cedric truly didn¡¯t care for Dani, he wouldn¡¯t have stayed behind like that.

    But Elyse said nothing. She was used to Nina making a fool of herself, so she let her continue with her little schemes.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 637

    ?Chapter 637:

    When Natalie returned, that would be Elyse¡¯s true support for the future.

    Elyse nodded, turning to Nina.

    ¡°You better take this chance while you can.¡±

    Nina¡¯s eyes brightened as she eagerly nodded in agreement.

    That day, Dani didn¡¯te back to Elite Lux. Katrina was dead, and ording to Caiden, she didn¡¯t deserve much of a send-off. He was cold and detached, as if he had never spent years of marriage with her.

    ¡°Anyway, that¡¯s how I feel. She¡¯s gone, and no amount of mourning will change that. So why make a fuss? Isn¡¯t it embarrassing enough?¡± he said, his voice void of any emotion.

    Joyce red at him, her disappointment cutting deep.

    ¡°Caiden Harper! I¡¯ve already said I¡¯ll cover the costs.

    You won¡¯t pay a dime. But my mother¡¯s funeral has to be grand. She was your wife, for God¡¯s sake! Can¡¯t you at least do this for her?¡±

    Joyce clenched her jaw, the memory of a hot summer day shing in her mind. She was just a little girl, standing at the top of the stairs, watching Caiden and Katrina together, their breathing loud in the silence. She wanted to go down, to run to her mother and ask, ¡°Mom, what are you doing? Why are you with him?¡±

    But she stayed where she was. It was as if she understood something, but notpletely. She simply stood there, silently watching for a long time.

    What she couldn¡¯t make sense of as a child, she now understood as an adult. She had always believed Caiden and Katrina had married, despite the scandal, because they loved each other. But now, all she could see was Caiden¡¯s ugly true nature.

    ¡°Either you take Katrina away, or if she¡¯s going to be buried as my wife, it¡¯s on my terms. Don¡¯t make a spectacle of it. Just bury her quietly. I¡¯ve been humiliated enough because of her. Why should I keep suffering for her even after she¡¯s dead? She¡¯s gone, Joyce. Don¡¯t you get it? The living are what matter.¡±

    Joyce was stunned by Caiden¡¯s shamelessness, her eyes wide in disbelief. She couldn¡¯t believe he could be this cold.

    ¡°Is that all she is to you now? Just a dead body?¡±

    Caiden didn¡¯t hesitate.

    ¡°What else?¡±

    Joyce¡¯s heart shattered. She nodded, then turned to Dani.

    ¡°What do you think? Will you let me take my mother¡¯s body?¡±

    Dani had never seen Joyce so firm before, but she couldn¡¯t help but give a faint smile.

    ¡°It¡¯s your choice.¡±

    Joyce narrowed her eyes at Dani.

    ¡°Really? You don¡¯t see her just as a body, do you?¡±

    Dani arched an eyebrow, clearly intrigued.

    Joyce continued, ¡°I know you always believed my mother was responsible for your mother¡¯s death. But I¡¯ve asked her, and she swore she had nothing to do with it. Dani, you¡¯ve wronged someone who had no part in this.¡±

    Dani¡¯s face remained stoic, her tone cold.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t do it, Joyce.

    You need to think this through. If it had been me, Katrina would have been long gone by now, a hundred times over.¡±

    Joyce scoffed in mockery.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 638

    ?Chapter 638:

    ¡°Do you expect me to buy that?¡±

    Dani¡¯s expression stayed cold.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care if you do or not. Even if I had done it, what could you possibly do about it? Some might kiss up to Doug for his wealth, but to me? He¡¯s nothing.¡±

    Joyce¡¯s face drained of color at Dani¡¯s biting words. Dani let out a soft chuckle, her eyes glinting.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t do it, but given everything that¡¯s happened, I can¡¯t say I¡¯m upset with how things turned out.¡±

    Just before Katrina died, she whispered an apology in Dani¡¯s ear, saying, ¡°I know I was wrong. Please, for the sake of my death, spare Joyce.¡±

    Dani smiled and leaned in just as close, whispering, ¡°In your dreams.¡±

    When Katrina finally passed, her eyes stayed wide open for a long time, as though unwilling to let go of something. The word around town was that Katrina had died with unfinished business.

    In the end, Joyce decided not to take Katrina¡¯s body away. If she had, it would have sparked all kinds of rumors. On top of that, Doug wouldn¡¯t have allowed her to bring back a dead body. Business people were often superstitious, fearful of bad luck. Joyce knew she couldn¡¯t go against Doug, so she walked away, her heart heavy with sorrow. She kept looking back, her eyes filled with resentment, locking onto Dani with a cold, murderous gaze.

    ¡°Dani! Just wait! I¡¯ll make you pay for this,¡± she muttered under her breath.

    The day of Katrina¡¯s burial was kept incredibly simple. It was so basic, it almost felt sad. What they¡¯d done for her barely qualified as a funeral. Caiden wasn¡¯t there at all. The housekeeper mentioned he¡¯d gone fishing first thing in the morning. The once-morous woman had such a lonely, deste end. Dani lingered for a moment in front of Katrina¡¯s simple tombstone, then turned and walked away slowly. She hadn¡¯t thought she¡¯d run into Alexander there.

    ¡°You really went too far,¡± Alexander said coldly.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??om has it all

    Dani arched an eyebrow at him. He went on, ¡°Joyce cried all night. She¡¯s sure you nned Katrina¡¯s death. Doug¡¯s got power, and with his money, Joyce could build an empire. It¡¯s not out of the question.¡±

    ¡°Oh really? She can give it a try,¡± Dani said, staring at the fading sunset with a neutral expression.

    Alexander opened his mouth, but Dani¡¯s icy gaze stopped him, a half-smile ying on her lips.

    ¡°I lost my mother too, suddenly, and had to grow up fast. Joyce is too naive. I¡¯m actually curious to see how far she can go. Honestly, I¡¯m kind of looking forward to it.¡±

    Alexander clenched his jaw.

    ¡°She¡¯ll use me against you. Don¡¯t you see that yet?¡±

    Dani let out a softugh.

    ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll take back what I said. If her big move is just you, I¡¯m not interested.

    You¡¯re not even worth being my opponent.¡± She shed a faint, sarcastic smile at Alexander.

    Ignoring the pale color draining from his face, she turned and walked away.

    By the time she reached the foot of the mountain, she saw Cedric standing there, holding an umbre. The chilly, intense vibe around her melted away instantly when she saw him.

    ¡°You¡¯re here!¡± she eximed.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 639

    ?Chapter 639:

    Cedric didn¡¯t say a word, just pressed his lips together and tilted the umbre towards her.

    He had driven himself here. Dani climbed into Cedric¡¯s car, and her driver followed behind.

    ¡°Are you upset?¡± Dani asked, thoughforting others wasn¡¯t exactly her thing. She¡¯d never been one to hold back with those around her, always speaking her mind. Cedric, however, was an exception.

    ¡°If you¡¯re not going to tell me the truth, then don¡¯t bother trying to coax me. I¡¯m not angry, and I don¡¯t need your pity.¡±

    Dani¡¯s first attempt at offeringfort was aplete flop.

    Later, when she told Lillian about Cedric¡¯s response, Lillian burst outughing so hard she had to hold her stomach.

    ¡°Looks like you¡¯ve offended him this time.¡±

    Dani sighed. After Cedric dropped her off, he headed back to Elite Lux¡¯s lounge to rest.

    Since they¡¯d gotten together, they hadn¡¯t spent much time apart. Honestly, Dani wasn¡¯t used to being apart from him. But for the moment, she wasn¡¯t sure how tofort him¡ªor maybe she just hadn¡¯t figured out how to open up yet. She sat quietly on the swing in the courtyard, her eyes tracing the bright moon hanging in the sky.

    She wished Cedric could wait just a little longer.

    In six months, she promised herself, she would have everything sorted out. By then, the danger would be behind her, and she would finally be able to tell the world that Cedric was herwful husband.

    And then, he would understand the depth of her feelings.

    ???????? ?????????????? ???? ??????????????????.??????

    Nina had been watching for a few days now.

    Lately, Cedric had been returning to the lounge to sleep every night, no matter howte it was. Even if he attended a banquet with Dani, he¡¯d alwayse back after dropping her off. Tonight was no exception.

    Nina went home, enjoyed a long hot bath, put on some perfume, and slipped into sexy lingerie beneath a big trench coat. Then she headed straight for Elite Lux.

    As the night grew darker, Nina watched the elevator numbers rise, her heart pounding in anticipation. Tonight, everything she¡¯d dreamed of, all the effort she¡¯d put into this moment, would finally pay off.

    With a bottle of wine in hand, she couldn¡¯t help but smile as she pushed open the door to Dani¡¯s office.

    But as the door swung open, her smile instantly froze.

    ¡°Ryan? What are you doing here?¡±

    The door between the CEO¡¯s office and the lounge was open, revealing Ryan and Cedric sitting at the table, sipping red wine.

    Both Ryan and Cedric were surprised to see Nina.

    Cedric furrowed his brow.

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    He was still wearing his deep blue silk shirt from the banquet, his long legs fitting perfectly in his trousers. Typically serious and distant, he seemed more rxed now. Under the moonlight, Cedric looked incredibly handsome, almost as if he wasn¡¯t real.

    Nina swallowed nervously, her voice barely above a whisper.

    ¡°I came back to the secretary¡¯s office to grab something. I saw the light on, so I came in. Did I disturb you?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 640

    Chapter 640:

    Cedric turned his gaze away, speaking without emotion.

    ¡°No.

    You can leave now. Close the door behind you.¡±

    Nina curled her red lips into a smile.

    ¡°Are you upset? This wine is really good. Want to give it a try? It has an amazing taste.¡± She raised the bottle of wine and, without waiting for his response, walked into the room with it.

    Nina uncorked the bottle of wine with practiced ease, a skill that spoke of experience. Before Cedric could even furrow his brows, she had already filled their sses and set them neatly in front of him and Ryan. Nina¡¯s alcohol tolerance had been honed deliberately, and she could outdrink almost anyone¡ªa fact that wasn¡¯t far from the truth.

    Ryan and Cedric, for their part, were no strangers to holding their liquor. As the alcohol worked its magic, Ryan¡¯s tongue loosened. With a mischievous grin, he turned to Nina as she took her seat.

    ¡°So, are you into Cedric?¡±

    Nina ducked her head, a bashful smile curling on her lips as a blush bloomed across her cheeks.

    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t say that! If Dani hears, she¡¯ll be upset. Besides, someone like Cedric is way out of my league. He¡¯s like a star shining high in the heavens, and I¡¯m just a tiny speck of dust on the earthpletely unworthy.¡± While speaking, Nina¡¯s eyes flickered up, her gaze resting on Cedric¡¯s lips. The sight sent a soft flutter through her chest.

    Cedric remainedrgely quiet, his silence only fueling the quiet adoration blooming in Nina¡¯s heart. Determined to hold his attention, she worked tirelessly to find topics of conversation, all while skillfully refilling their sses without drawing notice.

    Cedric, brooding and moody, continued to drink with little hesitation. Ryan matched him drink for drink, and despite Nina having made three trips downstairs to fetch more wine, neither man seemed remotely affected.

    Discover endless worlds on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s©q??o??

    ¡°We¡¯re out of wine?¡± Ryan asked, casting a nce at the collection of empty bottles littering the table.

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s it,¡± Nina said, spreading her hands in mock defeat. She had hoped Ryan would take the hint and leave, but instead, Cedric rose to his feet and said, ¡°If we¡¯re out, you two should go.¡±

    At Cedric¡¯s words, Nina quickly jumped in.

    ¡°Oh, wait! I just remembered¡ªI¡¯ve got a bottle of excellent vintage at home.

    You two stay put, and I¡¯ll bring it over.¡±

    With that, Nina pulled out her phone and dialed Elyse.

    ¡°What? Cedric actually drank your wine?¡±

    Nina¡¯s voice brimmed with excitement.

    ¡°Yes! They¡¯re upstairs right now, waiting for it. Mom, you still have those century-old bottles, right? Please send someone to bring them over. After tonight, Cedric will be mine.¡±

    Elyse sounded doubtful.

    ¡°Are you sure Cedric actually asked for your wine, or is this just your idea?¡±

    Irritated, Nina shot back, ¡°Mom, what¡¯s that supposed to mean? You¡¯ve always thought Natalie is better than me. Do you really think Cedric should just sit around and wait for her toe back instead of noticing me?¡±

    Elyse stiffened, realizing Nina had read her thoughts perfectly.

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Tomorrow two new novels dear readers, hope you like them! God loves you and Noah whishes you the best. (?O?=)? ?

    .

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 641

    ?Chapter 641:

    Nina¡¯s voice turned shaky, tinged with tears.

    ¡°I¡¯m not asking you to favor me over anyone. I just want a little fairness. It¡¯s just a few bottles of wine. Can¡¯t you give them to me? Natalie¡¯s incredible, I get that, but I¡¯m not any less! I¡¯ll prove to you that, for Cedric, I¡¯m the only one who matters.¡±

    Elyse sighed, clicking her tongue.

    ¡°Look at you¡ªgetting all worked up when I¡¯ve barely said anything. Fine, fine. It¡¯s just a few bottles of wine. I¡¯ll have someone send them over.

    You¡¯re my daughter, after all. Give it half an hour.¡±

    With that, the call ended.

    Nina stayed downstairs, waiting impatiently. She felt not a shred of gratitude towards Elyse. Nina was well aware Elyse had only caved because she feared Cedric might actually take an interest in her. A few bottles of wine were hardly a sacrifice.

    True to Elyse¡¯s word, the wine arrived exactly half an hourter. Nina stepped into the elevator, deliberately moving at a slow pace. Earlier, Ryan and Cedric had downed a fair amount. Nina knew some people only felt the effects after a dy, and when it hit, it hit hard. She hoped Ryan was one of those dyed types.

    Once Ryan passed out, she nned to walk in with the wine and whisper sweet, carefully chosen words into Cedric¡¯s ear. In her mind, there was no way Cedric could resist her charm.

    Nina paused outside the room, hesitating for a moment. A wave of unease swept over her. She worried Cedric and Ryan might either leave or drink themselves into oblivion. After all, she had heard that when people drank too much, certain functions ceased to work. Forcing a smile, she slowly eased the door open.

    Stepping inside, she came to an abrupt halt. Ryan was still deep in conversation with Cedric. Nina shut her eyes momentarily, swallowing her frustration. She couldn¡¯t fathom what could keep two grown men talking for this long. How much longer did Ryan n on hanging around as the third wheel?

    Nina approached with a practiced smile, carefully refilling their sses. She settled beside them, ying the gracious host as day faded into night. At one point, Cedric stood to adjust the heater, and Nina¡¯s eyes instinctively trailed down to the exposed skin beneath his loosened cor. Her gaze lingered for a mere second before Cedric shifted again. Nina tilted her head with a bashful smile.

    Don¡¯t miss fresh updates at g?ln¦Ò¦Í??ls?c?m

    ¡°Mr. Phillips, it¡¯s truly an honor to meet you. When I learned you frequented Elite Lux, I told my mother I wanted to train under Dani¡ªjust to have a chance to see you more often.¡±

    Cedric turned his gaze to the window, staring at the moon. The faint fragrance Dani often left behind still lingered in the air. He found himself missing Dani, far more than he was willing to admit.

    Nina had been speaking for a while now, clearly fishing for a reaction from Cedric. She paused, but he remained silent, his eyes fixed on the moon, lost in his thoughts.

    Cautiously, Nina ventured, ¡°Are you thinking about Dani?¡± Cedric wasn¡¯t easy to engage, so Nina chose to steer the conversation towards the one subject that might capture his attention.

    Nina started recounting stories about Dani and her childhood. She described how deeply connected Dani had been with Brylee, and how everything in her life unraveled after Brylee¡¯s passing.

    Cedric leaned in slightly, his focus sharpening as he listened. He showed no sign of impatience, silently absorbing every detail Nina revealed about Dani¡¯s past.

    ¡°As a child, Dani used tough endlessly. Her smile was radiant. But after Brylee¡¯s death, that smile vanished and never returned.¡±

    Nina¡¯s eyes met Cedric¡¯s for a fleeting moment, and her heartbeat quickened in response.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 642

    ?Chapter 642:

    ¡°It had to be some deep-seated trauma, like Dani lost her capacity to love. Even when she was with Alexander, she chased him and did everything for him, yet she never truly let him in. Even then, we suspected she might never fully open her heart to anyone again.¡±

    Nina¡¯s tone carried a calm yet resolute certainty.

    ¡°Mr. Phillips, please don¡¯t take it personally. It¡¯s not that she dislikes you; it¡¯s that she doesn¡¯t know how to like anyone. To her, rtionships feel too fragile, and deep down, she struggles to trust anyone. That applies to anyone she might end up with, honestly. Maybe it¡¯s for the best you two aren¡¯t together. She doesn¡¯t coddle anyone, and she¡¯s not one to express her feelings. Whoever ends up with her someday will have a challenging time. My mother always says that even if Dani marries someone, she¡¯d never fully ept them in her heart. She just doesn¡¯t let her guard down.¡±

    With a faint, innocent smile, Nina added, ¡°When Alexander brought up divorce, Dani agreed without hesitation and never looked back. When someone ever wants to know if Dani truly loves him, he could tell her he¡¯s leaving. If she tries to stop him, then she genuinely cares.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s fingers tightened around his wine ss as he sat in prolonged silence. Atst, he asked, ¡°So, what you¡¯re saying is, if Dani genuinely loves someone and he tries to leave, she¡¯ll undoubtedly try to stop him?¡±

    Nina nodded confidently.

    ¡°Exactly. She bottles everything up. If she ever speaks up and asks someone to stay, it means that person holds a permanent ce in her heart.¡±

    Nina poured herself another ss of wine. After taking a sip, she said, ¡°But honestly, Dani probably won¡¯t let anyone stay close to her.¡± She¡¯s too guarded. She loved Alexander for ten years, yet now she¡¯s cast him aside without a second thought.¡± She shrugged casually.

    Find the best stories now at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c?m

    ¡°From what I¡¯ve heard, Alexander only ended up with Joyce because Dani rejected him. That¡¯s why he¡¯s so desperate to hold on to Joyce¡ªhe has nowhere else to go.¡±

    As she spoke, Nina stole a quick nce at Cedric, confident that after hearing this, regardless of his feelings for Dani, Cedric would realize it was time to let go. Wasn¡¯t Cedric the sharpest man around, famous for avoiding unnecessary risks?

    Pressing her lips together briefly, Nina added, ¡°You¡¯re an incredible man with no shortage of admirers. Why not explore a bit more? Your ideal match might already be right there, waiting for you to see her.¡±

    Her words were heavy with implication, and she felt confident Cedric would understand what she meant. Tilting her head slightly, she took another sip of her wine. The moonlight spilled across the floor outside, casting a radiant glow.

    The three of them continued drinking, and Nina carried most of the conversation while Cedric seemed lost in his thoughts. By the time dawn broke, Nina¡¯s head was spinning with dizziness. Cedric arranged for a female driver to take her home, while Ryany slumped over the table,pletely unconscious. Cedric¡¯s eyes, however, remained piercing and focused. He scanned the room quietly, taking it all in.

    Nina¡¯s words echoed repeatedly in his mind.

    ¡°If you say you¡¯re leaving and Dani asks you to stay, that¡¯s how you¡¯ll know she truly cares about you.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s fingers clenched tightly around his ss. Without another thought, he rose and strode toward the restroom. Despite the early hour, he turned on the cold shower. Refreshed, Cedric changed into clean clothes, grabbed his keys, and headed straight for the parking lot. The moment the engine roared to life, he drove off without a second thought.

    As Dani opened the door, the first thing she noticed was Cedric¡¯s car parked outside.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 643

    ?Chapter 643:

    Dani noticed Cedric immediately.

    As she approached, the sharp scent of alcohol hit her.

    ¡°Have you been drinking?¡± she asked, her eyes flickering toward his car.

    There was a driver sitting inside.

    Relieved, she exhaled quietly before adding, ¡°Why are you here so early?¡±

    The night before, Ryan had mentioned going out for drinks with Cedric.

    When Ryan hadn¡¯te home, Dani had given up waiting and went to bed after midnight.

    This morning, when she spoke to the building¡¯s security guard, he had mentioned that Ryan and Cedric had been out drinking until the early hours. Naturally, she assumed Cedric would still be sleeping.

    ¡°I just wanted to stop by,¡± Cedric replied. On the drive over, his mind had been racing as he pieced together the questions he wanted to ask.

    But the second he arrived and saw Dani step out, every word he had practiced vanished. His mind felt scrambled.

    He wanted to prove that he was worth something, someone deserving of love, even though he knew it was a risky move. Alexander had once warned him that he¡¯d end up just like him, but Cedric had brushed it off as nonsense.

    He had gotten this far on his own.

    While he wasn¡¯t on Dani¡¯s level financially, he never saw himself as beneath her.

    Cedric had his own unique sense of pride.

    Stay updated on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    Yet, rtionships were the one area where he feltpletely out of his depth.

    His pulse pounded in his ears, and he feared blurting something out only to be met with the response he dreaded most.

    After a moment of inner struggle, Cedric finally forced himself to speak, meeting Dani¡¯s curious gaze.

    ¡°I¡¯m heading out on a business trip. Just came to grab my luggage.¡±

    Dani studied him carefully.

    ¡°A business trip? That¡¯s strange. I haven¡¯t heard about Phillips Group closing any out-of-town dealstely.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s response was stiff.

    ¡°It¡¯s an old client. Just keeping up connections.¡±

    The moment he said it, he noticed the tension in his tone and quickly added, ¡°It¡¯s, uh, sort of urgent.¡±

    Dani gave a small nod.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    He felt her gaze linger on him and tightened his fists.

    ¡°Actually, it¡¯s not that urgent.¡±

    Dani frowned slightly.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Cedric, still hesitant to let the matter rest, couldn¡¯t bring himself to ask directly. His mind raced in all directions before he finally blurted, ¡°So do you want me to leave?¡±

    Dani looked at him and asked, ¡°Is something bothering you?¡±

    ¡°If you just ask me to stay, I won¡¯t leave. I¡¯ll stay here in Olisvine for good,¡± he replied.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 644

    ?Chapter 644:

    Dani figured he was probably still under the influence ofst night¡¯s drinking.

    ¡°If you¡¯ve got work to handle, just go. It¡¯s only for a few days¡ªit¡¯s not a big deal.¡±

    Disappointment surged through Cedric at her casual response. He clenched his fists tightly, his voice dropping to a low murmur.

    ¡°So, it really doesn¡¯t matter to you if I¡¯m here or not, does it? Am I just like Alexander in your eyes? You stayed with him out of gratitude, and with me, it¡¯s out of pity, I guess.

    You couldn¡¯t bear to see me falling apart, so you gave me a chance. But you never truly cared about Alexander, and you don¡¯t care about me either. When he said he was leaving, you didn¡¯t hesitate to let him go. And now that I¡¯m saying I¡¯ll leave, you¡¯repletely fine with it.

    You didn¡¯t even think to ask me to stay. That just proves you don¡¯t feel anything for me.¡±

    Dani stared at him, confused.

    ¡°What are you saying? Are you even talking to me? I can¡¯t hear you.¡±

    Cedric shook his head, weariness etched across his features.

    ¡°Forget it. I¡¯ll just grab my things.¡±

    Sensing something wasn¡¯t right, Dani opened her mouth to say something, but Lillian¡¯s voice called out from afar. Dani responded and turned back to address Cedric, only to find he had already disappeared into the vi.

    Meanwhile, Elyse was at home when a phone call nearly sent her over the edge. Standing by the front door, she took Nina from the driver, her expression clouded with unmistakable displeasure. She ced Nina onto the sofa with little care before recording a voice message to send to Natalie.

    ¡°Darling, when are youing back? Nina¡¯s stupidity is driving me insane! I can¡¯t believe I gave birth to such an airhead. She asked me for fancy bottles of wine to get Cedric drunk, and guess what? He waspletely sober, and she got wasted instead and was sent home. Do you know what that means? It means even when she threw herself at him, he didn¡¯t want her! What a humiliation for this family!¡±

    L?¦Ó??¦Ó ch?¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?ls.????

    Elyse ended the recording with an exasperated huff.

    A reply came from Natalie minutester. If one wasn¡¯t listening closely, her voice could easily be mistaken for Dani¡¯s.

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t stress. Whatever¡¯s happening with Cedric and Dani, he¡¯s going to be mine in the end.¡±

    Elyse¡¯s eyes lit up with astonishment.

    ¡°Sweetheart, your voice¡­ it¡¯s uncanny how much it sounds like Dani¡¯s. How on earth are you pulling that off?¡±

    Natalie, ever the psychologist and a keen observer of human behavior, had a small smile in her tone as she replied, ¡°It¡¯s just a little trick I picked up. I¡¯ve been experimentingtely. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll be back next week.¡±

    Elyse was so overjoyed she nearly pped her hands. Natalie had always been her pride and joy¡ªthe type of daughter who excelled in every field, earning the admiration of teachers and the envy of other parents.

    ¡°Alright, sweetheart, I¡¯ll be counting the days,¡± Elyse said warmly before ending the call.

    But her excitement evaporated the second her eyesnded on Nina, stretched out on the sofa. Nina had slept the entire day.

    When she finally began to stir, Nina noticed Elyse sitting on the couch, watching the news. Elyse heard the movement but didn¡¯t bother to look over, her voice cold as she asked, ¡°You¡¯re awake?¡±

    Nina blinked, still piecing together her fragmented memory. She pulled off the nket covering her and frowned at her wrinkled dress.

    ¡°Mom, how did I get home?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 645

    ?Chapter 645:

    ¡°The driver brought you back. Nina, do you remember what I told you when you were little?¡± Elyse¡¯s voice carried an edge of something unspoken.

    Nina adjusted the nket nervously, her unease growing.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Elyse¡¯s gaze didn¡¯t soften as she continued, ¡°I told you that a person should only try what they¡¯re actually capable of.

    You recall that, don¡¯t you?¡±

    Nina bit her lip but didn¡¯t reply.

    Elyse¡¯s simmering anger boiled over as she gestured at Nina¡¯s disheveled state.

    ¡°Look at you! Do you even realize how ridiculous you looked? If you don¡¯t have the skill, stop pretending otherwise.

    You wasted my expensive wine, and Cedric doesn¡¯t even care about you. He never has. From this moment on, don¡¯t even think about stepping foot in Elite Lux again.¡±

    Nina¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. Panic set in as she sat up straighter.

    ¡°No, Mom! Please, just give me another chance! I can make it work!¡±

    Elyse shut down Nina¡¯s pleas without a second thought. To her, Nina was trapped in a delusion. There was no way Cedric could ever have feelings for Nina. Had Cedric truly been interested, even a little, he wouldn¡¯t have let the chance slip by yesterday. The fact that Cedric hadn¡¯t even touched Nina spoke volumes.

    ¡°You need to tell Dani today that you¡¯re returning to Harper Group to help me,¡± Elyse instructed.

    Nina cried out, her voice trembling with desperation.

    ¡°No! Please, give me another chance!¡±

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s£®c????, a world of tales

    Elyse gave Nina a frosty look before turning her attention back to the television.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already told you, Cedric doesn¡¯t like you.¡±

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Nina rose, her face bathed in the ghostly glow of the TV screen.

    ¡°Is it that Cedric doesn¡¯t like me, or are you just scared he might?¡±

    Elyse snapped back, ¡°What nonsense are you talking about?¡±

    ¡°If it¡¯s not true, then why are you pushing me back to Harper Group? Is it because my sister ising back? You¡¯re trying to make room for her, aren¡¯t you? As soon as I leave, you¡¯ll have Dani bring Natalie into Elite Lux, right? Why is it always like this? Why do you favor her over me? Natalie likes Cedric, and so do I. I won¡¯t give up! Cedric didn¡¯t make a movest night because he¡¯s not like other men you can judge by ordinary standards. He respects me enough to hold back. He didn¡¯t want to do anything while I wasn¡¯t fully sober.¡± Nina¡¯s voice took on a more assured tone.

    Elyseughed derisively in response.

    ¡°You¡¯re just dreaming.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not leaving Elite Lux or Cedric. This time, I¡¯m fighting for my own happiness!¡±

    Elyse turned her head slowly to look at Nina. She had never anticipated her typically obedient daughter would challenge her so openly.

    ¡°Do you know where Cedric went after dropping you off?¡±

    Nina looked taken aback.

    ¡°Where did he go?¡±

    ¡°He packed his bags and left the country. If he truly cared about you, would he really be avoiding you like this? Nina, you¡¯ve already embarrassed yourself enough in front of Dani. How am I supposed to get anything from her now? I don¡¯t care what you have nned, but today, you¡¯re going to tell Dani you want to go back to Harper Group. Refuse, and I¡¯ll cut off your financial support.¡±

    Dani sat in her office, still reflecting on Cedric¡¯s strange behavior when Nina knocked and entered. Her eyes were swollen and puffy.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 646

    ?Chapter 646:

    ¡°Dani¡­¡± Nina choked out, tears streaming down her face, her appearance pitiful.

    ¡°My mom says I¡¯m useless at Elite Lux and wants me to go back to Harper Group. But I really enjoy working for you, Dani. I¡¯d do anything to stay with you.¡±

    Elyse stood at the doorway, intending to escort Nina back to Harper Group. However, she overheard Nina¡¯s pleading, and her expression darkened.

    ¡°My mom threatened to freeze my card if I didn¡¯t listen. Please, talk to her for me. I promise I¡¯ll follow your instructions. Just say a few kind words for me. I swear I¡¯ll behave.¡± Nina had an uncanny ability to appear pitiful. The sight of her tears falling made anyone nearby want to offerfort.

    The door swung open with a sharp crack as Elyse stepped inside. Before Dani could react, Elyse struck Nina across the face with a resounding p.

    ¡°What are you even saying? What do you think you can do? All you do is cause trouble for your cousin. Come on, let¡¯s go.¡±

    With a forced smile, Elyse turned to Dani and added, ¡°Dani, Nina¡¯s just being childish. Please don¡¯t take it personally. I¡¯ll take her away so you can focus on your work.¡±

    Nina copsed to the floor, her eyes filled with sorrow. She shoved Elyse¡¯s hand away and fell to her knees at Dani¡¯s feet.

    ¡°Please, help me! My mom always favors my sister and wants me to step aside for her sake. But I want to stay by your side and prove myself.¡±

    Nina repeatedly mmed her forehead onto the floor with dull thuds. In no time, blood started to trickle from her forehead, crimson streaks running down her face.

    Yet Nina, once delicate, seemed unfazed. She was resolute, determined to stay at all costs.

    Explore more on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s©q??????

    Nina understood all too clearly the fate that awaited her. If she didn¡¯t fight for what she desired and fail to win Cedric¡¯s heart, she would be no better than Joyce. Joyce at least had Katrina to devise ns for her, but she had no one but herself. In this harsh world, she had to forge her own path, even if it meant stepping on anyone in her way.

    Gripping Dani¡¯s leg tightly, Nina pleaded, ¡°Please, I beg you. Let me stay with you.¡±

    Elyse stood off to the side, her eyes burning with fury. She longed to strangle Nina right then and there, but her gazended on a reporter inside Dani¡¯s office. All she could do was grit her teeth and force another smile.

    ¡°Dani, this isn¡¯t your issue. Nina¡¯s spoiled because of me. I¡¯ll take her home so she doesn¡¯t bother you.¡± Elyse reached out, attempting to pull Nina away.

    But Nina clung desperately to Dani¡¯s leg, preventing Elyse from moving her.

    Dani let out a soft chuckle.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright. Let her stay. Nina listens well and doesn¡¯t cause me any trouble.¡±

    Elyse¡¯s face immediately clouded with anger. She had nned for Natalie to make her way into Dani¡¯s good graces.

    Dani had already seen through Elyse¡¯s scheme. With a serene smile, she said, ¡°I heard Natalie will be back soon from overseas. Let her join us at Elite Lux as well. We¡¯re family, after all, and the more hands, the better.¡±

    Elyse¡¯s smile was strained. She didn¡¯t want Nina stirring up trouble. If Cedric fell for Nina, what would be of Natalie? But since Dani had made her decision, Elyse couldn¡¯t protest. She forced augh, her voice tight.

    ¡°Dani, thank you. That sounds great.¡±

    A short timeter, Elyse excused herself to use the restroom. Upon her return, she saw Nina leaving Dani¡¯s office. She shot Nina a cold, unfeeling look, her usual warmth reced by disdain.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 647

    ?Chapter 647:

    ¡°So you think you can stand on your own now?¡±

    Nina smiled faintly, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

    ¡°I got a chance, and I intend to fight for it.¡±

    Elyse sneered, her voiceced with disdain.

    ¡°You even needed my money to be admitted to a college. Do you really think Cedric would fall for someone like you?¡±

    Nina wasn¡¯t the least bit angry. Mimicking Dani¡¯s usualposed demeanor, she replied, ¡°If you truly think Cedric won¡¯t give me a second nce, why are you so worried? I¡¯ve never understood how a mother can be so tantly biased. It used to hurt me.¡±

    Taking a small container of hand cream from her pocket, Nina applied it gently to her hands.

    ¡°But now, I don¡¯t bother myself with that. I can¡¯t control what you think. I can only carve my own path.¡±

    She smiled, then pulled out a tissue and dabbed at the blood on her forehead right in front of Elyse.

    ¡°Oh, by the way, Dani said I could move into her vi.

    You were nning to cut off my credit card, right? Well, go ahead. I¡¯ve got a sry now. I can take care of myself.¡±

    Elyse was shaking with rage. She narrowed her eyes, her chest rising and falling with eachbored breath.

    Nina felt a surge of satisfaction. She had longed to speak her mind, and now, she had done it all in one go, relishing the feeling of triumph.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s is your storytelling haven

    No longer willing to live in Natalie¡¯s shadow, Nina was determined to make her own name and im Cedric for herself. She wanted everyone to see her worth.

    Elyse stumbled out, nearly staggering with fury. She muttered into her phone, ¡°Natalie, get a ticket ande back now!¡±

    That evening, Nina moved into the Harper family¡¯s vi. Before bed, she asked Josie, ¡°Which room does Cedric stay in?¡±

    Josie shot her a wary look.

    Nina smiled politely and said, ¡°I¡¯m not up to anything. I just don¡¯t want to get lost and cause an awkward situation.¡±

    Josie¡¯s expression stayed stony as she tossedundry into a basket.

    ¡°If your intentions are pure, you won¡¯t get lost. Stop looking for shortcuts.¡±

    Nina wasn¡¯t offended at all. She had endured far worse from the Dury family, and these small gestures didn¡¯t bother her in the least.

    She smiled softly and said, ¡°You¡¯re overthinking things. I really don¡¯t have any ulterior motives. If you¡¯d prefer not to say, that¡¯s fine. Looks like your hands are busy, and you haven¡¯t taken good care of them.¡± Nina pulled out a small tube of hand cream from her pocket and handed it to Josie.

    ¡°This brand works well. Give it a try. If you like it and run out, just let me know. I¡¯ll get you more.¡±

    With that, she walked toward the guest room across the hall. Josie looked at the hand cream on the table, her brow furrowing into a thoughtful frown.

    Momentster, Josie pulled her phone from her pocket and checked the price of the hand cream.

    The small bottle was worth a staggering ten thousand dors.

    Josie hesitated, then ced the hand cream back in her pocket before turning to head into the kitchen.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 648

    ?Chapter 648:

    Dani came homete that night.

    As she entered, she quickly messaged Cedric. As she passed the kitchen, Josie opened the ss door and greeted her, ¡°Good evening, Dani.¡±

    Dani turned toward her and replied, ¡°Good evening.¡±

    Josie retrieved the hand cream from her pocket. Dani instantly recognized the brand.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Nina gave this to me,¡± Josie replied.

    Dani smiled at the mention of it.

    ¡°This brand is excellent. It¡¯s a luxury brand.¡±

    Josie looked uneasy.

    ¡°It¡¯s not about the hand cream. I wanted to tell you that Nina isn¡¯t as simple as she seems. She gave me such an extravagant gift. She must have some agenda. Before going to her room, she even asked me which room Cedric is staying in.¡±

    Josie had been feeling anxioustely.

    Ever since Dani and Cedric got together, he hadn¡¯t traveled far. But this time, when he left, he was in a bad mood and had been gone for a week.

    When Josie asked Cedric if he had argued with Dani, he remained silent. Her anxiety deepened.

    She began to wonder if Dani no longer cared about Cedric.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Dani said, smiling.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s???§à?? opens doors to wonder

    ¡°Just focus on your work, Josie. Whatever Nina gives you, feel free to ept it.¡± It was like a free meal. Why not take it?

    Dani went upstairs, leaving Josie behind, her brow furrowed with worry.

    She couldn¡¯t help but wonder if Dani and Cedric had truly fought or broken up. Otherwise, Dani¡¯s reaction wouldn¡¯t be so strange.

    She had already warned her about Nina¡¯s ulterior motives, yet Dani remained unbothered.

    Did Dani not care at all anymore?

    Josie¡¯s heart skipped a beat as she sensed something was wrong.

    Without hesitation, she grabbed her phone and called Cedric, urgently recounting everything that had just transpired.

    Panic filled Josie¡¯s voice as she spoke into the phone.

    ¡°Cedric, when are youing back? You¡¯ve put so much effort into winning Dani¡¯s heart¡ªdon¡¯t give up now. I¡¯m not seeing any urgency from her. She doesn¡¯t even seem jealous, which isn¡¯t right in a rtionship.¡±

    Cedric was already feeling agitated. Josie¡¯s words struck him like a dagger to the heart. He felt a wave of dread wash over him.

    Dani had returned home just to change. Before leaving again, she saw Josie on the phone, pacing in the courtyard.

    From behind the ss, she couldn¡¯t hear their conversation, but it was obvious that Josie was so frantic she seemed ready to jump out of her skin.

    Dani cast a brief nce in her direction, lifted the hem of her dress, and stepped out the door.

    Josie turned and saw Dani leaving. She quickly said to Cedric, ¡°Dani¡¯s gone out. She only came back to change. She put on a stunning dress¡ªlooks like she¡¯s heading out for a date. Please, when will you be back? If you don¡¯t hurry, I¡¯m afraid another man might steal her away.¡±

    Josie wasn¡¯t entirely to me for her distress.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 649

    ?Chapter 649:

    Dani rarely went to banquets. She wasn¡¯t fond of socializing or drama. In the past, whenever she attended events, Cedric was always by her side.

    Tonight, though, she was going alone.

    Josie couldn¡¯t stop herself from overthinking.

    When Dani arrived at the banquet, many key figures from the finance world had already gathered.

    The host of tonight¡¯s event was a VIP, so her attendance was essential.

    The moment Dani entered the hall, she turned heads. Her maic presence and breathtaking beauty made her the center of attention wherever she went.

    As soon as Dani stepped inside, Doug¡¯s eyes were immediately drawn to her.

    His eyes lit up, a reaction that didn¡¯t go unnoticed by Joyce, who was standing beside him.

    Joyce paused for a moment, then smiled teasingly.

    ¡°Honey, what caught your eye?¡±

    Doug wrapped his arm around Joyce¡¯s waist, his eyes fixed on Dani as he whispered, ¡°Is that your half-sister?¡±

    Joyce nodded.

    ¡°She¡¯s breathtaking, isn¡¯t she?¡±

    Doug had no interest in attending such an event, but Joyce promised to introduce him to a beautiful woman, so he begrudgingly agreed.

    Find exclusive stories at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv????s

    The moment he saw Dani, he was undeniably captivated. His pulse quickened with excitement, and he could hardly contain his eagerness to approach her.

    He extended his hand, his voice smooth.

    ¡°Good evening, Ms. Harper. I¡¯m Doug Fairburne.¡±

    Dani assessed the man before her.

    He was middle-aged, with a protruding belly and thinning hair.

    Standing in her high heels, Dani was a little taller than him. She quickly nced at his receding hairline, then at Joyce, who was draped in jewels next to him, and offered a faint smile.

    Joyce¡¯s difort was palpable.

    What was Dani trying to imply with that smile? Was she looking down on her? Did Dani think she had chosen such an unappealing man solely for his wealth?

    Doug¡¯s financial power allowed Joyce to be arrogant in front of everyone¡ªexcept Dani.

    She couldn¡¯t summon any arrogance around Dani, who held unmatched influence in the business world.

    Even Doug, who spent money freely, paled inparison to Dani¡¯s power.

    But Joyce knew Doug¡¯s weaknesses. His judgment was clouded by desire. Who knew what could unfold?

    ¡°Dani, meet my husband, Doug.¡± Joyce intentionally raised her voice, ensuring the gossiping crowd could hear every word. A fake smile stretched across her face as she waited for Dani to extend her hand.

    She was certain that once Doug shook Dani¡¯s hand, he would be captivated by the encounter, eager to pursue her.

    If she couldn¡¯t deal with Dani directly, she¡¯d let Doug take care of it.

    She longed to see Dani suffer the same fate she was trapped in.

    Joyce¡¯s smile deepened, full of malice.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 650

    ?Chapter 650:

    Doug¡¯s hand remained outstretched, waiting for Dani¡¯s response.

    Every eye in the room was on her.

    Bathed in the spotlight, Dani stood tall, smiling with poise.

    ¡°Apologies, I¡¯m a bit obsessive about cleanliness.¡±

    Doug¡¯s smile faltered, his expression tightening.

    Then Dani¡¯s gaze flicked toward Joyce.

    ¡°How have you and Alexander been these days?¡±

    Joyce hadn¡¯t anticipated Dani¡¯s swift retaliation. Her face drained of color, and she quickly nced at Doug.

    Doug¡¯s expression darkenedpletely.

    Dani maintained her smile.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t your husband know about your little rendezvous while he was away? Oops, my mistake. I shouldn¡¯t have said that. Sorry.¡±

    Her apology was casual, her demeanor unaffected.

    Joyce flustered, waving her hands frantically as she tried to exin.

    ¡°It¡¯s not what it seems! Let me exin¡ªAlexander is my ex-husband. We just exchanged a few words, nothing more.¡±

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Dani asked with a smile.

    ¡°Then why have I seen you both going in and out of the Grand Hotel multiple times? Am I mistaken, or was that really you two?¡±

    Feel the magic at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c¦Ï??

    Joyce clenched her jaw, ring at Dani, her eyes burning with fury.

    ¡°Enough!¡±

    Dani¡¯s smile barely wavered.

    ¡°I¡¯m only stating the truth. Is that a crime? Using your husband¡¯s money to maintain a lover isn¡¯t exactly a good look. But then again, your husband is a lot older than you, so in some areas, you might have more energy. I can see why you¡¯d need someone else to help you out.¡±

    Dani savored the drama, unconcerned with the fallout.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you agree, Doug?¡±

    It wasn¡¯t just an affair¡ªit was like publicly humiliating Doug, making a fool of him for everyone to see.

    Doug could feel the weight of the crowd¡¯s gaze on him, his face contorting with humiliation for the first time.

    ¡°Thanks for the reminder. Excuse me,¡± Doug muttered, pulling Joyce away and, despite her protests, shoving her into the car.

    The car didn¡¯t move; instead, it rocked violently in ce.

    The tremors continued until the banquet finally came to an end. At some point, Alexander appeared behind Dani.

    ¡°Is this about me?¡±

    Dani turned her head slightly, stepping aside.

    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t want me with Joyce, so you exposed our affair to Doug on purpose.

    You still care about me, don¡¯t you?¡±

    Alexander¡¯s gaze on Dani was intense, almost obsessive. He needed confirmation, an answer that would prove everything that had transpired wasn¡¯t just a figment of his imagination.

    Dani chuckled softly at his words.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 651

    ?Chapter 651:

    Her smile, bathed in moonlight, was so captivating that it left Alexander breathless.

    He stood there,pletely stunned, unable to look away.

    ¡°I truly envy your confidence,¡± Dani remarked, before opening the car door and driving off.

    Alexander remained there, bathed in moonlight, as the car disappeared into the distance. He stood motionless for a long while.

    The moment was captured by a reporter and quickly shared online.

    Oneizenmented, ¡°Why is Dani with Alexander?¡± Another questioned, ¡°Why didn¡¯t Dani attend the banquet with Cedric tonight?¡±

    A thirdment read, ¡°There¡¯s something strangely sweet about Dani and Alexander standing together under the moonlight.¡±

    A fourth user added, ¡°Are they getting back together? Oh my! The drama in their circle is a real show.¡±

    A flood ofments followed the post.

    Josie forwarded thements to Cedric, asking, ¡°Is it possible that Dani wants to reconcile with Alexander? When are you returning?¡±

    Cedric remained silent, offering no response this time.

    Upon returning home, Dani found Nina sitting on the sofa in the living room, watching TV, smiling innocently¡ªan image of sweetness. As soon as Nina saw Dani, she greeted her cheerfully, ¡°Hey, Dani!¡±

    Dani looked down, typing a message to Cedric.

    Passing by Nina, Dani¡¯s eyes were drawn to the slippers on her feet.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c§à??, your storytelling home

    Nina nced down at her slippers, then back up at Dani, asking, ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Dani?¡±

    Dani quickly averted her gaze, replying, ¡°Nothing.¡±

    She headed upstairs and sent a message to the driver, requesting a pair of men¡¯s slippers.

    After her shower, Dani checked her phone again, but Cedric had still not responded. She assumed he was just busy.

    She went downstairs, retrieved the slippers, and ced them neatly on the shoe rack by the door. Nina stood with her hands behind her back, a smile on her face, and asked, ¡°Did I wear the wrong shoes?¡±

    Dani straightened up after neatly cing the slippers and replied, ¡°Cedric also stays here. He¡¯s a bit of a neat freak.

    You wore his slippers by mistake, so I bought a new pair. Just be careful not to mix them up again.¡±

    Nina was genuinely surprised by her response.

    She had assumed Dani wouldn¡¯t care about such small details. When she moved in, Josie had warned her not to mix up the slippers, but she had intentionally worn Cedric¡¯s.

    Josie hadn¡¯t noticed, but Dani had spotted it right away when she entered.

    She had even arranged for new slippers.

    Even though Cedric was on a business trip abroad and wouldn¡¯t be back for a while, Dani still made sure to prepare slippers for him.

    Could anyone truly believe that Dani felt nothing for Cedric, and that their connection was merely physical?

    Nina couldn¡¯t believe that for a second.

    Dani remained unfazed by Nina¡¯s scrutiny; she was always direct and unapologetically honest.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 652

    ?Chapter 652:

    ¡°Dani, what exactly is your rtionship with Cedric?¡± Nina asked suddenly, just as Dani was about to head upstairs.

    The room fell silent.

    Nina stood by the entrance, the sensor light gradually dimming until she was swallowed by the darkness.

    Persistent and calcting, Nina kept her tone light, though her question was blunt.

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard rumors that Cedric is pursuing you. Now that I¡¯m here, I see he lives here too. Does that mean there¡¯s more between you two than just him pursuing you? Are you in a rtionship?¡±

    Nina watched Dani¡¯s figure, her eyes never leaving her.

    Her phone screen lit up faintly, disying Elyse¡¯s name.

    As she called Elyse, she discreetly hit the record button.

    ¡°Dani, is it so hard to answer? What exactly is your rtionship with Cedric?¡± Nina pushed further.

    Dani nced over her shoulder at Nina.

    Nina was taken aback by how calmly Dani handled the situation, even in such a tense moment.

    ¡°Believe whatever you want about us,¡± Dani said, her voice steady.

    ¡°If we are something in your mind, then that¡¯s what we are.¡±

    Nina quickly shot back, ¡°Really? People are saying Cedric is here not because you love him, but because you just need a man. They say you¡¯re using him for your own desires.¡±

    galn¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m opens doors to new adventures

    Nina matched Dani¡¯s pace, her voice growing sharper.

    ¡°I think I agree.

    You don¡¯t love Cedric, do you? Otherwise, how could you let people gossip about him like this?¡±

    Dani paused at the stairs, her fists clenching at her sides. She stayed silent, contemting for a moment.

    ¡°If you stay quiet, I¡¯ll take that as an admission.¡± Nina continued, taking full advantage of Dani¡¯s silence.

    Dani didn¡¯t care about Nina¡¯s words; she feared nothing for herself. But when it came to Cedric, it was a different story. She couldn¡¯t risk him being hurt. With everything so uncertain, she saw no value in continuing the argument. Dani stayed quiet and started up the stairs.

    Just as she lifted her foot, Nina¡¯s smug voice rang out behind her.

    ¡°Cedric, did you hear that? I told you. Dani doesn¡¯t love you. She just admitted it.¡±

    Dani froze mid-step, her heart pounding.

    After a long, tense pause, she slowly turned her head and saw Cedric standing at the entrance with his luggage.

    He looked drained, his eyes bloodshot, chest heaving with each heavy breath, his face full of stunned disbelief.

    Their gazes locked from across the long hallway, the darkness between them seeming to stretch forever.

    Nina stood triumphantly to the side and said, ¡°Cedric, you heard that, right? Dani just wants a man around, which is why she let you stay here. Do you still want to stay now?¡±

    Nina continued, ¡°Dani, I¡¯m sorry, but if you don¡¯t love him, you should be honest. I¡¯ve only known Cedric briefly, but I can tell he values sincerity. It¡¯s not right to toy with his emotions like this.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 653

    ?Chapter 653:

    Nina said all of this, but Cedric remained silent, his expression unreadable.

    Dani remained silent as well. She didn¡¯t know what could possibly mend the situation.

    The memory of Cedric¡¯s earlier confrontation resurfaced¡ªhe had always questioned her true intentions.

    Nina lingered, phone in hand, as the three of them stood in suspense, waiting for a resolution. This drama couldn¡¯t just end abruptly.

    Dani gripped the stair railing, her eyes distant as she spoke.

    ¡°It¡¯s up to you, Cedric. If you want to leave, I won¡¯t stop you.¡± With those words, Dani turned and ascended the stairs, retreating to her room.

    Once inside, she didn¡¯t sit. She waited, hoping Cedric woulde up. She needed to exin herself to him. But he didn¡¯te.

    Over an hourter, the only sound she heard was the hum of a car engine starting outside.

    Standing on the balcony, she watched the ck car disappear into the darkness.

    After a moment, Dani pressed her lips tightly together and lowered her gaze.

    It hit her¡ªshe had hurt Cedric deeply.

    That night, Dani couldn¡¯t sleep. She sat wide awake on the wooden floor.

    Old habits were hard to shake off.

    She had be ustomed to having Cedric by her side at night.

    Your imagination begins with g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s©q?????

    With him gone, she couldn¡¯t bring herself to crawl into bed alone. Instead, she pondered whether revealing their rtionship would be the right move.

    Would that finally make Cedric happy?

    Would it clear away all his doubts and fears about whether she truly wanted him in her life?

    Dani spent the entire night mulling over her thoughts. As the morning light filtered into the vi, exhaustion clouded her mind.

    Suddenly, an impulsive idea bloomed in her chest.

    She wanted to shout to the world that Cedric was her husband.

    No more secrets, no more hiding.

    She couldn¡¯t wait another second.

    She quickly changed into fresh clothes, slipped on her shoes, and hurried downstairs.

    A powerful impulse drove her¡ªshe had to see Cedric right now. But that rush of determination vanished the moment she reached the first floor. There, she saw Nina and Natalie.

    ¡°Hello, Dani,¡± Natalie greeted her with an air of polished professionalism.

    ¡°I¡¯m Natalie. It¡¯s been a while.¡±

    In that moment, Dani¡¯s impulsive urges were tempered by reason.

    She stopped in her tracks, her eyes locking onto Natalie, whose features mirrored her own. A subtle smile appeared on her lips.

    ¡°Natalie, it¡¯s been a while.¡±

    Natalie, a top-tier graduate with international experience, stood in stark contrast to Nina. She radiated a confident,manding aura.

    At a remarkably young age, Natalie had founded a publicly tradedpany.

    ¡°Dani, my mother sent me to help you,¡± Natalie said, her smile calm and confident.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 654

    ?Chapter 654:

    ¡°I majored in Finance and minored in Law, with additional studies in Psychology and Investment Banking. I believe I can be a more effective assistant than Lillian. I¡¯ve prepared a workflow diagram based on Nina¡¯s tasks. Please take a look, and if it suits you, we can begin today.¡±

    Natalie¡¯s tone carried an undeniable air of superiority, her confidence evident. Though she framed it as a suggestion, there was an underlying tone of authority.

    Nina, usually quiet and obedient, couldn¡¯t help but feel dwarfed by Natalie¡¯s presence.

    There was no denying that Natalie¡¯s professionalism was bothmanding and efficient.

    Dani nced between the two women.

    ¡°Alright. Natalie ispetent and reassures me.

    You two can handle the details.

    I¡¯m off for a morning run.¡±

    With that, Dani left the vi.

    On her way, she received a message from Ryan.

    ¡°Natalie just returned!¡±

    Dani responded, ¡°I saw her.¡±

    ¡°What? She even visited you? I believe she had something to do with what happened to your mother back then.¡±

    Back then, Brylee had been manipted by a psychologist Katrina had brought in. The only reason the psychologist had been allowed to stay in the house was because Natalie had imed to have feelings for him.

    Exclusive stories avable on g¦Áln¦Òv?ls

    Natalie had persuaded Brylee to let him stay. Otherwise, someone as cautious as Brylee would never have allowed an outsider to remain in her home.

    While Katrina was the direct instigator, Elyse and Natalie were the ones pulling the strings behind the scenes.

    Before leaving the vi, Dani took onest look behind her.

    The sky above was heavy with an impending storm.

    The air was thick with the scent of rain.

    The weather mirrored the day Brylee had died in an almost eerie way.

    It all felt as though destiny had orchestrated these moments.

    The shadows began to surrender the faces of those who caused Brylee¡¯s death, and Dani vowed to hold each one of them ountable.

    Seated on the vi¡¯s plush sofa, Natalie surveyed her surroundings with an air of ownership, her tone dripping with condescension.

    ¡°Mom says you¡¯ve been quite the rebeltely.¡±

    Nina stood to the side, feeling herself shrink under Natalie¡¯s domineering presence.

    ¡°I¡¯m just going after someone I care about. I don¡¯t think that¡¯s wrong,¡± she retorted, mustering her courage.

    Natalie let out a frigidugh.

    ¡°Ridiculous. If this housecks a mirror, perhaps you should seek one elsewhere. Even if Cedric werepletely blind, he wouldn¡¯t spare you a second look. In terms of looks, intellect, or capability¡ªdo you genuinely believe you¡¯re on the same level?¡±

    Nina bit her lip.

    ¡°I won¡¯t give up until the end. Love isn¡¯t always won by the most capable.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 655

    ?Chapter 655:

    Nina clung to the belief that she still had a chance. After all, not every affluent man was drawn to domineering women.

    ¡°And even when ites to talent, you don¡¯t measure up to Dani,¡± Nina added, refusing to back down.

    Natalie¡¯s confident demeanor cracked instantly.

    ¡°How dare you!¡± she snapped, the words striking her raw nerve. Her lifelong failure to outshine Dani had always been her most painful insecurity.

    ¡°Nina, are you trying to provoke me? I might not touch Dani, but making you pay would be much simpler.¡±

    Nina mped her mouth shut, realizing it wasn¡¯t wise to push further.

    ¡°Mom¡¯s n is to remove Dani, marry me to Cedric, and elevate our family to the top.

    You¡¯d do well to cooperate¡ªor don¡¯t me me if I show no mercy.¡±

    Natalie¡¯s threat hung in the air. Nina bit her lip.

    ¡°Cedric might not even fall for you.¡±

    At the mention of Cedric¡¯s name, some of the tension left Natalie¡¯s face.

    She had nursed feelings for Cedric since their school days, and her celebrated return after a flourishing career abroad had been fueled by her long-held yearning.

    She was determined to win Cedric¡¯s affection and revive the dream she had clung to for years.

    Overflowing with confidence, Natalie fixed Nina with a cold stare.

    ¡°You will assist me,¡± she dered.

    Exiting the vi, Natalie made her way to Elite Lux.

    Elyse had informed her that Cedric, who had arrived the previous night, was in Dani¡¯s private lounge at Elite Lux.

    Without hesitation, Natalie swung open the office door and found Cedric standing by the floor-to-ceiling window, looking wless in his tailored suit.

    The sight of him sent her heart racing, as if her lifelong ambition had just stepped into reach.

    From hisposed posture, Cedric exuded the effortless elegance she remembered, his quiet dignity bathed in the soft glow of morning light.

    Warmth rose to Natalie¡¯s cheeks. Clearing her throat, she addressed him.

    ¡°Cedric.¡±

    As Cedric turned his head, Natalie couldn¡¯t miss the shadow of disappointment that flickered across his face. It was clear he¡¯d been expecting Dani to walk through the door.

    Natalie decided to let it slide. She gave him a polite smile, handed him a cup of coffee, and said, ¡°Good morning, Mr. Phillips. I¡¯m Ms. Harper¡¯s new personal assistant.¡±

    After speaking, Natalie gave Cedric a polite nod. Without wasting a moment, she turned her attention to tidying up Dani¡¯s desk. Shortly after, she exited the office without uttering another word.

    Meanwhile, Elyse lingered by the doorway, her brows drawn together in quiet concern as she observed the scene.

    ¡°Do you really think Cedric will notice you if you keep hiding your true self?¡± Elyse asked.

    Gazing through the office door at the man inside, Natalie replied, ¡°Mom, you just don¡¯t get it. Most men don¡¯t value whates to them too easily. They take for granted anything that falls into theirps.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 656

    ?Chapter 656:

    Elyse nodded thoughtfully.

    ¡°It seems you¡¯re sure about your n. I¡¯ll take Nina hometer so I don¡¯t get in your way.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Natalie replied with a calm air as she applied lipstick in front of the mirror.

    ¡°That fool being around only makes me shine brighter.¡±

    With that, Natalie gathered the files from the table and strode back into Dani¡¯s office.

    Cedric remained by the floor-to-ceiling window, prompting her to cast him a quick, indifferent nce.

    ¡°Mr. Phillips, I hope you don¡¯t mind me asking, but are you a fan of the renowned painter Monica Miller?¡± Natalie asked with a warm, easygoing smile.

    Cedric¡¯s expression shifted to one of surprise.

    ¡°How could you possibly know that?¡±

    Monica was undeniably a celebrated artist, and Cedric had never shared his admiration for her with anyone.

    Natalie¡¯s lips curved into a knowing smile as she gestured to the handkerchief in Cedric¡¯s breast pocket.

    ¡°The pattern and style are so reminiscent of her work. I used to admire her, too, but I was quite disappointed when I heard she retired.¡±

    Cedric was on the verge of replying when the office door swung open.

    Dani stepped into the doorway, fully aware Cedric had been waiting for her but surprised to see Natalie there as well.

    New content avable now at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    Trusting her instincts, Natalie quickly briefed Dani on her work progress before stepping out and closing the door behind her.

    At that moment, she epitomized the role of a capable and efficient secretary.

    Outside, Nina had caught sight of the brief exchange between Cedric and Natalie. Her face twisted with jealousy.

    Natalie noticed Nina¡¯s envious re and responded with a faint, disdainful sneer.

    ¡°Idiot,¡± she muttered under her breath before walking away.

    But Nina wasn¡¯t done. She hurried after Natalie.

    ¡°Would you dare show Cedric the real you? You¡¯re just hiding behind a mask!¡±

    Natalie didn¡¯t even bother to dignify her with a response.

    With her gaze lowered, she slipped her hand into her purse, retrieving a small wallet adorned with an oil-painting motif. A gentle smile graced her lips.

    In the office, Cedric remained by the window, unmoving, as if rooted to the spot where he had stood all night.

    Dani lingered by the door, hesitant, uncertain about how to take the first step forward.

    There were countless exnations she owed him, yet faced with Cedric¡¯s presence, the words seemed to evaporate from her mind.

    Perhaps, she thought, an apology could serve as a starting point.

    But she knew Cedric would probably say, ¡°It¡¯s all right.¡± And then she would have to admit, ¡°I still can¡¯t make our rtionship public. Can you understand?¡± But what could Cedric say in response to that?

    She could feel it in her gut¡ªno matter what she said, Cedric¡¯s spirit would remain bruised.

    Dani had done everything to shield him from the burdens that were hers to bear, yet in the end, he had carried them for her instead. She couldn¡¯t bear to see the once-proud man seem diminished in her presence.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 657

    ?Chapter 657:

    Dani¡¯s hands curled into tight fists.

    Should she dere their rtionship over? The words refused to form.

    Dani stood in silence for what felt like forever before finally speaking.

    ¡°I¡¯m giving you the right to choose.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s gaze turned stormy in an instant. He attempted a nod and a faint smile. But it came off more like he was on the verge of breaking down.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Cedric asked sharply, his eyes locked on Dani. Despite the calm he had tried to cultivate in recent days, his voice betrayed his tension.

    ¡°What are you talking about? A breakup? Or a divorce? Make it clear!¡±

    At that moment, a cold ache spread through Dani¡¯s chest. Her fists tightened until her nails pressed painfully into her palms, forcing her to cling to rationality.

    ¡°Either one. The choice is yours,¡± she said, her voice void of emotion.

    The silence that followed weighed heavy in the air, pressing down on them both.

    Cedric gave a slow nod, though a bitter smile ghosted across his lips.

    ¡°Should I be grateful you¡¯ve allowed me this final shred of dignity?¡±

    He had returned, weary and worn, only to be greeted by these icy words.

    ¡°I¡¯d have preferred your lies. At least then I could believe you felt something for me instead of forcing me to choose between two cruel options.¡±

    His voice faded into silence.

    Cedric said nothing more. He swung the door open and walked out.

    Read all updates at g?ln¦Òv?ls

    Lillian stood frozen by the door, stunned.

    ¡°What happened?¡± she asked Dani.

    Dani stepped further into the office, with Lillian following close behind.

    ¡°Dani, there¡¯s no need for this standoff. Even if Elyse has support, you can manage it.¡±

    Dani didn¡¯t reply. Instead, she handed Lillian a folder.

    Lillian nced down at the folder.

    ¡°Where did thise from? Cedric¡¯s background? Wasn¡¯t he raised in an orphanage? How¡­¡±

    As her eyes skimmed over the words, Lillian froze in ce. Momentster, she burst out, ¡°What on earth is this? It¡¯s unbelievable!¡±

    Joyce had been confined in a dark cell for five torturous days. She hade to believe that she might not make it out alive. At times, she even caught herself hoping for death as an escape. But Doug wouldn¡¯t allow her to die. He kept her wrists chained to the headboard, torturing her while giving her IV drips. A cold fluid flowed through her bloodstream.

    Joyce tilted her head back. Her body had be so numb it barely responded anymore. Tears slowly streamed down her face as she silently promised herself that if she survived, Dani would one day experience everything she had endured.

    Joyce couldn¡¯t remember how many times she had lost consciousness or how many times she hade to. In one of her brief moments of awareness, she nced down at Doug, who was torturing her.

    ¡°Doug, aren¡¯t you curious about how it feels to fuck Dani?¡±

    Doug stopped his actions, looked up, and squinted at her.

    ¡°Joyce, are you trying to get yourself killed and take me down with you?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 658

    ?Chapter 658:

    His grip tightened, making Joyce¡¯s heart squeeze in pain.

    ¡°Dani is great, sure, but you¡¯re not bad either.¡±

    ¡°Doug, I was raised in the countryside. Dani is different. When Brylee was pregnant with Dani, she supposedly consumed every supplement imaginable. As a result, Dani turned out with wless skin and striking looks. She is an exceptional beauty.

    You take pride in possessing every woman you encounter, but until now, your conquests have been nothing more than ordinary flings. Doesn¡¯t that bother you?¡±

    Doug was on the verge of snapping at Joyce, but he hesitated. Inparison to Dani, the women he had been with truly did seem ordinary.

    Dani was someone he hadn¡¯t been able to touch.

    A menacing spark flickered in Doug¡¯s eyes, and Joyce noticed it. She stretched out on the bed, feeling herself nearing a breakdown.

    She remembered his earlier warning: if she humiliated him, her life would end right there on that bed.

    Struggling to breathe, Joyce whispered, ¡°I can help you. Just don¡¯t kill me, and I¡¯ll help you capture Dani.¡±

    Doug looked at her with doubt.

    Joyce continued, ¡°I¡¯m at your mercy. I can¡¯t escape. If I fail, you can end my life then.

    You¡¯re done with me, aren¡¯t you? Are you scared you won¡¯t be able to handle Dani? Didn¡¯t you boast that once a woman has been with you for a night, she¡¯ll never desire anyone else? Are you not interested in putting that to the test?¡±

    g¦Áln¦Ò¦Í?ls has fresh updates for you

    Doug stayed kneeling, motionless for a long moment. He knew Joyce was using Dani as a bargaining chip to save herself, yet the idea of conquering Dani was too captivating to dismiss.

    Whenever he nced at Joyce these days, he envisioned Dani instead. The mere thought of Dani under him excited him. He was convinced that if Dani agreed to be with him, he would leave behind all his harshness and treat her with tenderness.

    Joyce watched Doug rise and leave. Shortly after, a team of doctors hurried in from the corridor. As exhaustion overwhelmed her, one final thought surfaced: the suffering had stopped.

    Later, Joyce approached Alexander, her face still marked by scars.

    ¡°Doug is aware of our actions,¡± Joyce said, her thick sunsses barely hiding her new injuries. She casually adjusted them and told Alexander, ¡°I¡¯ve struck a deal with Doug.¡±

    Alexander stared at Joyce without saying a word. Rarely did anyone who crossed Doug get away so easily.

    ¡°What did you promise him?¡± he asked.

    Joyce paused to sip her coffee. Her trembling hands, visible up close, revealed the extent of her injuries.

    ¡°Dani.¡±

    Hearing her name, Alexander felt a tightening in his chest.

    ¡°What did you say?¡± he asked sharply.

    ¡°Doug wants Dani. Once it¡¯s settled, he¡¯s offering me three hundred million as my divorce settlement. With that money, Bet Group would no longer face any financial problems.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s eyes narrowed, and his brow furrowed.

    ¡°Dani wouldn¡¯t get involved with Doug. And you expect me to believe you¡¯d actually put that three hundred million into Bet Group?¡±

    Joyce shed a faint smile.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 659

    ?Chapter 659:

    ¡°You¡¯re right about the first part.¡±

    Dani wouldn¡¯t willingly be with Doug. But what if she thought Doug was Cedric? ¡°I know an expert hypnotist. As for the money, I wouldn¡¯t help unless I had something to gain. After my divorce from Doug, I¡¯ll need a reliable partner. Marry me, and I¡¯ll make sure Bet Group gets the support it needs, whenever it¡¯s needed.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s face grew more gloomy. He remained silent for a long time.

    Seeing his reluctance, Joyce let out a mockingugh.

    ¡°What, you need this long to decide? Are you still attached to Dani?¡± Joyce sneered, covering her mouth as a scornful smile spread across her bruised face.

    ¡°Since when did you be so sentimental, Alexander? Or do you think I¡¯m not suitable to be your wife? Consider the three hundred million, Alexander. Look at where you stand now. Finding someone like me is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so don¡¯t let it slip by.¡±

    Alexander hesitated, his words tangled in indecision. Impatience etched across Joyce¡¯s face as she leaned forward.

    ¡°What¡¯s there to think about? Dani doesn¡¯t care about your pity. Remember how she treated you when you begged for help?¡±

    Alexander remained silent, gripping his ss of iced water, hoping the chill would settle his restless mind. His thoughts spun in circles, searching for answers that never came. He couldn¡¯t shake the image of Dani trapped in Doug¡¯s cruelty, unable to escape.

    Joyce noticed Alexander¡¯s hesitation and smirked.

    ¡°Still clinging to the idea of being with Dani? To achieve that goal, you must first make her Doug¡¯s woman.¡±

    Your journey begins on g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s

    Alexander looked at Joyce, confused.

    Joyce¡¯s tone remained casual, almost dismissive.

    ¡°For ten years, you ignored Dani, Alexander. That¡¯s not something you can fix with a few kind gestures. Now, she¡¯s on top of the world and sees you as insignificant. If you want to stand by her side again, you¡¯ll have to knock her off that pedestal first. Let her fall so hard that she¡¯s desperate for someone to catch her. That¡¯s when she¡¯ll need you. Do you understand?¡±

    Alexander¡¯s stern expression softened little by little as he listened. Joyce could tell her words were sinking in.

    ¡°You¡¯re still nning to marry me, right?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I am, and you don¡¯t need to worry. All I care about is the title of your wife. Once we have a child, I¡¯ll turn a blind eye to anything you do outside of this arrangement. But I have one demand: Dani cannot bear any children. The Bet family¡¯s legacy belongs to my son.¡±

    Alexander let the silence stretch between them, his brow furrowed.

    ¡°That¡¯s all?¡± he asked, his voice tinged with doubt.

    Joyce offered a slow, deliberate nod.

    She had finallye to terms with the mistakes she had made. Katrina had once cleared the path for her sess, but she had foolishly wrecked it. Now, she was determined to take control again, convinced it wasn¡¯t toote to set everything right.

    Joyce still had a chance to right the ship, hold on to the title of Alexander¡¯s wife, and bask in theforts of wealth. Her son would inherit the Bet family¡¯s fortune, ensuring her ce in the future.

    ¡°So, Alexander, what¡¯s your decision? Are you in?¡± Joyce let her words hang in the air, her voice carefully measured.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 660

    Chapter 660:

    ¡°Or you don¡¯t want Dani anymore after Doug sleeps with her?¡± A quietugh escaped her.

    ¡°Don¡¯t fool yourself, Alexander.

    You¡¯re not a virgin. What right do you have to pass judgment?¡±

    Alexander, unmoved, took another sip of water.

    ¡°What is it that you expect from me?¡±

    A victorious smile yed on Joyce¡¯s lips.

    ¡°I thought you might have some lingering feelings for Dani, but clearly not. It¡¯s really that simple. Don¡¯tplicate things. Life at the top is always messy. A single night¡ªwhat¡¯s it really worth in the grand scheme?¡±

    Joyce¡¯s voice was steady,ced with control, as she continued, ¡°I¡¯ve already made arrangements with Doug. He¡¯ll coborate with Dani¡¯spany. He¡¯ll flood it with money quickly to create the illusion of sess. That¡¯ll give you the perfect chance to get close to her. Once she lets her guard down, I¡¯ll have someone hypnotize her. From there, it¡¯ll all unfold as nned.¡±

    Unease crept over Alexander, but deep down, he knew there was no alternative.

    A quiet vow formed in his mind: one day, he would find a way to make things right with Dani.

    He would buy a vi for Dani, where he could keep her close and protect her from everything else.

    In his mind, Dani would ultimately be his, with no one else standing in his way.

    Lately, Nina had been workingte into the night, hoping to cross paths with Cedric at Elite Lux.

    L?t??¦Ó ?§ß¦Á¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?ls.??????

    At first, Natalie mocked her for it, but soon enough, she found herself inventing reasons to stayte as well.

    Nina couldn¡¯t hide her irritation at Natalie¡¯s sudden change of heart. With a sneer, she said, ¡°Wasn¡¯t it you who said if a man truly likes you, you don¡¯t have to chase him? That women who go after men are fools? So what now? You¡¯re ying the fool too?¡±

    Natalie, calm andposed, remained seated at her desk, her eyes fixed on the CEO¡¯s office.

    It was true¡ªshe¡¯d said those things before. But Cedric was different. His politeness was imprable, and he never seemed to notice her attempts. Frustration simmered inside her, and she realized she needed a new strategy.

    Natalie asked, ¡°Don¡¯t you see it? Cedric and Dani had a fight.¡±

    Nina curled her lip, unimpressed.

    ¡°Of course, I noticed. It¡¯s hard to miss.¡±

    Ignoring Nina¡¯s tone, Natalie continued, ¡°Look, we¡¯re not enemies. I¡¯m not going to let Dani take the lead. One of us deserves to rise above, and as sisters, we should support each other. Can¡¯t we deal with Dani together?¡±

    Nina paused, her mind turning over the offer. Then she said, ¡°I know what you and Mom are nning. I can work with you. Dani¡¯s wealth means nothing to me. All I want is Cedric.¡±

    Internally, Natalie cursed Nina for being so easily swayed. She smiled and said, ¡°Fine.¡±

    Nina shot her a suspicious nce.

    ¡°That was fast, even for you.¡±

    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t it be? Men are a dime a dozen. Once you have wealth, you¡¯ll find plenty who are both handsome and obedient.

    You could easilynd someone better than Cedric.¡±

    Nina¡¯s doubt was evident in her eyes.

    Yet she held back, deciding not to argue.

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Good day dear ones. God loves you and Noah wishes you all the best. (=?=) /

    .

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 661

    ?Chapter 661:

    ¡°So, what¡¯s the n? How do we make this work?¡±

    A sly grin appeared on Natalie¡¯s lips. She motioned for Nina toe closer, and Nina leaned in without hesitation.

    Elsewhere, Dani wrapped up her work and prepared to leave. Cedric remained at his desk, lost in his own world.

    It had been a week since Dani¡¯s conversation with Cedric about making a decision. He still hadn¡¯t responded, and their interactions had be scarce. He continued to monitor her meals three times a day, but once she finished eating, he would walk away without uttering a single word.

    The Harper family vi had long since lost its appeal for him. Now, he seemed settled in the lounge at Elite Lux, as if nning to make it his long-term base.

    Dani closed herptop, her gaze drifting to Cedric, who sat absorbed in his work.

    ¡°Are we going to talk?¡±

    Without lifting his eyes from the screen, Cedric replied, ¡°I¡¯m tied up today. Maybeter.¡±

    Indeed, Cedric¡¯s schedule was packed. His ambition in the corporate world seemed boundless, and rumors swirled about thepetitor who had pushed him so hard that there was no room left for retreat.

    Phillips Group¡¯s influence was growing swiftly, easing the worries of seasoned employees who had feared that a woman might distract Cedric from his relentless drive.

    Sighing, Dani stood up.

    ¡°Alright. Don¡¯t stay up toote, then.¡± She didn¡¯t know how to approach him.

    Find the magic on g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s???????

    Though she excelled in business, when it came to personal connections, she feltpletely out of her depth. Her heart longed for reconciliation, but Cedric was distant and unyielding. For the moment, she couldn¡¯t find a way through.

    Just as she was about to leave, a knock echoed on the door of the CEO¡¯s office.

    Nina entered with a bright smile, her voice smooth as she spoke.

    ¡°Dani, Mr. Bet from Sunny Pharmaceuticals is hoping to have dinner with you to discuss a new round of cooperation.¡± The name Mr. Bet referred to none other than Alexander.

    Lately, Alexander had made waves in the pharmaceutical industry, his sudden financial surge raising more than a few eyebrows.

    ¡°I don¡¯t see the need for dinner. Tell them toe to my office tomorrow,¡± Dani responded without a flicker of hesitation.

    Nina maintained her cheerful expression, adding, ¡°Understood, but he made it clear that this is a straightforward business coboration. He hopes you won¡¯t let past issues cloud the bigger picture. If it¡¯s possible, he¡¯d prefer a more informal setting.¡±

    Nina understood Dani¡¯s stance well. Business and personal matters never mixed in Dani¡¯s world.

    Nina continued, ¡°Also, Misael Wayne will be attending. He¡¯s highly influential, and with his presence, they¡¯re confident the agreement can be wrapped up smoothly over dinner.¡± Misael had long-standing business ties with Dani. Recognizing his importance, Dani knew she would have to honor his position.

    Just as she was about to give her consent, Cedric, who had been absorbed in his work, slowly raised his gaze.

    ¡°Weren¡¯t you going to talk to me?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 662

    ?Chapter 662:

    Taken off guard, Dani blinked.

    ¡°Now? You want to talk now?¡± With a calm, almost detached expression, Cedric shut hisptop.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Dani turned her attention back to Nina.

    ¡°In that case, tell Mr. Wayne I¡¯ll meet them in my office tomorrow.¡±

    Nina bit her lip, reluctant to leave just yet. After a moment, she managed a smile.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Outside, Alexander¡¯s secretary waited patiently. Having pulled a few strings to ensure Misael¡¯s attendance, Alexander hoped for a dinner meeting that evening. He stood ready in a newly purchased suit, exuding confidence and anticipation.

    ¡°Dani has another engagement tonight. Please return at eight tomorrow morning,¡± Nina said to them. The secretary stood frozen, eyes wide with disbelief.

    Alexander also appeared caught off guard. It didn¡¯t take long for him to ept the situation, knowing it wasn¡¯t entirely a surprise. He had always suspected that Dani would be reluctant to ept a dinner invitation.

    Nina, ying with a strand of her hair, shed a coy smile.

    ¡°Don¡¯t get the wrong idea. Dani was about to agree, but then¡­¡±

    Cedric asked to speak with her, so she decided to stay.

    At her words, Alexander¡¯s expression darkened noticeably.

    Read the newest chapters g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    A gentle sigh escaped Nina as she continued, ¡°This happens often. She is deeply focused on her work, but Cedric gets possessive and needy. It¡¯s caused her a lot of trouble. But, of course, she will always protect those close to her, even at the expense of her own peace. We just have to hope Elite Lux won¡¯t suffer because of it.¡±

    Nina let her words linger in the air before turning to leave. Alexander¡¯s expression darkened further, a hint of bitterness creeping onto his face.

    He knew Cedric was nothing but trouble, and Dani, still caught up in her own romantic fantasies, was only making things worse. Some aspects of her would never change.

    In Alexander¡¯s mind, he alone had the power to break through her stubbornness.

    A wave of frustration washed over him, and for a fleeting moment, he imagined storming upstairs to confront Dani, to shake her out of her foolishness.

    If Alexander were honest with himself, he¡¯d acknowledge the deep-seated jealousy he still harbored. No matter how much time psed, he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that Cedric had stolen Dani from him. The affection Cedric basked in now belonged to him.

    This time, however, Alexander refrained from rushing up in a fit of impulse. Instead, he moved carefully, determined to ensure Dani would find her way back to him.

    As Alexander left, his gaze lingered on Dani¡¯s office door. His fists clenched tightly before he disappeared into the night¡¯s shadows.

    Meanwhile, inside the office, silence hung heavily.

    Cedric had briefly lifted his gaze from theptop, only to lower it back again.

    Dani sat quietly, waiting patiently in her seat.

    After ten minutes, Cedric broke the quiet. His voice was even, yet edged with something unreadable.

    ¡°You once said I had the right to decide.¡±

    Dani met his gaze and replied, ¡°Yes.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 663

    ?Chapter 663:

    Cedric went on, ¡°You said I¡¯d decide on whether we continue or part ways.¡±

    Dani still responded, ¡°Yes.¡±

    Cedric said, ¡°Honestly, I don¡¯t quite understand.¡±

    Dani¡¯s eyes darted as her throat suddenly dried.

    ¡°What?¡±

    Cedric¡¯s mind churned momentarily, the words weighing heavily on him before he spoke.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t trust me, why did you aplish so much with me, even marrying me? But if you trust me, why keep parts of your life hidden?¡±

    Cedric didn¡¯t believe her intentions were only to have sex with him. He almost wished Dani was after something tangible from him. At least then, he wouldn¡¯t feel so vulnerable, constantly anxious about being rejected at any moment.

    ¡°Dani, tell me the reason. Why won¡¯t you tell me? Why did you marry me if you¡¯re only going to shut me out?¡± His hands curled into fists as he struggled to maintain hisposure.

    ¡°Don¡¯t make me feel like a fool.¡±

    The weight of his words hit Dani like a blow. She had never meant to make him feel this way. Her only intention was to make him happy, but everything had gone wrong somewhere along the way.

    Cedric¡¯s back remained turned, his rigid frame a wall between Dani and him. His silhouette radiated an air of silence and severity.

    ¡°If you can¡¯t tell me the truth, don¡¯t lie either.¡±

    The words caught in Dani¡¯s throat, leaving her unable to continue.

    New chapters now on g¦Áln¦Òv??ls?c?m

    The room sank back into a heavy and oppressive silence again.

    ¡°I never meant to deceive you, but I can¡¯t exin the reason right now. What I said still stands, so the choice is yours.¡± Dani knew she was being unreasonable, but she had no choice.

    ¡°Or we could take a break for now and wait untilter.¡± It was the only solution Dani coulde up with.

    ¡°Once I¡¯ve sorted everything out, we can pick up where we left off,¡± she added.

    By then, the chaos would be behind them, and Cedric¡¯s past would no longer weigh him down. Dani was certain she could smooth out every wrinkle and set things right.

    ¡°But if you¡¯re still willing by then, I¡¯ll return to bring you home,¡± she concluded.

    Cedric¡¯s lips twitched into a faint smile.

    ¡°Really? Wait? Wait until the danger passes? Wait for the convenient moment? Wait until you feel it¡¯s safe? Dani, what about me?¡±

    Dani froze, his words striking her harder than she¡¯d anticipated.

    Cedric¡¯s voice remained icy as he continued, ¡°Does everything have to revolve around you? What about me? You don¡¯t care what I think. Is that it?¡±

    Dani fell silent, pressing her lips together as she struggled to find the right words.

    After a long silence, she finally spoke, her tone soft but resolute.

    ¡°Yes. If you want to be with me, just follow my ns. The choice to continue is yours. If you disagree, then you can choose¡­¡± She paused momentarily, then continued, ¡°You can call it off.¡±

    At her words, Cedric slowly turned around. In the stillness of the night, he met Dani¡¯s gaze, their eyes locking in the cold, quiet darkness.

    A single nce was enough for Cedric to know that Dani had already made up her mind. He gave a nod, a self-mocking smile crossing his face.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 664

    ?Chapter 664:

    ¡°You¡¯re both decisive and efficient. I can only admit defeat.¡±

    Dani bit her lip, the weight of knowing she had ruined everything settling in.

    Cedric rose slowly, the chair behind him creaking loudly in the silent room.

    ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll follow your ns and y by your rules.¡±

    Dani felt a sharp ache in her chest. She was on the verge of saying, ¡°Then that¡¯s it.¡±

    Then, she watched as Cedric stood up, his hands tucked into his pockets. His voice was cold as he said, ¡°I won¡¯t ask why anymore. But whether it¡¯s out of sympathy or something else, Dani, be ready for a lifetime with me.¡±

    Dani was taken aback. She stared at Cedric, her expression nk with disbelief.

    Cedric¡¯s expression turned steely in the darkness.

    ¡°You said I was the one to decide, didn¡¯t you? Moreover, you said you had no intentions to notify me of what you were doing. I¡¯ve agreed, and I won¡¯t question it again.¡±

    Dani¡¯s hands clenched silently on the table, her fingers digging into the surface.

    Had he really agreed?

    Considering Cedric¡¯s temperament, she had assumed that he wouldn¡¯t be the type topromise.

    ¡°Dani, did you hear what I just said? You wanted me to choose, and I¡¯ve made my choice. So, you¡¯ll owe me for a lifetime.

    You¡¯ll be bound to me, relentless and unyielding. Do you agree? So now, it¡¯s your turn. Think it over, Dani. Even if you fall for another man in the future, I won¡¯t let you go.¡±

    G aln ove ls . has stories you¡¯ll love

    After finishing his words, Cedric walked straight toward the office door.

    His steps quickened, as though he feared hearing a rejection.

    ¡°I¡¯ll give you time to think about it before you answer me.¡±

    ¡°I agree.¡±

    Her voice cut through as Cedric¡¯s hand hovered over the doorknob. He didn¡¯t dare ask again. His hand gripped the doorknob, turning it, and without looking back, he muttered, ¡°Alright.¡±

    Cedric walked out of the office as he spoke.

    Nina and Natalie were standing outside the door.

    Nina nced at Natalie.

    ¡°Do you think he¡¯lle back tonight?¡± A mix of emotions flickered across Natalie¡¯s face.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, but when Cedric walked out, he looked like he was relieved of a heavy burden. What does he fear so much?¡±

    He was a formidable force in the business world. What could possibly scare him?

    Cedric entered the elevator. His fists slowly unfurled, the tension in his hands easing. What was he so afraid of?

    He feared that Dani would look him in the eye and tell him to leave.

    Was there really nothing to fear? He was terrified. Terrified to the point that he had buried himself in work, trying to numb the gnawing anxiety in his chest. The thought that Dani might not even let him stay in Elite Lux paralyzed him. In love, it was always the one who cared the most who ended up hurt.

    And he had lost. He had lost to Dani,pletely.

    When Cedric returned to the office, he pushed open the door to the CEO¡¯s office, only to be taken aback when he saw Dani sitting inside.

    Despite his fear, frustration and anger bubbled up inside him. He walked in briskly, his voice sharp.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 665

    ?Chapter 665:

    ¡°Why are you still here? It¡¯s sote.¡±

    For a moment, Cedric forgot entirely that it was Dani¡¯s office he was barging into.

    But Dani, ever the understanding one, didn¡¯t flinch. Instead, she softened, her eyes holding a quiet warmth as she looked at him.

    ¡°I¡¯m waiting for you.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s exasperation almost made himugh bitterly.

    Dani was always so practical. Just moments ago, she had been firm, ready to walk away from him if he didn¡¯t give in. But the moment he did, she wrapped him in care and tenderness, showing just how much she had been waiting for him.

    Cedric couldn¡¯t bring himself to ept this, yet, inexplicably, he always fell for it.

    He tried to keep his face impassive, but the effort was futile. Instead, he pressed his lips together tightly, remaining silent. Dani walked toward him, a soft smile gracing her lips.

    ¡°I was waiting for you. Let¡¯s go home, alright?¡±

    Cedric silently packed up hisptop cord, rolling it up with a methodical motion.

    ¡°I¡¯m sleeping in the lounge tonight.¡±

    Dani didn¡¯t hesitate.

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll stay with you.¡±

    Cedric refused to look at her, his gaze fixed on his hands. He couldn¡¯t risk meeting her eyes¡ªhe knew his resolve would crumble the moment their gazes locked.

    Uncover your next story on g ? ln¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s,

    ¡°No need. I¡¯ve gotten used to sleeping alely.¡±

    Dani¡¯s heart skipped a beat at his words, and she stared at him in disbelief.

    ¡°Are you serious? You promised, Cedric¡ªforever and always. I won¡¯t ept this.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s anger began to fade, reced by a faint pout.

    ¡°Dani, this trick won¡¯t work on me.

    You can¡¯t just push me away and then try to sweeten things up with kindness. I don¡¯t like it when you act like this. I don¡¯t want to sleep with you tonight.¡± He was resolute, clinging to the need to remain firm. If he didn¡¯t, he feared losing every shred of control in this rtionship¡ªand his future would be in jeopardy.

    Dani let out a sigh, but as she turned to leave, she nced over her shoulder.

    ¡°Alright. Really noting home with me? The lounge isn¡¯t as cozy as home. Plus, no one to chat with you. Aren¡¯t you nning to finish that astronomy book we were reading together?¡±

    Cedric was about to say ¡°No,¡± when Dani leaned in, her lips brushing against his ear as she whispered something. Cedric¡¯s fist, which had been resting on his leg, clenched instantly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to look?¡± she teased, her voice low and seductive.

    Cedric¡¯s throat tightened, his eyes darkening with an intensity that mirrored the shadows surrounding them.

    Without a word, Cedric grasped Dani¡¯s hand, leading her to his car.

    The sleek, limited edition car tore through the empty streets, the night air rushing past as the engine hummed powerfully.

    Later, in the dimly lit room, Daniy on the bed, her body drained of all energy. She teetered on the brink of unconsciousness when Cedric¡¯s voice sliced through the haze. His gaze was cold and calcting as it locked onto hers.

    ¡°If I hadn¡¯t agreed today, who were you nning to show this to?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 666

    ?Chapter 666:

    Exhausted, Dani managed to breathe out, ¡°Once things are settled, I¡¯ll use this to coax you back home.¡±

    A few stray tears escaped the corners of her eyes, slipping down her pale cheeks.

    The sight was enough to ignite something wild within Cedric.

    The next day, Alexander sat in Dani¡¯s office with a new proposal, waiting for her to return the whole day.

    Nina asked, ¡°Why didn¡¯t Danie to work today? She¡¯s usually here before anyone else.¡±

    Natalie narrowed her eyes, the familiar sting of jealousy burning within her.

    She had already checked the surveince footage¡ªDani had stayed in the office until nearly midnight. Momentster, Cedric had arrived and whisked her away with an urgency that was nothing like his usual indifference.

    What had made him act so hastily?

    What had caused such an unexpected shift in his demeanor?

    It didn¡¯t take much to piece it together.

    Nina¡¯s thoughts mirrored Natalie¡¯s, and she bowed her head, her sadness settling over her like a heavy cloud.

    Natalie pressed her lips together, then pushed open the CEO¡¯s office door.

    ¡°Mr. Bet, perhaps it¡¯s time for you to head back?¡±

    Alexander narrowed his eyes, irritation shing across his face.

    Exclusive updates avable at g?ln¦Ò¦Íe?s?c?m

    ¡°What exactly is Dani up to? Is she intentionally avoiding me, not even bothering toe to work?¡± A flicker of disdain crossed Natalie¡¯s heart.

    Alexander really did think too highly of himself. What had Dani ever seen in him?

    But she maintained herposed smile.

    ¡°You¡¯re overthinking. Dani isn¡¯t like that. It¡¯s just that¡­¡±

    She paused, letting the air of mystery hang between them.

    Alexander leaned forward, his curiosity piqued.

    ¡°Just what?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just that today isn¡¯t convenient.¡±

    Alexander stiffened, processing her words. He stared at Natalie, whose expression seemed almost too innocent. She chuckled, her tone light.

    ¡°Cedric seems to have quite the appetite when ites to¡­ certain things. And Dani¡¯s health is delicate. Often after such nights, she¡¯s too drained to work the next day.¡±

    Natalie sighed deeply, shaking her head as if pitying the situation.

    ¡°Cedric can¡¯t seem to know when to take a step back.¡±

    She let out a smallugh, her eyes glinting.

    ¡°But I¡¯m sure you¡¯d understand the bigger picture and act ordingly. I heard that Dani didn¡¯t want Cedric toe backst night, but he threw a tantrum, and she had to coax him for ages.¡±

    Natalie watched as Alexander¡¯s face darkened, the satisfaction bubbling inside her as she kept her tone casual.

    ¡°I just don¡¯t understand why she puts up with Cedric so much. If you ask me, you¡¯re far more handsome than him.¡±

    At thepliment, Alexander looked at her sharply, his eyes sharpening.

    ¡°Really?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 667

    ?Chapter 667:

    ¡°Of course,¡± Natalie replied smoothly, her smile widening.

    ¡°Someone as aplished as you would be the perfect match for Dani. Cedric, on the other hand, is too childish.¡± No one had ever ttered Alexander like that. His chest swelled with pride, his mood lifting in an instant. He clicked his tongue in annoyance.

    ¡°Cedric really isn¡¯t sensible, is he?¡±

    Dani entered the office early, only to be met with the sight of Alexander already settled in. Cedric had his workstation in Dani¡¯s office.

    ¡°Are you the one overseeing Sunny Pharmaceuticals?¡± Dani asked, cutting straight to the point.

    Alexander nodded.

    ¡°Yes, these are the evaluation reports and ourtest financial statements.¡±

    Dani skimmed through the papers before asking, ¡°Is Doug the real power behind all this?¡±

    For a moment, Alexander was caught off guard. It was true that Doug was the one funding the venture, while Alexander managed everything else, even standing as thepany¡¯s legal figurehead.

    How had Dani managed to figure out Doug¡¯s role with just a cursory nce at the documents?

    Alexander, confident in his business acumen, was sure that only the sharpest professionals would catch any inconsistencies in the report.

    ¡°How did you know?¡± Alexander blurted out, unable to hide his surprise. The words left him before he could stop them, and regret followed immediately.

    Find what¡¯s next on g al no ve ls

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to be so taken aback. We simply see things differently,¡± Dani replied, her voice even and measured.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go over the coboration n when I can. For now, you can return and wait for the update.¡±

    Throughout the exchange, Dani¡¯s professionalism remained unwavering, her expression devoid of any warmth beyond the formality of the conversation. It left a hollow feeling in Alexander, a sting that lingered.

    However, he quickly shook it off. The partnership was essential, and there was no room for errors. He understood that regaining a woman¡¯s heart required more than just effort¡ªit demanded a calcted approach.

    With a respectful nod, he stood up. His voice gentle, he said to Dani, ¡°I¡¯ll be on my way, then.¡±

    The intimacy in his tone was obvious.

    Cedric, who had been absorbed in hisptop across the room, noticed it and slowly looked up.

    Their gazes met, and Alexander asked, ¡°Mr. Phillips, may I have a moment of your time?¡±

    Cedric and Alexander left Dani¡¯s office and paused at the end of the hallway.

    Nina observed the two men from a distance, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully. She turned to Natalie and asked, ¡°Alexander seems to have his act together. Do you think we should consider bringing him onto our side?¡±

    Natalie¡¯s gaze deepened as she pondered for a moment, then said, ¡°Let¡¯s wait and see what unfolds.¡±

    Meanwhile, at the other end of the hallway, Alexander fixed his eyes on Cedric¡¯s handsome features, bathed in the glow of the lights. With a mocking grin, he sneered, ¡°Don¡¯t get toofortable, Cedric. Just because you¡¯re in a good spot now doesn¡¯t mean you¡¯ve won.¡±

    Cedric gave a dismissive snort.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 668

    ?Chapter 668:

    ¡°What do you mean by that? I don¡¯t even see you as an opponent.¡±

    The words hit Alexander like a blow, igniting his fury.

    ¡°Don¡¯t get too cocky. I¡¯m the one who¡¯s been loved by Dani for ten years. I won¡¯t back down.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s look at Alexander was one of utter disdain, as if he were staring at something worthless.

    ¡°You¡¯re still clinging to that? Do you really think you¡¯ve got a chance? You¡¯re fooling yourself. Dani has standards. And you¡¯re too tainted¡ªbetter suited for someone like Joyce.¡±

    The mention of Joyce made Alexander¡¯s blood boil. It stung like an open wound, a reminder of the shame he couldn¡¯t escape.

    Cedric, uninterested in dragging things out, turned to leave.

    But just as he stepped away, Alexander¡¯s voice rang out,ced with a chilling edge.

    ¡°Don¡¯t wear her out too much in bed, Cedric. Dani¡¯s not as strong as you think.¡±

    Cedric halted in his tracks.

    A cold nce flickered across his face. He had no intention of sharing details of his private life with anyone other than Dani, especially not with Alexander.

    ¡°Alexander, I don¡¯t care to discuss my private life. But just so you know, if I wanted to, I could wipe Sunny Pharmaceuticals off the map without breaking a sweat.¡±

    The words hit Alexander like a punch. His face shifted from arrogance to shock.

    ¡°I dare you.¡±

    ???????? ?????????????? ???? ??????????????????.??????

    Cedric¡¯s smile was almost imperceptible, a flicker of amusement.

    ¡°You really want to test me?¡±

    Without waiting for a response, he turned on his heel, hands casually stuffed into his pockets.

    Alexander gave Dani the proposal in the morning, but Sunny Pharmaceuticals went bankrupt in the afternoon.

    The news reached Dani soon after, and she was taken aback. Her brow furrowed as she asked, ¡°What exactly did he do to set you off?¡±

    Cedric was direct.

    ¡°He was after you. And besides, if I didn¡¯t step in, it seemed like he forgot who runs the game in Olisvine.¡±

    Dani nodded, her expression unreadable, before discarding the proposal Alexander had handed her into the trash.

    To anyone watching, Cedric might¡¯ve seemed unshakable, but inside, he was tense. Theck of anger from Dani gave him some relief, and he exhaled, the weight easing off his chest.

    With a sense of satisfaction, he managed to obliterate several of Bet Group¡¯stest projects, all before the day was done. As Cedric prepared to head downstairs to receive a parcel, Alexander appeared at the door.

    Without knocking, he stormed in.

    ¡°Cedric Phillips, don¡¯t you know how to show some grace after a win?¡±

    Cedric didn¡¯t even flinch, his face unreadable. After all, he was the untouchable CEO, the one everyone in Olisvine feared.

    ¡°I don¡¯t bother with that.¡±

    Anger bubbled up in Alexander¡¯s chest.

    ¡°You¡¯re worried, aren¡¯t you? Afraid that I¡¯ll be a real threat and take your spot next to Dani?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 669

    ?Chapter 669:

    ¡°Seriously?¡± Cedric chuckled lightly, amusement flickering in his eyes.

    ¡°If you bing a realpetitor could challenge my spot, I¡¯d focus more on market trends to make sure you never get that chance.¡±

    Fury zed in Alexander¡¯s eyes, but Cedric remained unfazed, strolling upstairs without a second thought.

    As the elevator ascended, Lillian couldn¡¯t help butugh.

    ¡°Cedric, your jealousy is something else. With the way you¡¯ve handled things, no other man in Olisvine would dare make a move on Dani.

    You could bankrupt someone in the blink of an eye.¡±

    Cedric remained silent.

    Curious, Lillian pressed further, asking, ¡°Does Dani know?¡±

    A slight smirk tugged at Cedric¡¯s lips.

    ¡°I¡¯ve done it with her full consent.¡±

    Dani had once told him that in the rest of her life, it would only be him. In matters of love, she would indulge him, no matter what chaos he might stir.

    Lillian wasted no time, quickly passing on their conversation to Dani, who was immersed in reviewing a new international proposal for apany at the time.

    At first, Dani didn¡¯t quite catch what was said.

    Lillian repeated it.

    Dani chuckled.

    ???????? ?????????????? ???? ??????????????????.??????

    ¡°Did he really say that?¡±

    Lillian nodded, her eyes gleaming with amusement.

    ¡°Yeah, you should have seen it. Cedric was practically glowing with pride when he said it.¡±

    Just as they were talking, Natalie pushed the door open, catching the tail end of the conversation.

    ¡°Let him be.¡± Her smile was so indulgent, it didn¡¯t feel like it was meant for just any suitor.

    Natalie¡¯s hands tightened into fists at her sides.

    Alexander was truly a disappointmentpletely no match for Cedric. Despite her best efforts to sow discord, they hadn¡¯t broken up.

    Her gaze lingered in the room for a moment before her eyes shifted to Nina, standing just outside the hallway, her eyes soft and full of longing as she watched Cedric.

    Natalie moved towards her, her voice low as she leaned in.

    ¡°Nina, staring at him like that won¡¯t get you anywhere. Do you even know how to win Cedric¡¯s heart?¡±

    Nina¡¯s lips pressed together, a sh of irritation crossing her face.

    She couldn¡¯t understand why Dani and Cedric had suddenly reconciled.

    Hadn¡¯t they been on the verge of breaking up? And now, after just one night, everything was back to normal?

    In fact, it seemed like their rtionship was even stronger than before.

    Cedric was doting on Dani like never before.

    Sometimes, Nina felt like an intruder, embarrassed to even stay in the office.

    In a foul mood, Nina shot back at Natalie, her tone sharp.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, do you? From what I see, Cedric barely even notices you. And to think Mom used to say how much you look like Dani.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 670

    ?Chapter 670:

    Natalie¡¯s teeth clenched, her eyes zing with indignation. But in the end, she took a slow breath, swallowing her anger, and forced a smile.

    ¡°Nina, I don¡¯t want to fight with you. We¡¯re sisters, and all this bickering will only hurt us in the end.¡±

    Nina nced at her, the words lingering in the air between them.

    ¡°Then tell me, how can I win Cedric¡¯s heart?¡±

    Natalie¡¯s gaze drifted toward Dani¡¯s office before she answered quietly, ¡°y to his preferences.¡±

    Nina narrowed her eyes.

    ¡°Cedric doesn¡¯t have many interests. His only focus is Dani.¡±

    A pause followed, thick with meaning.

    Nina slowly turned to look at Natalie, her expression unreadable.

    ¡°Got it?¡± Natalie asked, a sly smile curling at her lips.

    Nina stood still for a moment, her gaze distant, before she moved towards Cedric.

    Inside, Cedric was alone. Dani had gone to a meeting.

    Nina ced a beautifully wrapped box on Dani¡¯s desk, her fingers brushing over the packaging. On her way out, she paused by Cedric¡¯s desk.

    ¡°Cedric, would you like to try the pasties?¡±

    Cedric opened his mouth to decline, but Nina added with a warm smile, ¡°I gave some to Dani before, and she really liked them. So I brought another box today.¡±

    As expected, Cedric¡¯s gaze flickered toward the box Nina offered. The pasties looked exquisite, their delicate rose fragrance wafting up.

    Find your next read on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    He picked one up, taking a small bite. He chewed thoughtfully, then nodded.

    ¡°Not bad.¡±

    Out of the corner of his eye, Cedric spotted the box of rose pastries resting on Dani¡¯s desk.

    Nina¡¯s smile was subtle but victorious as she turned and left.

    The rose pastries were a specialty from Brylee¡¯s hometown¡ªdelicately fragrant, with just the right touch of sweetness. They were Brylee¡¯s favorite.

    Dani had developed a fondness for them, too.

    Elyse, a master in the kitchen, often made them, and Nina would bring them to Dani.

    Nina had once found the task tedious, but today, she was eager. When Dani returned from her meeting, she casually picked up a pastry and took a bite. Cedric watched her, his attention focused.

    Dani nced at him and smiled.

    ¡°What¡¯s on your mind?¡±

    ¡°Do you like these pastries?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I do.¡±

    ¡°Hmm.¡± Cedric nodded, then turned back to his work, though his thoughts lingered on the pastries.

    Later that evening, as Dani prepared for a dinner event, Cedric walked over to Nina, his curiosity piqued.

    ¡°Where did you get those pastries from this afternoon?¡±

    Nina¡¯s heart leaped in her chest, her excitement barely contained.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 671

    ?Chapter 671:

    She almost stumbled over her words. Natalie, standing nearby, couldn¡¯t hide her smile as she answered for her.

    ¡°Nina made them herself. She¡¯s really skilled with these things. Mom always said Brylee adored these traditional-style pastries.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s gaze shifted to Nina, his tone filled with quiet interest.

    ¡°You made them yourself?¡±

    Nina¡¯s face flushed crimson, her heart hammering as she struggled to meet Cedric¡¯s gaze.

    ¡°Yes, I did.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s eyes softened, his curiosity growing.

    ¡°Could you teach others how to make them?¡±

    Nina¡¯s joy was evident, her voice bright as she nodded eagerly.

    ¡°Yes, of course!¡±

    Cedric smiled politely.

    ¡°Thank you. Tomorrow is the weekend. Could I have someone pick you up at eight in the morning?¡±

    Nina¡¯s excitement bubbled up, her cheeks turning a deep shade of pink.

    ¡°Yes, of course!¡±

    Cedric gave a small nod, his voice calm andposed.

    g¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s is your story hub

    ¡°I¡¯ll pay you the market rate for teaching, plus an additional fee for your effort¡ªtotaling a hundred thousand. Does that seem fair?¡±

    Nina quickly shook her head, hands waving in protest.

    ¡°No need, I¡¯ll teach for free.¡±

    A hundred thousand, just for teaching a simple recipe, felt far too much.

    Cedric didn¡¯t press the matter further. To him, the price was irrelevant¡ªas long as Dani was pleased, even a million would be worth it.

    He transferred the money to Nina without hesitation and turned to head back to his office.

    Nina stared at the notification on her phone, her eyes wide with disbelief. She turned to Natalie, barely able to contain her excitement.

    ¡°Natalie, did you hear that? Cedric asked me out. I need to get a stylish outfit. This time, I¡¯ll make sure I seed.¡±

    With a satisfied smile, Nina exited, leaving Natalie frozen in ce. Her eyes lingered through the door, fixed on Dani in the CEO¡¯s office, a sneer curling her lips.

    Before leaving for a meeting, Cedric had kissed Dani on the forehead.

    Natalie turned to Dani, her voice dripping with mockery.

    ¡°I must say, I envy the bond you have with Cedric. Not many men are like him. Even when you insist it¡¯s just about the physical, he still stays.¡±

    Understanding the subtle challenge in Natalie¡¯s words, Dani chose silence, waiting for more.

    Natalie paused for a few moments, waiting for a response from Dani. When none came, she smirked and let out a chuckle.

    ¡°Dani, I just overheard Cedric nning to meet Nina this weekend.¡±

    Dani remained emotionless. When it came to attraction, she waspletely sure of herself. She trusted in her appearance and Cedric¡¯s loyalty.

    Natalie felt a twinge of disappointment, unable to sense any emotion from Dani. Did Dani truly not care about Cedric?

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 672

    ?Chapter 672:

    Leaning in slightly, Natalie couldn¡¯t resist pressing further.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you curious about what they¡¯ll be up to this weekend?¡± She waited, the silence thick between them.

    Dani¡¯s gaze remained locked on the project proposal on her screen,pletely ignoring Natalie¡¯s question. There was no flicker of concern for Cedric in her expression either.

    Natalie clenched her jaw in quiet frustration, lowering her eyes as she made her way out of the office.

    In the hallway, she called her mother.

    ¡°Mom, stop trying. I¡¯ve tested her again and again. Dani doesn¡¯t care about Cedric. If you want to hit her where it hurts, you¡¯ll have to dig into her personal affairs. Cedric won¡¯t work.¡±

    Elyse¡¯s voice crackled with doubt through the phone.

    ¡°Are you sure? Nina mentioned things were heating up between them. Cedric is Dani¡¯s weakness, her Achilles¡¯ heel. Do you really think you¡¯ve got it right?¡±

    ¡°Mom, do you not trust me?¡± Natalie¡¯s tone was tinged with impatience.

    ¡°I told you, they only have a physical connection. If she truly cared, she¡¯d be worried about him meeting someone else. Dani doesn¡¯t care for Cedric at all.¡±

    On the other end, Elyse exhaled sharply, her voiceced with concern.

    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, we¡¯re in trouble. Without a weakness like Cedric, we¡¯ll have to go after her to get to her assets.¡±

    Though she spoke with resolve, unease lingered in Elyse¡¯s voice.

    Find more chapters now g?ln¦Òv??ls?c?m

    Determined, she made her decision.

    With a small gift in hand, she stepped into Dani¡¯s office. A smile yed on her lips as she said, ¡°Dani, you know, Nina¡¯s getting older. It¡¯s time she thought about marriage.¡±

    The moment Elyse spoke, Dani knew exactly what wasing. Without even lifting her gaze, she responded casually, ¡°Oh? Do you have someone in mind?¡±

    Elyse didn¡¯t hesitate.

    ¡°Of course. Nina¡¯s particr, you see. After all this time working as your secretary, she¡¯s taken a liking to one of the men over at Elite Lux. But she¡¯s worried you won¡¯t approve.¡±

    A faint smile tugged at Dani¡¯s lips.

    ¡°Surely you¡¯re joking. The employees at Elite Lux are free to make their own choices when ites to marriage.¡±

    Elyse took a slow sip of her coffee, herughter gentle but knowing.

    ¡°This one¡¯s a bit different, though.

    Your approval is important.¡±

    Dani, still engrossed in her work, gave a brief nod.

    ¡°I¡¯m listening.¡±

    Without hesitation, Elyse dropped the name.

    ¡°Cedric.¡±

    ¡°Cedric?¡± Dani¡¯s pen hovered over the contract as she nced down, her expression unreadable.

    ¡°Yes, Cedric. I¡¯m here to ask if what you have with him is serious, or just a passing fling. If it¡¯s thetter, I think it would be best to let Nina and Cedric have their chance together.¡± A knowing smile crept onto Elyse¡¯s face.

    ¡°Cedric has a lot of potential. If he were to marry into the Dury family, he¡¯d be quite the asset in the future, wouldn¡¯t you agree?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 673

    ?Chapter 673:

    Elyse was certain her question would make Dani hesitate, expecting some vague or unclear answer.

    ¡°I¡¯ve slept with Cedric,¡± Dani said.

    Dani¡¯s voice was as soft as a whisper, yet her words hit Elyse and Natalie like a thunderp.

    Their stunned expressions didn¡¯t escape her notice, and she allowed herself a faint smile.

    ¡°What? Surprised?¡±

    The difference between suspecting something and having it confirmed with such candidness was undeniable.

    Elyse broke the silence with a chuckle and asked, ¡°So, does this mean you¡¯re nning to settle down with Cedric soon?¡±

    Dani¡¯s response was calm and unwavering.

    ¡°No.¡± She and Cedric had married long ago.

    Elyse exhaled in visible relief.

    ¡°Since you¡¯re not interested in settling down with Cedric, why not let Nina have him?¡±

    Dani¡¯sughter was light, almost dismissive.

    ¡°Oh? Nina doesn¡¯t mind that I¡¯ve been involved with Cedric? How generous of her.¡±

    Elyse waved her hand as if brushing off the remark.

    L?t??st ch¦Ápt?rs in ???lnovels.??????

    ¡°If Nina manages to get the man you¡¯ve discarded, she should count herself lucky.¡±

    Thement drew a slight frown from Dani, and her tone grew cold, the warmth fading entirely.

    ¡°Cedric is a great person. He¡¯s not a man I¡¯ve discarded. Now, if there¡¯s nothing else, I have work to do.

    You should leave.¡±

    Elyse¡¯s voice softened as she asked, ¡°What about Nina and Cedric?¡±

    Dani¡¯s answer was clipped and firm.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already said, it¡¯s a personal matter. Whether Cedric takes a liking to Nina depends entirely on her. Asking me won¡¯t change anything. Now, please see yourself out.¡±

    Elyse left, her cheerful smile betraying no offense taken. At the doorway, Natalie whispered, ¡°Mom, see? I told you, but you didn¡¯t believe me. Dani really isn¡¯t interested in Cedric.¡±

    Elyse¡¯s carefullyid n to use Cedric to unnerve Dani crumbled. Dani appeared utterly unbothered, her calm demeanor betraying no possessiveness over Cedric whatsoever.

    ¡°Then call off the professional killers sent after Cedric. Redirect their focus to Dani. Her assets are multiplying rapidly. By the end of the year, they¡¯ll reach their peak. Bring in the hypnotist to hypnotize her, and by New Year¡¯s, have her sign a will leaving everything to me. After that, let her meet the same end as Brylee.¡±

    Natalie gave a curt nod and said, ¡°Understood. I¡¯ll take care of it immediately.¡±

    She started to leave but hesitated after a few steps. Turning back, she asked reluctantly, ¡°What about Cedric? Are we really going to let Nina have him?¡±

    Elyse exhaled slowly and asked, ¡°Do you honestly have feelings for Cedric?¡±

    Natalie nodded.

    ¡°I do.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 674

    ?Chapter 674:

    Elyse fell silent for a moment before asking, ¡°Even if it meant giving up Dani¡¯s billion-dor fortune, would you still want him?¡±

    Natalie¡¯s gaze didn¡¯t falter as she replied, ¡°I would.¡±

    Elyse ryed Natalie¡¯s intentions to Ninater that day. She had expected Nina to agree without question, but instead, Nina rejected the idea outright.

    ¡°What¡¯s so special about Cedric?¡± Elyse asked.

    ¡°He barely even smiles when he¡¯s around you two. What could you possibly see in him?¡±

    Nina¡¯s expression softened as a dreamy look crossed her face.

    ¡°Mom, you don¡¯t get it. He¡¯s been my dream since I was young. I wouldn¡¯t trade him for anything. Tomorrow¡¯s chance to teach Cedric how to make pastries is mine!¡±

    Elyse frowned, her voice turning cold.

    ¡°With money, you could have any man you want.¡±

    Nina shook her head, a lovesick smile tugging at her lips.

    ¡°But there¡¯s only one Cedric in this world.¡±

    In the end, Elyse sided with Natalie. The next morning, she locked Nina inside the house.

    Natalie prepared for the meeting with a surge of confidence. Hugging Elyse before she left, she said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mom. Today, I¡¯ll win Cedric over with my charm!¡±

    Elyse nodded firmly and gave the man beside her a slight push, directing him towards Natalie.

    ¡°If Cedric stays unyielding, take him along. He¡¯ll assist in hypnotizing Cedric, ensuring you can capture his heart effortlessly.¡±

    Your storytelling destination is g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s

    Natalie gave a determined nod.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll do it.¡±

    Nina stood silently on the second-floor balcony, her gaze fixed on the driveway as Natalie drove off with the hypnotist. Her hands gripped the cold metal railing so tightly her knuckles turned white.

    Why?

    Why was everyone determined to go against her?

    Why, just when she had glimpsed a sliver of hope, did it have to vanish so cruelly? Why?

    Tears of anger and helplessness rolled down her cheeks. She seethed with resentment towards Natalie and Elyse for stealing everything that was supposed to be hers.

    Natalie, meanwhile, headed to the meeting with unwavering confidence.

    During the drive, she repeatedly sought reassurance from the hypnotist, her tone edged with urgency.

    ¡°Your techniques are perfected, right? There won¡¯t be any harm to his body, will there? This is the man I want to spend my entire life with. I can¡¯t bear the thought of causing him pain¡ªnot even a scratch. Make sure it¡¯s safe!¡±

    Just before stepping in, Natalie stopped and issued a precise instruction.

    ¡°Don¡¯t hypnotize him yet. Wait for my signal.¡± Deep down, she wanted to try winning Cedric over on her own first. Maybe she could charm him without needing any tricks.

    It wasn¡¯t an impossible dream.

    She straightened her outfit, smoothed her hair, and entered with confidence.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 675

    ?Chapter 675:

    It was a cozy little pastry shop. As she stepped inside with a radiant smile, a man with a neatly trimmed beard walked towards her.

    ¡°Hello. Are you the instructor teaching rose pastries? I¡¯m Leo.¡±

    Natalie¡¯s expression instantly soured.

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t care less who you are! Where is Cedric?¡±

    ¡°He isn¡¯t here. He said he had already settled the payment with you, and today, I¡¯m here to learn how to make the rose pastries.¡±

    Natalie began to walk away, but the hypnotist chuckled, asking, ¡°Should I still assist you?¡±

    By the time Natalie got home, Nina had already heard the news. She was sitting on the sofa, peeling an orange. She looked up at Natalie and sneered.

    ¡°What, Cedric didn¡¯t bother to show up? I figured you¡¯d being back as his girlfriend.¡±

    Without hesitation, Natalie crossed the room and pped Nina hard.

    ¡°Bitch!¡±

    Nina let out augh, clearly unfazed.

    ¡°Bitch? Then what does that make you? A thief who takes what isn¡¯t yours!¡±

    Natalie, burning with anger, retorted, ¡°What¡¯s with that smug look? Cedric probably didn¡¯t even know I wasing, which is why he didn¡¯t show. It only proves that he isn¡¯t into you.¡±

    Nina remained unbothered, feeling quite pleased.

    Read more stories now g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s?c?m

    ¡°Oh really? If Cedric doesn¡¯t care about me, then he definitely doesn¡¯t care about you either.¡±

    The tension finally exploded, and the two women were soon locked in a heated argument.

    Elyse tried to intervene but was quickly pped hard during the chaotic scuffle.

    Frowning, she couldn¡¯t help but wonder how she ended up with two daughters so fixated on romance.

    Clearly, Cedric needed to be handled.

    Without wasting another second, Elyse grabbed her phone and left.

    Lately, Cedric had been picking Dani up after work.

    With the driver taking some time off, he was driving himself, and Dani was sitting in the passenger seat.

    As they made their way halfway down the road, Cedric suddenly felt something strange with the brakes.

    He was about to pull over and check when, out of nowhere, a truck came speeding towards them.

    There was no time to think, no time to react. Instinctively, Cedric threw his body over Dani, trying to shield her from the impending impact.

    In a split second, the sleek, expensive car was torn apart, reduced to a twisted heap of scrap metal, surrounded by a thick cloud of smoke.

    Elyse was in the crowd, watching from a distance.

    She heard Dani¡¯s frantic voice and saw the medical team rush to Cedric¡¯s side.

    Dani stayed close, apanying her unconscious husband into the ambnce, her presencemanding the scene. As she stood by the ambnce, she cast a cold, sweeping nce at the onlookers, her eyes narrowing as theynded on one particr person.

    Then, through the smoke and biting cold wind, she let her lips curve into a slow, calcting smile.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 676

    ?Chapter 676:

    The ambnce sped off, leaving the scene behind, but Elyse remained standing, her body tense. She couldn¡¯t help but wonder if Dani had seen her in the crowd.

    But that seemed impossible. She had been standing outside the crowd, with the police line separating them, making it unlikely Dani had noticed her from that far away.

    Elyse decided to leave and turned her car around, but as she hit the gas, an explosion suddenly shattered the silence.

    The deafening st echoed across the sky.

    Elyse quickly looked up to see chunks of metal from the st soaring high beforeing back down with a crash.

    The explosion sent the crowd into a frenzy, with the onlookers ducking and covering their heads.

    The once dark sky was now burned with an intense red glow from the mes.

    Dani sat outside the operating room, tense and still, waiting for Lillian and the others to arrive before she finally stood up, her movements shaky.

    She yed the video of the ident, her eyes glued to the screen.

    ¡°Dani, you should get some rest. Ryan and I can handle things here,¡± Lillian suggested.

    Dani watched the entire video in silence, then shoved her phone back into her pocket. A cold, menacing aura surrounded her.

    ¡°I want the Dury family to pay dearly for this.¡±

    Lillian could only pray in silence, hoping Cedric would pull through¡ªbecause if he didn¡¯t, Dani might truly lose herself.

    More stories at g??lnov???????????m

    Word of Cedric¡¯s car crash spread like wildfire across Olisvine. By the time Alexander and Joyce arrived, Cedric had just been taken out of surgery.

    Dani sat in a chair by the door, her face serious. She looked colder and more intimidating than anyone had ever seen.

    She radiated an oppressive aura, making anyone nearby hesitate.

    Just then, a reporter nervously walked up to her and asked, ¡°Ms. Harper, can you tell us what happened during the incident?¡±

    Dani slowly raised her head, her gaze fixing on the reporter. He froze in ce, unable to shake the chill that spread through him.

    It was so intense, so unweing, that it made everyone around her uneasy.

    One by one, the people around instinctively stepped back, as if the very space around her had be unbearable.

    Joyce, who had intended to walk over and make a sharp remark, found herself frozen in ce. As she caught sight of Dani¡¯s expression, her words died in her throat.

    Inside the room, doctors were conducting a thorough post-surgery examination.

    Dani stayed seated by the door, allowing only medical personnel to enter.

    Executives from Phillips Group had arrived, apanied by bodyguards, but the guards weren¡¯t needed in the presence of Dani.

    Dani, undeterred, stayed by the door the entire night. Doctors and nurses moved quickly in and out, attending to the situation, while Dani maintained her silent vigil.

    Atst, the lead doctor let out a relieved sigh.

    ¡°He¡¯s stable now.¡±

    A slight sense of relief softened the tightness in Dani¡¯s gaze. She stood, facing the cameras. Her eyes, bloodshot from two sleepless nights, remained cold and devoid of warmth.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 677

    ?Chapter 677:

    ¡°I know everyone is eager to know about the ident. I¡¯ll hold a press conference soon to rify everything. Until then, I request that no one¡ªwhether media or business contacts¡ªdisturb Cedric. Let him have the space to recover in peace.¡±

    The reporters exchanged uncertain looks, knowing full well that many in the business world were itching to get in touch with Cedric at this critical moment.

    Without turning around, Dani told her secretary, ¡°Keep an eye on anyone trying to get through. If anyone slips by in the morning, make them disappear from Olisvine by the afternoon.¡± With that, she sat down and sipped the oatmeal Lillian had brought her.

    The door to Cedric¡¯s room stayed open, but only the secretary stood by, holding a pen, while no one else dared to enter. Joyce pressed her lips together and whispered to Alexander, ¡°Do you think we should go in and check on Cedric?¡±

    Alexander shook his head.

    ¡°Let¡¯s stay outside. If anything important happens, we¡¯ll hear about it. The reporters are more on edge than we are anyway.¡±

    Cedric, the CEO of Phillips Group, had been gravely injured and was now in the hospital.

    The news spread quickly, and Phillips Group¡¯s stock value dropped nearly 50% the next day.

    Competitors wasted no time capitalizing on the situation. The executives at Phillips Group tried every strategy they could think of, but they couldn¡¯t stop the freefall.

    As the CEO, Cedric was the driving force behind thepany. With him in crisis, investors naturally began to panic.

    One by one, senior executives at Phillips Group grew increasingly anxious. Despite their best efforts, Cedric was still unconscious on the third day.

    Get lost in stories on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s©q??????

    When the market reopened, the stock price hit yet another all-time low.

    ¡°Oh no, it¡¯s dropped again. Is Phillips Group done for?¡±

    ¡°I think it¡¯s more about Cedric being in serious danger than thepany¡¯s future.¡±

    ¡°I saw him when they took him out of the car. His face was covered in blood.¡±

    ¡°Do you think they¡¯re going bankrupt?¡±

    ¡°Bankruptcy probably won¡¯t happen, but they¡¯re talking about a leadership change. Turmoil looks inevitable. I¡¯m selling my shares; it¡¯s too risky.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m selling as well.¡±

    Those were the onlinements.

    This was the most serious crisis Phillips Group had ever faced since its inception.

    In the past, no matter what came up, senior management always remained calm as long as Cedric was there.

    Everyone knew that as long as he was in charge, no problem was too big to solve. He had a way of navigating through crises effortlessly, finding solutions when it seemed like there were none.

    They had grown used to relying on him as their pir of support. In this moment of crisis, no one even considered appointing a new CEO. They were all deeply worried about Cedric¡¯s condition.

    The PR manager med himself, his frustration clear in his voice.

    ¡°This is on me. I¡¯ve been taking it easy for too long. Whenever a problem came up, Mr. Phillips handled it and gave instructions. All I did was follow them. Now that something serious has happened, and he¡¯s not here, I¡¯mpletely lost. If the stock keeps falling, I won¡¯t know what to do.¡±

    The finance manager added with a heavy sigh, ¡°The reports from the past few days are hard to stomach. Just thinking about how our stock price has been falling is enough to make my heart race.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 678

    ?Chapter 678:

    The marketing manager eximed, ¡°What are we supposed to do now? With Mr. Phillips out ofmission, it¡¯s up to us to protect Phillips Group for him.¡±

    The air was thick with tension as everyone spoke in low voices, worry clear on their faces.

    In the hospital corridor, the atmosphere was heavy, with anxious expressions all around.

    Noticing this, Dani stood up from her seat, cutting through the whispers. She turned to her secretary and said, ¡°Inform everyone that the press conference will begin in ten minutes.¡±

    All eyes turned to Dani instantly.

    None of them were holding their breath for her announcement. No matter how skilled Dani was, she couldn¡¯t change the reality that Cedric was still unconscious. Even if he regained consciousness, his recovery would take time. The investors needed solid assurance. As the CEO of Elite Lux, Dani technically had no authority to make official statements or decisions on Cedric¡¯s behalf.

    So, while people¡¯s attention was momentarily lifted by her words, their fleeting hope soon evaporated.

    Prior to the press conference, Dani made her way to Cedric¡¯s attending physician.

    Lex Myers, a highly respected expert in his field, had known Dani for years. As soon as she entered, she got straight to the point and asked, ¡°How long until Cedric wakes up?¡±

    Lex¡¯s face clouded with concern.

    ¡°I can¡¯t give you a specific timeline. I¡¯ve run all the tests, and while the car ident was severe, it wasn¡¯t catastrophic enough to leave him in aa for this long. I¡¯m still trying to figure out a few oddities in his medical data.¡±

    Discover fresh chapters g¦Áln¦Ò¦Íe??s

    Dani¡¯s eyes narrowed with sharp focus.

    ¡°How long are we talking?¡±

    ¡°It could take a month, maybe longer. I have a hunch that what he ate might be connected, so I¡¯ll focus my investigation there,¡± Lex replied, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

    The coldness in Dani¡¯s gaze deepened.

    ¡°Are you implying that something Cedric ate caused thisa?¡±

    Lex nodded solemnly.

    ¡°It¡¯s possible. I¡¯ve found irregrities in his blood work, but nothing is definitive yet. I need more time to dig deeper.¡±

    Dani absorbed his words in silence, a sharp rity settling in. Cedric¡¯s recovery wouldn¡¯t be quick.

    With a steady nod, she turned to leave, her voice unwavering.

    ¡°You have ess to all of Elite Lux¡¯s medical resources. Thebs are open to you. I won¡¯t wait a month. Ten days, Lex. I need answers within that time.¡±

    As Dani stepped out of the doctor¡¯s office, Lillian was already waiting for her.

    ¡°All the reporters from Olisvine are here.¡±

    A brief nod was Dani¡¯s response.

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    Instead of joining Lillian for the press conference, Dani took a different path, heading to Cedric¡¯s ward.

    She lowered herself into a chair by his bedside, her gaze lingering on him¡ªmotionless in his hospital gown.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 679

    ?Chapter 679:

    For a brief moment, the stillness of the scene made it seem as though Cedric was simply deep in sleep.

    ¡°Cedric, you never understood why I kept our rtionship a secret.

    You argued with me time and again, but I held firm.

    You always wanted to know why. Now I can finally exin. I did it because I feared this. I feared that one day, you would end up like this. My life is a tangled web of burdens, some of which go back to my mother¡¯s death. I always thought that as long as I kept our marriage hidden, I could shield you from the dangers thate with it. No matter how much it upset you, I couldn¡¯t bring myself to cross that line.¡±

    However, Dani realized hiding her marriage with Cedric was pointless. Those cruel people would never spare anyone close to her.

    ¡°So, today, everything changes. I¡¯m making our rtionship public. From now on, Cedric, I¡¯ll protect you, and I¡¯ll protect Harper Group, Elite Lux, and Phillips Group.¡±

    ¡°Dani, the press conference is about to begin.¡± Lillian knocked on the door.

    Dani slowly ced Cedric¡¯s hand back beneath the nket, her voice gentle as she whispered, ¡°Rest, Cedric. I¡¯ll be back soon.¡±

    With that, Dani got up and walked away.

    The moment she crossed the threshold, the smile she had been wearing vanished.

    The press conference buzzed with an air of chaos.

    Reporters, eager for answers, were consumed with curiosity over the sudden ident and eager to see how the young female CEO would navigate Phillips Group through this storm. Some of them were quick to judge, questioning if Dani, not being the CEO of Phillips Group, was overstepping her role. Tough questions were on the horizon. The reporters had clearlye prepared, ready to press Dani on every angle.

    Discover new releases g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s

    When the conference began, Dani took her ce at the center of the stage.

    A microphone, waiting like a silent sentinel, stood before her.

    As Dani stepped into the room, an unmistakable shift in her presence rippled through the crowd¡ªshe was sharper, more focused than her usual self.

    ¡°Good afternoon, everyone,¡± Dani said, skipping the pleasantries.

    ¡°Thank you for being here. By now, you¡¯re all aware of the car ident that involved Cedric and me. This wasn¡¯t an ident. It was a deliberate attack on our lives, and the authorities are already involved. I won¡¯t get into the specifics right now. Today¡¯s conference is about the future of Phillips Group and ensuring full transparency for both the public and our investors.¡±

    The moment Dani¡¯s words echoed in the room, a wave of shock swept over everyone.

    The executives of Phillips Group were stunned.

    Dani¡¯s unexpected boldness in stepping up to represent Phillips Group caught them off guard.

    Her actions today didn¡¯t just reflect her own intentions; they subtly signaled to the public that Harper Group and Elite Lux would back all future business ventures of Phillips Group. The executives of Phillips Group regarded her with a newfound appreciation.

    At first, it seemed like Dani would give a few courteous remarks and end the press conference.

    However, to everyone¡¯s shock, she spoke again with certainty.

    ¡°From today until Cedric recovers, I will takeplete control over managing Phillips Group.¡±

    As soon as those words escaped her, the previously hectic scene came to aplete standstill.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 680

    ?Chapter 680:

    People froze in disbelief, their eyes widening as they turned to stare at Dani.

    Dani¡¯s voice was measured and unwavering, each word cutting through the air with precision.

    ¡°It¡¯s clear someone has malicious ns to bring down Phillips Group. If that¡¯s the case, then bring it on. I didn¡¯t start this, but I won¡¯t shy away from it either. The first move has been made, and there¡¯s no turning back now. We¡¯ll see this through to the end, together. I¡¯m ready to face whateveres next.¡±

    Elyse was quietly observing from the corner of the room. She had been eagerly waiting for Dani to crack, hoping to see her break down in tears, lost and helpless, crushed by despair.

    She had nned to use the chaos to take Dani down just as she had with Brylee, but she hadn¡¯t expected Dani to boldly dere war before the cameras.

    Elyse leaned in and murmured something to a reporter nearby. Secondster, the reporter raised his hand, asking, ¡°Ms. Harper, you mentioned taking over the management of Phillips Group starting today. Has this been approved by the senior members?¡±

    ¡°Phillips Group, or is this just your own ambition?¡±

    The question seemed to stir the room, catching the attention of the reporters present.

    ¡°You¡¯re undoubtedly capable, Ms. Harper, but this is Phillips Group we¡¯re talking about. Would they ept an outsider¡¯s interference?¡±

    ¡°Phillips Group has be a powerhouse, with many ovepping interests with Elite Lux. Couldn¡¯t they be worried aboutpetition impacting their business?¡±

    The reporters¡¯ questions were pointed and hard-hitting, grabbing everyone¡¯s attention.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s makes every story special

    Amidst themotion, an executive of Phillips Group spoke up.

    ¡°Let me share my thoughts. I¡¯ve been with thepany for more than ten years, serving as the finance director. With Mr. Phillips facing an unexpected crisis, we deeply appreciate Ms. Harper¡¯s unwavering support. We trust herpletely, and with her leadership, we are confident in our path forward.¡±

    While the outside world might be unaware, everyone inside Phillips Group knew of Cedric¡¯s ongoing pursuit of Dani. They had all seen firsthand the depth of his feelings for her.

    In the unpredictable world of business, it was a rarity to find someone who stepped forward to offer help during such a turbulent time.

    Dani¡¯s readiness to take charge and support Phillips Group in such a stormy moment was met with sincere gratitude by all within thepany.

    From the crowd, a cold voice broke through. It came from a man in a ck hat and mask.

    ¡°Oh, is that so? The executives of Phillips Group might be confident, but what about the investors? Dani isn¡¯t even part of Phillips Group. Are you conspiring with her to push Cedric out while he¡¯s in aa?¡±

    The room, which had been quiet, suddenly erupted into heated discussion.

    ¡°Yes, this kind of thing isn¡¯t unheard of. Who knows if Dani is using Cedric¡¯s illness to get what she wants?¡±

    ¡°The executives seem to be going along with it. Maybe they¡¯ve been bribed by Dani!¡±

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t that spell disaster for Phillips Group?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 681

    ?Chapter 681:

    ¡°Exactly, businessmen these days only care about money, and Dani is known as one of the best at what she does. Isn¡¯t that clear?¡±

    The executives of Phillips Group didn¡¯t know how to respond as the situation spiraled out of control.

    Dani remained calm as she addressed the room.

    ¡°Can someone tell me which reporter justbeled me an outsider to Cedric and Phillips Group?¡±

    Her words stunned the crowd below the stage into silence.

    Given Elite Lux¡¯s power, Dani held significant sway. Whispering behind her back was one thing, but who would dare openly challenge her? Only someone foolish enough to invite disaster would dare.

    The crowd recoiled, too intimidated to voice their thoughts. The executives of Phillips Group seethed silently, cursing the troublemakers in their midst.

    Dani surveyed the room, her face a mask of seriousness.

    ¡°No one will own up to it? Should I review the surveince footage? Let me find out which reporter called me an outsider to Phillips Group.¡±

    As she finished, Ryan made his way to check the footage. In that moment, a hand shot up from the crowd, and a wiry man with a sharp face stood.

    His tone was a mix of challenge and resignation as he said, ¡°I said it. Did I say something out of line? Everyone knows Mr. Phillips has been pursuing you, but you¡¯ve never returned his feelings, have you? How is that not being an outsider? Am I mistaken? If so, prove me wrong and show the proof.¡±

    Phillips Group¡¯s executives couldn¡¯t stand by and watch Dani being pushed into a corner.

    One of them rose to his feet, his frustration written all over his face.

    Check the newest chapters on g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s

    But before he could say a word, Dani reached into her bag and revealed a document. It was a marriage certificate. The executives were the first to notice it, and they froze in shock.

    The rest of the room stared at the document with growing curiosity.

    Elyse¡¯s eyes narrowed sharply, a sense of unease twisting in her gut.

    When Dani finally raised the certificate for everyone to see, the room fell into stunned silence.

    No one was more shaken than the reporter who had spoken out earlier.

    Hisplexion turned ashen as he stared at the certificate.

    ¡°This is absurd!¡± he eximed, breaking the silence with augh that bordered on hysteria.

    ¡°A marriage certificate? Really? Dani, are you trying to tell us that you and Cedric are actually married? How could that possibly be true? Given your prominence and Cedric¡¯s status, a wedding between you two wouldn¡¯t go unnoticed. This has to be fake!¡±

    The idea seemed inconceivable. If two titans of the business world like Dani and Cedric had tied the knot, the news would have sent shockwaves through the corporate world. How could something so monumental have stayed under wraps? ¡°This has to be forged!¡±

    Just then, Ryan stepped forward and yed a surveince clip, showing Dani and Cedric at City Hall, officially registering their marriage.

    The room erupted into gasps.

    ¡°It¡¯s real? I know that registrar! She handled my marriage paperwork, too!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 682

    ?Chapter 682:

    ¡°I¡¯ve seen her before as well. This is unbelievable!¡±

    ¡°So it¡¯s true? Dani and Cedric are really married. This changes everything!¡±

    Phillips Group¡¯s executives, initially as dumbfounded as the reporters, quickly shifted from shock to joy. Their expressions lit up with hope and relief as they exchanged nces.

    This was a game-changer.

    The solution to Phillips Group¡¯s crisis had finally appeared. Cedric was no longer alone. A celebration was no longer a distant thought.

    Elyse and Natalie, standing at the edge of the press conference, watched the footage unfold on the screen. Slowly, both sank to the floor in shock.

    ¡°Mom, how could this be possible?¡± Natalie¡¯s voice trembled.

    Elyse¡¯s eyes were cold, brimming with defeat. How could she have possibly predicted this? Until now, Dani had kept her marriage to Cedric hidden from her.

    Even when Cedric was invited by Nina to bake pastries, Dani hadn¡¯t shown any jealousy.

    So, all this time, she had been fooled by Dani?

    ¡°Mom, what do we do now? We were nning to get rid of Dani and im her inheritance, but now she has a legal husband. If something happens to her, Cedric would inherit everything!¡± Natalie¡¯s voice cracked with anxiety.

    Elyse¡¯s gaze sharpened.

    ¡°That means Cedric has to die too.¡±

    Natalie went pale at the words.

    L§Ñ¦Ó??¦Ó ch?¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?ls.??????

    Elyse turned to her daughter, her voice low and menacing.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t there someone who¡¯s been pursuing you at the hospital where Cedric is staying? It wouldn¡¯t be too difficult for him to take care of Cedric while he¡¯s bedridden, would it?¡±

    Tears welled up in Natalie¡¯s eyes as she shook her head quickly.

    ¡°No, Mom. I like Cedric.

    You promised that if he had a little ident, I could care for him, and we¡¯d grow close.

    You said I¡¯d be the one with him.¡±

    Elyse¡¯s expression hardened.

    ¡°But that was before everything changed. Dani¡¯s wealth muste to us. Don¡¯t you get it? You can always find another man, but a chance to seize Dani¡¯s wealth doesn¡¯te often.¡±

    Tears spilled down Natalie¡¯s face as she kept shaking her head desperately.

    ¡°No, Mom. Please, give me one more chance. I¡¯ll make Cedric fall in love with me. Once that happens, I¡¯ll get him to sign over his fortune. It¡¯ll all be yours.¡±

    Elyse fixed her gaze on her daughter, her expression impossible to read.

    ¡°Have youpletely lost it? Cedric isn¡¯t the type to simply give up what¡¯s already his. And after all this time, there¡¯s been no indication that he¡¯s interested in either you or Nina.¡±

    Suddenly, Natalie dropped to her knees in front of Elyse.

    ¡°Mom, please. Please, just one chance. I swear, I¡¯ll make Cedric love me.¡±

    Elyse¡¯s face grew serious. She couldn¡¯t believe her daughter¡ªwho had once been so promising¡ªhad fallen sopletely for a man.

    She knew then that Cedric could never be allowed to live.

    Still, she gave a slow nod.

    ¡°Alright. If you¡¯re this set on it, go ahead and give it a shot. Otherwise, you¡¯ll never stop obsessing over it.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 683

    ?Chapter 683:

    Natalie, overwhelmed with relief, burst into tears.

    ¡°Thank you, Mom!¡±

    As she continued to wipe her eyes, Elyse subtly slipped her daughter¡¯s phone into her own bag.

    Elyse stepped away to use the restroom, where she quickly sent a message to the doctor who was courting Natalie.

    ¡°Linden, once Cedric Phillips is gone, I¡¯ll be with you.¡±

    His reply came almost instantly, as if he had been waiting for her to reach out.

    ¡°Are you serious?¡±

    Elyse quickly typed back,

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    Linden responded,

    ¡°It¡¯s a deal.¡±

    He then added,

    ¡°Natalie, I¡¯ll take care of this as soon as possible, and then you¡¯ll be mine. I can¡¯t wait to start a perfect life with you.¡±

    Before leaving, Elyse erased the messages and added Linden under a new ount.

    ¡°To avoid any problemster, use this backup ount to get in touch with me from now on.¡±

    He answered quickly,

    ???¨¨?? ¡é?¦¤T?¦Å§Á? ?¦Ç ?a?§Úo¦Í???.???

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    A momentter, Linden messaged,

    ¡°Can I get a little reward for this? After all, I¡¯m doing something risky for you.¡±

    Elyse felt a wave of disgust but still took a provocative photo of her leg and sent it.

    His eager response came almost instantly.

    ¡°That¡¯s stunning. I can¡¯t wait for all the days we¡¯ll share together.¡±

    The thought of him alone made Elyse¡¯s stomach turn. She had met him before ¡ª a peculiar, disheveled man who always carried the smell of old, damp clothes.

    But in order to manipte him, Elyse forced herself to push aside her disgust and texted,

    ¡°Me too.¡±

    Almost instantly, he replied with an inappropriate photo of his own.

    Just at that moment, Natalie stepped in and asked,

    ¡°Mom, have you seen my phone?¡±

    Startled, Elyse swiftly tucked her phone away, returned Natalie¡¯s phone to her, and, with a cool, collected air, she walked out of the restroom.

    Dani¡¯s reputation in business was truly well-earned.

    The day after the press conference, Phillips Group¡¯s stock skyrocketed, surpassing its previous highs.

    The executives, who had been anxious and troubled, finally breathed sighs of relief.

    The entire Phillips Group not only admired and respected Dani but now looked up to her with great reverence.

    They followed her lead without question. Within just five days, Phillips Group¡¯s stock soared to new heights, shutting down all doubts. A wave of optimism swept through everyone in thepany.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 684

    ?Chapter 684:

    Alexander stood frozen in front of the TV, watching every channel mention Dani¡¯s name.

    ¡°Dani had tied the knot.¡±

    ¡°Dani had saved Phillips Group.¡±

    ¡°Dani had not only turned thepany¡¯s crisis around but also lifted it to levels of sess it had never seen before.¡±

    The way Dani cared for Cedric was nothing short of inspiring.

    Richard jabbed a finger at the TV, his voice sharp.

    ¡°Dani saved Phillips Group. Why doesn¡¯t she save you? Does she have no heart? How can she watch you be used by Joyce and not even bat an eye? How could she be so heartless?¡±

    His voice sent a chill through the room. It seemed like he was teetering on the edge of losing it. Or maybe, just maybe, he had already crossed that line. Word had spread all over Olisvine that Alexander was being financially backed by Joyce, and people were making fun of him everywhere he went.

    Once a respected figure, Richard was now treated like an outcast wherever he went.

    He felt like a shadow, an object of shame. His pride had been buried long ago.

    At first, when Phillips Group¡¯s stock dropped, Richard stayed glued to the TV, secretly hoping it would copse just like Bet Group.

    But after days of waiting, one press conference from Dani not only revived Phillips Group but sent it into an unbelievable rise.

    Your update hub: g?l¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??s?c?m

    How could he stand watching this happen?

    Richard exploded at Alexander in fury,

    ¡°You must have been out of your mind to divorce Dani! If you¡¯d stayed with her, Bet Group would still be flourishing.

    You pushed away such an amazing woman. This is all your fault. Just go get her back, however you need to. Bring Dani back into your life!¡±

    Alexander watched the TV, his eyes fixed on Dani as she effortlessly took charge of the press conference. A wave of jealousy overtook him.

    Joyce called Alexander,manding him to strip. He stayed frozen for a moment, refusing to move.

    Joycey on the bed, a mocking smile on her lips.

    ¡°Are you still dreaming? Still imagining that Dani wille back to you? The moment you bent to me, you lost any chance with her. Maybe she¡¯d risk everything for Cedric, but that has nothing to do with you. Don¡¯t you get it? You and Dani are finished.

    You belong to me now.¡±

    With that, she stood up, grabbed Alexander¡¯s tie, and yanked it loose,ughing harshly.

    Once they finished making love, she stretched out on the bed, her expression dripping with smug satisfaction.

    ¡°Dani¡¯s probably buried in work.

    You need to go after her on the business front. Start by pulling some of Elite Lux¡¯s clients over to our side. Once you¡¯ve gained a solid footing, make your move to get closer to her. After that, have the hypnotist do his work on her. Doug won¡¯t wait forever, so it¡¯s time to act quickly.¡±

    Lately, Doug had be more and more ruthless in bed.

    Joyce was reaching her breaking point, but what could she do?

    Money. That was the reason she had no escape. Doug¡¯s wealth held her in ce, a gilded cage she couldn¡¯t bear to leave. She¡¯d rather endure his torment than return to poverty.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 685

    ?Chapter 685:

    What was the point of ambition?

    Why should dignity matter?

    Alexander had once walked with his head held high, but now, he was forced to swallow his pride and beg for scraps.

    Humiliated, Alexander left Joyce¡¯s ce, barely able to hold himself together. Before long, his car pulled up at the base of the Elite Lux building.

    The security guards, upon seeing him, made it clear he wasn¡¯t wee. They refused to let him see Dani.

    As the argument escted, Lillian appeared, carrying a tray of coffee. Her gazended on him, a smirk curling on her lips.

    ¡°Alexander, is that you?¡±

    In a frosty voice, Alexander responded,

    ¡°I must speak with Dani.¡±

    Lillian¡¯s disdain was evident.

    ¡°Why? Failed to achieve your aims with Joyce and now you turn to Dani? Alexander, consider your actions.

    You¡¯re selling yourself now, aren¡¯t you? Just like a gigolo. Joyce has been telling everyone that you¡¯re avable for ten thousand a night.¡±

    The color drained from Alexander¡¯s face.

    ¡°Does Dani know about this?¡± he asked, desperate for some remaining affection from her.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s£®?§àm takes you away

    ¡°Cedric¡¯s in aa. I could possibly¡­¡±

    ¡°What could you possibly offer? Alexander, do you really think you can entertain fantasies about our boss¡¯s wife?¡±

    An executive from Phillips Group, a recent regr at Elite Lux, overheard and exploded in anger.

    The executive¡¯s fist connected with Alexander¡¯s face, and the sound of his nose breaking resonated through the lobby.

    Head bowed, Alexander watched blood drip from his nose.

    He wiped it away roughly, the pain intense. Despite wanting to retaliate, his attention shifted when Dani walked through the door.

    Seeing her, he momentarily forgot his agony. He wanted to break through the crowd to reach her side.

    His desire was to beg her, to see if she would even nce his way once again. This time, he was determined to value her as Cedric did.

    Alexander longed to propose to Dani that, with Cedric¡¯s absence, perhaps he could fill his shoes.

    He had a multitude of things he wished to express to her.

    His desire was to fall to his knees and beg for forgiveness.

    However, Lillian, the security staff, and the executives from Phillips Group were quicker to act.

    They encircled Alexanderpletely.

    Dani¡¯s retreating figure was all he could see as she mingled andughed with investors, stepping into the elevator.

    Ultimately, he found himself sinking to the floor, treated no better than slime underfoot.

    Yet, Alexander did not depart.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 686

    ?Chapter 686:

    He remained seated, adamant about catching a glimpse of Dani.

    He knew he needed to act now, or once Cedric recuperated, any chance with Dani would vanish.

    As darkness fell, Alexander¡¯s eyes stayed glued to the elevator doors. A passerbymented cheerily,

    ¡°Dani truly adores Cedric. Despite her hectic agenda, she makes daily hospital visits and even stays overnight. A prestigious global medical team is looking after him.¡±

    At that, Alexander rose unsteadily, clutching the speaker.

    ¡°Has Dani already left?¡±

    The person answered,

    ¡°Yes, she departed after the afternoon¡¯s engagements.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s grip on the speaker¡¯s clothing loosened and dropped.

    ¡°She¡¯s gone? Already?¡±

    Richard materialized beside Alexander, his expression tense.

    ¡°Why not follow her? The hospital is far more essible than here at Elite Lux. What are you so afraid of, Alexander? What have you got to lose? Go, plead with Dani. Kneel if you must.¡±

    ¡°Confess that you seek only herpanionship, ready to stand in for Cedric. Dani values loyalty. If you shed your pride, she might just reconsider.¡±

    Staring vacantly, Alexander turned to Richard.

    ¡°Do I still have a chance?¡±

    ???€$? ?§ß?t??§ñ? 1¦Ð ?al§Úo¦Í¦Å??.???

    Richard¡¯s face looked worried against the cold, gray sky. He had be the target of too much ridicule recently and was desperately hoping Alexander would find a way to reconnect with Dani, believing she could save Bet Group.

    ¡°Of course. She helped you just like she helped Cedric.

    You were the one she truly trusted with her heart. This is your only shot at breaking free from Joyce. Go ahead. The future of the Bet family depends on you now!¡±

    Richard drove Alexander to the hospital where Cedric was being treated.

    ¡°The step, Alexander.

    You¡¯ll find happiness. This time, you have your father¡¯s backing.¡±

    Alexander gave a solemn nod before walking into the hospital.

    From a distance, Erika narrowed her eyes and muttered to Joyce beside her,

    ¡°Alexander is so greedy.¡±

    Joyce just smiled coldly, unbothered.

    Erika nced at her, her voice filled with concern.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried? What if Alexander actually ends up with Dani?¡±

    Joyce¡¯sughter rang out, loud and unapologetic.

    Erika¡¯s expression was a mix of confusion and curiosity.

    Joyceughed until her sides ached.

    ¡°Do you really understand Dani? She can have any man she wants. Why would she want someone like Alexander? Trust me, she could have anyone, but Alexander will never be one of them.¡±

    Alexander never had the chance to find out if Dani would feel pity for his current sorry state.

    Before he could even enter, he was stopped by the bodyguards from Phillips Group.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 687

    ?Chapter 687:

    They recognized him right away.

    Minutester, Alexander stumbled out, battered and broken. His nose and mouth were twisted, one leg clearly injured, and blood streaked his face. Standing under the dark night sky, he cut a figure both pathetic and absurd.

    Joyce stood in front of him, towering like a queen, her sneer sharp as a de.

    ¡°As long as you are Alexander, Dani will never look your way again.¡±

    Struggling to keep himself upright with his hands, Alexander lifted his gaze to Joyce.

    ¡°What exactly do you mean?¡±

    Joyce¡¯s lips curled into a cruel smile.

    ¡°I told you, in the end, Dani could be yours¡ªbut not if you are Alexander. Do you get it? Because as long as you are Alexander, she¡¯ll never forget those ten years when you treated her as if she didn¡¯t matter. She¡¯ll never forgive you.¡±

    ¡°Remember your indifference, your disregard, your scorn, and most of all, how you ignored her during the fire. Remaining Alexander means you¡¯ll never have any hope of winning her back.¡±

    A look of confusion crossed his face. Blood dripped from his mouth, but he didn¡¯t flinch. His voice was desperate as he asked,

    ¡°But I am Alexander. How could I stop being Alexander?¡±

    Joyce¡¯s smile turned even more sinister.

    ¡°I have a solution, but ites at a price. Are you ready to endure the cost?¡±

    Latest stories on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s

    Alexander was lost, unable toprehend her words, but his only focus was on one thing¡ªfinding a way to win Dani¡¯s heart.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do it! Just tell me how!¡±

    Joyce took in his battered form, her smile growing colder and more calcting.

    She quickly arranged for a helicopter to whisk Alexander away.

    The helicopter cut through the sky, leaving a long trail in its wake.

    Erika, confused, asked,

    ¡°Where are you taking him? What do you mean he can¡¯t be Alexander anymore?¡±

    Joyce smirked as she watched the helicopter disappear into the distance. Letting out a soft chuckle, she remarked,

    ¡°In this world, if you have enough money and the determination to go all in, turning into a different person is surprisingly easy. I never expected Alexander to be willing to pay such a heavy price for Dani.¡±

    Erika looked at Joyce with disbelief.

    ¡°Is stic surgery what you¡¯re talking about?¡±

    Joyce nodded.

    ¡°Exactly. It involvespletely transforming oneself to look like someone else. It¡¯s simr to sculpting a new identity, reshaping oneself from the inside out to imitate someone else, followed by professional treatment to mimic that person urately. In five months, Alexander will be apletely different person.¡±

    Erika¡¯s eyes widened with curiosity.

    ¡°Who is Alexander going to turn into?¡±

    Joyce opened the car door in front of her. Before stepping in, she nced towards Cedric¡¯s ward.

    A soft, warm light glowed from inside.

    She gave a slight smile and responded,

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 688

    ?Chapter 688:

    ¡°Cedric.¡±

    Dani had not returned home these days. She spent all her avable time at the hospital after work.

    Experts from various countries were present there.

    That day, the lead doctor came in with a serious look and told Dani,

    ¡°Our suspicions were true. The problem is rted to the food. Please provide a thorough list of everything Mr. Phillips ate in the week before his illness for our investigation.¡±

    Dani nodded, and Ryan quickly started to review theputer surveince footage.

    Before leaving, the lead doctor introduced someone to Dani.

    ¡°This is Linden Potter, a graduate student I¡¯m supervising this year. He will document Mr. Phillips¡¯ reactions to the recent medications.¡±

    Dani observed the man named Linden.

    He wore a white doctor¡¯s coat, stood about five feet three inches tall, had a thinning hairline, and looked rather messy, with an unsettling air about him. His smile was cool, and his eyes, behind thick sses, seemed chillingly detached, giving off an ufortable vibe. Dani held her tongue in his presence.

    After Linden left, Dani told the lead doctor,

    ¡°I¡¯d prefer a different doctor. Monitoring medication reactions is critical, and I cannot trust the care of my loved one to someone who doesn¡¯t even keep himself presentable.¡±

    The lead doctor quickly grasped the situation.

    New updates live on g¦Ál¦Ç¦Ò¦Íe?s

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for the inconvenience. We had arranged for a more experienced doctor for this task, but due to a flight issue, that doctor was dyed. Linden might seem a bit messy, but I will remind him to tidy up. In three days, the doctor we initially nned will arrive, and I will rece Linden at that time.¡±

    Linden came back with the medications, pausing outside the door to listen to the conversation.

    He adjusted his sses, a scheming grin spreading across his face.

    He was surprised to find that Dani was not only beautiful but also sharp.

    Just one look at him, and she had requested his recement.

    Such a shame, he thought.

    The doctor who was supposed to take the notes would never return.

    Linden observed Dani from outside, surprised once more by her appearance. He hadn¡¯t expected Dani to outshine Natalie in beauty.

    He had always considered Natalie to be the prettiest and had desired her for years.

    Just as she seemed within his reach, he met Dani, who was even more captivating.

    Compared to Dani, Natalie looked like an ordinary countrywoman.

    Linden entered with the logbook, his thick sses concealing his greedy gaze. He smiled and assured them,

    ¡°I¡¯ll be careful in recording Mr. Phillips¡¯ reactions to the medications. Although I may not look very neat, I assure you of my precision in my professional duties.¡±

    Dani kept quiet after that. She merely nced at Linden¡¯s nails. For a doctor, his nails were unusually long, and the dirt beneath them caused her to frown.

    Dani didn¡¯t waste time with words. She reached out to some well-known doctors in herwork, requesting that three specialists be sent immediately to support the attending doctor with every aspect of Cedric¡¯s care.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 689

    ?Chapter 689:

    By that evening, the specialists had arrived, ready to step in.

    Within the hour, Linden¡¯s tasks werepletely handed over. He arched a brow, silently acknowledging how impressive Dani¡¯s quick thinking and decisive moves were.

    Linden stepped outside and typed a message to ¡°Natalie.¡±

    ¡°They¡¯ve figured out what caused Cedric¡¯sa and have started him on specific treatment.¡±

    ¡°Natalie¡± responded almost instantly,

    ¡°You need to get rid of Cedric now!¡±

    Resting against the wall, Linden pushed his sses up and let out a frosty smile.

    ¡°Dani¡¯s sharp. Doing something like this would put my career on the chopping block. What¡¯s in it for me?¡±

    The reply came in the form of a picture. It was provocative, to say the least. Linden stared at the image for a moment, then let out a chillyugh before recording a voice message.

    ¡°Is that the best you can offer?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll be generously rewarded once it¡¯s taken care of!¡±

    Linden shoved his hands into his pockets and stared off at the horizon.

    ¡°You can¡¯t be serious. What guarantee do I have that you won¡¯t turn on me when it¡¯s done? This situation is a lot more tangled than I expected. And let¡¯s not forget, Cedric¡¯s food problems trace back to you. If the truthes out, you¡¯ll have a mess on your hands too.¡±

    Elyse listened to the voice message, her expression tightening as her brows drew together.

    Stay tuned galnov??????.co??

    ¡°Damn Linden!¡±

    ¡°What exactly do you want?¡±

    Linden¡¯s lips curled into a smirk.

    ¡°I want you.¡±

    Elyse¡¯s hands shook with anger.

    This shameless bastard was clearly lost in his delusions.

    Natalie was her precious daughter. Elyse had poured time and resources into shaping her, ensuring she mastered etiquette and elegance. There was no way she would let someone like Linden drag Natalie into the dirt. Natalie deserved someone like Cedric¡ªsomeone exceptional¡ªwho would elevate her to be the pride of the entire socialitemunity.

    Elyse¡¯s gaze turned icy as a sly n began taking shape in her mind.

    ¡°I don¡¯t trust you just yet. If you want to prove yourself, show me some real sincerity. I¡¯m not asking you to take Cedric out right this moment, but I need to see if you can genuinely contribute to his downfall before I even consider giving you what you want.¡±

    Linden arched a brow and simply replied,

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Later that evening, Dani was engrossed in her reading when the monitoring device let out a series of beeps. After a few moments, it went silent, returning to normal.

    Standing close by with a notebook in hand, Linden nced at Dani¡¯sposed face.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to worry. Small fluctuations like this are fairlymon.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 690

    ?Chapter 690:

    Dani¡¯s eyes swept over the team she¡¯d gathered. Her tone was firm and cold.

    ¡°Run the checks again.¡±

    She moved to the foot of Cedric¡¯s bed, silently observing as the team carried out their examinations.

    Once they confirmed there were no issues, Dani¡¯s voice cut through the silence.

    ¡°Run a blood test.¡±

    The team exchanged surprised nces before the attending doctor stepped forward.

    ¡°Everything appears stable. The body asionally produces subconscious reactions that can skew the data. There¡¯s no need for frequent blood tests¡ªthey could end up harming the patient.¡±

    Typically, at this point, family members would ease up and trust the doctor¡¯s judgment.

    The medical staff in the room were also preparing to hand over their shifts. However, Dani wasn¡¯t about to back down.

    ¡°I want to double-check, just to be sure,¡± she insisted.

    Linden leaned against the corner, raising an eyebrow, his gaze lingering on Dani with a quiet intensity.

    With little choice but to obey, the attending doctor reluctantly carried out a routine blood test.

    By the time the results were due, most of the doctors had retired for the night, leaving just the attending doctor and Dani waiting.

    Linden strolled over with a smile and told Dani,

    Read exclusive updates g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv??ls

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you let my mentor take a break? He¡¯s been through a lot today. I¡¯ll stay here and keep youpany.¡±

    Dani nodded at Ryan, signaling for him to escort the attending doctor to the lounge as she waited for the results.

    Linden slid into the seat next to Dani, shing a confident smile. He had carefully styled his hair, manicured his nails, and chosen an outfit that made him look younger.

    ¡°You and Mr. Phillips seem to have a wonderful rtionship,¡± he remarked.

    Dani remained silent, her attention focused elsewhere.

    Not one to be discouraged, Linden continued,

    ¡°Couples often get anxious and flustered when facing challenges. It¡¯s impressive how calm andposed you are.¡±

    Dani took a slow sip of her water, her expression unchanged.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have the luxury of panic.¡±

    Linden chuckled, sensing an opportunity to change the subject.

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard your business is doing exceptionally well.¡±

    Finishing her ss, Dani set it down with deliberate calmness.

    ¡°It¡¯s not about sess. I¡¯m busy because I¡¯m surrounded by people with hidden motives. With my partner in aa, I can¡¯t afford to drop my guard. If I don¡¯t stay vignt, those who mean to take advantage will win.¡±

    Linden was briefly taken aback by her words. But before he could respond, Cedric¡¯s report arrived, showing a chaotic mess of blood indicators.

    Linden observed Dani¡¯sposed expression. She exuded calm and logic, her brilliance shining through in that moment.

    Linden watched as she took the report and knocked on the dean¡¯s office door. That night, the entire medical team gathered to consult on Cedric¡¯s condition.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 691

    ?Chapter 691:

    When the room cleared, Linden pulled out his phone, snapped a photo of Cedric¡¯s report, and sent it to ¡°Natalie.¡±

    ¡°So, are you happy now? Dani¡¯s far too vignt. After this, there¡¯s sure to be some major shifts around here. I won¡¯t be able to stick around for long. If your offer isn¡¯t tempting enough, I can¡¯t take this on for you.¡±

    Elyse knew what Linden wanted. It wasn¡¯t just about sending a few pictures. Her anger boiled, her teeth grinding, but she understood the opportunity to eliminate Cedric was a rare one that couldn¡¯t slip by.

    After a heavy silence, she called Natalie over and showed her the message.

    Natalie nearly spat in disgust.

    ¡°What? Linden actually thinks he can sleep with me? When I was the most beautiful girl in school, adored by all the guys, he was hiding in the corner, too scared to even look my way! What¡¯s he thinking? He actually believes he can sleep with me? He¡¯s way out of his league! Someone needs to show him a mirror!¡±

    Natalie couldn¡¯t hide her contempt.

    Elyse snatched her phone back.

    ¡°I don¡¯t like him either, but right now, Linden is the only one who can get close to Cedric. He said the medical team is about to be reshuffled, and soon, we won¡¯t get such a good chance again.¡±

    Hearing this, Natalie frowned, her voice sharp.

    ¡°So what are you saying, Mom? You want me to sleep with this disgusting man?¡±

    Elyse, of course, was reluctant. She had raised her daughter, stunningly beautiful and deserving of nothing but the best.

    Feel inspired by ga  ln o vels .

    ¡°So, what do you think we should do?¡±

    Natalie¡¯s anger boiled, her mind a whirlwind. Just the thought of Linden¡ªa repulsive rat no one wanted around¡ªdaring to think he could sleep with her made her sick to her stomach. Just then, she saw Nina nearby.

    In some ways, they were strikingly alike.

    Natalie¡¯s gaze turned cold and distant.

    ¡°Mom, I have an idea.¡±

    Elyse didn¡¯t catch on right away, but when she did, she asked,

    ¡°Do you think it will work? Linden¡¯s wanted you for years. He¡¯ll recognize you instantly.¡±

    Natalie spoke in a detached tone.

    ¡°There are plenty of themed hotels these days with dim lighting. We can have Nina wear a silk scarf over her face. Since she and I share a simr look, Linden won¡¯t be able to tell us apart. Isn¡¯t the medical team about to be reorganized soon? Linden won¡¯t have time to figure it out.¡±

    Elyse nodded, her expression thoughtful.

    ¡°Alright, then.¡± With that, Elyse went off to find Nina.

    Nina was taken aback.

    ¡°Mom, what did you say?¡±

    Natalie stood off to the side, her expression cold and uninterested, her voice calm and factual.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you im before that you¡¯d do anything to have Cedric? Now¡¯s the moment to prove it. Cedric is in critical condition, and the only one who can help him is Linden. But Linden made it clear¡ªhe won¡¯t treat Cedric unless you¡¯re willing to sleep with him first.¡±

    Nina¡¯s mind was a whirlwind, her voice quivering with uncertainty.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 692

    ?Chapter 692:

    ¡°I can¡¯t!¡±

    Elyse spoke, her tone soothing.

    ¡°Darling, why not? It¡¯s a small price to pay for something so important. Once you do this, Cedric will be forever grateful when he wakes up.

    You¡¯ll have made such a huge sacrifice for him¡ªit¡¯ll win his heart, without a doubt.¡±

    Nina¡¯s thoughts spiraled in turmoil.

    ¡°But if I go through with this, Cedric will despise me!¡±

    Natalie scoffed.

    ¡°Nina, are you out of your mind? Why would Cedric despise you? You¡¯re doing this for him. It¡¯s just one time. Why are you making such a big deal of it? This kind of thing ismon in our circle.

    You said you¡¯d do anything for Cedric, didn¡¯t you? So why are you backing out now?¡±

    Tears streamed down Nina¡¯s face as she clung desperately to Elyse¡¯s hand.

    ¡°But Mom, I want to save myself for Cedric. I don¡¯t want to give myself to a stranger!¡±

    Elyse shook her hand off.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be so naive. This is your opportunity. Cedric never truly noticed you.

    You need to understand¡ªthis is your moment. If you don¡¯t take it, how else will you make him feel guilty enough to marry you? A small sacrifice now for a lifetime of wealth and security. What¡¯s the better choice here?¡±

    Exclusive updates g¦Ál¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??s.c?m

    Nina stood frozen, unable to move.

    ¡°Take your time, but make up your mind in five minutes. If you can¡¯t go through with it, then forget it. Let Cedric die. It¡¯s not like it matters to us.¡± With those cutting words, Natalie turned on her heel and walked out.

    The situation had hit her like a storm, and Nina feltpletely lost. She gazed helplessly at her mother, her face streaked with tears.

    ¡°Mom, is Linden really the only one who can save Cedric? Isn¡¯t there any other way?¡±

    Elyse shook her head.

    ¡°There¡¯s no other option.¡±

    Nina¡¯s head hung low, and her lips trembled as tears streamed down her face.

    ¡°Alright!¡± Atst, she relented.

    She stood there, shaking, mustering every ounce of her strength to force out that one word.

    Elyse smiled brightly,vishing her with praise.

    ¡°I knew you were clever. Once Cedric wakes up, he¡¯ll owe you everything.

    You¡¯ll be able to proudly tell him that you sacrificed something precious to save him. He¡¯ll be grateful to you for the rest of his life.¡±

    Nina wasn¡¯t certain whether Cedric would feel thankful, but the idea made her feel sick to her stomach.

    She had guarded her innocence for so long, dreaming of giving herself to Cedric. But now, it was to be taken by a stranger.

    Her head dropped, feeling heavy with despair. She even wanted to die.

    Nina knew she couldn¡¯t die. She still had the task of saving Cedric. She had to rescue the man she loved from danger.

    When she saw Dani at the hospital, Nina suddenly felt a strange sense of superiority.

    It seemed to her that Dani might not possess the same bravery she did. She was willing to sacrifice everything for love, not just talk about it.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 693

    ?Chapter 693:

    Lillian gazed at Nina with a puzzled expression and asked Dani,

    ¡°Has she lost her mind today? Where is she getting this arrogance from? Just look at her, as if she¡¯s Cedric¡¯s wife.¡±

    Dani remained seated, her eyes fixed on Nina. She, too, noticed Nina¡¯s odd demeanor.

    Typically, Nina was docile, particrly with a domineering sister like Natalie outshining her. Nina¡¯s existence was not exactly smooth.

    Though she was an heiress of the Dury family, she hadn¡¯t experienced the same privileges as Natalie. Her thoughts often leaned towards naivety.

    ¡°Whenever things seem off, there¡¯s usually a reason. Have someone keep an eye on Nina,¡± Dani instructed, her expression turning serious as she remembered seeing Elyse and Natalie whispering at the end of the corridor. She reached for her phone to review the surveince video from the corridor. Just as she was about to find out what Elyse and Natalie were discussing, a shadow emerged over herputer screen. Dani looked up to find Nina standing there.

    Though a hint of fear flickered in her eyes, she carried herself with a newfound confidence.

    ¡°Dani, how is Cedric doing?¡±

    Dani responded coldly,

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you see it yourself?¡±

    Nina pursed her lips before saying,

    L??t§Öst ch¦Ápt?rs in g??l??ov???s.??????

    ¡°I understand that I fall short in every waypared to you, but there¡¯s one thing where you can¡¯tpete. What I¡¯m willing to do for Cedric is something you could never aplish in a lifetime.¡±

    Dani watched Nina silently. Her eyes were calm and unreadable.

    Nina admired herposed manner, wishing she could mirror it, but deep down, she knew she couldn¡¯t. Standing in the shadows of Dani and Natalie, she often felt like a nobody.

    Yet, she was prepared to sacrifice everything for Cedric!

    In this matter, she was unmatched.

    Nina faced Dani and said,

    ¡°I know you dislike me, and the feeling is mutual, but for Cedric¡¯s sake, I will make an effort to get along with you in the future.¡± With those words, she turned and left.

    Dani navigated the surveince footage.

    Momentster, Lillian eximed,

    ¡°Oh my! Is Nina really Elyse¡¯s daughter? Has she lost her senses?¡±

    Dani¡¯s gaze intensified.

    ¡°Tsk! What a spectacle!¡±

    Lillian looked to Dani, who appeared determined.

    ¡°What¡¯s our next move?¡±

    Dani¡¯s eyesnded on Linden, who was nearby. A cold, sharp intent shed in her eyes.

    Linden checked a message from Elyse on his phone, his lips curling into a sinister smile as he typed,

    ¡°See you there.¡± He nced up and locked eyes with Dani.

    With a subtle smile, he approached.

    ¡°Ms. Harper, do you need something?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 694

    ?Chapter 694:

    Dani leaned back in her chair, her tone cold.

    ¡°Any updates on the investigation? What kind of food has kept Cedric in aa?¡±

    Linden was surprised by the turn of events. Before, Dani had alwaysmunicated with the attending doctor for any matter. He felt somewhat ttered. Could Dani be attracted to his charm? It appeared that no women were immune to his charisma.

    Tonight, he intended to prove his skill in bed to Natalie, and on another day¡­

    Linden¡¯s eyes greedily scanned Dani¡¯s wless face.

    ¡°Ms. Harper, rest assured, we are carefully working to identify the cause. I am certain that we wille to a satisfying resolution very soon. Ms. Harper, I hope you won¡¯t mind a bold request. May I?¡±

    Dani responded,

    ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    Linden chuckled and said,

    ¡°I¡¯ve had the privilege of witnessing your authority up close and have always held you in high regard. I wonder if I could be considered to be your personal doctor in the future?¡±

    The idea of a family doctor crossing professional lines with a female CEO was undeniably tempting.

    Lillian nearly vomited on the spot. She was prepared to beat the shameless man, but Dani held her back with a simple gesture.

    A look of delight appeared on Linden¡¯s face.

    Feel the thrill at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s©q??o??

    Dani said coolly,

    ¡°Opportunities may arise.¡±

    As Linden left, clearly pleased, Dani turned to the attending doctor and said,

    ¡°Check the pastries.¡±

    The doctor gathered his trusted team to conduct a secret investigation.

    Meanwhile, Nina sat at her dresser as Elyse carefully brushed her hair.

    The emotional walls Nina had built recently came crashing down again.

    During her visit to the hospital, she caught sight of Linden through the ss.

    His demeanor was unpleasant. He had shifty eyes and a short, balding stature. He was precisely the type of person she found utterly unpleasant.

    The bravery she had gathered in front of Danipletely disappeared. She felt humbled and gloomy, overwhelmed with sadness and hesitation.

    She could not bring herself to ept Linden, nor could she bear the thought of Cedric possibly finding her disgusting after learning she had been with someone so unpleasant.

    Elyseforted her,

    ¡°Nina, remember, nothing in this world is free. Every gaines with its price. I know this is a steep price, but it will be worth it.¡±

    Nina¡¯s voice shook as she cried,

    ¡°Mom, promise me Cedric will love me.¡±

    Elyse¡¯s gaze was firm.

    ¡°I promise.¡±

    As the evening set in, Nina dressed in seductive lingerie and was escorted to a romantic hotel suite.

    The lighting inside was soft and dim, with rose petals scattered across the bed, creating the perfect atmosphere for what was about to unfold.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 695

    ?Chapter 695:

    Tears streamed down Nina¡¯s cheeks as Elyse wrapped a veil over her face.

    ¡°I understand you are upset. Keep this on; don¡¯t remove it. Just close your eyes, and soon it will be over. When you open them, Cedric will be saved. Nina, you will get everything you want.¡±

    Through her tears, Nina nodded. She was determined to achieve her desires. Definitely!

    Nina¡¯s mind wandered in silence, lost in its own maze of thoughts.

    Without warning, the door, which had been shut tight, creaked open, startling her. A chill ran through her, making her body shudder beneath the seductive lingerie she wore.

    The dim glow of the room cast eerie shadows across the walls, and fear gripped Nina¡¯s chest. Her breath hitched as she watched Linden step in, his lecherous grin sending an ufortable shiver down her spine.

    The belt fell to the floor with a gentle thud. His shirt was hastily pulled apart, revealing a round belly beneath. In the pale light, she saw Linden tilt his head, pushing back what little hair remained. A wave of disgust washed over her, sharp and unmistakable.

    As his chubby fingers brushed against the white sheets, Nina¡¯s body trembled more violently, regret creeping up from the depths of her stomach. The musty scent of damp clothes¡ªone she hade to associate with Linden¡ªimmediately hit her senses.

    Dread and regret surged together, but she realized toote that there was no turning back.

    Linden¡¯s pants dropped to the floor in an instant, exposing his faded underwear, and with it, every part of his vile nature stoodid bare.

    Fear and shock overtook Nina, her eyes growing wide. She sat up on the bed, instinctively preparing to flee.

    Latest novels uploaded g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    Without warning, her hair was yanked back, gripped harshly by an unforgiving hand. Pain shot through her scalp, sharp and burning.

    A cruel sneer stretched across Linden¡¯s face.

    ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going? This is exactly what we agreed upon. The night is young, and I¡¯ve got all the time in the world to enjoy you.¡±

    In the next instant, Linden¡¯s hands tore through Nina¡¯s top, the sound of fabric ripping making her body flinch in dread.

    A scream ripped from her throat, shrill and desperate.

    Thoughts of calling for her mother, for Natalie, flooded her mind. Regret consumed her¡ªshe wished she could undo it all.

    Escape was all she could think about.

    Desperately, she darted toward the door, only to realize it was locked from the outside.

    Trembling uncontrobly, she pressed her back against the door, her eyes locking onto Linden¡¯s revolting smile as his gaze roamed over her form.

    Hisughter echoed, the sight of his crooked, yellow teeth sickening her.

    Nina mped her hand over her mouth, fighting the urge to vomit.

    The sight before him sent Linden into a blind rage.

    He stormed forward, grabbing a fistful of Nina¡¯s hair again, forcing her mouth shut with a cruel pinch through the veil.

    ¡°Now you want to pretend you¡¯re some virtuous woman? Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll make sure you have a good time,¡± he whispered in a cold, taunting breath, his lips brushing against her ear.

    Nina¡¯s legs buckled, her body betraying her as it went limp with fear.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 696

    ?Chapter 696:

    Before she could gather herself, the sound of fabric tearing reached her ears again. Her eyes widened, a cold shiver crawling across her lower body.

    With a brutal motion, Linden lifted her onto the bed. As she recoiled, he pressed forward, his hands shamelessly reaching for her feet. He lowered his head greedily, cing kiss after kiss on her skin.

    Nina¡¯s mind shattered in that instant, and a scream of pure terror erupted from her as she cried, ¡°Mom! Mom, I regret it! Please save me!¡±

    At that moment, the weight of her choices crashed down on her, suffocating her with regret.

    Her body fought, but Linden¡¯s lips¡ªthose repulsive, vile things¡ªcontinued to press against her legs.

    He spoke in a twisted, longing tone.

    ¡°Do you even know how long I¡¯ve obsessed over you? You were always like a star in the sky, unreachable, and here I am, the ugliest thing in the gutter. Just thinking about you felt like a sin. But when you agreed, it made me so happy.

    You were the most beautiful girl on campus, everyone wanted you.

    You never knew about the years of yearning from someone like me, did you? Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯refortable.¡±

    Nina¡¯s body stilled, her strugglesing to an abrupt halt.

    Mistaking her stillness forpliance, Linden¡¯s excitement red as he pressed a gentle kiss to her skin.

    t against the bed, Nina¡¯s mind emptied, consumed by a hollow void.

    Find thetest updates g????????????????.??????

    School? Years of yearning?

    The realization hit her like a heavy blow: the woman Linden desired wasn¡¯t her¡ªit was Natalie.

    Tears began to flow down Nina¡¯s cheeks, pooling beneath the veil that clung to her face.

    Then, augh escaped her, sharp and bitter, trembling through her body as if trying to break free.

    Elyse¡¯s insistence on the veil suddenly made sense.

    Because Natalie had refused, Elyse had sent her in Natalie¡¯s ce, to sleep with this man.

    Nina had always known she was unloved, but this¡ªthis betrayal¡ªwas something she had never imagined.

    Natalie¡¯s purity was sacred, untouchable. But what about hers? Was her innocence so easily discarded, so unimportant?

    Was she truly just something to be used, something so easily overlooked?

    Tears of regret flowed freely down Nina¡¯s face.

    But no amount of regret would change what had already been done.

    Resigned to her fate, Ninay still on the bed, staring nkly at the white ceiling, feeling Linden¡¯s lips trailing up her legs. The weight of it all crushed her spirit, and she whispered, ¡°You can call me whoever you want, but just keep your promise.¡±

    After this nightmare, she hoped Linden would save Cedric.

    At least then, some of the pain would have purpose.

    Linden¡¯s lips pressed against her skin as he murmured, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Once we¡¯re done, I¡¯ll head straight to the hospital and take Cedric¡¯s life.¡±

    Nina¡¯s eyes snapped open, her breathing quick and shallow as she bolted upright.

    Her voice shook with a mixture of fear and disbelief.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 697

    ?Chapter 697:

    ¡°What did you just say?¡±

    Linden wiped a smear of drool from his mouth, a crooked smile spreading across his face.

    ¡°Sweetheart, wasn¡¯t it your idea? Spend a night with me in exchange, and I¡¯ll take Cedric out for you. Rx, once it¡¯s done¡ªeven if it costs me my life¡ªI¡¯ll make sure Cedric is gone for good.¡±

    Nina stared at him, frozen in shock. Her voice came out barely above a whisper.

    ¡°Kill Cedric?¡±

    Before she could process the horror of his words, Linden surged forward, forcing her onto the mattress beneath his weight. Hot tears streamed down her cheeks, blurring her vision.

    Kill Cedric.

    The words echoed in her head like a relentless drumbeat.

    Natalie and Elyse had used her innocence as a pawn, trading it for Linden¡¯s promise to eliminate Cedric.

    How could they expect her to agree to such a vile scheme?

    Desperation ignited within her, and she thrashed wildly against him, a single thought burning in her mind¡ªshe had to destroy everyone who had brought her to this moment.

    But Nina¡¯s small frame was no match for Linden¡¯s brute strength.

    He easily overpowered her, pressing her into the bed with a sadistic grin. He flipped her onto her stomach, forcing her into a humiliating position.

    ¡°Linden!¡± she screamed, her voice raw with terror and fury.

    Every story starts at g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s,

    ¡°Let me go! Look at me¡ªlook who I am!¡±

    Linden¡¯s lips pressed against Nina¡¯s back, hisughter dripping with cruel arrogance.

    ¡°Of course, I know who you are¡ªyou¡¯re my precious Natalie.¡±

    Nina twisted against his grasp, her strength ebbing as despair consumed her.

    His weight crushed her resolve, leaving her drained and motionless. She shut her eyes tightly, hot tears slipping down her cheeks, tracing silent paths of anguish.

    Agony.

    Her voice broke unexpectedly, raw and desperate.

    ¡°Dani!¡±

    She squeezed her eyes shut, bracing herself for the inevitable as Linden¡¯s movements became more deliberate.

    Her heart sank into a void of betrayal, her spirit utterly shattered.

    In that moment, she wished for nothing more than an escape, even if it meant death.

    A sudden, jarring sound shattered the suffocating tension in the room.

    Linden¡¯s heavy body slumped against her, unmoving.

    Nina froze beneath his dead weight, her breath caught in her throat.

    She didn¡¯t dare to shift, her ears straining against the eerie silence that had reced the heated chaos.

    Slowly, she cracked her eyes open and glimpsed Linden lying unconscious, sprawled across her.

    It took her a moment to register what had happened.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 698

    ?Chapter 698:

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Can¡¯t get up? Or maybe you want to keep going?¡±

    Nina blinked, confusion and disbelief swirling in her tear-filled eyes.

    Was she dead? How else could she be hearing Dani¡¯s voice?

    With great effort, she shoved Linden off her, her trembling hands barely steady.

    She sat upright and turned toward the source of the voice.

    There, lounging on the opposite sofa, sat Dani, her expression unreadable.

    For the first time, Nina¡¯s heart surged with something close to relief. She had never wanted to see Dani¡ªor hear her voice¡ªas much as she did at this moment.

    She was saved.

    She had no love for Dani, and she knew with absolute certainty that Dani felt the same about her.

    But right now, none of that mattered.

    With Dani present, she was certain that nothing worse would happen.

    She didn¡¯t like Dani, yet, in this moment, she trusted herpletely.

    Nina¡¯s eyes brimmed with tears.

    For the first time, she dropped to her knees before Dani, her voice trembling with sincerity as she called out, ¡°Dani!¡±

    Dani¡¯s expression didn¡¯t waver as she regarded Nina on the floor. With a flick of her wrist, she tossed Nina a long trench coat, then motioned for someone waiting outside. The person entered and began hypnotizing Linden, nting the illusion that he had spent the night with Natalie.

    Nina remained where she was, watching every calcted move Dani made. Still on her knees, she shifted back slightly, her anger etched across her face.

    Every story unfolds at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s£®??????

    Yet, despite the fury swirling inside her, a strange calm settled over her, taming her emotions.

    Lowering her head deeply, she bowed towards Dani.

    ¡°Dani, let me take care of this myself. Please.¡±

    Dani¡¯s gaze rested on her, unreadable and cold.

    Nina¡¯s voice was firm.

    ¡°This is my revenge. I want to see it through on my own.¡±

    Dani¡¯s indifferent eyes lingered on Nina, her tone sharp and unyielding.

    ¡°You could just walk away, you know. None of this has to involve you anymore. Leave the Dury family, and you¡¯ll have the freedom to live the life you choose.¡±

    Still kneeling, Nina straightened her back defiantly.

    ¡°No! I won¡¯t walk away! I will take my revenge myself! Every tear they¡¯ve made me shed tonight¡ªI¡¯ll make them pay for it tenfold!¡±

    The events of the night would never fade from her memory.

    Neither the trapid for her nor the humiliation she¡¯d endured.

    The deepest wounds had been inflicted by those she should¡¯ve been able to trust most. And, in a cruel twist of irony, her salvation hade from the one person she had despised. She would never forget any of it.

    Dani gave Nina a brief nce, then rose to her feet and said,

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Nina followed her without a word, her movements mechanical as though her body acted on instinct.

    The car ride back to the hospital was shrouded in silence. Nina sat motionless, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside the window, her expression unreadable.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 699

    ?Chapter 699:

    It was often said that growth happened in an instant. Nina had always dismissed that notion¡ªuntil now. The car pulled to a stop at the hospital.

    Before getting out, Dani instructed the driver to send Nina back home. As Dani reached for the car door, ready to leave, Nina grabbed her sleeve.

    There was something almost childlike in the way Nina clung to her¡ªa tentative yet heartfelt plea for reassurance.

    ¡°Dani, why did you help me?¡± Her voice was soft, quivering, the question heavy with unspoken emotion.

    The faint glow of the streetlight cast Dani in a half-shadow, obscuring part of her face. There was a time when this shadowed visage had terrified Nina, embodying all her fears. But now, she felt nothing but an unexpected warmth and safety.

    Staring at Dani, Nina was struck by the stark realization that the people she once trusted, the ones who had worn friendly faces but harbored dark intentions, were the true monsters in her life.

    ¡°Dani, you could have turned your back on me. Why did you choose to save me in the end?¡±

    Dani was the kind of person who could execute such ruthless ns without hesitation.

    If Linden had seeded in raping Nina, the aftermath would have been inevitable¡ªNina¡¯s descent into madness.

    Desperation could turn even the weakest soul into a weapon, sharp and deadly. Dani could have waited patiently for the chaos to unfold, stepping inter as the untouchable savior.

    But she hadn¡¯t.

    She had even given Nina an opportunity to walk away. Why?

    Nina¡¯s mind swirled with unanswered questions, but she couldn¡¯t voice them.

    Dani¡¯s expression remained impassive as she said quietly,

    ¡°Because it¡¯s too dirty.¡±

    Nina blinked, her brow furrowing in confusion.

    ¡°What?¡±

    Dani¡¯s tone didn¡¯t waver.

    ¡°Using Cedric¡¯s name for something like that¡ªit¡¯s revolting. I despise it, and I won¡¯t let it happen. Besides, I want anyone who genuinely loves Cedric to never have that love tainted. So no, I didn¡¯t save you for your sake. I did it for Cedric. Does that make sense to you?¡±

    Nina froze, the weight of Dani¡¯s words sinking in.

    ¡°That¡¯s it? Just for that reason?¡±

    Dani inclined her head slightly.

    ¡°That¡¯s all there is to it.¡±

    A sudden wave of emotion overcame Nina. Tears pooled in her eyes, spilling down her cheeks¡ªnot out of heartbreak, but from an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

    Because, atst, she had found someone who held love in its purest, untainted form¡ªjust as she did.

    Nina had thought offering herself up for Cedric¡¯s sake was already a monumental sacrifice.

    But Dani¡¯s ability to cast aside her disdain, all in the name of true love, felt even more extraordinary.

    After all, Nina had faltered halfway through her n, while Dani had gone through with saving her.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 700

    Chapter 700:

    Meeting Dani¡¯s gaze with newfound determination, Nina spoke with quiet resolve.

    ¡°Dani, you¡¯ve proven your strength. Whatever your ns are, I¡¯m on your side now. I¡¯ll be the weapon you need to destroy every threat the Dury family poses!¡±

    Before leaving, Nina told Dani the reason why Cedric was in aa was because of the pastries and how to treat him.

    That night, Cedric finally stirred back to consciousness.

    Meanwhile, after being hypnotized, Linden had spent the night aggressively wrestling with a pillow in the hotel room.

    When morning came, he awoke feeling utterly spent, as though he¡¯d run a marathon in his sleep.

    Scanning the empty room, a smug grin spread across his face.

    He truly believed Natalie had been there with him the entire night. The thought made him puff out his chest with pride.

    And he hadn¡¯t bothered with any precautions. Maybe Natalie was already carrying their child.

    He smiled shamelessly at the thought, his ego inting as he got dressed.

    Linden headed back to the hospital, his mind set on fulfilling his promise to finish Cedric off.

    But as he approached the hospital¡¯s entrance, he froze, his gaze catching sight of several medical staff rolling their suitcases away.

    Confused, he quickened his steps and called out,

    Find new stories on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why are you all leaving?¡±

    One nurse paused, ncing over her shoulder.

    ¡°Ms. Harper ordered aplete recement of the staff this morning. All of us have been dismissed.¡±

    For a brief moment, Linden¡¯s confidence faltered. Panic rippled through him, tightening his chest.

    He hadn¡¯t even begun to make his move.

    If he left now, there was no guarantee Natalie would ever speak to him again. But even more pressing was the sudden image of Dani¡¯s striking face shing through his mind.

    He hadn¡¯t gotten anywhere near close to her yet. How could he possibly leave now?

    ¡°Oh, but Linden, you¡¯re in luck,¡± someone said casually.

    ¡°Ms. Harper wants you to stay.¡±

    His brow furrowed as he stared at them in surprise.

    ¡°Wait, what? Really?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s true. Word is she specifically asked for you. Apparently, she¡¯s got a private medical center with some of the best perks around. If you make it in, don¡¯t forget about us.¡±

    Linden¡¯s heart nearly leaped out of his chest.

    His mind raced back to when he¡¯d offered to be Dani¡¯s private doctor the day before. Did this mean she had agreed?

    The idea was intoxicating, and he couldn¡¯t hold back the surge of excitement flooding through him.

    Everything in his life seemed to be aligning perfectlytely.

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: I¡¯m sorry for the dy, dear readers. I had a few mishapsst week. I hope you liked the chapters that were pending. God loves you and Noah wishes you the best. (?O?=)? ?

    .

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 701

    ?Chapter 701:

    He felt invincible, as if there wasn¡¯t a single obstacle he couldn¡¯t ovee¡ªnot when it came to winning over women.

    Just as he reached the hospital entrance, a voice called his name from a distance.

    Turning around, his grin broadened at the sight of Natalie approaching.

    ¡°Natalie! What a surprise! What are you doing here? I thought you¡¯d be taking it easy today and getting some well-deserved rest.¡±

    Natalie¡¯s expression twisted with revulsion as she took in Linden¡¯s face.

    She silently thanked the heavens that it had been Nina who endured the night with him. If it had been her, she wasn¡¯t sure she¡¯d be able to live with herself.

    How utterly revolting.

    Still, Natalie kept her tone steady, refusing to let him see her irritation.

    ¡°They¡¯re recing the hospital staff. What¡¯s your n now?¡±

    Linden¡¯s grin widened, exuding misced confidence.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. I¡¯ve got enough talent to hold on to my position.¡±

    Her brow furrowed slightly in surprise at his arrogance, but she had no interest in prolonging the conversation.

    ¡°Fine. Just make sure you handle it today. Don¡¯t let anything go wrong.¡±

    Linden nodded, his eyes shamelessly trailing over her.

    Without warning, he leaned closer, his hand reaching toward her waist.

    Discover your next read at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s

    Natalie immediately recoiled, her eyes shing with warning as she stepped back.

    ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡±

    Thinking Natalie was just being shy, Linden chuckled.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Can¡¯t handle a little affection from your boyfriend? We were wildst night, weren¡¯t we? After all, we¡¯ve already made love. What¡¯s the harm in a hug? Still feeling shy?¡±

    Natalie had a hard time hiding her disgust.

    The very thought repulsed her.

    To her, the short and plump Linden seemedpletely repulsive.

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s leave it at that for now. Go finish what I asked you to do,¡± Natalie said, unable to bear it any longer. She turned to leave, but Linden grabbed her hand. He smirked.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯re satisfied.¡± He then walked into the hospital.

    Natalie could barely stand it. Once home, she repeatedly sprayed disinfectant on her hands, scrubbing them ten times before finally stopping.

    Nina stood a few steps behind, watching as every trace of disgust, irritation, and nausea shed across Natalie¡¯s face.

    ¡°Natalie, just hold on a bit longer. Once Cedric is gone, things will get easier.¡±

    Still seething, Natalie grabbed the disinfectant again and sprayed it on her hands.

    ¡°Mom, I can¡¯t take this. Don¡¯t ever ask me to see Linden again. He¡¯s disgusting! Just the thought of him looking at me makes me want to scream. I can¡¯t stand that awful smell of his for even a second.¡±

    Elyse patted Natalie¡¯s back soothingly.

    ¡°Sweetheart, I know this is hard on you, and it hurts me too. Once it¡¯s all over, I promise I¡¯ll make it up to you.¡±

    After washing her hands, Natalie turned to speak to Elyse, only to see Nina standing just a few steps away.

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Natalie asked coldly, her voice void of guilt.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 702

    ?Chapter 702:

    Nina stepped forward, eyeing Elyse first, then Natalie.

    ¡°So Linden wanted you all along.

    You lied to me.¡±

    Natalie dried her hands with a tissue, her face nk, as if it were nothing out of the ordinary.

    ¡°Yes, and so what? You¡¯re his woman now.¡±

    Nina gave a bitterugh. She nodded, then turned to Elyse standing nearby.

    ¡°Mom, so you knew from the start he was after Natalie? Why? I don¡¯t understand why you had to use me like this.¡±

    Elyse pressed her lips together and looked up, no longer feeling guilty.

    ¡°Nina, you¡¯ve never been the sharpest tool in the shed. Some might call it innocence, but others might say it¡¯s foolishness. In a wealthy family, you need cleverness and sense.

    You don¡¯t have either.

    You¡¯re not going to marry into wealth.

    Your sister, however, has been sharp since she was a child. When Dani is gone, Natalie will take over her property.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t afford any blemishes on her record. Nina, trust me¡ªeverything I¡¯ve done has been nned out.¡±

    Nina stared at Elyse in stunned silence. After a moment, she let out a bitter chuckle.

    ¡°So, you think I deserve to be sacrificed just because I¡¯m not smart enough? You really believe I deserve someone like Linden? You¡¯re my mother. Is this how you decide to treat your daughters, based on their intelligence?¡±

    g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s is your update hub

    Nina¡¯s heart sank in disappointment.

    Elyse remained silent.

    Natalie frowned and pulled Elyse behind her.

    ¡°Stop dragging this out. It¡¯s already done. Once we have Dani¡¯s money, I¡¯ll give you something topensate you. Why the fuss? It¡¯s just a physical thing, nothing more. Why make such a big deal out of it?¡±

    Nina fixed Natalie with a cold, unblinking stare.

    ¡°Just a physical thing? No big deal? You¡¯re my sister.

    You knew how much I loved Cedric and how much I wanted to give him the best of me. Not only do you want him gone, but now you¡¯re acting like it¡¯s just some small thing? Natalie, are you even human?¡±

    Natalie furrowed her brows and turned to Elyse.

    ¡°Mom, you¡¯re hearing this, right? Everything I¡¯ve done was for our family, with no selfish intentions!¡±

    Elyse immediately took a step forward.

    ¡°Nina, how can you talk to Natalie like that? She¡¯s your sister. What you said breaks her heart. Didn¡¯t she promise to make it up to you once she gets Dani¡¯s inheritance? Why are you being so ungrateful and unreasonable?¡±

    Nina let out a bitterugh. The weight of it all hit her hard. Natalie med her, and Elyse remained so obviously on Natalie¡¯s side.

    Her heart ached as she screamed,

    ¡°Oh, sure! It¡¯s all my fault.

    You two didn¡¯t do anything wrong. I¡¯m the one who was held down and taken advantage of by Linden. But you both act like you¡¯re the picture of innocence.¡±

    With those words, Nina stormed up the stairs. A few momentster, her sobs filled the entire house.

    Elyse let out a deep sigh.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 703

    ?Chapter 703:

    ¡°Why is Nina being so unreasonable?¡±

    Elyse¡¯s words had already stripped Nina of all hope, and now, she felt it vanish entirely, slipping away like sand through her fingers.

    As Linden went to find Dani, Nina was walking the same path.

    When Linden¡¯s eyes briefly caught Nina¡¯s profile, an overwhelming sense of familiarity tugged at him, though he couldn¡¯t ce why.

    Nina¡¯s stomach lurched the moment her gaze met Linden¡¯s. She hurried to the restroom, desperate to escape the sensation.

    By the time she stepped out, Linden had already positioned himself in front of Dani.

    Linden¡¯s gaze lingered on Dani, filled with a hunger he could not mask. The sight of her only stirred the mes of his wild thoughts.

    Today, Dani wore a simple ck top paired with a modest skirt, yet there was nothing in about her. Even in understated tones, she glowed, her presence like a precious stone in a dull world.

    Every time Lindenid eyes on Dani, he was reminded of the very first time he saw her. Her allure always left him breathless, too entranced to form a word.

    ¡°Ms. Harper, I heard you specifically asked for me to stay?¡±

    Seated on a bench in the corridor outside Cedric¡¯s room, Dani focused on the contract her secretary had handed her, not bothering to look up.

    ¡°I was impressed with how you handled things. That¡¯s why I decided to keep you on.¡±

    g¦Á ?¦Ç ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s holds great reads

    Excitement sparked in Linden¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Does this mean you¡¯re allowing me to be your private doctor?¡±

    At that moment, Natalie and Elyse appeared farther down the hallway. The moment they overheard Linden¡¯s question, panic shed across their faces.

    This was a development they couldn¡¯t afford.

    Linden knew the reason for Cedric¡¯sa and their order to end his life. He had the evidence they had tried to kill Cedric.

    Their original n had been to get rid of Linden once Cedric was dead. But if Dani intended to keep Linden by her side, their carefullyid ns might unravel.

    Natalie felt a wave of unease settle in her chest. Linden thought she had spent the night with him. If he stayed around, she feared his relentless pursuit and the danger it would bring.

    Linden¡¯s ugly face made Nina¡¯s stomach turn, a wave of nausea hitting her instantly.

    ¡°No way!¡± Elyse rushed forward, her anxiety barely concealed.

    ¡°There¡¯s no chance Linden could ever be Dani¡¯s personal doctor!¡±

    A smirk danced on Dani¡¯s lips as she raised an eyebrow.

    ¡°Care to exin why?¡±

    The urgency in Elyse¡¯s response only revealed her desperation to stop this from happening.

    ¡°I¡¯m just saying¡­¡± Elyse faltered, her words failing her.

    Natalie, tightening her fists, stepped forward with a decisive edge.

    ¡°His medical abilities are subpar at best. He¡¯s not even close to being qualified to be your doctor.¡±

    At first, the sight of Natalie filled Linden with excitement, but her words left him momentarily dumbfounded.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 704

    ?Chapter 704:

    ¡°What do you mean, Natalie?¡±

    He had thought his presence by Dani¡¯s side would work out perfectly for both him and Natalie. Why was she pushing back so hard? It didn¡¯t make sense. Unless¡­

    He nced at Natalie¡¯s face for a moment before his eyes shifted to Dani, glowing with her usual charm. The pieces finally clicked into ce.

    With a quick turn, he lowered his voice, speaking only to Natalie.

    ¡°Sweetheart, are you afraid I¡¯ll fall for Dani and leave you behind?¡±

    A shiver ran down Natalie¡¯s spine as his words sank in. Her re was sharp and unyielding.

    But Linden only seemed more pleased with himself. In a low, almost teasing voice, he added,

    ¡°Rx, baby.

    You¡¯ll always have a special ce in my heart.¡±

    Not far off, Nina watched the disgust painted clearly on Natalie¡¯s face.

    A sneer tugged at the corners of her lips.

    So, her dear sister found Linden so repulsive.

    Hadn¡¯t she dismissed it all so easily before, brushing it off as nothing more than a physical matter?

    ¡°I actually think he would be a great family doctor. He¡¯s thorough and professional. Natalie, you¡¯re not a doctor. How can you im he¡¯s not good enough for Dani? What¡¯s really going on here?¡±

    Feel the thrill on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c?m

    Natalie¡¯s eyes shot daggers at Nina, fury igniting within her. Anger bubbled up, and for a moment, she consideredshing out at Nina with every curse she could muster. However, she forced herself to swallow the venom in front of Dani. She took a slow breath before stretching her lips into a strained smile.

    ¡°What¡¯s my motive, you ask?¡±

    ¡°Everything I¡¯m saying is for Dani¡¯s benefit. Cedric still needs Linden¡¯s care here. How could he just leave to be her personal doctor?¡±

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Nina mocked. Her smirk deepened as she locked eyes with Natalie.

    ¡°A second ago, you were saying Linden didn¡¯t have the skills. Now, suddenly, he¡¯s good enough for Cedric? Do you get to pick when his abilities measure up?¡±

    The tension between them was palpable, and Natalie¡¯s temper red in response.

    Elyse, her face contorted in disapproval, snapped,

    ¡°Nina, stop talking nonsense. Are you trying to stir up trouble?¡±

    Nina barely spared her a nce, rolling her eyes in disdain.

    Elyse leaned towards Dani.

    ¡°Dani, we would never harm you. We know how much Cedric means to you. He needs a doctor now.

    You must understand that.¡±

    Just then, the door to the hospital room swung open with a quiet creak. A shaft of sunlight spilled in from the window, casting a long shadow across the polished floor.

    Everyone instinctively turned to the sound.

    And there, framed in the light, stood Cedric in a sharp suit. His presence wasmanding, handsome, and every inch the picture of authority.

    The crowd fell into stunned silence.

    Among them all, Elyse was the most shattered.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 705

    ?Chapter 705:

    She had sacrificed her daughter¡¯s purity, all to ensure Cedric¡¯s death. But before Linden made a move, Cedric had appeared, alive and unscathed. Nina¡¯s lost innocence held no meaning.

    Moreover, she had irreparably damaged her rtionship with Nina. Turning to Nina, she was met with nothing but cold indifference, her eyes filled with distant disdain.

    A sharp pang of grief struck Elyse¡¯s heart. It dawned on her¡ªshe had lost Nina for good.

    ¡°Cedric?¡± Linden¡¯s voice wavered in disbelief.

    ¡°You woke up?¡±

    However, Cedric didn¡¯t spare Linden a nce. His focus was entirely on Dani as he walked to her.

    To everyone¡¯s shock, he dropped to one knee before her.

    ¡°Darling, you¡¯ve endured so much.¡±

    In a tender show of devotion, he kissed the back of Dani¡¯s hand.

    Dani smiled warmly and led him away, leaving the others in stunned silence, their minds reeling.

    Once Dani vanished from view, Natalie could no longer mask her frustration. She spun on Linden.

    ¡°Linden, what happened to your promise? You said you¡¯d kill Cedric! Yet here he is, alive and well. What do you have to say for yourself?¡±

    Linden shrugged nonchntly, shaking off the shock.

    ¡°Sweetheart, why so upset? I¡¯m Dani¡¯s doctor now. We¡¯ve got all the time in the world. Plenty of ways to finish them both off.¡±

    The ce for great stories: g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    As Linden spoke, his hand reached to Natalie¡¯s waist, attempting to pull her closer.

    She stepped back, her face twisted in disgust and anger.

    Linden¡¯s hand hovered awkwardly in midair, frozen in ce.

    ¡°Sweetheart, what¡¯s the matter? Don¡¯t you remember the passion we shared? We¡¯re closer than anyone else in the world now.¡±

    Natalie¡¯s mouth parted, ready tosh out with every insult she could think of, but Elyse¡¯s words held her back.

    Elyse leaned in, her voice low and controlled for Natalie¡¯s ears alone.

    ¡°Hold your tongue. He¡¯s right, in a way. As Dani¡¯s personal doctor, he¡¯ll have plenty of chances to strike. Don¡¯t waste this moment.¡±

    Frustration bubbled inside Natalie.

    ¡°But he¡¯s always trying to take advantage of me!¡±

    Elyse shared her revulsion. Linden wasn¡¯t exactly appealing, but she held back a sigh.

    ¡°Endure it, just for now. In his mind, you two shared something real. Keep him close; we need him on our side.¡±

    Off to the side, Nina stood, watching the drama unfold with a detached indifference.

    A mocking smile curled on her lips as she turned to Natalie.

    ¡°Wasn¡¯t it you who said it was nothing more than a physical thing? Since you spent the night with Linden, why act all righteous and harsh now?¡±

    Natalie¡¯s temper red.

    Nina turned and walked away with confidence.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 706

    ?Chapter 706:

    Elyse quickly followed, her voice sharp with dissatisfaction.

    ¡°Nina, what was that about? She¡¯s your sister! Don¡¯t be so shortsighted. Dani¡¯s just a cousin.

    You¡¯re a Dury, remember? Stick with us, grab her wealth, and you¡¯ll live just fine.¡±

    Nina¡¯s eyes flickered down to Dani and Cedric outside the building. She asked,

    ¡°Do you honestly think I can still livefortably?¡±

    Elyse opened her mouth to respond with a quick ¡°yes,¡± but Nina¡¯s coldugh stopped her.

    ¡°You never cared about my happiness. Why start pretending now?

    I¡¯ve always been your pawn. If it suited you, you¡¯d discard me in a heartbeat.

    Natalie¡¯s the one you really want, not me.¡±

    With those biting words, Nina stepped into the elevator.

    The doors slid shut, leaving Elyse standing there, her face twisted with cold dissatisfaction.

    Linden stepped in front of Natalie, blocking her path.

    He used ¡°sweetheart¡± in a tone far too familiar.

    Having tasted what he thought was intimacy, his hunger for more grew insistent.

    Natalie¡¯s disgust twisted her stomach, but she forced the words out through gritted teeth.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t make Cedric pay for his life, don¡¯t even think aboutying a hand on me again. Ever!¡±

    L?t?st ch¦Ápt?rs in g??lnovels.??????

    Linden¡¯s gaze traveled over Natalie, his eyes full of unspoken intentions.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll keep my word.¡±

    Meanwhile, in the car, Cedric¡¯s fingers remained intertwined with Dani¡¯s.

    Thendscape outside blurred into a streak of colors as the car sped onward.

    Turning to face Dani, Cedric let his fingers gently brush the back of her hand¡ªa touch both gentle and full of meaning. Dani nced at him.

    ¡°What?¡±

    Cedric¡¯s smile was unguarded, as if the ordeal of hisa had never touched him.

    In his gaze, Dani could see nothing but warmth and unspoken affection.

    ¡°Nothing.¡±

    In that serene silence, a smile finally spread across Dani¡¯s face. In Cedric¡¯s presence, she could lower her walls, feeling at peace in a way that no one else allowed.

    ¡°Honey,¡± Cedric murmured, his voice gentle as a whisper.

    The quiet hum of the car filled the space between them, and Dani replied just as gently,

    ¡°I¡¯m here.¡±

    Up front, the driver couldn¡¯t help but feel like an outsider in their intimate moment.

    The car surged forward,pleting what should have been a twenty-minute journey in barely half the time.

    Cedric shrugged off his coat and pulled Dani into his embrace. The memory of their argument before he had copsed lingered in her mind.

    Cedric noticed the unease flickering in Dani¡¯s eyes. Normally calm and self-assured, he felt a rare moment of awkwardness and chuckled.

    ¡°It was just a disagreement. That doesn¡¯t mean the love between us has vanished.

    You¡¯re my everything, and I can¡¯t risk staying upset with you. What if you decide you¡¯ve had enough of me?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 707

    ?Chapter 707:

    Dani tilted her head slightly, her gaze drifting to his arms wrapped around her.

    ¡°I¡¯d never leave you.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s smile deepened, knowing the depth of her love.

    ¡°You should keep me on edge a bit. Spoil me too much, and I might start cking.¡±

    Her tone grew firm, her eyes steady.

    ¡°That will never happen.¡±

    Cedric gazed at her delicate features, his eyes lighting up before he broke intoughter.

    The chill in the air brushed against him, but Cedric felt nothing but warmth in his chest. Smiling, he leaned closer.

    Dani looked up at him, her eyes expectant.

    Cedric¡¯s voice took on a yful charm.

    ¡°I just feel like flirting with my gorgeous wife on such a fine day, Mrs. Harper.¡±

    Downstairs, Josie was rinsing vegetables when she nced up to see Cedric whisking Dani up the stairs.

    Lillian, lounging nearby, spared them a brief nce before returning her focus to her game.

    ¡°No need to make dinner for those two, Josie.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s look said it all. It seemed Dani would be busy for the rest of the night, leaving little room for anything else.

    Josie chuckled, casting a knowing nce up the stairs.

    Explore more on g ? ln¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s

    ¡°It seems they¡¯re going to have a baby soon. I¡¯ll be happy to help with a little one when the timees.¡±

    As soon as they stepped into the bedroom, Cedric gently ced Dani onto the bed.

    Cedric¡¯s warm kisses danced down her neck, making Dani¡¯s breath catch as she asked,

    ¡°Why call me Mrs. Harper, not Mrs. Phillips?¡±

    As Cedric slowly unbuttoned her shirt, his voice softened to a low murmur, pulling Dani closer.

    ¡°I want to share your surname. That¡¯s how it feels right to me.¡±

    The night stretched on, seemingly without end.

    At a spacious cosmetic surgery center, Joyce stood in front of Alexander. She gestured toward his jawline.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t something seem off? I remember Cedric¡¯s jawline¡ªit was so perfectly smooth, like a work of art.¡±

    The doctor smiled politely.

    ¡°Artificial work can¡¯t quite replicate natural perfection, but this is already very close.¡±

    Without hesitation, Joyce tossed a check from her purse.

    ¡°Is this enough? I want the face in this photo, nothing less!¡±

    The doctor examined the check and let out a sycophanticugh.

    ¡°Yes, yes, that¡¯s more than enough. But the jawline is crucial for facial expressions. To change it, we¡¯d need to redo the whole procedure.¡±

    Essentially, every feature they had previously reconstructed would need to be dismantled and redone, causing the patient to endure the excruciating pain once more.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 708

    ?Chapter 708:

    Joyce remained unfazed.

    ¡°All I care about is looking exactly like the person in the photo. Nothing else matters to me.¡±

    Joyce narrowed her eyes as she watched the medical staff push Alexander back into the operating room.

    This was his fifth major procedure, with thirty smaller ones still toe before anyone could assess the final results.

    Inside the operating room, an assistant turned to the doctor.

    ¡°This kind of extensive reconstruction increases the risk of facial copseter. The effect will onlyst around six months. Shouldn¡¯t we warn the patient?¡±

    The doctor picked up a scalpel, making an incision along Alexander¡¯s face.

    ¡°Do you think anyone whoes here isn¡¯t prepared for the risks? They¡¯re willing to risk everything for what they want. Our job is to give them fleeting perfection.¡±

    Once their faces copsed, those patients would return to pay for repairs, feeding the industry¡¯s growth.

    Cosmetic surgery was an endless journey.

    Everyone knew this truth. But once people driven by greed and vanity began down this road, they couldn¡¯t turn back.

    The following day, Dani stayed home from work. Nina was organizing the CEO¡¯s office, observing indifferently as Linden lingered around Natalie, constantly calling her ¡°sweetheart.¡±

    A smirk tugged at Nina¡¯s lips as she watched the unfolding scene in silence. All morning, Natalie shot desperate looks at Nina, silently begging for her to intervene, but Nina remained indifferent.

    By noon, Elyse showed up and tugged Nina aside.

    Step into fiction with g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s

    Elyse reprimanded her.

    ¡°Natalie¡¯s been looking at you all morning, pleading for help, and you act like you don¡¯t see it. Are you blind? Didn¡¯t you notice that jerk trying to take advantage of her?¡±

    Nina continued wiping the table with calm indifference.

    ¡°Is that so?¡±

    Elyse¡¯s anger red up. She ced her hands on her hips, her wordsced with fury.

    ¡°Really, Nina? What happened to you? That¡¯s your sister! Look at Linden all over her, and you don¡¯t even think about stepping in? What¡¯s wrong with you?¡±

    Nina gave a bitterugh, throwing Elyse a cold look as she tossed the cloth aside.

    ¡°Oh, I¡¯d love to know what¡¯s wrong with me, too.

    You had no issue sending me to Linden¡¯s bed, but now you can¡¯t stand him bothering my sister? Am I worth less than her?¡±

    Upon hearing that, Elyse showed no sign of guilt. She quickly checked to ensure no one was around before retorting, ¡°Why are you raising your voice like that?¡±

    Nina had expected Elyse to feel some guilt for treating her virginity as a mere transaction. Instead, Elyse pressed on, ¡°Are you out of your mind? If Linden finds out it wasn¡¯t Natalie that night, what happens then? Nina, can¡¯t you consider your sister for once? She¡¯s fought so hard to get to where she is now.¡±

    Nina¡¯s fury erupted, and she let out a sharp, bitterugh.

    ¡°Oh, sure, Natalie¡¯s had it hard. Meanwhile, I¡¯ve got it easy. Everything¡¯s about her. Even handing me off to some guy just for her benefit!¡±

    At that moment, Natalie finally broke free from Linden and walked over just in time to hear Nina¡¯s words. She gave Nina a look of contempt.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 709

    ?Chapter 709:

    ¡°Seriously, Nina? You¡¯re still holding on to this? How many times are you going to bring up spending the night with Linden? What, didn¡¯t you enjoy it?¡±

    Nina¡¯s eyes began to fill with tears. She let out a coldugh and shot back, ¡°Oh, really? Then why don¡¯t you go sleep with him yourself?¡±

    Nina was haunted by nightmares from that night. Just thinking about nearly being vited by Linden made her stomach churn.

    Nina hadn¡¯t slept properly in days, dark circles under her eyes, but Natalie just brushed it off as nothing.

    Unable to keep her emotions in check, Nina lunged at Natalie, but Elyse quickly pped her across the face.

    The p left Nina in shock, tears welling up and falling down her cheeks. Through her blurred vision, she could only see the disdain on Elyse¡¯s face and the mockery in Natalie¡¯s eyes. In their eyes, she was nothing but worthless.

    ¡°Quite the scene to start the day,¡± Dani remarked, standing in the doorway, observing Nina pressed against the wall.

    Natalie quickly wiped the cruel expression from her face. Elyse shed a smile.

    ¡°Dani, I thought you weren¡¯ting to the office today?¡±

    Dani strolled over and sat down in the CEO¡¯s chair, her eyes flicking to Nina¡¯s swollen face.

    ¡°What happened?¡±

    Elyse quickly moved forward, dismissing it.

    Step into new worlds with g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??§àm

    ¡°She¡¯s just being dramatic. I gave her a small lesson. Nothing to worry about.¡±

    Natalie added, ¡°Nina can be a bit clumsy. The guests at Elite Lux are important, and I¡¯m worried she won¡¯t meet their standards. I was thinking my mother could take her back to Harper Group so you don¡¯t have to deal with her.¡± Elyse nodded eagerly.

    They had to make sure Dani never found out about the pastries being tampered with. To them, Nina was too naive to remain around Dani.

    ¡°Yes, yes,¡± Elyse reached for Nina¡¯s hand, trying to pull her out.

    ¡°I¡¯m not going to Harper Group!¡± Nina cried out, realizing their n. They were scared the truth woulde out, or that Linden would find out the person with him that night wasn¡¯t Natalie.

    Nina felt the sting of abandonment once more. Linden¡¯s insatiable desires meant that if she didn¡¯t escape, sooner orter, she¡¯d be back in his grasp.

    ¡°Dani, I won¡¯t leave. I want to stay at Elite Lux! Please, let me stay here. I¡¯ll do whatever you need!¡±

    Elyse gritted her teeth, starting to drag Nina by force toward the office door.

    Nina gripped the doorframe, tears streaming down her face. Seeing Nina holding on, Natalie raised her stiletto heel, clearly intending to bring it down hard on Nina¡¯s hand.

    ¡°People might think you¡¯re the CEO of Elite Lux, Auntie,¡± Dani remarked.

    Everyone in the room froze and turned in disbelief, their eyes locking onto Dani.

    Dani sat in her chair, her small smile slowly fading. Fixing Elyse with a steady gaze, she continued, ¡°Is personnel management at Elite Lux now your responsibility?¡±

    Dani¡¯s words hit with force, leaving Elyse momentarily speechless. Seizing her chance, Nina hurried to her feet and rushed behind Dani, seeking protection.

    ¡°Dani, help me!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 710

    ?Chapter 710:

    Elyse stood, her face briefly contorting with anger, but it vanished under Dani¡¯s icy stare. She managed a forced smile, her voice strained.

    ¡°Dani, Nina is a child and doesn¡¯t belong at Elite Lux. Let me take her away, alright?¡±

    Dani remained calm, leaning back in her chair with her hands at ease.

    ¡°She¡¯s an employee of Elite Lux now. It¡¯s my decision whether she stays or not.¡±

    Elyse¡¯s jaw tightened so much it seemed ready to snap, but she forced an icy smile.

    ¡°She may work at Elite Lux, but she¡¯s still my daughter.¡±

    Dani nodded.

    ¡°Nina.¡±

    Nina, her hair a mess and her eyes wide with fear, quickly responded, ¡°Yes?¡±

    Dani inquired, ¡°How old are you now?¡±

    Nina answered, ¡°Twenty-two.¡±

    Dani nodded, her gaze softening with a touch of amusement. She remainedposed.

    ¡°Aunt Elyse, she¡¯s not a child anymore, and she¡¯s past the age of obedience. As long as I want her to stay at Elite Lux, and she agrees, no one can force her out.¡±

    At those words, Elyse¡¯s face darkened with fury.

    Linden stood nearby, watching Dani in hermanding position, a smile curling on his lips. Dani was something else entirely. Her presence was far morepelling than mere beauty. He nced at Natalie, and despite their simr appearances, the contrast between them was striking. Dani was truly captivating. Linden¡¯s admiration for her was evident in his gaze.

    Elyse left reluctantly, but not before giving Dani onest warning.

    ¡°Dani, I¡¯m doing this for your own sake. Nina is foolish, and keeping her here will only harm you. I know you care, but it¡¯s unnecessary.¡± She gave Nina a hard look, her voice cold as she said, ¡°Since Dani is letting you stay, enjoy it while you can. But once you¡¯re finished, I¡¯lle take you home. Watch your words and actions.¡±

    She gave Nina onest icy re before walking out.

    Natalie followed suit, and Linden left as well.

    Once everyone had gone, Nina immediately dropped to her knees.

    ¡°Dani, thank you. I will repay you!¡±

    Dani showed no reaction to Nina¡¯s gratitude.

    The night she saved Nina, it was for one reason: she didn¡¯t want Nina to be used as a pawn to get involved with Cedric in dishonorable ways.

    Elyse was seething with rage. She mmed her foot down in frustration.

    ¡°Unappreciative girl! What use do I have for her? If I¡¯d known, I wouldn¡¯t have bothered bringing her into this world!¡±

    Natalie folded her arms, her expression icy and aloof.

    ¡°Mom, Linden just asked me to meet him at the hotel tonight.¡±

    Elyse stared at Natalie, taken aback.

    ¡°So soon? Wasn¡¯t it just¡­?¡±

    Natalie scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain.

    ¡°Linden¡¯s never been with a woman before. Now that he¡¯s experienced it, of course, he¡¯s eager for more.¡±

    Elyse looked at Natalie with pity in her eyes.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 711

    ?Chapter 711:

    ¡°What now? Natalie, you can¡¯t sleep with a man like Linden. He¡¯s not worth it! If there¡¯s no choice, let Nina go again. Practice makes perfect.¡±

    Elyse lingered at the entrance of Elite Lux, waiting for Nina to appear. The moment she spotted her, Elyse grabbed her and pulled her into a secluded corner.

    ¡°Get ready tonight and head to Room 1508 at Oak Hotel.¡±

    Nina froze for a second, then the realization hit her. A wave of despair washed over her, but she still asked, ¡°Mom, what exactly do you mean by that? Do you think I¡¯m out here selling myself again and again?¡±

    Natalie stood off to the side, tapping away on her phone as if this had nothing to do with her.

    Elyse didn¡¯t lose her temper this time. Instead, she spoke more persuasively.

    ¡°Nina, you¡¯ll marry one day. Before that, make the most of things. It¡¯s just one night, no big deal. Or should Natalie sleep with Linden?¡±

    Nina shot back coldly, ¡°That sounds like a fantastic idea!¡±

    Elyse¡¯s face twisted with fury.

    ¡°How can you say that about Natalie? Are you out of your mind?¡±

    ¡°Yeah! I am crazy!¡± Nina¡¯s head throbbed in agony.

    ¡°And I think not only should Natalie do it, but you, Mom, still have that allure.

    You could do it too! Linden won¡¯t even see iting.¡±

    ¡°Your face! We¡¯re your daughters, just like you.

    Let your imagination soar with g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    You must have experience, so naturally, you could do it too.¡±

    A sharp pnded, forcing Nina¡¯s head to snap to the side.

    But Nina barely flinched, casually wiping the blood from her face. Sheughed bitterly.

    ¡°What, you don¡¯t think Linden¡¯s good enough either? So, you¡¯ve already given up on me, haven¡¯t you?¡±

    Elyse was beyond frustrated.

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk to me like that. Fine, you refuse to go with Linden, huh? Then get married! Marry Noel Isaac!¡±

    Nina stared at Elyse coldly, a bitter smile curling her lips.

    ¡°Mom, is that it? Am I only worthy of marrying an old man like Noel Isaac?¡±

    Nina was just twenty-two, and Noel was already eighty-eight. Marrying Noel would only make her a widow soon enough.

    ¡°I¡¯ll pick my own partner!¡± With those words, Nina turned and walked off. Elyse had spent a small fortune hiring a skilled hypnotist to hypnotize Linden that night.

    Nina made her way back to the Harper family vi.

    At that moment, Dani was lounging and watching a TV show when Nina approached her.

    ¡°Dani, I need your help.¡±

    Dani responded, ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    ¡°I want to get married, but I want the ceremony to take ce here. Would that be okay?¡±

    Dani gave Nina a thoughtful look.

    Nina continued, ¡°If the ceremony takes ce at my mom¡¯s, she¡¯ll take everything for herself. I¡¯ll get nothing.¡±

    Dani hesitated before asking, ¡°Why would I agree to that?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 712

    ?Chapter 712:

    Nina lowered her voice.

    ¡°I have a secret. Help me, and I¡¯ll tell you what I know.¡±

    Dani smiled.

    Nina¡¯s voice turned grave.

    ¡°It¡¯s about your mother¡¯s death.

    You¡¯ve always suspected my mother had something to do with it, and she¡¯s not alone in this.¡± With Dani¡¯s influence, Elyse wouldn¡¯t have been able to get this far.

    ¡°I can tell you who¡¯s supporting her. But first, I need your help with my favor.¡±

    Dani chuckled lightly.

    ¡°Is this how you n to repay me?¡±

    Nina pressed her lips together before sinking to her knees.

    ¡°I¡¯m the one who¡¯s neglected at home.

    You¡¯ve gone through something simr in the Harper family. Please, just help me one more time.¡±

    Dani sat cross-legged on the sofa, letting the TV show hum in the background.

    The rain softly tapped against the windows outside.

    Surrounded by the rain and the sound of her own pounding heartbeat, Nina heard Dani finally say, ¡°Alright.¡±

    Nina¡¯s heart leapt in her chest. This was the best oue she could have hoped for.

    Exclusive chapters at g?ln¦Ò¦Í??ls

    She lowered her head in gratitude.

    ¡°Thank you. I¡¯ll never forget your kindness.¡±

    Lillian presented Nina with several potential husbands¡ªdecent, stable candidates.

    But Nina selected a man with rather average looks, someone who also had a physical disability.

    Lillian gave Nina a quick nce before turning to Dani.

    ¡°You have a unique outlook, Nina. Sammy Wesker may have physical challenges, but he¡¯s made over a hundred million. Looks like you know what¡¯s more important.¡±

    The words were cutting, but Nina didn¡¯t take offense. Lillian was implying Nina was only after the money.

    When Lillian left, Dani said calmly, ¡°Marriage is a significant decision. Once you¡¯re in, you can¡¯t undo it. If none of these men feel right, take your time. The Harper family vi has plenty of rooms for you to stay.¡±

    Nina¡¯s eyes filled with tears.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you think I¡¯m just being money-hungry by choosing Sammy?¡±

    Dani remained emotionless.

    ¡°How you choose is your choice. When you decide to rely on someone for a lifetime, you need to choose carefully to gain a stable and longsting rtionship.¡±

    Nina smiled faintly.

    ¡°You¡¯re always so wise.¡± She gave a bitterugh.

    ¡°I know I don¡¯t have your abilities. I can¡¯t rely on my own skills to protect myself, so I look for support. If my mother thinks I could settle for someone like Linden, surely she won¡¯t mind a son-inw with a limp. Besides, Sammy¡¯s social standing and abilities outshine Elyse¡¯s. If I marry him, Elyse won¡¯t dare send me to Linden. I know you¡¯ll protect me, but it¡¯s time for me to take control of my future. I need to grow up.¡±

    It was only when Nina went to try on wedding dresses that Elyse heard the news¡ªNina was getting married.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 713

    ?Chapter 713:

    Elyse hurried to Dani¡¯s side.

    ¡°Dani, what is this? Nina¡¯s getting married, and I¡¯m thest to know? This isn¡¯t right!¡±

    Elyse had already secured a marriage for Nina with an 88-year-old man. She had sold Nina for a hefty price. But now, the man was demanding a refund.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Dani replied, ncing at the paperwork.

    ¡°I¡¯m curious too. Why are you thest to know about Nina¡¯s marriage? Aren¡¯t you her mother?¡±

    Elyse seethed with anger as she made her way over. But when she saw Dani, her fury quickly subdued.

    Her chest rising and falling with anger, she demanded coldly, ¡°And how is it that I hear Nina¡¯s wedding is being held at the Harper family?¡±

    Sammy had a respectable social standing, so the dowry would surely be substantial. If Elyse secured this marriage, Natalie¡¯s future would be enviable. But if Nina married outside the Harper family, those benefits wouldn¡¯t go to her. Natalie, standing off to the side, fidgeted.

    ¡°Mom, we can¡¯t let Nina marry Sammy! What will I do if Linden needs a womanter?¡± She was always fixated on her own concerns.

    Elyse found Nina and snapped, ¡°You can¡¯t be this selfish. Go tell Dani you¡¯re not marrying him.¡±

    With that, she pulled Nina toward Dani.

    Elyse¡¯s anger finally erupted, her voice sharp and confrontational.

    Newest chapters on galno¦Íels.c¨®m

    ¡°Dani, isn¡¯t this unfair? Nina is my daughter! Even if Brylee were still alive, she wouldn¡¯t dare to arrange her wedding. What right do you have?¡±

    Elyse¡¯s voice boomed as she grabbed Nina¡¯s hair, yanking her along with force. Nina winced, a sharp gasp escaping her lips.

    Dani remainedposed.

    ¡°Aunt Elyse, I thought you¡¯d forgotten all about my mother. Do you remember how she passed?¡± She leaned in slightly, a smile tugging at her lips.

    Elyse¡¯s anger stiffened, freezing on her face.

    Seizing the opportunity of Elyse¡¯s distraction, Nina broke free from her grip and quickly hid behind Dani.

    Elyse snapped, ¡°I¡¯m talking about Nina¡¯s situation. Why bring up Brylee?¡± Dani let out a soft chuckle, her smile distant and icy.

    ¡°I¡¯ve arranged for Nina to marry Sammy. The Harper family is her aunt¡¯s residence, so it¡¯s not out of ce for her to marry from here. Plus, she works at Elite Lux, and as her boss, it¡¯s my privilege to send her off.¡±

    Her words were impable, leaving Elyse momentarily at a loss for words. After a while, she countered, ¡°But she has her own family. She shouldn¡¯t be marrying from somewhere else.¡±

    Dani chuckled again, her eyes sharp.

    ¡°Is that so? So, you think Nina should marry from the Dury family?¡±

    Elyse nodded in agreement, but Nina shook her head firmly, whispering, ¡°Dani, I don¡¯t want to.¡±

    Dani responded casually, ¡°Alright then.¡±

    Elyse began to smile, but before it could widen, Dani continued, ¡°I wonder what kind of wedding gift you¡¯re nning to give Nina. The Wesker family might not care about the sum, but surely you wouldn¡¯t let Nina marry without proper dignity, right?¡±

    Elyse¡¯s smilepletely faltered.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 714

    ?Chapter 714:

    ¡°I¡¯m sure that¡¯s true.

    You have shares in Harper Group. I¡¯ll have awyer draw up a gift contract, transferring those shares to Nina as her dowry. It¡¯s a sign of your family¡¯s responsibility and your deep love for your daughter.¡±

    Elyse quickly rejected, ¡°No way! Absolutely not! Those are meant for Natalie¡¯s future.¡±

    Dani¡¯s expression hardened.

    ¡°Then you have a choice. Either Nina marries from the Harper family with the dowry I provide, or she marries from the Dury family with the dowry you provide. The decision is yours.¡± Elyse furrowed her brows.

    Dani¡¯s smile faded.

    ¡°Or maybe you don¡¯t want to make a choice, refusing to show me this courtesy, and would prefer to sever ties with me. Hmm?¡± Dani¡¯smanding presence was suffocating.

    Elyse was speechless. She hadn¡¯t yet secured Dani¡¯s assets, so there was no way she could afford to sever ties with her.

    Ultimately, Elyse reluctantly consented to Nina marrying from the Harper family. Before leaving, Elyse cast a cold, detached nce at Nina.

    ¡°Once you¡¯re married, you¡¯ll be part of another family. The choice is yours. But if things go wrong, don¡¯te back to me for help.¡±

    Nina¡¯s heart clenched at the coldness in her words.

    Elyse departed in silence.

    Nuevos cap¨ªtulos en g?ln¦Òv?ls

    Nina¡¯s voice trembled as she whispered, ¡°Thank you, Dani.¡±

    Dani responded, ¡°When we were children, my mother favored you. By protecting you now, I¡¯m honoring the affection she had for you.¡±

    The day before the wedding, Dani had to go on a business trip, and Nina left the Harper family vi.

    Josie rushed after her.

    ¡°Nina, Dani mentioned that tomorrow is your big day. She asked me to watch over you. It¡¯s chaotic outside, and anything could disrupt the wedding.¡±

    Nina had been staying at the vi for the past few days. Dani was always generous. Every detail of Nina¡¯s wedding was tailor-made by Elite Lux.

    The wedding dress was a unique, one-of-a-kind creation, making Nina appear like the most stunning princess in existence.

    Nina felt as though she had truly moved beyond the Dury family, embracing her new independence as an adult.

    ¡°Josie, it¡¯s fine. I¡¯m about to get married. My mother won¡¯t do anything extreme. She¡¯s my mother, and she wouldn¡¯t jeopardize an already arranged marriage. It wouldn¡¯t serve her. Besides, when my father was alive, he gave me a gold bracelet. It represents wealth and family legacy, and I¡¯ve kept it safely in the Dury family vault. It¡¯s a precious gift from him, and I want it with me on my wedding day.¡±

    Since Nina mentioned herte father, Josie found herself unable to stop her.

    ¡°Wait a second. I¡¯ll call Lillian to arrange bodyguards for your return trip.¡±

    Nina smiled brightly in the sunlight.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I¡¯ve lived with the Dury family long enough. I¡¯ll be back soon. Josie, can you prepare dinner for me? I painted a picture for Dani. She¡¯sing back tonight, right?¡± Nina grinned as she got into the car.

    That night, she intended to tell Dani the full truth about Brylee¡¯s death¡ªfinally revealing everything.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 715

    ?Chapter 715:

    Nina felt as though Dani was her guiding light. Because of her, she had been able to live a life free from the constraints of living in Natalie¡¯s shadow. She felt incredibly fortunate, knowing she would be forever grateful to Dani.

    Nina departed from the Harper family vi.

    As they drove, the driver nced back and said, ¡°The car behind seems to be tailing us intentionally.¡±

    ¡°Hmm?¡± Nina responded, observing that the car, which had been following them so closely, suddenly turned at the intersection.

    The driver fell silent.

    Upon returning to the Dury family home, Nina found both Elyse and Natalie waiting.

    The moment Natalieid eyes on Nina, she noticed the jade bracelet on her wrist. She had heard the bracelet was a gift from the Wesker family to their daughter-inw¡ªan heirloom worth millions.

    Natalie¡¯s eyes narrowed, a sh of envy crossing her face.

    In her eyes, Nina was a fool who ended up with things she herself didn¡¯t desire. How could Nina possess something so valuable now?

    A spiteful glint sparkled in Natalie¡¯s eyes as she raised her hand to block Nina¡¯s path.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you scared?¡±

    Nina nced at Natalie.

    Latest novels at g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s?c?m

    ¡°Scared of what?¡±

    Natalie smirked.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried the Wesker family will discover you slept with Linden?¡±

    Nina furrowed her brows.

    ¡°Are you threatening me?¡±

    Natalie chuckled.

    ¡°If you think so, then I suppose it is. I don¡¯t care who you marry, but if Linden wants to sleep with me, you¡¯ll have to go.¡±

    Nina knew Dani had a n in ce, so she held back from revealing it.

    ¡°I can¡¯t. I¡¯m going to marry Sammy. I can¡¯t do such things.

    You¡¯re so capable. Why don¡¯t you go? After all, it was you Linden wanted from the start.¡±

    Natalie¡¯s eyes gleamed with malicious coldness.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t agree, I¡¯ll make your affair with Linden public. The Wesker family cares about their reputation. Once that video of you and Linden spending the night together gets out, do you think they¡¯ll still want you? By then, even Dani won¡¯t be able to protect you.¡±

    Nina mirrored Dani¡¯s confident demeanor, standing firm in defense of her happiness.

    ¡°Is that so? I¡¯m part of the Dury family. My disgrace is yours as well. The world will know how the Dury family failed to raise me, and I¡¯ll expose all your secrets. I¡¯ll show them how the picture¡­¡±

    Perfect, morous Natalie is nothing but a maniptive schemer. If no one will marry me because of it, then no one will dare marry you either.¡±

    Natalie was furious at Nina¡¯s calm response.

    ¡°How dare you?¡±

    Nina sneered.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 716

    ?Chapter 716:

    ¡°If you¡¯re out to ruin me, why should I hold back?¡±

    Ignoring Natalie¡¯s contorted face, Nina made her way upstairs to her room.

    Her room had be little more than a storage space. Nina didn¡¯t care anymore. She had given up on this family entirely.

    She ced both the gold bracelet from her father and the jade one from the Wesker family onto one wrist.

    With the gold bracelet in her hand, she whispered, ¡°Dad, can you see this? I¡¯m getting married soon. I¡¯ll be happy.¡±

    Nina collected her things and walked downstairs, not bothering to look back.

    Natalie had left.

    Elyse remained seated on the sofa.

    ¡°Nina, are you sure you won¡¯t listen to me and Natalie?¡±

    A cold shiver ran through Nina. She turned to Elyse and asked quietly, ¡°Mom, I¡¯m getting married tomorrow. Don¡¯t you have anything to say? Not even a blessing?¡±

    Elyse stared at the coffee table and replied coldly, ¡°If you defy me, I¡¯ll disown you! I don¡¯t even want to speak at your wedding, let alone bless it.¡±

    Nina nodded, realizing she had no tears left for such a heartless Elyse. Maybe she had been disappointed enough.

    Nina walked out of the vi.

    Just as she was about to get into the car, Elyse suddenly called out, ¡°Nina, I¡¯m asking you onest time. Will you listen to me?¡±

    Your story hub is g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s???????

    Nina hesitated with her hand on the car door before getting in.

    Inside the car, Nina¡¯s eyes were rimmed with red. She looked down at the bracelet on her wrist, about to smile when her expression suddenly froze. She looked up in shock, realizing the car wasn¡¯t headed toward the Harper family¡¯s vi.

    ¡°Hey, where are you taking me?¡± Nina demanded, her voice trembling.

    The car sped up, rushing down the road.

    Her grip tightened around the door handle as her heart raced.

    ¡°Stop the car! I told you, stop the car!¡± she yelled, panic rising in her chest. But the car surged forward, merging onto the highway before veering onto a lonely side road.

    Fear swept over Nina, and she cursed herself for not listening to Dani and for not bringing a bodyguard along.

    Frantically, she grabbed her phone, trying to dial Dani, but the driver swerved sharply, jerking Nina to the side.

    Her phone flew from her grasp, the screen shing with Dani¡¯s name.

    Nina reached for it, but it slipped further away. As she gripped the seat with all her strength, the sound of her jade and gold bracelets shing echoed through the car.

    Her eyes burned as she stared at Dani¡¯s name, realizing this was herst chance to escape.

    As her fingers hovered over the screen, the car suddenly came to a halt. Stunned, Nina had no time to react before she was forcefully dragged out of the vehicle. Tears blurred her vision as she watched Dani¡¯s name disappear from the screen. With a sob, she closed her eyes, her tears flowing freely down her face.

    Dani stepped through the door, finally home from her business trip. Before she could even set down her luggage, Josie rushed toward her, her face marked with panic.

    ¡°Dani, Nina¡¯s gone missing.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 717

    ?Chapter 717:

    Dani¡¯s voice remained calm, though her mind raced.

    ¡°How long has she been gone?¡±

    Josie spoke rapidly, her words tumbling out in a rush.

    ¡°She left after lunch, saying she¡¯d be back for dinner. It¡¯s nine now, and she hasn¡¯t returned. I¡¯ve tried calling her, but there¡¯s no answer.¡±

    A deep line of concern appeared on Dani¡¯s forehead.

    Just then, a knock echoed through the room.

    It was a member of the Wesker family. Given Nina¡¯splicated ties with the Dury family, they were worried she¡¯d be overlooked at the wedding, so they had brought avish set of gold jewelry as a gift.

    Lillian greeted them with a serene smile, walking to the door.

    ¡°The bride is busy withst-minute preparations. She¡¯s out getting a beauty treatment and won¡¯t being down to thank you personally.¡±

    As Lillian spoke, the guest¡¯s expression changed as they read something on their phone. Their demeanor turned grave, and they showed the message to Lillian.

    The message was blunt and direct: Nina, the bride, had been missing for eight hours leading up to the wedding.

    Dani moved closer and nced at the name of the sender.

    It was Jarrett Morphew, a reporter from the gossip outlet, Bubble Entertainment.

    Without saying a word, Dani spun on her heel and walked inside to make a call.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s£®?????? brings magic to life

    ¡°Buy Bubble Entertainment in the next ten minutes. Have a reporter named Jarrett Morphew call me,¡± she ordered.

    Lillian smiled politely at the confused guest.

    ¡°We¡¯ve received your gift. She¡¯ll be at the wedding by eight tomorrow morning, for sure. Goodbye.¡±

    Without another word, she closed the door with finality.

    ¡°Dani, what¡¯s happening?¡±

    At that moment, Dani¡¯s phone buzzed¡ªSammy was calling.

    ¡°Ms. Harper, is Nina really missing?¡± Sammy¡¯s voice crackled with concern, though he maintained a respectful tone.

    Dani didn¡¯t hesitate.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    A brief silence lingered before Sammy spoke again.

    ¡°May I ask why?¡±

    Dani¡¯s response was cool and measured.

    ¡°It¡¯s a family matter, and I¡¯m not going into details. If the wedding is still happening tomorrow, you¡¯ll know.¡± With that, Dani ended the call without hesitation. Almost immediately, Jarrett¡¯s call came through.

    ¡°How did you get wind of Nina¡¯s disappearance?¡± she asked.

    Jarrett was taken aback by how quickly Dani had assumed control. It had only been ten minutes since the message went out, and already, Bubble Entertainment had a new owner. iming he wasn¡¯t afraid would have been a lie.

    In a hesitant tone, Jarrett responded, ¡°An unknown number called me. I traced it back to the owner.¡±

    After a brief pause, he continued, ¡°It¡¯s someone from the Dury family. Her name is Natalie.¡±

    Lillian couldn¡¯t hold back a burst ofughter.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 718

    ?Chapter 718:

    ¡°Dani, what¡¯s the Dury family up to? Are they trying to ruin Nina¡¯s name so she can¡¯t get married? Why would they do this? What¡¯s in it for them?¡±

    Dani¡¯s eyes narrowed, her focus sharp. She dialed Elyse¡¯s number.

    Elyse¡¯s voice held a hint of surprise.

    ¡°Dani, what¡¯s going on? How do you have time to call me now? Is something wrong? I¡¯m at the beauty salon, preparing for Nina¡¯s wedding tomorrow.¡±

    Dani stared into the dark expanse outside.

    ¡°Nina is missing.¡±

    ¡°Oh? Is that so?¡± Elyse feigned surprise.

    ¡°What should we do now? If the bride doesn¡¯t show up tomorrow, can the wedding still happen? But honestly, it¡¯s nothing. Dani, you¡¯re more than capable. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll find her and make sure everything goes smoothly, right?¡±

    Dani¡¯s voice grew cold.

    ¡°Aunt Elyse, are you absolutely sure you don¡¯t know where Nina is?¡±

    Elyse let out a forcedugh.

    ¡°Me? How could I possibly know? Isn¡¯t she with you? I haven¡¯t seen her in forever.¡±

    Josie grew frantic.

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible! Nina must¡¯ve gone home. She said she was going to grab the gold bracelet her father gave her, and then she vanished.¡±

    Elyse scoffed.

    Exclusive content avable at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s

    Elyse dismissed it, her tone dripping with disdain.

    ¡°Really? I haven¡¯t seen her. Besides, an adult isn¡¯t officially missing until 24 hours have passed.

    You¡¯re all overreacting. Dani, young women like Nina can be unpredictable. Sure, you¡¯ve found her a good match, but maybe she¡¯s like your stepsister Joyce, off with some man somewhere.

    You¡¯re stressing over nothing.¡±

    Josie¡¯s fury bubbled up, her face darkening with anger. She had never encountered such an irresponsible mother in her life.

    Dani¡¯s expression remained unmoved, her face a picture of calm.

    ¡°It seems I care more about Nina than you, Aunt Elyse.

    Your daughter goes missing before her wedding, and you act like you¡¯re just hoping she wakes up in some man¡¯s bed. Aunt Elyse, what goes aroundes around. Bad deeds always find their way back, like a boomerang, striking when you least expect it. I¡¯m not in a rush. Let¡¯s wait and see.¡±

    With that, Dani ended the call.

    Elyse mmed the phone down in anger and turned to Natalie.

    ¡°Sweetheart, what do we do now? Dani¡¯s back, and she¡¯s a force to be reckoned with. If she finds Nina before the wedding and Nina marries Sammy, we¡¯ll lose all control over her.¡±

    Natalie¡¯s lips curled into a smirk. She unlocked her phone and watched a video of Nina¡¯s desperate screams. With a chilling smile, she looked at Elyse and said, ¡°The Wesker family won¡¯t want her anymore.¡±

    In that moment, Elyse¡¯s heart skipped a beat as she caught sight of the icy smirk on Natalie¡¯s face.

    ¡°Natalie, we had an agreement, didn¡¯t we? All we wanted was to disrupt Nina¡¯s wedding so she¡¯d end up taking your ce with Linden.

    You¡¯re not nning anything beyond that, are you?¡±

    Natalie, draped in a softvender gown, took a slow sip of her coffee, drifting toward Elyse. With a faint smile, she said, ¡°Mom, as long as we achieve our goals, does it really matter what path we take?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 719

    ?Chapter 719:

    Elyse¡¯s unease deepened.

    ¡°She¡¯s still your sister, Natalie. Getting her involved with Linden is already too much.

    You can¡¯t go further than that. Once this is over, she¡¯ll still need to secure a good marriage.¡±

    Natalie let out a softugh, patting Elyse¡¯s hand reassuringly.

    ¡°Mom, why do you always fixate on marriage? Money is the real power in this world. With it, anything is possible. I promise you, whatever Nina endures today, I¡¯ll repay her a hundredfold someday. Right now, we need to focus on taking down Dani, gaining Elite Lux, and securing her fortune. Isn¡¯t that what truly matters?¡±

    Elyse nodded, her doubts melting away like they¡¯d never existed.

    ¡°Yes, we have to get rid of Dani!¡±

    Natalie gazed at the moonlit expanse outside, herughter ringing with triumph.

    ¡°Dani, weren¡¯t you supposed to be so capable? Then why haven¡¯t you found Nina yet?¡±

    Natalie reached for the coffee pot, bracing for a long night ahead, when her phone buzzed with an iing call.

    The roar of wind filled the line as a man¡¯s urgent voice broke through.

    ¡°Miss Dury, I¡¯m sorry, but the other side is too powerful. We can¡¯t hold our ground.¡±

    Before he could continue, Dani¡¯s voice cut in, calm and sharp.

    ?¦Ál§Ú¦Òv???.c§àm has the newest content

    ¡°Ah, so it¡¯s Natalie. Elyse must be there with you. Be sure to send her my regards.¡±

    The line went dead with a soft beep, leaving Natalie frozen in shock.

    Slowly, the smirk faded from her face, reced by a flicker of panic.

    ¡°Mom, do you think Dani will call the police?¡±

    Elyse chuckled dismissively.

    ¡°Of course not. Besides, didn¡¯t you say you only had someone invite Nina out for coffee? Why would she involve the police?¡±

    Elyse¡¯s forced smile vanished instantly as her eyes locked onto Natalie¡¯s panicked expression. Realization dawned, and she asked, ¡°What did you do to Nina?¡±

    Nina was barely clinging to consciousness. Blood streaked across her body, her tattered clothes clinging to her in fragile threads. A sickening odor wafted from her battered frame.

    Bound and helpless, Nina was left in a crumbling warehouse, surrounded by slithering snakes and the rotting corpses of rats.

    In utter terror, Nina sumbed to breakdowns time and again, her body overrun by ants and cockroaches. Each breath was a trembling challenge. But when Dani stepped in, the vacant haze in Nina¡¯s eyes began to sharpen, bit by bit.

    Drawing on her background in psychology, Dani immediately recognized the signs of extreme trauma¡ªwhether caused by a man or an animal¡ªthat could plunge a victim into an overwhelming, bottomless fear of intimacy and men.

    This wasn¡¯t a mere warning. It was a calcted, merciless act designed to shatter a personpletely.

    Dani swept the snakes aside with her foot, flung the decaying rats off Nina¡¯s frail body, and carefully poured alcohol over her skin to rid her of the ants and cockroaches.

    Nina¡¯s bloodshot, fear-stricken eyes lifted to meet Dani¡¯s, brimming with anguish. In a trembling voice, she whispered, ¡°Dani, my wedding will be canceled, right?¡±

    When Nina was kidnapped, she overheard fragments of her captors talking about contacting the press. By now, her absence hadsted long enough to have sparked rumors everywhere. If she stepped outside in her torn and ragged clothes, it wouldn¡¯t take long for anyone to piece together what she had endured.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 720

    Chapter 720:

    Marriage was no longer an option for her.

    ¡°We¡¯ll sort this outter. Let¡¯s just get you home first.¡± Dani carefully cut the ropes from Nina¡¯s wrists and ankles, threw a coat over her shoulders, and guided her out of the grimy warehouse that reeked of death. Nina sat in the car, shaking so violently it seemed she might fall apart.

    She stared nkly out the window as she spoke on the phone with Sammy.

    ¡°Can I talk to him myself?¡± Nina asked.

    Dani hesitated for a moment before handing her the phone. Nina spoke softly, ¡°Sammy, I¡¯m sorry. Maybe you should cancel the wedding tomorrow. I know I¡¯m to me for this, and I can¡¯t tell you how sorry I am. None of this is on my cousin; it¡¯s all on me. I¡¯m really sorry.¡±

    Dani¡¯s gaze flicked to Nina.

    Nina hadn¡¯t stopped shaking. The proud, spoiled girl who once walked with her head held high was nowpletely broken.

    Nina returned the jade bracelet to the Wesker family.

    She stopped in front of Dani, offering a faint, broken smile. Gently, she removed the gold bracelet from her wrist and ced it on Dani¡¯s.

    ¡°This might not mean much to you, but it holds my father¡¯s blessing to me¡ªand now, it¡¯s my blessing to you. Dani, you¡¯re the kindest person I know. Happiness will find you, I¡¯m sure of it.¡±

    Without saying anything more, Nina turned and made her way upstairs.

    Dani nced at the bracelet now circling her wrist. Nina¡¯s blood had smeared across the gold.

    m??r?? ??¦Ñda??es ???? ??a??novels.c??m

    Her expression darkened as she turned to Lillian.

    ¡°Watch her closely.¡±

    That night, Nina tried to end her life.

    In the ambnce, Lillian was beside herself.

    ¡°I stepped out for just a second, and you did this?¡±

    News of the canceled wedding quickly spread.

    At the hospital, Nina made another attempt on her life. The bathroom floor was stained with blood.

    Panicked, Lillian rushed out to find the doctor.

    Even after being rescued, Nina made yet another attempt that same night. Lillian was utterly exhausted and resorted to restraining Nina to the hospital bed.

    When Dani arrived, Nina sat gazing out of the window, her eyes vacant and lifeless.

    Dani took one look at Nina, who appeared to have given up entirely, and ordered her restraints to be removed.

    Lillian reminded her, ¡°If you untie her, she¡¯ll try to end her life again.¡±

    Dani walked over and settled into the chair by Nina¡¯s bedside.

    ¡°Dani¡­¡± Nina¡¯s voice was a weak whisper.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to live anymore.¡± Tears streamed down her face as she spoke.

    Dani¡¯s face remained calm as she carefully peeled an orange.

    ¡°If you want to die, I¡¯m not going to stop you.¡± Nina¡¯s eyes shifted to Dani.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have time to waste, and neither does anyone else around me. If you¡¯re set on dying, then go ahead.¡± Dani didn¡¯t rush, continuing to peel the orange with practiced ease.

    ¡°The gold bracelet you went through so much to get clearly meant a lot to you.

    Your father cherished you so much. If he saw you throwing your life away now, do you think he¡¯d regret scraping together his savings to prepare your dowry? When my mom died suddenly, she left me with nothing. After that, my stepmother came and took everything of hers. On my wedding day, I was used of arson and murder, divorced the same day, and turned into the city¡¯s biggest joke. Do you think your situation is worse than mine? If you really want to die, do it quickly and stop wasting everyone¡¯s time. If not, go home.

    Your room¡¯s still waiting for you.¡±

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: New novels today dear reader, hope you like them! God loves you and Noah wishes you all the best. (=?=) /

    .

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 721

    ?Chapter 721:

    Dani slipped the gold bracelet off her wrist and handed it to Nina.

    ¡°Think of your father¡¯s wishes and the blessings he left for you. Whether or not you honor them is entirely up to you.¡±

    She gave Nina onest look before walking out of the hospital room.

    Before she left, she set the peeled orange on the table. Its fresh scent slowly filled the room, blending with the sharp smell of disinfectant.

    Nina stared at the orange in silence for a long time, her thoughts far away. Slowly, she gathered herself, ate the fruit, and slipped the gold bracelet into her pocket.

    Dani had been right. If she wasn¡¯t afraid to die, why should she fear living?

    Natalie figured Nina would be out of it for a while. The news had made it seem that way, hadn¡¯t it? Nina had tried to end her life three times, and it seemed like death was closing in on her.

    Elyse was taken aback.

    ¡°You promised you wouldn¡¯t harm Nina. So why am I hearing about rats and snakes? I also heard she¡¯s been diagnosed with schizophrenia.¡±

    Natalie had heard the rumors too. In fact, she hadn¡¯t just heard it. She had someone dig up Nina¡¯s records from the psychiatric hospital to verify the diagnosis.

    ¡°She¡¯s your sister. How could you let this happen?¡±

    Natalie brushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

    ¡°Mom, how many times do I have to say this? I¡¯ll make things right with Nina. Do you still want Dani¡¯s assets or not?¡± Elyse fell silent.

    L¨»t?st ch¦Ápt?rs in g??l??ov?ls.????m

    Then, without another word, Natalie grabbed her bag and headed out for work.

    At the Harper family vi, Dani was preparing for work when Nina came down.

    ¡°Dani, I¡¯ve made up my mind. I won¡¯t involve the police. I¡¯ll handle my own revenge.¡±

    Dani opened the door and stepped out.

    ¡°It¡¯s your choice.¡±

    Later that day, Nina arrived at work.

    When Natalie saw her, a sneer curled on her lips.

    ¡°So, the whole city is buzzing about how you spent your wedding night with another man, and now your marriage is off. They¡¯re calling you a slut. And yet, you still have the nerve to show your face here?¡±

    Nina smiled faintly. She leaned in close to Natalie¡¯s ear.

    ¡°Natalie, what are you so proud of? Guess what? If I tell Dani that you were the one behind her mother¡¯s death, what do you think she¡¯ll do?¡±

    Natalie¡¯s face hardened in an instant.

    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t dare!¡±

    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I dare?¡± Nina¡¯s gaze was sharp.

    ¡°If I¡¯m not afraid of dying, what else could possibly scare me?¡±

    ¡°What do you want?¡± Natalie red at Nina, wishing she had taken care of her once and for all.

    ¡°What do I want? You¡¯ll find out soon enough,¡± Nina replied, her smile dark and full of meaning. The unsettling tone made Natalie squint.

    Nina then walked straight to Dani¡¯s office.

    ¡°Dani, I know something about your mother¡¯s death.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 722

    ?Chapter 722:

    Dani sat at her desk, her hands resting motionless before her. Her eyes, sharp and distant, were fixed on Nina.

    ¡°Go on.¡±

    ¡°Years ago, Aunt Brylee secured a national agency for a major brand. She became the wealthiest person in the country. My mother, acting on someone¡¯s orders, reached out to Katrina, who was then working as a maid in your home. She promised that after the celebration banquet, a hypnotist would be brought in to make Aunt Brylee jump off a building.¡±

    Dani¡¯s fingers curled around the edge of the desk, tightening with uncontroble fury.

    ¡°Who gave the orders to Elyse? How long has this been in the making?¡±

    Nina bit her lip, her gaze falling to the floor before slowly lifting to meet Dani¡¯s. A trace of pity flickered in her eyes.

    ¡°My mother always spoke with that person in private. Neither Natalie nor I have ever met him, but I overheard my mother call him Mr. Perry¡­ It felt like an organization, not just a man. As for how long this n has been brewing¡­¡±

    Nina hesitated, her eyes flickering up to gauge Dani¡¯s reaction.

    For reasons she couldn¡¯t ce, Dani¡¯s cold calmness at that moment felt like the stillness before an inevitable storm.

    ¡°The scheme to eliminate your mother began the moment Caiden got close to her.¡±

    At the mention of his name, Dani¡¯s grip on the table tightened instantly.

    ¡°Are you saying Caiden was a pawn? That he was sent to seduce my mother?¡±

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s is where dreams unfold

    Nina gave a small nod.

    ¡°I overheard my mother talking about how, as Aunt Brylee¡¯s business grew, those people sent many to get close to her. But none seeded until your father appeared. That¡¯s when Aunt Brylee fell for him.¡±

    Dani¡¯s hand began to tremble, her control slipping as the weight of Nina¡¯s words sank in. The room, sorge and spacious, suddenly felt stifling. She had long resigned herself to the idea of Caiden¡¯s betrayal, but hearing it spoken aloud twisted a fresh pang of pain through her chest.

    ¡°Aunt Brylee truly gave her heart to Caiden. They say there¡¯s no deeper pain than betrayal from someone you love. On the day she passed, my mother showed her a video. Aunt Brylee had drunk heavily at the banquet, and in that state, she was easy prey for the hypnotist.¡±

    Dani absorbed each word in silence, her expression unreadable.

    A woman betrayed by both her husband and sister. In the face of such treachery, Brylee had been manipted, walking blindly toward her demise. What had Brylee thought as she left this world? Was she aware of the maniptions behind her fate?

    And what of Caiden? Had he ever felt remorse for what he had done, even once, during all the years that had passed?

    Later, Dani returned to the Harper family home. In the yard, Caiden basked in the warmth of the sun, lookingpletely at ease. When he spotted Dani, his face lit up with exaggerated enthusiasm.

    ¡°Ah, my dear daughter. I hear you¡¯ve been making waves, starting newpanies left and right. Everyone¡¯s talking about you, and I¡¯m so proud! Now that you¡¯re rolling in wealth, how about raising my monthly allowance?¡±

    Before Dani could respond to Caiden, Cedric arrived, breathless from his hurried rush. His sharp eyes immediately spotted the fruit knife Dani had tucked into her coat pocket.

    ¡°Ah, Cedric¡¯s here too. I heard you married Dani? Well, now I¡¯m your father-inw, so don¡¯t forget to support me too,¡± Caiden said with a grin,pletely oblivious to the tension building in the air.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 723

    ?Chapter 723:

    Cedric, still uneasy, moved closer to Dani, his gaze filled with concern. Some individuals, no matter how turbulent their emotions, possessed a calmness that seemed untouched by the storm inside.

    Dani was such a person. The more furious she felt, the moreposed she appeared.

    Without a flicker of emotion, Cedric eximed, ¡°Shut up!¡±

    Caiden was insignificant to Cedric, but he was deeply concerned about Dani. Dani¡¯s past struggles with depression lingered in Cedric¡¯s mind. If Caiden¡¯s words pushed her too far, Cedric wouldn¡¯t wait for her to act. He would take matters into his own hands and end Caiden himself.

    Deciding to help her rest, Cedric escorted Dani upstairs for a nap.

    When Cedric finally awoke, the night had fallen. His hand reached for the space beside him, but it was cold.

    The absence of Dani¡¯s warmth sent a ripple of unease through him. His heart pounded as panic set in. With urgency, he threw off the covers and rushed downstairs.

    The first floor, typically aglow with light, was now shrouded in unsettling darkness.

    As Cedric descended, the moonlight outside illuminated a tense scene: Dani sat rigidly on the sofa, staring at Caiden, who was bound to a chair.

    Just as Cedric prepared to move forward, Lillian and Ryan stepped into his path and raised their hands to halt him.

    ¡°Dani has her own way of handling things.

    You promised her that, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    If you would like to expand or revise more parts of the text, feel free to share!

    The spacious vi was hauntingly silent.

    The silence was broken only by Caiden¡¯s frantic shout.

    ¡°Dani, I¡¯m your father! Have youpletely lost your mind?¡±

    He fought against the ropes, but they tightened with every movement he made. Dani, dressed entirely in ck, sat across from him on the sofa, her face cold and emotionless.

    ¡°Dani, I haven¡¯t done anythingtely. Why are you doing this? You know murder is a crime.

    You¡¯re the CEO of Elite Lux now, with power and influence. It¡¯s not worth risking jail over me.¡±

    Dani stayed quiet, gripping a butcher¡¯s knife, her eyes burning with deadly intent.

    ¡°Cedric!¡± Caiden¡¯s heart raced with panic. He gasped and shouted in a trembling voice, ¡°Cedric! I¡¯m your father-inw. My life matters to you too. Get down here, quick!¡±

    Cedric tried to head downstairs, but Ryan and Lillian blocked his path.

    In the dark, Dani smirked. The room was shrouded in shadows, with only the cool moonlight casting a ghostly, silvery glow on the floor, radiating an unsettling chill.

    ¡°I¡¯ll ask the questions, and you¡¯ll answer,¡± Dani said coldly, standing up with the knife in hand, her piercing gaze bearing down on Caiden.

    ¡°I only want the truth. If you lie, don¡¯t me me for being merciless.¡±

    The moon was hidden by clouds, leaving Dani inplete darkness. Her voice was cold and emotionless, like a ghost emerging from the shadows.

    Caiden¡¯s heart pounded with fear.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 724

    ?Chapter 724:

    ¡°What do you want to know? This has nothing to do with me! It was all Katrina¡¯s doing, not mine! If you want answers, go to Katrina and Joyce!¡±

    Dani chuckled, a defiant smile ying on her lips in the darkness.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll get to them. But right now, it¡¯s your turn.¡± Caiden¡¯s chest tightened at the ominous weight of her words.

    ¡°The first question is simple. When you went after my mother all those years ago, was it your idea, or were you following someone else¡¯s orders?¡±

    Caiden¡¯s heart lurched, and he quickly responded, ¡°Of course, it was my idea.

    Your mother was breathtakingly beautiful back then, admired by so many men. I fell for her at first¡­ when I came along. It¡¯s that simple¡­¡±

    Before he could finish the word ¡°simple,¡± a cold gust of wind rushed past him. In the blink of an eye, Dani stood before him.

    Just as Caiden was about to react, a sharp pain stabbed through his chest. He froze, staring down in dazed confusion. A knife had been buried deep in his left thigh, blood spurting out like a fountain. Slowly, Caiden raised his head and nced at Dani. Momentster, he screamed in agony, ¡°Ah!¡± The piercing scream echoed through the entire vi.

    The front door swung open, and Nina stepped in, her eyes widening at the gruesome scene in the living room. Dani didn¡¯t flinch. Amidst Caiden¡¯s agonized cries, she yanked the knife from his thigh with brutal force. Caiden screamed once again.

    Dani looked down at him, her voice calm and deliberate as she asked, ¡°Do I really need to ask again? Was it a calcted move or real affection?¡±

    Caiden¡¯s lips quivered uncontrobly from the excruciating pain, and cold sweat streamed down his forehead. He turned his head, his eyes pleading as he nced at Cedric standing at the top of the staircase.

    ¡°Cedric, help me. Dani¡¯s lost her mind¡­¡±

    Fresh updates now on g??ln????e??s.c??m

    Before he could finish his sentence, a second stab came down, plunging into his right thigh.

    ¡°Ah!¡± Caiden¡¯s forehead veins throbbed as his body teetered on the edge of copse. He almost lost consciousness.

    Dani stood still, like a hunter torturing his prey, waiting patiently for Caiden¡¯s screams to subside and for him to endure the unbearable pain. She then pressed the sharp tip of the knife against Caiden¡¯s chest.

    ¡°If this knife goes any deeper, I doubt you¡¯ll hear me ask again.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll talk. I¡¯ll tell you everything.¡± Sweat drenched Caiden¡¯s forehead, mingling with the blood, making him appear both fierce and pitiable.

    ¡°I¡¯ll answer any question you ask. Before I met your mother, I was just a poor farmhand. We were worlds apart.¡±

    His words rushed out, punctuated by sharp breaths from the pain.

    ¡°Someone gave me an invitation to a banquet and a set of fine clothes, which let me attend that event.¡±

    Dani shot him a cold nce.

    ¡°And then, did my mother notice?¡±

    ¡°No.

    Your mother was so stunning back then. How could she even notice someone like me? I saw her, and I heard people talk about how she was the wealthiest person in the country, with unimaginable riches. It was just like that. I never dared to dream of her¡­¡±

    ¡°Honestly. After the banquet, I went home. Then, someone started giving me information about where she would be, what she liked, and tips on how to get her attention.¡± Caiden¡¯s voice wavered, but there was a deep honesty in his words.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 725

    ?Chapter 725:

    ¡°Your mother was unbelievably beautiful, like a star I could never reach. Without those tips, I would never have had the nerve to dream of marrying her.¡±

    His voice shook, but his eyes were lost in the memory of those days, filled with beauty.

    The moon broke free from the clouds, spilling a silver glow across the floor. Dani stood, half bathed in light, half swallowed by darkness. The knife gleamed in her hand, blood dripping onto the cold floor.

    In a low voice, she asked, ¡°If that was the case, why did you win her over and then fail to cherish her?¡±

    Dani¡¯s voice was low, as if it came from hell.

    Caiden recoiled, his voice quiet and shaky.

    ¡°When you care about something too much, you throw yourself into itpletely at the beginning, but eventually, it bes tiring.

    Your mother was incredible. Everyone said I was the luckiest man, and at first, I believed it. She never demanded anything from me except my presence. In the beginning, I cherished those carefree days. But as time passed, I began to hear the whispers. My pride was wounded, and I couldn¡¯t find peace. Then I met Katrina. She made me feel a sense of worth I¡¯d never experienced before. I foundfort in that and got caught up in it.¡±

    Dani¡¯s hand tightened around the cold de, her grip silent but unyielding.

    Caiden¡¯s voice quivered as blood dripped from the chair, staining the floor beneath him.

    ¡°I found a sense of fulfillment with Katrina, something I never experienced with your mother. Katrina respected me, put me first, and let me indulge in my every desire without holding back.¡±

    ???§ï$¦Ó ?§ß¦Á¦Ñ¦Ó?§ñ$ ¨ª¦Ð galno¦Íe?s

    At his words, Dani let out a bitterugh. Her voice was cold and sharp, echoing through the empty halls of the vi.

    She looked down, her gaze dark and intense, before asking, ¡°When you were caught up in your affair, did you ever stop to think about the fact that the self-worth you showed Katrina was built on the honor and status my mother gave you? Without her wealth, do you honestly think Katrina would have even looked at you?¡±

    Caiden quickly looked up, his voice desperate as he tried to exin, ¡°No, no, that¡¯s not true. Katrina always told me she valued me for who I am, not my money. Even if I had nothing, she would still marry me.¡±

    Dani¡¯s lips curled into a mocking smile, as if she¡¯d heard the funniest joke.

    ¡°Is that so? If it were really like that, then why didn¡¯t youe clean to my mother? If you truly loved each other, she wouldn¡¯t have kept holding on. So, tell me, why did she end up jumping off a building?¡±

    Caiden tried to speak several times, but no words came out.

    He desperately wished he could prove he had once been deeply loved, but no matter how hard he tried, his mind came up empty.

    Finally, it clicked for him, and he looked up at Dani, speaking desperately, like someone drowning and trying to grab anything to survive.

    ¡°Back then, Katrina really¡­¡±

    ¡°She loved me. She was always careful about contraception because she didn¡¯t want to hurt you emotionally. Even when she left, she regretted not having another child with me.¡±

    Dani stared at him with an unreadable expression.

    Human nature is the easiest thing to break apart. In that moment, Dani felt as though she was holding a sharp de, slowly cutting through the illusion that Caiden had worked so hard to maintain.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 726

    ?Chapter 726:

    ¡°Really? She cared so much about my feelings that she never had a child with you all these years?¡±

    Caiden nodded, his desperation palpable.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Ah, well, that¡¯s certainly love.¡±

    Just as Caiden began to smile, Dani¡¯s voice, full of confusion, cut through the moment.

    ¡°Then why did she treat me so badly? You knew how she treated me, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    In the bitter cold, Dani was left without proper clothes. In the burning heat of summer, she was sent to pull weeds in the garden. Every lesson a young girl should have learned about her body, Dani had to face on her own, anxious and overwhelmed. That wasn¡¯t love¡ªnot even close.

    The smile on Caiden¡¯s face faltered, his expression stiffening as Dani¡¯s words sank in.

    ¡°Do you know why Katrina never had a child with you?¡± Dani picked up a piece of paper from the table behind her.

    ¡°Look at this. After Joyce was born, Katrina suffered abuse from her ex-husband and had her uterus removed years ago.¡±

    The revtion hit Caiden like a blow to the head, leaving him utterly stunned. Caiden tried tough, but the sound wouldn¡¯te. He stared at her with wide, confused eyes for a long time before managing to say, ¡°You¡¯re lying to me.¡±

    Dani didn¡¯t need to say more. She knew the truth had already taken root in Caiden¡¯s mind.

    Even if he didn¡¯t believe her, it made no difference. Her mother didn¡¯t need Caiden¡¯s hollow remorse. His regret held no weight for either of them.

    Discover more g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s

    ¡°Enough of this. Next question. When you met my mother, someone kept feeding you information. What did they want from you? What deal did you make?¡±

    Caiden slowly raised his head from the fog of confusion, his chest tightening with every breath. After a long silence, he finally choked out, ¡°No. I didn¡¯t do anything. They didn¡¯t ask for anything¡­ Ah!¡± The de sank deep into his thigh again.

    But this time, Dani didn¡¯t pull the knife away immediately. Instead, she leaned in closer, her gaze fixed on him.

    As Caiden cried out in agony, she began to twist the de slowly, driving it deeper into his wound.

    Caiden gasped, his body wracked with pain, but Dani¡¯s expression remained unchanged, a cold smile ying on her lips.

    ¡°Rx. I¡¯m trained in anatomy. I¡¯ll make sure every cut is exact and won¡¯t kill you.

    You¡¯ll survive.¡±

    Veins popped from Caiden¡¯s forehead and neck as his body trembled uncontrobly. He struggled to breathe, gasping for air with each desperate inhale.

    Never before had he felt such a strong urge to end his own life.

    Dani seemedpletely unaware of the tension.

    A smile crept across her face as she turned to Caiden.

    ¡°You always say that you¡¯re my father and that I share your blood. The more I think about it, the more it makes sense. So, here¡¯s an idea. What if I drain every drop of blood from your body? That way, the blood coursing through me won¡¯t be so tainted. Do you think?¡±

    Caiden instinctively leaned back, shocked by her words. He stared at Dani in disbelief, thinking she must have lost her mind. Once, she had been a bright little girl, clinging to his leg and begging for his affection. But now, standing before him, was something unrecognizable, a ghostly figure¡ªcold, detached, and utterly different.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 727

    ?Chapter 727:

    Though Dani was keenly aware of the storm of thoughts raging in Caiden¡¯s mind, she remained indifferent.

    She asked, ¡°Have you figured out how to answer my question?¡± Caiden bit his lower lip hard, trying to control his reaction.

    Daniughed, her smile as charming as ever. The moon peeked through the clouds, lighting up her already glowing face, giving her a fairy-like appearance.

    However, her actions were swift and unhesitating. With a subtle movement, she pressed the knife, and Caiden¡¯s agonized scream echoed through the silence. Dani said casually, ¡°It seems like the knife went right through your thigh.¡±

    ¡°Ugh!¡± Nina, unable to bear the sight any longer and ovee by the metallic scent of blood, bolted from the vi without warning, vomiting uncontrobly in the yard.

    The scene was beyond horrific. She bent over and vomited. It was unlike anything she¡¯d ever seen¡ªa brutal, bloody revenge that seemed to stretch the limits of human cruelty. Fear clutched at her heart, but something darker, something inexplicably thrilling, stirred deep within.

    Wiping her mouth with firm resolve, Nina grasped the door handle and stepped back into the chaos. Caiden had already passed out.

    Dani brought a bucket of water, and Caiden stirred, as though he had narrowly escaped death. Dani watched him, smiling.

    ¡°Hi. We meet again.¡±

    Caiden considered pretending to be unconscious, but before he could, Dani¡¯sugh broke the silence.

    M??? ??????s ?? ????????s.???

    ¡°Don¡¯t bother. I¡¯ve got a box of adrenaline right here. Like I said, I won¡¯t let you die.¡±

    With that, she yanked the knife from Caiden¡¯s thigh and drove it back in. Over and over, she repeated the action, her face serene and yful, like a child with a new toy. The only interruption to her rhythm was Caiden¡¯s agonizing screams, each one more pitiful than thest.

    Dani stayed unmoved, going through the motions until Caiden shouted weakly, ¡°Stop.¡±

    It was only then that Dani asked, with a hint of satisfaction in her voice, ¡°Ready to talk now?¡±

    Caiden nodded weakly.

    With a smile, Dani straightened up.

    ¡°You know, if you¡¯d spoken up sooner, maybe all this pain could have been avoided. Don¡¯t you think?¡±

    As the words left her lips, the knife sank into his already mangled thigh. His screams filled the air, but Dani didn¡¯t flinch. She took a seat on the nearby sofa, her posture rxed.

    ¡°Come on, then. Tell me. What were the conditions for this intermediary to spill my mother¡¯s secrets and whereabouts?¡±

    It took what felt like an eternity for Caiden to gather himself. His voice was barely a whisper, but the silence in the vi made every word painfully distinct.

    ¡°At first, they didn¡¯t contact me directly. They just sent me clues about your mother. Then, your mother reached out to me. I was ecstatic. But I was just a poor guy, clueless about how to win her over. When it came to dating, the clues from the intermediary suddenly stopped. I had no choice but to give it my all, even though I felt like a clumsy fool. After a few dates, your mother lost interest in me, and I could feel her pulling away. I panicked. I couldn¡¯t bear seeing her in circles I couldn¡¯t get into. Desperate, I tried everything to reach the intermediary. They never showed up. Just when I thought there was no hope left, they called me out of the blue.¡±

    Caiden hesitated and stole a wary nce at Dani.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 728

    ?Chapter 728:

    She peeled an orange, her face calm and almost nk, as if she were hearing a story from a stranger.

    Caiden let out a sigh of relief, pressed his lips together, and said honestly, ¡°The person on the phone told me that if I followed their instructions, I could win your mother¡¯s favor and be her partner. The word ¡®partner¡¯ was too tempting. It meant more than just a title¡ªit promised power, status, and a life of wealth. I was swayed and agreed without really thinking.¡±

    The sweet scent of oranges blended with the sharp tang of blood. Dani popped a slice into her mouth.

    ¡°What did they tell you to do?¡±

    Caiden replied, ¡°They wanted me to bring Katrina into your mother¡¯s vi.¡±

    At that, Dani stopped. Her hand tightened around the orange.

    Her dark eyes slowly lifted, a hidden threat lurking in her gaze as she asked, ¡°So, you and Katrina go way back. And the whole thing was a scheme from the beginning?¡±

    Together with Elyse, the hypnotist who had reached out to her, and that intermediary, they had carefullyid out a deadly plot. The victim was Brylee, Dani¡¯s mother.

    As Caiden¡¯s positive answer rang out, a thick silence fell over the room.

    To those people, it was a murder.

    For Brylee, it was a cocktail of emotions¡ªbitter anger, deep sorrow, and the painful realization that everything had been one cruel joke. The trust she had given, so genuine and pure, had been shattered by nothing more than a self-interested liar with no remorse.

    I/t?$+ ?h?pt?r? ?? g????v¨º??.c?m

    Though Cedric hadn¡¯t made a move before, now he stepped forward, his heart heavy with emotion.

    Lillian lifted her hand, her voice firm but calm.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t the end, Cedric.

    You need to put your faith in Dani.¡±

    Ryan, too, silently raised his hand, stopping Cedric in his tracks.

    Cedric¡¯s heart ached for Dani as he looked at her, his face etched with worry. Dani, almost detached, continued eating her orange as if nothing had happened. She lifted her chin and asked Caiden, ¡°Any leads on that intermediary?¡±

    Caiden shook his head.

    ¡°No, but I did overhear someone on the other end refer to him as Mr. Perry during a call.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Perry again,¡± Dani repeated.

    ¡°Dani, I¡¯ve told you everything,¡± Caiden begged, his voice shaky.

    ¡°Please, take me to the hospital. No matter what I did, I¡¯m still your father.

    You can¡¯t just let me die, right? I regret it all. I wish I¡¯d been honest with your mother from the start. She was capable¡ªso much better at handling this than I was. I was foolish, too scared to think straight.¡±

    Dani slowly stood and moved toward Caiden, starting to loosen the ropes that bound him.

    As her fingers worked on the knots, she asked, ¡°Did you ever love my mother?¡±

    Caiden nodded quickly.

    ¡°I did. Of course, I loved her.

    Your mother was the only real love of my life.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s face twisted with sincerity, his emotions spilling over as if he were a servant pleading for forgiveness.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 729

    ?Chapter 729:

    ¡°Really? Well, I don¡¯t think my mother would have cared,¡± Dani retorted.

    Caiden¡¯s face went ck, his gaze locking on Dani with a mixture of confusion and shock.

    ¡°She lived her life with so much pride, carving out a name for herself in the business world. She never let anyone down, not even you. She treated you with nothing but honesty and loyalty. My mother was a gem in this world, and you didn¡¯t deserve her.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s heart skipped a beat, his gut telling him that Dani wasn¡¯t finished just yet.

    ¡°When you die, I won¡¯t bury you next to my mother. I¡¯ll put your ashes with Katrina¡¯s instead. I hope you two stay tangled together, whether in life or death.¡± Dani finished loosening all the ropes and noticed the fear spreading across Caiden¡¯s face.

    She smiled, the same way Brylee had when they first met Caiden. For a brief moment, Caiden couldn¡¯t tell whether it was Dani or Brylee standing there.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m not going to let you die that easily. Death¡¯s too quick for you. Someone like you deserves a lifetime of lonely suffering.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s eyes went wide with shock. He stared at Dani with a blend of disbelief and fear.

    ¡°You can¡¯t do this to me. I¡¯m your father!¡±

    Dani waved her hand dismissively, and the emergency medical team walked in, nodding at her before carefully cing Caiden on a stretcher.

    ¡°Don¡¯t cure him fully. Once the swelling is down, send him to the remote psychiatric facility. The wounds will keep getting worse in this heat. Just make sure he doesn¡¯t die,¡± Dani instructed calmly.

    Your next story is here g?ln¦Ò¦Íels

    ¡°I want him to live a long life.¡±

    Atst, the shock took its toll, and Caiden passed outpletely.

    That all happened at Elite Lux¡¯s private hospital. As the medical team made their exit, they quietly cleaned up the bloodstains left behind on the floor. The strong smell of disinfectant hung in the air.

    Dani didn¡¯t bother turning on the lights. Instead, she sat on the sofa, peeling and eating an orange.

    Just as she was about to peel another slice, Cedric hurried down from upstairs and stopped right in front of her.

    Dani held an unpeeled orange in her hand.

    She could feel the turmoil within her, a restless energy moring to burst out and tear everything apart. The faint scent of blood lingered in the air, which oddly excited her.

    Suddenly, a shadow fell before her.

    Before she could look up, arge hand took the orange from her grasp. Then, Dani caught a whiff of a subtle, masculine scent of pine, mingled with the sweet aroma of the orange.

    A peeled segment of the fruit was presented to her, and without thinking, she epted it. As she bit down, a burst of sweetness filled her mouth.

    Looking up, Dani found Cedric under the moonlight.

    The scent of orange seemed to weave its way from her tongue to her heart.

    ¡°Cedric,¡± Dani called out in the silence of the vi, her eyes locking with his.

    Cedric tilted his head slightly, responding with a soft, ¡°Hmm?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 730

    ?Chapter 730:

    ¡°Were you frightened?¡± she asked.

    Aplex look crossed Cedric¡¯s eyes. He held his silence for a moment before drawing Dani close.

    ¡°It breaks my heart to see you like this.¡±

    Dani then drifted into a deep sleep.

    Concerned for Dani¡¯s well-being, Nina asked Lillian, ¡°Is Dani going to be alright?¡±

    While watching television, Lillian responded, ¡°She¡¯s fine.¡±

    Despite Lillian¡¯s reassurance, Nina remained doubtful. The trauma Dani had endured was immense, a burden challenging for anyone to bear.

    ¡°Should I check on her to make sure she¡¯s really okay?¡± Nina asked.

    Lillian, without turning, replied, ¡°She¡¯s fine. A good night¡¯s sleep will help her.¡±

    Nina appeared worried, but Lillian continued, ¡°She¡¯s the most mentally tough person in our organization. Plus, she knew what she was getting into. She¡¯s used to dealing with shocks like this.¡±

    ¡°But understanding something intellectually and living through it arepletely different,¡± Nina said.

    ¡°It¡¯s one thing to know my family doesn¡¯t care about me, but it feels entirely different when they actually hurt me. And what do you mean by ¡®organization¡¯? Isn¡¯t Elite Lux apany? Why call it an organization? And why say she¡¯s used to it?¡±

    Lillian, still focused on the TV, answered in a t tone, ¡°Just misspoke.¡±

    She¡¯ll recover with some rest, and Cedric is there to look after her.¡± Despite Lillian¡¯s reassurances, Nina remained skeptical.

    Gal n o v el s . is your destination for fiction

    So, when she saw Dani descending the stairs, still groggy, she was shocked.

    ¡°Dani?¡±

    ¡°Hmm?¡±

    ¡°Are you feeling alright?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Dani responded, her hair flowing down her shoulders.

    She grinned at Josie in the kitchen and said, ¡°Josie, could I get two fried eggs for breakfast?¡±

    Nina watched her, full of admiration.

    How could someone heal so quickly from emotional wounds?

    Meanwhile, Joyce had returned to the aesthetic clinic.

    Doug, having seen Dani at a recent gathering, said anxiously, ¡°I need to win Dani over, no matter what it takes.¡±

    Recently, while making love to Joyce, Doug would call out Dani¡¯s name.

    ¡°How much longer until we see results?¡± Joyce asked the stic surgeon, clearly frustrated.

    Every time she was intimate with Doug and he mentioned Dani¡¯s name, she felt the humiliation.

    She was eager to leave that situation behind as quickly as possible.

    ¡°How¡¯s the progressing along?¡± Joyce asked the stic surgeon with growing impatience.

    The surgeon let out a concerned sigh.

    ¡°Well, people¡¯s bone structures do vary, so¡­¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 731

    ?Chapter 731:

    Without a word, Joyce pulled out a check from her bag and slid it across the table towards the surgeon.

    The surgeon eyed the figure on the check with greedy interest, pping his hands and smiling.

    Through the thick ss, she saw someone being led out.

    Joyce froze for a moment, staring at the person inside in disbelief. The figure in the room was being helped by medical staff, his posture and stance being adjusted.

    Joyce remained silent for what felt like forever.

    Was that really Alexander?

    The surgeon smiled reassuringly at Joyce.

    ¡°Trust me, we¡¯re professionals.¡±

    Joyce¡¯s gaze flicked from the person inside to the photo of Cedric pinned on the wall, a hidden longing surfacing within her.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t there still something not quite right?¡±

    The surgeon looked at her and nodded.

    ¡°Yes. Like I said, the skin can be made to match, but there will always be small differences in bone structure. They¡¯re barely noticeable unless you look closely, though.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not good enough,¡± Joyce replied, watching as Alexander, still shaky on his feet, was led back into the ward.

    ¡°It has to be wless.¡±

    ¡°Understood. As I mentioned, we¡¯re professionals. But just so you¡¯re aware, to make the bone structure a perfect match, we¡¯ll need to break the original bones and reshape them. It¡¯s a long, painful process¡ªfar worse than before.¡±

    More chapters avable at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??s

    Joyce waved her hand dismissively.

    ¡°I¡¯ve told you, money¡¯s not the problem. Just make sure he looks exactly like the guy in the photo. No ws.¡±

    The surgeon took the check with a grin.

    ¡°Also, just so you know, thises with some serious risks and possible side effects. We¡¯ll need the patient¡¯s signature to proceed.¡±

    Behind the ss, Joyce called out to Alexander, who sat rigidly in a sterile chamber, still not fully recovered.

    Without beating around the bush, she simply asked, ¡°Are you really happy with this?¡±

    Tears of pain welled up in Alexander¡¯s eyes, and the medical staff by his side quickly wiped them away.

    Joyce held his gaze and spoke in a calm tone.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to take back what was yours? Can you bear the thought of Dani and Cedric making love? Can you handle that?¡±

    Alexander, heavily bandaged, could barely manage to hold a pen.

    At her words, he didn¡¯t hesitate for a second. He signed the agreement without even looking at the surgical notice, which clearly warned: ¡°If the surgery seeds, the effects will fade in less than a year, and eventually, the face will copse, bing hollowed-out.¡±

    This time, Joyce didn¡¯t rush off right away.

    She contacted a top-tier mediapany nearby and arranged for someone to follow Cedric, filming his every move. They would break down each frame with experts to give Alexander professional training after the surgery. Her goal was clear¡ªshe nned to turn Alexander into a perfect replica of Cedric.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 732

    ?Chapter 732:

    Lately, Cedric couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something was wrong. He constantly felt like someone was watching him.

    Whether at public events, press conferences, banquets, or even just dining out, he always felt a pair of eyes trained on him.

    After a few days, he realized the person wasn¡¯t doing anything other than filming his habits¡ªno attempts to interact, just observing.

    Dani noticed it as well.

    When she and Cedric went to dine at the new revolving restaurant by Phillips Group, Dani sensed something wasn¡¯t quite right, even before the first dish was served.

    At first, she thought someone was just admiring her, so she offered a faint smile in return.

    But momentster, she quickly realized that the attention was actually on Cedric.

    The smile on her face slowly faded.

    Dani stood up, shing a smile at Cedric.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back, just going to the restroom,¡± she said casually.

    As she walked past the tables, her hand shot out to grab a man, bundled up tightly in his coat, and without a second thought, she effortlessly yanked him along with her.

    Cedric turned around, only to see the usual diners eating and chatting.

    Dani pulled the man into the restroom and, before stepping inside, hung up a ¡°Under Maintenance¡± sign on the door.

    The man was caught off guard at first, but once he saw Dani standing in front of him, he seemed to calm down a little.

    Discover more on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??¦Ï?? (uso de ¡°?¡± y ¡°¦Ï¡± griega)

    Despite her immense power and influence, Dani was alone at that moment. No matter what went down, it wouldn¡¯t be anything too serious. The pay for this gig was huge. Even if he lost the job, it wouldn¡¯t matter.

    ¡°Who sent you?¡± Dani asked.

    ¡°I came alone,¡± the man said proudly, impressed by Dani¡¯s beauty.

    ¡°So, why are you here?¡±

    ¡°I already told you,¡± he said, clearly amused.

    ¡°I came on my own. Cedric¡¯s so famous, I just wanted to see if I could dig up any gossip or scandals.¡±

    Dani¡¯s eyes narrowed, her gaze sharp and calcting. She asked coldly, ¡°Really?¡±

    The man nodded, a confident grin spreading across his face.

    ¡°Of course. Why else would I follow Cedric? I¡¯m not a woman, so I wouldn¡¯t be after him like that.¡±

    Dani, clearly uninterested in wasting time, gave a faint smile.

    ¡°It seems like you¡¯re not going to cooperate.¡±

    The man froze, feeling an unsettling chill crawl up his spine as he caught sight of the smile on Dani¡¯s lips.

    Just as the man began to grow more anxious, he heard Dani say, ¡°Fine, don¡¯t say anything then.¡±

    He was shocked by her sudden concession, unsure of what to make of her calm attitude.

    As he hesitantly tried to step towards the door, Dani didn¡¯t stop him. Instead, she leaned back against the doorframe, arms crossed, with a sneer of disdain curling on her lips.

    The man flinched once more, clearly startled.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 733

    ?Chapter 733:

    Just as he was about to leave, Dani let out a chuckle and said slowly, ¡°Have you ever heard that saying?¡±

    The man turned his head in surprise.

    Dani¡¯s red lips curled slightly as she spoke.

    ¡°You can make a fortune, but if you¡¯re dead, none of that money will matter.¡± The man¡¯s heart skipped a beat at her words.

    ¡°Go on,¡± Dani said, her smile growing as she straightened up and began to walk away.

    Panicked, the man shouted, ¡°Hey, what do you mean by that?¡±

    ¡°Exactly what it sounds like,¡± Dani replied with a smile that seemed to deepen.

    But the man¡¯s smile faded instantly, and his arrogance evaporated. Fear overtook him, and he stared at Dani with wide eyes.

    ¡°What do you mean? You have to exin yourself!¡±

    Standing in the restaurant hallway, Dani smiled as a breeze swept in through the open window.

    Her expression stayed calm and collected, her voice as casual as if she werementing on the weather.

    ¡°Have you ever heard of Shadowpeak Madhouse?¡±

    The moment the words left her mouth, the man felt a chill crawl up his spine, goosebumps rising on his arm.

    ¡°A few days ago, I sent Caiden there. I¡¯m visiting him tomorrow. The hospital says he¡¯s lonely and needs a roommate. I think you¡¯ll fit in perfectly.¡±

    ????t??st ch¦Ápt?rs in g??lnovels.c????

    The man¡¯s legs gave out, and he dropped to his knees with a heavy thud.

    Shadowpeak Madhouse was infamous for housing the most violent and vengeful patients. It was rumored that those who entered alive were never seen the same again.

    ¡°I was wrong! I swear, I was just after money, I meant no harm. I was only filming Cedric¡¯s daily habits, that¡¯s all,¡± the man said in a shaky voice.

    He extended his phone towards her with trembling hands.

    Dani opened the photo album, and her eyes scanned the screen. It was indeed just videos of Cedric¡¯s everyday life.

    ¡°Why film this? Who¡¯s pulling the strings here?¡±

    The man wiped the sweat from his brow and quickly said, ¡°I don¡¯t know. They contacted me online. Every time I sent a video, they paid me. I¡¯ve never met the person. When I asked about their intentions, they got cautious and told me to stop asking or they¡¯d stop working with me.¡±

    Dani went through the chat history on the phone and saw the man was telling the truth. She snapped, ¡°Leave!¡±

    The man nced at the phone in her hand.

    ¡°What about my phone?¡±

    With a knowing look, Dani raised the phone slightly.

    ¡°You want it?¡± The man quickly closed his mouth and began to walk away, looking embarrassed.

    Dani gave a quick nod to Lillian, who was standing at the end of the hallway, and then said, ¡°Give him ten thousand.¡±

    As Dani slipped the phone into her pocket, she walked back to her table.

    When she sat back down, Cedric served her some food and asked, ¡°What took you so long?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 734

    ?Chapter 734:

    Keeping calm, Dani answered, ¡°The restroom was out of order, so I went upstairs.¡±

    Cedric nodded but then hesitated. He realized the gaze that had been following him was now gone.

    He stopped mid-bite, fork in hand, and looked at Dani¡¯s face. Something about her calmness made him suspect that she might have something to do with it.

    After dinner, they went back home.

    While Dani was in the shower, Cedric asked for the restaurant¡¯s restroom surveince footage.

    The footage showed an ¡°Under Maintenance¡± sign outside the restroom. Momentster, Dani appeared on the screen, walking up the stairs. Cedric frowned, wondering if he was just imagining things.

    Meanwhile, Dani sat on a small stool in the bathroom, watching the edited footage with a faint smile.

    Dani plugged the phone she had taken from the man at the restaurant into herptop.

    She scrolled through the photos and videos again, confirming they were just clips of Cedric¡¯s daily routine.

    What could these recordings be for?

    She clicked on the first contact and opened the chat with the ID.

    Mimicking the man¡¯s previous tone, she typed, ¡°Hello. I have today¡¯s video ready. Should I send it now?¡± There was no reply right away.

    Explore fresh updates g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    Suddenly, her phone buzzed with a new message.

    It was from Hurst Craig at the mental hospital.

    ¡°VMS. Harper, Caiden wants to meet with you.¡±

    As Dani typed a response, the phone connected to theptop buzzed. The person had replied with a simple, ¡°Yes.¡±

    First, Dani sent a voice message to Hurst, saying, ¡°Okay.¡± Then, she sent the blurry video of Cedric.

    The person on the other end quickly transferred $15,000 to her ount.

    Dani epted the payment, but then saw an angry emoji followed by, ¡°Are you scamming me? Look at the video you sent today. It¡¯s barely watchable!¡±

    Dani typed back, ¡°Today¡¯s video is a bit blurry, but I did my best. Cedric is very cautious, so I can¡¯t get too close. I¡¯ll make sure tomorrow¡¯s is better.¡±

    Another angry emoji came through, along with a message.

    ¡°If tomorrow¡¯s quality is the same, I¡¯ll find someone else.¡±

    Dani, copying the man¡¯s tone, replied with a feigned sense of worry, ¡°Okay, okay. But why do you need so many of Cedric¡¯s daily videos? You¡¯re not nning anything illegal, are you?¡±

    The other side went quiet. Dani leaned back in her chair, waiting for a response.

    Five minutester, a reply came.

    ¡°Don¡¯t ask so many questions if you want to make money!¡±

    As Dani read the message on the phone screen, she couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that it seemed familiar.

    She typed again, ¡°When I was filming Cedric today, Dani happened to be there. Both she and Cedric are very powerful. I only want to make money, but it feels like I¡¯m risking my life.¡±

    Once she sent the message, the other side stayed quiet for a while. Ten minutester, a reply appeared.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 735

    ?Chapter 735:

    ¡°It¡¯s not anything illegal.¡±

    Dani thought for a moment.

    Then, she quickly typed somemands on herputer, and within seconds, she had gained ess to the other person¡¯s ount. She found that the only contact they had was the man, with no other personal details that could be useful.

    A smirk yed on Dani¡¯s lips.

    They were certainly cautious. She nced at the sparse conversation history, and once again, that sense of familiarity returned.

    Just as she was about to check her phone for any connections, a knock came from outside the bathroom door.

    ¡°Honey, are you finished?¡±

    Dani nced up at the door and responded, ¡°Nearly.¡±

    ¡°Come on, hurry up! I¡¯ve got a new massage technique I learned today. It¡¯s really good.¡±

    Dani smiled, closed theptop, took a quick shower, and stepped out of the bathroom.

    Even after all this time, Cedric still loved spending every moment with Dani.

    When she came out of the bathroom, Cedric was already there, his cheerful smile a stark contrast to the serious CEO he was at work.

    ¡°Why did it take you so long today?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I stayed in the bath a little longer.¡±

    New content avable g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s

    Cedric pulled Dani close, his arms around her, resting his head against her neck. His voice was low and husky as he whispered, ¡°Honey, let¡¯s have a baby. What do you think?¡±

    Dani was startled, and her body shook in surprise.

    ¡°What?¡±

    Her reaction made Cedric pull back, sensing something was off.

    ¡°Why? Don¡¯t you want to have a child with me?¡±

    Since theirst argument, Cedric had learned something important about Dani.

    He knew he couldn¡¯t be more ruthless than her, but he also knew that if he was gentle with her, she¡¯d find it hard to say no.

    Recently, he hade across a saying that struck a chord with him.

    ¡°To keep a woman by your side for life, having a child is essential.¡± He wholeheartedly agreed with it and was now set on making it a reality.

    He longed to have a baby with Dani, believing that would ensure the best person in the world¡ªDani¡ªwould always be by his side.

    Later that night, Dani feltpletely drained. She was usually in great shape, but even she felt overwhelmed by the intensity of their intimacy.

    Just before she lost consciousness, she looked at Cedric through the soft glow of the bedsidemp.

    His abs were slick with sweat, his V-line and toned waist standing out in the dim light.

    His intense gaze was locked onto hers as his lips met hers, and in that moment, Dani couldn¡¯t help but wonder if Cedric was really focused on having a baby with her, or if his goal was just to wear her outpletely.

    Dani had spent the whole day sleeping.

    Upon waking, she instinctively checked her phone.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 736

    ?Chapter 736:

    Hurst had tried calling her multiple times, but eventually, he seemed to give up and sent a few messages.

    ¡°Weren¡¯t you supposed to visit Shadowpeak Madhouse today? Are you? I¡¯ve been waiting for you all morning.¡±

    ¡°I heard from Lillian that you¡¯re still resting.¡±

    ¡°Cedric is also taking a break.¡±

    ¡°Ah, youth is such a gift. Take your time with the baby-making. I¡¯m not in a rush.¡±

    Dani shut her eyes for a brief second.

    As she set her phone aside, a smiling face appeared beside her.

    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± People often said Cedric had a distant air, but now, his eyes were full of warmth as he gazed at Dani.

    Dani¡¯s thoughts were a bit clouded, her voice raspy.

    ¡°Hmm? What do you mean by that?¡±

    Cedric ced his hand on Dani¡¯s t stomach.

    ¡°Do you think there¡¯s a baby in there yet?¡±

    Dani let out a quiet sigh.

    Love had the power to make people mature, yet also keep them young at heart.

    Dani found it amusing. She waved her finger, and Cedric leaned in, following her gesture.

    ¡°Hmm?¡±

    Keep reading at g¦Ál¦Çovels?c©–m

    Dani parted her lips and whispered in Cedric¡¯s ear, ¡°I¡¯m not sure if there¡¯s a baby growing inside me, but I can be your baby forever.¡±

    ¡°You and Cedric have been together for so long. Why are you two still so lovey-dovey?¡± Lillian said from the dining table, looking at Cedric.

    Dani nced at Cedric and smiled.

    ¡°You haven¡¯t gotten married, so you wouldn¡¯t understand the pleasures of being married.¡±

    Lillian nodded andughed.

    ¡°Marriage can be pretty scary,¡± she remarked, then paused, noticing something.

    ¡°Did you see that? His ears are all red!¡±

    Dani tapped Lillian¡¯s te with her fork.

    ¡°Stop teasing my hubby.¡±

    Lillian¡¯s fork dropped to the floor with a ng.

    ¡°Did you just call him ¡®hubby¡¯?¡±

    Cedric, who had been enjoying the moment just moments ago, suddenly snapped back to reality. Before Dani could answer, he remarked, ¡°What? Do you have an issue with that? We¡¯re married, so it¡¯s only natural for her to call me her hubby.¡±

    In fact, he found it incredibly sweet when Dani called him that. Lillian let out an exaggerated sigh, tired of their constant public disys of affection.

    After dinner, Dani had nned to visit Shadowpeak Madhouse, but Cedric was being overly clingy.

    He sprawledfortably across herp, watching TV with a satisfied grin.

    Dani smiled and sent a text to Hurst.

    ¡°Noting tonight.¡±

    Hurst¡¯s response came almost immediately.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 737

    ?Chapter 737:

    ¡°Huh? Why not?¡±

    Dani looked at Cedric and said, ¡°My hubby is being a little clingy.¡±

    Hurst was left speechless.

    Lillian clicked her tongue, shaking her head.

    ¡°No wonder they say beauty can be so distracting. Cedric¡¯s definitely like a seductive temptress.¡±

    Dani was more than happy to indulge him, and no one could object.

    Meanwhile, at the Shadowpeak Madhouse, Caiden was slowly losing his grip on reality.

    This was one of the top mental institutions in the country, but he felt like he had reached his breaking point.

    ¡°When is Daniing?¡± he shouted over and over, his frustration growing.

    The ce was nothing like any other mental hospital¡ªthere were no individual rooms. Everyone was packed together in one big space.

    The guards didn¡¯t care about keeping order.

    If someone got hurt or even killed, it was just bad luck for them. After all, people in mental hospitals weren¡¯t held responsible for their actions. That was the grim warning Hurst had given Caiden when he first arrived.

    Caiden had been stuck in this ce for three days, and each day, he was beaten relentlessly. Surrounded by madmen, he honestly felt like he was losing his sanity.

    ¡°When is Daniing?¡± Caiden screamed in anger.

    ¡°How dare you speak her name?¡±

    L?t?st ch¦Ápt?rs in g??lnovels.??????

    Before Hurst could reply, Caiden turned and saw a group of men ring at him, their eyes cold and menacing.

    That night, he almost came close to losing his life in that hellhole.

    The following morning, as Dani began her workday, her phone rang with a call from Hurst.

    Natalie was by the doorway, appearing to keep busy, yet her focus was entirely on Dani as she listened in with keen interest.

    Dani was aware but remained unfazed, keeping herposure.

    She answered the call with a simple, ¡°Hello?¡±

    ¡°Dani, will you being by today?¡± Hurst asked.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    ¡°Caiden says he¡¯ll take his own life if you don¡¯t show up.¡±

    At these words, Natalie¡¯s actions halted, her expression showing more concern than Dani¡¯s.

    ¡°Just ignore him,¡± Dani replied casually.

    Caiden then became frantic on the line.

    ¡°Dani! I am your father. How can you just let me die?¡±

    Dani, uninterested, ended the call abruptly.

    Observing Dani¡¯sposed demeanor, Natalie silently judged her as cold-hearted, especially towards her own father.

    Natalie¡¯s face took on a thoughtful expression as she pondered what Dani¡¯s vulnerability might be.

    ¡°Dani, what was that about just now?¡± Natalie asked, feigning ignorance.

    With a chuckle, Dani leaned back and shed a knowing half-smile.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 738

    ?Chapter 738:

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear it all?¡±

    Natalie offered a sheepish smile in return. She had encountered many sly individuals, but Dani¡¯s blunt honesty was unfamiliar to her.

    ¡°Have you confined Caiden?¡±

    Dani¡¯s smile broadened.

    ¡°He¡¯s sick.¡±

    ¡°What kind of illness?¡±

    Dani slowly raised her eyes, her rxed demeanor masking an underlying threat, reminiscent of a lion ready to pounce.

    ¡°I¡¯m visiting him after work. Will you join me?¡±

    Natalie was visibly surprised.

    ¡°May Ie along?¡±

    She was baffled by Dani¡¯s frankness. How could she discuss such matters so openly?

    ¡°Of course, or perhaps you¡¯d like to bring your mother along?¡± Natalie had been anxious about how to involve Elyse, but Dani had effortlessly opened the door for her.

    Just days earlier, news of Caiden¡¯s illness had taken them by surprise. Unable to glean details from Nina, they wondered if Dani had ced Caiden under house arrest.

    If so, what could Dani¡¯s motives possibly be?

    Did Dani find out that Bylee¡¯s death was a murder?

    Read more at g¦Áln¦Ò¦Í???s

    That seemed illogical.

    Following Katrina¡¯s death, that chapter should have closed.

    Dani appeared to have no grounds for suspecting Caiden.

    With these thoughts, both Elyse and Natalie felt somewhat disturbed. Now, Dani¡¯s invitation to visit Caiden seemed like an ideal chance to clear their doubts.

    Leaving the office with a bright smile, Natalie bumped into Nina.

    ¡°Dani is taking me and Mom to see Caiden today. Are youing, too?¡±

    Nina answered coldly, ¡°What? Are you trying to show this off in front of me?¡±

    Natalie felt a surge of satisfaction. She was convinced that Dani had no suspicions, or else why would she allow them to see Caiden?

    People often grew overconfident when they felt secure.

    ¡°You¡¯re staying with the Harper family, right? So, Dani is going to see Caiden today and didn¡¯t invite you? It looks like you¡¯re not that close after all.¡±

    Nina remembered the day Dani had been exceptionally harsh with Caiden, and she still shivered at the thought.

    Despite Dani¡¯s outward gentleness, her inner fierceness was something few men could match.

    What repercussions might Natalie and Elyse encounter after their visit to Caiden?

    She was quite eager to witness their reactions upon meeting Caiden.

    ¡°You¡¯re right. I¡¯m not that close with Dani. Enjoy your visit to Caiden, then.¡±

    Natalie¡¯s smile stiffened momentarily.

    Nina had been at odds with her since the failed wedding. Why was she suddenly being so amodating?

    Disturbed by this, Natalie spoke to Elyse about it.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 739

    ?Chapter 739:

    With augh, Elyse responded, ¡°Natalie, you worry too much. How could Dani possibly connect us to Brylee¡¯s death? Unless Katrinaes back to life, your fears are unfounded. Dani is just a young woman. What secrets could she possibly uncover? If she had discovered anything, could she have remained so cordial with us all this time?¡±

    Natalie¡¯s unease lingered, and she asked, ¡°But what if she has found out something?¡±

    Elyse¡¯s look turned even more scornful.

    ¡°So what? Brylee has been dead for so long. What could Dani do to us now? Caiden is involved as well. Now that he¡¯s sick, she still has to ensure he receives medical care. Would Dani really alienate us over something that happened to Brylee? If she cuts ties, she¡¯ll end up isted. Plus, does she have any proof linking us to Brylee¡¯s death?¡±

    Elyse shook her head, smiling confidently at Natalie.

    ¡°Dear, you give Dani too much credit. She might be apetent CEO, but she¡¯s just a woman. She¡¯s not capable of causing us any serious trouble.¡±

    These words somewhat calmed Natalie.

    In any case, if it came down to Brylee¡¯s death, Caiden was mainly at fault.

    Caiden was Dani¡¯s father. Even if she was upset, would she really take extreme measures against him for someone who had passed away so long ago?

    Unless she wanted the Harper family to break uppletely.

    As the workday drew to a close, Elyse arrived at Elite Lux.

    ???l????v??????.c??m brings fresh updates

    Before she went upstairs to see Dani, she turned to Natalie with a reassuring smile.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Dani may be tough, but she¡¯s not tougher than Brylee was. Remember, Brylee was once the wealthiest woman in the country, and yet, she still met her end.¡±

    Right after Elyse spoke, the elevator doors slid open in front of them.

    Dani was inside.

    The smile instantly vanished from Elyse¡¯s face, and her thoughts scrambled.

    Had Dani overheard her?

    The assurance Elyse felt just seconds before drained away. She asked tentatively, ¡°Dani, what brings you down here?¡±

    Dani responded simply, ¡°We¡¯re going to see Caiden.¡±

    Elyse trailed behind her and entered the car.

    She took a seat in the back with Dani, while Natalie sat up front. Throughout the drive, Elyse stole nces at Dani, searching her expression for any sign of emotion.

    However, Dani¡¯s face was soposed that Elyse couldn¡¯t determine if she had caught any of their earlier conversation by the elevator.

    Natalie, noticing Elyse¡¯s nervous movements in the rearview mirror, looked over at Dani.

    After a moment¡¯s hesitation, she smiled and said, ¡°Dani, how is Caiden doing? Mom and I are quite concerned about him. Even though your mother is gone, Mom and I still feel like we¡¯re family with Caiden.¡±

    Dani turned her gaze to the window.

    The orange streetlights outside bathed her face in a cold, detached light.

    After Natalie finished her statement, she shared a quick look with Elyse, then continued with a smile, ¡°Dani, you know, just before we got on the elevator, Mom and I were discussing the mother of a ssmate of mine. She was a lot like Aunt Brylee, such a capable woman.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 740

    Chapter 740:

    Natalie aimed to redirect their earlier conversation, implying they had been speaking about someone else, not actually Brylee.

    Dani, however, did not respond.

    Natalie caught a glimpse of the back of Dani¡¯s head, felt a sinking feeling, and looked away.

    The car continued its journey, ascending the winding mountain road. They left the bustling streets of the city and ventured into a more isted area.

    As they approached a particrly dark stretch without streetlights, Natalie¡¯s unease grew.

    ¡°Dani, we are going to see Caiden, right?¡±

    Dani remained silent.

    As Elyse peered into the dark night outside, her anxiety intensified.

    ¡°Dani, where are we heading?¡±

    Dani ced her hands on her knees and replied, ¡°We¡¯re on our way to see Caiden.¡±

    The night deepened, and the surrounding scenery grew increasingly barren and sinister.

    Elyse scrutinized Dani, catching glimpses of her face in the sporadic moonlight, revealing a chilling, almost dangerous sharpness.

    ¡°But this doesn¡¯t seem like the route to any hospital,¡± Elyse said, her voice filled with rm as she gripped the seat in front of her.

    In the enveloping darkness, Dani chuckled lightly.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s is full of thrilling adventures

    The sound was haunting, filled with a clear threat.

    Natalie¡¯s heart raced, her voice quivering as she asked, ¡°Dani, where exactly are you taking us?¡±

    In the faint light streaming in, Dani turned to face them.

    Their expressions were etched with real terror, as though they had just grasped the full meaning of fear.

    Dani seemed entertained by this.

    ¡°Aunt Elyse, why are you frightened? If your conscience is clear, you shouldn¡¯t have anything to worry about.

    You¡¯re a righteous person, aren¡¯t you? What could possibly scare you?¡±

    Elyse was caught off guard. She wasn¡¯t sure whether Dani¡¯sments were pointed or merely offhand, but they unsettled her.

    ¡°I¡¯m not scared,¡± Elyse said, clenching her jaw.

    ¡°What reason do I have to be frightened? I haven¡¯t done anything shameful. And surely, your mother is looking out for me from heaven. After all, I was her sister.¡±

    Just then, the car came to a stop.

    Dani opened the door and announced to those inside, ¡°We¡¯ve arrived.¡±

    Elyse instantly turned her head, her heart racing with anxiety.

    What was this ce?

    An eerie, flickering light cast unsettling shadows around them. The entrance sign was askew, its letters hard to decipher.

    With reluctance, Elyse got out of the car, clutching Natalie¡¯s hand firmly. She nudged the entrance sign with her foot.

    ng! The abrupt sound made them both startle.

    Elyse quickly took out her phone, using the shlight to illuminate the ground.

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Happy weekend dear readers! God loves you and Noah wishes you all the best. (=?=) /

    .

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 741

    ?Chapter 741:

    The sign read ¡°Shadowpeak Madhouse.¡±

    Thest letter was barely visible due to weathering, while the other letters were painted in a disturbing shade of what looked like red paint or perhaps dried blood, adding to the ominous atmosphere.

    ¡°Dani, what on earth is this ce?¡± Elyse asked, her voice shaking.

    Dani regarded their frightened faces with contempt.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you wanted to see Caiden? He¡¯s inside. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Elyse¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief.

    ¡°You¡¯re telling me Caiden is here? In a mental hospital? Why would your father be in such a ce?¡±

    Dani had already entered before Elyse couldplete her thought.

    A gust of wind at the entrance made the light above sway ominously.

    Elyse realized they were isted in the deste surroundings. She clenched her hand tighter and hastened inside for support.

    The chilling wind screamed into the darkness.

    ¡°This ce is unsettling. I¡¯m covered in goosebumps,¡± Elyse murmured to Nina, feeling uneasy.

    Their conversation was interrupted by a distant scream, elerating their steps to catch up with Dani.

    Elyse called out, ¡°Dani, what caused your father¡¯s sudden illness? Were the medical checksprehensive?¡±

    Without a word, Dani ascended the stairs, her silence thickening the air around them.

    Explore captivating tales at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s???o??

    The dim lights threw unsettling shadows across the room. Each step was apanied by the sound ofbored breathing, heavy and ominous.

    It was as if a wild beast lurked in the darkness, silently watching their every move.

    The click of Nina¡¯s high heels echoed ominously off the sterile floors, amplifying the tension.

    ¡°Dani, have we arrived?¡± Elyse asked.

    In the enveloping darkness, Dani halted and turned to them with a chilling smile.

    The sight drained the color from Elyse¡¯s face.

    For a fleeting second, she thought she saw Brylee.

    Dani¡¯s voice then cut through the heavy silence.

    ¡°Aunt, what scares you so?¡±

    Elyse was about to dismiss her fears, but Dani continued down the corridor before she could respond.

    Leading them to the end of the hallway, Dani stopped at a room divided by a ss partition, reminiscent of a prison visitation area. They positioned themselves on one side of the ss partition as Caiden was escorted into view from the opposite side.

    The moment Caiden came into sight, Elyse and Nina were struck motionless.

    Could this really be Caiden?

    ¡°Dani!¡± Caiden¡¯s voice was filled with desperation as he pounded on the ss, his actions reminiscent of a trapped beast.

    ¡°Release me!¡±

    Dani observed silently, her expression one of chilling detachment, as Caiden, his head shaved and body marred by injuries, continued to yell.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 742

    ?Chapter 742:

    ¡°Dani! Let me go! I¡¯m not mad! I¡¯m your father; you cannot do this to me! Let me out!¡±

    The quiet of the night was shattered by Caiden¡¯s pained cries. The guards forcibly restrained him,mencing a brutal beating with a baton right before Elyse and Nina.

    The grim sound of the baton connecting with flesh was distinct and unsettling.

    They ceased only when Caiden copsed to the floor, a mere shadow of himself, gasping for air like a discarded puppet.

    Elyse and Nina, immobilized by shock, witnessed the scene in utter disbelief while Dani looked on, unaffected.

    ¡°Dani,¡± Elyse said tremulously, indicating the fallen Caiden.

    ¡°Did you not hear? He ims he is sound of mind.¡±

    Dani¡¯sugh, cold and resonating oddly in the stark room, filled the silence.

    ¡°Aunt, it¡¯smon for those afflicted with mental disorders to believe they are well,¡± Dani responded, locking eyes with Elyse.

    ¡°Were you aware? My father is indeed insane. He even alleges that my mother¡¯s death was actually a homicide.¡±

    At those words, Elyse becamepletely numb. Her thoughts ceased. She could no longer remember how to even muster a smile.

    A nervous chuckle was all that Elyse could muster.

    ¡°How is that possible? But the police said it was suicide.¡±

    Check what¡¯s new on g?ln¦Òv???s?c?m

    The corners of Dani¡¯s mouth turned up slightly, seemingly enjoying the gravity of the revtion.

    ¡°That¡¯s precisely why I¡¯m convinced he¡¯s lost his mind. He needs professional care. Don¡¯t you agree, Aunt?¡±

    Elyse felt a pang in her chest.

    ¡°Indeed, you¡¯re right. Caiden must be suffering from a severe mental disorder!¡±

    Dani¡¯s smile radiated a chilling beauty.

    ¡°Did I ever mention? I had cut off all ties with my father years ago.

    Yet, upon realizing his condition, I reconsidered. I¡¯ve since renewed our bond. It turns out, that only a direct rtive canmit someone here. Isn¡¯t that the hallmark of a devoted daughter?¡±

    A cold shiver ran through Elyse.

    Dani turned slightly to look at Caiden, who was still prone on the floor.

    She told her father, ¡°This way, we remain bonded as father and daughter, just as you always wished, right?¡±

    Caiden, drained of all resistance, his eyes brimming with despair, was helplessly dragged away.

    Dani turned her gaze to Elyse and Natalie, observing their ashen faces.

    During the silent drive back to the city, Elyse and Natalie shuddered in their fine garments, overwhelmed by their thoughts.

    It became starkly clear to them that Dani bore no resemnce to Brylee.

    Indeed, Dani was infinitely more cold-hearted and calcting than Brylee ever was.

    The car stopped in front of a grand vi.

    Elyse managed a tight smile, speaking to Dani with hesitation.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 743

    ?Chapter 743:

    ¡°Well, we should be going now.¡±

    She reached for the door handle, but the car door wouldn¡¯t budge.

    Surprised, she nced back at Dani.

    As Dani¡¯s face was hidden in the shadows, Elyse¡¯s heart skipped a beat. After a long, tense pause, she finally asked, ¡°Dani, why won¡¯t the car door open?¡±

    The only response was silence¡ªan unnerving, heavy silence that filled the car.

    Elyse¡¯s shock deepened as her hands, resting on her knees, began to tremble.

    ¡°Dani?¡±

    The streetlights outside flickered to life with a sudden snap, revealing Dani¡¯s cold, striking face.

    Elyse¡¯s heart tightened once again.

    In that moment, she felt as though Dani knew everything.

    She desperately wished it was just her imagination running wild.

    Just as Elyse was about to speak, unable to endure the silence any longer, Dani¡¯s soft voice cut through.

    ¡°Aunt, this vi you¡¯re living in now was bought by my mother, wasn¡¯t it?¡±

    One by one, the lights outside flickered on, illuminating the night.

    ¡°Yes, your mother gave it to me as a gift. She knew how tough things were with my inws and offered this vi as a form of future support.¡±

    Dani nodded, her gaze drifting towards the grand vi at the heart of the residential area.

    ??????????????????.?????? ¨C more stories here

    ¡°I recall you managed to divorce your ex-husband without much hassle and secured custody of both children, all thanks to this vi, am I right?¡±

    Elyse, unsure of why Dani had raised this topic, felt a mix of anxiety and fear.

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m very grateful to your mother.¡±

    The soft light touched Dani¡¯s face, and Elyse noticed a sarcastic smile appear on her lips.

    Her heart raced as she watched Dani. She asked, ¡°Is something wrong?¡±

    Dani answered quietly, ¡°No, just thinking about my mother. She had a tragic end.¡±

    Elyse paused for a moment, then let out a strained sigh.

    ¡°Ah, yes¡­¡± she replied, her throat tightening.

    ¡°Aunt, do you still remember what my mother looked like?¡±

    Elyse replied, ¡°Of course.¡±

    Dani smiled faintly.

    ¡°But I can hardly remember. I was so young back then. Despite my efforts, her image slips away a little more each day.¡±

    Elyse was speechless, unsure of how to reply.

    Just as she opened her mouth, Dani went on, ¡°I really envy Natalie. She still has her mother with her. Even without a partner all these years, you¡¯ve done a great job raising two kids.¡±

    Elyse couldn¡¯t quite tell if Dani was offering praise or criticizing her.

    She could only look at Dani¡¯s profile, lost in thought.

    Unexpectedly, the car door clicked open.

    Elyse ced her hand on the door handle.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 744

    ?Chapter 744:

    ¡°We¡¯ll be going now. Natalie, let¡¯s go.¡±

    Normally, with Elyse¡¯s emotional awareness, she would have said somethingforting, but the events of the night had left her too shaken. She needed to escape the heavy atmosphere as quickly as possible.

    The car door swung open, allowing the cold wind to rush in.

    Elyse pulled her coat tighter around her and prepared to step out.

    ¡°Aunt, do you think Caiden was right? Was my mother really murdered?¡± Dani¡¯s voice was soft but piercing.

    In that instant, Elyse frozepletely.

    Her head snapped around in shock, staring at Dani, unable to believe what she had just heard.

    Dani, who had been staring out the window, now faced her, her cold gaze locking onto hers.

    Her red lips parted slightly as she asked, ¡°Aunt, if it was murder, who do you think killed my mother?¡±

    Elyse stood frozen,pletely paralyzed by fear.

    Natalie quickly stepped out of the car, rushing to support Elyse, who looked like she was about to copse.

    ¡°Dani, you¡¯re overthinking this. There¡¯s no way it was murder. So many people saw your mother jump from the building that day¡ªeveryone saw it too, didn¡¯t you? And your father is insane. How could you take the words of a madman seriously?¡±

    Dani¡¯s sharp gaze moved from Elyse to Natalie.

    ¡°Natalie.¡±

    Fresh content avable now g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv????s

    Natalie straightened.

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°Over the years, while you were abroad, your mother always said how hard you worked. I¡¯ve been busy, and honestly, I¡¯ve felt guilty about that. My mother really liked you. She once told me she wanted to cover all your school expenses. So, was it difficult for you? Did you struggle to afford your studies?¡±

    For the briefest second, something flickered in Natalie¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°It was fine.¡±

    Dani¡¯s lips curled into a cold smile. Without another word, she straightened and turned to the driver.

    ¡°Marco, take me home.¡± The car slipped into the darkness, disappearing down the road.

    As Elyse watched it drive away, she fell to the ground.

    Later, frantically stuffing valuables into a bag, Elyse murmured, ¡°Dani knows something. I¡¯m sure of it! We have to leave¡ªright now. If we disappear, she¡¯ll never be able to find anything.¡±

    Standing off to the side, Natalie retorted, ¡°She has no proof. Even if she¡¯s onto something, she can¡¯t do anything without evidence. And think about it¡ªif she really knew the truth, would she still be this calm? At most, she¡¯s just suspicious.¡±

    Elyse¡¯s panic only grew.

    ¡°Just suspicious? How can you be so sure? Think about what she did today¡ªtaking us to see Caiden, testing us with all those questions, and then making that veiled threat. She¡¯s using Caiden as a warning¡ªshe¡¯s telling us to surrender!¡±

    Natalie scoffed.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care what Dani thinks. Mom, you were able to kill Brylee, take control of Harper Group, and fund my studies and luxurious life abroad. Now, I have the ambition and confidence to get rid of Dani, seize control of Elite Lux, and rise to the top. I¡¯ll make sure the Dury family enjoys wealth for generations.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 745

    ?Chapter 745:

    Elyse studied Natalie¡¯s resolute expression and sighed.

    ¡°This time, it won¡¯t be so simple.¡±

    Dani got homete that night and found Cedric already waiting for her.

    ¡°Where were you? You took so long.¡± He knelt down and changed her shoes.

    Nina walked downstairs and froze in shock. Her eyes widened in disbelief.

    As strong as Cedric was, he was always so humble around Dani. But Dani wasn¡¯t surprised¡ªshe was already used to it.

    The moment he straightened up, Dani threw herself into his arms.

    Cedric chuckled, and she leaned in, aiming for a kiss.

    But he yfully dodged, making her stretch onto her tiptoes. Heughed and turned his head away just in time.

    Refusing to give up, Dani chased after him, but this time, Cedric suddenly leaned down and gave her a deep, silent kiss.

    Standing at the staircase, Nina saw everything.

    After their yful moment, Cedric wrapped his arms around Dani¡¯s waist and asked with a smile, ¡°Are you tired now?¡± Dani gave a small nod.

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Without hesitation, he scooped her into his arms and carried her upstairs. As they passed Nina, he didn¡¯t spare her a nce¡ªit was as if Dani was the only person in his world.

    The door clicked shut, and only then did Nina shift her gaze away.

    The following morning, when Dani arrived at the office, Natalie was already there. She saw Dani and called out, ¡°Dani.¡±

    Dani raised her head, her voice steady and clear.

    ¡°This is the office.

    You should address me as Ms. Harper.¡±

    Natalie, clearly reluctant, pursed her lips andplied.

    ¡°Ms. Harper.¡± Dani didn¡¯t say a word or even nce at Natalie.

    Natalie, full of pride, was furious and spent the entire morning fuming with anger.

    Linden walked up to Natalie, his voice affectionate as he called her ¡°honey¡± and reached out for her hand.

    Despite the wave of disgust she felt, Natalie allowed him to hold her hand for the first time. With a cold, piercing gaze aimed at Dani¡¯s office, Natalie turned to Linden and asked bluntly, ¡°When can you get rid of Dani?¡±

    Linden¡¯s eyes lingered on Natalie¡¯s neck with desire.

    ¡°How about giving me more?¡±

    Natalie quickly brushed off his hand, ring at him with clear disgust.

    ¡°That¡¯s enough. I¡¯ve already slept with you twice, but what have you done for me? Dani is still safe and sound!¡±

    Linden rushed tofort her, trying to close the gap.

    Natalie pulled her hand away coldly.

    ¡°If you¡¯re not willing to do anything for me, then we should end this. We¡¯re nothing but strangers.¡±

    Linden¡¯s face fell, his voice desperate.

    ¡°Give me one more chance. I swear I¡¯ll make a move!¡±

    Fuming, Natalie snapped, ¡°Enough! Don¡¯t waste my time. If you can truly handle Dani, then maybe I¡¯ll be with you more, but if you¡¯re just fooling me, I¡¯ll be disgusted by even being near you!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 746

    ?Chapter 746:

    Feeling a bit frustrated, Linden said, ¡°I want to make a move, but Dani¡¯s never asked for my help as her family doctor, not even once.¡±

    Natalie¡¯s gaze deepened as she heard his words.

    ¡°If there¡¯s no opportunity, then create one.¡±

    Staring at Natalie¡¯s breast, Linden nodded eagerly.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Even though Natalie had made many attempts to harm Dani, Lillian had been on high alert.

    Natalie had never seeded once.

    ¡°Nina, could you please deliver this cup of coffee to Dani? I¡¯m feeling unwell.¡± Holding her stomach, Natalie made her request.

    Nina gave Natalie a look and asked, ¡°Do you honestly believe that close?¡±

    Just as Natalie was about to reply, Nina interrupted her.

    ¡°Stop calling yourself my sister; it¡¯s disgusting. No true sister would send her own sibling to a man¡¯s bed or ruin her marriage.¡±

    Natalie was frustrated by Nina¡¯s resistance. But she needed Nina¡¯s assistance. She needed Nina to deliver this coffee to Dani.

    Without Dani in the way, she could take over Elite Lux.

    And without Nina, the Dury family¡¯s wealth could be hers.

    She could aplish two goals with a single action.

    Read new content at g?ln¦Òv???s

    ¡°Nina, I admit I was wrong. Please, help your sister out and take this coffee to Dani. I really don¡¯t feel well.¡±

    Nina stared at the coffee, hesitated for a moment, then offered a smile.

    ¡°Alright. But first, you owe me an apology.¡±

    Natalie frowned.

    ¡°What?¡±

    Nina requested, ¡°Just say, ¡®I¡¯m sorry, Nina. I made a mistake. I should not have teamed up with Elyse to trick you into believing that it was Cedric at the hotel that night when it was actually Linden. It was wrong of me to set up my sister like that. I acknowledge my fault.''¡±

    Natalie scoffed.

    ¡°What do you mean? Are you still upset about something that happened so long ago? Do you even belong to the Dury family?¡±

    With a sarcastic smile, Nina answered, ¡°Do you still see me as part of the Dury family? You certainly didn¡¯t hesitate to set me up. Are you going to apologize or not? If not, I¡¯m leaving.¡± With those words, she turned to leave.

    ¡°Wait, stop! Okay, I¡¯ll say it.¡±

    Nina gave a small smile and turned her back to Elyse, quietly pressing the record button on her phone.

    Lillian walked past from a distance, observing the scene, yet she remained silent as she walked into Dani¡¯s office.

    In the corridor, Natalie mimicked Nina¡¯s earlier words with a dismissive and condescending tone.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Nina. I made a mistake. I should not have teamed up with Elyse to trick you into believing that it was Cedric at the hotel that night when it was actually Linden. It was wrong of me to set up my sister like that. I acknowledge my fault.¡± Natalie¡¯s voice carried a sneering and arrogant tone.

    She looked at Nina with disrespect, a deep sense of superiority rising within her.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 747

    ?Chapter 747:

    She noticed Nina recording but remained calm.

    What harm could a recording do?

    What could Nina really aplish?

    Not even Dani had control over her. Nina was destined to remain her tool forever.

    As long as Nina managed to get this cup of coffee to Dani, the control of Elite Lux and Harper Group would be in her hands.

    After capturing the confession on her phone, Nina carried the coffee into Dani¡¯s office. Dani was there, seated.

    Nina set the cup on the coffee table and passed some papers to Dani.

    ¡°Cousin, these documents require your signature today.¡±

    Lillian, seated next to the table, picked up the coffee cup. Nina, observing from a distance, was rmed.

    ¡°Hey! Don¡¯t drink that!¡± She tossed the coffee into a nearby trash can.

    Lillian turned to Nina, who quickly exined, ¡°Natalie asked me to take this to Dani. I¡¯m sure it¡¯s poisoned. She nned to make Dani ill, hoping Linden would step in somehow.¡±

    Natalie was cunning. She preferred not to involve herself in such schemes.

    Nina felt uneasy, but upon turning her gaze back, she noticed Lillian seemedpletely undisturbed.

    Meanwhile, Dani was signing the documents, her lips curled into a subtle smile.

    Discover endless adventures on g alno vels ; con

    Nina was confused.

    ¡°Dani?¡±

    Without raising her eyes, Dani replied, ¡°Lillian was merely testing you.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Nina eximed.

    Dani then instructed Nina, ¡°Take the empty cup out and inform Natalie that I¡¯ve drunk the coffee you brought.¡±

    Nina remained confused.

    Yet, she nodded obediently, picked up the empty coffee cup, and left.

    Natalie stood by the door, her face showing a mix of nervousness and anticipation.

    ¡°How did it go?¡± she asked.

    Still feeling confused and a bit shocked, Nina replied, ¡°What?¡±

    Natalie¡¯s impatience grew.

    ¡°The coffee!¡±

    Nina answered, ¡°She drank it. Didn¡¯t you ask me to bring it to her? Or am I mistaken?¡±

    Natalie¡¯s face broke into a gratified smile.

    ¡°Yes, yes! Nina, you finally did something right.¡±

    With those words, Natalie rushed downstairs. Nina guessed she was heading to inform Linden to prepare toe up.

    Natalie was utterly merciless. She was manipting everyone around her while keeping up appearances of innocence.

    Dani had just mentioned feeling a touch under the weather in her office when Linden walked in.

    ¡°Ms. Harper, are you feeling a bit off-color?¡± he inquired.

    Dani, leaning her elbow on the desk, pressed her fingertips to her temples.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 748

    ?Chapter 748:

    ¡°I¡¯ve suddenlye over a bit dizzy.¡±

    Linden¡¯s eyes lit up at her words. He exchanged a quick, knowing nce with Natalie, who stood nearby.

    ¡°It¡¯s likely nothing serious. Let me have a look. Perhaps you¡¯ve caught a bit of a cold.¡±

    Lillian stood nearby, arms crossed, radiating an icy disapproval in silence.

    Linden felt a surge of triumph. Usually, it was like navigating a minefield trying to get close to Dani, but now, with her feeling unwell, everyone would have to defer to him, the doctor.

    ¡°Ms. Harper, let¡¯s check your blood pressure,¡± Linden offered, his gaze lingering on Dani with a hint of affection.

    Dani possessed a more refined, almost regal airpared to Natalie. Though they shared a striking resemnce, the pride and aloofness that shimmered in Dani¡¯s eyes were qualities Natalie could only dream of.

    Linden,pletely mesmerized by Dani, seemed to have forgotten the presence of others.

    Narrowing her eyes, Natalie asked, ¡°How is Dani?¡±

    Linden, still lost in thebyrinth of Dani¡¯s beauty, felt his heart do a little tap dance.

    If he could be with Dani, he¡¯d dly pay any price, even his own life.

    Natalie, standing aside, gritted her teeth. How could Linden be acting like a lovesick puppy at a time like this?

    New chapters avable g?ln¦Ò¦Í??ls

    Could he get dumber?

    She marched over and gave Linden a hearty p on the back, nearly sending him sprawling.

    Exclusive updates g¦Ál¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??s.c?m

    Linden, visibly annoyed, turned to meet Natalie¡¯s warning stare.

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s just a minor thing, a slight cold. A little medicine will do the trick.¡±

    Linden retrieved the prepared medicine from his kit and, with a flourish, presented it to Dani with both hands.

    ¡°Nina,¡± Dani called out.

    ¡°Please prepare this medicine for me.¡±

    Explore magic at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s£®c????

    Nina nodded, a flicker of worry crossing her face, suspecting Linden might have tampered with it. But since Dani had spoken, she trusted her judgment andplied.

    After preparing the concoction, Nina handed the cup to Dani and stepped back.

    Natalie, standing nearby, watched Dani intently as she raised the cup to her lips.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you two leaving?¡± Dani inquired, pausing mid-sip.

    ¡°Is there something else?¡±

    Natalie¡¯s eyes darted towards the cup near Dani¡¯s lips, a mix of excitement and nervousness swirling within her.

    ¡°We¡¯re on our way. Go ahead and finish your medicine, and then we can all breathe easy,¡± Natalie replied, her smile a tad too bright.

    Dani returned the smile. Then, right before Natalie¡¯s very eyes, she downed the medicine in one smooth gulp.

    Natalie¡¯s heart, which had been doing the cha-cha, finally rxed at the sight of the empty cup.

    A triumphant smile spread across her face, her whole demeanor radiating a sense of smug satisfaction.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 749

    ?Chapter 749:

    She and Linden exited the office, and as they left, she nced back at Dani, noticing that herplexion seemed to have taken a turn for the worse.

    Once Natalie and Linden were gone, the office door clicking shut behind them, Nina let out a long sigh of relief.

    She pulled the medicine Linden had given her from her pocket.

    ¡°Dani, you had me scared stiff.¡±

    Dani gave a faint smile.

    ¡°What was there to be afraid of?¡±

    Nina replied, ¡°I was terrified of getting caught.¡±

    Dani exined, ¡°In this office, the person Natalie trusts implicitly is you. By having you prepare the medicine, Natalie was already convinced she¡¯d achieved her goal.¡±

    Natalie always underestimated Nina. She was certain Nina wouldn¡¯t dare cross her. Having Nina prepare the medicine was the perfect touch, maximizing the illusion of credibility.

    Nina gave Dani a thumbs-up.

    ¡°Dani, you¡¯re absolutely brilliant.

    What¡¯s the next move?¡±

    Dani chuckled and whispered her n.

    Nina gasped in admiration.

    Updates always live at gal¦Ç¦Òv??ls

    ¡°You¡¯re incredible, Dani! This way, I can finally have my sweet revenge.¡±

    Natalie, having exited Dani¡¯s office, loitered near the door, waiting for news of Dani¡¯s sudden demise.

    Ten minutes ticked by.

    An hour crawled past.

    Two hours drifted into the night, yet all remained eerily quiet.

    Natalie¡¯s brow furrowed, and she shot daggers at Linden with her eyes.

    Her patience finally snapped like a twig, and she barged back into the CEO¡¯s office.

    Dani, seemingly unfazed, sat reviewing new project proposals, not even looking up.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Dani¡¯s voice was cool, detached.

    Natalie scrutinized Dani¡¯s face, still radiating health.

    ¡°Dani, how are you feeling now?¡±

    ¡°Quite well, actually. After taking the medicine, I feel much better!¡± Dani picked up a document beside her, signing it as she spoke.

    ¡°Inform Enzo in the project department that this multi-million-dor project can proceed.¡±

    With a frustrated ¡°Hmm,¡± Natalie stormed out of the office. Once outside, she fixed Linden with a withering re.

    ¡°Have you been ying me for a fool all this time? What exactly did you give Dani? Huh?¡±

    Linden¡¯s eyes darted around nervously.

    ¡°Medicine.¡±

    Natalie¡¯s lips curled into a sneer.

    ¡°You can¡¯t rely on men for anything!¡± With that, she turned on her heel to leave.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 750

    ?Chapter 750:

    Linden reached out and grabbed her hand, his voice suddenly turning syrupy sweet.

    ¡°Come on. Don¡¯t be like that.

    You guessed it, didn¡¯t you? I didn¡¯t give Dani a full dose. I did it for our future, for you. If I¡¯d been caught and sent to jail, you¡¯d be left high and dry.¡±

    Natalie snatched her hand away as if it had been burned.

    ¡°I think you¡¯ve fallen for that bitch Dani, haven¡¯t you?¡±

    Linden chuckled, a sleazy sound that grated on Natalie¡¯s ears.

    ¡°You¡¯re cousins. Do you really need to be so mean?¡±

    Natalie¡¯s sneer deepened.

    ¡°So, what are you getting at?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, sweetheart.

    You¡¯re the one I truly care about. Trust me. I just want to y with Dani for a while. Once I¡¯m bored, I¡¯ll definitely take care of her for you. I reduced the dosage to make her dependent on me. This drug will cloud her judgment, soften her resolve. Isn¡¯t it Elite Lux you want? By then, you can have her transfer it to you.¡±

    Natalie looked at Linden, searching his eyes for a hint of truth.

    ¡°Really?¡±

    Linden smiled.

    Your new favorite stories are at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    Natalie¡¯s eyes narrowed, her mind reying the image of Dani she had just seen in the office. She hadn¡¯t seemed like someone whose mind was clouded.

    ¡°How will you prove Dani is under your thumb?¡± she asked.

    Linden was brimming with self-assurance.

    ¡°When Dani leaves work and heads to the parking lot, I¡¯ll give you a demonstration. With the current dosage, I can control her consciousness for about a minute.¡± Linden grinned, his grip on Natalie¡¯s hand tightening possessively.

    ¡°Honey, don¡¯t be jealous.

    You know you¡¯re the only one in my heart. It¡¯s just that all men will stray a little.

    You¡¯ll forgive me, won¡¯t you?¡±

    Natalie looked at Linden¡¯s face, a face that only a mother could love, as a wave of nausea washed over her.

    She let out a brittleugh, pulled her hand free from his grasp, and strutted back towards the office.

    That day, Dani left for home at 9 PM as usual.

    By the time she reached the underground parking lot, Natalie and Linden were already lurking outside.

    Dani detected a strange, cloying fragrance in the air.

    With a flourish, Linden snapped his fingers near her ear.

    The next second, hemanded, ¡°Dani, stand still and be quiet for a minute.¡±

    Dani froze in her tracks.

    Linden turned to Natalie, a smug grin stered across his face.

    ¡°See? The drug¡¯s working, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Natalie tilted her head, waved a hand in front of Dani¡¯s face, and then peered intently into her eyes, calling, ¡°Dani?¡± Only silence answered her.

    The underground parking lot was as quiet as a tomb.

    Linden¡¯s smugness intensified, and he reached for Natalie¡¯s hand.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 751

    ?Chapter 751:

    ¡°See? I told you. I¡ª¡±

    Before he could finish his sentence, they both watched as Dani blinked.

    Dani looked at them nkly, her gaze lingering on their sped hands.

    ¡°Are you dating?¡±

    Natalie, already battling a rising tide of disgust, struggled to contain her revulsion. She hadn¡¯t expected Dani to snap out of it so suddenly.

    ¡°No. We¡­ It¡¯s just¡­¡± Natalie was desperate to distance herself from Linden.

    ¡°My hands were cold, and he was just being a gentleman, warming them for me.¡±

    Dani seemed unconcerned.

    Linden, however, turned to Natalie.

    Dani began to walk away, then paused and turned back to Natalie.

    ¡°Linden is a good man. There¡¯s no rule against colleagues dating in thepany. If you truly admire each other, I support you being together.¡±

    Linden¡¯s face was about to split into a triumphant grin when Natalie quickly interjected, ¡°No. Really. There¡¯s nothing between us. I have someone I like, and it¡¯s not Linden.¡±

    Dani nodded knowingly, nced at Linden with a hint of pity, and then shook her head regretfully.

    As Dani¡¯s car pulled away, Linden rounded on Natalie.

    ¡°Natalie, what was that all about? Why didn¡¯t you acknowledge our rtionship just now? Are you saying you don¡¯t n to be with me?¡± That could exin her strange behavior.

    Discover more content at galnov??????.c??m

    Natalie¡¯s patience had worn thin, stretched to its absolute limit. She almost rolled her eyes at him.

    She wanted to tell Linden to take a long, hard look at himself in the mirror.

    He was daydreaming.

    ¡°No, I¡¯m just focusing on my career right now. I don¡¯t want my personal life to interfere with my professional development.¡±

    Linden¡¯s face was a mask of disbelief.

    ¡°Natalie, if I find out you¡¯re deceiving me, I won¡¯t take it lightly.¡±

    A sudden wave of unease washed over Natalie.

    ¡°How could I possibly fool you?¡±

    Upon Dani¡¯s return home, Nina was concerned and asked, ¡°Are you okay, Dani?¡±

    No sooner had she spoken than Cedric entered from outside.

    ¡°What¡¯s happening? Is everything okay?¡±

    Nina quickly stepped aside.

    Dani gave a soft smile.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing; just a bit of work talk.¡± Nina understood that Dani did not want Cedric to know about her struggles.

    Before bedtime, Cedric held Dani close.

    ¡°Promise me nothing bad will happen to you.¡±

    Daniforted him by patting his hand.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    Dayster, Natalie observed Dani confidently managing a ten-hour international meeting.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 752

    ?Chapter 752:

    She frowned, turning to Linden.

    ¡°Linden, how long until your n takes effect? Dani appears to be growing more energetic with each passing moment.¡±

    Linden felt a sense of unease.

    ¡°This is unexpected. She should be growing weak and drowsy from the dose.¡±

    He had intended to take advantage of her vulnerability in the lounge.

    Yet, Dani appeared livelier than ever.

    Natalie stared coldly at Linden, then pped him sharply.

    ¡°Fool!¡±

    Natalie quickly walked away, not even bothering to nce at Linden again.

    Linden, feeling agitated, made his way to the men¡¯s room. As he stepped out, he identally bumped into Nina, who was justing out of thedies¡¯ room across the corridor.

    He was about to walk away when Nina stopped him.

    ¡°Linden, have you considered your future?¡±

    Linden frowned and faced her.

    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m bringing this up because I can¡¯t keep quiet any longer.

    You¡¯ve sacrificed so much for Natalie, yet she hasn¡¯t always been faithful to you. There¡¯s a wealthy young man from the research and development department, Tobin Kelly, and she¡¯s been seen with him quite a bit. Not many people are aware of your rtionship with my sister. This is not fair to you, given you¡¯re handling these risky schemes for her. If things head in the wrong direction, do you think she¡¯ll support you? She will take credit for all the sesses and live a life of luxury with Tobin. Is that something you¡¯re okay with?¡±

    M??? ?¦Ñ?¦Á??? ?? ?¦Á??¦Ò¦Í???.?¦Ò?

    Linden¡¯s expression darkened with her words.

    Over the next few days, Linden stalked Natalie.

    He observed her enjoy a candlelit dinner with Tobin, followed by a trip to the movies. On the Ferris wheel, Tobin held Natalie¡¯s hand. She didn¡¯t pull away; instead, she blushed.

    Linden felt his rage surge.

    He whipped out his phone, dialed a number, and after a long pause, a voice answered, ¡°Hello?¡±

    Linden red up at the Ferris wheel as it rose high above him. In a cold tone, he demanded, ¡°Natalie, where are you right now?¡±

    Annoyed, Natalie snapped, ¡°What do you want? I¡¯m currently busy.¡±

    Linden continued, ¡°I miss you. Where are you? I¡¯lle to you.¡± Losing patience, Natalie said, ¡°Finish your work first, or don¡¯t bother calling me.¡±

    ¡°Who are you talking to? Who¡¯s calling you sote?¡± Tobin asked.

    ¡°Just a telemarketer,¡± replied Natalie before ending the call.

    Linden remained under the Ferris wheel, observing Natalie and Tobin as they shared whispers andughter.

    He squinted, a dark glow beginning to form in his eyes.

    The following morning, as Nina stepped out of her bedroom, she heard the TV news anchor delivering the day¡¯s headlines.

    ¡°Today, our city was the scene of a brutal murder. The killer tied the victim to a Ferris wheel, which continued to turn throughout the night. By morning, when the amusement park staff found him, the victim had already been dead for several hours. The police are investigating the case, and the amusement park has been shut down.¡±

    Nina almost let her water ss slip from her hand upon hearing the news.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 753

    ?Chapter 753:

    The news showed the face of Tobin, who had been dating Natalie, putting him in the spotlight.

    When Dani came down the stairs, Nina looked visibly shaken.

    From the other end of the staircase, she locked eyes with Dani.

    ¡°Dani, Linden has made a move. Tobin is dead.¡±

    Dani took a quick look at the television screen before replying casually, ¡°Hmm.¡±

    ¡°Dani, it¡¯s too dangerous. Stop using yourself as bait. People like Linden are crazy, and the ones behind them are even worse.¡±

    Dani took a drink of water, eyes still fixed on the television, and said calmly, ¡°Is that right? Perfect! I thrive on the challenge of taking down viins.¡±

    Dani had just arrived at the office when a leave request from Nataliended on her desk.

    Cedric, working at Elite Lux today, noticed Dani cing a call to Natalie.

    ¡°It¡¯s urgent.

    You might need toe over.¡±

    After Dani hung up, Cedric nced at her, a puzzled expression on his face.

    He had been under the impression that the investigation into Brylee¡¯s death had ended and that the threats against Dani had been neutralized. He looked at Dani, puzzled, with a subconscious feeling that she was nning something big.

    He turned to Lillian for rification, but she merely smiled enigmatically and gestured towards Dani.

    ¡°Dani specifically instructed me not to involve you in these troublesome matters, so please don¡¯t put me in a difficult position, alright? You should ask her yourself.¡±

    Find your next story at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s£®??o??

    Cedric, of course, didn¡¯t press the issue. He knew Dani wouldn¡¯t confide in him.

    Thest time he had tried to meddle in her affairs, it had resulted in a major sh, with him ultimately backing down.

    ¡°Is there any danger?¡± Cedric asked, his voiceced with concern.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you trust Dani?¡± Lillian chuckled.

    ¡°She¡¯s meticulous in everything she does, and with you here, she¡¯s even more vignt about her safety.¡± Cedric nodded in response.

    By lunchtime, he had his secretary move all the files from his office to Elite Lux.

    Dani didn¡¯t say much, only instructing the secretarial department to rece Cedric¡¯s furniture with a ridiculously expensive set.

    It was such a tant disy of power that anyone entering her office would instinctively nce towards Cedric¡¯s now opulent seat.

    Natalie arrived at thepany at noon, looking as pale as a ghost.

    ¡°Ms. Harper, here is all the information on this project. If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯d like to take the afternoon off.¡±

    Natalie¡¯s eyes were hollow, betraying a deep-seated unease.

    Dani offered a faint smile.

    ¡°Can you hold on? The negotiating party will be here this afternoon.¡±

    Natalie nodded reluctantly.

    Throughout the afternoon, Natalie was visibly distracted, her mind clearly elsewhere. During dinner, the partners subtly hinted to Dani that Natalie¡¯s performance as an assistant was slipping.

    Natalie overheard theirments and blushed, her inability to focus only worsening.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 754

    ?Chapter 754:

    The previous night, after she and Tobin had just stepped off the Ferris wheel, they had run into Linden, who had greeted them with a bone-chilling smile.

    He hadn¡¯t said a word, just looked at her with that icy grin.

    Tobin had subsequently died in a freak ident.

    A coincidence? Natalie didn¡¯t think so!

    After the banquet, Dani noticed Natalie¡¯s downcast expression.

    ¡°Natalie, if you¡¯re feeling overwhelmedtely, why not return to Harper Group for the time being?¡±

    Startled, Natalie¡¯s head snapped up.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Dani.¡±

    Dani studied Natalie¡¯s dazed expression and smiled knowingly.

    ¡°I heard someone saw you with Tobinst night. He died yesterday, did you know?¡±

    Before Natalie could even begin to panic and offer an exnation, Dani continued, ¡°I also heard you¡¯ve been quite close to Lindentely. Is that right?¡±

    Natalie¡¯s heart nearly stopped beating. She didn¡¯t understand why Dani had suddenly brought up these two names, wondering if it was a veiled threat or a simple observation.

    Either way, it wasn¡¯t a good sign.

    She desperately wanted to speak, to offer some kind of defense, but Dani simply waved her hand dismissively.

    ¡°I¡¯m going home.¡± The words Natalie so desperately wanted to say remained trapped in her throat. She was left floundering, watching Dani¡¯s figure recede into the distance.

    Your hub for fresh chapters g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv??ls

    Nina lingered behind.

    ¡°Natalie, I think she suspects something. Why not just make your rtionship with Linden public?¡±

    As Nina spoke, her hands were sped behind her back, her phone discreetly disying an active call.

    Natalie, her nerves frayed to the breaking point, red coldly at Nina.

    ¡°Nina, don¡¯t get too big for your boots! Otherwise, I¡¯ll tell the world you¡¯ve slept with Linden.¡±

    Nina smirked.

    ¡°Natalie, Linden ispletely devoted to you, but you¡¯ve been ying him for a fool. Don¡¯t you think he¡¯ll feel betrayed?

    Have you ever considered actually being with him?¡±

    Hearing these words, Natalie let out a harsh, mirthlessugh.

    ¡°With Linden? Does he even deserve me? Why should I care if he¡¯s hurt? To me, he¡¯s beneath contempt, a grotesque creature with a face only a mother could love and a stature that barely reaches my shoulder. Just looking at him makes me sick to my stomach. How could he everpare to me? What a joke!¡± Natalie¡¯s venom dripped with every word.

    Nina¡¯s smile widened slightly.

    ¡°But Natalie, Linden is so good to you, even willing to risk his neck and kill Dani for you. Aren¡¯t you even a little bit touched?¡±

    Natalie shot Nina a contemptuous look.

    ¡°Touched? What¡¯s that worth? Linden is only fit to sleep with you! He¡¯s delusional if he thinks he has a chance with me!¡±

    With that, Natalie, no longer able to stomach Nina¡¯s presence, hailed a taxi and left.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 755

    ?Chapter 755:

    Nina, still holding the active phone call, inquired calmly, ¡°Did you hear everything?¡±

    Back at Dani¡¯s residence, Nina gave Dani a resounding thumbs-up.

    ¡°You¡¯re absolutely brilliant, Dani! Now all we have to do is sit back and watch the fireworks. Linden is sure to take care of Natalie.¡±

    Nina had never felt so gleeful, so exhrated, in her entire life.

    The next day, Linden strode into Dani¡¯s office and announced, ¡°Ms. Harper, I¡¯m dating Natalie now.¡±

    Dani, seated at her desk, offered aposed smile.

    ¡°That¡¯s wonderful news. Natalie is my cousin, and I truly hope this rtionship works out for her. Thepany isn¡¯t too busy right now, so take advantage of the downtime¡ªspend more time together. Linden, you have my permission to move your desk next to Natalie¡¯s.¡±

    When Natalie heard about it, she went pale, her shock evident. She stormed over to Linden, her usual haughty demeanor intact.

    ¡°Have youpletely lost your mind? What possessed you to tell Dani we¡¯re dating?¡±

    Linden met her re with icy indifference.

    ¡°You¡¯ve already slept with me, yet you refuse to admit you¡¯re my girlfriend. What, are you just going to let me use you and walk away?¡±

    As he spoke, he wrapped an arm around her waist.

    Natalie¡¯s breath hitched, and she immediately tried to shove him off. But this time, Linden wasn¡¯t letting go. He pinned her against the window, his grip firm, and kissed her.

    L??t??¦Ó ch?¨»¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?l??.?§àm

    Natalie fought back, twisting in his hold, but Linden refused to stop. His lips moved from hers to her neck, his touch leaving her breathless. Panic set in¡ªshe was on the verge of losing it.

    She shoved at his chest with all her strength, butpared to Linden, her resistance was useless.

    Just then, Nina happened to walk by. Humiliated, Natalie¡¯s eyes darted towards her, seeking help. But Nina only smirked, her expression dripping with mockery. She pulled out her phone, snapped a picture of the scene, and sent it straight into thepany¡¯s group chat.

    Natalie¡¯s heart plummeted. Tears welled in her eyes, spilling down her face as herposure shattered.

    Linden watched Natalie, his pulse quickening at the sight of her tearstreaked face. His hands roamed over her, pressing her against the ss. If they weren¡¯t standing in thepany¡¯s corridor, he might have gone even further.

    It took half an hour before he finally let her go. Natalie gasped for breath, her chest rising and falling erratically. Her entire body trembled. She couldn¡¯tprehend why Linden had suddenly turned so aggressive¡ªall she knew was that the way he had just treated her had left her shaken to the core. Fear, shame, and revulsion twisted inside her.

    Linden saw it all written on her face. His expression darkened.

    ¡°What¡¯s with that look? You didn¡¯t want me to kiss you?¡±

    Natalie furiously wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.

    ¡°You¡¯re insane. Why the hell did you tell Dani we were dating? For the record, I never agreed to be with you.¡±

    A dangerous glint shed through Linden¡¯s eyes. His low chuckle sent an eerie chill down Natalie¡¯s spine. The way he smirked at her made her stomach turn.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 756

    ?Chapter 756:

    ¡°Natalie, let me spell it out for you. If you don¡¯t get in my bed and admit you belong to me, then don¡¯t expect me to lift a finger to help you.¡±

    Natalie scoffed, smoothing down her disheveled hair with a flick of her wrist.

    ¡°I already slept with you. If you break your promise, then don¡¯t expect to touch me again.¡±

    Linden¡¯s sneer deepened, dripping with mockery.

    ¡°Was it really you I slept with back then? Natalie, if you dare lie to me, you¡¯ll regret it.¡±

    Natalie¡¯s breath caught in her throat, her eyes widening in shock.

    Linden¡¯s gaze hardened.

    ¡°Natalie, I know you think you¡¯re better than me. That¡¯s fine. But mark my words¡ªone day, you¡¯ll be the one begging.¡±

    With that, he spun on his heel and strode away.

    Natalie narrowed her eyes, watching his retreating figure, then scoffed. He wanted her to beg him? He was delusional.

    She stepped aside just as the elevator doors slid open, revealing Elyse, who burst out in a panic.

    The moment she saw Natalie¡¯s red-rimmed eyes, her expression darkened.

    ¡°Sweetheart, what happened? Where is that bastard Linden? How dare he do this to you? I swear, I¡¯ll make him pay!¡±

    Elyse¡¯s hands clenched at her sides, her rage barely contained. To her, Natalie was untouchable, her future resting on a man like Cedric¡ªa man of power and prestige. There was no way she¡¯d let someone like Linden taint her.

    Natalie¡¯s brows furrowed.

    ¡°Mom, how did you even find out?¡±

    Elyse¡¯s face twisted with indignation.

    ¡°You don¡¯t know? Nina took a picture of Linden pinning you against the window and posted it in thepany¡¯s group chat. Now, the whole office thinks you¡¯re with him!¡± Elyse¡¯s fury reached a boiling point.

    ¡°And your own sister¡ªNina stood there and let it happen! Just wait until I deal with her!¡±

    Natalie¡¯s expression turned cold as she yanked out her phone. Thepany¡¯s group chat was in chaos.

    ¡°Linden and Natalie? Seriously?¡±

    ¡°They have to be a couple! Did you see how intense that was?¡±

    ¡°Oh my God, he actually managed tond someone way out of his league!¡±

    ¡°I always thought Natalie was untouchable¡ªshe only ever smiled at Cedric and ignored the rest of us. How did Linden manage to reel her in?¡±

    ¡°Hah! What a fake! Acting all high and mighty, but just look at that picture¡ªLinden¡¯s got his hands all over her, kissing her neck. She¡¯s obviously into it.¡±

    ¡°So the belle of thepany is just another flirt? Unbelievable.¡±

    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t say that. Dani is still the real top beauty around here.¡±

    ¡°I second that.¡±

    ¡°Agreed.¡±

    ¡°Same here.¡±

    The chat exploded as nearly everyone chimed in.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 757

    ?Chapter 757:

    Furious, Natalie flung her phone onto the desk.

    ¡°I swear, I¡¯ll strangle these gossiping idiots!¡±

    Her whole body trembled with rage.

    ¡°Cedric is working in Elite Lux these days. If he sees this garbage, what¡¯s he going to think of me? Am I going to lose my chance?¡±

    At this moment, the elevator doors slid open, and Cedric stepped out. The soft glow from outside illuminated his sharp features, stirring an unexpected flutter in Natalie¡¯s heart. She realized that no matter how much time had passed, her feelings for Cedric had never wavered. If anything, they had only grown stronger.

    ¡°Cedric,¡± she called out.

    Cedric was discussing Elite Lux¡¯s security upgrades with Ryan when he heard her.

    When he spotted Natalie, he stopped mid-conversation and asked, ¡°Ms. Dury, do you need something?¡±

    Natalie couldn¡¯t help but feel a sting at how distant and formal Cedric addressed her.

    ¡°Cedric, we used to go to the same school. There¡¯s no need to be so formal. Just call me Natalie.¡±

    Elyse observed the exchange from a distance, anticipation gleaming in her eyes. In her mind, Cedric was the ideal candidate for a son-inw.

    Cedric¡¯s patience was wearing thin.

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s hosts thetest chapters

    ¡°I need to tell you something.¡± Natalie hesitated, ncing at Ryan beside her.

    Ryan crossed his arms, making it clear he had no ns to leave.

    Natalie bit her bottom lip.

    ¡°I just wanted to clear up a misunderstanding. The things said in that group chat about Linden and I¡ª¡±

    ¡°What group chat?¡± Cedric cut her off, turning to Ryan.

    ¡°Is my wife in it?¡±

    Natalie¡¯s face darkened, and she was on the verge of tears. Was Dani the only person Cedric truly cared about?

    Ryan nodded.

    ¡°Yeah, she is. Do you want me to add you?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Natalie blurted out, panic creeping into her voice.

    ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant. It¡¯s just a silly group chat. If you¡¯re not in it, don¡¯t worry about it¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m in,¡± Cedric interrupted.

    ¡°So, what¡¯s being discussed?¡±

    Immediately, as Cedric entered the chat, he could sense the hostility.

    Ryan skimmed through the messages before reading one aloud.

    ¡°That slut, pretending to be aloof, still has the nerve to seduce Ms. Harper¡¯s man. She should take a good look in the mirror. She¡¯s only fit for Linden. In my opinion, Ms. Harper shouldn¡¯t tolerate having her around.¡±

    As he passed by Natalie, Cedric asked Ryan indifferently, ¡°Who¡¯s supposed to be seducing me?¡±

    Ryan quickly caught up to Cedric.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 758

    ?Chapter 758:

    ¡°They¡¯re saying Ms. Harper¡¯s man. So, are you her man?¡±

    Cedric nodded without hesitation.

    ¡°Of course. I¡¯m her only man.¡±

    Ryan nodded in agreement.

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±

    Natalie stood there, watching as Cedric walked away. When Ryan confirmed Cedric¡¯s words, Cedric let out a chuckle. He waspletely uninterested in anything that didn¡¯t involve Dani. Natalie clenched her fists, her eyes reddening as a wave of frustration washed over her.

    She could have let it go like she always did in the past. However, she bit her lip and rushed after him today.

    ¡°Cedric, just give me five minutes. Let me exin.¡±

    Cedric stopped and turned to Natalie, his gaze cold.

    ¡°Exin? To me? About what?¡±

    His three questions showed his confusion, but his expression remained equally indifferent.

    ¡°The chat¡­ People are just making things up. I¡¯m not like that.¡± Cedric finallyprehended.

    ¡°Oh, you are the person they¡¯re talking about in the group chat.¡±

    Natalie nodded, her eyes teary.

    ¡°But it¡¯s all a misunderstanding.¡±

    Before she could say more, Ryan pulled up the photos Nina had posted earlier in the chat.

    ¡°How is this a misunderstanding? I heard you two held that pose for half an hour.¡±

    Natalie¡¯s eyes welled with tears as she stared at the photo, showing Linden¡¯s hand creeping up her shirt, settling on her chest. Tears rolled down Natalie¡¯s face.

    Cedric pushed the office door open and stepped inside, Ryan trailing after him.

    Natalie stood frozen, the humiliation settling deep in her bones. She turned on her heels and went straight to find Nina.

    The sharp crack echoed as a hot pnded across Nina¡¯s face. Ninaughed loudly, herughter so intense that it made her whole body tremble.

    Elyse¡¯s expression darkened, her voice shaking with fury.

    ¡°Nina! Do you even still call yourself part of the Dury family? Your own sister was humiliated, and you stood there snapping photos? Have youpletely lost your humanity? You heartless fool!¡±

    Elyse¡¯s voice trembled with rage as she spoke, her anger unmistakably genuine.

    Nina looked at Natalie¡¯s tear-streaked face and Elyse¡¯s furious outburst, suddenly realizing a harsh truth. Unless the pain was felt firsthand, it was nearly impossible to understand.

    ¡°Mom, when you sent me to sleep with Linden on Natalie¡¯s behalf, did you ever show me any concern?¡±

    Elyse¡¯s p obliterated Nina¡¯s final shred of hope. Nina tasted the blood on her lip and curled her lip into a sneer.

    ¡°Now Natalie canprehend what the pain I¡¯ve endured feels like.¡±

    Elyse couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that Nina hadpletely lost her mind. She burst into Dani¡¯s office, her voice sharp.

    ¡°Dani, if you still consider me your aunt, you¡¯ll fire Nina from Elite Lux. If not, I¡¯ll take Natalie with me.

    You can only choose one.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 759

    ?Chapter 759:

    Cedric, ensconced in the office chair Dani had provided, felt a disquieting sense of something amiss. Why was Dani getting dragged into the Dury sisters¡¯ drama? Natalie, standing behind Elyse, struck him as a particrly thorny character. Cedric could tell Natalie was someone who knew how to manipte people.

    Natalie felt Cedric¡¯s gaze upon her. Without looking up, she feigned wiping away invisible tears. She figured all men were the same, always falling for the delicate, innocent type. Compared to that dimwit Nina, she thought, any sane man would choose her.

    Natalie subtly squared her shoulders, turning to give Cedric what she thought was a dazzling, irresistible smile. But the smile froze on her lips the very next second. Why did Cedric¡¯s supposedly sympathetic gaze seem so harsh?

    Taken aback, Natalie quickly averted her eyes.

    Just then, she heard Elyse speaking to Dani.

    ¡°Dani, I don¡¯t want to make things difficult for you, but Nina is simply beyond the pale. How could she just stand by while her sister was being harassed? Elite Lux can¡¯t harbor someone like that.¡±

    Dani responded with a smile, ¡°Is that so?¡±

    Elyse nodded vigorously.

    ¡°Absolutely. Nina is utterly ruthless. Forget Elite Lux, even if she wants to join Harper Group, she should apologize to Natalie first.¡±

    Dani sat in her chair and rested her elbows on the table, while Elyse appeared overbearing, determined to get Nina fired.

    All the magic begins at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    Cedric, frowning, stepped forward to stand protectively behind Dani. Elyse, noticing Cedric¡¯s imposing presence, swallowed nervously, her bravado faltering.

    ¡°You must make a choice today,¡± Elyse demanded.

    Dani smiled faintly, her demeanor cool and detached.

    ¡°Aunt Elyse, I always thought this was a family matter.¡±

    Elyse¡¯s furious expression wavered, her momentum clearly waning.

    ¡°Natalie is a top-tier graduate, returning from overseas with experience at prestigiouspanies. Is she incapable of distinguishing between personal and professional conduct? If even such trifling matters require my personal intervention, then I fail to see the purpose of having her as a secretary.¡± Dani¡¯s tone dripped with criticism. Elyse was flustered.

    ¡°No, that¡¯s not what I meant at all. Natalie is perfectly capable.¡±

    Dani ignored the interruption, her sharp gaze fixed on Natalie, a subtle smile ying on her lips.

    ¡°Or perhaps, are you relying on our family connection to act so brazenly?¡±

    Natalie, rmed, opened her mouth to offer an exnation, but Dani raised a hand to stop her.

    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, then I don¡¯t want either Nina or Natalie. Otherwise, thepany¡¯s operations will suffer, and I simply don¡¯t have the energy for that.¡±

    Natalie¡¯s eyes widened in shock.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to imply that.¡± Dani looked at Natalie.

    ¡°Since that wasn¡¯t your intention, I trust you¡¯ll handle your personal affairs with the appropriate discretion, huh?¡± Natalie gritted her teeth, realizing she had been outmaneuvered. Dani was incredibly skilled, handling the situation with a few well-chosen words, leaving her utterly speechless and defeated.

    She managed a grudging ¡°Yes,¡± the word practically forced through her clenched jaw.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 760

    Chapter 760:

    Dani, maintaining her authoritative stance, continued to stare at Natalie.

    ¡°Furthermore, your rtionship with Linden has caused quite a stir within thepany, creating a negative impression. While I offer you both my blessings, I sincerely hope that today¡¯s public disy of affection in the hallway won¡¯t be repeated.¡±

    The phrase ¡°public disy of affection¡± was like a p in the face for Natalie, mortifying her.

    As Elyse dragged her out of the CEO¡¯s office, Natalie cast a lingering,plex nce at Cedric, her emotions a tangled mess of resentment, affection, and regret.

    Outside Dani¡¯s office, Elyse couldn¡¯t help but marvel.

    ¡°Dani is truly something else.¡±

    Natalie, concerned about her image in Cedric¡¯s eyes, was seething with anger.

    ¡°Mom, why did you involve me in this if you weren¡¯t sure Dani would fire Nina? Didn¡¯t you see how much Cedric despises me because of this? You¡¯vepletely ruined everything for me!¡±

    Elyse was taken aback by Natalie¡¯s outburst.

    ¡°What are you talking about? I was standing up for you, and now you¡¯re ming me?¡±

    Natalie retorted, ¡°Who else should I me? If you hadn¡¯t caused Aunt Brylee¡¯s death, would I have to fight tooth and nail for my inheritance like this? Aunt Brylee promised me the mostvish dowry when I grew up, but your greed for her assets led to her demise. Now, everything is in¡­¡°

    Dani¡¯s hands, and she¡¯s so incredibly capable that she gets nothing, while being humiliated by someone like Linden.

    L??€$? ¡é??t?€§ñ? ?¦Ç ?@l§Ú?¦Í¦Ål?.c?m

    You¡¯vepletely ruined my life!¡±

    Elyse stared at Natalie, her mouth agape in disbelief.

    ¡°Natalie, you can¡¯t talk like this. Who was it that wanted to be thedy of a prominent family, free from others¡¯ charity? How can you say this now?¡± Elyse was heartbroken, the pain of her daughter¡¯s words cutting deep.

    ¡°You were the one who helped me n everything back then. Now you¡¯re making it sound like I orchestrated everything alone.¡±

    Natalie dismissed her mother¡¯s words with a wave of her hand.

    ¡°I was underage then, but you believed everything I said. Mom, don¡¯t you have any judgment of your own?¡±

    Elyse looked at her daughter, feeling as if Natalie were aplete stranger. Was this woman really her daughter?

    Elyse emerged from Natalie¡¯s ce and immediately noticed Nina. Though she attempted to engage Nina, her efforts were met with indifference. Left with no other option, Elyse redirected her focus toward Dani.

    Brylee had always been known for her gentleness. Elyse believed Dani had inherited this trait, unlike Natalie. She feared that Natalie might not prioritize her well-being in events. She hade to see her affluent niece, Dani, as a more dependable ally.

    Elyse purchased some pastries, removed the packaging, and entered Dani¡¯s office with a cheerful demeanor.

    ¡°I made these pastries myself, Dani. They¡¯re your favorite, and I stayed up all night baking them. Notice my dark circles? That shows how much you mean to me, doesn¡¯t it?¡±

    Dani looked at the pastries and offered a warm smile.

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Double chapters today dear ones. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best (©¤??O)

    .

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 761

    Chapter 761:

    ¡°Thank you, Aunt Elyse.¡±

    As Elyse reached to give one to Dani, Cedric stepped in to intercept.

    ¡°Dani¡¯s reducing her sugar intake, so she¡¯ll have to pass on these.¡± He doubted the street-bought pastries were suitable for Dani.

    With Elyse watching, Cedric discarded the pastries into the bin.

    Elyse¡¯s smile wavered, herposed exterior almost breaking. Silenced by Dani¡¯sck of response, Elyse could onlyment bitterly, ¡°Dani, your husband really does assert himself. I¡¯m your aunt, and he feels the need to screen what I bring?¡±

    Dani responded with augh.

    ¡°You know, I actually enjoy this side of him.¡±

    After pausing for a moment, Elyse pulled up a chair and sat down opposite Dani.

    ¡°You remind me of your mother, always standing by your family. That¡¯s what I admire about you. There¡¯s something on my mind I¡¯ve hesitated to mention. Should I bring it up, or keep it to myself?¡±

    Dani offered a gentle smile.

    ¡°Aunt Elyse, if you¡¯re unsure, perhaps it¡¯s best left unsaid.¡±

    Elyse was stunned. Dani¡¯s reaction wasn¡¯t what she had anticipated. How was she to request favors if she remained silent?

    Considering her future, Elyse realized she might need to prepare for her own retirement, particrly if she couldn¡¯t depend on Natalie or Nina.

    New content live at g?ln¦Òv????s

    ¡°Alright, then, I¡¯ll just say it,¡± Elyse said without shame.

    ¡°Here¡¯s the deal¡ªbefore your mother passed, she agreed to cover my retirement. Now that she¡¯s gone¡­¡±

    She paused, giving Dani a meaningful look.

    Dani smiled and responded, ¡°Are you suggesting I should take over the support for your retirement?¡±

    Elyse forced a smile.

    ¡°I hesitated to mention it, but your mother was adamant. Now that she¡¯s no longer here, I believe we should respect her wishes.

    Your business is thriving, and surely the support won¡¯t strain your finances.

    You¡¯re going to give it to me, aren¡¯t you? After all, you¡¯re such a devoted niece, and it¡¯s hardly a significant amount for you.¡±

    Dani examined Elyse¡¯s calcting expression.

    ¡°Did my mother actually promise that?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely!¡± Elyse replied, growing anxious. She rummaged through her purse, pulled out an old mobile phone, and shoved it across the table, eager to y a recording.

    ¡°Listen, I recorded our conversation.¡±

    Dani¡¯s smile was subdued.

    ¡°You made a recording?¡± The phone was ridiculously outdated.

    Sitting back, Elyse beamed.

    ¡°I recorded it just for fun, and now it serves a purpose. Without it, I¡¯d have no evidence since your mother is gone. How else could I im justice?¡±

    Elyse spoke lightly of death, yet Dani¡¯s expression darkened with each word. Unaware, Elyse was quite satisfied with her own foresight. With a calm demeanor, Dani asked, ¡°How could you have anticipated needing such proof?¡±

    The smile on Elyse¡¯s face stiffened suddenly.

    ¡°I recorded it just for fun. Didn¡¯t I mention that? Who could have predicted your mother¡¯s untimely departure?¡±

    A pang of anxiety struck Elyse; she realized her impulsiveness had cost herposure. Avoiding further difort, she diverted her gaze downwards.

    ¡°Do your mother¡¯s words still hold weight with you?¡± Elyse tried to sound confident, but she caught the piercing look in Dani¡¯s eyes and found herself retreating.

    ¡°Could you consider supporting me in myter years, please?¡±

    Dani studied Elyse¡¯s calcting expression and inquired evenly, ¡°In what way do you expect my support?¡±

    Seeing an opportunity, Elyse perked up and straightened her posture.

    ¡°Dani, your circumstances have changed, but believe me, I¡¯m not asking for much. I really don¡¯t need a lot.

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: New chapters soon dear readers. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best (=?=) /

    .

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 762

    ?Chapter 762:

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯re so soft-hearted that you wouldn¡¯t let me face hardship. Right, Dani?¡± Elyse beamed, the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes softening. ¡°I¡¯m not asking for much, just three small requests.¡± Elyse raised three fingers, lowering one with each request she made. ¡°First, you will provide me with a monthly allowance of five hundred thousand.¡±

    Cedric, overhearing, frowned in disapproval.

    Lillian¡¯s face tightened with displeasure.

    Elyse hesitated but then nced at Dani, whose calm, unreadable expression filled her with confidence. ¡°Second, you know I can¡¯t just sit around and do nothing. You should build me avish retirement estate, inspired by the country¡¯s grandest one, so I can earn some ie while rxing in myter years.¡±

    Lillian narrowed her eyes. ¡°Are you referring to the Sunset Retirement Home?¡±

    It was undoubtedly the most opulent retirement facility worldwide. Calling it a retirement home hardly did it justice; it was more like a pce.

    Fresh vegetables were airlifted daily from specialized farms.

    Seafood was brought in fresh from the deep sea.

    Every resident was attended to by at least one top-tier caregiver and a private doctor.

    Whether it was golf, horseback riding, archery, swimming, or even Go, there were expertpanions avable for every activity.

    Was this even retirement?

    Elyse was essentially requesting to live in unimaginable luxury.

    Verified edition on g??lnov els.??????

    What she was asking for was, in essence, a pce built in her honor.

    Dani had lost her mother early on and suffered under Katrina¡¯s care. Yet, in all those years, Elyse had never shown up, not even at Dani and Alexander¡¯s wedding.

    It wasn¡¯t until Dani¡¯s role as CEO of Elite Lux was revealed that Elyse appeared out of nowhere with her two daughters, eager to reap the benefits of Dani¡¯s sess.

    Lillian was aware that Dani had a n, yet she was so infuriated by Elyse¡¯s audacity that she almost rolled her eyes.

    How could anyone be this shameless?

    It turned out Elyse was indeed capable of such behavior.

    Dani asked calmly, ¡°And what¡¯s the third?¡±

    Elyse realized Dani had already agreed to the first two demands. ¡°For the third, I¡¯d like a share of Elite Lux¡¯s stock, just like your mother kindly gave me shares in Harper Group. Your mother was always generous, and I¡¯m sure you wouldn¡¯t disappoint me. I¡¯m not asking for much¡ªjust ten percent will suffice.¡±

    Lillian couldn¡¯t stay silent any longer. ¡°Do you have any idea how much ten percent of Elite Lux is worth?¡±

    Billions, at the very least! Elyse truly had the nerve to ask for such a thing!

    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Elyse feigned ignorance. ¡°Money isn¡¯t everything to me. But since I was close to Brylee, I¡¯m sure she¡¯d be happy if I¡¯m well-off. Dani, giving me these things would also ease your mother¡¯s mind.¡±

    Cedric, standing off to the side, asked coldly, ¡°Should we be thanking you now?¡±

    Elyse smiled while adjusting her hair. ¡°Cedric, I know you¡¯re quite impressive, but right now, I¡¯m talking with my niece. I¡¯m asking her for something, not you. Surely you don¡¯t have a say in this?¡± Elyse was sharp-tongued, and despite her smile, her words were starting to grate on Dani¡¯s nerves.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 763

    ?Chapter 763:

    Elyse chuckled, oblivious to Dani¡¯s growing annoyance. ¡°Oops! My mistake, Dani. Don¡¯t hold it against me. I¡¯m only looking out for you. A woman should manage her own finances after marriage.¡±

    Dani smiled back. ¡°Oh really? I thought you were handling my finances with all these ns. Cedric is precious to me, and I know how to tell the difference between those I¡¯m close to and those I¡¯m not.¡±

    As soon as Dani finished speaking, Elyse¡¯s face stiffened.

    Lillian finally exhaled, the breath she¡¯d been holding escaping in relief after nearly being suffocated by anger.

    Elyse, visibly irritated, realized Dani truly knew how to drive her point home. ¡°Fine, you¡¯re right. I was mistaken. So, will you agree to these three terms, Dani?¡±

    Elyse stared eagerly at Dani, her eyes fixed on her red lips, unblinking.

    Elyse breathed a sigh of relief as soon as Dani gave her a favorable response.

    Cedric stood off to the side, his brow knitted in a cold, prating stare at Elyse.

    Dani remainedposed. ¡°Since it¡¯s a promise made by my mother, I will honor it. But for the continued sess of Elite Lux, I do have one condition I hope you¡¯ll ept.¡±

    Elyse was ecstatic, already counting her benefits in her mind. Dani¡¯s directness made her regret not asking for even more.

    ¡°Alright. Go on,¡± Elyse agreed quickly. She had set three demands, and Dani only had one; it felt like a fair deal.

    Dani smiled lightly. ¡°Elite Lux is a global corporation. A ten percent shift in shares could stir external turmoil, so I need you to keep this confidential. Only those in this office should be aware. If not, the gift will be revoked. Do we have an agreement?¡±

    ga????¦Í??????.k??n ¨C ???????? ???????????? ???????? ????

    Elyse nodded eagerly. ¡°Of course!¡± After a moment, she asked, ¡°What about Nina and Natalie? Can I tell them?¡±

    Dani shook her head. ¡°No. If that¡¯s the case, the agreement is null. Everything I¡¯ve promised will be rescinded, and you alone will bear the consequences.¡±

    Elyse hesitated. ¡°But Nina and Natalie are my daughters. If you don¡¯t trust Nina, can I at least tell Natalie?¡±

    Dani let out a soft chuckle. Her smile was slight but sharp. ¡°I don¡¯t quite get it. The recording from my mother spoke of ensuring your retirement care. Why bring others into this? Or should I be responsible for Nina and Natalie as well?¡±

    Elyse was on the verge of agreeing when Dani shook her head. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, I don¡¯t have to honor my mother¡¯s promise. It was hermitment to you, and Elite Lux is mine. If you have future needs, you can ess funds from Harper Group¡¯s ounts.¡±

    ¡°That won¡¯t work,¡± Elyse panicked. ¡°Harper Group is in shambles, losing money.¡±

    Dani fell silent.

    Elyse understood that Dani was waiting for her to make a choice.

    The decision involved hundreds of billions in assets.

    Elyse was greatly tempted, and after a moment, she nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±

    Dani gave a slight nod. ¡°I¡¯ll draw up an agreement. I¡¯ll honor your retirement ns, but if you disclose any details to others, the agreement will be void.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 764

    ?Chapter 764:

    Elyse quickly signed the contract.

    Dani¡¯s smile softened as she spoke to Elyse. ¡°Have you heard the saying? Secrets always find their way out. If you share anything, I¡¯ll know. I trust you¡¯ll keep your word and enjoy your retirement.¡±

    Elyse nodded enthusiastically and asked, ¡°When will the retirement home be ready?¡±

    Dani answered, ¡°Thend in the city is going up for bid soon. I¡¯ll ce a bid, and that¡¯s where the retirement home will be constructed.¡±

    Elyse¡¯s face brightened. ¡°It should bear my name, Dani.¡±

    Dani simply nodded. ¡°No problem.¡±

    Elyse walked out, smiling broadly.

    Natalie, from the secretarial department, noticed Elyse¡¯s wide grin and felt puzzled.

    She asked Lillian, who sighed, her face creased with irritation, and walked off.

    She then asked Cedric, whose face was clouded with concern.

    Natalie was dying of curiosity. She longed to ask Dani but knew she was always busy. While she was delivering documents to the office, she overheard Dani telling Ryan, ¡°Put these three documents in the safe. They¡¯re vital for Elite Lux¡¯s future, and no one else should see them.¡±

    Ryan was distracted, ying a new game on his phone, the sharp sounds of gunfire ring from the screen. He seemed lost in the game as he absentmindedly responded to Dani, ¡°Got it.¡± Dani then exited the room.

    Natalie observed that even after Dani walked away, she kept turning back, ncing cautiously over her shoulder.

    Check what¡¯s new on g@lnov??s.c¡ðm

    After Dani left, the office fell silent and empty.

    Only Ryan remained, lounging and absorbed in his game, while Natalie cautiously approached Dani¡¯s desk.

    She set the papers down and stretched her neck to peek at the documents on the desk across from her.

    In one quick nce, she spotted Elyse¡¯s name listed as Party B. Dani was listed as Party A.

    Natalie¡¯s pulse quickened as her eyesnded on the bold title above their names, Equity Transfer Agreement.

    It hit her in an instant¡ªDani had transferred Elite Lux¡¯s shares to her mother.

    Elite Lux was a leading name in the global luxury industry.

    Dani had transferred shares to her mother?

    Natalie was exhrated. She squinted and spotted two more agreements beneath, though they were covered, leaving their contents unclear. Yet Elyse¡¯s name stood out clearly.

    What else had Dani given her mother?

    ¡°Hey! What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡± As Natalie was about to tiptoe closer for a better look, Ryan suddenly approached, phone in one hand, unlocking the safe with the other, and cing the three agreements inside.

    Natalie looked up at Ryan and asked, ¡°Did Ms. Harper sign any agreements with my mother?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 765

    ?Chapter 765:

    Natalie noticed that Ryan¡¯s finger stilled on the screen after her question. ¡°No,¡± he replied.

    That brief moment made Natalie suspicious¡ªthere was something going on for sure. There had to be something fishy happening.

    Her curiosity was burning, and she couldn¡¯t wait to call Elyse right away.

    ¡°Mom! Did Dani give you shares in Elite Lux?¡± she asked, her voice trembling with excitement.

    Natalie had assumed Elyse would confess right away.

    But there was a long silence on the other end of the line.

    Natalie waited in silence, starting to wonder if the call had been disconnected.

    She checked her phone, relieved to see it was still connected.

    ¡°Hello? Mom, why are you silent?¡± Elyse¡¯s silence was strange. But Natalie was too caught up in the thrill of what seemed like an unbelievable stroke of luck to notice. Sheughed, her voice filled with energy. ¡°Mom, tell me! Did you sign something with Dani? Did she give you shares of Elite Lux? Speak up!¡±

    The silence from the other end continued, stretching on.

    After a lengthy pause, Elyse¡¯s slow response came. ¡°What? Of course not. Why would that happen?¡±

    Natalie furrowed her brows. ¡°No?¡±

    If Elyse had been paying attention, she would have noticed the surprise and subtle disappointment in Natalie¡¯s tone.

    ¡°No. Of course not,¡± Elyse affirmed. ¡°Why would Dani be so generous as to give me shares in Elite Lux? It¡¯s world-renowned and a leader in its field. Why would she give me anything? Natalie, you¡¯re thinking too much.¡±

    Find your next adventure at g¦Á ?¦Ç ¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s

    Natalie clenched her phone, her tone turning icy as she listened to Elyse. ¡°Are you absolutely sure Dani didn¡¯t give you shares in Elite Lux?¡±

    Elyse answered firmly, ¡°No, she didn¡¯t.¡±

    Natalie pressed further, ¡°What about other things?¡±

    Elyse chuckled. ¡°Oh, my dear! How could that be? Does Dani have so much money that she doesn¡¯t know what to do with it? Why would she offer me anything?¡±

    Natalie looked down, her gaze falling. ¡°Did you sign anything with Dani?¡±

    Elyse responded, ¡°My dear, what¡¯s got you so worked up? What could I have signed with Dani? Well, I did bring a few Harper Group contracts for her to sign earlier, but that¡¯s all.¡±

    Natalie hung up the phone. She knew her mother well¡ªwhenever Elyse was lying, she would unconsciously say ¡°my dear.¡± She had said it twice during their call.

    That was sufficient to confirm that the agreement was genuine, and the Elite Lux shares were indeed transferred.

    But why was Elyse keeping it from her?

    Natalie was certain her mother understood the immense effort she had invested in those matters.

    She had endured harassment from Linden.

    Elyse had seen everything unfold herself, yet chose to keep the acquisition of Elite Lux¡¯s shares hidden. What could be her reason?

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 766

    ?Chapter 766:

    Did Elyse take pleasure in her suffering?

    Natalie couldn¡¯t stop herself from silently ming her mother.

    Rage boiled within her, threatening to unravel herposure.

    A few dayster, the city construction bidding meeting was scheduled. Dani attended the auction and told Natalie, ¡°Tell Aunt Elyse to meet me at the bidding site.¡±

    Still upset from the past few days, Natalie frowned at the request. ¡°Did you just say you want my mother to attend the bidding meeting as well?¡±

    Dani nodded. ¡°Yes. Is there an issue?¡±

    Natalie had a sinking feeling, suspecting it was rted to those contracts. ¡°My mother knows nothing about bidding, and tonight¡¯s auction is under Elite Lux¡¯s name. What¡¯s her involvement?¡± Natalie nced at Dani, but she remained silent.

    A growing sense of unease washed over Natalie.

    She went with Dani to the bidding event. Before they got there, Natalie saw Elyse, impably dressed, waiting by the entrance. As Dani stepped out of the car, Elyse greeted her with surprising enthusiasm. ¡°Dani, you made it!¡±

    Dani, ever the woman of few words, simply nodded.

    Elyse, unbothered and unusually sweet, remarked, ¡°Thisnd is massive, hundreds of acres. I heard it would cost over two hundred billion to acquire. Dani, don¡¯t you think that¡¯s a bit excessive?¡± Elyse¡¯s eyes gleamed with unmistakable greed.

    Dani chuckled. ¡°As long as it pleases you, Aunt Elyse.¡± Elyse¡¯s joy was unmistakable, her face glowing with excitement, practically bouncing in ce.

    Natalie stood off to the side, squinting her eyes.

    ????? ?????????????????? ????????: g???????¦Í??????.con

    It didn¡¯t seem like Dani was there to bid for thend; it felt more like thend was already Elyse¡¯s.

    The bidding was fierce.

    Thend, located in a prime city spot, attracted many propertypanies. Elyse sat with the representatives, her eyes wide, overwhelmed by the grandeur of the event.

    Her emotions were running wild.

    This was the realm of the wealthy, where money was little more than a game.

    The bids climbed past one hundred and fifty billion dors.

    Elyse nced at Dani, who had yet to ce a bid, and asked, ¡°Dani, isn¡¯t it time to join in?¡±

    Dani nodded, and to Elyse¡¯s surprise, she raised the bid. ¡°Two hundred billion,¡± she announced.

    The moment the words left her mouth, all eyes turned to Dani.

    Elyse¡¯s face flushed bright red with excitement. She reveled in the attention, straightening her back, her expression smug as she looked down on the crowd.

    In her mind, thend was already hers, without a doubt.

    In the end, Dani sessfully secured thend for two hundred and thirty billion.

    As Dani made the payment, Elyse beamed with delight.

    Once the payment waspleted, Dani left the scene.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 767

    ?Chapter 767:

    Elyse lingered at the site, reluctant to leave, soaking in the admiring nces from the crowd.

    Natalie stood nearby, her eyes narrowed.

    She pulled Elyse aside, asking sharply, ¡°Mom, tell me the truth. Does thend Dani bid on tonight have anything to do with you?¡±

    Elyse shot Natalie a disapproving look. ¡°My dear, how could thisnd possibly have anything to do with me? What are you always thinking?¡±

    Natalie pressed further, ¡°Then why are you so excited?¡±

    Elyse¡¯s annoyance grew. ¡°Am I not allowed to be happy? Do you have a problem with me living well? Weren¡¯t you the one who med me for Brylee¡¯s death before? Let me tell you¡ªwithout Brylee, I can still make my own way and build a sessful future.¡±

    Natalie asked, ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Elyse opened her mouth to respond, but then remembered the agreement with Dani.

    She waved her hand dismissively. ¡°Nothing at all. You¡¯re reading too much into it. I¡¯m just Dani¡¯s aunt. What could she possibly give me? Could she give me thend she just acquired? My dear, what kind of fantasies are you having?¡±

    Natalie narrowed her eyes.

    Elyse had once again slipped into calling her ¡°my dear¡± multiple times. ¡°Mom, have you really decided to keep secrets from me, your own daughter?¡± Natalie¡¯s tone suddenly turned cold as she stared at Elyse.

    Elyse let out a deep sigh after hearing those words.

    ¡°Natalie, I just don¡¯t get it. You¡¯ve changed so much. You used to listen, but now you¡¯re always so emotional. I¡¯m your mother, and I won¡¯t hold this against you, but you really need to reconsider. I¡¯m your mother, after all. If my life is getting better, shouldn¡¯t you be happy for me? It would make things easier for you, wouldn¡¯t it?¡±

    New chapters uploaded at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    Natalie squinted at Elyse, her gaze sharp. ¡°So, you¡¯re admitting that what Dani gave you has helped improve your life, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    As soon as the question was asked, Elyse froze for a brief moment. Quickly regaining herposure, she put on a stern expression. ¡°I have no idea what you¡¯re talking about,¡± she said, hurrying after Dani.

    Sensing something was wrong, Natalie turned to Nina. ¡°Nina, I¡¯m sure Mom¡¯s hiding something from us. Want to team up and find out?¡±

    Nina scoffed. ¡°Now you want to team up? It¡¯s toote for that!¡±

    Before Natalie could respond, Nina turned and walked off.

    Natalie stood still, calling out to Nina¡¯s disappearing form, ¡°Fine! If I find out Dani gave Mom something, you won¡¯t get it.¡±

    Nina spun around, flipping Natalie the bird, making her seethe with anger. In her frustration, Natalie kicked a nearby tree, only to hurt herself.

    Linden stood off in the distance, observing as Natalie climbed into a taxi alone.

    As Dani was about to enter her car, a familiar face caught her eye from the corner of her vision.

    Dani lifted her gaze and saw a face that was the spitting image of Cedric¡¯s.

    Cedric had told her he had an international meeting that evening and might not be able to attend.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 768

    ?Chapter 768:

    Dani waved enthusiastically, calling out, ¡°Cedric!¡±

    The figure hesitated for a moment in the dim light before crouching and entering the car.

    Dani stood frozen, her mind swirling in confusion as she stared in the direction of the car for a long time.

    ¡°What¡¯s got your attention, Dani?¡± Lillian poked her head out to ask.

    Dani kept her gaze on the car as it continued to distance itself. ¡°Nothing,¡± she replied as she climbed into her own car. ¡°It must have been an illusion.¡±

    Inside the car, Dani couldn¡¯t shake the thoughts of what had just happened.

    Elyse was practically glowing with excitement. ¡°Dani, you¡¯re so generous! You just bought that massive piece ofnd like it was nothing. Are you seriously nning to build me a retirement home there?¡±

    Elyse was sitting in the front, with Dani in the back seat.

    Elyse twisted her neck slightly to look back at Dani, still beaming. When Dani said, ¡°I¡¯m d you¡¯re happy with it, Aunt Elyse,¡± her smile only widened, and she even hummed joyfully in the car.

    Dani stayed silent throughout the entire ride.

    The car pulled up to Elyse¡¯svish mansion. Elyse exited the vehicle, bending slightly and shing a smile at Dani. ¡°Take care on your way back, Dani.¡± Her voice oozed with exaggerated ttery.

    Dani studied Elyse¡¯s overly ingratiating expression under the streetlights and reminded her coolly, ¡°I¡¯ve kept my promise to provide for your retirement, Aunt Elyse. I hope you¡¯ll keep yours as well. If the Harper familyes asking for handouts every month, I won¡¯t be able to keep up.¡±

    At Dani¡¯s words, Elyse waved her hand quickly. ¡°Of course, Dani. You¡¯re the best to me. I won¡¯t tell anyone about this.¡±

    For m??r?, v??????t g??l??ov?ls.??¡ð??

    Dani gave a subtle nce towards Natalie, who was eavesdropping from a distance, nodded slightly, and then told the driver, ¡°Drive.¡± Even as the car disappeared into the distance, Elyse continued waving at the dissipating exhaust fumes.

    She was so ovee with joy that she couldn¡¯t help but dance, but when she turned around, she was startled to find Natalie standing quietly behind her.

    ¡°When did you sneak up behind me, Natalie?¡± Elyse gasped, surprised.

    Natalie narrowed her eyes, studying her closely. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Do you have secrets you¡¯re hiding from me?¡±

    Elyse toyed with her hair nervously. ¡°You¡¯re imagining things, my dear. What could I possibly be hiding? I¡¯m exhausted tonight, so I¡¯m heading to bed. Good night.¡±

    Natalie trailed Elyse into the house, her eyes focused intently on her profile. ¡°Mom, remember you once said you wanted to have Dani killed? I¡¯ve already reached out to Cealmaur. If we pay them enough, they¡¯ll take care of it immediately.¡±

    Cealmaur, the world¡¯srgest mercenary group, was infamous for its assassination services. They charged the highest fees but also boasted an unblemished record of sess.

    Once they took on a mission, the target never lived more than 24 hours. Elyse was momentarily lost in thought. ¡°Really? How much would it cost?¡± she asked, sipping her water while mentally calcting the details.

    If Dani were to die, all her wealth would go to Cedric. Elyse thought it would be wiser to have Dani fulfill her promises first, ensuring her own future was secure.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 769

    ?Chapter 769:

    Dani had handed her such a massive plot ofnd without even blinking.

    Relying on Natalie or Nina wasn¡¯t nearly as dependable as counting on Dani.

    Noticing the wheels turning in Elyse¡¯s mind, Natalie answered, ¡°They quoted one hundred million.¡±

    Elyse almost choked on her water. ¡°How much did you just say?¡± Nothing had even unfolded, and they were already demanding such a steep price from her.

    Natalie reiterated, ¡°One hundred million dors.¡±

    Elyse gulped. ¡°Where am I supposed toe up with that kind of money?¡±

    Natalie narrowed her eyes, catching the flicker of hesitation in Elyse¡¯s gaze. ¡°Selling this vi would fetch exactly one hundred million.¡±

    Natalie pressed on. ¡°You promised, didn¡¯t you? You said it was no big deal. Once Dani and Cedric are gone, the Harper fortune will be yours. Then a vi¡ªwhether one, ten, or even a hundred¡ªwon¡¯t matter.¡±

    Elyse had, in fact, said those very words.

    ¡°But¡ª¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Mom? Having second thoughts? Have you changed your mind about killing Dani? Did you strike some kind of deal with her? Do you not want her dead anymore?¡± Natalie was perceptive.

    Elyse retorted, ¡°Wait, one hundred million is just for Dani. What about Cedric? If he lives, we won¡¯t get a dime.¡±

    Natalie smirked. ¡°Before the assassin takes out Dani, I¡¯ll have Cedricpletely under my spell and marry me.¡±

    ???????? ?????????? ???????? ???? ?????????¦Í??????©q?????

    Elyse eyed Natalie skeptically. ¡°You? Are you serious? You¡¯re pretty, butpared to Dani¡ªin looks, talent, brains, and strategy¡ªyou¡¯recking. Do you really think Cedric would pick you?¡±

    Natalie¡¯s jaw dropped at her mother¡¯s blunt words. ¡°Mom, what did you just say?¡±

    Elyse looked away. ¡°I¡¯m just stating the truth. You¡¯ve been at Elite Lux for quite a while, but Cedric barely pays you any attention. If anything, he talks to Nina more than he talks to you. I¡¯ll think it over. I¡¯m heading upstairs.¡±

    With that, Elyse rushed upstairs, leaving Natalie behind, watching her retreating figure with narrowed eyes.

    Momentster, Natalie dialed aw firm. ¡°Hello, I¡¯d like to know how to sell a vi that¡¯s under my mother¡¯s name.¡±

    Thewyer responded, ¡°Unless the owner consents, you have no authority to sell it.¡±

    After a brief pause, thewyer continued, ¡°However, if the owner passes away, as the heiress, you¡¯d have the right to sell it.¡±

    Natalie ended the call, her mind churning.

    In the car, Lillian nced at Dani, puzzled. ¡°Dani, are you seriously giving Elyse thatnd for a retirement home?¡±

    Dani barely nced up from her phone. ¡°You really think that¡¯s happening?¡±

    Lillian frowned. ¡°Then why buy it?¡±

    Dani smirked. ¡°It¡¯s Cedric¡¯s birthday gift.¡±

    Lillian gasped. ¡°That¡¯s beyond extravagant!¡± A birthday gift costing over a billion was unreal.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 770

    ?Chapter 770:

    Lillian leaned in. ¡°And Elyse? What¡¯s your move?¡±

    Dani¡¯s smile waned slightly. ¡°Once desperation hits, they¡¯ll turn to their backer. Just wait a little more; the time is near.¡±

    As Dani¡¯s car neared the vi, her phone buzzed.

    She stepped out to take the call, while Lillian crossed her arms, waiting. ¡°Hello?¡±

    A thrilled voice crackled through. ¡°Dani, there¡¯s a hundred-million-dor hit on you.¡±

    Dani¡¯s gaze flicked to the glowing vi. Through the vast windows, the interior was clearly visible.

    Cedric, now in fresh lounge wear, lounged on the sofa, engaged in a phone call.

    Just then, her other phone buzzed, yet she chose not to answer right away.

    Instead, Dani addressed the caller. ¡°Russell, did they send the money?¡± She suspected Natalie was behind it.

    ¡°Nope. They just mentioned selling a vi.¡±

    ¡°Alright, our doors are open to all. If they bring business, ept it,¡± Dani said.

    Russell chuckled. ¡°Who¡¯s feeling generous enough to spend that much on your head? So, Dani, how would you like to go?¡±

    Just before she could reply, the vi door swung open, revealing Cedric stepping into the light, approaching her.

    ¡°Enough with the jokes. Ensure they pay up quickly.¡±

    ???????????????? ???????????? @ g???????¦Í?????????????

    Russell snickered. ¡°Imagine their reaction when they realize they¡¯re funding our boss¡¯s assassination.¡±

    Dani responded coolly, ¡°I have to go.¡±

    Cedric asked, ¡°Who was that? What assassination?¡±

    Dani smiled. ¡°No one. You must be mistaken.¡±

    That night, in bed, a bedsidemp cast a warm glow.

    The gentle, amber light stretched across the floor and walls.

    After a fervent moment, Cedric pulled Dani close.

    He murmured against her ear, ¡°I know there¡¯s a lot you keep from me, but Dani, I¡¯m your husband. Do you get that? I know I can¡¯t sway you, but let me be clear about this. Dani, you don¡¯t have to share everything with me, but if you allow yourself to be hurt, it will break¡­¡±

    Dani¡¯s safety was something Cedric had always insisted on.

    Dani had assured him that she would not get hurt.

    However, the following day brought an unexpected injury for her.

    As Cedric entered, he found Lillian tending to Dani¡¯s hand.

    A grim expression clouded Cedric¡¯s face, signaling his brewing concern. Catching his look, Lillian instinctively shrank.

    Standing nearby, Natalie and Nina also couldn¡¯t help but tense. Cedric¡¯s brow was knotted with concern as he asked coldly, ¡°What happened?¡±

    Silence fell over the room; no one dared to speak.

    Looking up with a gentle smile, Dani reassured him, ¡°It¡¯s merely a minor ident from the elevator acting up.¡±

    Acknowledging her words with a nod, Cedric inspected her hand briefly before departing with a troubled frown.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 771

    ?Chapter 771:

    At the elevator, he asked Ryan, ¡°Exin what happened.¡±

    With his usual honesty, Ryan answered, ¡°There was a malfunction. The elevator stalled on the 25th floor. During the fix, it dropped. Dani had to act fast to avoid worse harm and ended up injuring her hand.¡±

    Cedric wasted no time and made an urgent call. ¡°Summon our elevator safety team, the manufacturers, and the designers to Elite Lux immediately!¡±

    Within minutes, the designers, manufacturers, repair crew, and safety team all gathered in the same ce.

    They carefully examined every part of the elevator, both inside and out, until a glinting silver screw was finally handed to Cedric. His gaze intensified, and his presence became more daunting.

    Stepping outside, he made another decisive call. ¡°No matter the expense, I want to know whopromised my wife¡¯spany¡¯s safety.¡±

    Natalie approached, hoping to console Cedric.

    Yet, she remained unnoticed, her presence overshadowed by his stern demeanor. He seemed so fierce that one might think he harbored violent intentions.

    Previously, Natalie suspected Cedric¡¯s affection was motivated by Dani¡¯s wealth and prestige.

    However, witnessing his profound concern today, she reconsidered; perhaps Elyse had been correct.

    Cedric¡¯s love for Dani was genuine.

    Following the incident, the Elite Lux building saw a significant security overhaul.

    ?????????????????? ?????????????????????? ??????????¦Í??????.??????

    Cedric set aside all his tasks. Monitoring theings and goings at the building was his only concern.

    Lillian expressed her concern. ¡°Dani, isn¡¯t Cedric taking this too far? You¡¯ve dealt with far worse before.¡±

    Dani, sharing her frustration, gently pulled Cedric to one side.

    As she adjusted his tousled cor, she said, ¡°Cedric, this might be nothing more than an ident. Please, can you try not to worry so much?¡±

    Cedric¡¯s anger erupted suddenly. ¡°You¡¯re not being truthful with me! Dani, do you think I¡¯m naive? You used yourself as bait, and you expect me not to notice? Do you really believe I¡¯m that ignorant?¡±

    Dani sighed. ¡°I assure you, I won¡¯t endanger myself again.¡±

    Cedric stood in disbelief, unable to ept the thought of watching Dani suffer once more.

    It was too much for him to endure.

    Dani knew convincing Cedric during his stubborn moments was useless; it would only escte to more disputes.

    Left with no alternative, Dani agreed.

    As Dani ascended the stairs, Natalie approached with a coffee in hand. ¡°Dani doesn¡¯t see how much you care. It¡¯s sad, really. She¡¯s ungrateful, and you deserve better. You¡­¡±

    Natalie¡¯s sentence was cut short by Cedric¡¯s cold stare. His voice low and filled with barely contained fury, he asked sharply, ¡°Whom are you calling ungrateful?¡±

    Natalie was taken aback by his response.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 772

    ?Chapter 772:

    Cedric asked in a menacing tone, ¡°Have you nothing better to do?¡±

    Natalie had never witnessed such fury in Cedric; he seemed ready to unleash annihtion.

    Elyse observed the scene unfold from afar. Her expression turned grim. Natalie¡¯s desire for Cedric to leave Dani for her seemed delusional; he would never entertain such thoughts.

    Heartbroken and defiant, Natalie murmured softly, ¡°Cealmaur, right? Besides Dani, I want Cedric dead too. I have a vi, and I have myself. Even if I have to sell my body, I want them dead.¡±

    She would be powerful and have everything she wanted over Dani¡¯s and Cedric¡¯s dead bodies.

    Those who despised her would bow down to her.

    The voice on the other end of the call let out a low chuckle.

    Natalie frowned at the sound. ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡±

    Russell¡¯s tone was light, almost amused. ¡°Oh, nothing. But I should probably tell you¡ªCedric¡¯s price is significantly higher than Dani¡¯s. A hundred billion, non-negotiable.¡±

    Natalie almost choked on air, her mind struggling to process the number. ¡°Wait! What?¡±

    Russell scratched his ear. ¡°Rx with the shouting, will you? It¡¯s a hundred billion.¡±

    ¡°Do you even realize that Dani is the richest person on the? And she¡¯s only worth a billion. So tell me¡ªwhy is Cedric priced at a hundred billion?¡±

    By her estimation, based on Dani¡¯s valuation, Cedric¡¯s worth shouldn¡¯t have been more than ten million.

    ???????????? ???????????? ???? ?????????¦Í?????????????

    Russell chuckled again, his tone teasing. ¡°Oh? You really want to know why? Our boss is a woman, and Cedric? Well, he¡¯s ridiculously good-looking. To her, he¡¯s priceless.¡±

    Natalie blinked at his answer, then clicked her tongue in mild disbelief.

    Cedric had that much appeal?

    Even Cealmaur¡¯s leader was after him?

    She arched a brow. ¡°Wait, you¡¯re telling me your boss is actually a woman?¡±

    ¡°Obviously. What, do you have a problem with women in power? Aren¡¯t you a woman yourself? Anyway, do you have the money or not? Quit wasting my time with loose change.¡±

    Natalie was momentarily speechless.

    Loose change?

    She had offered a billion. How was that considered nothing?

    ¡°Then forget Cedric. Just take care of Dani instead.¡±

    Russell¡¯s enthusiasm from earlier vanished, reced by an indifferent tone. ¡°When will the money be ready?¡±

    Natalie hesitated before answering, ¡°A few days. I need to sell a vi first, so you¡¯ll have to wait.¡±

    Russell let out a dry chuckle, the mockery in his voice nearly tangible. ¡°You¡¯re actually struggling to put together a billion? Call me when you have it. Bye.¡±

    The line went dead, and all that remained was the empty dial tone.

    Natalie sat in stunned silence, processing what had just happened. Were people really that rich nowadays?

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 773

    ?Chapter 773:

    For the first time, she genuinely wondered if she was just too poor.

    Just as her call ended, Dani¡¯s phone rang. ¡°Dani, Natalie has her sights on Cedric.¡±

    Dani¡¯s expression darkened. Her voice turned ice-cold. ¡°She¡¯s asking for death.¡±

    Russell let out a quiet chuckle. ¡°Not that it matters. She couldn¡¯t afford the price, so she backed off.¡±

    Dani wasn¡¯t convinced. ¡°She¡¯ll find another way. Have Shadow protect Cedric.¡±

    After a brief pause, she added with finality, ¡°Starting today.¡±

    Russell clicked his tongue. ¡°Dani, don¡¯t you think that¡¯s overkill? All this trouble just for Natalie? You really want to send our second-ranked assassin to guard him?¡± The first, of course, was Dani.

    ¡°It¡¯s necessary.¡±

    Russell didn¡¯t question it. ¡°Got it!¡± He turned and called for Shadow without hesitation.

    Lillian stood beside Dani, her gaze drifting to Cedric in the distance. He was clearly irritated, barking orders as he arranged security. She couldn¡¯t help butment, ¡°Dani, are you sure this isn¡¯t overkill? Shadow hasn¡¯t been assigned to protection duty in years, and Natalie¡¯s hardly a real threat.¡±

    Dani¡¯s eyes lingered on Cedric, her expression softening, her voice quieter. ¡°You don¡¯t understand.¡±

    She had hurt him deeply once before. To her, he was beyond value.

    As long as she was alive, she wouldn¡¯t let anything happen to him.

    Lillian tilted her head. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to step in? At this rate, Cedric looks like he¡¯s about to set up his own little registration desk for visitors.¡±

    New updates in g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    Dani chuckled. ¡°He really is adorable.¡±

    Lillian blinked, momentarily thrown off. Did love make people see the world this differently?

    In the end, Cedric did exactly what Lillian had predicted¡ªhe dragged a desk to the elevator and stationed himself there. Dani, unfazed, pulled up a chair and joined him, soaking up the sun at his side. Cedric was clearly unimpressed, but Dani made an effort to smooth things over.

    No matter how hard he tried to stay irritated, he couldn¡¯t resist her tenderness. When she handed him an apple, his resolve wavered.

    Dani propped her chin on her hand, watching him with a quiet smile. Cedric bit into the apple with more force than necessary, muttering, ¡°Don¡¯t think I¡¯m letting you off the hook just because you¡¯re being nice. You let yourself get hurt. I could¡¯ve protected you. Why won¡¯t you trust me?¡±

    Dani leaned in and pressed a light kiss to his lips.

    Cedric wentpletely still, stunned into silence.

    Lillian folded her arms, shaking her head with an exaggerated sigh.

    Cedric waspletely under Dani¡¯s spell.

    Natalie stood off to the side, watching as Cedric¡¯s ears burned red from Dani¡¯s yful teasing.

    Her brows knit together before she scoffed and turned on her heel. Her thoughts darkened. ¡°Dani, let¡¯s see how long you can keep that smile.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 774

    ?Chapter 774:

    Natalie stormed into Elyse¡¯s room, her patience worn thin. ¡°Mom, I¡¯m starting apany, and I need to move some funds. I want to mortgage this vi.¡±

    Elyse, busy going over ns for her dream retirement home, barely looked up. Without a second thought, she passed the property deed to Natalie.

    Natalie slid a document across the table, flipping to thest page. ¡°Sign here.¡±

    Elyse signed without hesitation.

    That evening, Natalie wasted no time¡ªshe put the vi up for sale.

    Meanwhile, Dani sat with a tablet in hand, her expression unreadable as she stared at the listing. The vi had once been a generous gift from her mother to Elyse. Now, it was being sold off like a meaningless asset. Her gaze turned cold.

    Natalie hadn¡¯t expected interest in the vi toe so quickly. Just one night after listing, she received an inquiry.

    The agent said it was an unknown wealthy buyer, ready to transfer the money the same day.

    Natalie wanted to raise the price, but the buyer wouldn¡¯t budge. ¡°One billion, not a penny more.¡±

    From the corner of her eye, Natalie caught a glimpse of Dani and Cedric, their intimate exchange twisting something sharp in her gut. She clenched her teeth. ¡°Deal.¡±

    The transaction waspleted before midnight.

    As soon as the money hit her ount, Natalie turned to the agent. ¡°Who¡¯s the buyer?¡± Plenty of people had wealth, but not many could pull together a billion in liquid cash overnight.

    The agent simply smiled. ¡°A private buyer. Their identity is confidential.¡±

    C????ck ?uthor¡¯s ?o???? h??r??: g???????¦Í?????????????

    Natalie didn¡¯t press further. She wired the full amount to Cealmaur¡¯s overseas ount.

    ¡°I¡¯ve given up everything. Now, do as I say¡ªkill Dani.¡±

    The answer was simple, ¡°OK.¡±

    That night, Natalie fell asleep smiling. When she sold the vi, she told the buyer that she would vacate the vi in a week. By then, she assumed Dani would be dead, and she could move into Dani¡¯s house.

    Her next move was clear: take over Harper Group and the operations of Elite Lux. She pondered whether Cedric would be enough to ept her. If he remained oblivious, she would enlist Linden¡¯s help to handle him.

    Natalie imagined a wless execution of her n.

    Her sleep was peaceful, her face still wearing that smile.

    As she made her way downstairs the following morning, Natalie hummed a melody, her dress cascading gracefully. Elyse watched her with a curious gaze. ¡°What¡¯s got you in such high spirits today?¡± Offering a forced smile, Natalie remained silent, her expression smug.

    Mid-breakfast, Elyse turned to her. ¡°I forgot to ask yesterday. What was that document you had me sign?¡±

    Wiping her mouth with a napkin, Natalie responded, ¡°Merely a power of attorney.¡±

    Unaware of any underlying motives, Elyse said, ¡°What business are youunching? You know, Brylee gave me this vi as a retirement haven, my safeguard. I must hold on to it.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 775

    ?Chapter 775:

    Looking away, Natalie answered dispassionately, ¡°Understood.¡± Once she finished her breakfast, Natalie set off for work.

    Nina had been observing Natalie intently andter slipped into Dani¡¯s office, murmuring, ¡°Something¡¯s unusual with Natalie today.¡± Dani quirked an eyebrow, amusement flickering across her face. ¡°Is that so?¡±

    Nina exined, ¡°She¡¯s unusually cheerful, wearing thatvish dress, and even changed her lipstick shade. Usually, she has a long face. Today, she seems different. Something¡¯s wrong.¡±

    Dani simply nodded. ¡°We¡¯ll let her keep her mysteries.¡± Still concerned, Nina kept her gaze sharply on Natalie.

    Entering the office casually, Natalie asked, ¡°What mysteries?¡±

    Daniughed lightly and asked, ¡°What mysteries? Surely, you know?¡± Natalie¡¯s smile briefly wavered.

    Was Dani implying something about her?

    Natalie remained frozen in a daze, while Dani abruptly lifted her head, their eyes locking in an instant.

    A sharp, unwavering rity lit up Dani¡¯s eyes, stopping Natalie in her tracks.

    ¡°Are you the one keeping mysteries?¡± Dani pressed.

    Natalie saw Dani¡¯s smile vanish, her expression growing serious. Her heart skipped a beat, and she stammered, ¡°What do you mean, Dani? I¡¯m lost.¡±

    It was only when Dani¡¯s smile returned that Natalie exhaled in relief.

    C?????? ???????? ??t g??l??ov?ls.??¡ð??

    ¡°Why the worry? I was merely joking,¡± Dani said.

    Natalie exited the office, her heart pounding erratically, a surge of fear washing over her.

    At that moment, something in Dani¡¯s look hinted at her deeper awareness.

    Natalie took a hearty swig of water, seeking sce.

    She let out augh, trying to convince herself. ¡°Why should I be scared? Dani won¡¯t be around much longer. What threat could she pose? Surely, she¡¯s no match for Cealmaur¡¯s mercenaries. Absurd!¡±

    Time slowly ticked away.

    Natalie greeted the first day with a broad smile.

    Her nerves were steady on that initial day, trusting in Cealmaur.

    The second day found Natalie still smiling.

    She reassured herself, given it was only day two, that assassination could happen in an instant; patience was key.

    Then came the third day.

    And the fourth day drifted by.

    Yet, all remained quiet.

    By the fifth day, Natalie found herself obsessively watching Dani¡¯s office door, anticipating the moment Dani would meet her unexpected end.

    Cealmaur was known for their stealthy executions; escaping their grasp seemed impossible for Dani.

    As the sixth day dawned, doubts began to cloud Natalie¡¯s mind. Why was Cealmaur dying? Did they always operate so close to the wire? Such dys made her question whether the deed would ever be done. Natalie¡¯s nerves started to unravel under the weight of her thoughts.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 776

    ?Chapter 776:

    Sensing her unease, Nina walked over and asked, ¡°What¡¯s making you so restless?¡±

    Natalie¡¯s voice cut sharp as she yelped, ¡°Leave me alone!¡±

    The seventh day arrived.

    Seconds passed, each one seemingly slower than thest. Yet, nothing happened.

    Growing impatient, Natalie attempted to call Cealmaur, only to find the line engaged. With no other options, she sent a text, requesting a callback.

    Natalie kept waiting, but instead of hearing from Russell, it was Elyse who called her.

    Elyse¡¯s voice shook over the phone. ¡°Natalie, it¡¯s urgent. Our house is upied by outsiders. You and Nina need toe back right away.¡±

    Natalie had been so sure of herself, and the vi had sold so quickly, that she nearly forgot she¡¯d even put it up for sale.

    Upon their arrival, Nina and Natalie were confronted by an elderly man clutching the property title, saying, ¡°Ladies, this property now belongs to my boss. Today marks the final day for you to clear out.¡±

    At that moment, Dani and her friends were just dropping off Nina. Hearing the old man, Dani turned to Cedric and inquired, ¡°What¡¯s your opinion on this vi?¡±

    Admiring the surroundings, Cedric responded, ¡°It¡¯s outstanding. Your mother has exquisite taste. This hillside vi is indeed a rare find, and I¡¯ve heard its interiors are just as carefully designed.¡±

    Nearby, Lillian overheard Dani say, ¡°Let me know if it catches your fancy.¡±

    Cedric, gazing at the elderly man with the deed, felt a strange sense of recognition. As he pondered this familiarity, he absentmindedly said, ¡°I do like it.¡±

    Feel the thrill at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s©q??o??

    After Cedric admitted his fondness, a subtle smile yed on Dani¡¯s lips. ¡°Then it¡¯s yours¡ªa wedding gift from your mother-inw.¡±

    Cedric snapped his head around. ¡°Huh? What did you just say?¡±

    Meanwhile, Elyse was in a state of panic. She approached Dani, indifferent to the rain soaking her. Her hair, disheveled and wet, stuck to her face. ¡°Dani, you¡¯re well-connected with many friends andwyers. Can you help me resolve this? It¡¯s outright extortion! I never sold the vi. This vi was a valuable gift from your mother. I¡¯d never part with it, not for anything!¡±

    Under the protection of an umbre held by Cedric, Dani looked on with a cold gaze. ¡°Is that so?¡± The gift was valuable, yet it seemed unappreciated.

    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Elyse said with conviction. ¡°Selling this vi is something I would never do.¡±

    Dani¡¯s gaze fell on Elyse, taking in her disarrayed state, her emotions detached and cold. ¡°Maybe someone else in your family sold it.¡±

    Immediately, Elyse denied the possibility. ¡°No, it couldn¡¯t be. Nina is hardly ever home, and Natalie is too well-behaved. She¡¯s the jewel I¡¯ve nurtured; she wouldn¡¯t think of selling the vi without my permission.¡±

    Dani nodded, then suggested, ¡°Let¡¯s get the police involved.¡± With that, Dani was about to pick up her phone.

    Elyse stared at Dani, her eyes pleading.

    ¡°Hold off on calling the police. I sold it.¡±

    Upon hearing that, Elyse froze, her body rigid with shock for a long moment before she slowly turned to face Natalie, meeting her indifferent stare.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 777

    ?Chapter 777:

    ¡°Mom, I would have inherited everything eventually. It doesn¡¯t matter if I im it now orter. We should get going.¡±

    Elyse was utterly shaken. She hadn¡¯t foreseen her daughter¡¯s scheming, orchestrating such a betrayal.

    Natalie continued, ¡°Don¡¯t look so betrayed. You¡¯ve kept your secrets; now we¡¯re even. I just took ownership a little sooner. The vi¡¯s already been sold. It¡¯s not a big deal. I¡¯ll make sure wee out ahead financially.¡±

    Elyse couldn¡¯t grasp that these words wereing from Natalie. The old man gestured, prompting his people to start removing the items not listed in the sale contract.

    It was then that Elyse noticed her beloved antiques and paintings from Brylee were left behind.

    Shaking, she asked Natalie, ¡°How much did you get for the vi?¡±

    Natalie responded, ¡°One hundred million.¡±

    At that figure, Elyse copsed.

    From a distance, Dani observed as Elyse and Natalie, clutching their few belongings, exited the vi, a sight of utter defeat.

    Amidst the downpour, Dani¡¯s eyes lingered on the mist-enveloped vi, herughter echoing coldly through the air.

    ¡°Mom, do you see? I have retrieved everything from the people who betrayed you.¡±

    Elyse was thrown out. With their luggage in tow, she and her daughter headed to the Harper family¡¯s vi.

    The rest on g?l????¦Í?????????????

    Elyse said to Dani, ¡°You¡¯ve let Nina stay; could you amodate me and Natalie as well?¡±

    A faint smile crossed Dani¡¯s lips.

    Misinterpreting this as an agreement, Elyse began to pull her suitcase inside, only to be stopped by Dani. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but we don¡¯t have any avable rooms.¡±

    Elyse was skeptical.

    Josie stood with a knife, blocking the unwee people.

    Elyse, feeling a mix of desperation and hope, then turned to Nina. ¡°Nina, there¡¯s plenty of space in your room. Could your sister and I join you? We¡¯re family after all. It wouldn¡¯t be too much to ask, right?¡±

    Natalie was reluctant to share a room with Nina.

    Cedric¡¯s presence, however, changed the situation.

    Determined to eliminate Dani today, Natalie saw an opportunity to simplify matters by moving in immediately.

    As Elyse and Nina discussed arrangements, Natalie¡¯s gaze remained locked on Cedric.

    Today, he had opted for a ck sweater and suit pants, shedding his usual formal office demeanor.

    At this moment, he seemed like a traveler at ease, which captivated Nataliepletely.

    His allure was undeniable.

    Natalie resolved that she must make him hers.

    But Nina¡¯s firm voice broke through her thoughts. ¡°I disagree. I¡¯m notfortable sharing my space with others.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 778

    ?Chapter 778:

    Natalie rolled her eyes dismissively. ¡°You might as well sleep on the couch, and we¡¯ll use your room,¡± she said without any embarrassment.

    Nina, overwhelmed by anger, quickly moved closer and struck Natalie sharply across the face.

    The abruptness of the p left both Elyse and Natalie dumbfounded. ¡°Out! Both of you, get out!¡± Nina yelled, her voice quivering with fury. ¡°You¡¯re just freeloaders! Worthless!¡±

    As Elyse attempted to fight back, Josie intervened, wielding her knife, which caused Elyse to back down immediately.

    ¡°Dani, would you really allow me and Natalie to be without a home? I¡¯m your aunt. It would look terrible for you and Elite Lux if you turned us away,¡± Elyse said, her tone sweet, yet underlying it was a clear threat.

    Cedric, ready to step in, paused as Dani offered a tranquil smile. ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be right to leave my aunt without a ce to stay. Marco.¡± Turning to the driver, she added, ¡°Please take my aunt to the Grand Splendor Hotel and make sure she has everything she needs.¡±

    With Dani¡¯s instructions clear, Elyse¡¯s eyes gleamed with anticipation.

    Known as the city¡¯s most extravagant hotel, the Grand Splendor Hotel boasted only the most luxurious presidential suites.

    Staying there, even for a night, cost fifty-eight thousand eight hundred and eighty-eight dors.

    With a smile, Dani inquired, ¡°Aunt, does this arrangement meet your approval?¡±

    Elyse responded with multiple nods, expressing her satisfaction. ¡°Dani, your management is impable.¡±

    g???????¦Í??????.??0??; ???????? ????????????????

    As they departed with Marco, Elyse cheerfully waved farewell to Dani.

    Once out of sight, Elyse asked in a dialect unfamiliar to the driver,

    ¡°When will the assassin kill Dani?¡±

    The driver caught a glimpse of this exchange in the rearview mirror. Elyse¡¯s face was marked by a chilling blend of coldness and malice, her features twisted in hatred.

    Turning his attention back to the road, the driver remained silent.

    At the hotel, the receptionist announced, ¡°Wee! Your reservation is for one month. We¡¯ll need a one million dor deposit to proceed.¡±

    Shock shed across Elyse¡¯s and Natalie¡¯s faces. ¡°Deposit? For what exactly?¡±

    Maintaining herposure, the receptionist exined, ¡°It¡¯s required for your stay.¡±

    Elyse retorted, ¡°But it was Dani who sent us here!¡±

    The receptionist¡¯s smile faltered as she replied, ¡°Regardless of who made the reservation, the payment remains your responsibility.¡±

    ¡°Hold on,¡± Natalie interjected. ¡°Dani directed us here, so why are we being asked to pay?¡±

    The receptionist almost lost her professional demeanor. ¡°The bill is yours to settle, not Ms. Harper¡¯s. Shouldn¡¯t you be able to cover your own expenses?¡±

    At a loss for words, Elyse stepped outside to call Dani.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t the Grand Splendor Hotel owned by you, Dani? Why are we being charged for our stay?¡± Elyse asked, her frustration evident after a taxing day.

    ¡°Actually, I pay for my stays too, so you¡¯re not an exception, Aunt.¡±

    Elyse exhaled slowly.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 779

    ?Chapter 779:

    ¡°Look, Aunt, you¡¯ll eventually move to the retirement home, so don¡¯t stress about the cost. You can afford this hotel, and it¡¯s important for women to indulge themselves, right?¡± That settled the matter.

    When Elyse reluctantly processed the million-dor payment, she couldn¡¯t help but regret her decision.

    Later, back in their room, Natalie called Russell, her voice tight with frustration. ¡°When will Dani be out of the picture?¡±

    It sounded like Russell was in the middle of a card game. ¡°She¡¯s still going to be around because you haven¡¯t paid enough.¡±

    Natalie was exasperated. ¡°What the hell are you talking about? I transferred a hundred million to you!¡±

    Russell responded distractedly, ¡°Oh, I should mention, there are fees for interbank transfers, and the currency exchange rateplicates things. Let me check¡­ Well, you still need to give us three million.¡±

    Natalie was incredulous. ¡°Is this some kind of scam?¡±

    Of course, it was. But Russell didn¡¯t say that.

    He chuckled and reassured her, ¡°Not at all, we run a legitimate business. Send over the three million, and we¡¯ll handle Dani immediately.¡±

    Natalie quickly checked the bnce in her ount.

    Even after adding Elyse¡¯s money, their total assets barely reached five million dors.

    ???????? ?????????? ???? g??????¦Í????????????

    Once she handed over three million, only two million was left¡ªan amount that, in her world, wouldn¡¯t even cover the cost of a evening gown.

    Feeling the financial strain, she turned to Elyse and asked, ¡°More time to use your savings.¡±

    She was referring to the shares Dani had given Elyse.

    Elite Lux was massive¡ªits dividends alone were enough to support avish lifestyle for quite some time.

    Elyse¡¯s expression turned to shock. ¡°Every penny I have is right here. What savings? Natalie, I barely recognize you these days.¡±

    That night, their heated argument escted like never before. Unaware, they were being watched by a pair of cold, calcting eyes, silently taking in everything.

    The next day, Lillian was ying a game on her phone while chatting with Dani. ¡°Natalie is desperate to get rid of you. She¡¯s selling designer bags at a flea market just to scrape together three million dors.¡±

    Dani arched an eyebrow, letting out a low chuckle. ¡°I suppose I should thank her for the effort.¡±

    A few dayster, Natalie stared at her almost empty ount and took a deep breath.

    With resolve, she transferred the money to Russell and called him. ¡°Hey, the three million¡¯s been sent. Check it.¡±

    Russell, busy with a game of cards, respondedzily, ¡°Alright, let me see¡­ Yep, three million dors received.¡±

    Just as Natalie was about to press him to take action, Russell¡¯s indifferent voice came through. ¡°So, when are you sending the remaining three million?¡±

    Stunned, Natalie nearly shouted, ¡°I just sent you three million!¡± Russell¡¯s tone remained casual. ¡°Yeah, but the rest of the payment is still missing. You think we don¡¯t charge interest?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 780

    Chapter 780:

    Natalie was floored. ¡°Interest? Since when? And why should you make so much money for doing nothing?¡±

    Russell nodded as he replied, ¡°The terms in the contract are straightforward. Didn¡¯t you read it? If the principal isn¡¯t paid in full, interest is charged on the whole amount. For a hundred million, three million in interest isn¡¯t that big of a deal.¡±

    Natalie froze, her eyes scanning the contract in disbelief. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll just find someone else! Give my money back!¡±

    Russell was blunt, his tone cold. ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll deduct a hefty processing fee of $50 million and send the rest back to you.¡±

    Natalie¡¯s heart sank. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t dare!¡±

    The sound of cards shuffling on the other end of the line abruptly stopped.

    A bone-chilling silence followed, and then a deadly, low voice responded, ¡°What did you say?¡±

    A shiver ran down Natalie¡¯s spine. ¡°I mean, once the three million is transferred, you¡¯ll kill Dani, right? There won¡¯t be any more charges, huh?¡±

    The sound of cards shuffling resumed on the other end, as if nothing had happened.

    Russell¡¯s response was almost casual. ¡°Of course. We¡¯re professionals.¡±

    Natalie ended the call quickly, her mind racing. To avoid more interest, she sold off both her and Elyse¡¯s cars.

    Elyse, on the edge of tears, couldn¡¯t keep her distress in check. ¡°Mom, stop crying!¡± Natalie snapped, her patience thin. ¡°It¡¯s so annoying! Once Dani is gone, we¡¯ll have everything.¡±

    Frustrated and desperate, she called Russell once again.

    Discover updates g?l¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    Russell¡¯s voice wasid-back as ever. ¡°Alright, full payment¡¯s in. Just wait.¡±

    A huge sigh of relief escaped Natalie. ¡°So, how soon will Dani be gone?¡±

    ¡°As I said, we¡¯re professionals. Don¡¯t worry. It¡¯ll happen soon enough,¡± he responded without a hint of urgency.

    After hanging up, Natalie smiled with satisfaction.

    Elyse, however, was troubled, her brow furrowed. Dani had already assured her of everything she desired. Yet, after all this chaos, she had lost her favorite car and was still stewing over the vi that had been sold.

    She looked at Natalie¡¯s profile, feeling more cautious.

    It hit her then¡ªNatalie wasn¡¯t as easily manipted as she had thought.

    Meanwhile, Dani entered a charity auction, and as soon as she arrived, the lights dimmed. Someone quietly took a seat across from her.

    Lillian nudged Dani, her voice curious. ¡°Dani, why is Cedric here?¡±

    Dani, eyes glued to her phone, responded without looking up, ¡°He had a signing ceremony this afternoon. He shouldn¡¯t be here in Olisvine right now.¡±

    Lillian leaned over the seat to get a better look. ¡°Huh? Isn¡¯t that Cedric?¡±

    Dani continued typing away on her phone.

    As she looked up, the man in the front row stood and made his way toward the front.

    From her angle, she could now clearly see the man resembled Cedric.

    Lillian spun to Dani, wide-eyed. ¡°Isn¡¯t that him? Why is Cedric here? Why didn¡¯t he tell you he wasing? He knows we¡¯re here at the auction.¡±

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Happy weekend dear ones! God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. (©¤??O)

    .

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 781

    ?Chapter 781:

    Lillian stood up and was ready to greet him but froze when she saw him walk past everyone and sit next to Joyce in the front row.

    Her mouth fell open in surprise. She turned to Dani, shocked. ¡°When did Cedric get so close to Joyce?¡±

    Whispers buzzed through the room as Lillian and Dani looked up to see ¡°Cedric¡± leaning in, whispering intimately to Joyce.

    Both Dani and Cedric were well-known figures in Olisvine. Not too long ago, Dani had made a public announcement about her marriage to Cedric, and everyone knew how deeply he adored her.

    So how could he suddenly be so close to Joyce of all people?

    Furthermore, everyone in the room turned their gaze from ¡°Cedric¡± to Dani.

    She was right there, and ¡°Cedric¡± had been caught in the act, leaning intimately with Joyce.

    For a brief moment, the drama took center stage, with gossip swirling around the room,pletely overshadowing the auction.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that Joyce? Dani¡¯s stepsister?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, she¡¯s quite the piece of work. First, she took Alexander from Dani, and now, Cedric. Seems like Joyce¡¯s n is to steal men from under Dani¡¯s nose.¡±

    ¡°It sure looks that way. But wasn¡¯t Cedric always indifferent to women before? Why is he suddenly so close to Joyce, right in front of Dani?¡±

    ¡°What a mess¡­¡±

    The whispers grew louder, one voice cutting through. ¡°Look, Dani¡¯s standing up.¡±

    ???????? ???????? ????????: ?????????¦Í?????????????

    Immediately, all eyes turned to the back row.

    The auctioneer, visibly frustrated, watched as the drama unfolded. The crowd was too captivated to focus on the auction itself.

    Right then, Dani stood up, but Lillian quickly grabbed her arm.

    Dani nced over, her face betraying no emotion.

    Lillian nced around at the curious looks and whispered, ¡°There are too many people here. Confronting them now would be embarrassing. Why not wait and ask Cedric what¡¯s going onter?¡±

    Dani shook her head and made her way to the front row. ¡°I need to see who that is.¡±

    Lillian followed, still confused. ¡°Huh? Isn¡¯t that Cedric? Who else would it be? Dani, there are too many eyes on us today. Maybe you should think about Cedric¡¯s dignity. This could just be a misunderstanding.¡±

    Dani smiled at her suggestion. ¡°No misunderstanding.¡±

    Just as Lillian was about to voice her surprise, Dani continued, ¡°No. It¡¯s not him.¡±

    Lillian gasped, but before she could say anything else, they saw ¡°Cedric¡± suddenly stand up, fasten his suit, and walk off in a different direction. Dani froze for a moment and scrutinized the man once again.

    Indeed, his face was undeniably identical to Cedric¡¯s, as was his demeanor, from the way he buttoned his suit to his confident stride as he walked away.

    Before Dani could inspect the man further, a sharp, taunting voice interrupted. ¡°Look who it is, my high-and-mighty stepsister. What brings you here?¡±

    Joyce sat in the front row, legs crossed, swinging them with a smug smile on her face.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 782

    ?Chapter 782:

    Lillian frowned, her voice growing sharp. ¡°Who was that just now?¡±

    Joyce couldn¡¯t help but feel pleased. With a sly smile, she responded, ¡°Why? Are you getting nervous?¡±

    Joyce¡¯s voice rang out, loud enough to draw the attention of everyone in the room, even pausing the auctioneer mid-sentence.

    ¡°Oh, the one who just walked out? That was Cedric. Don¡¯t tell me you don¡¯t even recognize your own husband, Dani.¡±

    Lillian couldn¡¯t hold back. ¡°What nonsense are you spewing? That wasn¡¯t Cedric!¡±

    ¡°Are you really that sure?¡± Joyce patted her trousers as though wiping away invisible dust, wearing the same smug grin she¡¯d had when she sabotaged Dani¡¯s wedding with Alexander. ¡°Sorry, Dani, I didn¡¯t mean to. me Cedric for being too handsome.¡±

    Lillian rolled up her sleeves and stepped forward, delivering a sharp p across Joyce¡¯s face.

    Joyce¡¯s head snapped to the side, with blood trickling from her mouth. In front of the stunned crowd, she began to sob. ¡°Dani, you couldn¡¯t hold on to your man, so why me me? Cedric and I are in love. Please, let us be together.¡±

    Without warning, Joyce dramatically dropped to her knees before Dani, her act in full swing.

    Immediately, the crowd pulled out their phones, eager to capture the moment.

    Before anyone could take a photo, Dani grabbed Joyce by the arm and shoved her backstage.

    The onlookers, craning their necks, could only catch a glimpse of Dani¡¯s back as she disappeared behind the curtains.

    g???????¦Í??????.??0??; ????????  novels

    As the audience dispersed, Joyce dropped her pretenses, a sneer curling on her lips. ¡°What, Dani? Are you scared I¡¯ll ruin your husband¡¯s reputation? But Cedric¡¯s already cheated on you. Why are you still defending him? Why not step aside and let me have him? Just like you did¡­¡±

    With Alexander walking away without a second thought, Joyce continued, ¡°Be as tough and quick as you were with him, making those men who hurt you regret it. Dani, didn¡¯t you always act so bold and decisive?¡± Joyce eyed Dani, her phone hidden behind her back as she dialed a number.

    Dani noticed but didn¡¯t care in the slightest. ¡°That wasn¡¯t Cedric.¡±

    Joyce paused for a beat, then burst into wildughter. ¡°Dani, I never imagined you¡¯d end up like this. You can¡¯t even face the truth. What¡¯s wrong? Have you really fallen for Cedric and can¡¯t bring yourself to let him go?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Dani replied, standing firm under the harsh backstage lights. ¡°I can¡¯t bear it, but that man wasn¡¯t Cedric.¡±

    Joyce crossed her arms, and a mocking smile yed on her lips. ¡°What makes you so sure? Everyone saw it; even your littleckey noticed.¡± Without hesitation, Lillian rushed over and pped Joyce once more.

    Joyce spat out a mix of blood and a tooth, ring at Lillian with intense hatred. ¡°Dani, no matter how much you have people beat me, it won¡¯t change the fact that the man just now was Cedric.¡±

    Dani responded, ¡°You already know the truth. I don¡¯t care what you¡¯re up to, but I suggest you stop. This tooth is your warning. Next time, it won¡¯t just be a tooth.¡±

    With that, Dani gave Joyce a cold look and walked away.

    As soon as she was out of sight, Joyce mmed her fist down onto the table in frustration.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 783

    ?Chapter 783:

    The call was still connected. Joyce grabbed the phone and spoke into it. ¡°Did you hear that, Alexander? Back then, Dani had no problem moving on from you, but now with Cedric, she can¡¯t let go. Even though it¡¯s so obvious, she doesn¡¯t have the guts to admit it. If you were here, you¡¯d see the look on Dani¡¯s face. She doesn¡¯t love you; she only loves Cedric. So, the only way you¡¯ll stay close to her is if you¡¯re Cedric.¡±

    On the other end of the line, Alexander¡¯s voice was icy. ¡°I¡¯ll stay by Dani¡¯s side for life, even if it means living as Cedric.¡±

    Alexander longed to be entangled with Dani across countless lifetimes.

    Joyce¡¯s lips formed a sinister sneer.

    Over the phone, Alexander said, ¡°The mercenary we¡¯ve hired will handle Cedric tonight. From now on, there will only be one Cedric in this world.¡±

    And he would be the only Cedric that Dani loved.

    Joyce shed a devilishly charming smile and said to Alexander, ¡°Wait for me at home.¡±

    Joyce rushed back home, captivated by Alexander¡¯s current appearance.

    Her interest in him had been reignited.

    She undressed Alexander and kissed him on the lips.

    As she drove home with Dani, Lillian frowned and said, ¡°Dani, that was Cedric just now. You denied it was him to save his face, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    Dani looked at Lillian with surprise. ¡°Why would you think that?¡±

    ?????????? ???????????? ????????: g???????¦Í?????????????

    Lillian looked even more surprised than Dani. ¡°Dani, it¡¯s just us here. Why won¡¯t you admit it was Cedric? You used to not hold back like this.¡±

    Daniughed. ¡°I already told you; that wasn¡¯t Cedric.¡±

    ¡°How could it not be? I saw it with my own eyes.¡±

    After Lillian spoke, she observed Dani¡¯s smiling face and thought that Dani must have been so shocked she was in denial, unable to confront the truth.

    The driver added his voice to the conversation. ¡°I saw it from a distance at the entrance. It looked exactly like Mr. Phillips.¡±

    Lillian nodded in agreement.

    Dani smiled but remained silent.

    The car started up and made its way to Dani¡¯s vi.

    Cedric was already there waiting outside. As Lillian stepped out, she squinted and eximed, ¡°Cedric, you¡¯re in trouble!¡± Cedric had alreadye across the news online.

    He was utterly stunned. As he clicked on the photos, a video appeared showing him. The way he was dressed, his movements, and even his small habits, were exactly like his.

    If Cedric hadn¡¯t beenpletely sure he had stayed at the signing event the whole time, he might have wondered if he had somehow sleepwalked his way to the auction.

    ¡°Honey, it really wasn¡¯t me,¡± Cedric confessed, feeling a sense of guilt.

    ¡°Really, listen to me. I was at the signing event all evening.¡±

    Dani turned her gaze to him. ¡°I trust you.¡±

    ¡°I know it¡¯s hard to believe, but I was at the signing event. My colleagues can back me up. You might think they¡¯re just covering for me, but I can show you the surveince footage. You know¡ª¡± What? Cedric stopped. He looked at Dani, who was still smiling at him.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 784

    ?Chapter 784:

    ¡°You said¡­ you trust me? You know that wasn¡¯t me?¡±

    Dani nodded. ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Cedric was shocked by Dani¡¯s certainty, especially since, after the news broke, everyone at Phillips Group assumed he had fallen for Joyce.

    Even his grandmother had called to scold him harshly.

    How could Dani be so sure it wasn¡¯t him?

    ¡°First, I know you wouldn¡¯t do that.¡±

    What she meant was, even if everyone else turned against her, she trusted that he would remain loyal. He would always be by her side.

    ¡°Second, remember when you rescued me from the fire at my wedding with Alexander? You got a burn on the inside of your wrist. Even though the scar has lightened from treatments, I noticed the man tonight didn¡¯t have that scar.¡±

    It was because of that scar that Dani realized that man was not Cedric.

    Cedric gazed at Dani, his eyes filled with tears, like a child who had been wronged but suddenly found peace in theforting presence of a loved one. ¡°Today, it felt like everyone misunderstood me.¡±

    Under the glow of the streetmps, Dani smiled, walked over to Cedric, embraced him, and whispered, ¡°I¡¯ll make sure justice is served for the injustices you¡¯ve faced.¡±

    Ryan stood by the entrance, tilting his head towards Lillian. ¡°See? Dani really is remarkable. Cedric will never leave her side in this lifetime.¡±

    Winning a man¡¯s heart held more power than any physical attraction ever could.

    Lillian clicked her tongue and gave a thumbs up. ¡°Impressive.¡±

    R?????? ??h?? ???????? ??t g??l??ov?ls.?????

    Meanwhile, as Joyce and Alexander were caught up in their own drama, Joyce¡¯s phone rang.

    Out of breath, Joyce answered, ¡°So, is Cedric dead?¡±

    The voice on the other end was cold. ¡°What sort of trouble have you dragged me into? Are you doing this intentionally? You¡¯re not trying to buy Cedric¡¯s life; you¡¯re after mine, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Joyce regained herposure a bit. She pushed Alexander away and stood up. ¡°What are you talking about?¡±

    ¡°What am I talking about? Do you have any idea who Cedric has for protection?¡±

    Confused, Joyce asked, ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Shadow from Cealmaur, an elite bodyguard known for his stealth and his ability to make kills without leaving a trace. Compared to Shadow, I¡¯m just a rookie. You know what? Forget it. Find someone else! This is a disaster!¡± The call ended.

    A cold wind drifted in from outside.

    Joyce looked serious.

    Alexander stood up. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    Joyce turned her head and stared into the night, lost in thought as she looked at his face that resembled Cedric¡¯s.

    Was there more to Cedric than just being a businessman? Did he have another powerful background?

    Natalie ignored the rumors floating around online.

    She was entirely focused on when Dani would meet her end.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 785

    ?Chapter 785:

    Yet, as another week went by, Dani remained very much alive.

    ¡°Are you a scam artist?¡± Natalie shouted angrily at Russell.

    ¡°How could that be? You¡¯re thinking too much. We are professionals.¡±

    Natalie snapped back, ¡°Then why is Dani still breathing?¡±

    ¡°Oh, I forgot to tell you, the money you provided was just an initial payment. You need to send over another three million.¡±

    Natalie was furious when she heard this. ¡°Another three million? Will your demands ever end?¡±

    If she had known the cost would be so high, she might have considered handling Dani¡¯s disposal herself.

    ¡°Three million is nothing. Dani is the world¡¯s wealthiest woman, worth billions. Surely you aren¡¯t short three million?¡± Russell asked her.

    Natalie rolled her eyes. She was running low on funds.

    She had been so sure that Cealmaur would kill Dani soon that she had been spending freely, even after selling her vi.

    Recently, she had sold her car, designer handbags, and jewelry, and now, she had nothing left to sell.

    Elyse had always been under Brylee¡¯s wing, and as Elyse¡¯s daughter, Natalie had never experienced the struggle of having no money. Her desperate situation was driving her to the edge, and Natalie found herself wishing more than ever for Dani¡¯s swift end.

    ¡°Are you requesting a loan from me?¡± Dani was amused by the idea when she heard it.

    Natalie wanted her dead, was out of funds, and was now approaching her for a loan. What a clever n!

    Explore fresh updates on g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s

    Natalie thought that once she was gone, she wouldn¡¯t need to repay the loan.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Natalie kept up her proud demeanor even while asking for money. ¡°I¡¯m running a bit low on funds. Could you lend me five million, Dani?¡±

    Daniughed. She remembered Russell mentioning to Natalie that they needed an additional three million. ¡°What could you possibly need all that money for?¡± she asked.

    Natalie tightened her lips. ¡°What I use the money for is my own business. I¡¯ll pay you back at some point. You have so much money, a few million here and there shouldn¡¯t bother you. In fact, giving it to me wouldn¡¯t make a difference, right?¡±

    Dani gave a slight smile. ¡°That¡¯s not quite true.¡±

    Natalie paused for a moment. ¡°What? Are you pretending to be poor?¡±

    Dani answered, ¡°Not exactly. It¡¯s just that my family is very strict with money.¡±

    Natalie was surprised. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Dani wore a concerned look. ¡°My husband doesn¡¯t allow unnecessary spending.¡±

    Natalie appeared irritated. ¡°What?¡±

    She stared in disbelief at Cedric, who had just entered the room. ¡°You¡¯re a grown man, and you dare to control my cousin¡¯s finances?¡±

    Cedric looked over at Dani, who quickly winked at him. He nodded. ¡°Yes, your cousin earns money well, but I need to manage it. With so many peoplepeting for her attention, I need to ensure our security.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 786

    ?Chapter 786:

    Natalie was caught off guard by Cedric¡¯s sharp insight.

    Dani always appeared so strong, yet here she was, seemingly controlled by her husband.

    ¡°So, Cedric, could you lend me five million?¡± Natalie¡¯s voice became gentler.

    Cedric opened hisptop and responded with politeness, ¡°Of course, we¡¯re family. A few million is nothing to us.¡±

    Natalie smiled broadly and nodded eagerly. ¡°So when will you send the money?¡±

    Natalie, eager to see Dani out of the picture, continued, ¡°Cedric, with yourrgepany, you could transfer the funds immediately, couldn¡¯t you?¡± Cedric nodded. ¡°Yes.¡±

    Natalie was thrilled. She was about to call the finance department when Cedric suddenly asked, ¡°What do you n to offer as coteral?¡±

    Nataly¡¯s smile froze, and her grip on the phone tightened. She stared at Cedric, stunned. ¡°What? You need coteral?¡±

    Cedric looked at her calmly. ¡°Of course, loans require coteral.¡±

    Natalie was taken aback. ¡°But you just said we¡¯re family.¡±

    Cedric nodded once more. ¡°Even among family, it¡¯s important to keep things clear and manage them properly. So, what can you provide as coteral?¡±

    ¡°The vi? Hmmm¡­ It¡¯s sold. Your handbags? The one you¡¯re holding is second-hand, only worth a few thousand, not nearly enough. And jewelry¡­ You don¡¯t have any left.¡± Cedric looked up at Natalie. ¡°So, what will you use for coteral?¡±

    Natalie gasped. She felt Cedric wasn¡¯t truly nning to lend her the money; instead, he seemed to be using this as a chance to embarrass her.

    R?????? ???????????? ????????ov?????.??o??

    ¡°Dani, won¡¯t you intervene?¡± Natalie walked over to Dani. ¡°We¡¯re cousins. I¡¯m definitely on your side. Honestly, you shouldn¡¯t let Cedric manage all your finances. Didn¡¯t you see the news yesterday? Cedric was involved with Joyce. How can you still entrust him with so much money? You need to be more careful. Women shouldn¡¯t trust men with their money; keep it yourself. Or better yet, let me handle it. I¡¯vee across some excellent investment opportunitiestely. Let me show them to you. What do you say?¡±

    Natalie looked seriously at Dani. ¡°I mean it. Men can be dishonest. Don¡¯t trust them too much. Trust me instead. Hand the money over to me, will you?¡±

    Cedric stood up, left the room, and mmed the door behind him, the sound echoing throughout the office.

    Natalie pointed at Cedric¡¯s vanishing figure and growled, ¡°Dani, did you see that? Money really changes people. Cedric has the nerve to disrespect you like that! You need to teach him a lesson!¡±

    Natalie stared at Dani, her eyes brimming with anticipation.

    Dani cupped her chin with one hand, her expression indifferent.

    ¡°Really? I actually like the bad boy type.¡±

    Natalie groaned, exasperated. ¡°Dani, you¡¯re not exactly the hopeless romantic type. Money matters, you know. How does Cedric have a hold on you?¡±

    Dani shrugged. ¡°I didn¡¯t realize it before, but I guess I am a romantic after all.¡±

    Natalie sighed, feeling utterly defeated as Dani¡¯s proud expression lingered.

    She departed Dani¡¯s office, only to be stopped at the door. A hand extended a sleek ck card towards her. ¡°Five million!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 787

    ?Chapter 787:

    Natalie turned, her eyes narrowing at the ugly face before her. ¡°Spend a night with me, and it¡¯s all yours, Natalie.¡±

    Natalie scoffed, her chin lifting defiantly. ¡°What a joke! Linden, do you think I¡¯d sell my dignity for five million? Pathetic.¡±

    Linden watched Natalie retreat with cold amusement.

    She carried herself with pride. Yet, he found himself drawn to that pride.

    He thought it would be fascinating to watch her submit someday.

    A dark, twisted smile crept across Linden¡¯s face.

    Natalie never thought she¡¯d lose sleep over five million, let alone borrow from friends.

    They all avoided the topic, leaving Natalie seething with frustration. In the end, none of them could be counted on.

    ¡°Natalie, we¡¯re strapped too. Our allowances barely cover us. But there¡¯s a way to make quick money. Are you interested?¡±

    Natalie shot her friend a skeptical nce. ¡°What way?¡±

    ¡°Attending those exclusive parties hosted by the wealthy, and staying for three days and nights. A hundred thousand dors a night.¡±

    Natalie sneered. ¡°So, basically, selling yourself. Those men are vile. They¡¯ll chew you up and spit you out.¡±

    Natalie carried herself with a sense of superiority, believing virtue was priceless. Men like that could only dream of touching her. If they thought they could get anywhere near her, they¡¯d¡­

    ¡°You¡¯d better start dreaming.¡±

    Find great reads at g ¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s

    ¡°You highly regard yourself, but do you want the money?¡± her friend snapped. ¡°If you¡¯re willing to go, I¡¯ll make sure they offer you more money. Natalie, with your looks, you¡¯d make double. It¡¯s a waste not to put it to use.¡±

    Natalie spat, her voice icy. ¡°I¡¯m not lowering my standards entertaining men.¡±

    Born into high society, she had seen it all. She refused to stoop to those decadent gatherings where the rich reveled in their indulgence and depravity.

    Natalie strode off, her face set in determination, while her friend watched her retreating form with a bitter, almost contemptuous sneer.

    ¡°You¡¯ll be crawling back eventually,¡± she muttered.

    Desperation led Natalie to see Cedric.

    She stood before him, head bowed, biting her lip. ¡°Cedric, I¡¯m in trouble. I need to borrow some money. Please.¡±

    She stationed herself at the entrance of the Elite Lux building, blocking Cedric¡¯s way. Dressed in a daring, low-cut evening gown with a thigh-high slit, she exuded an air of allure and seduction.

    Natalie had made up her mind.

    If she had to cross this line, it had to be someone as striking as Cedric, not some pot-bellied, balding man.

    She convinced herself that sleeping with Cedric felt like a huge win.

    Cedric frowned, his face twisted with a look of repulsion.

    ¡°Cedric, I¡¯m untouched. You could be my first. Teach and guide me in bed.¡±

    Natalie¡¯s face held a delicate, innocent allure that effortlessly drew attention. She knew exactly when she appeared at her most captivating.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 788

    ?Chapter 788:

    Cedric¡¯s face remained stone-cold as he gestured to a security guard, who had been staring in shock, and signaled him over.

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Phillips.¡±

    ¡°Throw this woman out. Make sure she never steps foot in Elite Lux again.¡±

    Natalie¡¯s face drained of color as shock washed over her. ¡°Cedric, I¡­¡±

    Before she could finish, the security guard roughly seized Natalie and dragged her out. The door of Elite Lux mmed shut behind her, and Natalie couldn¡¯t believe her eyes.

    It wasn¡¯t at all how she had imagined it.

    In the darkness, Linden asked, ¡°Now that Natalie¡¯s been thrown out of Elite Lux, are you really still not going to help me?¡±

    Elyse stared across the road at Natalie, her makeup smudged by tears. ¡°Why would I trust you?¡±

    Linden smiled, his expression calm. ¡°Because I¡¯m Dani¡¯s family doctor and she trusts me.¡±

    Elyse¡¯s eyes narrowed, a shadow passing over her expression. Maybe Dani suspected her connection to Brylee¡¯s death. Why else would she refuse to help Natalie with the money she required?

    If Dani knew the truth, Elyse knew she would have to have Dani killed.

    ¡°One night,¡± Linden said, his tongue flicking over his lips. ¡°As long as Natalie willingly spends one night with me, I¡¯ll kill Dani for you.¡±

    Elyse hesitated, then nodded. ¡°Deal.¡±

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s makes every story special

    Linden smiled, ncing at Elyse. ¡°Do you think Natalie will obey your request? Oh, let me rify something. Don¡¯t pull any tricks with masks. I want to confirm it¡¯s really her this time.¡±

    Elyse¡¯s n was exposed, and her fury simmered. ¡°What are you implying? Did I trick you before? Isn¡¯t Nina my daughter? Didn¡¯t she sleep with you? Linden, you¡¯ve gone too far!¡±

    Linden chuckled darkly. ¡°Killing Dani¡¯s too risky. I honestly miss the first time. How about you let me have both girls?¡±

    Elyse shot Linden a sharp re. ¡°Don¡¯t be so greedy!¡±

    But Linden wasn¡¯t done. His grin widened, dripping with mockery as he stared at Elyse. ¡°Or you could join us.¡±

    Seeing Elyse¡¯s calm demeanor, Linden let out a heartyugh. ¡°Alright then, how about this? I still prefer Natalie. If you don¡¯t trust me, how about you and Nina serve me for a night first? Once that¡¯s done, then let Natalie sleep with me. How does that sound?¡±

    Linden grinned wickedly. ¡°I like saving the best forst.¡±

    Elyse¡¯s stomach churned with utter disgust.

    Elyse felt that having Dani killed couldn¡¯t be dyed any longer. There was no time to waste.

    Elyse headed straight to Nina¡¯s ce.

    But Nina was not there. Instead, she found Dani. Elyse looked past Dani, noticing that Lillian, who was usually by her side, was not there. A thought crossed her mind.

    Dani was even more appealing to Linden than Nina.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 789

    ?Chapter 789:

    She knew Linden had been coveting Dani for quite some time.

    Elyse approached with a smile that hid her true intentions. ¡°Dani, Nina isn¡¯t here, but perhaps I can speak with you instead.¡±

    Dani looked surprised. ¡°Oh? What brings you here, Aunt Elyse?¡±

    As her smile slowly disappeared, Elyse let out a sigh. ¡°I¡¯ve been going through a hard timetely, Dani. Are you avable tonight? I used to talk to your mother when I felt this way. Now that she¡¯s no longer here, maybe we could talk. Would that be alright?¡±

    Elyse was aware of Dani¡¯s deepmitment to her family.

    She knew bringing up anything else wouldn¡¯t help.

    Dani was typically distant, but mentioning Brylee might change her mind.

    ¡°Alright, Aunt Elyse,¡± Dani answered, much to Elyse¡¯s delight.

    ¡°Good girl, I¡¯m so pleased. Come on, hop in the car.¡± Elyse kindly swung open the car door for Dani.

    Without warning, the vi¡¯s door burst open and Cedric walked out.

    Elyse¡¯s heart raced, and she quickly helped Dani into the car.

    Before Cedric could get to them, Elyse quickly told the driver, ¡°Drive! Quickly!¡±

    Cedric closed the gap in a few long strides.

    He pulled at the door handle, finding it locked. His eyes narrowed, and just as he was about tomand the driver to open it, Dani¡¯s hand covered his.

    From inside the car, Dani looked up at him with a smile. ¡°Aunt Elyse said she¡¯s been feeling down. I¡¯ll stay with her. Please wait for me at home, okay?¡±

    How could Cedric be at ease? Naturally, he was unwilling to be alone with Elyse.

    Dani tightened her hold on Cedric¡¯s hand. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll return soon.¡± Then, she straightened up and instructed the driver, ¡°Drive.¡± Elyse noticed the confusion on Cedric¡¯s face, a brief and snobbish smile passing across hers.

    Had Cedric known that he was unknowingly sending Dani into another man¡¯s bedroom, he might have regretted it deeplyter.

    The thought brought Elyse a rush of excitement.

    ¡°Aunt Elyse, where are we headed?¡± Dani suddenly asked.

    Elyse looked down, quickly sending texts to Linden and Natalie, letting them know Dani would be at the hotel in thirty minutes. Upon receiving the text, Linden hurriedly took another shower.

    Natalie quickly reached out to all the media outlets in Olisvine. The news of Elite Lux¡¯s CEO entangled in a disgraceful affair with a disgraceful man would severely damage thepany¡¯s image. She aimed for Dani to lose everything by dawn, including Cedric¡¯s love.

    Inside the car, Elyse grinned at Dani. ¡°Cedric is a high-powered CEO, yet he¡¯s quite clingy, don¡¯t you think? Dani, is it true that he handles all your finances? That¡¯s not ideal. We¡¯re family, so here¡¯s some sincere advice. You should control your own money. If you¡¯re too busy to manage your assets, I could help. I managed your mother¡¯s finances, after all.¡±

    That was indeed true. Elyse had gained a considerable profit after Brylee¡¯s death.

    Dani looked out the window, her expression unreadable. ¡°Really? Aunt Elyse, what do you think was going through my mother¡¯s mind before she jumped from that building? Did she leave any desires unfulfilled? Any resentments unresolved?¡±

    Elyse was caught off guard by Dani¡¯s sudden change of subject. Her face tensed up. ¡°Well, your mother was quite ill before her death. Perhaps, in a way, her passing was a form of freedom.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 790

    ?Chapter 790:

    Elyse wanted to steer away from this discussion. ¡°Dani, please consider my advice about your finances. It¡¯s odd, isn¡¯t it? You¡¯re a significant CEO, yet you need Cedric¡¯s permission to lend a few million to your cousin. Isn¡¯t that silly?¡±

    Dani gazed at thendscape zooming past, silent for a brief moment. Then, she suddenly asked, ¡°Aunt Elyse, if my mother were still here, and knowing how much she hated misdeeds, she would make sure those who did terrible things to her faced horrible consequences, wouldn¡¯t she?¡± As she spoke, Dani turned her head.

    In the window¡¯s reflection, with thendscape slipping away, Elyse saw a face that bore a striking resemnce to Brylee¡¯s. Her heart involuntarily skipped a beat. ¡°You¡­¡±

    Daniughed lightly. ¡°Aunt Elyse, why are you nervous? I¡¯m only kidding.¡±

    The car pulled up at the entrance of a hotel.

    Elyse said, ¡°The coffee here is outstanding. You should try it.¡±

    Dani walked in with her.

    As they entered the hotel, Cedric made a call. Dani nced at the caller ID, sent a quick reply, and then silenced her phone.

    Cedric was just about to step out of the house when Lillian caught his arm. ¡°Dani knows what she¡¯s doing. Cedric, stay home.¡±

    But sitting still wasn¡¯t an option for him¡ªhe felt like he was losing his mind.

    Elyse¡¯s expectant gaze had been full of scheming, and now that she was backed into a corner, there was no telling what she might do.

    ???????????????? ?????????? ????: ?????????¦Í????????£®??????

    The thought alone made Cedric restless; he couldn¡¯t rx, not even for a moment. ¡°Just tell me¡ªwhat is Dani up to?¡±

    Lillian stepped in front of him, holding up a hand. ¡°Just wait for Dani. She¡¯ll exin everything when she gets back.¡±

    Cedric let out a bitterugh. ¡°She never does.¡± She always carried the weight of everything by herself.

    In that instant, it hit him¡ªDani had never truly seen him as her husband, or even as family.

    Meanwhile, in the hotel room, Linden¡¯s eyes lit up with excitement as he stared at Dani lying unconscious in the bed. ¡°Dani! It¡¯s really her! How did you pull this off?¡±

    Elyse folded her arms and smirked. ¡°Pull it off? Oh please. As her aunt, all it took was inviting her for a simple coffee. She walked right into it.¡±

    Linden¡¯s excitement was obvious, but he also looked a little disappointed. ¡°Shame she¡¯s knocked out. It¡¯d be much more entertaining if she were awake.¡±

    Elyse smirked mischievously. ¡°Rx. She¡¯s being hypnotized. She¡¯ll wake up soon,pletely convinced you¡¯re Cedric, and trust me, she¡¯ll be all over you.¡±

    That instantly lifted Linden¡¯s mood.

    Impatience took over as he began stripping off his clothes. ¡°Live fast, die young! Dani, here Ie!¡±

    He shot a look at Elyse. ¡°Hey, olddy, why are you still here?¡±

    Elyse eyed his restless energy and let out a cold chuckle. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Once she wakes up, you¡¯ll have more than enough time to enjoy. The hypnosissts fifteen hours¡ªplenty for your little game.¡±

    Linden let out augh.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 791

    ?Chapter 791:

    Elyse added, ¡°After tonight, you¡¯d better keep your word and get rid of Dani like I asked. If you don¡¯t, I¡¯ll make sure you regret it.¡±

    Linden dismissed her with a casual wave, signaling her to go. Just then, Dani¡¯s phone buzzed, and Linden nced at the caller ID¡ªCedric.

    A smirk crossed his face as he snapped a picture of Dani in the bed. With a wicked grin, he typed, ¡°Your wife, my bed.¡±

    On her way out, Elyse peeked through the gap in the door, catching sight of Linden slipping off his pants.

    A cold sneer formed on her lips.

    Brylee? Dani? What did it matter?

    In the end, they all fell apart at her hands.

    Elyse shut the door with a soft click and headed downstairs to meet Natalie.

    By the time Dani and Linden were finished, the lobby would be crawling with reporters.

    The mere thought of it made a sinister smile creep across Elyse¡¯s lips.

    Inside the room, Linden stood in nothing but his underwear.

    He was just about to act when Dani¡¯s eyes fluttered open.

    Linden was still caught up in his excitement, thinking she was under hypnosis. He waved his hands eagerly,pletely unaware of what wasing.

    But in the blink of an eye, everything turned pitch ck¡ªsomeone had thrown something over his head.

    ore c??apters @ g???????¦Í?????????????

    A secondter, he found himself tied to a chair with a white bed sheet. Linden had no idea what had just happened. He didn¡¯t even try to fight back. Instead, he stared at her, utterly mesmerized. ¡°Dani, ying rough, are we?¡±

    Dani cast him a brief nce and smiled faintly.

    Linden waspletely entranced. After making sure he was firmly restrained, Dani dragged a chair over and sat down in front of him.

    Linden sat there, waiting, convinced she¡¯d take the lead.

    Silence stretched between them until Linden finally frowned, his eyes locking onto Dani¡¯s calm, steady gaze. ¡°You weren¡¯t hypnotized? Who the hell are you?¡±

    As a doctor, he quickly sensed that something was very, very wrong. ¡°No way! The guy Elyse hired is one of the best¡ªthere¡¯s no chance the hypnosis didn¡¯t work. Dani, what kind of trick are you pulling?¡±

    Dani tilted her head slightly, her fingers reaching for the fruit knife resting on the table.

    Linden flinched and instinctively shrank back. ¡°What are you doing? Listen, Dani, you know murder is a crime, right? You¡¯re the richest person in the world¡ªthere¡¯s no need to get your hands dirty over me.¡±

    Dani leaned back, effortlessly spinning the fruit knife in her hand.

    Dani¡¯s grin carried a hint of irony. It was cold, almost chilling.

    Gulping, Linden stammered, ¡°Dani, no, Ms. Harper, I need to exin.¡± He had long viewed Dani as merely a wealthy but delicate woman. Despite her assertive tactics, he thought it was her team that truly wielded the power, allowing her to achieve her goals.

    Without her team, he believed Dani would be powerless.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 792

    ?Chapter 792:

    Linden had even entertained the thought that Dani¡¯s disappearance would go unnoticed.

    Yet, in this moment, he realized his misconception. A woman who had climbed to the CEO position of a top global firm must possess significant personal strength.

    Her striking features had obscured the evident truths.

    Though Linden was driven by desire, he valued his life above all. Desperately, Linden exined, ¡°Ms. Harper, I assure you, I had no part in this. I wanted Nina. I was clueless about why Elyse dragged you here instead. Elyse is greedy, but I am not involved.¡±

    Dani¡¯s expression did not waver. She idly yed with a knife, her lips curving into a mysterious, subtle smile.

    ¡°Ms. Harper, what are you implying? Please, I¡¯m telling the truth. Check my phone. It was Elyse, that deceitful woman, who couldn¡¯t locate Nina and substituted you because you were avable. This wasn¡¯t my n.¡±

    Only in his underpants, Linden shivered as the cold air rushed in from the open window. Dani had tied him to a chair.

    ¡°Ms. Harper, please can you say something?¡±

    Dani released a chillingugh. She gazed at Linden and whispered, ¡°Did you know? When wealthy peoplemit murder, someone always cleans up. It¡¯s like it never happened.¡±

    Linden¡¯s face paled, his eyes wide with fear.

    ¡°Elyse mentioned she couldn¡¯t find Nina, but found me instead. You were okay with that, weren¡¯t you?¡± she added.

    Linden didn¡¯t know how to defend himself this time.

    ¡°How would you like to meet your end? It¡¯s your choice,¡± Dani murmured with a smile that was both alluring and dangerous, like a beautiful yet deadly rose, leaving Linden frozen with fear.

    ¡°Do you prefer falling from the 48th floor, or perhaps drowning in a bathtub suits you better? Or shall we arrange an idental electrocution? Thatst one¡¯s quick¡ªover in seconds. You wouldn¡¯t feel a thing. What do you think?¡± Dani¡¯s manner of listing the death options was as casual as one might discuss the day¡¯s weather.

    Shaking uncontrobly, Linden pleaded, ¡°Ms. Harper, please understand, I had no part in this. Elyse promised me time with Nina in exchange for a favor, but murder was never my intention, I promise you that!¡±

    A slight smile yed on Dani¡¯s lips, her voice light. ¡°Really now?¡±

    Linden gave a frantic nod. Without a word, Dani pulled out her phone and began to y back recordings of every conversation Linden had shared with Elyse and Natalie.

    Linden¡¯s eyes bulged with realization as he faced Dani. ¡°You¡¯ve known everything all this time! Then why¡­?¡±

    With a softugh, Dani replied, ¡°Why did I allow myself to be brought here today? I was curious to see whether you were behind the attempt on my life or if it was those two women.¡±

    A cold shiver ran through Linden. Stuttering, he insisted, ¡°It wasn¡¯t me, I swear. I would never dare.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 793

    ?Chapter 793:

    Dani eyed him, amusement in her gaze. ¡°Really?¡±

    Again, Linden nodded eagerly. ¡°Absolutely! I am at yourmand. Whatever you need, I¡¯ll do it. It¡¯s them¡ªthey¡¯re the threat, not me. They wanted to kill you! Ms. Harper, let me assist you with your investigation. Just, please, spare my life.¡±

    Again, Dani¡¯s chuckle was soft yet chilling.

    Downstairs, Natalie was engrossed with her phone, pulling up live feeds from the hotel¡¯s room camera. Squinting, she murmured, ¡°Where could they be?¡±

    Elyse tilted her head, a brief frown creasing her face before quicklyposing herself.

    ¡°They¡¯re here,¡± Elyse murmured, pointing to the mirror¡¯s faint reflection.

    ¡°Did Dani tie up Linden? Who would¡¯ve guessed she had a wild side?¡± Elyse sneered, a mocking smile curling on her lips.

    The room was dimly lit, with shadowy figures appearing blurred and indistinct in the mirror.

    Natalie strained to see more clearly, but the figures in the mirror flickered and faded, disappearing without a trace.

    ¡°Mom, do you think something might go wrong?¡± Natalie asked, her voice tinged with unease.

    She had spent considerable time with Dani recently and genuinely sensed that Dani was far from an ordinary person.

    Elyse waved off her concern with a dismissive shrug. ¡°What could go wrong? Dani¡¯s been hypnotized. I saw her myself, sprawled across Linden¡¯s bed. When I left, he was already on top of her. How could that possibly be fake?¡±

    Natalie frowned. ¡°And Dani didn¡¯t react at all?¡±

    Nore chatpers ?????????¦Í??????.c0n

    Elyse chuckled and said, ¡°What reaction could she possibly have? I had to sell everything I owned just to afford that expensive hypnotist, all to ensure our n went smoothly.¡±

    Natalie nced at the security feed, eyes narrowing at the empty room disyed on the screen.

    ¡°Stop obsessing over that. The camera angle is limited. They¡¯re probably tucked away in a corner somewhere.¡± Elyse¡¯sugh was sharp, edged with something brittle.

    With a careless flick of her hand, she ordered an expensive bottle of wine she couldn¡¯t afford.

    ¡°Come on, Natalie. This might take a while. Why deny ourselves a little luxury? This bottle costs over eight hundred grand. I¡¯ve been dying to try it.¡±

    Elyse signaled the waiter to uncork the bottle, but Natalie reached out, stopping him. She advised, ¡°Mom, maybe we shouldn¡¯t rush to celebrate just yet. If something goes wrong, we won¡¯t even be able to pay for this wine. We barely have eighty thousand left, let alone eight hundred thousand. Russell¡¯s been breathing down our necks, demanding the rest of his payment.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 794

    ?Chapter 794:

    The sting of an empty wallet had be all too familiar to Natalie. Elyse scoffed, prying Natalie¡¯s hand from the waiter¡¯s arm. ¡°Open it,¡± she snapped, then ordered a round of overpriced steaks.

    As she dug into her meal, Elyse spoke between bites. ¡°Life¡¯s too short, so we should indulge in the finer things. Once Linden¡¯s done, I¡¯ll have him kill Dani. After that, everything she owns will be ours.¡±

    Natalie¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°I¡¯m just worried Linden might not have the guts to do it.¡±

    Elyse threw her head back,ughing. ¡°Oh, he will. He knows the consequences if he doesn¡¯t.¡±

    Her gaze lingered on her daughter, noting the striking resemnce to Dani. ¡°And when Cedric¡¯s heart shatters over losing his beloved wife, he¡¯ll marry you. Before long, Dani¡¯s and Cedric¡¯s fortunes will be yours. You¡¯ll have everything you ever dreamed of!¡± Elyse was brimming with excitement at the future she imagined.

    Natalie¡¯s tension eased, a smile slowly spreading across her face. Meanwhile, reporters invited to the hotel to take photos arrived early, their cameras slung over their shoulders.

    Elyse weed them withvish hospitality, pouring fine wine as if it grew on trees.

    Gathered around a grand table, the reporters courteously interviewed Elyse.

    ¡°Ms. Dury, can you confirm if your information is urate? Is Dani truly cheating on Cedric?¡±

    Elyse nodded solemnly, feigning regret. ¡°I couldn¡¯t believe it myself at first. A close friend, an executive here, saw it firsthand and told me. It¡¯s unfortunate for the family. But I suppose it¡¯s understandable. Dani lost her mother at a young age, grew up without parental guidance, and endured long-term abuse from her stepmother, Katrina. It¡¯s no wonder her way of thinking is so different from most people.¡±

    A bespectacled reporter leaned forward, eyeing Elyse intently. ¡°I¡¯ve heard Dani¡¯s affair is with her family doctor. Is that true?¡±

    Discover more on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv????s

    Elyse sighed dramatically. ¡°Yes. I was the one who introduced the doctor to her. The guilt eats at me.¡±

    She put on her best sincere face. ¡°I didn¡¯t invite you here to spread rumors. Cheating is wrong, and I hope Dani realizes her mistake and mends her ways. I know you¡¯re all reporters, but please, I ask that you don¡¯t write anything misleading.¡±

    The reporters exchanged knowing nces, nodding in agreement. ¡°Of course.¡±

    But one reporter frowned. ¡°When I was at Elite Lux for an interview, I saw Linden. He looked particrly unappealing. Why would Dani be interested in him? Is there more to this than you¡¯re letting on?¡±

    Elyse¡¯s expression stiffened, but she quickly masked any sign of anger in front of the reporters.

    With a smile, Elyse responded, ¡°There¡¯s no hidden story. They were constantly exchanging nces at thepany. I couldn¡¯t even bear to watch them.¡±

    The reporter wasn¡¯t convinced. ¡°Considering Dani¡¯s taste in men, I doubt she¡¯d fall for Linden. With her current status, finding a handsome man would be a breeze. So why him?¡± The reporter pulled out his phone, showing a picture of Linden. ¡°Look, everyone, here¡¯s Linden. And this photo is clearly photoshopped. He looks much worse in person.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 795

    ?Chapter 795:

    Many of the reporters hadn¡¯t paid much attention to Linden before. But now, seeing the photo, they were all taken aback, their expressions filled with shock. ¡°Is this Linden?¡±

    Everyone turned to Elyse, their eyes sharp with doubt. ¡°Ms. Dury, could you have made a mistake? Maybe they¡¯re just conducting business upstairs. Surely, Dani wouldn¡¯t choose a man like that.¡±

    Fury burned in Elyse¡¯s eyes, her face contorted as she struggled to contain her anger. With a deep sigh, she sought to calm her voice. ¡°Well, people have different tastes, don¡¯t they? Dani might favor men who are strikingly handsome or perhaps those who are quite the opposite. It¡¯s hard to say.¡±

    Noticing the reporter gearing up to ask another question, Elyse rose and offered a fleeting smile. ¡°Could we perhaps discuss this privately?¡±

    She discreetly slid thest ten thousand dors she had into his pocket, prompting apliant grin from the reporter. The reporters, sharp as ever, quickly caught on to Elyse¡¯s intentions. They shared knowing smiles and continued to order dish after dish without restraint.

    By morning, when Natalie and her mother saw the bill, they almost gasped in shock. The bill totaled a staggering five million dors.

    ¡°This is outrageous!¡± Natalie scowled, poised to confront them.

    However, Elyse held her back. ¡°Let it go. Once Dani is out of the picture, this will be just a small expense for Elite Lux. These journalists have influence, and we¡¯ll need their support to shape our image after she¡¯s gone.¡±

    Exhaling sharply, Natalie rolled her eyes. ¡°They act like parasites! I¡¯ll reim every dime once I take over.¡±

    Elyse brushed off the concern with a wave of her hand and said, ¡°It¡¯s time. Let¡¯s make our move.¡±

    ???????????????? ??????????: ???????¦Í?????????????

    They used their card to unlock the hotel room door. Upon entering, they found the room inplete chaos. A sense of relief washed over Natalie while Elyse smirked in satisfaction.

    The room¡¯s dim lighting barely revealed Dani under the quilt. Elyse scanned the room and shed a suggestive grin at Linden. ¡°Had a good time?¡±

    Linden sprawled casually in an armchair near the curtains. ¡°Not too shabby.¡±

    With a slyugh, Elyseid out the n. ¡°I¡¯m about to storm in with the press. We¡¯ll strip down, grab Dani, and ensure she¡¯s alone when she exits the hotel. Then, we¡¯ll find an opportunity to end her life.¡±

    Elyse was as devious as ever. Her n was to rise to power at Elite Lux after Dani¡¯s demise, which would leave Cedric shattered by the perceived betrayal. iming the role of Dani¡¯s aunt had been a long-conceived strategy to enable her takeover.

    With a confident grin, Elyse was ready to implement her master strategy. ¡°Wait!¡±

    Turning with a puzzled expression, Elyse faced Linden. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s something I don¡¯t understand. Did you have a hand in Brylee¡¯s death?¡± Linden asked, eyeing the figure in the bed.

    The smile vanished from Elyse¡¯s face. ¡°Why would you bring that up?¡±

    Nonchntly, Linden responded, ¡°Out of curiosity. I¡¯m on your payroll, after all. It¡¯s puzzling how you could target her daughter, considering Brylee¡¯s past kindness to you. Could you shed some light on that?¡±

    Elyse¡¯s face hardened, her tone cold. ¡°What¡¯s there to rify? I was after their wealth, and they were too affluent for their own good. I ended Brylee¡¯s life, and Dani¡¯s end will be by my hands as well¡ªher fate will mirror her mother¡¯s.¡±

    With that, Elyse exited without another word.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 796

    ?Chapter 796:

    Natalie felt something was off with Linden today. She couldn¡¯t pinpoint what, but something was definitely wrong. After exiting the room, she lingered by the door, her ear pressed against it, while keeping an eye on the room¡¯s surveince feed on her phone.

    Inside, Linden prepared to stand, but just then, he caught sight of Dani slowly opening her eyes. Her gaze was sharp, and she subtly mouthed the word ¡°Surveince.¡± Linden immediately sat back down.

    Outside, Natalie waited for a long time. Only the sound of running water eventually convinced her to move on.

    Meanwhile, Elyse, already at the elevator, chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re too wary. Didn¡¯t the disarray convince you ofst night¡¯s escapades? It was just like when Nina and Linden were together. What¡¯s there to worry about?¡±

    shing a sly smile, Elyse continued, ¡°Soon, I¡¯ll be leading Elite Lux. I¡¯ve even had Dani¡¯s authorization papers forged.¡±

    Elyse then gestured toward the waiting reporters. ¡°Let¡¯s move. It¡¯s time to get to work!¡±

    As Elyse made her way to the hotel room, her excitement was unmistakable; she couldn¡¯t mask the thrill on her face. Removing Dani from the equation was key to her n. She envisioned finding someone to handle Linden in a way that would leave no trace, just as had happened with Brylee.

    Elyse walked briskly, asionally turning to address the reporters trailing her with a crafted smile. ¡°I just can¡¯t rein Dani in. She has this unsettling obsession with men, which really worries me. To my friends in the media, I know you¡¯re all very capable, but please exercise some discretion in your reporting. After all, she¡¯s my niece, and I hold her dear.¡±

    The reporters exchanged knowing nces, silentlymending Elyse on her act. Poor Dani, they thought, to have such a maniptive aunt.

    Elyse clutched the room key, waiting for the reporters to ready their cameras for the live broadcast. With a practiced smile, she swiped the key card and opened the hotel room door.

    Elyse¡¯s n was set against the backdrop of scandalous news: Dani, the CEO of Elite Lux, allegedly caught in apromising situation with her family doctor. The journalists were hungry for an exclusive story. The moment the door swung open, the reporters surged forward like a flood.

    ?????????? ???? ???????? ????????: ?????????¦Í?????????????

    Elyse, momentarily pushed aside by the rush, smiled in anticipation of themotion she expected inside: Dani¡¯s cries of panic and the reporters¡¯ gasps of shock. She shared a look of victory with Natalie.

    One minute ticked by. Then five. But the anticipated screams of scandal never erupted.

    An eerie silence filled the room. Elyse, perplexed, made her way through the throng of reporters to see for herself. The room, which she had expected to be in chaos, was impably tidy. Linden sat on the sofa, engrossed in his phone, his expression one of genuine surprise as he noticed the crowd.

    ¡°How did you all get in here?¡± he demanded.

    The reporters, stunned, turned collectively to Elyse. She stared back at Linden, her confusion deepening into a frown as she asked, ¡°Where is Dani?¡±

    Linden looked bewildered. ¡°Dani? You¡¯re in my room. Why would she be here?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 797

    ?Chapter 797:

    Elyse didn¡¯t bother to engage in further dialogue with Linden. Instead, she searched the room frantically, yanking back curtains, peering under the bed, and bursting into the bathroom.

    Her anxiety mounting, Elyse found no trace of Dani. She confronted Linden, seizing his cor. ¡°Where did Dani go?¡±

    Linden responded with a smirk. ¡°I¡¯m not sure what you¡¯re implying. I¡¯m her family doctor, not her husband. Why are you asking where she is at this hour? Are you suggesting something inappropriate between me and her?¡±

    Facing the cameras that were broadcasting live, Linden said earnestly, ¡°Dani is a woman of integrity and grace,posed and dignified. She has a strong rtionship with Cedric. I¡¯m baffled as to why you would storm into my room with a crowd, shouting her name. What exactly are you trying to prove?¡±

    Each of his statements carried implied usations.

    Elyse was seething with anger. ¡°Impossible! Dani was definitely in this room. I clearly saw¡­¡±

    She nearly spilled the details but was abruptly interrupted when Natalie sharply tugged at her sleeve.

    Lindenughed lightly and responded, ¡°Clearly what? I¡¯m confused. Isn¡¯t Dani your niece? It seems you¡¯re quite eager for her to be involved in a scandal. What exactly are you up to?¡±

    He continued provocatively, ¡°What exactly are you plotting?¡± Had there not been live cameras rolling, Elyse might haveshed out at Linden.

    Natalie, standing beside her, watched Linden with a cold stare. Then, her voice dropped to a more calming tone. ¡°Linden, we were informed that Dani was seen in your room. Is someone forcing you to say otherwise?¡±

    She nced subtly at the cameras, signaling Linden to y along. ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, Linden. We are a society ruled byws. Dani has influence, but she cannot evade justice. Just speak the truth. With all these reporters here, you have support.¡± Her statement was sharp.

    ???????? ???????? ???????????????? @ g???????¦Í???????.c????

    The reporters, quick to understand the hidden meaning, looked on with skepticism.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Linden asked, finding Natalie¡¯s sudden change in demeanor amusing.

    Before, Natalie couldn¡¯t stand to be in the same room as him, but now she was almost flirtatious. How absurd!

    He had once thought Natalie was distant and unapproachable, but now he saw she was no different from anyone else. Linden¡¯s face twisted with disgust.

    Linden sneered. ¡°I¡¯m at a loss. Natalie, you¡¯re Dani¡¯s secretary. To throw such bait in front of a pack of reporters¡ªwhat¡¯s your angle? What do you expect me to confess? Or perhaps, what tale would you have me spin for the press?¡±

    Natalie¡¯s expression soured immediately.

    Linden pressed on, ¡°You just waxed lyrical about the rule. Remember, peddling rumors couldnd you in hot water, so let¡¯s steer clear of weaving tall tales.¡±

    Elyse tensed, her hand raised to strike Linden, but Natalie intercepted her.

    With a stered smile still gracing her features, Natalie addressed the press. ¡°Excuse us, could we pause the live feed for a moment?¡± The reporters agreed, but their microphones remained live, ostensibly oblivious. Natalie went on, ¡°Guys, my apologies for the hup. Might I ask you to wait outside for a short while?¡± A murmur ran through the crowd.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 798

    ?Chapter 798:

    Natalie raised her hand, showing a number. ¡°Rest assured, I¡¯ll make it worth your while once we¡¯ve sorted things out here.¡±

    Seeing the promised sum signaled by her fingers, the reporters quickly dispersed with gleaming eyes.

    With the room now silent, Natalie¡¯s facade crumbled instantly. ¡°Linden, what¡¯s the meaning of this charade?¡±

    Elyse stormed over and delivered the p she had restrained earlier. Leaning nonchntly against the couch, Linden offered only an indifferent grin in response.

    Elyse demanded, ¡°Where¡¯s Dani? Why the sudden flip in your story? Do you realize the mess you¡¯ve just made of my carefullyid ns?¡±

    Linden touched his lip, savoring the taste of blood, yet remained unperturbed. He locked eyes with Natalie. ¡°Dani¡¯s not here. I¡¯ve stashed her elsewhere. Without me, you won¡¯t be able to find her.¡±

    Natalie, feeling his intense gaze, simmered with rage but kept her fury in check. ¡°What do you want?¡±

    With a cynicalugh, Linden replied, ¡°What do I want? Surely, you¡¯ve known all along.¡± His grin grew more sardonic.

    Natalie¡¯s demeanor hardened. ¡°Keep dreaming!¡±

    Spreading his arms wide, Linden countered, ¡°Then don¡¯t expect Dani to waltz back in here. I might be daring, but I¡¯m no fool. Natalie, from day one you knew my intentions. You¡¯ve yed me like a fool. Now, the ball¡¯s in your court. Stay or go¡ªit¡¯s your call.¡± He gestured towards the door.

    Natalie¡¯s expression darkened further.

    Elyse attempted to mediate. ¡°Once we¡¯re through with this, I¡¯ll honor our agreement. Didn¡¯t you just share a night with Dani? Pace yourself, young man!¡±

    Find more content at ???????¦Ò????????.c§àm

    The memory of Linden and Dani¡¯s fervent night sent a thrill through Elyse, her features contorting with delight. Yet the thought of Natalie in Dani¡¯s ce soured her mood instantly. The contempt on Natalie¡¯s face was palpable.

    ¡°It¡¯s your choice. Either Natalie sleeps with me, or you go exin the mix-up to the reporters. Remember, you¡¯ve promised them silence money. If Dani survives, can you cover that bet?¡±

    Elyse¡¯s expression tightened. What Linden didn¡¯t know was that they had already spent millions downstairs the previous night. Elyse bit her lip, eyeing the sealed door, then made a desperate decision. ¡°Natalie, perhaps you should¡­¡±

    Natalie¡¯s lips tightened into a thin line, recognizing herck of options. She faced Linden with frosty disdain. ¡°You have five minutes.¡±

    Linden¡¯sugh was mocking. ¡°Five minutes won¡¯t cut it. It shouldst as long as you nned with Dani¡ªhours, not moments.¡±

    Natalie¡¯s eyes widened in horror. Such a loathsome prospect¡ªfor hours? She could well meet her end.

    ¡°Then decide. The choice is yours.¡± Linden eyed the still-charming Elyse with a smirk. ¡°Elyse, perhaps you¡¯d like to join?¡±

    Elyse¡¯s rage nearly boiled over.

    ¡°Let¡¯s not dally,¡± Linden said, sensing Natalie¡¯s facade. ¡°Don¡¯t push me to ask for ten days and nights. That might be more than you can withstand.¡±

    At his words, Natalie stormed off to the bathroom. Her fists clenched as she walked. She resolved that Linden would pay with his life once this ordeal was over.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 799

    ?Chapter 799:

    Natalie stepped into the bathroom, closing the door behind her.

    Elyse stepped out, her face etched with distress. The reporters outside exchanged puzzled nces, confused as to why she was the only one to appear.

    ¡°Where is Natalie? Can we go in now?¡± one of them asked.

    Elyse masked her irritation with a practiced smile. ¡°They just have a few matters to settle. It won¡¯t be long. Why don¡¯t we wait a bit?¡±

    The seasoned journalists immediately caught the underlying message. Only a few neers remained oblivious.

    ¡°How long is this going to take? Is Natalie in there alone with Linden? That guy gives off sleazy vibes. Are you really okay leaving your daughter alone with him?¡±

    The words hung in the air like an ill-timed joke, and an awkward silence followed. A wave of embarrassment rippled through the group.

    The younger reporters, initially confused, soon understood why Natalie had been left alone inside. On the surface, everyone appearedposed, but inside, they were reeling in shock.

    Was Elyse really letting her daughter be taken advantage of by someone so unreliable?

    The scandals of the wealthy never failed to be shocking.

    Natalie stepped out of the shower, steam curling around her. Linden was already sprawled across the bed, his shirt gone, his grinzy and predatory as his gaze roamed over her.

    ¡°Natalie, I fell for you from the moment I saw you in college. But you never even looked my way. To me, you were like a star, distant and untouchable.¡±

    Without warning, Linden pulled Natalie toward him with his stubby hands, yanked away her towel, and ran his hands over her wildly. Natalie gasped, a shudder running through her body.

    Linden let out a smug snort. ¡°See? You act like you don¡¯t want this, but your body tells a different story.¡±

    Your imagination thrives at  punt

    Natalie¡¯s body quivered with embarrassment. Shame burned through her, yet she couldn¡¯t resist the expert way Linden touched her. She shivered as he pressed her beneath him, her breath hitching as he lowered his head.

    A helpless moan slipped from her lips, mortifying her to the core. If only the earth would open up and swallow her whole.

    Linden was no stranger to the darkest corners of indulgence. Against his unyielding intensity, Natalie stood no chance.

    Outside the room, Elyse stood stiffly by the door. To keep an eye on Dani, he had booked this particr suite¡ªone that was not soundproof. But now, with Linden¡¯s crude words and Natalie¡¯s muffled sounds seeping through the walls, a surge of fury twisted in Elyse¡¯s chest. Her daughter, Natalie, as delicate as a rose, was being handled by that beast, Linden?

    A voice interrupted Elyse¡¯s spiraling thoughts. ¡°Excuse me.¡± A group of uniformed officers approached, their expressions stern as they shed their badges. ¡°What¡¯s going on in here?¡± one of them demanded.

    Elyse stiffened. ¡°Well¡ª¡±

    The officers moved to push open the door, but panic red in Elyse¡¯s eyes as she quickly stepped in their way. ¡°You can¡¯t go in now!¡± If they stormed in now, the press would have a field day. If they caught Natalie in such apromising position with Linden¡ªnaked, in bed together¡ªhow would she ever recover from the humiliation, let alone face anyone?

    The officers exchanged nces, unconvinced by Elyse¡¯s troubled expression. One knocked firmly on the door. A man¡¯s restrained voice called from inside, ¡°Come in.¡±

    Elyse stood frozen, utterly stunned.

    The police officers shoved the door open¡ªand to Elyse¡¯s shock, it wasn¡¯t even locked.

    They stepped inside, badges raised. ¡°Hello, sir, we¡¯ve received a report of illegal sexual activity here.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 800

    Chapter 800:

    Before anyone could react, reporters swarmed in. Cameras shed, capturing the disheveled room, the charged atmosphere, and the two naked figures frozen by the bed¡ªone in front of the other. Linden¡¯s hand was still on Natalie¡¯s chest.

    Everything was happening too fast.

    Natalie hadn¡¯t fully registered what was happening before the shutter clicks became deafening. The headlines practically wrote themselves. How had a girl once known for her innocence ended up here?

    The images of Linden and Natalie spread like wildfire that day.

    Natalie never imagined things would turn out this way.

    By the time Natalie understood the gravity of it, it was already toote, the reporters capturing every damning moment in rapid session. She let out a strangled scream, yanking the sheet and using it to cover herself.

    But there were too many reporters.

    More and more pushed their way in.

    Elyse realized something was wrong¡ªshe hadn¡¯t called for this many people.

    Just as she was about to intervene, a familiar voice cut through the noise.

    ¡°Well, well, well. What do we have here?¡±

    Elyse squinted, taken aback.

    Natalie gripped the thin fabric tightly around herself, her gaze snapping toward the source of the voice.

    Check out more at g??????o¦Í???????co??

    The crowd instinctively parted, making way for the neer.

    Dani walked through the crowd with Lilian at her side. ¡°What is going on? Natalie? You and Linden¡­ Are you two involved in an intimate rtionship?¡±

    Natalie quickly denied it. ¡°No! I¡¯m not!¡±

    Despite the chaos swirling in her mind, she knew she couldn¡¯t confess.

    Admitting to a rtionship with Linden would bind her to him forever¡ª

    with such a disgusting man!

    He was nowhere close to Cedric in any regard.

    The thought of being tied to Linden was unbearable; she would rather face death.

    ¡°So, you¡¯re saying there¡¯s nothing between you? Yet here you are, caught in such apromising situation in my hotel? Natalie, I had no idea you were so indiscreet. It¡¯s disappointing, really.¡±

    As the situation escted, Elyse stepped in to defend Natalie. ¡°It was all Linden¡¯s doing! He raped Natalie!¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Dani acted shocked as she grabbed the camera from a nearby journalist. ¡°This pose, this look of pleasure on her face¡­ You say he raped Natalie, yet it seems she enjoyed it.¡±

    Natalie was trapped; she could neither confirm nor deny the usation.

    Meanwhile, Linden, who had wrapped a scarf around himself for modesty, remained cool under the scrutiny of the cameras, a stark contrast to Natalie¡¯s visible panic.

    ¡°How could it be forced? Officer, everything was agreed upon. I often record such encounters, and the footage will show that Natalie was the initiator.¡±

    ¡°What? Natalie initiated it?¡± one of the journalists blurted out, stunned.

    Linden confirmed with a nod, saying, ¡°Absolutely. Why else would I be interested in a loose woman like her?¡±

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Happy sunday dear readers! God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. (? ?? ? ¨C ? ) ?

    .

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 801

    ?Chapter 801:

    Natalie was stunned.

    Elyse stood speechless.

    Linden continued, ¡°I have my own standards and preferences. Being with someone like Natalie, that¡¯s practically an act of charity on my part.¡±

    His remarks were captured and repeatedly aired on the day¡¯s trending news broadcasts.

    ¡°Well¡­ uh¡­¡± Elyse stammered, her panic evident as she struggled to find her words. ¡°That recording¡ªit¡¯s not my voice. Linden must have manipted it. I never said those things!¡±

    With a sense of urgency, she continued, ¡°I stand by my words. That¡¯s not my voice, Dani. You can¡¯t hold me responsible for your mother¡¯s death just because it¡¯s difficult for you toe to terms with it. I¡¯m being falsely used here. Consider our rtionship¡ªwe¡¯re family. What reason would I have to hurt your mother? She was practically a financial lifeline for me. Why would I harm someone who had given me so much?¡±

    Dani maintained a calm expression, her smile slight. ¡°Indeed, why would you, Aunt Elyse?¡±

    Elyse¡¯s eyes pleaded for understanding as she looked at Dani.

    Dani¡¯s smile softened as she continued, ¡°After my mother died, I was baffled as to why someone so full of life would leap from a building. And when my father quickly remarried, I couldn¡¯t grasp how he could move on so soon from his beloved wife. Years passed with just me, without the warmth of family, and my confusion only grew. But eventually, I epted that some things in life, especially human nature, are beyond understanding.¡±

    Dani concluded her thoughts, then stood up decisively. ¡°Elyse, you will face consequences for your actions.¡±

    Her gaze then turned to Natalie.

    g???????¦Í??????.k???? ¨C ???????????? ???? ????

    With a light smile, she said, ¡°I recall how much my mother adored you when we were children. Did you ever imagine you¡¯d find yourself in such a predicament when you and your mother schemed against her?¡± She chuckled lightly. ¡°Just be patient. This is merely the start.¡±

    It wasn¡¯t until Dani had disappeared from view that Elyse exchanged a look with Natalie.

    Natalie, disheveled and scantily d in a towel, was a picture of despair and shame.

    Overwhelmed by emotion, Natalie burst into tears. ¡°Mom! Everything¡¯s fallen apart. Dani has shattered my life. All because of her vendetta tied to her dead mother, she¡¯s resorted to every underhanded tactic to ruin me. Now, I¡¯m a scandal in Olisvine. Dani must be stopped. I need her gone!¡±

    Just as she finished her outburst, a knock sounded at the door. The hotel manager entered, dressed in a suit, holding a hefty bill.

    ¡°Madam, please settle your bill. The totales to 8.8 million dors.¡±

    Upon hearing the enormous amount, Elyse copsed.

    Meanwhile, Dani exited the hotel and drove straight to her house. Her phone was silent, devoid of any new messages from Cedric for several hours.

    She sensed his displeasure was profound.

    Dani stopped by a cupcake shop on her way, picking up a box of treats.

    As she neared the vi, the building appeared mostly dark, save for a lone light in the living room.

    Ryan greeted her at the door with a worried look. ¡°Dani, he¡¯s extremely upset this time.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 802

    ?Chapter 802:

    With a resigned sigh, Dani entered.

    She slipped off her shoes, donned her slippers, and while walking to the living room, she shed a cheerful smile. ¡°I grabbed your favorite cupcakes from the shop. Care for some?¡±

    Cedric, though typically easygoing, had an imposing presence when angered. His features were set in a stern expression, his eyes cold, fixating on something below in silence.

    ¡°Cedric¡­¡± Dani set the box of cupcakes on the table. ¡°I was just out managing a situation, nothing dangerous. I stayed within your boundaries.¡±

    The dim lighting in the room cast dramatic shadows, slicing Cedric¡¯s face between light and darkness.

    ¡°Are you upset? I¡¯m sorry, Cedric. You have the final say here, alright?¡± Dani reached out to touch his hand, her fingertips lightly scratching to indicate her willingness to yield. ¡°I really am sorry. Please, let¡¯s not fight, okay?¡±

    Cedric¡¯s gaze slowly rose, his hand pulling away from Dani¡¯s.

    A knot formed in Dani¡¯s stomach as she braced herself.

    Before she could say more, Cedric said, ¡°I saw the news coverage.¡±

    Dani looked at him.

    ¡°It was quite a spectacle. Elyse aimed for you and Linden, but instead, Natalie and Linden were caught. The police got involved, and it all ended in a public scandal for the Dury family. After the journalists left, you faced Elyse, didn¡¯t you? She must have been scared.¡±

    Cedric then turned his face away, shrouding it in shadow, his eyes gleaming with a stark, resentful cold. ¡°You emerged without a scratch. Quite remarkable.¡±

    G3t th3 l3g1t v3rs10n 0n g4ln0v3ls.c0m

    Dani bit her lip, sensing that her efforts to calm him were likely in vain.

    ¡°I just can¡¯t take it anymore,¡± Cedric murmured wearily.

    Dani stared at him, her shock evident.

    ¡°Why am I always thest to find out? What have you done to make Elyse believe there¡¯s something between you and Linden?¡±

    Dani opened her mouth to respond.

    Cedric lifted his hand, signaling her to stop. ¡°There¡¯s no need to exin.¡± He knew she always had her reasons. ¡°It seems like you never really put me first.¡±

    Dani¡¯s fists tightened.

    Cedric continued without allowing her to interject. ¡°Dani, I¡¯m not invincible. I feel fear, and I overthink things. Each time you leave, I¡¯m struck with worry about your safety. If anything were to happen to you, who would even tell me? It feels like I¡¯m always an afterthought to you. You know me so well, yet you don¡¯t seem to grasp what I truly need. What I desire is all of you, Dani. I crave the fiery passion we share in our private moments and the fierce determination you disy against your adversaries. Whether you¡¯re calm,posed, detached, elegant, courteous, or employing any tactic necessary, I want every part of you.¡±

    ¡°What is it that scares you so much? Why is it that you can share everything with the world, yet when ites to me, you always ask me to wait?¡± Cedric pressed, his voice full of frustration.

    The smile on Dani¡¯s face slowly faded, and eventually, her expression became nk.

    Cedric stared at her and let out a mockingugh. ¡°What are you nning now? Are you going to tell me to forget about it when I reach the point where I can¡¯t take it anymore?¡±

    He fought back a smile, seeing Dani¡¯s expression confirm his guess. A wave of sadness hit him. He nodded and said, ¡°Alright then. Do it your way.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 803

    ?Chapter 803:

    As Cedric stood up, Dani¡¯s heart squeezed with emotion, and she reached out to grab his hand. ¡°Cedric, would you be able to give me just a bit more time?¡±

    Cedric forced a bitter smile. ¡°Dani, you know I¡¯d give you as much time as you need, even a lifetime. But I can¡¯t keep living with this constant feeling of being shut out. It¡¯s like¡­ I mean nothing to you.¡±

    Dani heard the echo of his footsteps on the floor as she turned her head and saw Cedric opening the front door.

    The light from outside poured in, bathing him in a golden glow. But just as quickly, it disappeared when the door began to close slowly.

    Dani sat in the still, cold silence, her hands and feet frozen with the chill.

    She stayed on the sofa all night, waiting, but Cedric never came back.

    The cupcakes she had bought the previous night had turned cold and hard, but she ate them for breakfast anyway.

    Lillian, observing with a pitying look, suggested, ¡°Why not just tell him? It¡¯s just that trivial past, right? It¡¯s possible that Cedric could manage it.¡±

    Dani shook her head. ¡°No. No one is allowed to tell him!¡±

    Ryan exhaled heavily. ¡°This time, it might be difficult to calm him down. He¡¯s really upset. He even left home.¡±

    A migraine began to throb in Dani¡¯s head. She headed upstairs to change her clothes, nning to make breakfast and bring it to Cedric as a way of making peace.

    Leaning against the door, Lillian scrolled through her tablet while talking to Dani. ¡°Natalie¡¯s reputation ispletely destroyed, and Elyse, who sacrificed her daughter¡¯s future for fame, is scorned throughout Olisvine. The hotel called to say they spent over eight millionst night and¡­¡±

    can¡¯t cover the cost. They¡¯re asking what to do.¡±

    Read new content at g¦Áln¦Ò¦Íe?s

    Dani answered with determination, ¡°Call the police and have them arrested.¡±

    Lillian nodded, then asked, ¡°Caiden is crying and begging to see you. Will you go, Dani?¡±

    Dani poured oatmeal into a thermos. ¡°No.¡±

    Lillian had expected as much. ¡°The man who looked like Cedric at thest banquet is still under investigation. It¡¯s odd. After that brief appearance, he seemed to disappear, as if¡­¡± She paused, searching for the right words.

    Dani caught on quickly. ¡°As if he deliberately stirred up trouble and then vanished to watch the chaos unfold.¡±

    Lillian touched her forehead, relieved. ¡°Exactly! That¡¯s exactly it.¡±

    Dani grabbed the thermos. ¡°Ignore it. Those who need to show up will eventually do so.¡±

    Lillian agreed,ughing lightly at Dani. ¡°You¡¯re off to make peace with Cedric. I won¡¯t join you. Never thought I¡¯d see the day, and Cedric is really holding his ground.¡±

    Dani smiled wryly at the teasing tone in Lillian¡¯s voice.

    She had never thought she would one day be preparing breakfast to appease a man.

    As Dani reached the entrance of Phillips Group, the head of security approached her with evident enthusiasm. ¡°Good morning, Ma¡¯am.¡±

    Dani had been buried in work and rarely visited Phillips Group, so the security guard hurried over as soon as he spotted her car. This took her by surprise. The head of security was someone she hadn¡¯t seen before.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 804

    ?Chapter 804:

    Noticing her confused look, he smiled and said, ¡°Here in Olisvine, everyone knows you as Mr. Phillips¡¯ wife. It¡¯s not just me, even our newest employees recognize you. When Mr. Phillips was in aa, you led thepany, and though it was only for a short time, your leadership left asting impression on everyone at Phillips Group.¡±

    Dani smiled warmly. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    She stepped out of the car with the thermos just as Cedric¡¯s secretary hurried out of the elevator. ¡°Ma¡¯am, you¡¯re here.¡±

    Initially, the staff at Phillips Group had been doubtful about Dani, puzzled over why their CEO was somitted to her.

    After all, Phillips Groupcked nothing.

    However, after witnessing Dani¡¯s decisive leadership, they were all impressed, quietly hoping their CEO would show even greater dedication toward her.

    When Cedric showed up at the office early in the morning, the employees were taken aback. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you at your wife¡¯spany today? Coming here so early, are you nning a special dinner for her tonight and need us to help with the preparations?¡± However, Cedric entered with a grim look on his face.

    The mood at Phillips Group turned tense, fearing that their CEO was facing a setback.

    As thepany prepared for a potential crisis, Dani arrived. Cedric¡¯s secretary happily dered that the crisis had been resolved and escorted Dani upstairs. ¡°It¡¯s been some time since yourst visit. We¡¯ve all missed you. Your leadership at Phillips Group left a strong impression on everyone. We hope you¡¯ll visit more often to offer your guidance.¡±

    Dani, smiling, asked, ¡°How is Cedric¡¯s mood today?¡± She aimed to assess the situation, following the strategy of understanding both herself and her opponent to ensure victory in any conflict.

    The secretary replied, ¡°He might not have slept well, but it¡¯s nothing to worry about.¡± To them, Dani was highly respected, and the idea of her needing to calm anyone down seemed impossible. Dani found the secretary¡¯s dramatic manner amusing.

    As she went upstairs, Cedric was engaged in a meeting. She sat outside the conference room with the thermos, and the secretary offered, ¡°Please wait here. I¡¯ll inform Mr. Phillips you¡¯re waiting.¡±

    L§Ñt??t ch¨»pt?rs ?n g??ln¦Ïv?ls.??¦Ï??

    Dani responded, ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯m not in a rush.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re a busy person, and it¡¯s rare for you toe by. Mr. Phillips is always tied up in meetings, and those attending could use a break.¡± With that, the secretary hurried into the conference room, anxious not to keep Dani waiting.

    As the door swung open, Cedric¡¯s expression grew even darker. It was clear he was in a foul mood, his face clouded with anger.

    The secretary smiled brightly and said, ¡°Mr. Phillips, your wife is here and waiting by the door.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Cedric instantly turned his head.

    The next second, Cedric quickly withdrew his gaze. The secretary pushed open the door to the conference room and cast a nce at him. Cedric¡¯s lips pressed into a thin line.

    The moment the executives heard Dani was here, their faces lit up with excitement, their reactions even more animated than Cedric¡¯s. Cedric cast a quick nce towards the door before leaning back in his seat withposure.

    ¡°Let¡¯s continue the meeting.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± The secretary frowned. ¡°Mr. Phillips, didn¡¯t you hear? Your wife is here.¡±

    The finance manager, now an ardent admirer of Dani, nearly shot up from his seat to take a peek outside. The marketing manager, eager to get Dani¡¯s insights, was growing restless, counting down the minutes until the meeting ended. The sales manager, noticing Cedric¡¯s indifference, quickly chimed in, ¡°Mr. Phillips, if you¡¯re not heading out, perhaps you should greet her instead? I make excellent coffee and have been meaning for her to try it.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 805

    ?Chapter 805:

    He had already started rising from his seat as he spoke.

    Cedric swept his gaze over the overly eager executives. Normally, these executives carried themselves with such self-importance that they wouldn¡¯t even lift a finger to make coffee, not even if he asked. But for Dani? They were more than happy to oblige.

    ¡°Sit down. We¡¯re continuing the meeting!¡±

    The room filled with silent pouts, while the secretary mumbled under her breath, ¡°Throwing a little tantrum for attention, huh? Just don¡¯t regret itter if she doesn¡¯t pamper you.¡± With that, she turned and walked out.

    Cedric remained stiff, his gaze unconsciously wandering to the door. The rest of the executives, mirroring him, were also sneaking nces outside.

    The secretary stepped outside, greeting Dani with a polite smile. ¡°Mr. Phillips asked me to kindly request that you wait a moment. He¡¯ll be out as soon as this meeting is wrapped up.¡±

    Dani nodded in acknowledgment. Since she was here to appease Cedric anyway, waiting a little longer didn¡¯t bother her.

    She rose to her feet and peered through the ss. Cedric sat at the center, and the moment the executives inside noticed Dani, they instantly greeted her with enthusiasm. Even the marketing manager got to his feet.

    Cedric¡¯s gaze hardened as he watched the overly eager executives. Yet, he didn¡¯t intervene¡ªhe simply continued with the meeting. As his eyes drifted outside, theynded on the pink thermos in Dani¡¯s hand. His fingers twitched slightly.

    The meeting dragged on. Every minute or so, Cedric stole a nce at Dani, carefully masking his interest behind an indifferent facade.

    Suddenly, Kenny Shaw from the tech department spotted Dani and greeted her, his eyes lighting up with excitement. Dani offered a warm smile, but before she could reply, Kenny quickly continued, ¡°About that code model you mentionedst time¡ª I still can¡¯t crack it. It¡¯s way tooplex. Could youe downstairs and exin it to me again?¡±

    Dani hade today with the sole purpose of appeasing Cedric. Yet the meeting was still dragging on. As she hesitated, Kenny whined dramatically, ¡°Please! I¡¯ve been struggling with this forever. Mr. Phillips keeps telling us to figure it out on our own, but I swear, I could spend my whole life on this and still not get it. You¡¯re my only hope!¡±

    Amused, Danipletely forgot about handing the thermos to the secretary and followed Kenny downstairs.

    One minuteter, Cedric nced over his shoulder, then looked away. He froze. Then, he turned back again.

    Where was she?

    Cedric shot up from his seat, his voice sharp as he barked towards the door, ¡°Where is she?¡±

    The secretary, exasperated, pushed open the conference room door, but before she could get a word out, the marketing manager groaned, ¡°Mr. Phillips, we should¡¯ve gone out earlier! Kenny got to her first. This is so unfair!¡±

    Cedric shot a sharp re at the secretary. ¡°Where is it?¡±

    The secretary blinked in confusion. ¡°What?¡±

    Cedric clenched his jaw. ¡°The thermos! The pink one!¡±

    The secretary pointed to the elevator. ¡°She took it with her.¡±

    Cedric was speechless.

    Fantastic.

    They were allpeting for his wife¡¯s attention.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 806

    ?Chapter 806:

    Irritated, Cedric wrapped up the meeting in record time. Instead of heading downstairs, he strode straight back to his office. This time, he was resolute. No matter what Dani said, he would make her promise never to keep anything from him again.

    He wanted to be part of every aspect of her life.

    Cedric knew Kenny was utterly obsessed withputing techniques. The guy had been recruited with a hefty paycheck as an industry expert, but after one encounter with Dani, he waspletely hooked, always begging for a chance to visit her at Elite Lux. Cedric had kept him at bay.

    Now that he finally had his chance, Kenny wasted no time in picking her brain.

    As Cedric waited for Dani to wrap things up and return, he mulled over how to keep his pride intact. A man couldn¡¯t let a woman call all the shots. Otherwise, where would that leave him in the family hierarchy down the line?

    He wasn¡¯t one to fuss over family status, but Dani constantly dangling herself as bait? That didn¡¯t sit well with him. That kind of thing had to be put to an end¡ªpermanently.

    His decision was final.

    After knocking out two tasks, Cedric, growing impatient, snapped at¡­

    His secretary sighed, clearly frustrated. ¡°Is Kenny¡¯s brain really worth the sry I pay him? How long does it take to ask one damn question?¡±

    The secretary checked the clock¡ªbarely ten minutes had gone by. ¡°Why not head down and check for yourself?¡±

    Cedric crossed his arms, stubborn. ¡°Not happening.¡± If he caved now, she¡¯d just pull another stunt next time and think she could smooth things over the same way.

    ?????? ?????? ?????????????????? ??????????: g???????¦Í??????????????

    He couldn¡¯t have that.

    So, he held firm, waiting for her toe to him instead.

    Thirty minutes had passed.

    Cedric furrowed his brows, clearly annoyed. ¡°How much longer must I wait? Why doesn¡¯t Kenny just have my wife move into his tech department?¡±

    Under her breath, the secretary whispered, ¡°Kenny would appreciate that, but aren¡¯t you the one who would hate it?¡± She kept her voice low. She was well aware that Cedric was genuinely angry.

    After forty minutes, Cedric¡¯s expression turned stormy.

    His observant secretary eximed with a dramatic sigh, ¡°Oh dear.¡± Cedric¡¯s eyebrows knitted together even tighter.

    Then, the secretary said, ¡°Kenny is so careless. How could he leave the documents that needed signing up here? I need to take them down to him.¡±

    No sooner had she finished speaking than the documents disappeared from her hands.

    She watched Cedric walk toward the elevator.

    With a smirk, the secretary followed him, saying, ¡°Mr. Phillips, please excuse my honesty. As a man, you shouldn¡¯t be too proud. Your wife offered you a way out earlier, but you turned it down. Now, you¡¯re chasing after her yourself. Isn¡¯t that just asking for trouble?¡±

    Cedric briefly closed his eyes.

    The secretary struggled to hold back herughter.

    In negotiations, Cedric was alwaysposed, yet now he couldn¡¯t remain seated for forty minutes.

    Dani was amazing!

    She was not only a titan in the business world but also very skilled at managing her husband.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 807

    ?Chapter 807:

    The secretary admired Dani deeply once again.

    Cedric exited the elevator quickly, adjusting his tie as he entered the tech department.

    In the server room, Kenny was smiling at a screen filled with code.

    Cedric looked around but didn¡¯t see Dani anywhere.

    ¡°Mr. Phillips, what brings you here?¡± Kenny asked.

    Cedric¡¯s face showed clear annoyance. ¡°Where is Dani?¡±

    Kenny gestured upstairs. ¡°The finance manager needed her. He was puzzled by a tax incentive policy and required her expertise for some financial framework design, so he took her.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s expression grew darker.

    He rushed upstairs, finding Dani in the conference room, exining the tax framework to the finance manager.

    Before Cedric could get close, the finance manager hurried over, pleading, ¡°Mr. Phillips, please! I don¡¯t need my bonus this month. Just let me work with your wife for a while, okay?¡±

    Cedric narrowed his eyes. ¡°I married my wife to cherish her, not to let her handle your ordinary tasks.¡±

    The finance manager looked shocked and disheartened. ¡°Mr. Phillips, what are you saying? How can you refer to the work of the finance department as just ordinary tasks? Please, let her assist me. Do I need to get on my knees?¡±

    Cedric took a deep breath before pulling up a chair and sitting down.

    Fine.

    He would wait.

    ?????????? ???????????? ??????? g???????¦Í?????????????

    He should have epted Dani¡¯s peace offering earlier. Now, he had to wait at the door like a bystander.

    How irritating!

    Throughout the afternoon, every Phillips Group employee who walked past the finance department witnessed their CEO, dressed in a suit, sitting on a bench with his arms crossed, eyeing everyone with a cold gaze.

    His secretary had to leave for a while to attend to some matters.

    Two hours went by.

    Cedric, unable to sit still any longer, stood up and peeked into the conference room.

    Fantastic!

    The entire finance department was there, focused on Dani¡¯s presentation on her new financial model.

    Cedric had never felt such regret in his life. Had he known, he would have never started apany.

    While Cedric made a quick trip to the restroom, the people in the conference room changed.

    The finance department had made way for the marketing department. ¡°Ma¡¯am, could you go over your spiral marketpetition concept once more?¡± The room was packed to its full capacity with the marketing team.

    When the secretary returned, he found Cedric squeezed at the doorway and thoughtfully offered him a chair, whispering, ¡°Mr. Phillips, maybe we should head back to your office? It seems like this session isn¡¯t going to wrap up any time soon.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s face was unreadable. He scoffed, ¡°Head back upstairs? If I do, the next group toe in will be the admin department.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 808

    ?Chapter 808:

    As soon as he finished speaking, the admin manager arrived with a notebook, followed by a team.

    Cedric, visibly irritated, pointed to a spot behind him and told the smiling admin manager, ¡°Line up over there!¡±

    Despite the crowded room, Cedric didn¡¯t feel like leaving. Eventually, someone cleared a spot for him in a corner.

    He sat there, his expression stern, observing Dani as she stood at the center of the group.

    Dani was remarkably insightful. She simplified thepany¡¯splex issues and used short stories to make her points rtable. With a gloomy expression, Cedric said to his secretary, ¡°Isn¡¯t Dani just saying the same things I said?¡±

    The secretary was surprised. ¡°Mr. Phillips, your exnations are highly professional. They¡¯re enlightening once we understand them, but what your wife shares feels like a sudden revtion for everyone.¡± That was indeed the case.

    Cedric was outstanding, like the luminous moon in the sky, shedding its light gradually.

    Dani¡¯s exnations, however, were like the soft rain of spring, subtly enlightening.

    Naturally, everyone favored Dani.

    Someone in the crowd appropriately told Dani, ¡°It would be wonderful if you worked at Phillips Group.¡±

    This suggestion was met with nods of agreement from everyone.

    Cedric let out a coldugh from his corner, his smile chilling. As the workday drew to an end, the group was still hesitant to leave.

    Exclusive updates: galno¦Íe??s.co??

    Cedric gave his secretary a look.

    The secretary quickly understood. ¡°Everyone! It¡¯s time to close up for today.¡±

    The employees in the administration department looked utterly deted.

    They turned to Cedric with pleading eyes.

    The marketing manager, holding up the afternoon¡¯s results with a wide grin, turned to Dani. ¡°Your insights are priceless. You¡¯ve saved me years of hard work. Now it makes sense why you¡¯re the wealthiest person. You truly deserve it. Are you free this evening? The team and I would like to treat you to dinner.¡±

    Everyone looked at Dani with anticipation.

    The administration manager blinked in surprise before offering a smile. ¡°Our department would also love to host you for dinner.¡± Their faces brightened with genuine enthusiasm.

    Dani ced her pen down, her fingers brushing against the thermos that had sat forgotten beside her all afternoon.

    Her gaze swept over the crowd, pausing briefly on Cedric.

    She shed him a radiant smile. ¡°Cedric, would you be able to join us?¡± Immediately, all eyes turned to Cedric.

    He gave a subtle nod, and Dani was promptly surrounded by the eager group, guided towards the restaurant across the street. Cedric, hands casually tucked into his pockets, lingered at the back.

    Inside the restaurant, he approached the reception desk and tapped it lightly. The receptionist stood up with practiced politeness. ¡°Good evening, Mr. Phillips.¡±

    Cedric gestured to the private room where the group had entered. ¡°I¡¯ll cover their expenses tonight. If anyone inquires, just tell them my wife has already taken care of it.¡±

    Dani was more than generous, especially when it came to the key yers of Phillips Group.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 809

    ?Chapter 809:

    She wouldn¡¯t let them be burdened with the cost.

    Inside the private room, Dani smiled. ¡°Tonight, everything¡¯s on me.¡± As she stepped out to give instructions to the front desk, ensuring no one else would pick up the tab, she overheard Cedric¡¯s considerate words.

    Leaning on the railing, she looked down at Cedric below, her lips curving into a soft smile.

    At the dinner table, the atmosphere was light and rxed.

    Cedric sat beside Dani, sipping on the oatmeal while the others dug into their meals.

    One of the employees, noticing this, asked, ¡°Mr. Phillips, why aren¡¯t you eating these delicious dishes?¡± Cedric shot them a sharp, pointed look.

    The employee shifted ufortably, ncing at Cedric¡¯s secretary, who sat nearby.

    The secretary let out a smallugh. ¡°You don¡¯t get it, do you? The oatmeal was made by his wife. It was brought in this morning but dyed by all of you. Even though it¡¯s cold now, it¡¯s still just as delicious.¡±

    Laughter rippled around the table at thement.

    Cedric, lowering his head, quietly resumed eating, the yful banter not quite reaching his focused demeanor.

    When the meal came to a close, Dani and Cedric were thest to leave.

    Dani could feel the weight of Cedric¡¯s unspoken words.

    If they didn¡¯t resolve whatever it was today, he wouldn¡¯t go home.

    g?????0¦Í??????.??????, ???????????? ????????

    They made their way to a cafe downstairs.

    Cedric ordered himself a coffee, and Dani, an orange juice. ¡°What do you want to say?¡± Cedric asked, his tone unusually self-assured.

    Dani sat up straight, her expression turning serious. ¡°I¡¯m here to take you home.¡±

    Cedric nced at her, his gaze lingering on her bright eyes, which shimmered even in the dim light of the cafe.

    He took a slow sip of his coffee, then, in rhythm with the soft background music, drawled, ¡°Do you n to keep things from me until I¡¯m upset, only to coax me into letting it go each time?¡±

    Dani¡¯s response was firm. ¡°No.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s gaze sharpened. ¡°So, you¡¯re nning to be honest with me?¡±

    Dani¡¯s answer was equally resolute. ¡°No, not that either.¡±

    Frustration flickered in Cedric¡¯s eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t understand why you¡¯re unwilling to tell me your ultimate goal. Dani, you can¡¯t expect me to live in constant fear that someone I love might vanish.¡±

    His voice was strained, as if he were battling something deeper. ¡°Am I truly so untrustworthy in your eyes?¡±

    ¡°I have my reasons.¡± Dani paused, letting the weight of her words hang in the air before continuing. ¡°Can you wait a little longer?¡±

    Cedric¡¯s lips twisted into a self-deprecating smile, a mix of sarcasm and resignation. ¡°Do dare say no? If I say no, will you just walk away again?¡±

    Dani fell silent.

    A bitterugh escaped Cedric, his frustration bubbling to the surface. ¡°So why did youe to me today? To offer me oatmeal and think that¡¯s enough? Dani, do you really think I¡¯m some child who can be soothed by food?¡±

    Dani paused, the tension between them thickening.

    After a long silence, Cedric waited with bated breath, every second stretching between them. Finally, Dani¡¯s voice broke the quiet.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 810

    ?Chapter 810:

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t it work?¡±

    Cedric exhaled sharply.

    He opened his hand, revealing a palm slick with sweat.

    His words were harsh, but there was an unmistakable tremor in his voice, betraying his fear that Dani might truly give up on them.

    But Cedric knew he had no choice.

    If he didn¡¯t stand firm now, Dani would never lean on him, never trust him fully.

    For now, though, he chose to let it go.

    His heart felt heavy, as though it couldn¡¯t take much more of this. He finished his coffee in silence. ¡°When you finally tell me what you¡¯re up to, I¡¯lle home.¡± With that, Cedric rose to his feet.

    Dani watched as his figure slowly receded through the door, her heart tightening with each step he took.

    She stayed in the cafe a moment longer, collecting herself before finally leaving.

    Jackie Gray, Cedric¡¯s driver, honked lightly and greeted her cheerfully. ¡°Mr. Phillips sent me to take you home.¡±

    Dani climbed into the car, the familiar scent of leather and cedar surrounding her.

    As they drove, she stared out the window, her thoughts swirling.

    Jackie nced at her quiet profile a few times before speaking up.

    ???????????? ???????? ??????????????: ?????????¦Í?????????????

    ¡°Why isn¡¯t Mr. Phillipsing home with you?¡±

    ¡°He had work to finish and went back to the office.¡±

    Jackie nodded thoughtfully. ¡°He¡¯s loved you for years. Even before your divorce, he was always watching over you. I never thought he¡¯d smile¡ªuntil the day he found out about your divorce. That was the first time I saw him genuinely smile.¡±

    At his words, Dani looked away from the window. ¡°Really? I thought Cedric had a cheerful disposition.¡±

    In Dani¡¯s presence, Cedric always wore a smile.

    ¡°Our employees used to be quite intimidated by him. At many gatherings, everyone seemed so reserved. Eventually, Mr. Phillips found out and chose not to attend. Today, for the first time, I¡¯ve seen such a harmonious atmosphere. It¡¯s clear he really cherishes you,¡± Jackie added.

    Dani gave a soft smile. ¡°Hmm.¡±

    The car pulled up in front of the Harper family¡¯s vi, and Dani stepped out.

    Lillian looked past Dani, saw no one else, andughed. ¡°It seems he¡¯s really reached his limit this time, hasn¡¯t he? Dani, you can¡¯t really fault him. I think Cedric has shown remarkable patience. Most people would have lost their cool by now.¡±

    Dani exhaled deeply. ¡°But it should all be resolved soon. Elyse is running low on funds and bing an outcast. She¡¯ll likely reach out to her backer soon. At most, this will drag on for another year,¡± Lillian added.

    Dani nodded in response. Then, before she went upstairs, she turned to Ryan, who was absorbed in a video game in the living room. ¡°Don¡¯t mention anything about Cedric¡¯s family to him.¡± Ryan gave a nod of acknowledgment.

    Dani made her way upstairs.

    In the kitchen, Josie was washing the vegetables. She furrowed her brow in confusion upon overhearing Dani.

    ¡°Cedric¡¯s family? He only has his grandmother left, hasn¡¯t he?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 811

    ?Chapter 811:

    What secret could there be about his family?

    Josie didn¡¯t think about it further. The next day, as she was out, Cedric called to check on Dani.

    ¡°She¡¯s eating well but seems a bit distracted. Last night, I noticed her room light was still on.¡±

    Cedric paused before simply responding, ¡°Hmm.¡±

    ¡°Oh, by the way, yesterday I overheard her talking about your family. I¡¯m not sure what to make of it. You only have your grandmother left, haven¡¯t you? What¡¯s strange about your family?¡± Josie asked casually while grocery shopping.

    Cedric seemed surprised. ¡°Are you sure you heard that right? Was it really about my family?¡±

    Josieughed, adding a box of ribs to her cart. ¡°Are you joking with me? I have sharp eyes and ears. Remember, I evenpleted a marathon. How could I have misheard? Dani was clearly talking about your family. Oh, and I overheard her instructing Ryan not to let you find out.¡±

    Cedric remained silent for a while, and Josie began to wonder if he had disconnected. ¡°Mr. Phillips?¡±

    ¡°Hmm.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Is there really something odd about your family?¡±

    Cedric paused before replying, ¡°Keep an eye on it. If they bring up this topic again, eavesdrop and let me know.¡±

    Josie gave a distracted nod and said, ¡°Alright.¡±

    ???????????????????? ???? ?????????¦Í??????[?]??????

    The call ended, and Josie continued her shopping, dismissing the conversation as just casual talk.

    Three dayster, Cedric made another call.

    Josie had nearly forgotten the topic until Cedric brought it up again. She replied, ¡°They haven¡¯t brought it up again. Dani isn¡¯t much of a talker anyway.¡±

    Cedric responded, ¡°I see.¡±

    After ending the call, he reached out to Ryan.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go for a drink.¡±

    Ryan, dressed entirely in ck¡ªfrom his hoodie to his casual pants¡ªturned heads with his tall stature as he stepped through the door. He approached with his head lowered and sat beside Cedric. ¡°Hi, Cedric.¡±

    Cedric ced an order for a drink for Ryan.

    The bartender slid the drink toward Ryan, smiling as he warned, ¡°Handsome, this one¡¯s strong. Don¡¯t drink it all at once.¡±

    Cedric lifted his ss and clinked it against Ryan¡¯s. ¡°Let¡¯s really let loose tonight.¡±

    Ryan was taken aback; Cedric typically didn¡¯t drink to escape his woes. He had always maintained that drinking clouded his judgment. Seeing through Ryan¡¯s thoughts, Cedric leaned back casually in the armchair, looking downward as a soft shadow yed across his face. He remained silent.

    Ryan, on the other hand, had crafted an entire tragic narrative in his head.

    ¡°Cedric, I¡¯m aware of the struggles you¡¯re facing with Dani these days. Try not to take it too personally; she means well.¡±

    Cedric didn¡¯t respond but raised his ss to Ryan¡¯s.

    Ryan observed him and emptied his ss.

    Before Ryan could utter another word, Cedric grabbed the bottle and refilled Ryan¡¯s ss.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 812

    ?Chapter 812:

    ¡°Cedric¡­¡±

    ¡°Bottoms up,¡± Cedric said, lifting his ss to Ryan¡¯s once more. ¡°Let¡¯s drown our sorrows.¡±

    Ryan consumed another ss.

    Cedric filled up Ryan¡¯s ss again, urging him to drink before he could get a word out.

    Ryan continued to drink ss after ss, his vision bing blurry, when he heard Cedric let out a sigh.

    ¡°Ryan,¡± Cedric said, rotating the ss in his hand. His voice was gentle, the opposite of the loud music in the bar. He appeared burdened by unrequited love, and Ryan felt a wave of empathy.

    Ryan was about to respond when Cedric gestured for him to wait.

    ¡°Ryan, I know. You¡¯ve always been like family to me after all these years.¡±

    Ryan felt a wave of unease at his words. But the alcohol clouded his thoughts, leaving him unable to think of a reply.

    Cedric continued, ¡°My wife keeps her distance, iming it¡¯s for my own good. Wouldn¡¯t that upset you?¡±

    Witnessing Cedric¡¯s disheartened appearance, Ryan felt a surge of sympathy.

    Cedric caught Ryan¡¯s sincere look and blinked, exhaling deeply. ¡°I¡¯m at a loss for what to do now. Ryan, just be honest with me. Am I that untrustworthy? You know me more than anyone else.¡±

    ¡°No one else understands, but you do, right? I¡¯ve loved Dani for over ten years. I¡¯ve valued her so deeply, and now I¡¯m at a loss. Ryan, what should I do?¡±

    He then filled Ryan¡¯s ss once more.

    Your next journey starts at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s???o??

    Cedric emptied his drink, leaving Ryan no option but to do the same.

    After cing his ss down, Ryan met Cedric¡¯s expectant, curious look. Ryan shook his head, his thoughts clouded. ¡°Cedric, truly, Dani is doing this for the best. She cares for you. I¡¯ve never seen her show such concern for anyone else as she does for you.¡±

    Cedric let out a profound sigh. ¡°Is that so? But I¡¯ve heard my family troubles her?¡±

    At those words, Ryan¡¯s heart raced. Yet, the growing effects of the alcohol scrambled his thoughts. ¡°You¡¯re aware of it? Didn¡¯t Dani ask us not to tell you? She feared it would burden you.¡± Cedric shook his head, appearing distressed.

    ¡°I can¡¯t say more; Dani has forbidden it. But Cedric, believe me. She won¡¯t leave you, truly. She loves you,¡± Ryan reassured him.

    Cedric watched as Ryan sank into the sofa and began messing with his phone, likely calling someone for a ride.

    Cedric lowered his gaze, taking another sip from his ss. As Ryan nced his way, Cedric murmured, ¡°I fear she wants to divorce me.¡± Ryan bolted upright at those words. ¡°No way! What makes you think that, Cedric? Dani loves you so much.¡±

    Cedric leaned back on the sofa, his face expressionless. ¡°If we end up divorcing, I might as well die. I have no family; nobody really cares about me.¡±

    Ryan¡¯s eyes grew wide. ¡°That¡¯s not true! Cedric, if your biological father could see how sessful you are today, he would be incredibly proud. His other son has turned out to be a disappointment.¡± Cedric¡¯s expression hardened, his emotions in chaos. Yet, he kept hisposure, appearing as if he had always known and it didn¡¯t affect him. ¡°His other son a disappointment? Not necessarily,¡± he said casually, though he tightened his grip on the ss.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 813

    ?Chapter 813:

    ¡°Not necessarily? Absolutely!¡± Ryan, visibly drunk, stumbled over his words. ¡°Your older brother is really something else. If your family knew about you, they would try to exploit you. Your father and grandmother are as maniptive as Caiden. Dani is scared of what could happen to you.¡±

    Ryan hupped. ¡°But with her by your side, you won¡¯t face harm. She¡¯s mostly worried you¡¯ll feel wronged, and currently, she suspects your family is mixed up in that issue.¡± Cedric quickly asked, ¡°What issue?¡± Ryan said, ¡°It¡¯s¡­¡±

    Suddenly, Ryan¡¯s face hit the table.

    Cedric frowned, pulling at Ryan.

    Ryan waspletely knocked out, and Cedric massaged his temples.

    What could the issue be?

    Without wasting any more time, Cedric instructed someone to take Ryan home. He then set off for his own home.

    Maureen Phillips was 80 years old, her face radiating a glow of kindness and warmth.

    In her youth, she worked as a seamstress. After losing her husband, she adopted Cedric and treated him with nothing but kindness, as if he were her own grandson. Throughout the years, she handcrafted all of Cedric¡¯s undergarments with love and care. Even though her vision had weakened over time, she continued the tradition of sewing these items.

    When Cedric arrived, Maureen weed him with a warm smile and looked around him.

    ¡°Dani didn¡¯te with you? Why did you return alone today?¡± she asked with a gentle smile.

    Cedric entered and took a seat across from her at the long table.

    ¡°Grandma, there¡¯s something I need to ask you.¡±

    F??ll ?????????? ??????i?????????? ???? g??l??ov?ls.??????

    The smile lingered on Maureen¡¯s lips. ¡°Go ahead, ask,¡± she said in a soft,forting voice, always speaking as though to a child.

    ¡°Grandma, when you adopted me, did I have anything with me?¡± Cedric asked.

    Maureen had always been open about discussing Cedric¡¯s adoption. Upon hearing his question, she continued to smile gently. ¡°Let me think. Ah, you had a piece of red cloth with what appeared to be a family emblem on it. It was charred by fire, with most of it gone, only the edges remained. After I adopted you, I inquired at the orphanage about it, but they told me it was lost. They showed me only a photo of the damaged emblem.¡±

    Despite the fading of her memory with age, Maureen¡¯s expertise as a seamstress helped her remember patterns vividly.

    ¡°And the emblem on that red cloth, though iplete, was clearly from a distinguished and wealthy family. I did try to match it with various family crests, but the missing parts made identification impossible.¡±

    As she talked, Maureen began to draw slowly on a sheet of white paper beside her.

    When shepleted the sketch, she handed it to Cedric, her eyes twinkling.

    ¡°This emblem has a distinctive pattern. I still recall it vividly, even after all these years.¡± Cedric examined the sketch.

    The emblem was indeedrgely destroyed, with only about ten percent remaining. The visible part hinted at a curved shape. It resembled the wing of an angel.

    After leaving Maureen¡¯s, Cedric headed to Phillips Group.

    He hired the world¡¯s foremost private investigator and made a personal visit to the orphanage he came from years earlier. Cedric¡¯s ongoing donations had significantly helped the orphanage.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 814

    ?Chapter 814:

    Upon his arrival, the director personally weed him.

    ¡°Are you referring to the red cloth you had as a child? I remember that the material was quite extraordinary. I¡¯d never encountered anything as soft before, simr to that of cashmere or silk. It had an emblem. Our previous director, when he admitted you, suggested your background must be extraordinary. Sadly, the orphanage suffered a fireter, and that piece of cloth was destroyed.¡±

    Cedric asked, ¡°What about the records from that time? Are they still essible?¡±

    The director stood and said, ¡°I need to search for them. We have a lot of materials, and it¡¯s somewhat disorganized. Recently, some children were ying with fire, which nearly caused a major disaster in the archives. It¡¯s quite a mess there now. Cedric, perhaps you should return home and await our update. Once we locate anything, I¡¯ll ensure it is sent to you.¡±

    Cedric nodded in agreement and, before leaving, donated another million dors to the orphanage. The director offered his sincere gratitude.

    After Cedric left, the director organized the entire orphanage staff to search the archives for the records.

    Ryan was brought back home, and Lillian was waiting for him at the entrance.

    ¡°Who were you out drinking with to end up like this?¡± she asked. Ryan, who had vomited twice during the ride home, was somewhat more clear-headed now.

    ¡°Cedric,¡± he managed to say.

    Lillian paused briefly in surprise. ¡°Cedric?¡±

    Ryan confirmed with a nod. ¡°Yes.¡±

    Stay tuned for more g¦Áln¦Ò¦Í??s.c¡ðm

    ¡°Isn¡¯t Cedric known for not pressuring others to drink? How did you get so drunk?¡± Lillian asked, helping Ryan as they entered the house. Ryan appeared unusually proud of himself, though Lillian couldn¡¯t understand why.

    Ryan boasted, ¡°Besides Dani, I¡¯m the most important person to Cedric. You jealous, Lillian?¡±

    Even while drunk, he couldn¡¯t resist showing off.

    Lillian chose not to argue with someone who was drunk.

    As Lillian assisted Ryan inside, Dani was drinking some water. Noticing Ryan being supported, she asked, ¡°He was out drinking with Cedric?¡±

    Lillian confirmed with a nod.

    Dani took another sip of water and looked over at Ryan¡¯s state. ¡°Is hepletely wasted?¡±

    Ryan held up two fingers. ¡°He threw up twice.¡±

    Dani arched an eyebrow, pausing briefly. ¡°And Cedric? Is he drunk as well?¡±

    Upon hearing her question, Ryan squinted, leaning on Lillian¡¯s shoulder, thinking for a moment. Eventually, he shut his eyes and responded to Dani, ¡°No, Cedric can drink everyone under the table, never showing even a flush.¡±

    Dani was aware that Cedric could handle his alcohol well. So, what was Cedric¡¯s motive for getting Ryan drunk?

    Lillian set Ryan down on the couch and exchanged a look of understanding with Dani.

    A quiet moment passed between them.

    Lillian exhaled deeply. ¡°Ryan may be great at games, but when ites to strategy, Cedric is unmatched.¡± Dani set her water ss down slowly.

    Lillian added, ¡°Tomorrow, I¡¯ll tell Ryan to avoid drinking sessions with Cedric.¡±

    She hesitated before adding, ¡°I¡¯m just not sure what all he ended up revealing.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 815

    ?Chapter 815:

    When Ryan woke up, he struggled to sit up, only to nearly jump back in fear. ¡°Dani? Lillian? What¡¯s going on?¡± In her hand, Dani held a fruit knife, while Lillian was holding a hammer.

    ¡°What did you tell Cedric when you were out drinkingst night?¡±

    Ryan looked confused and instead asked, ¡°How did I end up home?¡± He had no memory of the return.

    Dani exhaled, set the fruit knife aside, and headed upstairs. The following day, as Dani approached thepany, Linden was already at the entrance of the Elite Lux building, waiting.

    When Linden saw Dani, he mirrored Lillian¡¯s usual greeting and called out, ¡°Good morning, Dani.¡±

    Dani gave him a brief look and walked into the building.

    ¡°Elyse and Natalie are waiting in your office. I think they¡¯re here because they¡¯ve run out of money and are likely to ask you for some.¡± As soon as Dani heard this, she looked at Linden and quickly understood what he was suggesting.

    Her lips curved into a smirk. ¡°Why? You interested?¡±

    Lindenughed, bowing his head and responding humbly, ¡°It¡¯s straightforward talking to someone as sharp as you. You miss nothing. I¡¯ve been interested in Natalie for many years. Even though her status has fallen, I still find her quite appealing.¡±

    Unlike those women who exchanged their morality for personal gain and became impure, Natalie was raised in wealth, which made her naturally more attractive.

    Dani offered a slight smile but remained silent.

    In the elevator, Linden knelt down. ¡°Consider me as your ve, ready to undertake any task you need. I pledge my loyalty to you going forward.¡±

    Updates loaded at g¦Ál¦Ç¦Ò¦Íe??s

    Dani smiled. As the elevator doors opened, she stepped out.

    Linden could tell that Dani had agreed.

    As Dani walked into her office, Elyse stood up from her chair.

    ¡°Dani, there¡¯s been a massive misunderstanding! You¡¯ve really misunderstood me, your dear aunt. Everything I said in the hotel was just to mislead Linden. You know I¡¯m the mostpassionate person in the world. And because of this, I often get taken advantage of. Your mother always showed me particr kindness for this reason. Dani, if your mom could see from heaven how you¡¯re treating me, she¡¯d be devastated.¡±

    Elyse was deeply in debt and saw no escape. Natalie had hired someone to assassinate Dani, but nothing came of it. The person she paid kept insisting that the payment was insufficient, fooling her in the process. Thest time, Elyse exploded in anger, only for the other party to say, ¡°I was merely ying you. You¡¯re just now figuring that out.¡± The vi, the designer handbags, and all other luxury items had vanished. Elyse was devastated, nearly driven to madness.

    ¡°Dani, I¡¯ve been misled by a scammer. They¡¯ve taken my vi and all my valuables. You have to stand up for me.¡±

    Dani sat at her desk, her gaze fixed with cold intensity on Elyse¡¯s dishonest face. She burst outughing.

    Elyse let out a nervousugh, while Natalie, standing next to her, kept a cold,posed expression.

    Dani rested her chin on her hand. ¡°Really? So you were scammed? Does that mean you didn¡¯t n my mother¡¯s assassination?¡±

    Elyse quickly shook her head.

    Dani continued, ¡°Was that time not part of your n, for me to end up in Linden¡¯s bed?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 816

    ?Chapter 816:

    Elyse was filled with regret. ¡°It was all just a huge misunderstanding. Everything gotpletely misunderstood!¡±

    Elyse¡¯s expression appeared sincere. To anyone watching, her distress would likely seem real.

    ¡°But what can we do?¡± Dani smiled faintly, her voice dripping with sarcasm. ¡°Natalie, you ended up sleeping with Linden, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    Natalie was already deeply embarrassed by the situation. She clenched her teeth and red at Dani.

    Dani merelyughed and nced at Elyse¡¯s stiff smile. ¡°It was all a misunderstanding, but what can we do now? Can you reim what¡¯s been lost?¡±

    Dani¡¯s words hung in the air, lingering in the silence.

    Natalie, fuming with rage, was on the verge of losing control. She stood frozen, almost ready to attack Dani.

    Dani, having lost her own mother, seemed so arrogant, so detached.

    ¡°That¡¯s none of your business,¡± Elyse snapped, her anger rising but trying not to provoke Dani further. ¡°Natalie chose to be with him on her own. It¡¯s none of your concern, Dani.¡±

    Daniughed. ¡°Is that so? If I remember correctly, Natalie previously scoffed at Linden. So, she acts as if she hates him, yet secretly loves him? Natalie, you have feelings for Linden, don¡¯t you?¡±

    Just as she finished speaking, Linden, who had just entered the room, gave a scheming grin.

    Natalie took a deep breath, ready to confront Dani. ¡°Yes! Natalie is somewhat shy, but she does indeed have feelings for Linden,¡± Elyse confirmed.

    Dani locked eyes with Natalie. ¡°Really? Natalie, do you truly have feelings for Linden? Should I set you up with him? What do you think?¡±

    Your favorite tales live at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s£®??????

    Natalie clenched her teeth. ¡°There¡¯s no need for you to intervene, Dani.¡±

    The smile on Dani¡¯s face slowly faded. ¡°Is that so? Then perhaps I¡¯m overstepping. If that¡¯s the case, I won¡¯t interfere in your matters either, Aunt Elyse.¡±

    ¡°Please!¡± Elyse instantly became desperate. ¡°Dani, we¡¯re family, the closest there is. I¡¯m your aunt, and I¡¯m facing troubles¡ªhow can you turn me away? Dani, I have no one else to depend on.¡±

    With that, Elyse approached Linden, ced her hand on Natalie¡¯s, and smiled. ¡°I support this marriage.¡±

    Dani grinned. ¡°An ideal pair.¡±

    After leaving Dani¡¯s office, Natalie was seething, on the verge of exploding. ¡°What is the meaning of this, Mom? Is your daughter really just a pawn in your game? You¡¯re selling me off to this jerk for your own sake.¡±

    Natalie spoke harshly,pletely ignoring Linden¡¯s presence.

    ¡°What other choice did I have?¡± Elyse said, her voice full of frustration. ¡°Do you really think I wanted this? If we hadn¡¯t agreed, Dani wouldn¡¯t have given us the money. So, who would have paid off the huge debt from the hotel?¡± Natalie clenched her teeth.

    Linden, leaning against the wall, observed the two women as they plotted and strategized, only to realize their helplessness. They never understood that they were outmatched by Dani.

    Fed up with the scene, Linden walked over and pulled Natalie away.

    Natalie eximed in surprise, ¡°What exactly are you doing?¡±

    Linden smirked, a hint of mischief on his lips. ¡°What does it look like I¡¯m doing?¡±

    He stepped closer to Natalie, breathing warm air onto her face. As she flinched, Linden leaned in and whispered, ¡°Fuck you.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 817

    ?Chapter 817:

    Natalie fought back with all her strength, urging Elyse to step in and help her.

    Suddenly, the CEO¡¯s office door swung open, and Dani appeared at the far end of the corridor, watching the scene.

    As she felt Dani¡¯s gaze on her, Elyse¡¯s grip on Natalie¡¯s hand loosened.

    A wave of fear washed over Natalie. She tightened her hold on Elyse¡¯s hand.

    Dani looked on in silence, a subtle smile curving her lips.

    Natalie shook her head at Elyse, tears streaming down her cheeks. ¡°Mom, please don¡¯t let him take me. You know what he¡¯ll do. I can¡¯t go with Linden. Please help me!¡±

    Natalie¡¯s voice was thick with despair as she cried.

    Elyse¡¯s eyes welled with tears. However, she quickly pulled her hand away from Natalie¡¯s.

    Lindenughed as he pulled Natalie toward the elevator, making their movement obvious to everyone in the secretarial department.

    Just as the elevator doors began to close, he lifted Natalie¡¯s shirt. As Natalie screamed in terror, Linden kissed her forcefully, fully aware of the eyes watching them.

    Elyse watched everything, shutting her eyes in surrender.

    As the elevator doors slowly closed, Linden¡¯s hand moved lower, and Natalie, overwhelmed by the situation, closed her eyes in defeat.

    The bystanders gasped, their disdain for Elyse and Natalie intensifying. Elyse had the power to rescue her daughter. Had she intervened, Dani would havemanded Linden to stop.

    Was there no escape for Natalie?

    Read more at g??lnovel s.??????

    Actually, there was.

    If she had dialed the police right then, Linden would have given up without a fight, but Natalie chose not to.

    Her act of closing her eyes signified surrender to her fate, overwhelmed by financial burdens.

    Dani watched everything, her lips curling into a faint smile.

    It was far from enough.

    Nowhere near enough.

    Only theplete ruin of those involved could ever make up for the loss of her mother.

    Her mother had been taken too soon, and those responsible would not be easily let off.

    Elyse wiped at the tears near her lips, turning to Dani with a wide grin. ¡°Dani, you see? They¡¯re a perfect match. Dani, all those previous issues were just misunderstandings. Now, about the retirement home you promised, when will I get it?¡±

    She was sacrificing Natalie¡¯s future for wealth.

    Dani was mildly entertained. ¡°What I promised, I¡¯ll certainly fulfill. Aunt Elyse, since Natalie and Linden seem so taken with each other, when are they nning to get married?¡±

    Elyse¡¯s face shifted to one of disbelief.

    Getting married?

    A fling was something that held no real importance.

    When Natalie rose to power, who would still recall her past mistakes?

    But marriage was a different matter entirely.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 818

    ?Chapter 818:

    A married status would bind Natalie to Linden forever.

    Elyse¡¯s eyes zed with anger. ¡°Well¡­¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Nina appeared out of nowhere, her lips curled in a mocking grin. ¡°Are you suggesting that Natalie¡¯s rtionship with Linden isn¡¯t genuine? That they have no ns to marry? Mom, I¡¯m quite confused. What¡¯s the purpose behind all this?¡±

    No sooner had she finished speaking than Elyse fixed Nina with an intense re, her teeth clenched as she hissed a warning. ¡°Nina, have you lost your senses? Utter another word, and you¡¯ll regret it.¡±

    Nina remainedposed. ¡°I¡¯ve long been dead.¡±

    Her emotional death hade the day Elyse forced her into Linden¡¯s bed and the public disgrace she endured on her wedding day, kidnapped and disyed throughout the city.

    Natalie stumbled out of the hotel after Linden had his way with her. Her eyes were full of shame, telling a story that words could never express.

    There was nothing more humiliating than being forced to sleep with someone she found utterly disgusting.

    As Natalie stepped out, she caught sight of Elyse. ¡°When is Dani going to pay you? What else does she want?¡±

    Elyse appeared distressed. ¡°Dani mentioned you need to marry Linden.¡±

    Natalie¡¯s eyes grew wide in shock. ¡°What? Is she insane? Marrying Linden would destroy my life.¡±

    She had indeed been intimate with Linden, but what of it?

    See full story at g???????¦Í???????co??

    She could have her hymen repaired and pretend to be a virgin. But to marry? To someone like Linden, who would never easily agree to a divorce?

    How would she ever climb the social ranks again?

    Natalie clenched her teeth. ¡°I absolutely refuse!¡±

    Linden, who was picking his teeth, stepped out of the hotel and overheard Natalie¡¯s words. He let out a quietugh.

    He pulled Natalie close and kissed her forcefully. ¡°Still as stubborn as ever, aren¡¯t you? Soon, you¡¯lle crawling back to me, just likest night.¡±

    As Linden walked away, his words still lingering in the air, a look of sess spread across his face.

    Natalie turned sharply to Elyse, her tone full of me. ¡°Mom, you don¡¯t understand how horrible Linden is! He tortured me all night long! He¡¯s even more rotten than Doug.¡±

    As she spoke, Natalie rolled up her sleeve to reveal numerous marks.

    Even Elyse, experienced as she was, couldn¡¯t suppress a gasp.

    She examined the marks on Natalie¡¯s arm, then stared off into the distance, falling silent for a long while.

    Eventually, she spoke. ¡°Natalie, darling, there are only two ways out of this mess.¡±

    Natalie looked at her eagerly. ¡°What are they? Mom, I can¡¯t endure another day without money.¡±

    Linden had even made her pay for the motel, leaving her penniless.

    He had brought her to a run-down motel, its walls heavy with the smell of musty cigarette smoke, almost suffocating her.

    At that moment, Natalie truly grasped the full extent of the terror that came with poverty.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 819

    ?Chapter 819:

    She longed with all her heart to regain the life she had once known, wishing she would never again find herself caught up with a bastard like Linden, praying for the nightmare to finally end.

    ¡°Natalie,¡± Elyse whispered, gazing at her daughter¡¯s face. ¡°One option is to marry Linden. Let Dani offer you a generous dowry, purchase our old vi, and transfer it to you. This would provide some security, and we could strategize further from there.¡±

    Without hesitation, Natalie dered, ¡°I¡¯ll take the second option.¡±

    She couldn¡¯t bear the thought of seeing Linden again.

    The image of his disgusting face lingered in her mind, a haunting mark she desperately wished to erase.

    Elyse continued, ¡°The second option is Doug. Winning his favor could solve your financial worries, but it would cost you your reputation.¡±

    Doug had a reputation for openly boasting about his affairs, often going as far as recording them to show off to his acquaintances.

    If Natalie ever became involved with Doug, it would mean there would be no hiding it.

    It would forever tarnish Natalie¡¯s reputation.

    ¡°The advantage is immediate wealth. Doug isvish with his girlfriends. He offers a hundred million the first night and continues to provide support. This is what happened to Joyce when she was desperate. At least now, she no longer struggles financially. If you attract Doug¡¯s attention, the money will never stop. Natalie, these are the only options I see. Make your choice.¡±

    Not only was Natalie desperate to avoid poverty, but Elyse was too. She even regretted getting rid of Brylee. Brylee might have valued their sisterly rtionship, unlike Dani, the relentless woman determined to bring about their downfall.

    ¡°I wonder what drives Dani¡¯s madness. Sure, Brylee was her mother but left when she was just five. Does Dani really need to seek revenge against us? After all, we¡¯re some of the few family members she has left.¡±

    ???????????????? ???????????????? @ g??????¦Í??????©q?????

    Elyse was not ready to give up. ¡°Perhaps I should appeal to Dani once more?¡±

    Natalie stood firm, gazing into the distance, holding Elyse back. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t go. Dani is heartless and will show no mercy. I¡¯ve made my decision.¡±

    Elyse looked at Natalie in disbelief. ¡°Linden or Doug?¡±

    Elyse clung to a sliver of hope when it came to Dani.

    ¡°What about Linden? He¡¯s never been married. And no matter what, Dani is still family. If you marry him, she won¡¯t just leave you with nothing.¡±

    Natalie narrowed her eyes. ¡°So I¡¯m supposed to bet my future on goodwill? Depend on her charity and tiptoe around her moods, should I?¡±

    Elyse let out a weary sigh. ¡°If you go for Doug, you better brace yourself. Joyce won¡¯t just step aside. She¡¯s not the type to let things slide. Last time, a woman flirted with Doug, and Joyce handled it by carving ¡®bitch¡¯ into her face. Think you can deal with that?¡±

    Natalie scoffed. ¡°Joyce? She¡¯s not even worth a second thought. Dani¡¯s tricky, sure, but Joyce? Please.¡± A smirk yed on her lips.

    Elyse hesitated, pressing her lips together. ¡°Is your mind made up?¡±

    Natalie nodded firmly. ¡°I¡¯m done being someone¡¯s pawn. Dani already knows what happened to Brylee. If we don¡¯t find a powerful ally, we¡¯ll be dead sooner orter¡ªor worse, locked away like Caiden. We need to act before it¡¯s toote.¡±

    Elyse chewed on her lower lip. ¡°Natalie, maybe we should just let this go,¡± she murmured, the fear of losing her daughter gnawing at her. ¡°I¡¯ll confess everything to Dani. I¡¯ll get on my knees if I have to¡ªbeg her to forgive us.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 820

    Chapter 820:

    Natalie let out a sharpugh. ¡°Her mother¡¯s dead¡ªyour apology means nothing. And from where I¡¯m standing, Dani¡¯s already decided to wipe us out.¡±

    Elyse fell into silence, her gaze dark and calcting. ¡°If I tell Dani who¡¯s really behind it all, do you think she¡¯d let us go?¡±

    Natalie shook her head. ¡°They¡¯re too powerful. Not even Dani can take them on. If we cross both sides, we¡¯re finished.¡±

    Elyse lowered her gaze, releasing a heavy sigh.

    Meanwhile, in the office, the surveince system broadcasted every word of Elyse and Natalie¡¯s conversation.

    Linden clenched his jaw, rage twisting his face.

    That shameless woman! She was already his, yet she had the audacity to consider another man.

    She would rather be someone¡¯s mistress than be his wife?

    Did she have no regard for his pride at all?

    Furious beyond words, Linden turned to Dani. ¡°We can¡¯t let Natalie seduce Doug.¡±

    Dani, unfazed, was casually testing out a beta game.

    Without looking up, she said calmly, ¡°Linden, if you want to keep a woman, you need skills. I gave you the chance. She¡¯s already slept with you, yet she still doesn¡¯t want you. That¡¯s on you, not me.¡±

    Panic surged through Linden. He had always assumed Dani would have his back¡ªhe never expected her to abandon him so easily.

    g???????¦Í??????.?????? ¨C ???????????? ????????

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t this concern you too? If Natalie secures a stronger ally, she¡¯ll be even harder to handle.¡±

    Dani let out a slow, mocking chuckle. ¡°Linden, don¡¯t waste your breath. Elyse and Natalie? They¡¯re nothing but clowns to me. Even if theytched onto ten men like Doug, I still wouldn¡¯t care.¡±

    Linden knew she meant every word. He just refused to ept it.

    He had counted on using Dani¡¯s power to bring Natalie to heel.

    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re incredibly powerful.¡± Linden dropped to his knees, keeping his sharp gaze lowered. ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m begging for your help.¡±

    Dani didn¡¯t even nce at him, her focus still on her game.

    The sharp crack of gunfire from her device filled the office.

    ¡°Linden, if you want something, go earn it yourself.¡±

    Linden¡¯s whole body tensed.

    Then came Dani¡¯s coldugh. ¡°All bark, no bite. I don¡¯t keep dogs that won¡¯t bite.¡±

    Linden¡¯s head snapped up at her words.

    Her expression was frozen, unreadable.

    In that moment, it hit him¡ªhe wasn¡¯t Ryan or Lillian.

    Dani protected her own fiercely, but he wasn¡¯t part of that inner circle.

    Right now, he didn¡¯t evene close.

    Linden backed out of her office, his gaze dark with murderous intent as he stared into the distance.

    If he wanted to be part of Dani¡¯s world, he needed to prove himself¡ª

    with an act she couldn¡¯t ignore.

    And Natalie and Elyse?

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Nice weednesday dear ones! Tomorrow I¡¯m gonna publish two new novels on gal. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. (?O?=)? ?

    .

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 821

    ?Chapter 821:

    They would be his offering.

    Nina brushed past Linden, catching the chilling rage in his eyes. Her stomach twisted with unease, and she quickly knocked on Dani¡¯s door.

    ¡°Dani, my sister¡¯s asking to borrow money. Should I lend it to her?¡±

    Dani, still engrossed in her game, replied casually, ¡°Up to you.¡± She never meddled in other people¡¯s affairs.

    ¡°I heard from my mom and Natalie¡ªthey¡¯re going to the charity auction tonight and need a custom dress worth half a million.¡±

    Dani smirked. ¡°So Natalie¡¯s ying the elegant temptress, hoping to reel Doug in.¡±

    Lillian, eyes still on her game, let out a lightugh. ¡°Obviously. She needs a n to snatch Doug away and shove Joyce out of the picture.¡±

    Dani scoffed.

    Nina, standing nearby, had no clue what they were scheming. But that didn¡¯t matter. Whatever Dani decided was right¡ªno questions needed. Instead, she simply asked, ¡°Dani, should I lend them the money?¡±

    Dani nodded. ¡°Yes, lend it. I¡¯ll send you the five hundred grand¡ªhand it over to them.¡±

    Lillian¡¯s grin widened. ¡°Natalie¡¯s diving straight into the fire¡ªseducing Doug means stepping on Joyce¡¯s lifeline, and Joyce won¡¯t just stand by. Meanwhile, Linden¡¯s losing his mind because she¡¯d rather chase a thrice-married man than pick him. Three people, one battleground¡ªthis is going to be fun.¡±

    Dani let out a soft, amusedugh.

    The pieces clicked into ce for Nina, and she gave Dani an approving thumbs-up. ¡°Genius. You¡¯re just sitting back and enjoying the fireworks!¡±

    Dani¡¯s smile deepened as she turned to Lillian. ¡°Come with me tonight. We¡¯ll watch the show firsthand.¡±

    L?t??¦Ó ch¨»¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?????.??????

    Nina straightened. ¡°Dani, I¡¯ming too. And I¡¯ll personally fund Natalie¡¯s five hundred grand.¡±

    Dani arched a brow.

    Nina¡¯s fists tightened. ¡°I want that money to be the nail in Natalie¡¯s coffin.¡±

    Her face twisted with pure hatred, a darkness so stark that Dani took a second look.

    Dani had checked with Cedric¡¯s secretary, and Cedric would be attending tonight¡¯s charity auction.

    So, the moment Dani wrapped up work, she went straight to Phillips Group.

    Cedric¡¯s secretary met her downstairs and escorted her up.

    When she reached his office, she caught his voice mid-conversation.

    ¡°You can¡¯t find it?¡±

    The reply was too faint to hear, but Cedric¡¯s face tightened, disappointment flickering in his eyes.

    ¡°Alright, thanks. Let me know if anything elsees up,¡± Cedric said, ending the call.

    Then, he turned around and noticed Dani standing at the door, unsure of when she had arrived.

    Dani stepped inside. ¡°What are you searching for?¡±

    Cedric knew she hadn¡¯t heard much. He tightened his grip on his phone and shook his head. ¡°Nothing important.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 822

    ?Chapter 822:

    Dani¡¯s lips curved. ¡°You¡¯re going to the auction, right? I came to get you.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s fingers pressed into his phone.

    He was direct¡ªsometimes, being tough was necessary to make things clear.

    He knew that well.

    But when he met Dani¡¯s steady gaze, the words caught in his throat. His voice dropped in frustration. ¡°Dani¡­¡±

    Dani only smiled at him.

    Cedric exhaled. ¡°We¡¯re still fighting.¡±

    Dani nodded, unbothered. ¡°I know. Forgiving me too fast feels too easy, doesn¡¯t it? You¡¯re still not satisfied. That¡¯s fine¡ªI can keep pacifying you.¡±

    Cedric felt his resolve slipping. Dani was wless, except for one thing¡ªshe was just as stubborn as he was.

    ¡°I don¡¯t need you to pacify me, Dani. I just want to know¡ªwho are you really after? Don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s just Natalie and Elyse.¡±

    To Cedric, Natalie and Elyse were nothing.

    If Dani was being this careful, there had to be a reason.

    And the way she had rejected him before¡ªcold and absolute¡ªtold him there was something bigger lurking beneath.

    Cedric was sharp. Lying to him was pointless.

    She wasn¡¯t going to lie, but she wasn¡¯t ready to tell the whole truth either. Instead, she repeated what she had told him a dozen times before.

    G a lno v els  is packed with thrilling adventures

    ¡°Just wait a little longer. I¡¯ll tell you everything.¡±

    Cedric sighed, that familiar frustration washing over him.

    He had run out of options.

    Once Dani made a decision, nothing could change it. Not even him.

    Cedric knew he wasn¡¯t her exception, and that realization cut deeper than he expected.

    ¡°Then I won¡¯t be attending the charity auction with you tonight.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s anger simmered beneath the surface.

    He could never understand why Dani had to be so stubborn.

    In that moment, he was sure¡ªhe didn¡¯t matter to her at all.

    Dani bit her lip, hesitated, then stood up with a light chuckle. ¡°Well¡­ alright. I¡¯ll leave. Don¡¯t be upset.¡±

    Her words struck a nerve, igniting what little patience he had left.

    Cedric let out a sharpugh, his eyes dark with frustration. ¡°Do you even care if I¡¯m upset? Acting like you¡¯re doing me a favor¡ªit doesn¡¯t make me happy at all.¡±

    For the first time, Cedric truly lost his temper with Dani.

    Dani froze.

    She wanted tofort him, but she didn¡¯t know how.

    She had lost her mother at five, and from that moment on, she never learned how tofort anyone.

    She didn¡¯t know how to make Cedric happy or how to ask him to wait just a little longer.

    So she said nothing.

    With Alexander, money had been enough to buy peace.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 823

    ?Chapter 823:

    But with Cedric, it wouldn¡¯t work.

    He would see it as an insult.

    And she didn¡¯t know any other way.

    So she pressed her lips together, forcing back a smile that didn¡¯t reach her eyes.

    ¡°Then¡­¡± She blinked, her vision burning. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    She had nothing else to offer.

    Other than an apology, she had nothing to give Cedric.

    She stepped back, unable to even pretend to smile.

    She turned and left, leaving Cedric¡¯s secretary in shock.

    ¡°Mr. Phillips, what are you doing? You were anxiously waiting for her toe, and now that she¡¯s here, why are you pushing her away with such harsh words?¡±

    No one had ever seen Dani look so lost.

    One of the wealthiest people in the world, yet she had no idea how tofort the man she loved.

    The secretary frowned. ¡°Mr. Phillips, that was cruel.¡±

    Cedric lowered his eyes, his jaw tightening.

    He had already taken the first step¡ªhesitating now would only make him look weak. So, he braced himself and took the second.

    He tightened his grip on his phone, frustration twisting in his chest.

    When he looked up, his expression was cold, unreadable.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s©qc??m has it all

    ¡°Tonight, have Lydia Vargas apany me to the charity auction.¡±

    The secretary¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. ¡°Have you lost your mind?¡±

    Lydia Vargas was a fresh-faced starlet under Phillips Group¡¯s entertainment division.

    She was bold in her actions, even bolder in her wardrobe.

    Rumors swirled that she had only signed with Phillips Group to get closer to Cedric.

    She had even dered in interviews that her only goal was to win him over.

    In the entertainment industry, moral standards were often flimsy, and so-called principles were easily cast aside.

    It didn¡¯t matter if someone was married, as long as they got what they wanted¡ªpower, wealth, a name.

    ¡°Mr. Phillips, why don¡¯t you just talk to your wife? Is provoking her like this really a good idea?¡±

    Concern etched across the secretary¡¯s face.

    It was still early when Dani left Phillips Group, making her way back to Elite Cux.

    Lillian arched a brow and nced behind her. ¡°What¡¯s wrong this time? Did you hit another snag?¡±

    Dani¡¯s shoulders slumped. ¡°He¡¯s really angry this time.¡±

    Lillian leaned back in her chair, pausing her video game. ¡°Why don¡¯t you just tell Cedric the truth? It¡¯s just his family, right? No need to back down.¡±

    Dani¡¯s expression clouded at the mention of Cedric. Knowing hisplicated family dynamics made her wary¡ªa feeling she couldn¡¯t shake. Sensing the shift in mood, Lillian set her controller down and focused entirely on Dani. The distant echoes of virtual gunfire filled the vast office space.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 824

    ?Chapter 824:

    After a thoughtful pause, Lillian suggested, ¡°Maybe it¡¯s time to let this go. Cedric¡¯s involvement onlyplicates matters. If he starts resenting you, then why bother? Why not make life easier? If it all falls apart, maybe it¡¯s best to divorce Cedric. That way, neither of you has to deal with any mess. Sounds better, right?¡±

    Dani¡¯s hand trembled slightly at Lillian¡¯s words. She tried to ignore the quiver, giving her palm a gentle squeeze to soothe the growing ache.

    Lillian offered, ¡°It¡¯s better to end things soon than to let the agony linger. If you can¡¯t face him, I¡¯ll handle it.¡±

    Dani¡¯s gaze drifted, her expression clouded by distant thoughts. ¡°Lillian, you just don¡¯t understand.¡±

    Lillian¡¯s gaze fixed on Dani, confusion etched across her face. ¡°What¡¯s there to misunderstand? You managed perfectly well before Cedric came along. Even if he backs off now, who¡¯s to say the future won¡¯t bring more heartache? Your rtionship is bound to dwindle. Wouldn¡¯t it be wiser to part on good terms now while some fondness remains?¡±

    The memory of Cedric¡¯s determined face earlier that day shed in Dani¡¯s mind, reigniting the trembling in her hand. This time, the pain was sharper.

    Lillian caught the subtle change instantly, her voice faltering. ¡°You¡­¡±

    She paused, her features etched with shock.

    Dani¡¯s battle with depression had been a closed chapter, one that hadn¡¯t resurfaced in years. Yet now¡­ ¡°Is it because of Cedric?¡±

    Lillian had never anticipated that Cedric¡¯s influence on Dani would be so profound.

    ???????? ???????????????? ???????? ???????? ????: g???????¦Í?????????????

    It had never been about curing depression¡ªit was about keeping it in check, knowing it would alwayse and go. The moment emotions spiraled, the symptoms found their way back. It all showed in the symptoms¡ªproof that emotions weren¡¯t just in the mind.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. Just a minor thing,¡± Dani insisted.

    Lillian¡¯s brow furrowed with concern. ¡°Did something happen at Phillips Group today? Did Cedric say something to upset you?¡±

    Dani¡¯s fingers caressed her numb palm as she reached for her phone, her expression veiled and unreadable. ¡°No. What could he possibly say to me?¡± For a moment, Lillian considered it, but she knew Cedric wasn¡¯t the type to do that.

    Yet, as they arrived at the charity event that evening and glimpsed the figure in the red dress standing beside Cedric, both Dani and Lillian froze.

    Fury ignited within Lillian, propelling her forward with fiery resolve.

    Meanwhile, Dani was rooted to the spot, her reaction stifled by shock. Her world narrowed to the sight of Cedric, standing beside him Lydia¡ªthe undeniable center of attention.

    Lydia was radiant, her allure magnified by the vivid red dress clinging to her curves. She leaned towards Cedric, her head tilted in a gesture of intimate familiarity, her every word dripping with effortless, seductive charm. Cedric stood regally, his silhouette sharply tailored in a custom-made suit, cradling a ss of wine. A faint smile yed at the corners of his mouth.

    Dani, clutching her purse as if it were a lifeline, felt the room suddenly tighten around her. Her breath became shallow; the whispers and stares of the gathered elite felt suffocating.

    Every gaze seemed maically drawn to her and Cedric¡ªthis was the kind of drama the high society thrived on.

    They all remembered Cedric¡¯s protective aura around her, and now, here he stood, barely a year into their marriage, with another woman by his side.

    For the elite, ravenous for thetest tale of intrigue, this was a feast.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 825

    ?Chapter 825:

    But Dani¡¯s world narrowed to Cedric alone.

    She studied his subtly curved lips, her grip on her purse tightening involuntarily, her heart drumming a frantic rhythm before she forced her fingers to rx.

    Lillian, with a re of protective fury, broke through the crowd and yanked Lydia from Cedric¡¯s side. ¡°Cedric, this is too much! After your argument with Dani, did she try to make amends? You can quarrel all you want, but why involve a third party? Do you know she¡ª¡±

    ¡°Lillian,¡± Dani interjected, stepping forward and pulling Lillian back. Her right hand trembled slightly as she gripped her purse, the movement so subtle that only a keen eye would catch it.

    ¡°Enough, Lillian,¡± Dani whispered. ¡°There are reporters all around.¡±

    Reporters didn¡¯t matter to Dani. The only thing on her mind was Cedric and his Phillips Group. Beside Cedric, Lydia appraised the woman known as the richest in the world with keen interest.

    Dani¡¯s beauty was effortless, herplexion radiant even without a hint of makeup. Her eyes, particrly striking, shone with a rity that was both rare and enviable.

    ¡°Hello, Ms. Harper. I¡¯m Lydia Vargas,¡± Lydia greeted her with a calcted casualness, extending her hand.

    Lillian tensed, her gaze sharpening, as if she were about to intervene.

    However, Dani stopped her with a gentle touch, epting Lydia¡¯s handshake with a warm, disarming smile. ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you. That¡¯s a stunning dress you¡¯re wearing tonight.¡±

    Lydia returned the smile. ¡°Thank you. Mr. Phillips chose it for me; he believes red is my color.¡±

    Dani nodded, her response dripping with grace. ¡°It certainly is. If you¡¯ll excuse me, I must be going. Enjoy your evening.¡±

    Feel the magic on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s

    Lydia watched her go, a flicker of surprise crossing her features.

    She hadn¡¯t thought it would go this way. Dani stayedposed, unruffled, andpletely unfazed by the provocation.

    She had assumed a few sharp words would break Dani¡¯sposure, provoking her to snap back at her so that Cedric would feel bad for her. This caught Lydiapletely off guard.

    The event organizers had originally ced Dani¡¯s seat next to Cedric. Lydia approached Dani and asked, ¡°Ms. Harper, apologies, but you¡¯re in my spot. Could you find another seat, please?¡±

    The sound of cameras clicking filled the air as reporters rushed to capture the moment.

    All eyes turned to Dani. The crowd eagerly awaited her response, wondering if she would confront the daring woman.

    Yet, Dani remained perfectly calm.

    She nced over at Cedric, their eyes locked briefly, and she offered a subtle smile before saying, ¡°Alright.¡±

    With that, Dani headed to the back of the room and settled into thest open seat.

    The event staff scrambled in disarray, while Cedric maintained a grim expression throughout.

    Lydia, watching with a flirty smile, teased Cedric, ¡°Mr. Phillips, if you invited me to stir jealousy, that expression won¡¯t help. We should appear closer, more affectionate.¡±

    The mysterious, fleeting expression on Dani¡¯s face earlier lingered in Cedric¡¯s mind, refusing to let him go.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 826

    ?Chapter 826:

    He believed Dani had no feelings for him.

    Not at all!

    She seemed indifferent to him bringing another woman to the event.

    What did he truly mean to her?

    Just a casual fling, with no real meaning?

    Anger brewed inside Cedric, his focus drifting away from Lydia¡¯s subtle flirtations.

    Meanwhile, Lillian, seated at the back, was fuming. ¡°Dani! I¡¯ve said it before¡ªCedric isn¡¯t worth your time!¡±

    Dani¡¯s hand, hanging by her side, shook uncontrobly.

    The dim lighting at the auction masked her expression. Despite taking several deep breaths, her anxiety persisted.

    Atst, Dani exhaled deeply and retrieved a pill from her purse.

    Observing this, Lillian turned and gently held Dani¡¯s hand down. ¡°Don¡¯t take it now. If you do, you¡¯ll have to start all over.¡±

    In the front row, Lydia rested her head on Cedric¡¯s shoulder, then shifted closer, their faces nearly touching.

    Dani managed a weak smile and said to Lillian, ¡°If I don¡¯t take this, I won¡¯t make it through the night here.¡±

    Lillian slowly loosened her hold.

    Dani swallowed the pill with calm indifference, letting the wine wash it down. From the shadows, a pair of ominous eyes observed every move.

    ???????? ???????????????? ???????? g???????¦Í?????????????

    Midway through the event, Dani¡¯s chest tightened. She impulsively ced a bid on an item and whispered to Lillian, ¡°I don¡¯t feel well. Let¡¯s go.¡± Lillian agreed, and together, they both stood up to leave.

    Before they left, Dani turned and stole a nce at Cedric in the front row, subtly lowering her eyshes.

    As she raised her eyes, Cedric coincidentally looked back, and their gazes locked.

    Dani¡¯s face lit up with a sincere, effortless smile.

    With a soft smile, she mouthed to Cedric, ¡°I¡¯m leaving.¡±

    She quickly walked over to the heavy wooden door and disappeared behind it.

    Cedric stood up abruptly.

    Puzzled, Lydia asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Cedric shook off Lydia¡¯s hand, a wave of panic washing over him as he darted outside.

    However, when he reached the door, it was empty; no one was in sight. All that remained was the stream of passing cars. Standing at the hotel entrance, he gave himself a hard p.

    ¡°Mr. Phillips,¡± called out the secretary, rushing after him. ¡°What are you doing out here? They¡¯re waiting for your speech inside. Come on, we need to get back.¡±

    Feeling hollow, Cedric lingered at the doorway, his pause prolonged by the distant voices filtering out from the venue. ¡°Next, please wee Mr. Phillips to present the most significant auction item of the night.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Phillips? Mr. Phillips?¡±

    The secretary, grabbing Cedric¡¯s arm, hurried him back inside. As they reentered, Cedric nced back onest time.

    Outside, the nighty dark and still.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 827

    ?Chapter 827:

    Dani didn¡¯t head home; she went back to Elite Lux instead.

    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Lillian asked.

    Dani shook her head. ¡°Just a bit down. It¡¯s normal¡ªjust side effects from the medication. I¡¯m okay.¡±

    Lillian was visibly upset. ¡°Divorce Cedric! What a jerk! Is it just because you didn¡¯t tell him everything? Does it really need to be this way?¡±

    Dani slumped back on the couch, drained. ¡°Let¡¯s see. If¡­¡± She struggled to finish what she was trying to say.

    The memories of their closeness haunted her. How could she just let go?

    After some time, Dani seemed to be reasoning with herself¡ªor perhaps reassuring Lillian. ¡°It shouldn¡¯t have been made public. That way, he¡¯d have more options going forward. Back then, I acted without thinking. I assumed¡­¡± Dani left her thoughts hanging. She walked over to the refrigerator, grabbed a beer, and gulped it down in one swift motion.

    Lillian, fuming with anger, pressed her. ¡°What were you thinking?¡±

    Dani reached for another beer. ¡°I thought he¡¯d have no regrets. I didn¡¯t ponder it too deeply. Honestly, I always knew he was stubborn. He wouldn¡¯t be willing to remain in the dark forever. That¡¯s why I kept my marriage to Cedric to myself for so long.¡±

    Eventually, she had disclosed it. She didn¡¯t want to upset Cedric, nor did she want him to go unrecognized or unacknowledged.

    Yet, he still ended up getting hurt.

    Lillian couldn¡¯t believe it. ¡°Who do you think is really suffering in all this? Don¡¯t you ever think about yourself? If you get divorced and remarried, it would be your third marriage. Doesn¡¯t that embarrass you?¡±

    Daniughed it off. ¡°Is it really?¡±

    It shouldn¡¯t happen again.

    If things don¡¯t work out this time, she¡¯s determined not to marry again. Dani didn¡¯t say any of these thoughts aloud. Instead, she kept drinking with Lillian.

    Lillian could usually handle her drink well, but even she couldn¡¯t keep up with Dani.

    As dawn was about to break, Lillian slumped over, having drunkenly passed out.

    Dani, still feeling uneasy, took a bottle and made her way to the rooftop.

    Competing was never really Dani¡¯s thing.

    If Cedric indeed harbored other intentions¡­

    Dani¡¯s grip on the wine bottle grew unsteady, her hand shaking increasingly.

    She decided to ce it down.

    Atop the rooftop, the wind howled fiercely as it rushed past her.

    Dani shut her eyes, focusing on the sounds and sensations around her. As the wind pushed the rooftop door open with a squeak, Dani spun around to see a silhouette outlined against the faint light.

    She stood up, her eyes gleaming like luminous pearls in the darkness.

    The figure slowly approached, getting closer.

    The darkest momentse right before the break of dawn.

    Clouded by medication and alcohol, Dani¡¯s thoughts were foggy.

    Yet she smiled, observing the familiar figure advancing toward her, step by step. ¡°Cedric.¡±

    The figure stood outlined in the light, creating a dark silhouette. In a deep, echoing voice, he answered, ¡°Yes, it¡¯s me.¡± Suddenly, the man lifted his hands.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 828

    ?Chapter 828:

    The smile on Dani¡¯s face froze, losing its warmth.

    Confused and disoriented, she asked, ¡°Is that you, Cedric?¡±

    She was about to raise her hand when a pair ofrge hands covered her eyes.

    ¡°Yes, I am.¡± The voice was deep and identical to Cedric¡¯s.

    Almost immediately, Dani sensed his breath drawing nearer.

    She stood still for a moment before quickly taking two steps back.

    However, her vision was still covered by thoserge hands.

    The man asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Dani felt his intense gaze fixed on her lips. In her confusion, he moved closer still.

    ¡°I am Cedric. Will you push me away?¡±

    As his breath tickled her lips, Dani¡¯s expression turned into a frown, and she stepped back once more.

    This time, Dani brushed away the hands covering her eyes.

    She was met with a face that mirrored Cedric¡¯s.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Don¡¯t want me to kiss you?¡± the man asked, his eyes locked on hers. His tone, carrying a trace of a smile, was just as familiar.

    ¡°Who are you?¡± Dani asked, her voice steady and firm.

    ¡°Cedric.¡± The man opposite her hesitated, then straightened up. ¡°I am Cedric. Are you actually upset with me?¡±

    ???????????? ????????: ?????????¦Í????????©q??????

    This time, her retreat was much quicker.

    She watched the man in front of her with careful attention.

    Once more, she reminded herself that he looked strikingly simr to Cedric.

    ¡°You were with Joyce at thest banquet. Who are you, really?¡±

    The man¡¯s smile turned sinister in the shadows. ¡°I am Cedric, the man of your desires. Aren¡¯t you exhausted with the old Cedric? You believe he doesn¡¯t get you. You feel he forces you to say things you don¡¯t wish to. You see him as cold and indifferent. Dani, I am the new Cedric. I will always submit to you and loyally remain at your side. I will be whoever you need me to be. Isn¡¯t that better?¡±

    Dani shook her head firmly. ¡°No.¡±

    The man suddenly froze in ce.

    ¡°I said, No,¡± Dani repeated. ¡°I love Cedric, no matter his ws. I don¡¯t care if he loves someone else. Whatever he chooses, I support him. His happiness matters more to me than my own.¡±

    In the darkness, the man¡¯s brows furrowed deeply. ¡°What about me? Don¡¯t you want me? Dani, if you wish, I am yours!¡±

    His voice held the seductive whisper of a lover, enchanting its spell in Dani¡¯s ear.

    Dani shook her head and shut her eyes.

    When she opened her eyes again, she saw that the rooftop was empty.

    Only the lingering chill of the wind remained.

    Dani stood still, puzzled.

    Suddenly, the rooftop door swung open, and Lillian stepped through, rubbing her eyes. ¡°Dani, why are you out here? Isn¡¯t it cold?¡±

    Dani asked, ¡°Did you see anyone on your way up just now?¡±

    Lillian shook her head. ¡°No. Who do you think made it up here?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 829

    ?Chapter 829:

    Dani¡¯s gaze intensified against the biting wind as she responded, ¡°The person who looks a lot like Cedric.¡±

    Lillian hesitated and then questioned, ¡°Could you have been mistaken? There¡¯s only one way up to the rooftop. I didn¡¯t see anyoneing down.¡±

    Dani gave no reply. Her eyes swept across the empty rooftop.

    ¡°Let¡¯s head back inside,¡± Lillian suggested, noticing the biting cold. ¡°It¡¯s too cold up here; we shouldn¡¯t risk catching a cold.¡±

    Dani acknowledged with a slight nod.

    They made their way to the elevator and descended back to the office.

    Concerned, Lillian immediately called a doctor to examine Dani.

    When the doctor arrived, he was spotted by Linden.

    With a furrowed brow, Linden confronted Lillian, annoyance evident in his voice. ¡°Why wasn¡¯t I informed that Dani is ill? I¡¯m also a doctor, freshly certified at that. Don¡¯t you think I¡¯m capable?¡±

    Lillian presented the doctor¡¯s credentials, halting Linden for a moment.

    Lillian nudged Linden aside. ¡°Please, stay out of the way.¡±

    Frozen in ce, Linden was awe-struck. The doctor treating Dani was none other than Lee Hoffman, his long-admired idol.

    Linden tried to follow, but Lillian halted him with a raised hand at the door.

    His voice betrayed his hurt feelings. ¡°Was everything you said about me being Dani¡¯s family doctor just a lie?¡±

    Step into fiction with g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s???o??

    Lillian stood with her arms crossed, her face giving nothing away. Her expression was somber.

    Linden looked at her, a mix of fear and confusion in his eyes. ¡°Mustn¡¯t it be incredibly expensive to have Lee treat her?¡±

    Lillian¡¯s response was emotionless. ¡°There¡¯s no charge. Dani and Lee are close friends.¡±

    Linden¡¯s eyes widened with astonishment. ¡°She¡¯s truly remarkable!¡± His admiration was more heartfelt than ever before.

    He hesitated briefly before asking, ¡°What exactly is troubling Dani? What¡¯s the problem?¡±

    He had always thought of Dani as strong.

    She was active, running and exercising daily, seemingly the picture of health.

    Linden posed his question with a casual smile.

    However, Lillian was ring at him with a look that could kill.

    Scared, Linden asked, ¡°What¡¯s the issue?¡±

    Lillian averted her eyes. ¡°Just a reminder¡ªthere are things you¡¯re meant to know and will learn in time. But prying into forbidden knowledge could prove catastrophic for you.¡±

    Linden let out a nervous chuckle. ¡°Catastrophic? What are you suggesting, that you might kill me?¡±

    Hisughter became more forced as he spoke.

    Momentster, the hallway fell into an unsettling silence.

    Linden was confronted with Lillian¡¯s cold, menacing stare.

    ¡°Interested in testing your limits?¡± she asked.

    Linden felt his heart miss a beat. He faltered before responding, ¡°Test what exactly?¡±

    ¡°Facing death. That¡¯s what you seem to be,¡± Lillian said sharply, her usual hint of a smilepletely absent. Fear clutched at Linden¡¯s chest.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 830

    ?Chapter 830:

    At that instant, Linden realized Dani and her group were not like Elyse or Natalie, who could be easily manipted. These were not individuals to trifle with.

    Swiftly touching his nose, Linden made a quick exit from the corridor.

    Meanwhile, inside the treatment room, Lee was attending to Dani.

    ¡°You¡¯ve been well for so long. What went wrong today?¡±

    With a rueful smile, Dani replied, ¡°Just an unexpected twist, nothing more.¡±

    Lee¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°You¡¯ve been off your meds for a while now; such urrences are unusual. Remember, medication has its side effects. It¡¯s detrimental over time. You must take better care of yourself.¡±

    Dani acknowledged with a nod. ¡°I understand.¡±

    Lee continued, ¡°You only took a little medication this time, but next time, don¡¯t let your emotions spiral. Otherwise, you might need continuous treatment, which would severely impact your health. You¡¯re aware of the risks, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Dani nodded once more.

    Outside the room, Lillian listened intently to Lee¡¯s advice, her expression darkening, shrouded in shadow like the night.

    The charity auction had just wrapped up, and Cedric escorted Lydia toward Elite Lux.

    Lydia¡¯s red gown shimmered under the lights, drawing lingering gazes from passersby.

    She nced at Cedric, then arched a brow.

    People often described this rebellious CEO as cold, ruthless, and unapproachable, exuding a sharp,manding presence. And he never showed interest in women.

    Lydia had joined Phillips Group because of him.

    At first, she thought getting close to Cedric would be impossible. She had been strategizing ways to approach him when, out of nowhere, she received an invitation to the charity auction.

    She had dressed to impress, but the entire night, Cedric had never once spared her a nce.

    However, when Dani appeared, a flicker of emotion crossed Cedric¡¯s usually cold expression.

    Now, Cedric¡¯s face was unreadable. Was it worry, frustration, or maybe even irritation?

    Lydia let out a soft chuckle. ¡°Mr. Phillips, am I just a convenient distraction tonight?¡±

    Cedric had grown up in an orphanage, hardened by a life that left little room for conscience.

    Guilt was a foreign feeling except when it came to Dani. To him, everyone else was insignificant.

    He leaned back, exuding effortless arrogance, his tone as indifferent as ever. ¡°If I recall, your contract states that when an opportunity for exposure arises, you¡¯re supposed to cooperate with thepany¡¯s arrangements. So, there¡¯s no question of diversions. It¡¯s mutual benefit, nothing more.¡±

    Lydia was momentarily taken aback before a slow smile curved her lips. ¡°You¡¯re brutally honest, Mr. Phillips,¡± she murmured, shifting slightly, her silhouette illuminated by the car lights, a deliberate flirtation.

    ¡°Stop the car.¡± Cedric¡¯s expression darkened.

    Lydia froze for a moment.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 831

    ?Chapter 831:

    The driver obeyed instantly, pulling over.

    ¡°Get out!¡± Cedric demanded.

    Lydia stared at him. ¡°We¡¯re on an overpass!¡±

    Cedric¡¯s gaze was unyielding, his tone merciless. ¡°I said, get out.¡±

    Without hesitation, the driver stepped out, opened the door, and said with the same cold detachment, ¡°Miss Vargas, please step out.¡±

    Seething, Lydia stepped out. The moment her heels touched the pavement, the driver shut the door, slid back into the car, and stepped on the gas.

    The sleek vehicle disappeared into the night.

    Lydia clenched her teeth, frustrated. Stepping out in her high heels, she barely caught her bnce as the wind tugged at her gown. She spat at the retreating taillights. ¡°Jerk!¡±

    Inside the car, Cedric remained silent, his gaze fixed on the passing scenery while the driver concentrated on the road.

    But his mind was elsewhere. He kept seeing Dani¡¯s expression from earlier when she saw him and Lydia at the auction.

    He was losing his damn mind.

    How had hee up with such a stupid idea?

    In the front passenger seat, his secretary, who had been holding back his frustration, finally snapped. ¡°Mr. Phillips, you crossed the line tonight. Forget how the press will spin this. Do you have any idea how much this must have hurt your wife? She¡¯s always distant with outsiders, but with us at Phillips Group, she¡¯s kind and approachable. Do you know why? Because of you. She¡¯s been doing her best tofort you, and this is how you repay her. Did you even see her face when she looked at you tonight? You¡¯ve spoiled her so much, and you still did this to her? She left early tonight. She must have been devastated. If you keep this up, don¡¯t be surprised if she walks away from you for good.¡±

    Thest sentencended like a p, and Cedric¡¯s whole body tensed. ¡°I wasn¡¯t thinking then.¡±

    Stay tuned galnov??????.co??

    The charity auction had been another tiresome and boring social event. CEOs often brought secretaries orpanions, but they didn¡¯t often bring their wives. He just wanted to show his displeasure. He hadn¡¯t meant to use Lydia to provoke Dani.

    The secretary scoffed. ¡°Typical. When men get what they want, they stop valuing it. You spent years fighting for her. Now look at you. You¡¯ve turned into aplete asshole.¡±

    The secretary sided with Dani.

    The driver, silently gripping the wheel, hesitated before speaking. ¡°Mr. Phillips, your wife didn¡¯t seem well tonight.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s head snapped up, his sharp gaze locking onto the driver. ¡°What did you just say?¡± His voice held an edge of urgency.

    The driver swallowed. ¡°I mean it. When you were inside, I stepped out for a smoke. When I came back, I saw your wife and Lillian leaving. Lillian bent down to ask if she was okay. Your wife stood by the door for a long time, as if struggling to catch her breath. I ran to grab a bottle of water, but by the time I got back, they were already gone. Ryan was driving. He sped off.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s hand, resting on his knee, trembled.

    A suffocating silence filled the car.

    His mind went nk.

    His secretary looked at him and sighed, rubbing his temple. ¡°You should talk to her. You know she¡¯s not unreasonable. It was just a charity auction. Exin yourself before this gets worse.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 832

    ?Chapter 832:

    The car slowed as they neared Elite Lux.

    The driver suddenly spoke. ¡°Mr. Phillips, it¡¯s Lillian! It looks like she¡¯s seeing someone off.¡±

    Cedric shoved the door open. Across the street, a ck car was pulling away. Lillian stood beside it, watching. At first, she smiled, but as her eyes met Cedric¡¯s, the warmth drained from her expression. Her gaze turned cold.

    The secretary and driver exchanged nervous nces. This was bad!

    Events unfolded just as the secretary and the driver had predicted.

    When Cedric approached, Lillian locked the door to Elite Lux. She also posted a notice on the door.

    Printed boldly on the paper were the words, ¡°Cedric Phillips is prohibited from entering!¡± Apanying the text was a high-resolution image of Cedric, recently printed by Ryan.

    Both the secretary and the driver were speechless.

    Cedric was in a panic. ¡°Lillian, is Dani ill?¡±

    Lillian crossed her arms, her gaze cold and firm. ¡°Cedric, stop avoiding the issue. Get ready for the divorce agreement.¡±

    Cedric was taken aback, feeling as if the earth had shifted beneath his feet.

    His secretary and driver were just as shocked.

    ¡°Hold on a moment. Isn¡¯t this going a bit far? A divorce? Really?¡±

    ?????? ???????? ????????????????: g??????¦Í?????????????

    This was absolutely ridiculous.

    The word ¡°divorce¡± made Cedric¡¯s entire body stiffen. He looked at Lillian intently, took a deep breath, and asked, ¡°Is this divorce your idea, or Dani¡¯s?¡±

    Lillian¡¯s expression remained unreadable. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter who brought it up. The divorce is happening. Tomorrow, when thewyers are back, you¡¯ll receive the divorce agreement. At the same time, we will cut all business rtions with Phillips Group.¡± She then turned to the security chief, whose confusion was clear. ¡°Starting now, no one from Phillips Group is allowed to enter. We are cutting all ties with them.¡±

    Hearing this, Cedric¡¯s secretary became visibly distressed.

    ¡°No! This has all been a big misunderstanding!¡± The secretary was taken aback by the intense reactions from those at Elite Lux.

    It was all because Cedric had brought a celebrity to a minor charity event. How could it lead to the point of ending both business rtions and a marriage?

    ¡°This is going too far!¡± the secretary eximed.

    Meanwhile, Cedric appeared unconcerned about the business consequences. His focus remained entirely on Lillian as he continued to ask, ¡°Is Dani sick?¡±

    Lillian stood firm, her expression cold and resolute.

    Her expression unreadable, Lillian said, ¡°Her condition does not concern you. We will handle it ourselves.¡±

    Cedric then looked towards Ryan.

    Ryan¡¯s face was just as stern, and he remained silent for the time being.

    ¡°If there¡¯s more to discuss, we can address itter. Right now, I need to know if Dani is okay. Please, let me in. I admit, I wasn¡¯t thinking straight tonight. If you want to punish me, I ept that. But I¡¯m really concerned about her. Just let me see her for a moment. If she¡¯s alright, I¡¯ll leave right away. Can we agree on that?¡±

    Cedric, who typically kept aposed and detached air, was visibly agitated.

    Tonight, however, he disyed an unusual humility.

    Ryan nced at Lillian, her expression as hard and unmovable as stone. With a sigh, Ryan said, ¡°You should leave. We¡¯ll take care of any issues. Dani is already resting, and your presence would only disturb her.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 833

    ?Chapter 833:

    Cedric¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. ¡°Is she really unwell?¡±

    Those words triggered a strong wave of guilt in Cedric, clenching his heart tightly. In a soft voice, he pleaded with Ryan, ¡°Please, let me in. I¡¯ll be quiet, I promise. Just a quick look. I won¡¯t leave until I¡¯m sure she¡¯s okay.¡±

    Ryan realized that even if Cedric saw Dani, he wouldn¡¯t be able to leave reassured.

    He nced briefly at Lillian.

    Without hesitation, Lillian grabbed a chair and shoved it against the door. ¡°Fine. If you¡¯re determined to get in, you¡¯ll have to go over my dead body!¡±

    Ryan understood then that Lillian was truly enraged.

    Typically carefree, Lillian rarely took matters to heart, except when they crossed a critical line. And that line was Dani¡¯s well-being.

    From Lillian¡¯s perspective, Dani¡¯s depression had been kept under control up until now. Despite Alexander¡¯s previous actions, Dani had managed to stay calm.

    However, Cedric had a unique impact on Dani¡¯s emotional well-being.

    This made Lillian realize Cedric was dangerous.

    She was determined to remove his influence as soon as possible.

    Cedric waspletely overwhelmed. He didn¡¯t dare to call Dani, worried he might disturb her rest, leaving him confused and uncertain about his next steps. ¡°Ryan, I can stay here. Just tell me, what¡¯s wrong with her? I have the top doctors ready to help,¡± Cedric pleaded, his voice filled with urgency.

    Before Ryan could answer, Lillian interjected, ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. We¡¯ve got a doctor already.¡±

    1@?€$? ¡é#4??€?$ 1? g??novels.c?m

    Cedric frowned. ¡°You mean Linden? I don¡¯t trust him. I have the country¡¯s best doctors at my disposal. If you won¡¯t let me see her, at least allow my doctors to wait outside. Should Dani feel ill again, couldn¡¯t they at least examine her?¡±

    Linden, overhearing this from the side, felt a sting of insult.

    He was about to respond when Ryan gave him a stern look.

    The look delivered a clear message. ¡°We can judge our own, but outsiders shouldn¡¯t,¡± his re said.

    Suppressing his response, Linden stepped back, his frustration clear.

    Cedric had already contacted his medical team. When the doctors arrived, they positioned themselves at the entrance, but Lillian forbade them from entering.

    The strange scene quickly drew the attention of bystanders and, before long, the press. By evening, a crowd had gathered outside Elite Lux.

    Lillian fixed Cedric with a frosty gaze. ¡°Aren¡¯t you content with the spectacle you¡¯ve caused already? Cedric, continuing this way will only lead to disaster.¡±

    Seeing the swarm of eager reporters, Cedric sighed and retreated to his car. But he didn¡¯t drive away. Instead, he instructed his driver to circle the block until the crowd thinned out. When the area was clear, he returned and parked near the now peaceful entrance. Only the security guards remained.

    Approaching one of the guards, Cedric¡¯s secretary said anxiously, ¡°Dude, we mean no harm. Mr. Phillips is really concerned. We¡¯re not here to cause trouble. Can you tell us how Dani is? Is she alright?¡±

    The guard looked at Cedric, then back at the secretary, and nodded. ¡°She was a bit unwell earlier, but it didn¡¯t look serious. The doctor checked her, and Lillian seemed relieved when he left. So, I think it¡¯s nothing to worry about.¡±

    Cedric nodded in relief and stepped back.

    He looked up, his eyes fixed on the dark windows of Dani¡¯s room.

    Pulling out an envelope with cash inside, Cedric offered it to the security chief. ¡°Look, no hard feelings. If anything changes tonight, please let me know. My doctors are ready to help.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 834

    ?Chapter 834:

    The security chief declined the envelope with a wave of his hand. ¡°Mr. Phillips, I won¡¯t ept your gift. But rest assured, if anything happens, I¡¯ll let you know. You¡¯ve always been good to our boss.¡±

    Cedric nodded and left the envelope there anyway.

    The chief eyed the thick wad of cash inside the envelope with surprise.

    Back in his car, Cedric was restless. His secretary and driver had left to get some food, leaving him alone.

    He stared intensely toward Dani¡¯s room.

    Inside, he cursed himself over and over.

    Dani had always been fragile since childhood, and it had taken years to stabilize her health. If the stress of today made her condition worsen, he would never be able to forgive himself.

    Cedric spent the entire night awake, restlessly sitting in his car, worried about missing any updates from the security guards.

    Meanwhile, Dani experienced a deep, undisturbed sleep.

    When she awoke, the room was bathed in daylight, sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting warm pools of light across the floor.

    ¡°Morning, Dani,¡± Lillian greeted her, entering with a ss of milk. ¡°Feeling any better?¡±

    Dani nodded. ¡°I¡¯m feeling fine.¡±

    After heading for a shower, she returned to find her phone buzzing with notifications.

    She unlocked it, only to be bombarded by a series of headlines.

    ¡°Cedric Phillips is spotted spending the night outside his wife¡¯s building.¡±

    ¡°Cedric Phillips issues an apology.¡±

    ¡°Dani Harper seems to have everything.¡±

    ¡°Is a distraught Cedric Phillips¡¯ marriage to Dani Harper on the brink of copse?¡±

    And the list went on. Dani blinked, unsure if she was seeing correctly.

    ¡°Marriage on the brink of copse?¡±

    She chuckled to herself, shaking her head. Turning around, she saw Lillian¡¯s stern, unamused face.

    ¡°Cedric¡¯s still downstairs?¡± Dani asked.

    Lillian nodded. ¡°Yes.¡±

    Dani exhaled. ¡°Bring him up, please.¡±

    Lillian objected. ¡°Dani, you can¡¯t keep him in your life. He¡¯s just trouble. You haven¡¯t had a depressive episode in years, butst night, you did. What if something even worse happens next time? What about us? What about Elite Lux?¡±

    Dani massaged her tense neck, offering a weak smile. ¡°It¡¯s not as bad as you think.¡±

    ¡°Not as bad?¡± Lillian¡¯s frustration grew. ¡°How can you be so sure that if something likest night happens again, you¡¯ll be able to handle it?¡±

    Dani remained silent.

    ¡°I used to think Cedric was different from other men, rational and steady. But I was wrong. Love makes everyone lose theirposure, you and him alike. Dani, can you assure me that what happenedst night with Cedric won¡¯t happen again? Humans are impulsive, emotional beings. We can¡¯t always keep our feelings in check. Bringing a celebrity to a g might be normal in your circles, but it triggered you. What can we learn from that? That shows how deeply you¡¯ve fallen for Cedric. You might have thought of this rtionship as a trial, easy to end if it didn¡¯t work out. But now, you have expectations. You¡¯re fooling yourself if you think otherwise. Lee mentioned yesterday that you need to keep your emotions in check. Another episode could be disastrous. You should distance yourself from him.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 835

    ?Chapter 835:

    Dani stayed quiet for a while. Eventually, she murmured, ¡°But what if losing him hurts more than the episodes?¡±

    Lillian remained quiet, and a heavy silence filled the room.

    ¡°Dani¡­¡± Lillian eventually broke the silence, her voice low. ¡°Do you really think Cedric would be happy living like this?¡±

    Dani looked up sharply.

    Lillian¡¯s face remained unreadable, but inside, a storm of conflict raged, pushing her to speak her mind.

    The evening before, as Lee was leaving, he had warned her, ¡°You have to ask Dani to divorce Cedric, or things will escte. This is only the start.¡± The notion that a man¡¯s love could eternally remain strong was a fantasy;sting love was just a fairytale.

    This episode with Cedric had clearly demonstrated this.

    Lillian searched for a retort but came up empty. Under Lee¡¯s mysterious gaze, she reluctantly nodded in agreement.

    Lillian saw Dani¡¯s hands begin to tremble. She felt a pang of sorrow, yet her determination hardened.

    ¡°Dani, you¡¯re a perfectionist, and so is Cedric. He¡¯s always hoped forplete honesty from you, but your resistance is only pushing him away. Why prolong the suffering? If you end things now, at least some fondness can remain.¡±

    Lillian observed the hurt flickering in Dani¡¯s eyes.

    Finding it too difficult to continue, Lillian took out the divorce agreement she had prepared beforehand.

    ¡°Dani, consider my words carefully. Cedric has been waiting downstairs all evening, and people are starting to whisper. I¡¯ll go bring him up.¡± With those words, Lillian exited, the door closing with a click.

    ?????????? ???????? ???????? ???????????? ¡ª ????????????: ????????????????©q??????

    Dani¡¯s eyes settled on the divorce agreement, the words stabbing at her heart.

    Her heart felt squeezed, leaving her gasping for air.

    Lillian¡¯s words echoed in her mind.

    ¡°Have you considered what Cedric truly desires? Are you able to provide the life he seeks?¡±

    Dani remained seated, enveloped in silence, for a long time.

    Cedric burst through the door, finding Dani at her desk in the CEO¡¯s office. The sky outside was turning a foreboding gray, with dense clouds hanging low, signaling an imminent storm.

    As Cedric¡¯s eyes settled on Dani, the room¡¯s vast windows cast long shadows that seemed to surround her. A chill of apprehension washed over Cedric.

    A sudden, unexinable fear wed at him, rooting him in ce and making him hesitate before stepping deeper into the room.

    It was as if he stood on the edge of a revtion he wasn¡¯t ready to face. Despite his reluctance, he advanced into the room, his footsteps quick and his anxiety mounting.

    ¡°Are you alright, dear?¡±

    Typically, Dani would be lounging on the sofa, easily within reach for a warm embrace as soon as he entered.

    Today, however, Dani was positioned formally behind her desk, her demeanor cool and detached.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 836

    ?Chapter 836:

    Her hands were neatly sped on the surface, partially concealing a document underneath.

    Her hands partially covered the paper, but Cedric could still make out a single word: ¡°Agreement.¡±

    ¡°Are you feeling ill?¡± Cedric asked, his concernced with urgency. Dark circles under his eyes showed his fatigue. ¡°I¡¯ve brought a team of doctors.¡±

    With a mildugh, Dani motioned to the chair opposite her. ¡°Please, sit.¡±

    Her request, though simple, heightened Cedric¡¯s anxiety.

    Heplied, sitting down and fixing his gaze on Dani.

    ¡°What¡¯s bothering you?¡± he asked again.

    Dani gave a slight shake of her head, her tone gentle. ¡°It¡¯s just a minor cold. I took some medicinest night; it¡¯s really nothing to worry about.¡±

    Yet Cedric was not convinced. ¡°You had a doctor¡¯s visit yesterday evening. Was it because of your¡ª¡±

    ¡°Actually, no,¡± Dani said quickly, a bit dismissively. ¡°Lillian was being overly cautious. She assumed I was having a depressive episode, which wasn¡¯t the case. A good night¡¯s rest was all I needed. See? I¡¯m perfectly fine now, aren¡¯t I?¡±

    Cedric observed Dani carefully, his doubts lingering.

    Dani then asked, ¡°You seemed rushed to meet me. What¡¯s on your mind?¡±

    Cedric gave a quick nod, but his words stalled as he opened his mouth to speak.

    Dani¡¯s demeanor was cool, her eyes unengaging.

    ???????????????????? ?????????????????? ???? g??????¦Í?????????????

    The warmth he intended to convey seemed to evaporate in the chill of her presence.

    Dani offered a slight smile. ¡°My schedule is packed today. I have a meeting shortly and a client to host for lunch. Unless it¡¯s urgent, I should get ready. Feel free to stay or return to Phillips Group.¡±

    Cedric remained motionless. After a tense silence, he shifted his gaze from Dani¡¯s controlled expression to the document beneath her fingers. Dani caught on to where his gaze had settled. She shed another smile, her fingers shifting ever so slightly.

    Before she could speak, Cedric stood abruptly. ¡°I need to get back to work. Look after yourself.¡±

    Dani gave no reply. She kept herposed posture, lifting her eyes to meet Cedric¡¯s. Their gazes locked for a fleeting moment.

    Then, suddenly, Cedric fled.

    Dani watched him leave, still without moving. Only when he had vanished down the hallway and the elevator doors had shut did she allow herself to sink into her chair, visibly exhausted.

    In the car, Cedric¡¯s secretary looked over at him, perplexed.

    ¡°Mr. Phillips, weren¡¯t you supposed to rify things? Why did you leave without saying anything? What if Dani takes it the wrong way? If this misunderstanding esctes because you left so abruptly, what will you do?¡±

    Cedric didn¡¯t respond to the question.

    He stared out the window at the scenery rushing past, his mind looping back to the document ced under Dani¡¯s hand.

    It was a divorce agreement.

    In the Elite Lux office, Lillian couldn¡¯t wrap her head around it. ¡°Dani, why didn¡¯t you bring up the divorce?¡±

    Dani clenched her fist. ¡°I didn¡¯t have to say it out loud. He already knew what I meant.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 837

    ?Chapter 837:

    Lillian still didn¡¯t understand.

    Dani turned to the vast skyline beyond the floor-to-ceiling window. ¡°One day, when you truly love someone, you¡¯ll get it.¡±

    The bond that once felt unbreakable could be the sharpest de, cutting deeper than any wound.

    A single conversation could tear two people apart.

    Dani fell silent, lost in thought.

    Maybe Lillian was right. Cedric had so many paths ahead of him. Maybe walking away from her would lead him to something better¡ªsomething happier.

    And her own heartbreak? That didn¡¯t matter as much.

    Dani carried on with her days¡ªwork, meals, sleep.

    She slowly distanced herself from Cedric, her warmth fading into a surface-level politeness.

    She could feel Cedric¡¯s unease.

    She could feel him pulling away.

    But she, unwavering and relentless, kept pushing forward, leaving him with nowhere left to retreat.

    Cedric was truly afraid.

    He chose the farthest business trip he could find and put as much distance between them as possible.

    Lillian had seen firsthand just how ruthless Dani could be, and it unsettled her.

    Che

    ¡°Dani, Natalie approached Doug at that auction the other day, but Joyce is keeping a close watch. Natalie hasn¡¯t had a chance to make a move yet.¡±

    Dani¡¯s expression remained unreadable, her presence as cold and unyielding as ice. ¡°If there¡¯s no opportunity, then make one. Host a g under Elite Lux¡¯s name and ensure Doug is on the guest list.¡±

    Elite Lux¡¯s gs were the crown jewel of Olisvine¡¯s social scene.

    Lavish venues.

    Exquisite champagne.

    Relentless media attention.

    Natalie wasted no time turning to Dani for help. Dani smirked and flicked the invitation card in her hand onto the floor without a second thought. Natalie immediately bent down to retrieve it.

    Linden stood nearby, his re sharp with disgust as he spat, ¡°Bitch.¡± Natalie remained unfazed.

    Iftching onto Doug meant enduring scorn, so be it.

    She was willing to do whatever it took.

    After all, who was Linden to her? Just one of Dani¡¯sckeys.

    Natalie left Elite Lux, invitation in hand, and ran into Nina.

    Natalie said, ¡°Dani seems offtely. Any idea why? Did she and Cedric actually fall out?¡±

    Natalie was plotting something. If Dani and Cedric were truly over, then between Cedric and Doug, she¡¯d much rather choose Cedric.

    Nina leaned against the elevator wall, her expression unreadable. ¡°Dani and Cedric are fine. Stop overanalyzing.¡±

    Natalie let out a sharpugh. ¡°Fine? You¡¯re awfully protective of their marriage. Funny, considering you used to be so in love with Cedric yourself.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 838

    ?Chapter 838:

    She casually adjusted her hair, her tone dripping with confidence. ¡°Nina, no matter what, you¡¯re a Dury. Dani¡¯s your cousin, and I¡¯m your sister. No matter what happens, you¡¯re obligated to help me. Got it? The Dury family¡¯s future depends on me winning this.¡±

    Nina flicked her gaze toward Natalie, unimpressed.

    Natalie pulled an invitation card from her pocket and dangled it between her fingers. ¡°Don¡¯t say I never do anything for you. Here, I got you an invite from Dani. It¡¯s your chance to rub elbows with some wealthy heirs.¡±

    Nina eyed the card suspiciously. ¡°Since when are you this generous?¡±

    Natalie¡¯s lips curled into a sly smirk. ¡°Oh, I¡¯ll be needing a favor in return. Doug will be at the g tonight. I just need you to keep Joyce busy for half an hour. That¡¯s all the time I need to make him fall for me.¡±

    Nina shot her a look of pure disdain. ¡°Didn¡¯t you always im you¡¯d save yourself for the one you truly love? And wasn¡¯t that Cedric? Now, suddenly, you¡¯re interested in Doug? That short, fat man?¡±

    Natalie scoffed. ¡°What would you know? Cedric¡¯s an idiot¡ªhe only has eyes for Dani. So why should I waste my time? I deserve better. What, you think I should settle for Linden? That useless, hideous nobody? Just make sure Joyce stays out of my way tonight.¡±

    Natalie started to walk away, but after a few steps, she stopped and turned back. Her gaze locked onto Nina¡¯s. ¡°Don¡¯t breathe a word of this to Dani. She and Joyce are on the same side, but you and I? We¡¯re family. Don¡¯t forget that.¡± With that, she stepped into her car. Just before the door shut, she threw out onest promise. ¡°When I pull this off, I¡¯ll make sure you get your cut of the rewards.¡±

    Then the car roared to life and sped away.

    Nina narrowed her eyes and let out a sharp, icyugh.

    She slipped the invitation into her pocket, not even considering telling Dani.

    This whole thing was too disgraceful to bother mentioning.

    If Natalie wanted to go head-to-head with Joyce, let her.

    The timing couldn¡¯t be better. Nina had been itching for some real entertainment.

    Standing at the grand entrance of Elite Lux, she pulled out her phone and scrolled through her contacts until she found the number she wanted. Then, with a smirk, she pressed call.

    ¡°Hey, I¡¯ve got something juicy for you tonight. Interested?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s it about?¡±

    Nina¡¯s lips curled as she lowered her voice to a near whisper. ¡°A scandal you won¡¯t want to miss.¡±

    Dani attended Elite Lux¡¯s g, dressed simply in a white T-shirt and jeans, yet she captured everyone¡¯s attention.

    ¡°Wow, Dani¡¯s figure is just wless.¡±

    ¡°Those jeans really entuate her shape. She¡¯s absolutely divine!¡±

    ¡°Right? Are those jeans Elite Lux¡¯s newest release? I need a pair!¡±

    ¡°Keep dreaming! That outfit was tailored specifically for Dani by Elite Lux. Do you really think you can match that? Even if you managed to get one, could you wear it like she does? Those clothes could only be truly brought to life by Dani.¡±

    ¡°With her figure, Dani would look incredible even in a bup bag.¡±

    The crowd murmured in agreement.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 839

    ?Chapter 839:

    Amidst the waves of admiration, Dani approached the stage to give her speech.

    Her eyes scanned the audience, briefly stopping when she saw Doug with Joyce at his side. A few steps behind them was Natalie. A subtle smile yed on Dani¡¯s lips.

    ¡°Enough talking! Enjoy the evening, everyone!¡± With those words, Dani stepped down from the stage.

    As she moved away, the smile slowly faded from her face.

    She sat down, radiating an air that unmistakably warned off any strangers. A few corporate executives who had nned to approach her with a toast quickly thought better of it and backed off, intimidated by hermanding presence.

    One of them pulled Lillian aside and asked, ¡°Has Ms. Harper seemed upset recently?¡±

    Lillian raised an eyebrow. ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Definitely! At the auctionst night, Ms. Harper bought everything. Lillian, what¡¯s going on with her?¡±

    Lillian offered a slight smile. ¡°Nothing major. She¡¯s just been busy.¡±

    Dani wasn¡¯t interested in socializing. Instead, she sipped her drink, her gaze subtly following Natalie, who was doing everything she could to get closer to Doug.

    Meanwhile, Joyce kept a close watch, making sure Natalie had no opportunity to get any closer.

    Nina attempted several times to distract Joyce, but Joyce consistently declined.

    Eventually, Nina, running out of strategies, gave Dani a desperate look from across the room.

    ???????? ???????? ?????????? ???? g????????¦Í????????????

    Dani picked up her ss, poured herself another drink, and headed straight over.

    Joyce, unaware of Dani behind her, sensed a strong gaze on her.

    Turning around, she saw Dani approaching with a wine ss in hand. Instinctively, Joyce stepped back, but Dani continued moving forward, step by step.

    Doug sensed the tension and asked, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    Before Joyce could reply, Dani poured her wine over Joyce¡¯s head.

    ¡°Dani, have you lost your mind?¡± Joyce gasped.

    The entire room went quiet.

    Nina¡¯s mouth fell open, and she silently cheered, ¡°That was epic!¡±

    Natalie blinked, a cunning smile curling the edges of her mouth.

    Doug remained frozen, his eyes locked on the captivating woman as Dani effortlessly walked past him.

    He inhaled deeply, his eyes shining with admiration as he watched Dani.

    ¡°Dani, what¡¯s the reason for this? I haven¡¯t done anything to upset you tonight.¡±

    Joyce, now sttered with red wine, looked at her ruined white gown.

    ¡°Oops! My bad. It was an ident.¡±

    ¡°ident? What ident ends up pouring wine all over someone¡¯s head?¡± Joyce didn¡¯t buy it.

    ¡°Nina, could you please escort our guest to get changed?¡± Dani asked.

    Joyce was about to make morements about the cost of her dress when Dani added, ¡°Let¡¯s offer her Elite Lux¡¯stest masterpiece, ¡®Rose Rendezvous.''¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 840

    Chapter 840:

    Her suggestion caused a stir among the attendees.

    The ¡°Rose Rendezvous¡± gown was legendary, valued at over fifty million dors. Even global A-list celebrities had been denied requests to wear it for their appearances.

    And now, Dani was offering it to Joyce.

    ¡°Ms. Harper, could you please tell me what I need to do to get you to ¡®identally¡¯ spill wine on me? I¡¯d love to wear an Elite Lux dress too.¡± The crowd was green with envy.

    All eyes were on Joyce, a mix of admiration and jealousy in their gazes. As she was escorted upstairs to change, Joyce felt a surge of pride welling up inside her.

    Doug, wine ss in hand, gave Dani a warm smile.

    His round face and closely set features made Dani question how Natalie could possibly be interested in him.

    The idea seemed so ridiculous it was almost painful to consider.

    Doug eagerly lifted his ss to propose a toast to Dani, who offered only a slight smile before turning to leave. Doug paused, momentarily stunned.

    He had assumed Dani had intentionally sent Joyce away to speak privately with him. Perhaps she was interested in him?

    But why did she simply walk away?

    Doug¡¯s gaze lingered on Dani as she walked away, his eyes reflecting a sense of unmet expectation. He scolded Joyce in his mind for handling the situation so poorly. When would Alexander finally intervene?

    Doug was eager to have a night with Dani.

    ???????? ???????????????? ????????  g???????¦Í?????????????

    As he was lost in his thoughts, a strong scent of perfume suddenly surrounded him.

    Doug frowned, ready to scold whoever was disturbing his thoughts. But as he turned, he froze, surprised to see Natalie, who somehow looked like Dani, approaching.

    Doug¡¯s eyes roamed over Natalie, his expression turning unpleasantly suggestive. Natalie introduced herself with a smile. ¡°Good evening, Mr. Fairburne. I serve as the chief secretary at Elite Lux. My name is Natalie Dury.¡±

    A smirk crept onto Doug¡¯s face as he licked his lips. ¡°Really?¡± Interest sparkled in his eyes. ¡°You¡¯re with Elite Lux? Impressive, especially for someone as young as you to be in such a senior role.¡±

    Natalie¡¯s smile remained cool yet distant.

    Doug¡¯s fascination grew.

    ¡°Mr. Fairburne, perhaps we could have a discussion in private?¡± Natalie decided to be straightforward in her approach.

    Doug¡¯sughter was tinged with cunning. ¡°Absolutely! I couldn¡¯t possibly decline an offer from such a lovelydy.¡±

    Dressed in a light, flowing gown, Natalie moved elegantly, throwing a tempting look over her shoulder. Doug was thoroughly charmed.

    They made their way to a secluded pavilion.

    No sooner had they arrived than Doug tried to draw her close, wrapping his arm around her waist and leaning in for a kiss. Natalie deftly blocked him with her handbag.

    ¡°Mr. Fairburne, I was hoping for a genuine conversation. Why the rush to get physical?¡± she asked.

    Seeing Natalie¡¯s yful defiance only fueled Doug¡¯s desire even more.

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Hope you enjoyed the chapters dear ones. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. ?(?? ? ? )??

    .

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 841

    ?Chapter 841:

    He drew closer, his breath on Natalie¡¯s neck.

    ¡°You smell wonderful. What did you want to discuss? We can talk just like this.¡±

    In the dim garden light, Natalie moaned and held Doug¡¯s head, their gazes locked.

    Upstairs, Dani stood on the balcony with a wine ss in hand, her expression detached as she observed the scene below with a disdainful eye.

    ¡°Nina, Joyce has changed her outfit,¡± Nina said.

    ¡°Very well, bring her down,¡± Dani instructed calmly.

    Nina looked where Dani was staring, noticing Doug¡¯s hand slipping inside Natalie¡¯s dress.

    ¡°Dani, don¡¯t you think it¡¯s a bit early to send Joyce down?¡± Nina asked, hesitating. ¡°Should we dy Joyce until they¡¯re finished?¡±

    Dani shook her head. ¡°People always want what they can¡¯t have. Since Natalie is maintaining her distant demeanor, let¡¯s use that. Doug can look but not touch, heightening the tension for whates next.¡±

    Nina understood and nodded.

    Then, Dani added, ¡°Have your media friend take pictures, but hold off on releasing them.¡±

    Nina turned to look at Dani with a start. She had not revealed to Dani her ns to involve the media to tarnish Natalie¡¯s image.

    ¡°Dani, while it¡¯s wise not to show mercy to our enemies, we must also prevent them from striking back. Natalie isn¡¯t out of moves yet. Why rush?¡± Dani warned.

    Nina remained quiet for a moment. ¡°Do you mean Linden?¡± she finally asked. Linden had long harbored feelings for Natalie. If Natalie chose to discard Linden after securing Doug, Linden might well turn violent.

    Your next favorite is on g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s£®??o??

    If that were to happen, they wouldn¡¯t need to lift a finger. Others would be eager to remove Natalie from the equation.

    Whether through Linden or Joyce, their strategy would be merciless and calcted.

    Nina came to the harsh realization that her approach had been far too naive. She found herself drawn to Dani¡¯s sharp intellect and undeniable cunning.

    Nina led Joyce, dressed in Elite Lux¡¯s finest, from the room.

    Noticing Doug was missing, Joyce narrowed her eyes and demanded, ¡°Where is my husband?¡±

    Nina gestured toward the dimly lit pavilion.

    The muffled sounds of Doug and Natalie breathing heavily echoed from the secluded spot.

    With a stern expression, Joyce approached.

    She found Natalie and Doug intimately entwined, sharing a kiss.

    ¡°Natalie! You brazen woman! How dare you seduce my husband!¡± Joyce exploded, startling Natalie into stumbling out of Doug¡¯s arms.

    Doug, annoyed by the interruption, stood and straightened his attire. As he helped Natalie to her feet, he told Joyce, ¡°What are you upset about? We¡¯ve both had our affairs for some time. I¡¯ve never meddled in your fling with Alexander!¡±

    Joyce clenched her jaw tightly. Doug had many women outside their marriage, but she was never bothered, knowing none of those women held a candle to her.

    But Natalie wasn¡¯t like the others. She carried ambition with her, setting her sights on bing Doug¡¯s wife.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 842

    ?Chapter 842:

    Both women could easily discern the other¡¯s motives.

    Casual flings were tolerable, but a direct threat to her status as Doug¡¯s wife was not¡ªonly over her dead body.

    A look of fierce resolve swept over Joyce¡¯s features.

    She approached Doug and kissed him in Natalie¡¯s presence.

    Despite the scene, Doug¡¯s passion remained undiminished. He embraced Joyce, his breath ragged.

    In a hushed tone, Joyce murmured into Doug¡¯s ear, ¡°Ask Natalie to leave! She¡¯s rted to Dani. Dani won¡¯t approve, and it couldplicate your rtions with her.¡±

    Doug momentarily froze, his actions halting. His gaze, still lustful, met Joyce¡¯s eyes.

    Joyce added, ¡°Hold off. Alexander is working on something bigger. Why settle for less when the genuine article is within reach? Natalie can¡¯tpare to Dani, can she?¡±

    After a brief pause, Doug resumed holding Joyce tightly, their kiss resuming with renewed enthusiasm in the pavilion.

    Natalie¡¯s cheeks burned with both shame and fury, feelingpletely degraded.

    Joyce nced over, her smile smug as she caught Natalie¡¯s eye.

    Breathlessly, she mocked, ¡°Still here? nning to watch us all evening?¡± With a teasing smirk, Joyce turned back to Doug. He shot a re at Natalie before snapping sharply, ¡°Get lost!¡±

    Linden lurked in a shadowy corner, silently observing the unfolding scene.

    Exclusive updates avable at g?ln¦Ò¦Íe?s?c?m

    His expression grew stormy, his brows knitting together in a scowl.

    Dani, having watched the spectacle, descended the stairs with a sense of boredom. As the event¡¯s host, she was bound to stay until the end.

    She wandered to a secluded part of the courtyard and settled on a bench in an empty arcade.

    Casually sipping her drink, she barely noticed a pair of shoes stop in front of her.

    Without raising her eyes, Dani spoke with a chill in her voice. ¡°I¡¯m otherwise engaged this evening. Please, enjoy the wine inside.¡± Her words hung in the air, but the shoes remained unmoved.

    Dani, uninterested, stood up to leave.

    ¡°Seem a bit gloomy?¡± A deep, familiar voice cut through the quiet, causing Dani to snap her head up in surprise.

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you.¡± Dani narrowed her eyes at the figure.

    Alexander couldn¡¯t understand.

    He had undergone surgery to be Cedric¡¯s mirror image. Everyone whoid eyes on him insisted he was Cedric, and even Joyce often struggled to tell the difference.

    And yet, no matter how perfect the resemnce, Dani always saw through him in an instant.

    Despite his confusion, Alexander offered a smile. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s me. You seem troubled?¡± He adopted Cedric¡¯s characteristic tone, easing down beside her on the bench. ¡°How about a conversation? We could be like two strangers sharing their burdens. Your secrets are safe with me.¡±

    His features mirrored Cedric¡¯s so closely, it was almost uncanny.

    Even his smallest habits, the cadence of his speech, and the way he smiled were an exact match.

    His eyes gleamed intensely, looking at her, causing Dani a moment of confusion.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 843

    ?Chapter 843:

    For a fleeting moment, Alexander felt a profound sense of fulfillment.

    This feeling reassured him that his suffering had not been in vain.

    He dreamed of capturing Dani¡¯s unguarded smiles once more, just as in the days before they divorced.

    Such glimpses bolstered his hope that his struggles would one day be rewarded.

    Tears gathered in Alexander¡¯s eyes as emotion surged within him.

    He yearned to rewind time, to when Dani¡¯s love was still his.

    At any cost, he was prepared to reim those lost moments.

    He anticipated a future where he could earnestly express his regrets to Dani, telling her, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Dani.¡±

    He also longed to say, ¡°I have waited for your return all this while.¡±

    He imagined that, eventually, Dani would respond with an affectionate embrace and a passionate kiss.

    ¡°Can we talk about anything?¡± Dani asked, her tone neutral.

    Surprised, Alexander responded with enthusiasm, ¡°Absolutely! We can talk about anything you wish.¡±

    Dani¡¯s expression remained cool as she scrutinized the man posing as ¡°Cedric¡± before her. ¡°Then exin how you became like this, Alexander.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s face registered shock. ¡°That¡¯s not true! You¡¯re mistaken.¡± He had endured many hardships to adopt this persona, hoping it would endear him to Dani. But just as he was about to im his reward, Dani had already seen through his act.

    Still, a part of him was thrilled.

    Finish reading at ?????????¦Í????????????

    It excited him that Dani alone, in a world where no one else noticed, could prate his disguise and glimpse his true essence.

    Could this mean there was still a ce for him in Dani¡¯s heart?

    With sincere hope, Alexander looked at Dani, his feelings a whirlwind.

    It had been ages since someone had addressed him by his real name.

    Joyce now referred to him as Cedric.

    To the entire world, he was Cedric, enduring the agony of living behind an borate facade, morphing into someone else. In his mind, Alexander rehearsed a sorrowful narrative.

    Observing the subtle shifts in his expressions, Dani¡¯s lips twisted into a sardonic smile.

    ¡°Are you not Alexander?¡± Dani asked, her tone detached. ¡°Perhaps I am wrong. Why do you seem so unsettled? You said we could discuss anything, didn¡¯t you? What¡¯s troubling you? Are you scared?¡±

    Alexander felt a knot in his stomach. ¡°Scared? Why would I be scared? I¡¯ve just naturally looked this way, though somement that I bear a resemnce to Cedric Phillips. Alexander, you say? Do I truly resemble him?¡±

    Alexander¡¯s eyes remained fixed on Dani. With caution, he asked, ¡°Did you know someone named Alexander well?¡±

    Dani¡¯sughter rang out, clear and uplicated. She regarded him curiously, her head tilted. ¡°You¡¯re quite funny.¡±

    Alexander, though inwardly pleased, kept hisposure, mimicking Cedric¡¯s typical demeanor. At that moment, even he sensed a dissonance within himself.

    The guise had be so ingrained that he struggled to remember who he originally was.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 844

    ?Chapter 844:

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Alexander responded, watching the side of Dani¡¯s face glow, feeling a warmth spread through his chest.

    Internally, a voice urged him to draw nearer to Dani, to bridge the gap between them desperately.

    He held his breath, striving to quell the turmoil within, as he subtly moved closer to Dani, inch by inch.

    Dani managed a strained smile.

    As Alexander moved closer, she abruptly stood, leaving him reaching out to empty space. His expression turned to confusion.

    ¡°I¡¯m leaving,¡± Dani dered.

    In a panic, Alexander stood and grasped her hand.

    She pulled away, prompting Alexander to ask her anxiously, ¡°Dani, when will I see you again? Have you considered my previous proposal? It still stands.¡±

    Afraid she might have forgotten about it, Alexander quickly added, ¡°Remember, if you ever grow weary of Cedric, you can turn to me. You¡¯re drawn to his appearance, aren¡¯t you? Come to me instead. I¡¯m his mirror image, and I ask for nothing more than to be with you. I can be whoever you desire, Dani. In my world, you are the only one, and that will never change.¡±

    Dani looked at his face, so simr to Cedric¡¯s, yet felt only detachment. ¡°Is that so? I¡¯ll give it some thought.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s face brightened immediately. ¡°How long will you need to consider it?¡± His eagerness to reim her affection was noticeable.

    He resolved not to repeat past mistakes.

    The moment she consented, he nned to win her overpletely.

    He was determined to end Cedric¡¯s life for good.

    F0r more, visit g??l??ovels.??o??

    Then, he would be the sole Cedric in existence.

    As Dani left, Alexander¡¯s gaze hardened with resolve. He silently vowed to win her back, regardless of the sacrifices required.

    That evening, after satisfying Doug in bed, Joyce headed straight to Alexander¡¯s.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Joyce noticed how absent-minded Alexander was. ¡°You met Dani, didn¡¯t you? Getting obsessed with her? Remember yourmitment to me, Alexander. I invested heavily to turn you into Cedric. Remember, Dani will be Doug¡¯s.¡±

    Alexander flung back the covers and left the bed. He moved to the floor-to-ceiling window and lit a cigarette.

    Joyce eyed Alexander¡¯s well-defined back, impressed yet again by the surgeons¡¯ craftsmanship. Every nce at his face stirred something within her.

    She moved closer, pressing against him once more, craving more.

    But Alexander quickly brushed her hand off his chest with a chill detachment.

    Joyce¡¯s expression darkened with irritation. ¡°What¡¯s this about, Alexander? Don¡¯t think a brief chat with Dani means you can take Cedric¡¯s ce in her heart!¡±

    ¡°Joyce, are you content to live forever overshadowed by Dani?¡± Alexander asked, his gaze cold and his tone devoid of emotion.

    Taken aback, Joyce paused. She straightened, eyeing Alexander with a calcting gaze as her initial desire weakened. ¡°What are you implying?¡±

    ¡°Are you truly content with living in her shadow forever? Do you really want to depend on Doug for your status your entire life? Natalie wants Doug, or more urately, his wealth and the title of his wife. How long do you think he will remain faithful to you?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 845

    ?Chapter 845:

    Joyce scoffed dismissively. ¡°Natalie? She¡¯s naive! She doesn¡¯t know Doug is difficult to handle at all!¡±

    Alexander remained silent, his demeanor cold and detached, his eyes as piercing as Cedric¡¯s.

    Joyce narrowed her eyes suspiciously. ¡°What¡¯s your angle in saying all this?¡±

    Alexander responded calmly, ¡°You are Doug¡¯s wife now. Should anything happen to him, you¡¯d inherit everything. That¡¯s when you¡¯ll truly be independent.¡±

    Joyce stared at Alexander, stunned. ¡°You want me to kill Doug?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for you to get involved. I¡¯ll take care of it,¡± Alexander assured, his n forming the moment he observed Natalie with Doug earlier. Doug¡¯s sex addiction was his weakness. If he died while having sex with Natalie, nobody would doubt it.

    ¡°Are you going to do it?¡± Joyce knew Alexander¡¯s self-centered, cold nature well after years together. He was offering to eliminate Doug for her?

    ¡°What¡¯s your price?¡± Joyce asked sharply.

    ¡°I want Dani.¡±

    Silence enveloped the room after Alexander¡¯s deration.

    Joyce then erupted into uncontrolledughter, so intense that she doubled over in pain, eventually copsing to the floor as she clutched her stomach.

    Alexander observed her, remainingposed.

    Latest stories on

    Finally, winded from her fit ofughter, Joyce settled cross-legged on the floor, her voice oozing sarcasm. ¡°Alexander, you¡¯re quite theedian. Remember how Dani chased you, and you¡ª¡±

    ¡°Remember how Dani chased you? Now you¡¯re ready tomit murder for her after she¡¯s been with Cedric this long? Isn¡¯t that just ridiculous? Tell me, Alexander, since when did you be so obsessive? Knowing Dani and Cedric have been intimate, how does that not eat at you?¡± Joyce¡¯s words visibly unsettled Alexander, his facade beginning to crumble, his expression contorting.

    ¡°You don¡¯t get it! This is about love! Love makes you overlook the past,¡± Alexander said, anger rising in his voice.

    Joyce saw through his facade. ¡°Alright, you eliminate Doug for me, and I¡¯ll manage Dani and Cedric on your behalf. You aim to be the sole Cedric, correct? I¡¯ll help you, but there¡¯s something you need to know first¡­¡±

    Joyce paused, running a finger along Alexander¡¯s changed face. ¡°Cedric must live. I want him.¡±

    Tired of the counterfeit, she wanted the real deal.

    ¡°In my basement, I¡¯ll chain Cedric up,¡± Joyce dered, her eyes shing with wild passion. ¡°I¡¯m eager for that day.¡±

    Joyce grabbed her bag and stopped at the door. ¡°Alexander, don¡¯t get too ahead of yourself. Winning Dani¡¯s heart won¡¯t be simple.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s gaze hardened. ¡°That¡¯s not your concern. Just make sure Cedric is taken care of, and I¡¯ll make sure I¡¯m the only Cedric to Dani.¡±

    Lately, Dani hadn¡¯t been sleeping well, and her distress was evident on her face.

    Nina leaned in to whisper to Lillian, ¡°Do you know when Cedric is due back? Dani can¡¯t go on like this.¡±

    Watching Dani, who was absorbed in her phone, Lillian responded, ¡°Old habits die hard.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 846

    ?Chapter 846:

    Nina was left puzzled by her remark.

    On the day Cedric was due back from his trip, Dani went to the airport to meet him.

    The separation had been too much for her to bear.

    As she waited at the terminal, the sight of Cedric filled her eyes with tears. Silence filled the car on the drive back.

    ¡°I have to swing by the office first,¡± Cedric finally broke the silence.

    Confused, his secretary nced at Cedric. ¡°Mr. Phillips, there¡¯s no rush at the office today. It¡¯s been a while since you¡¯ve been home. Wouldn¡¯t it be better to start there and deal with work tomorrow?¡±

    Clenching his knees, Cedric replied tersely, ¡°There¡¯s an urgent meeting I must attend.¡±

    The secretary opened his mouth to object, but the tense air in the car stopped him.

    Just then, Dani¡¯s phone vibrated.

    It was a text from Russell.

    ¡°¡®Dani, there¡¯s a big new assignment.''¡±

    Disinterested, Dani was about to ignore it when another alert popped up.

    ¡°Someone¡¯s willing to pay big to have Cedric kidnapped. And this time, it¡¯s no small sum¡ªa staggering five hundred million.¡±

    ?????????????? ???????? ????: ?????????¦Í????????©q?????

    Dani¡¯s fingers flew across her phone keyboard. ¡°Who¡¯s the client?¡±

    The mission was to abduct Cedric and take him to a specified location.

    Russell responded, ¡°¡®Anonymous. It wasn¡¯t routed through HQ but a subsidiary. Alita wants to know if we should ept.''¡±

    ¡°Proceed,¡± Dani responded.

    ¡°Easy two hundred million for us. And Cedric¡¯s drawing a huge bounty, five hundred million just to snatch him, no murder. Seems someone¡¯s really fixated on him.¡±

    Russell found humor in the situation, but Dani was far from amused.

    The thought of Cedric with someone else was unimaginable to her.

    Noticing Dani¡¯s frequent messaging, the secretary gave Cedric a subtle nce, silently asking whether she would apany them to the office or head home. Cedric pressed his lips together, showing a rare sight of timidity¡ªthe secretary had never seen him like this before.

    Cedric didn¡¯t particrly wish to avoid going home; his greater fear was that Dani might confront him with a divorce agreement, a scenario he felt unprepared to face.

    At the airport, his first impulse was to flee upon seeing Dani, yet he couldn¡¯t stand the thought of leaving.

    When Dani nced his way, Cedric tentatively suggested, ¡°Maybe we should head home first?¡±

    Putting away her phone, Dani replied, ¡°Weren¡¯t you supposed to return to your office? I¡¯m free now; I could join you.¡± Cedric¡¯s face betrayed a tumult of emotions.

    Dani asked, ¡°Is there a problem? Shouldn¡¯t Ie along?¡±

    ¡°Yes, of course, you shoulde,¡± Cedric quickly responded, his voice eager.

    ¡°I¡¯d be d for yourpany.¡±

    Silence fell as Dani returned her attention to her phone.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 847

    ?Chapter 847:

    Upon their arrival at Phillips Group, Dani stepped out briskly, with Cedric a few paces behind. To an onlooker, Dani might have appeared to be the CEO. She paused, waiting for Cedric, who seemed reluctant to close the distance, making it feel as if she were leading a tour of the workce.

    Once they entered his office, Cedric promptly locked the door.

    Outside, his secretary rubbed his sore nose, the slight bump still lingering, and let out a quiet chuckle.

    It looked like the tension between them had finally eased, and they were back on better terms.

    The recent days had drained him; Cedric had been overworking himself, and the secretary had not slept in 48 hours.

    Inside the office, Cedric brewed a cup of coffee for Dani before sitting down across from her.

    The skies outside mirrored the mood indoors, heavy and somber.

    Cedric was grappling with feelings of injustice and the fear of losing Dani.

    ¡°Wasn¡¯t there supposed to be a meeting?¡± Dani asked.

    ¡°I actually wanted to talk,¡± Cedric replied. Evading the issue any longer was futile, especially since Dani appeared prepared to address it, leaving no room for further avoidance.

    Attempting to assume his typical negotiating posture, Cedric found himself unsettled by just one look at Dani¡¯s expression.

    ¡°I need to be honest about that night at the charity g. I did it on purpose. I apologize, Dani,¡± he said candidly.

    Dani acknowledged his admission with a nod, taking a sip of her coffee. ¡°Okay.¡±

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s is where magic happens

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t my intention to cause you embarrassment. I was just feeling overwhelmed and, unfortunately, chose the most destructive way to provoke a reaction from you. We were both unhappy. I assure you, no matter what the future holds, I won¡¯t repeat such an action,¡± Cedric expressed earnestly, his voice full of regret. ¡°I really missed you during my business trip, but I was too scared to reach out. Josie mentioned you¡¯ve been having trouble sleeping. I guess it was my absence.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right, it was because you were gone,¡± Dani said straightforwardly.

    Her confirmationforted Cedric, yet he restrained any burgeoning hope.

    He even pondered if Dani valued him merely for the sce he provided. Such sce was easily receable. Dani, with her charm, could easily attract countless admirers far and wide. He felt his offerings were light inparison.

    ¡°The day I came to your office, I saw a document on your desk. What was it about?¡± Cedric paused for a few seconds before finally asking, ¡°I caught the word ¡®agreement,¡¯ but I didn¡¯t see the rest. What was it?¡±

    After a tense pause, Dani responded, ¡°It¡¯s a divorce agreement.¡±

    Dani wasing on a little too direct.

    A wave of unease tightened Cedric¡¯s chest, making it hard to breathe. He fought to keep hisposure, ncing away to avoid locking eyes with her. ¡°You want to divorce me?¡±

    Dani gave a small nod.

    Before she could utter a word, Cedric shot to his feet, his emotions slipping out of control.

    Dani froze for a moment before hearing Cedric¡¯s firm deration. ¡°I don¡¯t agree!¡±

    His face darkened, his eyes cooled, but beneath it all lingered a trace of hesitation.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 848

    ?Chapter 848:

    Everything felt tangled and messy.

    Cedric held her gaze, waiting¡ªhoping¡ªshe would say something more. Instead, all she offered was a short, ¡°Got it.¡± Cedric remained still, waiting.

    He braced himself, ready to counter any reason Dani threw at him for wanting a divorce.

    If she insisted¡­

    Cedric sat in silence, racking his brain for something¡ªanything¡ªhe could use as leverage.

    After all, merely being a source offort wasn¡¯t much of a bargaining chip. He couldn¡¯t exactly say, ¡°If you go through with this divorce, I won¡¯t let you sleep with me anymore,¡± could he?

    And what if Dani, cold as ever, agreed without a second thought? He¡¯d just be humiliating himself.

    Cedric realized his biggest disadvantage¡ªhe and Dani had no child. If they had, at least he¡¯d say, ¡°If you leave, I¡¯ll take the child with me!¡± He regretted never making children a priority.

    A thought struck him¡ªwas Dani pregnant?

    Dani caught Cedric staring at her stomach, confusion shing in her eyes.

    What was that supposed to mean?

    But she kept quiet.

    Cedric waited a long time, but Dani didn¡¯t speak again.

    More c0nt3nt at g??l??ovels.??o??

    After a moment, he said, ¡°Let¡¯s put this on hold and talkter, okay?¡±

    Dani nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±

    The unexpected relief stunned Cedric. Had it really been that easy? Then what was the point of everything he endured abroad?

    ¡°Go to your meeting first. I¡¯ll head home. What do you want for dinner? Should I have Josie make something?¡± Dani asked.

    Cedric answered sluggishly, ¡°Anything is fine.¡±

    As Dani turned to leave, Cedric reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, ornate box.

    His secretary beamed. ¡°Mr. Phillips picked this up at an auction overseas. A diamond-studded bracelet, engraved with both your initials. Gorgeous piece! Cost him over eight million dors.¡±

    Cedric shot the secretary a look, part amused, part exasperated.

    His secretary walked off with a knowing grin.

    Cedric walked Dani to the elevator. Once inside, she slipped the bracelet onto her wrist.

    The bracelet shimmered under the light, catching Cedric¡¯s eye and pulling a small smile from him.

    ¡°You knew I wanted a divorce, yet you still bought me a gift?¡± Dani asked, curiosityced in her tone.

    Cedric cleared his throat. ¡°You¡¯re the one asking for a divorce. Not me.¡±

    Dani gave a slow nod. ¡°You really know how to treat your wife well.¡±

    As Dani was about to step into the car, Cedric caught her hand. His voice dropped to a low murmur. ¡°I swear, what happened at the charity g won¡¯t happen again. Please don¡¯t be upset.¡±

    Dani hummed softly in response.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t even look at that person. I just wanted you to care about me more, but I ended up making a mess of everything. Were you feeling unwell that day?¡± Cedric couldn¡¯t hold back any longer¡ªhe pulled Dani into his arms. ¡°Please, don¡¯t be upset. This is all on me. I won¡¯t do anything that stupid again. I was an idiot! Don¡¯t leave me. From now on, whatever you say, I¡¯ll listen.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 849

    ?Chapter 849:

    Cedric drew in an unsteady breath. ¡°But there¡¯s a line, Dani. You can¡¯t keep throwing yourself into danger. I can¡¯t take it.¡±

    Dani let out a quiet sigh, her hand resting lightly on his back. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    The entire ride home, Cedric kept his fingers wrapped around Dani¡¯s hand.

    The driver nced at them, thoroughly puzzled.

    Wasn¡¯t he supposed to just send Dani back?

    Then why was Cedric in the car too?

    Back home, Cedric headed upstairs for a shower. Lillian eyed Dani. ¡°Didn¡¯t you go to hand over the divorce agreement? How did you both end uping back together?¡±

    If anything, Cedric looked even more smitten with Dani than before. He looked like a man set on one thing¡ªgetting Dani pregnant just to keep her by his side.

    This didn¡¯t look like a couple on the verge of divorce, did it?

    Dani shot a quick nce upstairs before slipping the divorce agreement into the drawer like it was no big deal.

    ¡°What¡¯s this about?¡± Lillian frowned, unused to seeing Dani hesitate. ¡°So¡­ no divorce?¡±

    Dani swapped her shoes and responded lightly, ¡°Hmm. No divorce.¡±

    Lillian let out a knowing sigh. ¡°I figured as much.¡±

    At that moment, Cedric, lurking at the top of the stairs, quietly exhaled in relief. But was his n to have a child with Dani really that obvious?

    ?????????????? ????????????: g??????¦Í??????????????

    Cedric had just showered, smelled great, and was determined to have a baby with Dani.

    He wanted Dani to know that someone in this world truly loved her and needed her just as badly.

    This might make her take her life more seriously.

    After his shower, Cedric came out, leaving a light scent in the air.

    Dani opened the door and stopped for a second.

    His purpose was crystal clear.

    Lillian, confused at the doorway, asked, ¡°Dani? Weren¡¯t you supposed to change? What¡¯s holding you back?¡±

    Dani gave a gentle smile, walked into the room, and shut the door, leaving Lillian outside, puzzled.

    Inside, Cedric stood wearing only a towel around his waist, his chest exposed. Water droplets from his shower lingered on his skin, trailing down his chest and vanishing into the towel.

    Dani inhaled deeply, just as she was about to approach him, Lillian¡¯s voice reached through the door. ¡°Dani, are you ready? The car¡¯s downstairs. The mental hospital just called. Caiden tried to end his life. We need to hurry, or we might lose him.¡±

    Just as Lillian finished, Dani noticed Cedric stiffen for a moment.

    She gave a shy, apologetic smile. ¡°Can we maybe do this some other time? There¡¯s a lot I need to take care of today.¡±

    Cedric paused for a moment, then asked hesitantly, ¡°Do you mind if Ie along?¡±

    His question was a cautious dip into the unknown waters of Dani¡¯s private life. Despite being her husband, Cedric always felt excluded.

    He prepared himself for a possible rejection. Yet, it was all part of his strategy. He understood that the journey ahead would be a long one, recognizing that their struggles would be a marathon, not a sprint.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 850

    ?Chapter 850:

    So when Dani agreed with a simple ¡°okay,¡± Cedric was taken aback for a good while.

    After changing, Dani saw Cedric still rooted to the spot and asked, ¡°Aren¡¯t youing?¡±

    Cedric snapped out of his daydream and quickly began to prepare himself.

    In the car, Lillian kept sneaking nces at Cedric.

    She texted Dani, ¡°Why is Cedric here?¡±

    Dani texted back, ¡°Is there an issue?¡±

    Lillian continued, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say Cedric wasn¡¯t supposed to know about these things? Why the sudden change of heart?¡±

    Dani nced at Lillian¡¯s message and then at Cedric next to her, who was barely hiding his grin. She shook her head with a resigned smile.

    She had kept Cedric out of her world because it was filled with unspeakable things, and she wanted to preserve his innocence. Still, he was eager to be a part of every aspect of her life.

    She had once considered divorce, but she found herself unwilling to leave him.

    Thus, she chose a new approach.

    Her strategy was to bring Cedric into her world.

    Her phone vibrated again with another text from Lillian. ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried you might frighten him?¡±

    Dani paused, then whispered, ¡°Let¡¯s see how it goes.¡± Cedric missed her murmur and asked, ¡°What?¡±

    Your hub for updates: g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    Dani shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡±

    The drive to the mental institution was long, and the road narrowed along the way. Cedric sat quietly throughout.

    Dani remained silent as well, her stillness weighed down by a sense of unease.

    The sign at the entrance of the institution was crooked, hanging off-center. The words ¡°Shadowpeak Madhouse¡± were scrawled in a hurried manner, while weeds outside had grown taller than a person.

    The old iron fence gave off a sinister air.

    Thest visit here had left Elyse and her daughter ill for days from the terror. At the entrance, Dani left Cedric with no other options. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± She was eager to reveal her true world to him.

    Cedric stepped forward immediately, with Lillian following.

    The wind howled in a strange, haunting manner, carrying the stench of rotting flesh.

    As they crossed the courtyard and entered the building, cries of despair echoed down the vacant halls the moment they crossed the doorway. A bearded man greeted them with a smile.

    ¡°You¡¯vee!¡±

    ¡°Where is he?¡± Dani asked.

    The man gestured towards the farthest ward. ¡°He was desperate, found a ss shard, and nearly bled out after slicing an artery. He kept calling for you, so I figured I¡¯d better inform you.¡±

    Dani nodded. The man then turned to Cedric, offering a nod of recognition as if recalling an old acquaintance.

    Dani swung open the door to the ward. Inside, Caiden was lying on his back, his face pale, eyes fixed on the ceiling.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 851

    ?Chapter 851:

    ¡°Dani! You deserve to die!¡± He sprang to his feet, ready to charge at Dani.

    Cedric¡¯s gaze hardened as he stepped in to protect her.

    Caiden came to a sudden halt. ¡°Cedric? Is that really you?¡±

    Cedric remained firm, his face hardening with determination. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s me.¡±

    ¡°Dani brought you here! Cedric, look at me. See how I suffer? I am Dani¡¯s biological father, yet she despises me, and not just me, but everyone. Do you know why she returned after her divorce from Alexander? She came for vengeance, for her mother¡¯s death. She¡¯s malevolent, the architect of all this cruelty! Behold, I¡¯m just a shell of the man I once was. And the woman you think is a pure, innocent soul? She¡¯s heartless, a true viin! Dani is a devil!¡±

    Caiden let out a crazy howl, his voice echoing off the decaying walls, a painful sound to the ears.

    ¡°Look at the truth, Cedric! My life is just a glimpse of what¡¯s toe for you! How can you love such a woman? It¡¯s foolish. You should leave her, escape this monster. Dani, you¡¯re trying to kill your own father. You deserve a miserable, joyless fate, cursed for eternity.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s wild outburst echoed throughout the crumbling building, with each shout hitting like a physical blow.

    Dani paid no mind to Caiden¡¯s words.

    She turned her attention to the doctor beside her. ¡°How is he? Will he make it?¡±

    The doctor, his refined demeanor betrayed by a sly smile, adjusted the IV drip. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. If you want him to live to a hundred, consider it done.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s body started to shake as terror gripped him. Trapped in this bleak, godforsaken madhouse, he knew death would be a mercypared to the torment of staying here.

    Stay connected at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s?c?m

    ¡°Dani! If you have any real guts, just kill me already!¡± he bellowed.

    ¡°Kill you? That would be too merciful. I doubt my mother would want to see you so soon.¡± Dani turned to leave.

    A furious voice rang out behind her. ¡°Dani Harper!¡±

    Dani turned to see Caiden pushing himself up on the bed, his voice quiet, his eyes cast downward. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. It was all my fault.¡±

    Dani arched a brow.

    Caiden lifted his gaze to meet hers. ¡°I loved you. I held you, cherished you. Are you really going to leave me here? Dani, I¡¯m begging you. Don¡¯t be so cruel. I was wrong¡ªI admit it! Take me home, please! It¡¯s freezing here at night. The wind screams through the windows. I can¡¯t sleep. Just take me home. Think of me as a harmless pet, something you keep around, okay?¡±

    Dani¡¯s gaze was sharp, her smile sharper. ¡°What are you thinking? A sinner like you doesn¡¯t deservefort. If you truly regret it, then repent properly in this ce.¡±

    ¡°Wait!¡± Caiden shouted as she turned to leave. ¡°I know what you¡¯re looking for. Dani, I know what you want to find out. Let me out, and I¡¯ll tell you everything!¡±

    Dani froze mid-step. She slowly turned her head, her piercing gaze locking onto Caiden. ¡°What did you just say?¡±

    ¡°I know you¡¯re digging into your mother¡¯s death. You think someone else was behind it. That¡¯s why you¡¯ve kept Brylee and her daughter on edge. You know there are more people involved in your mother¡¯s death. You¡¯re searching for the real mastermind, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    A frost settled in Dani¡¯s gaze. Her stare dropped to him as if he were nothing more than discarded filth. ¡°So, you knew all along. You knew someone else was behind my mother¡¯s death.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 852

    ?Chapter 852:

    Under her piercing re, Caiden¡¯s bravado wavered. But he also knew he wouldn¡¯t always get another chance. He couldn¡¯t keep faking suicide just to see her. This was his only shot¡ªhe had to take it.

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve always known. Katrina was just a maid. How could she have pulled the strings on her own? There had to be someone else behind her.¡±

    Dani¡¯s eyes stayed cold. ¡°And how do you know Brylee and her daughter aren¡¯t acting alone?¡±

    Caiden scoffed. ¡°I just know. But I won¡¯t tell you now. Get me out of here! Take care of me in my old age. If you agree, I¡¯ll tell you everything.¡±

    Dani¡¯s voice sliced through the air, sharp and cold. ¡°You knew someone else was behind my mother¡¯s death all this time, yet you did nothing. You lived off her legacy, stood over her grave, and indulged yourself without a shred of guilt.¡±

    Caiden flinched under Dani¡¯s piercing words. ¡°I had no choice. Brylee made her own enemies. What did that have to do with me? You know what I¡¯m capable of. What could I have done? You were just a child. Did you expect me to fight those people and leave you orphaned?¡±

    Dani let out a coldugh. ¡°Haven¡¯t I been an orphan all along?¡±

    Caiden swallowed, his voice growing desperate. ¡°At least to the world, you were still a wealthy heiress. You know I¡¯m powerless. Who could I possibly take on? All I could do was protect myself. But listen¡ªif you get me out of here, I¡¯ll tell you everything. I swear it!¡±

    Dani arched a brow, her tone mocking. ¡°And if I don¡¯t?¡±

    Caiden¡¯s expression darkened, his eyes glinting with ruthless resolve. ¡°Leave me here, and this secret dies with me. You¡¯ll never know who killed your mother, Dani. You¡¯ll be trapped in this nightmare forever.¡±

    Dani let out a soft, amused chuckle.

    Find more at g?? lno  ve ls.??o??

    Caiden stiffened. ¡°Why are youughing?¡±

    Dani tilted her head slightly. ¡°Do I look scared?¡±

    Caiden hesitated. ¡°Haven¡¯t you always been desperate to know who did it?¡±

    Dani nodded. ¡°Of course, I want to know. But I¡¯m patient. You¡¯re the one who¡¯s desperate, Caiden. After all, people only kill for love, power, or reputation. And now that I stand higher than my mother ever did, it¡¯s only a matter of time before theye for me, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Caiden stiffened.

    A satisfied smile curled at Dani¡¯s lips¡ªshe had hit the mark.

    She smirked, silently cursing Caiden for being such a fool.

    Dani rose to her feet, pity flickering in her eyes as she looked down at Caiden. ¡°What a shame. You just wasted your final card.¡±

    Caiden¡¯s eyes widened as he watched Dani walk away. Panic wed at his throat, forcing out a desperate yell. ¡°Dani, no! You¡¯re wrong! You got it all wrong! Come back! Please,e back!¡±

    As Dani disappeared through the door, Caiden realized with a sinking heart¡ªit would be a long, long time before he saw her again.

    The madhouse¡¯s heavy iron gate creaked open, then slowly groaned shut behind her.

    Dani slid into the car, her silence stretching across the entire ride.

    Even the closest bonds could conceal a knife in the dark.

    Memories of Caiden¡¯s kindness towards Brylee surfaced, each one slicing deeper than thest. As twilight thickened outside, Dani¡¯s eyes stung with unshed emotion.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 853

    ?Chapter 853:

    Back home, Dani climbed the stairs, shut her door, and fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

    By the time she stirred awake, a new day had already dawned.

    Sunlight trickled through the sheer white curtains, bathing the room in a soft, golden glow.

    Dani opened her eyes to see a handsome face before her.

    ¡°You¡¯re awake, Dani?¡±

    She pushed herself up and gave a small nod.

    ¡°You were out for quite a while,¡± Cedric remarked, setting a bowl of cereal on the table. ¡°You must be starving. Freshen up and eat something.¡±

    Dani studied Cedric¡¯s face¡ªcalm, unreadable as ever.

    Without a word, she stepped into the bathroom, let the hot water wash over her, and emerged a few minutester.

    Cedric picked up the hairdryer without hesitation, gently pushing her down onto the bed before running his fingers through her damp hair, drying it with quiet precision.

    The soft hum of the dryer filled the room, a steady, soothing rhythm.

    Dani rarely let her mind drift, but now, her gaze remained fixed on the floor, thoughts swirling like an unrelenting tide.

    As the dryer clicked off, she looked up slightly, only to find a bowl of cereal already waiting in front of her.

    She ate the food quietly.

    ¡°Do you want anything else? I can bring it up. Let¡¯s take the day off¡ªskip the office for once.¡±

    Every story starts at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s©q??§àm

    As Cedric turned to leave, Dani instinctively lifted her hand, reaching for his, but then paused.

    She let her hand drop and asked, ¡°Do you want to talk?¡±

    Cedric remained standing while Dani sat before him.

    His eyes settled on her from above. ¡°Sure.¡±

    He lowered himself into the seat across from her.

    Dani sat in silence for a moment before reaching into her bag and pulling out the divorce agreement she had prepared in advance.

    ¡°I have a considerable amount of wealth. If we divorce, legally, half of it is yours. Here¡ªtake a look at the agreement.¡± Her voice was steady.

    Cedric¡¯s expression remainedposed.

    A slow heaviness settled in Dani¡¯s chest. ¡°I haven¡¯t been the best partner, not as a wife or a lover. But I was happy with you.¡±

    Cedric didn¡¯t move, his expression unreadable.

    Dani pressed on. ¡°The Harper family¡¯s vi has bad energy, so I won¡¯t include it. But I have other properties¡ªnew ones. They¡¯re all yours.¡±

    Cedric didn¡¯t respond, his silence stretching between them.

    Dani bit her lip, her eyes lowering to the agreement. Then, in a quiet voice, she added, ¡°If this isn¡¯t enough, there¡¯s another option.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s voice dropped. ¡°What option?¡±

    Dani stated, ¡°You understand that what I¡¯m involved ines with great risk. So, if you believe what I¡¯m offering isn¡¯t enough, you can choose to stay with me. If anything happens to me, you will inherit everything I own. And I can promise you that no matter how dangerous my actions are, none of it will ever put you in harm¡¯s way. You will always bepletely safe.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 854

    ?Chapter 854:

    She let the words settle, silence stretching in their wake. Then, in a near whisper, she added, ¡°Take your time. Choose whichever path you want.¡±

    Cedric leaned forward, picked up the divorce agreement, skimmed through it briefly, then set it back down.

    He looked up at her. ¡°Which choice do you want me to make?¡±

    Dani¡¯s teeth pressed into her lip, uncertainty creeping in. When she had woken up earlier, she had almost asked Cedric if he was afraid of her.

    Anyone else would be, wouldn¡¯t they?

    Sleeping next to someone like her¡ªa bloodstained lunatic¡ªshould¡¯ve terrified him.

    So, she held back. Instead, she put everything on the table, hoping¡ªjust hoping¡ªhe would choose to stay.

    She had long stopped believing in people and in love. Yet, with Cedric, a flicker of hope still remained.

    It was underhanded, maybe even selfish, to tie him down with material wealth, but what other choice did she have? In the end, this was all she had left to offer.

    Cedric remained eerily calm, an edge of cold detachment in his demeanor, so unlike the man she knew.

    Something about his stillness made Dani uneasy. She hesitated. ¡°If the risk is too much, you can¡ª¡±

    ¡°Give me a child,¡± Cedric cut in, his tone resolute.

    Dani froze, her mind scrambling. ¡°What did you just say?¡±

    Discover your next read at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s

    Cedric wasn¡¯t about to let this chance slip away. ¡°I know what you¡¯re about to do. I also realize there¡¯s no way to make you change your mind, but in this rtionship, I¡¯ve truly given my entire heart. If you insist on risking yourself and something happens, I¡¯ll be left all alone, which would be unbearable. I¡¯m asking you to give me a child, someone to be with me in the future. That¡¯s not too much to ask, is it?¡±

    Dani¡¯sshes fluttered as she processed his words.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? You don¡¯t agree?¡± Cedric pressed.

    Dani narrowed her eyes. ¡°I can¡¯t just hand you a child right this second.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s reply was instant, unwavering. ¡°You carry the child. I¡¯ll take care of everything else. You won¡¯t have to lift a finger.¡±

    Cedric spoke like a businessman closing a deal.

    When it came to business, Dani thrived, effortlessly handling numbers.

    But when it came to bluffing and negotiation, she wasn¡¯t Cedric¡¯s equal.

    ¡°To you, it¡¯s just one child. You¡¯re willing to give up your wealth, so why refuse to have a baby with me?¡± Cedric was cunning.

    One child could lead to two, and two could lead to even more.

    If he couldn¡¯t keep Dani, their children surely would.

    He was certain this n would work.

    When Dani mentioned it to Lillian, she looked worried. ¡°If I have a baby and something happens to me, can Cedric really raise the child alone?¡±

    Lillian nced at Dani, who always lost her wits around Cedric, and sighed.

    Once someone had a weakness, they could never go far.

    Cedric was using a baby to tie Dani to him.

    But as Lillian nced at Cedric, smiling in the kitchen, and Dani, lost in thought, she reconsidered¡ªit might not be so bad.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 855

    ?Chapter 855:

    Elite Lux hadn¡¯t weed a newborn in ages.

    Cedric suddenly became obsessed with health.

    He exercised five times a week, cut out strong vors, took supplements, and gave up alcohol. He never smoked, but now he banned it at Phillips Group. Even at social events, he refused to let others smoke near him, sipping soup while they toasted with drinks.

    Everyone was stunned. His secretary finally exined, ¡°Mr. Phillips is preparing for a baby. Phillips Group might soon have an heir!¡±

    Everyone was in disbelief.

    They stared at the secretary. ¡°His wife is the one having a baby, not him. Why is he acting like he¡¯s the one getting pregnant?¡±

    Soon, all of Olisvine knew Cedric and Dani were trying for a baby.

    At first, Dani was confused. Why did everyone choose such nd meals during meetings? When she questioned them, her partners smiled and said, ¡°Before the meal, your husband¡­¡±

    Specifically, they had told us not to urge you to drink or eat strong-vored food since you¡¯re preparing for a baby.¡±

    As Dani sat in silence, the waiter arrived with warm milk. ¡°Mr. Phillips said you should drink this before your meal.¡±

    And so, the entire city knew¡ªCedric was obsessed with having a baby. Meanwhile, Doug¡¯s face twisted with rage. ¡°Joyce, are you ying games with me? You swore Dani and Cedric were divorcing! Now the whole city knows Dani is expecting! Listen up, I have no interest in pregnant women!¡± Joyce, equally annoyed and confused, tried to make sense of it all.

    Alexander had assured her Dani liked him, so how¡­?

    Suddenly, Doug pped her across the face.

    The best stories are at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s???????

    Joyce froze, shocked. The next moment, Doug¡¯s fingers wrapped around her throat, his chilling voice sinking into her ears. ¡°Joyce, listen carefully. If you trick me, you¡¯re dead! You have a week. Get Dani into my bed, or you¡¯re done being my wife!¡±

    With that, Doug threw Joyce onto the floor like discarded trash.

    Fuming, Joyce stormed off to Alexander. She pped him hard across the face. ¡°You swore you had Dani under control! Now she¡¯s going to have Cedric¡¯s baby! Doug set a strict deadline. If I fail to get Dani in his bed this week, I¡¯m dead! What should I do?¡±

    Red fingerprints marked Alexander¡¯s cheek. His stare grew cold, a flicker of lethal intent shing in his eyes, though it quickly vanished.

    Joyce sank into a chair, scowling. ¡°Seems like Doug¡¯s days are numbered. Got any ns?¡±

    Alexander adjusted his sses. ¡°Hasn¡¯t Natalie always craved Doug? Drug him, let him die in her bed, and no one will suspect a thing.¡±

    Joyce¡¯s eyes gleamed at the idea.

    Alexander watched her rush off, his expression hardening.

    He desired Doug¡¯s wealth.

    He craved Dani too.

    Joyce had always been his greatest shame. Only her death could erase it forever.

    Getting rid of Doug wasn¡¯t a difficult challenge. Doug, a man driven by intense sexual desire, could easily be manipted. Simply increasing the dose of his medication before a night with a woman would be enough to get the job done.

    The real issue, however,y in the grudge burning inside Joyce. That snake, Natalie! How dare she try to steal her man, fantasizing about marrying Doug, taking everything Joyce had built?

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 856

    ?Chapter 856:

    Joyce refused to let this slide. She wouldn¡¯t allow it.

    She lounged stiffly on the sofa, while Doug eagerly pawed at her. She fixed her gaze on the ceiling, narrowing her eyes slightly.

    ¡°Darling,¡± Joyce cooed, her voice dripping with sweetness, ¡°I have a friend¡¯s birthday tomorrow. Will you join me?¡±

    Joyce knew Doug rarely denied her when it came to bedroom requests. Just as she expected, Doug nodded, trapped between desire and her teasing charm.

    The next morning, before they headed out, Joyce wrapped her arms around Doug¡¯s neck and grinned. ¡°Bring some of those pills.¡±

    Doug, usually uninterested in such social events, suddenly seemed intrigued. Joyce smirked. ¡°The ce today is super exclusive. I heard the elevator has mirrors everywhere. Baby, I want to test it out.¡±

    Doug quickly dug into the drawer, pulling out two packs and shoving them into his pocket. Joyce chuckled softly and nudged his hand back into the drawer.

    This time, Doug pulled out five packs.

    Doug protested, ¡°These work wonders, but too many can put serious strain on my heart!¡±

    Joyce leaned in close, whispering, ¡°Baby, I want to do something wild with you.¡± Dougughed, eyeing Joyce as she licked her lips. ¡°I love how bold you are!¡±

    Doug took Joyce¡¯s hand and led her outside.

    As they got into the car, Doug turned to Joyce. ¡°Is Daniing today?¡±

    Joyce shook her head. ¡°Not sure. Probably not. Dani never cares for these kinds of gatherings.¡±

    ?????????¦Í??????.??????, ???????? ???????????????? ????

    Doug¡¯s expression darkened at her response. Between Joyce and Dani, he¡¯d much rather indulge in a wild elevator rendezvous with thetter. The mere thought of sleeping with Dani felt like an unattainable fantasy that had somehow be real.

    Just before stepping out of the car, Doug¡¯s face hardened. ¡°Don¡¯t forget what I told you. I¡¯m dead serious. I poured a fortune into Alexander¡¯s surgery. If you fail to get Dani into my bed, you can kiss your title as my wife goodbye. You¡¯ve got two days.¡±

    Joyce bowed her head slightly, a flicker of cold malice shing in her eyes. ¡°Alright, I got it.¡±

    Joyce hadn¡¯t anticipated Dani¡¯s arrival, let alone with Cedric. A wave of unease washed over her. Dani¡¯s presence could throw her entire n off course.

    Yet, Dani remained seated, nibbling on the fruit Cedric offered, appearing as if she were merely there for the celebration.

    ¡°Joyce, you¡¯re rted to Dani. Do you have any idea why she decided to attend my birthday party?¡± The birthday girl beamed with excitement. ¡°I barely know Dani, but I took a chance and sent an invitation. I never thought she¡¯d actuallye, let alone bring Cedric! This is a story I¡¯ll be bragging about forever!¡±

    Joyce, disinterested, cast a nce towards the entrance. ¡°Maybe Dani got bored of baby preparations,¡± she muttered, sounding distracted.

    The girl let out an excited giggle. ¡°Guess what? Dani¡¯s birthday gift to me is a custom Elite Lux brooch! It¡¯s worth over half a million dors online! I can¡¯t wait to show it off¡ªeveryone¡¯s going to be so jealous!¡± Joyce barely reacted, uninterested.

    ¡°Joyce, what¡¯s got your attention?¡± the girl inquired.

    ¡°No one special, just waiting on someone,¡± Joyce answered smoothly.

    Joyce¡¯s stiff expression didn¡¯t ease until a poised figure stepped inside, allowing a faint hint of relief to cross her face. She turned away, satisfied, only to lock eyes with Dani, who sat quietly in the corner, nibbling on a small cake with a faint, knowing smile.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 857

    ?Chapter 857:

    Joyce¡¯s heart lurched in surprise. Steeling herself, she approached Dani cautiously. ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡±

    Dani simply continued eating her cherry tomatoes, offering no response.

    ¡°Listen, Dani, whatever happens today has nothing to do with you. Stay out of it!¡±

    Dani responded casually, ¡°I¡¯m just here to enjoy myself. Carry on.¡± At Dani¡¯s words, Joyce¡¯s nerves eased. She was certain Dani wasn¡¯t the type to lie. Yet, having Dani see through her so easily was irritating.

    Deciding it wasn¡¯t worth arguing, Joyce shifted her focus, her gazending on Natalie.

    Natalie wore a dress that exuded both elegance and grace, its hem rippling like a glistening stream beneath the lights. The moment Natalie stepped in, Joyce noticed Doug¡¯s eyes locked onto her. Joyce scoffed, observing the scene with icy indifference.

    Natalie, known for her refined taste, stood aside holding a ss of red wine, her eyes subtly scanning the room. Only when Doug came near did a slight smile touch her lips. Natalie was certain that today, she would capture Doug¡¯s heart.

    She wore an expensive dress, confident it would leave Doug captivated.

    ¡°Miss Dury, it¡¯s been ages,¡± Doug said, standing just within reach. Rather short, he positioned himself perfectly for Natalie to look down at his bald head. She, however, seemed unfazed, offering him a warm smile.

    Linden watched from a shadowed corner, his gaze cold.

    ¡°Good evening, Mr. Fairburne,¡± Natalie said, her smile widening when she noticed Doug¡¯s eyes linger on her neckline. ¡°It¡¯s been a long time.¡± Her greeting carried a weight of unspoken meanings.

    Doug¡¯s eyes fixed on Natalie¡¯s face, which resembled Dani¡¯s, stirring deep emotions within him. He sped Natalie¡¯s hand, to which she responded with a timid smile, trying to withdraw her hand but without much force.

    ???????? ?????? ???????? ???? g???????¦Í??????©o?????

    ¡°Mr. Fairburne, I am not a woman to be taken lightly,¡± she continued. ¡°If you harbor real feelings for me, you must ask for my hand in marriage.¡± Overwhelmed by his feelings, Doug nodded eagerly.

    Natalie fixed her eyes on Doug, her tone firm. ¡°You must not deceive me. I uphold a wless reputation. If Imit fully to you and you trick me, the shame would be unbearable.¡±

    Doug shook his head immediately. ¡°How could I? I promise you, I¡¯ll divorce Joyce immediately if you choose me.¡±

    A flicker of amusement passed through Natalie¡¯s eyes at his pledge, though she quickly masked it. ¡°But will Joyce consent to that?¡±

    Doug waved it off dismissively. ¡°She¡¯ll have no choice. Don¡¯t worry. Joyce and I have signed an agreement. If we divorce, she gets nothing. She won¡¯t receive a dime unless I pass away. Joyce will be left with nothing but an eviction.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Natalie arched an eyebrow, and her smile subtly grew. Doug, though in his forties, was very conscious of his health. He wasn¡¯t likely to die anytime soon.

    Once Natalie became his wife, she eagerly anticipated indulging in Elite Lux¡¯s luxuries, treating them as though they were mere necessities.

    A bright smile spread across Natalie¡¯s face as she nced down, her eyes shimmering with satisfaction as Doug guided her into the elevator.

    Their interaction didn¡¯t go unnoticed. Dani, Cedric, Joyce, and Linden all watched from a distance, each holding their own secret agendas as they observed the unfolding scene. Inside the elevator, the air was thick with intimate tension.

    Natalie leaned against the wall, breathing heavily, while Doug eagerly pulled a pack from his pocket and popped a pill into his mouth. Natalie rolled her eyes discreetly.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 858

    ?Chapter 858:

    What a useless man, she thought.

    ¡°Mr. Fairburne, are you ready?¡± she asked sweetly. She spun around, snatched the rest of the pills from Doug¡¯s pocket, and pressed them into his mouth with a charming smile. ¡°Take more, love. It¡¯s my first time, and I expect something remarkable.¡±

    Doug, overwhelmed, swallowed all that Natalie offered.

    The atmosphere in the elevator grew charged, thick with an undeniable sense of intimacy.

    Natalie shut her eyes for a moment, imagining her future riches, and a sly smile crawled across her face.

    But then, suddenly, the man behind her copsed with a thud, his body going limp after the intense episode. The sound of his fall echoed loudly in the confined space.

    As the elevator doors creaked open, relentless shes from media cameras greeted them.

    Natalie stood still, nkly gazing at the reporters. As she heard their sharp, collective breaths, she slowly lowered her head.

    Dougy beneath her, motionless on the floor, his body bleeding uncontrobly.

    ¡°Argh!¡± Natalie¡¯s eyes rolled back, and she copsed to the floor, losing consciousness.

    The onlookers were stunned, torn between capturing images of Natalie or Doug, but ultimately choosing to photograph them both, side by side.

    Joyce stood at a distance, waiting patiently for the sh of cameras to subside.

    Exclusive updates g¦Ál¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??s.c?m

    She moistened her eyes with water, tears spilling as she made her way through the crowd and threw herself beside Doug.

    As the event organizer attempted to move Doug, Joyce clung to him tightly, sobbing uncontrobly and refusing to let go.

    Efforts were made to shield Natalie from the chaos, but Joyce stopped them, insisting that the scene be fully documented by everyone present.

    When the police and medical personnel arrived and confirmed Doug¡¯s death, a faint, almost imperceptible smile appeared on Joyce¡¯s lips.

    Standing before the gathered crowd, she bowed deeply, her expression somber. Turning to face the reporters, she spoke softly, ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, I am Joyce, Doug¡¯s wife. I deeply apologize for the tragic events today that have interrupted your evening. I will ensure that my husband receives a respectful burial, and at the same time¡­¡±

    A single tear slipped down Joyce¡¯s cheek as she continued, ¡°I also ask everyone to stand against those who destroy families for their own selfish gain. Thank you.¡±

    As Joyce walked away, two more tears fell, perfectly timed for the cameras. Meanwhile, Natalie, who had just regained consciousness, fainted again upon hearing Joyce¡¯s final words.

    In the midst of the chaos, Cedric led Dani back to her home. Before leaving, Dani nced back and noticed Linden¡¯s grim expression. His cold gaze remained locked on Natalie.

    Just as Dani was about to turn her attention elsewhere, something caught her eye. In a quiet corner, a man dressed entirely in ck stood hidden, his cap pulled low to obscure his face.

    Dani immediately recognized him as the man who resembled Cedric. After watching everything unfold, he smirked and quietly slipped away.

    Lillian, who was driving, asked, ¡°Dani, what are you looking at?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 859

    ?Chapter 859:

    Dani pulled her gaze away. ¡°I think I just saw Alexander.¡±

    ¡°Why would he be here?¡± Lillian asked, ncing at Dani.

    Dani¡¯s eyes narrowed in thought. What role had Alexander yed in all of this?

    Her phone buzzed, and she checked the message from an unknown number:

    ¡°Everything I do is for you, Dani. You¡¯ll soon see that no one in this world loves you more than I do.¡±

    Cedric noticed the serious expression on Dani¡¯s face. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± he asked.

    Dani handed the phone over to Cedric. He took a quick look, his brows furrowing tightly.

    Lillian leaned in for a peek. ¡°It¡¯s an unrecognized number.¡±

    Dani replied, ¡°It¡¯s Alexander.¡±

    Everyone in the car stiffened.

    Dani continued, ¡°He underwent stic surgery. His face is identical to Cedric¡¯s now.¡±

    Cedric understood immediately. ¡°That report from before! No wonder Richard said Alexander vanished. He was getting surgery.¡±

    Lillian, still confused, blurted, ¡°Why would he make himself look like Cedric?¡±

    Cedric skimmed the phone number, handed the device back to Dani, and smirked as he reclinedzily in his seat. ¡°Obviously, because I¡¯m irresistible.¡±

    Dani studied Cedric¡¯s carefree attitude and smiled faintly. He was even bolder than she thought.

    R?????? ???????????????? ???????? g??l????¦Í??????.??o??

    Once home, Dani headed for the shower. Cedric eyed the bathroom door, grabbed his phone, and stepped onto the rooftop to make a call.

    ¡°Mose, find out who owns this number. Track Alexander¡¯s movements. And assign a team to guard my wife.¡±

    The voice on the other end responded sharply, ¡°Understood!¡± Cedric ended the call.

    Dani¡¯s phone rang from the bathroom. It was Russell.

    ¡°Dani, Joyce didn¡¯t contract us to abduct Cedric. She paid Lone Wolf, offering 800 million dors.¡±

    Dani hesitated briefly. ¡°Did Lone Wolf take the job?¡±

    Russell confirmed, ¡°Yes.¡±

    Dani questioned, ¡°Didn¡¯t you inform their leader that Cedric is one of us?¡±

    Russellughed, ¡°Dani, you forgot. Lone Wolf¡¯s leader changed five years ago, and we don¡¯t know the current one. Now they¡¯re openly our rivals. Should we take action?¡±

    Dani showed little concern. ¡°Just ensure Cedric¡¯s safety. Nothing else matters.¡±

    Russell agreed. ¡°Right, 800 million is small change. But wasn¡¯t there talk of Lone Wolf disbanding? Why are they back in business? Feels odd.¡±

    Dani ordered, ¡°Investigate it.¡±

    After a brief pause, she added, ¡°Investigate the new leader of Lone Wolf. Identify who they are.¡±

    Once Russell ended the call, Dani received a message from Lillian. ¡°Come downstairs after your shower.¡±

    Fresh from her shower, Dani spotted Cedric waiting on the bed.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 860

    Chapter 860:

    Cedric was eager for a child, but Dani slipped on a coat, smiling. ¡°Lillian needs me for something. I¡¯ll be back in thirty minutes.¡± Cedric could only wait.

    Dani, slightly confused, approached Lillian. ¡°What¡¯s going on? I only have thirty minutes.¡±

    Lillian hesitated for a moment before saying, ¡°Don¡¯t spoil Cedric too much. He¡¯ll be impossible to handle. Once you have a child, he¡¯ll never let you out of his sight!¡±

    Dani chuckled, unfazed. ¡°What is it?¡±

    Lillian informed her, ¡°A group of people have been staying around the vi.¡± Dani looked at Lillian.

    Lillian added, ¡°I spotted someone familiar¡ªMose from Lone Wolf.¡±

    Dani inquired, ¡°Why are they here? Ah, I get it¡­ They epted the contract¡ªeight hundred million to abduct Cedric.¡±

    Lillian¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Who¡¯s throwing around that kind of money?¡± Kidnapping wasn¡¯t murder. This was about iming Cedric.

    Lillian gestured upstairs. ¡°Does he know?¡±

    Dani didn¡¯t even nce up. ¡°It¡¯s minor. No need to inform him.¡±

    Lillian smirked knowingly. ¡°Someone spent eight hundred million just to snatch Cedric. That¡¯s some serious devotion. Looks like you havepetition!¡±

    Dani remained indifferent. ¡°Not many can afford that kind of money, I¡¯ll find out who.¡±

    A sum like that wouldn¡¯t go unnoticed in the banking system.

    Dani reached for aptop and started typing.

    From the corner of her eye, Dani noticed someone descending the stairs. Cedric stood on the staircase, gazing at her with feigned sadness. ¡°Your thirty minutes are up.¡±

    Dani sighed, handing theptop to Ryan. ¡°You take over the search.¡±

    Lillian folded her arms, mildly irritated by how Dani indulged Cedric. She remarked pointedly, ¡°Dani¡¯s busy. Cedric, maybe be a little considerate?¡±

    Cedric¡¯s chest swelled with pride as Dani ascended the stairs. ¡°Why would¡ª¡±

    Dani swung open her bedroom door and was instantly enveloped in a tight embrace. A soft chuckle escaped her.

    Cedric clung to her, murmuring, ¡°Dani, you are my greatest love in this entire world.¡±

    He was truly jealous. Triggered by a cryptic text, he spent all night whispering sweet words to her.

    Upon rising the next day, Dani felt her legs wobble.

    Opening the door, she was shocked to see Ryan and Lillian standing there, arms folded. ¡°Don¡¯t you two have anything better to do than eavesdrop outside my room?¡± she asked.

    Ryan shook his head. ¡°We¡¯ve been deceived!¡±

    Lillian¡¯s face was grave as she said, ¡°It¡¯s true what they say¡ªthe deepest stabse from the closest knives.¡± Ryan nodded vigorously.

    Confusion clouded Dani¡¯s face.

    She stepped back into her room, with Ryan and Lillian trailing behind.

    ¡°We¡¯ve uncovered three things.¡±

    Dani filled a ss with water, waiting for them to continue.

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: New chapters on wednesday dear readers. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. ????(? ?? ? ¨C ? ) ?

    .

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 861

    ?Chapter 861:

    ¡°Firstly, Joyce is the one who sent money to Lone Wolf. She¡¯s after Cedric.¡± Dani¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°Eight hundred million to get Cedric? So soon after Doug died? Is she that obsessed with him?¡±

    Lillian agreed. ¡°She couldn¡¯t have him before, and now with money, she¡¯s hellbent on getting him.¡±

    Daniughed lightly. ¡°And the second revtion?¡±

    ¡°I tracked Joyce¡¯s finances and discovered she funded Alexander¡¯s stic surgery. There were multiple payments between them.¡±

    Dani nodded as she listened. ¡°Given what Alexander revealed yesterday, everything adds up. Joyce is desperate for Cedric, while Alexander¡­¡±

    Lillian added eagerly, ¡°He¡¯s interested in you!¡±

    Dani paused to take another sip of water. ¡°So, what¡¯s the third thing?¡±

    Lillian¡¯s expression turned serious, her brow furrowing. ¡°The identity of the Lone Wolf¡¯s leader remains a mystery, but our findings suggest their frequent activities in Olisvine. Interestingly, although their forces surround our vi, they don¡¯t appear to be threatening.¡±

    Dani raised an eyebrow. ¡°How so?¡±

    Ryan exined, ¡°Their actions don¡¯t suggest they want to harm you. It¡¯s almost as if they¡¯re here to protect you.¡± Lillian shared his confusion.

    Historically, Dani¡¯s group and the Lone Wolf had been adversaries. Their leadership had changed abruptly five years ago, and the group seemed to dissolve, leading everyone to believe the Lone Wolf had disbanded.

    Now, they resurfaced out of nowhere, epted Joyce¡¯s eight hundred million, and yet they remain inactive. It was strange.

    Dani gave Ryan an instruction. ¡°Investigate further. Return to the office and dig up whatever you can about the Lone Wolf.¡±

    ?????????? ???? ???????? ??????????: g???????¦Í????????©q?????

    It was rare for Dani to feel this curious about anyone.

    Cedric walked in just as Dani uttered ¡°Lone Wolf.¡± He paused briefly. ¡°What wolf?¡± Cedric asked, stepping into the room.

    Ryan and Lillian exited.

    Dani offered a warm smile. ¡°For the time being, avoid returning to Phillips Group. I¡¯ve instructed the secretary to transfer your belongings to Elite Lux. You¡¯ll be sharing an office with me from now on.¡±

    Cedric was clearly delighted with the arrangement.

    Later at the office, Dani powered up herputer to delve into the Lone Wolf¡¯s background.

    Just as she logged in, a loud cry disrupted the silence.

    Nina¡¯s voice came through, apologetic. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but without an appointment, Ms. Harper is unavable.¡± A sharp p resonated.

    Elyse¡¯s furious tone filled the air. ¡°Nina! Have you lost your senses? Your sister is in deep trouble, and this is your attitude? It seems like you take pleasure in her suffering. I swear I will make you regret this!¡± The sound of pping echoed again.

    Lillian rushed outside and helped Nina off the floor. Nina stepped aside, her face covered, and shot a scornful look at Elyse.

    ¡°How can you resort to violence at Elite Lux? Elyse Dury, don¡¯t you respect Ms. Harper at all? This is uneptable!¡± Lillian spat.

    Elyse straightened her attire. ¡°Where¡¯s Dani? I¡¯m not speaking to anyone else. I need to see Dani!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 862

    ?Chapter 862:

    Lillian folded her arms. ¡°She¡¯s upied at the moment and cannot meet with anyone.¡±

    Elyse¡¯s anxiety spiked instantly.

    Natalie had gone from a well-known socialite to someone universally scorned. Without Dani¡¯s help, her life would be ruined. Doug was a married man, and Joyce had been causing chaos online, further tarnishing Natalie¡¯s reputation. Joyce¡¯s tearful face only fueled public disdain for Natalie.

    The bacsh was severe. People were so repulsed that they pelted Natalie with eggs in public. How could Natalie withstand this?

    ¡°I am Dani¡¯s aunt! You have no right to block me!¡± Elyse eximed loudly, her desperation clear. She believed her and Natalie¡¯s suffering justified their demands on others¡¯ empathy.

    Dani, hearing themotion, set herputer aside and instructed, ¡°Let her in.¡±

    Elyse, adjusting her hair, stormed into Dani¡¯s office, casting a threatening look at Nina. ¡°You¡¯ll regret this once I¡¯m done here!¡±

    Upon entering, Elyse noticed Cedric at another desk, deeply engrossed in his work. She snorted through her nose.

    Natalie wouldn¡¯t have lost her mind if it hadn¡¯t been for this troublesome man. It all started because of Cedric!

    With a fierce re at Cedric, she made her way towards Dani.

    Facing others, Elyse was always bold and assertive. But when it came to Dani, she knew how to mask her emotions with careful restraint. She lowered her gaze, spread her hands slightly, and wore the perfect look of a helpless victim.

    Dani had seen this expression far too many times. When they were younger, every time Elyse wanted something from Brylee, she would put on the same act. And Brylee, out of sisterly love, always gave in.

    ?????????????? ????????: g???????????????????????

    ¡°Dani, you have to help me and Natalie this time!¡± Elyse pleaded, her voice dripping with urgency.

    Dani sat in her chair, her expression unreadable. Her tone remained calm. ¡°What happened?¡±

    At that, Elyse¡¯s face twisted with frustration. She was certain Dani was ying dumb. With rumors flying everywhere, how could Dani possibly not know? How could she pretend she hadn¡¯t heard what people were saying about Natalie?

    Elyse cursed Dani inwardly. If she could take Dani down right now, she¡¯d already be running Elite Lux. How dare Dani act superior to her?

    But on the surface, she remainedposed, forcing a smile. ¡°Dani, we¡¯re family. If you refuse to help Natalie this time, Natalie and I will have no choice but to take our lives!¡±

    Tears welled in her eyes as she broke into heart-wrenching sobs.

    Dani, unfazed, yed her role even better. ¡°Aunt, don¡¯t be upset. Just tell me¡ªwhat exactly happened to Natalie?¡±

    Elyse swallowed her pride and forced herself to exin. ¡°Joyce framed Natalie. Now the whole inte is tearing her apart!¡±

    Dani gave a small nod, picked up the tablet beside her, and met Elyse¡¯s eyes with a serious expression. ¡°Is that so? Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t just sit back and let Natalie be bullied. Let¡¯s see what people are actually saying online.¡± She opened the trending topics.

    At the very top was the hashtag #TheBitchNatalie.

    She tapped on it.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 863

    ?Chapter 863:

    Then, in a calm, precise voice, she began reading thements aloud. ¡°Didn¡¯t Natalie act like she was way out of any ordinary guy¡¯s league? How did she end up in bed with Doug?¡±

    ¡°Wait, let¡¯s be clear. That wasn¡¯t in bed. They were having sex inside an elevator!¡±

    ¡°Why would Natalie do this? Such a beauty, wasted. Look at her, crying like that. What a shame.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t pity her. She had no issue fooling around with Doug, a married man. Now Joyce is a widow, and Natalie¡¯s just a home-wrecking slut who deserves what¡¯sing to her!¡±

    ¡°Everyone should hate Natalie! Get rid of her already!¡±

    Dani continued reading with the smooth detachment of a news anchor. But the moment Elyse heard her daughter being called a ¡°bitch,¡± she couldn¡¯t take it anymore.

    ¡°Dani, stop! Stop reading! These people online are just spewing garbage!¡±

    Dani put the tablet down and tilted her head slightly, feigning surprise. ¡°Oh? Is that so? Then I suppose all these photos, videos, and gifs flooding the inte are fake? If that¡¯s the case, we should sue these media outlets immediately. Would you like me to call awyer for you?¡±

    Elyse wrung her hands together and hesitated. ¡°Well¡­ it did happen, but Doug was the one who seduced Natalie! She¡¯s virtuous,pletely innocent. How could she ever be interested in someone like him?¡± Just as she finished, a sharpugh came from Nina.

    Elyse¡¯s eyes darkened as she turned to re at Nina before quickly looking back at Dani. ¡°Doug set the whole thing up. That scoundrel deserved to die!¡±

    Dani studied Elyse, watching how easily she shifted the me onto someone else. Her voice was calm as she asked, ¡°So, what exactly do you want me to do?¡±

    Elyse didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°Isn¡¯t Joyce your stepsister? Tell her to stop spreading rumors online. I¡¯ll have Natalie issue a statement, and she just needs to stay quiet.¡±

    Your imagination starts at g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s?conn

    Dani spread her hands with an easy shrug. ¡°Afraid that¡¯s not possible.¡±

    At those words, a flicker of malice shed across Elyse¡¯s face, but she quickly smoothed it over. ¡°Why not? Elite Lux is far ahead of the Fairburne family in wealth and influence. What, are you afraid of them? Dani, you¡¯re not someone who backs down that easily, are you?¡±

    Dani let out a soft chuckle. ¡°Doug died. And it happened while Natalie was with him. You expect me to use power to cover this up? That doesn¡¯t seem right, does it? Besides, as you said, Joyce is my stepsister. I can¡¯t help you crush her, can I? My father wouldn¡¯t be happy about that.¡±

    Elyse¡¯s expression twisted. ¡°Dani, if you don¡¯t want to help, just say it. Why bother making excuses? Everyone knows you cut ties with your father ages ago. Who are you trying to fool?¡±

    Elyse¡¯s expression darkened with displeasure. Dani¡¯s face turned cold in an instant, thest traces of amusement vanishing. ¡°So, since I¡¯ve cut ties with Caiden and my mother passed away long ago, that means I have no reason to help Natalie, doesn¡¯t it?¡± Her voice was sharp, carrying the weight of authority.

    A chill ran down Elyse¡¯s spine, as if she had been doused with ice water.

    Dani leaned back slightly. ¡°Since you also don¡¯t see us as family, please¡ª¡±

    Nina stepped forward, raising a hand toward the door in an unmistakable gesture.

    Elyse¡¯s face burned with humiliation. She shot a re at Nina, then at Dani, before stomping her foot in frustration and storming out.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 864

    ?Chapter 864:

    Natalie had been waiting downstairs. The moment she saw Elyse¡¯s furious expression, anxiety shed in her eyes. ¡°How did it go? What did Dani say?¡±

    Elyse let out a sharp breath. ¡°That woman¡¯s a bitch. She refused to help you!¡± At those words, Natalie¡¯sposure cracked. Tears spilled down her face as she choked out, ¡°What are we supposed to do now? Mom, I can¡¯t show my face anywhere! You have to find a way to erase everything online! And then¡ªfind a way for me to marry well.¡±

    Elyse scoffed. ¡°In this situation? Who would even dare to marry you now?¡±

    ¡°I would.¡± A cold voice cut through the air from behind them.

    Natalie and Elyse lit up at the words.

    They spun around eagerly, only for their excitement to fade the moment they saw Linden standing there.

    ¡°You?¡± Natalie scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain. ¡°What could a mere family doctor possibly bring to the table? How much money could he even have?¡±

    She was certain she could earn more on her own than she ever would by marrying him. Marrying a poor man and living a life of struggle? Not a chance! That was never going to happen. If wealth hadn¡¯t been her priority, she wouldn¡¯t have settled for someone as unattractive as Doug in the first ce.

    Without a second thought, she and Elyse turned to leave.

    Linden¡¯s voice rang out behind them. ¡°I may not have much money, but Dani does.¡±

    Natalie stopped in her tracks and let out a sharpugh. ¡°You actually think Dani would listen to you? Do you think you¡¯re Cedric?¡±

    Linden met her gaze calmly. ¡°She promised me that if I got married, she would give me a gift.¡±

    Discover what¡¯s next on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s???o??

    Natalie eyed Linden with suspicion.

    ¡°I already asked her for that hillside vi you used to own. If you marry me, it¡¯ll be yours.¡±

    She didn¡¯t believe him for a second.

    Linden pulled out his phone and showed them a photo of the property deed. ¡°If you¡¯re doubtful, you can wait until I officially get the vi before deciding.¡±

    Elyse said nothing. Natalie remained equally silent.

    Seeing the greed in their eyes, Linden pressed on. ¡°That vi, if sold properly, could easily go for billions. Natalie, isn¡¯t marrying rich exactly what you wanted? Marry me, and you won¡¯t just have money on paper¡ªyou¡¯ll have real, tangible wealth. Be honest. In Olisvine, besides Dani¡­¡±

    ¡°And Cedric, who else can offer you that kind of fortune? If you marry me, you marry a rich man, don¡¯t you?¡± His argument was airtight. All those years of education hadn¡¯t gone to waste.

    Natalie shot a nce at Elyse.

    Elyse hesitated. ¡°But at the end of the day, it¡¯s still under your name. It¡¯s yours. Who knows who you¡¯ll hand it over to? And if you divorce Natalie, won¡¯t we end up with nothing?¡±

    Linden¡¯s lips curled into a smile. ¡°I can sign an agreement. If I¡¯m the one to file for divorce, the vi will go to Natalie, no conditions attached.¡±

    Elyse leaned in slightly. ¡°And what if Natalie can¡¯t stand it anymore and wants to leave?¡±

    Linden¡¯s smile didn¡¯t waver. It was rxed, even generous. ¡°As long as she stays married to me for five years, then whether she wants to stay or go, the vi will belong to her. Everything I just said can be written in the contract.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 865

    ?Chapter 865:

    Silence fell between them.

    Natalie bit her lip, clearly tempted. Five years. Just five years! After that, she could leave Linden and keep the vi. It was like making billions in five years! Even marrying Doug wouldn¡¯t guarantee that kind of money.

    Natalie wavered, on the verge of agreeing, but Elyse held her back. ¡°We need to think this through.¡±

    Natalie turned to her, confused.

    ¡°If you marry him and he refuses to divorce you, then what? Are you willing to waste your entire life?¡±

    Besides, once married, any disputes would be family matters¡ªoutsiders wouldn¡¯t be able to interfere. Linden seemed sharp. Natalie might not be able to outmaneuver him. And self-made men were always more guarded about their money than people like Doug.

    ¡°In any case, we need time to consider,¡± Elyse¡¯s tone was firm.

    ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll give you three days. If I don¡¯t hear back, then let¡¯s drop this entirely¡ªI¡¯ll just propose to Nina instead.¡±

    Elyse pressed her lips together and pulled Natalie away.

    Linden watched Natalie disappear down the hall. His mind shed back to the day Doug had backed her into the elevator. She hadn¡¯t looked frightened. Instead, she had looked pleased. His fists clenched tightly.

    Natalie and Elyse arrived home, but Elyse couldn¡¯t shake her agitation as she nced at Natalie.

    If not for Natalie¡¯s insatiable greed, she could have lived a carefree life,fortably relying on her secret agreement with Dani. But now, Dani was furious, and that deal was as good as dead. If it still held any weight, Dani wouldn¡¯t have given the vi to Linden instead.

    They had lost everything and gained nothing. Regret twisted in Elyse¡¯s chest as she snapped at Natalie, ¡°What do we do now? I warned you to behave yourself, but you insisted on being with Doug. Now, your reputation is in shambles, Doug is dead, and we¡¯re drowning in the aftermath. You¡¯ve ruined our future!¡±

    L¨»t??¦Ó c§ß¦Á¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?ls.??????

    Natalie whipped her head around, disbelief etched across her face. She threw Elyse a sharp re. ¡°Mom, you were the one who taught me from a young age to do whatever it takes to get what I want!¡±

    Elyse rolled her eyes. ¡°Then what¡¯s your n? Why not just marry Linden? A few billion is enough to livefortably for the rest of our lives.¡±

    Natalie¡¯s expression darkened with displeasure. She knew Linden all too well, and men in general. She hadn¡¯t chosen him before, yet had openly slept with Doug, with photos and videos circting for all to see. And still, Linden was there, willing to marry her. That wasn¡¯t love.

    It was about feeding a man¡¯s sense of superiority and soothing his resentment. Getting married was easy, but getting a divorceter would be far moreplicated. Moreover, during the marriage, any domestic violence could only be dealt with privately, within the family.

    Marrying Linden would be like walking straight into a lion¡¯s den. And Linden¡¯s five-year agreement was just a lie and an excuse.

    Natalie wasn¡¯t naive. She had dumped Linden once. If she married him now, she knew she would only be getting herself into a world of cruel treatment.

    Natalie wouldn¡¯t agree to that.

    She needed another way, so she went to Dani. Gone was her usual arrogance. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she pleaded, ¡°Dani, please help me.¡±

    Unlike Elyse, who deflected me, Natalie admitted her mistake. ¡°I wasn¡¯t thinking straight. I never expected Doug to be so weak. I didn¡¯t mean for him to die. It¡¯s my fault. Please, Dani, help me.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 866

    ?Chapter 866:

    Outside, the sky was heavy with clouds, casting a shadow over everything. Dani stood by the towering floor-to-ceiling window, watching the city¡¯s bustling traffic below. She stayed silent for a long while, lost in her thoughts.

    ¡°Dani, I¡¯m begging you. Please give me a way out.¡±

    Dani¡¯s ck dress blended into the darkening sky outside.

    Natalie stared at Dani¡¯s back, crying softly, her tears slipping soundlessly.

    ¡°Dani, we¡¯re family. Your mom adored me when she was alive. She promised me a life of luxury. You¡¯re her daughter, Dani. Won¡¯t you honor her wishes?¡± Tears streamed down Natalie¡¯s face as she looked at Dani. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t want to see me destroyed by Linden, would you? Your mom is watching over us, Dani. She¡¯s watching you.¡±

    The rain hammered down, relentlessly pounding against the windows. Lightning streaked across the sky, and low and menacing thunder rumbled.

    Natalie flinched as thunder cracked.

    Then, she heard a mockingugh.

    Natalie stared at Dani in shock.

    ¡°Can you even recall what my mom looked like?¡± Dani¡¯s voice echoed through the room.

    Natalie hesitated. Brylee? She had been too young back then, and the memories were hazy and unclear, but Natalie nodded anyway, forcing a smile. ¡°Of course, I remember. She was gentle. She always put family first. She never let me or my mom suffer, and you wouldn¡¯t either, right?¡±

    ¡°I can barely remember her at all.¡± Dani¡¯s voice reverberated through the empty office. ¡°Her image is slipping away from my memory, and I can no longer recall the exact words she said to me. Natalie, my mom vowed to protect you and your mom for a lifetime. But in the end, she couldn¡¯t even protect her daughter. During those years when I struggled under the same roof as¡­¡±

    ¡°Katrina, neither you nor your mom ever came to see me, not even once. Tell me, if my mom truly knew what happened, would she still stand by you? Elyse is my aunt, and you¡¯re my cousin. When I could barely afford a meal, where were you?¡±

    F??nd n?w ??h??????????s ??t g??l??ov?ls.?????

    Natalie bowed her head, her mind drifting back to the past.

    They livedvishly off the shares Brylee provided, rising to be the most respected socialites in Olisvine. She studied abroad, traveled the world, and indulged in the most extravagant lifestyle.

    ¡°We¡¯re family, so why are you holding this against me? The past is behind us. Why dwell on it? We¡¯re all doing well now, isn¡¯t that the best oue? Besides, you have a father. If he didn¡¯t love you, that¡¯s not our fault,¡± she added, her voice softening as she shifted the me.

    Natalie had been pampered since childhood, ustomed to getting everything she wanted. Her brief moment of admitting fault quickly faded. She straightened up, her posture now radiating an air of superiority.

    Dani looked at Natalie standing before her and couldn¡¯t help butugh, finding the situation almost absurd. ¡°Then by that logic, Doug dying because you had sex with him in the elevator isn¡¯t my problem either.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s different. You¡¯re my cousin and older than me, so you should take care of me,¡± Natalie spoke as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Dani scoffed, sinkingzily into the sofa.

    Dani¡¯s indifferent tone made Natalie¡¯sshes flutter.

    Natalie bit her lip as her confidence slowly began to crumble. ¡°Dani, what exactly do you mean?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 867

    ?Chapter 867:

    Dani smiled, her lips, a delicate shade of red, curving gently like a rare winter rose in bloom.

    ¡°Natalie, take a guess. What do you think I want?¡±

    The moment those words left Dani¡¯s lips, Natalie¡¯s heart skipped a beat. She eyed Dani with growing wariness.

    Dani remainedposed, like a seasoned predator watching its prey squirm. Natalie struggled to find her words before finally whispering, ¡°What do you want to know?¡±

    Dani folded her hands in front of her, exuding effortless ease. With a calm gaze, she asked, ¡°Take a guess. You¡¯ve always known exactly what I¡¯m after, haven¡¯t you?¡±

    Just then, the office door creaked open.

    Cedric strode in, flipping on the deskmp to cut through the darkness before settling beside Dani.

    Natalie darted a nce at Cedric before returning her wary gaze to Dani. ¡°I don¡¯t understand what you¡¯re saying.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Dani¡¯s voice was calm, almost soothing.

    She had a way of making everything feel unhurried, as if time itself bent to her will¡ªcalm, measured, yet always inmand.

    ¡°Go ahead, keep pretending.¡± Dani chuckled softly, her smile pure yetced with amusement.

    A sharp pang of fear shot through Natalie.

    ¡°Let¡¯s keep ying. I just hope you can afford the stakes.¡± Dani¡¯s amused gaze bore into Natalie.

    Your next adventure is at g  al n ovels . con

    A chill ran down Natalie¡¯s spine, sending goosebumps across her skin. ¡°You want to know¡­?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°So this was all your doing!¡±

    ¡°Naturally.¡±

    The instant Dani confirmed it, a wave of fear crashed over Natalie. Her once-confident expression dissolved into sheer shock.

    ¡°You mean, from the moment I tried to get close to Doug, this was all part of your n? You were setting me up?¡±

    Dani shook her head. ¡°It started long before that. From the moment I first met you, from when you told me you wanted to join Elite Lux¡ªI had already factored you into my ns. In fact, ever since you came back from abroad, I knew this day woulde.¡±

    Natalie stared at Dani, terror creeping into her wide eyes. ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡±

    Dani offered a serene smile. ¡°Believe it or not, it doesn¡¯t change anything. As I said, keep acting¡ªI¡¯ll y along.¡± Her tone was light, almost casual, as if she were merely discussing the weather.

    ¡°You¡­¡± Natalie¡¯s voice wavered, trembling against the eerie silence of the office as a nameless fear gripped her.

    It dawned on her¡ªher fate had long been trapped in Dani¡¯s grasp. She now understood¡ªLinden¡¯s hatred, his contempt¡ªeverything had been orchestrated by Dani from the start.

    Dani¡¯s machinations were too precise, too ruthless, and for the first time, true fear took hold of Natalie. ¡°What do you want to know?¡± Natalie¡¯s voice trembled as the weight of realization bore down on her.

    She couldn¡¯t deny it¡ªshe was utterly outmatched by Dani!

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 868

    ?Chapter 868:

    Against Dani, she was nothing but powerless.

    ¡°I want the truth about my mother¡¯s death¡ªevery detail, every name. No one gets away with it!¡±

    Cedric rose from his seat, setting down a pen and paper in front of Natalie.

    ¡°And if I tell you, what do I get in return?¡±

    Dani¡¯s expression remained unreadable. ¡°As you pointed out, the vi you stayed in is still yours. I can send you abroad for further studies until the scandal with Doug fades. Once people forget, you can return. Whether you resume as my secretary or pursue something else is entirely your choice.¡±

    Natalie hesitated, lost in thought.

    Staring at the nk sheet before her, she spoke. ¡°If I give you the names, I want more. When I return, I want apany under Elite Lux.¡±

    The thought of remaining Dani¡¯s secretary made Natalie¡¯s stomach churn. Dani¡¯s mind was far too dangerous. It was better to carve out her own path.

    ¡°And one more thing, you can¡¯t harm my mother.¡±

    Dani sat up, her smile razor-sharp as she met Natalie¡¯s gaze. ¡°You get one¡ªeither apany or my promise not to touch your mother. Pick.¡±

    Natalie¡¯s teeth sank into her lip. Silence stretched before she finally spoke. ¡°Thepany.¡±

    Her decision was final. Self-interest always came first. That was the lesson Elyse had drilled into her since childhood. She had always been the dutiful daughter.

    This was a world governed byws¡ªwhat real harm could Dani possibly inflict on Elyse? She clung to that reasoning, conveniently pushing aside the grim memory of Caiden¡¯s fate.

    ?????????????? ?????????? ????????: ?????????¦Í?????????????

    ¡°Yes.¡± Natalie gave a decisive nod. ¡°I choose apany.¡±

    Without hesitation, she knelt by the table, pen scratching across the page as she jotted down the names.

    ¡°Natalie, you know me,¡± Dani murmured, watching her write. ¡°I already know parts of the truth. This is just to test your sincerity. If you write false names, and I uncover the truthter, you won¡¯t be making it back from abroad. Don¡¯t expect me to let family ties hold me back.¡±

    Natalie¡¯s grip on the pen tightened. After a brief hesitation, she scratched out a few names¡ªJoyce among them.

    As she slid the list over, she spoke with forced certainty. ¡°Every name is there. None are missing.¡±

    Dani skimmed the names before flicking a dismissive hand. Without another word, Natalie straightened up and left.

    Elyse was pacing anxiously downstairs. The moment Natalie emerged, she rushed over.

    ¡°Sweetheart, I just borrowed some money from Nina. If Dani won¡¯t help, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll find another way.¡±

    Natalie¡¯s gaze softened with pity. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t you get it? We can¡¯t win against Dani. It¡¯s time to ept reality.¡±

    That single sentence froze Elyse in ce. A heavy silence followed before she finally lifted her head, disbelief written all over her face. ¡°What did you say to Dani?¡±

    Natalie¡¯s expression darkened as she sharply withdrew her hand from Elyse¡¯s grip. ¡°Mom, you need to own up to your actions. It¡¯s unfair to offload your responsibilities onto your daughter, don¡¯t you think?¡±

    Elyse was visibly shaken by the confrontation, rooted to the spot. ¡°You¡­¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 869

    ?Chapter 869:

    ¡°Indeed, I¡¯ve informed Dani about everything,¡± Natalie responded in aposed voice. ¡°I¡¯ve realized something important. It¡¯s futile to contend with someone more powerful. Dani is far too intelligent and cunning for us; we are but insects to her.¡±

    Elyse let go of Natalie¡¯s hand. ¡°Did you really tell her everything?¡±

    Natalie affirmed with a nod. ¡°Yes, I did.¡±

    Worry creased Elyse¡¯s face. ¡°What about Mr. Perry and the others? Did you mention them too?¡±

    With a look of contempt, Natalie answered, ¡°Why should we protect their secrets? They ignored us when we needed help. Why not leverage the truth to our advantage with Dani?¡±

    Elyse¡¯s voice shook with fear. ¡°Natalie, that¡¯s dangerous! Don¡¯t you understand what they¡¯re capable of doing for money?¡±

    Natalie sneered, brushing off her concerns. ¡°I¡¯m not worried about that.¡± Exhaustion was evident on Elyse¡¯s face, which seemed to have aged significantly. ¡°What did Dani offer you?¡±

    For a brief moment, a mix of emotions shed through Natalie¡¯s eyes at the question. Several moments slipped by.

    She answered casually, ¡°Nothing much. Dani agreed to let me study abroad. Oh, and she returned the vi we used to own. While I¡¯m gone, you¡¯ll have to manage on your own.¡±

    At this, Elyse grasped Natalie¡¯s hand desperately. ¡°Natalie, please, take me with you! Dani knows too much; I¡¯m dispensable to her now. If you leave me here, neither Dani nor Mr. Perry will let me be!¡±

    Natalie¡¯s lips tightened. She methodically removed Elyse¡¯s fingers from her hand.

    ¡°Mom, that¡¯s not going to happen. You¡¯re Dani¡¯s aunt, and we¡¯re family. Why would she harm you? Besides, Nina is still here. She¡¯s your daughter too, and she won¡¯t let youe to harm. I need to leave; my flight is at three. Just promise me you¡¯ll look after yourself. Once I return from my studies, Dani has promised me apany. I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯re well cared for then.¡±

    Find your favorite stories at g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s., conn

    Natalie then signaled for a taxi. She walked away without a second nce.

    Left alone, Elyse stood frozen, as if struck by a sudden revtion. It was unbelievable to her. The child she had raised and loved was now casting her aside to fend for herself.

    Elyse¡¯s eyes darted around in panic. Then, suddenly, a piercing scream tore through the air. Reflexively, Elyse looked upwards.

    At that moment, her heart stopped. From somewhere above, a flowerpot plunged straight toward her.

    Elyse¡¯s breathing halted. She barely registered the forceful pull on her arm when, momentster, the sound of the pot smashing into the pavement echoed around her.

    Gazing at the broken pieces on the ground, Elyse¡¯s face registered utter disbelief.

    ¡°Dani,¡± Elyse whispered, her body shaking, herplexion ashen. ¡°I need to get to Dani. She¡¯s the only one who can shield me now!¡±

    She rushed to the elevator, her heels nearly slipping until she finally managed to hit the call button.

    As Elyse burst into Dani¡¯s office, tears cascaded down her cheeks. ¡°Dani, it¡¯s all my fault! I shouldn¡¯t have colluded with outsiders against your mother. Mr. Perry wants revenge. He knows I turned on him! You must help me. I don¡¯t want to die, Dani, please!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 870

    ?Chapter 870:

    Dani regarded her with detached calm. She had not anticipated Elyse¡¯s spinelessness. Such a minor scheme had unraveled herpletely.

    ¡°Do you expect me to save you?¡± Dani¡¯s voice was cold as she remained seated. ¡°To save the one responsible for my mother¡¯s death? What are you thinking?¡±

    ¡°I can disclose everything I know, just as Natalie did. I know more than she does! She was too young to remember everything.¡±

    Desperation filled Elyse¡¯s eyes as she pleaded, ¡°Dani, please give me a chance. We¡¯re family, after all.¡±

    Dani chuckled. ¡°Since we¡¯re family, I¡¯ll let you decide¡ª a painless death or a miserable life.¡±

    Without a moment¡¯s pause, Elyse eximed, ¡°I choose to live!¡±

    Little did Elyse know, there existed a fate much harsher than death itself.

    From that day on, every moment of her life was tainted with regret over her decision.

    Dani offered a faint smile, stepping closer to lend Elyse a hand to her feet.

    ¡°I need you to draw out Mr. Perry.¡±

    Elyse trembled at the weight of those words.

    Dani¡¯s smile widened, her voice soft but chilling. ¡°Or would you prefer to die?¡±

    Elyse crumpled to the floor, her gaze fixed vacantly on Dani, her heart heavy with a tide of regret.

    ?????????????????? ?????????????? ??????????: ?????????¦Í???????????????

    If only she had known then. If only she had killed Dani too after getting rid of Brylee all those years ago.

    Now, it was toote.

    With no other option, Elyse nodded in resignation. ¡°Alright.¡±

    Doug was dead, and Natalie had gone abroad. With Alexander¡¯s backing, Joyce had taken the reins of Fairburne Group, her fortune soaring past the billion-dor mark. In a way, it was a masterstroke of aeback, all thanks to Natalie.

    Alexander¡¯s expression darkened as he turned his gaze to Joyce. ¡°Don¡¯t forget, I want Dani.¡±

    Joyce smiled sweetly at him, yfully pushing him back onto the bed. ¡°No rush. You want Dani, and I¡¯ve got my eyes set on Cedric. Let¡¯s let the cards fall where they may.¡±

    Afterward, Joyce made a beeline for Elite Lux. Downstairs, she crossed paths with Cedric.

    Her eyes roamed over him, from head to toe. The real one truly outshone the fake one.

    That natural authority, that boldness, that self-assured swagger. It was something Alexander could never hope to grasp, something hecked deep in his core.

    It was an innate arrogance, woven into the very fabric of his being.

    No wonder Cedric was the man she had chosen.

    Cedric, however, was oblivious to her presence, lost in admiration for a finely crafted jade bracelet he nned to gift to Dani.

    Inside the elevator, his focus remained glued to the bracelet.

    Joyce tilted her head to steal a nce at him, letting out a chuckle. ¡°I never knew you could be such a devoted husband, Cedric.¡±

    Before speaking, Joyce instinctively adjusted her outfit. When she finally spoke, her tone wasced with yful mischief.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 871

    ?Chapter 871:

    It was only then that Cedric turned his head. Upon noticing Joyce, his brows knitted together.

    First Natalie, and now Joyce. When would he finally find peace to pursue his dream of having a child with Dani?

    Cedric¡¯s expression was anything but pleasant.

    Joyce couldn¡¯t care less. Wearing a cheerful smile, she sauntered over with an air of mischief. ¡°You seem rather displeased to see me. Did I do something to offend you in the past? Let¡¯s not forget¡ªI¡¯m Dani¡¯s stepsister. Technically speaking, doesn¡¯t that make us family?¡±

    Now that Joyce had wealth on her side, confidence clung to her like a second skin. She had a knack for teasing men, especially those who seemed unseasoned. Her yful remarks often left her targets fumbling, blushing, or both.

    She lived for the awkwardness. It was a game she savored. So, with a glint of mischief in her eyes, she fixed her gaze on Cedric, waiting for his telltale reaction.

    Cedric didn¡¯t so much as flinch. With calm, he stepped aside. ¡°My wife cut ties with the Harper family long ago. Let¡¯s not waste time dressing this up with all that ¡®family¡¯ nonsense.¡±

    Joyce¡¯s smile faltered. ¡°Well, aren¡¯t you the protective one?¡±

    As the elevator doors slid open, Joyce took a deliberate step out, ncing back at Cedric with a lingering gaze that danced over his broad chest for just a moment too long.

    Her lips then curved into a smile of intrigue.

    At that very moment, Nina emerged from the secretary¡¯s office and happened to catch the tail end of the scene. Nudging Lillian with her elbow, she whispered, ¡°Did you see that? Joyce was totally checking out Cedric.¡±

    g???????¦Í??????.??????, ¨C ???????? ???????????????? ????

    Lillian¡¯s eyes flicked to Cedric.

    The sunlight poured through the tall windows, gilding the room in a warm glow. Cedric stood tall and poised, his tailored suit hugging his frame with surgical precision, exuding both sophistication and restrained power.

    In that golden light, a faint, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corners of his lips, and his shadow stretched long across the floor.

    In that moment, Cedric seemed to glow with a golden aura, effortlesslymanding admiration.

    Lillian crossed her arms and clicked her tongue, then turned to see Nina¡¯s face filled with infatuation. As Cedric passed by, Lillian muttered under her breath, ¡°What a dangerously captivating charmer!¡±

    Cedric paid her no mind and walked straight into Dani¡¯s office.

    Right now, his priority was to have a child with Dani. Everything else was secondary.

    Cedric pushed the door open and entered, while Joyce¡¯s gaze naturally followed him.

    Dani noticed the way Joyce¡¯s eyes lingered on Cedric, and her expression briefly shifted into a frown. It was fleeting, and Joyce didn¡¯t catch it. Now seated across from Dani, Joyce carried herself with the smug air of someone who had wed her way to the top and wanted the world to know it.

    ¡°Dani, I¡¯m here to discuss a potential coboration with you,¡± Joyce said. Only she knew how satisfying it was to say those words.

    After all, the whispers had followed her: Katrina¡¯s daughter would never measure up to Brylee¡¯s. She had endured years of hardship and suffering just to sit on equal footing with Dani. Now, as this moment finally arrived, it all felt worth it.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 872

    ?Chapter 872:

    It took Dani less than a second to see through Joyce¡¯s newly-rich bravado.

    She smiled faintly. ¡°What kind of coboration are we talking about?¡±

    Joyce said, ¡°Our family has long been rooted in mining. With Doug¡¯s passing, the business has grown beyond my capacity to manage alone. Since we¡¯re half-sisters and I prefer to keep the business within the family, I¡¯m proposing we be partners.¡±

    Leaning back, she exuded a sense of pride.

    She had evolved significantly from her earlier days.

    Dani gave a faint smile and replied, ¡°Really?¡±

    Joyce nodded. ¡°Absolutely.¡±

    Remaining silent, Dani rose and approached the coffee table to pour herself a cup of coffee.

    Joyce watched her, a look of confusion spreading across her face. ¡°Dani, what¡¯s your hesitation? I¡¯m offering you a partnership that includes significant financial benefits. Why not ept immediately? Are you aware of how profitable our mines are?¡±

    She gestured with her fingers, indicating a figure. ¡°This much.¡±

    Dani sipped her coffee quietly, her smile slight. She disregarded the figures Joyce suggested, already familiar with the financial details of major corporations, including those based in Olisvine.

    Her leadership at Elite Lux was no ident.

    She knew of Doug¡¯s reputation as a financial powerhouse.

    Dani maintained her smile.

    Read thetest updates at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    Joyce¡¯s expression shifted to one of frustration. ¡°I get that you¡¯re wealthy, Dani, but more wealth never hurts. This is an exceptional chance. I¡¯m offering this because I trust you.¡± Dani¡¯s smile persisted.

    Joyce always felt a twinge of annoyance at Dani¡¯s grin. It was as if Dani knew everything.

    ¡°You trust me¡­¡± Dani began, still smiling. ¡°Alexander¡¯s father visited me recently.¡± Joyce stiffened.

    Dani looked up, noting Joyce¡¯s reaction. ¡°He was upset. He mentioned you wouldn¡¯t see him, and that Alexander has gone missing. He¡¯s quite concerned and asked if I could help locate his son, given our past connections.¡± Joyce narrowed her eyes slightly.

    Dani added, ¡°I¡¯ve agreed to help. Now that you¡¯re here, perhaps you might know something. Where could Alexander have gone? It¡¯s unusual for someone to simply disappear. Those in the know are aware he¡¯s missing, but outsiders might suspect he¡¯s up to something.¡±

    Joyce¡¯s eyes darted away. ¡°I haven¡¯t kept up with him. He never valued my presence much, and I¡¯d rather not get entangled with his issues now.¡± Joyce¡¯s pulse quickened under Dani¡¯s perceptive smile.

    Trying to maintainposure, she said, ¡°Dani, let¡¯s not get sidetracked. I need to know if you¡¯re on board with the partnership. If you¡¯re not interested, I¡¯ll find someone else. Many would jump at the chance to coborate with me.¡±

    Dani responded with a mild smile, noticing Joyce¡¯s eyes darting towards Cedric as she spoke. Her expression became thoughtful. It surprised her that after all this time, Joyce still seemed infatuated with Cedric.

    ¡°Do you find him appealing?¡± Dani suddenly asked.

    Caught off guard, Joyce hesitated. For a moment, she thought Dani had actually noticed something. But after a brief pause, Dani¡¯s voice cut through the silence. ¡°I was talking about the flowers in Cedric¡¯s hand.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 873

    ?Chapter 873:

    Cedric¡¯s workspace was typically stark and formal, yet today it was adorned with various blooms, lending an intriguing air to the office.

    ¡°Not bad,¡± Joycemented, redirecting her attention away from Cedric. ¡°I¡¯ll give you three days to think it over. If I don¡¯t hear from you by then, I¡¯ll seek another partner.¡±

    With that deration, she rose to leave, but her eyes lingered on Cedric once more. Noticing Dani engrossed in her coffee, Joyce hesitated. She then approached Cedric and asked, ¡°Where did you get those flowers? They¡¯re beautifully arranged.¡±

    While arranging the flowers, Cedric responded, ¡°I can send you the shop¡¯s details.¡±

    Joyce looked back at Dani, now absorbed in her phone, and bit her lip. ¡°Cedric, perhaps you could get some for me as well? I¡¯ll pay you handsomely.¡±

    Cedric nced up at Joyce, somewhat bewildered. ¡°With all your resources, surely you can find someone else for this task. I don¡¯t require anypensation.¡±

    A hint of annoyance crossed Joyce¡¯s face as she pointed to some flowers Cedric had set aside. ¡°May I take them?¡±

    Cedric had no objections. Those flowers were destined for the trash anyway, and his attention was fully upied with arranging the blossoms to make them even more perfect.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Cedric agreed, focusing on his task.

    Slightly embarrassed, Joyce reached for the flowers, considering them as a gift from Cedric.

    To Joyce, Cedric was like a distant star¡ªbrilliant, radiant, but forever out of reach.

    Find thetest releases g?ln¦Òv????s

    When her mother still held the power of the Harper family, Joyce had once believed there was hope for her to be with him. But when she plummeted to rock bottom, those extravagant dreams faded. Yet, a twinge of regret would asionally creep into her heart. Now, with her newfound power, those long-buried desires stirred once more, rising like embers reigniting into me.

    The flowers before her were the first flicker of that hope.

    ¡°Apologies,¡± Dani said with a smile, picking up the flowers from the table. ¡°We¡¯re not done with them just yet.¡±

    Joyce had been on the brink of happiness, only for Dani to steal it away with a single, unwavering gesture. Joyce barely managed to suppress the fury on her face. Who did Dani think she was to challenge her? For over a decade, she had basked in favor while Dani had been ignored. Now, Dani dared to unt her power in front of her.

    Joyce¡¯s expression darkened with fury, but she forced herself to maintainposure. ¡°Dani, don¡¯t be so petty! It¡¯s just some flowers, and you can¡¯t even spare them for me?¡±

    Dani lifted a flower to her nose, breathing in its delicate fragrance. ¡°This is a gift from my husband. Every flower holds meaning for me. I can¡¯t give it away.¡±

    Joyce sucked in a sharp breath, her chest tightening as she locked eyes with Dani. The bitter realization sank in¡ªshe had no way to argue with Dani. So, she turned to Cedric instead, her voice softening into something almost pleading. ¡°Cedric, you promised earlier that you¡¯d give me the flowers.¡±

    Her tone carried the same entitlement she¡¯d always wielded as a child, when she used to take things from Dani, knowing she had Caiden¡¯s favoritism on her side.

    But the woman before her was no longer the same girl from their childhood. And Cedric was surely not Caiden.

    ¡°Please forgive me,¡± Cedric said evenly, ¡°but this is a gift I gave to my wife. I have no right to give it away. However, if you like, I can have my secretary get you the contact information of the¡­¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 874

    ?Chapter 874:

    The florist¡¯s shop. ¡°You can buy them yourself.¡± A faint, mocking smile yed on Dani¡¯s lips as she watched Joyce. Unable to reveal her true feelings, Joyce could only swallow her anger and remainposed.

    She nced at Dani and muttered begrudgingly, ¡°I expect an update in three days.¡±

    After saying that, she spun on her heel and strode away. But the further she walked, the more reluctant she became. As she stepped into the elevator, an idea sparked in her mind.

    Slipping away from prying eyes, she sought out one of the cleaning staff at Elite Lux and pulled out a wad of cash.

    She lied to the cleaner, ¡°I really like the flowers in Dani¡¯s office. I¡¯ll pay you ten thousand if you get them for me.¡± The cleaner¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. ¡°But¡­¡± She hesitated, clearly conflicted.

    Joyce raised two fingers. ¡°Twenty thousand.¡±

    The cleaner stared, dumbfounded. ¡°Twenty thousand? You must be joking. Or are the flowers worth millions?¡±

    After all, if it was Dani¡¯s, it had to be priceless.

    Joyce scoffed. ¡°The flowers are nothing special. You can find them everywhere. I just think flowers from Dani¡¯s office could bring good luck. You know how businesspeople are. They all believe in these things.¡±

    With that, Joyce grabbed the cleaner¡¯s phone and, without hesitation, transferred thirty thousand. ¡°It¡¯s just some flowers. You can get them for me, can¡¯t you?¡±

    The cleaner stared at the money in her ount. The temptation was too great. Finally, she nodded hesitantly. ¡°Ms. Harper¡¯s pretty easygoing. She won¡¯t make a fuss even if something goes missing. Give me your address, and I¡¯ll deliver the flowers tonight.¡±

    Joyce¡¯s face lit up with delight. ¡°I¡¯ll wait downstairs, no matter howte it gets.¡±

    Your escape is on g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s

    That evening, the cleaner lingered until thest employee had left the Elite Lux building. Concealing the flowers within a garbage cart, she maneuvered it past the security guards, slipping out unnoticed.

    Joyce could hardly believe her luck. She had actually managed to get her hands on the flowers that Cedric had carefully chosen himself.

    Tears welled up in Joyce¡¯s eyes as she cradled the flowers. It felt as though she had spent her whole life chasing an unattainable dream. But now, atst, it was within her reach.

    Ovee with joy, Joyce sent the cleaner an additional fifty thousand before carrying the flowers home, her heart overflowing with satisfaction.

    When Alexander saw Joyce walk in, cradling the flowers, he strode toward her, but she dismissed him without even bothering to look up.

    ¡°I¡¯m not spending the night with you. I have things to take care of. Now leave and don¡¯t forget to close the door behind you.¡±

    Alexander stood at the foot of the stairs, his expression unreadable as his gaze lingered on her in silence.

    He hade to remind Joyce of her promise to transfer the Fairburne Group shares after Doug¡¯s death. But it was clear she hadpletely forgotten. Joyce¡¯s excited voice echoed through the halls, brimming with delight. ¡°I got some flowers! Find someone who knows about nts and send them to my house immediately!¡± Her voice overflowed with excitement.

    Alexander¡¯s gaze darkened, his eyes turning cold and unreadable.

    The next day, when Alexander arrived, he found Joyce still doting over the flowers.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 875

    ?Chapter 875:

    ¡°You¡¯re overwatering them. If you¡¯re not careful, you¡¯ll kill them,¡± Alexander said tly, cing deliberate weight on the word ¡°kill.¡±

    Joyce was so engrossed in tending to the flowers that she failed to notice his tone.

    Alexander¡¯s voice grew even colder. ¡°You promised a cut of the shares of Fairburne Group. When do you n to transfer them?¡±

    Joyce chuckled, her gaze never straying from the flowers. ¡°Alexander, do you really think owning those shares will make Dani see you any differently? You¡¯re insignificantpared to Cedric. What makes you think she¡¯ll ever love you again? All this effort you¡¯re putting in is nothing but a futile game. Even if I handed you everyst share, it wouldn¡¯t change a thing. Dani will never love you again. It¡¯s time you ept the truth, Alexander.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s eyes darkened as he stared at Joyce.

    A dagger slipped from his coat sleeve, settling effortlessly into his palm.

    His voice dropped to a chilling whisper. ¡°How will I know if I don¡¯t try?¡± Dani had once loved him wholeheartedly, and he refused to believe she could now be so utterly heartless.

    The next day, as soon as Dani stepped into her office, she immediately noticed something was off¡ªthe flowers Cedric had bought for her were gone.

    Without hesitation, she called Lillian inside.

    Lillian¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡°Huh? But they were still here when we leftst night. Let me check with the cleaningdy.¡±

    She hurried off to investigate, but when she asked around, the administration department delivered unexpected news¡ªthe cleaningdy had abruptly resigned, even refusing her half-month¡¯s sry. That was strange.

    Lillian quickly checked the surveince footage and discovered the woman sneaking out of Dani¡¯s office, clutching arge garbage sack. ¡°What would she want with the flowers?¡± Lillian asked, confused.

    Discover more content at galnov??????.c??m

    Dani sat motionless in her chair, her warm expression reced by an icy chill.

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s not the flowers she¡¯s after, but the person.¡±

    Just as Lillian was about to ask what she meant, Cedric suddenly pushed the door open, carrying a fresh bunch of flowers.

    ¡°Where are the flowers from yesterday?¡± He nced around, looking for them. Dani¡¯s lips curved into a faint smile. ¡°The cleaningdy knocked them over this morning and took them out.¡± Cedric nodded in understanding. ¡°Okay.¡±

    He got to work arranging the new bunch.

    Lillian leaned in and murmured under her breath, ¡°Joyce?¡±

    Dani gave a firm nod. ¡°Yes.¡±

    Her tone remained steady as she instructed, ¡°Keep a close watch on Joyce.¡±

    Just as the words left her lips, a knock sounded at the office door.

    Richard stepped inside.

    He looked noticeably older than before.

    Worry had etched deep lines into Richard¡¯s face, and with Alexander still missing, the weight of his troubles had only grown heavier. The Bet family had crumbled into bankruptcy, leaving Richard with just onest hope¡ªAlexander.

    ¡°Dani, I hate to trouble you, but have you heard anything about Alexander?¡± His voice carried a desperate edge.

    Dani studied him for a moment, her gaze settling on the gray streaks now threading through his hair. Then, in an even tone, she said, ¡°Someone¡¯s seen him.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 876

    ?Chapter 876:

    Richard¡¯s eyes lit up instantly. ¡°Please¡­ if you find anything, let me know.¡±

    Dani gave a small nod of acknowledgment. Grateful, Richard bowed several times before making his way to the door. He turned back for onest look at Dani.

    She had grown even more like Brylee¡ªher face bright, her presence effortlessly radiant.

    If only she were still his daughter-inw.

    If that were the case, Bet Group wouldn¡¯t have copsed. Alexander wouldn¡¯t have vanished. None of those terrible mistakes would have ever happened.

    If only life had a reset button¡­

    But it didn¡¯t.

    With that heavy truth weighing on him, Richard walked away in silence.

    Suddenly, a strong hand yanked Richard around a corner.

    Panic surged through him, and he nearly let out a scream¡ªuntil he caught sight of the person gripping his arm. His eyes narrowed in disbelief.

    ¡°Cedric?¡± Confusion flickered across Richard¡¯s face. ¡°What the hell are you doing? And why are you dressed like this?¡±

    Cedric was nothing like before. On TV, he always dressed in a dignified suit, with a cold face that warned strangers to stay away.

    But the man standing before him was dressed in ck, a hoodie pulled over his head, and a baseball cap on top. His face was deeply hidden under the brim.

    If they weren¡¯t standing so close, Richard wouldn¡¯t have even known it was him.

    g???????¦Í??????.k???? ¨C ?????????? ??????????

    ¡°Take this money, use it however you want,¡± ¡°Cedric¡± shoved a check for a million dors into Richard¡¯s hand, his voice low and firm. ¡°And forget you ever saw me.¡±

    Richard froze, staring at the check in stunned silence. ¡°Why are you giving me money?¡±

    ¡°Cedric¡± turned to leave, but Richard grabbed his wrist. ¡°If you don¡¯t exin, I¡¯m not taking a cent.¡±

    Richard tried to shove the money into his hands. In the struggle, he caught sight of the birthmark behind the other man¡¯s ear.

    ¡°Alexander?¡± Richard¡¯s breath hitched as his eyes widened in sheer shock. He gripped the man¡¯s arm even harder, his voice cracking with raw disbelief. ¡°Alexander, is that you?¡±

    At the sound of his name, Alexander¡¯s steps faltered.

    Richard¡¯s entire body shook, his breathing in shallow gasps. His fingers twitched at his sides, barely able to grasp the reality before him.

    ¡°Is it really you? What happened to you? Have you been suffering all this time?¡± Alexander hesitated, then slowly reached up and pulled off his cap. The dim light revealed his face¡ªidentical to Cedric¡¯s.

    ¡°Dad, trust me. I¡¯ll turn everything around. I made mistakes with Dani before, but once I have wealth beyond measure, I¡¯ll repay her a thousand times over. For now, take this. It won¡¯t be long before Ie home for good.¡±

    Richard¡¯s eyes burned red. He nodded repeatedly, his grip tightening around the check. ¡°Alright. I will wait for you. You and Dani wille home together, and we¡¯ll finally live like a family again.¡±

    Alexander pulled his cap back on and slipped into the shadows, vanishing without a trace.

    When he returned, Joyce was still seated, absentmindedly toying with the flowers.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 877

    ?Chapter 877:

    ¡°Just ignore the flowers, Joyce. Isn¡¯t Cedric the one you really want?¡± He paused. ¡°I¡¯ve thought of a way.¡±

    Joyce didn¡¯t bite immediately. She merely twirled a petal between her fingers, watching it as if deep in thought. There was no rush. Dani had three days to consider the partnership. A deal that profitable¡ªshe wouldn¡¯t refuse.

    Once it was set in motion, she would have all the time in the world to be by Cedric¡¯s side.

    Love cultivated under the right circumstances wouldst. That was her belief. Now that there was no marriage to bind her, she had every opportunity to make him hers.

    Alexander studied her coldly, seeing right through her schemes. ¡°Men are easily enamored before marriage. Even after marriage, some still stray. But if a child is involved, that changes everything.¡±

    He leaned back against the sofa, his gaze sharp. ¡°People have been saying Dani and Cedric were nning for a baby. Who knows? Maybe she¡¯s already carrying his child.¡±

    Joyce¡¯s fingers stiffened against the petals. Then, her eyes turned cold, filled with malice. ¡°What was the n you just mentioned?¡±

    Dani rested her chin on her palm, her gaze lingering on Cedric as he arranged the flowers.

    Suddenly, her phone on the desk vibrated violently.

    She reached for it without much thought, answering casually.

    Russell¡¯s voice came through, tight with urgency. ¡°Dani, someone put out a hit in the undergroundwork. Ten billion dors¡ªfor Cedric.¡±

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??????? brings great stories

    Dani¡¯s expression turned grave in an instant.

    Cedric turned his head and saw the solemn look on Dani¡¯s face. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± he asked, his voice low with concern.

    Dani slowly lifted her head, a faint smile curving at the corners of her lips. ¡°Nothing. Just go ahead.¡±

    Cedric wasn¡¯t convinced. He was about to mention that Dani looked unwell when the office door suddenly burst open.

    Lillian rushed in, panting, her phone clutched tightly in her hand.

    She froze for a split second when her gazended on Cedric.

    Still holding the scissors, Cedric straightened, eyeing Lillian in confusion. Lillian pressed her lips together before blurting out an excuse. ¡°Dani, Ryan is bullying me.¡±

    Dani gave a brief nod. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of him.¡±

    Without another word, Lillian turned and backed out of the office.

    Dani sat still for a moment before reaching for her water ss. Cedric watched her and immediately moved to help. ¡°I¡¯ll get the water for you.¡±

    Dani pointed to the flowers instead. ¡°That needs trimming.¡±

    Cedric followed her gaze, then picked up the scissors and resumed cutting. Lillian was already waiting just outside the door. ¡°Dani, have you seen the underworld bounty?¡± she asked in a hushed tone.

    Dani¡¯s gaze turned sharp, ice-cold andced with deadly intent. ¡°I saw it.¡±

    ¡°Who the hell would do something this insane? An underworld bounty isn¡¯t just some petty hit. The base price alone is over ten billion, enough to mobilize every mercenary out there. And all of this¡ªjust to capture Cedric? That¡¯spletely insane!¡±

    Dani¡¯s eyes remained as cold as steel.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 878

    ?Chapter 878:

    ¡°Should we tell Cedric?¡± Lillian hesitated, then quickly shook her head. ¡°No, never mind. If he finds out, he¡¯ll probably freak out! He¡¯s just a regr businessman. And if he starts asking questions, your identity as a mafia boss won¡¯t stay hidden for long.¡±

    Dani nced through the gap at Cedric, who was unaware of the storm brewing around him. For once, there was a rare sense of tranquility.

    ¡°It¡¯s unnecessary,¡± Dani said firmly. ¡°Spread the word¡ªCedric is under my protection. Anyone who dares touch him is dering war against me.¡±

    Lillian grinned and gave her a thumbs-up. ¡°Got it.¡±

    Inside the office, Cedric¡¯s phone buzzed nonstop. He picked it up.

    ¡°Cedric, you¡¯ve been issued an underworld bounty.¡± The voice on the other end was frantic. ¡°Who¡¯s the lunatic behind this? You¡¯re the leader of the Lone Wolf, for God¡¯s sake. This is unheard of! Cedric, I¡¯ve already called back all our men to protect you. You have no idea what kind of reputation you¡¯ve built.¡±

    Cedric listened, unsure whether the caller was panicked or secretly thrilled.

    ¡°Cedric, should we let Dani know someone just pped a massive price on your head?¡±

    Cedric frowned. ¡°No need,¡± he said impatiently.

    Lately, he had been trying to find time to focus on having a baby with Dani. She was always busy, and now, with this chaos looming over them, telling her would only make things worse.

    If she found out, she¡¯d be too stressed to even think about starting a family.

    ¡°Cedric, I don¡¯t know, but Dani doesn¡¯t strike me as the type to scare easily.¡± The man on the other end couldn¡¯t exin why he felt that way¡ªit was just a gut instinct.

    Feel the thrill at g ¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s

    ¡°What do you know?¡± Cedric snapped. ¡°She lost her mother young and had no one to rely on but herself. She had to be strong and independent, but that wasn¡¯t who she was meant to be. She used to be the sweetest, most gentle girl. Life forced her to be tough, but that doesn¡¯t mean she wanted to be. No woman wants to shoulder everything alone. Deep down, they all want to be protected. No matter how strong she looks, she still gets scared. If she finds out about this, she might not sleep for days. She¡¯s just a businesswoman, brilliant in the corporate world, but she¡¯s never dealt with something like this. Who knows how terrified she¡¯d be?¡±

    Cedric¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°I¡¯m heading back to Phillips Group. I need to get to the bottom of this. I want to see who¡¯s willing to spend that much money to take me down.¡±

    The man chuckled. ¡°Cedric, you do remember your wife is the richest person in the world, right? You don¡¯t reach that level without having nerves of steel.¡±

    Cedric clicked his tongue. ¡°You don¡¯t get it. My girl is the most considerate, the gentlest¡ªsweet as a bunny. You wouldn¡¯t understand.¡±

    There was a long silence on the other end.

    ¡°A bunny?¡±

    ¡°Cedric, I swear, you¡¯re beyond saving. Between the two of us, I think you¡¯re the real sweet little thing.¡±

    Cedricughed. ¡°Get lost!¡±

    When Dani returned with her ss of water, Cedric looked up. ¡°Phillips Group has an urgent situation. I need to head back and take care of it. I¡¯ll be gone for a few days.¡±

    Dani nodded slightly. ¡°Alright. Have your secretary prepare an office for me at Phillips Group. I can work from anywhere.¡±

    Cedric hesitated. ¡°What?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 879

    ?Chapter 879:

    Dani took a sip of water, her lips curving into a smile. ¡°What? You don¡¯t want me there?¡±

    Cedric nodded. ¡°Of course, I¡¯d love to have you there. But didn¡¯t you say before that you didn¡¯t want to disturb me at Phillips Group?¡±

    Dani tilted her head slightly, as if ringing a bell. ¡°Did I? Later, I thought about it and realized that as a couple, we shouldn¡¯t keep our distance. There¡¯s no reason to worry about getting in each other¡¯s way.¡±

    Cedric had no argument against that. Since Dani had made up her mind, there was nothing more to say.

    And so, she apanied him to Phillips Group.

    The journey, however, was anything but smooth.

    Their brakes failed. A tire blew out. As they neared Phillips Group, unidentified objects came crashing down from above.

    Cedric kept his gaze on the road but stole a nce at Dani and asked gently, ¡°Honey, are you alright? Are you scared?¡±

    Dani blinked. ¡°Oh, absolutely. I¡¯m terrified.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s heart tightened. Without hesitation, he guided her inside Phillips Group. Just as they stepped through the doors, Dani¡¯s pitiful expression hardened. Her gaze flicked to a shadowy corner across the street¡ªsharp, calcting, and lethal.

    The underground bounty order left no room for doubt. Mercenaries from every corner of the world, regardless of their allegiance, could im the staggering reward¡ªas long as theypleted the mission. Once issued, the bounty could never be revoked. For mercenaries, fear was a foreign concept. They lived on the edge, gambling their lives for money.

    Cedric sat in his office, his eyes flicking to the clock with a furrowed brow. It was already noon. Apart from some minor idents that morning, the day had been unsettlingly quiet. That was unusual.

    His phone, resting on his desk, suddenly vibrated with relentless urgency. Cedric silenced the call and typed out a message instead.

    ???????????????? ?????????????? ???????? g???????????????????????

    ¡°¡®What¡¯s up? My wife¡¯s in my office, so I can¡¯t talk. Just text me.''¡±

    The moment he hit send, the person on the other end lost all restraint. One voice message came through, then another. And another. Each one over a minute long.

    Cedric nced at Dani, who was lounging on the sofa,zily scrolling through her phone. He plugged in his headphones and yed the messages.

    ¡°Oh my God! Cedric, do you have any idea what just happened? We went all out this morning¡ªfully armed, ready to put our lives on the line to protect you and your wife. But guess what? Do you even know what happened? You wouldn¡¯t believe it! Cealmaur¡ªthe elite mercenary group¡ªis protecting you. I swear, I thought I was hallucinating. And you know who I saw? Shadow. Right before that whole falling object incident, I actually saw her in person. Cedric, is there something you¡¯re not telling us? Do you have some kind of insane, hidden background we don¡¯t know about?¡±

    ¡°¡®Shadow. It was really her. And here you are, just sitting in your office, while outside, those bounty-crazed maniacs have already tried and failed hundreds of times. And us? We just stood there and watched. Do you have any idea how incredible Shadow is? She took on an entire army single-handedly! That spinning kick¡ªperfect. Her chokehold¡ªwless. She was like a¡­¡±

    ¡°Ghost, taking them down before they even saw hering. It was insane! Cedric, be honest¡ªif I begged to join Cealmaur as their janitor, do you think they¡¯d let me? I swear, I¡¯m top-tier when ites to cleaning bathrooms.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 880

    Chapter 880:

    Cedric shut his eyes briefly, already regretting listening for this long. His subordinate had zero ambition.

    The voice messages kept rolling in.

    He nced at Dani again. She was still sprawled on the sofa,pletely absorbed in her phone. Gunfire and explosions crackled from the speakers. Cedric noticed that Dani seemed to have a particr fondness for shooting games.

    His subordinate¡¯s voice came through again. ¡°Cedric, you¡¯re a genius. You knew those mercenaries would stop at nothing to get to you, so you hired Cealmaur ahead of time. That¡¯s some next-level nning.¡±

    Cedric typed back, ¡°No. I didn¡¯t hire them.¡±

    A secondter, his screen flooded with a stream of question marks.

    ¡°Then exin why Shadow is here. And more than that¡ªI heard Cealmaur¡¯s leader, rinda, just publicly announced that you¡¯re under her protection. rinda never gets involved in bounty orders. She only takes paid assignments. For her to make a statement like that¡­ Cedric, don¡¯t even try to tell me there¡¯s no story behind this, because I won¡¯t buy it.¡±

    Cedric lookedpletely dumbfounded. ¡°Who did you just say is protecting me?¡±

    ¡°rinda. The boss of Cealmaur.¡±

    Cedric stared at his screen, speechless.

    ¡°No way! Cedric, don¡¯t tell me you seriously had no idea!¡±

    ¡°None at all.¡± Cedric had always disliked the ruthless, bloodstained world of mercenaries. After inheriting Lone Wolf from the previous leader, he had barely touched its operations, steering the group towards legitimate business instead. When he heard about the underground bounty order, his first instinct had been to resolve it the easy way¡ªby throwing money at the problem.

    ?????? ???????????????? ????????????: gal?no?vels?co?m

    But for rinda to personally dere her protection over him? It was beyond ridiculous.

    ¡°rinda is a woman. You¡¯re a good-looking guy. Maybe she¡¯s got a thing for you?¡±

    Cedric let a beat of silence pass before replying evenly, ¡°I¡¯m married. In this lifetime, there¡¯s only one woman for me. No matter how impressive rinda might be, I¡¯d never be interested in anyone but my wife. Now, stop wasting time and figure out what¡¯s going on. Also, check Cealmaur¡¯s protection fees. I¡¯ll pay them the market rate.¡±

    There was a brief hesitation on the other end. ¡°Shadow¡¯s rate alone is already insane. And this time, it¡¯s not just her. Apparently, their entire base has mobilized. Every single one of them is worth a fortune. If you¡¯re paying market rates, you might want to prepare for bankruptcy.¡±

    Cedric was too stunned to even respond.

    Letting out a deep sigh, he turned to Dani with a wistful expression. ¡°Honey.¡±

    Still absorbed in her game, Dani barely reacted. ¡°Hmm?¡±

    ¡°I have an idea,¡± Cedric said, his voice suddenly serious.

    ¡°Go on,¡± she muttered, her focus still locked on her screen.

    Cedric studied her features before murmuring, ¡°If I went bankrupt, would you support me financially? Work is exhausting. I want to retire early and finally see what it¡¯s like to be spoiled for once.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s secretary entered with a tray of fruit.

    As soon as he stepped in, he caught the word ¡°bankruptcy¡± and nearly dropped the tray.

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Happy wednesday dear readers. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. (=?=) /

    .

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 881

    ?Chapter 881:

    ¡°Bankruptcy?¡± he eximed, snapping his head toward Dani in rm. ¡°Ms. Harper, does Elite Lux¡¯s secretary department happen to need a capable male secretary?¡±

    Dani let out a small, amused smile.

    The secretary, however, remainedpletely serious, his expression almost reverent. ¡°I mean it. I¡¯ve wanted to join Elite Lux for the longest time. If Phillips Group actually went under, would you consider taking me in?¡±

    Cedric turned to re at the secretary he had worked with for years, his gaze sharp and unreadable.

    Without a word, he strode past him and headed straight for Dani.

    Lowering himself onto the seat beside her, Cedric softened his tone. ¡°I can cook, clean, and even keep the bed warm. I don¡¯t cost much either¡ªjust enough to make ends meet.¡±

    The secretary stood there in stunned silence.

    Just enough to make ends meet?

    That wouldn¡¯t do.

    He wanted wealth.

    Realizing he had already lost this battle, the secretary sulked in defeat, while Cedric threw Dani a victorious smirk.

    Dani simply smiled back.

    She agreed immediately, hoping Cedric would always be as carefree and lighthearted as he was in that moment.

    Additional chapters at g ??ln ov els .???? ??

    At noon, Cedric had the secretary bring lunch to the office.

    He told Dani, ¡°I have a client meeting at noon. After lunch, you can rest in the lounge.¡±

    Dani gave a small nod of agreement, and Cedric left.

    As he made his way to the second-floor canteen, Cedric nced out the window. The traffic below flowed smoothly, the streets appearing peaceful, but Cedric knew better. Beneath that calm surface, unseen threats lurked.

    He pulled out his phone and called his subordinate, Rex Patel. ¡°What¡¯s the situation now?¡±

    Rex chuckled. ¡°Situation? What situation? Shadow¡¯s already handled it. There¡¯s nothing she can¡¯t take care of. But I heard the leader of Extinction has his sights set on you. Better watch your back.¡±

    Extinction was a fast-rising gang¡ªruthless, merciless, and bound by no code. They would do anything for the right price. Lately, word had spread that their leader aimed to be the new underworld overlord, wiping out several major organizations to clear his path. They had never crossed paths with Cealmaur before, but this time, things felt different.

    ¡°I heard their leader publicly challenged rinda to a one-on-one fight. No word yet on how Cealmaur¡¯s responding,¡± Rex added.

    Cedric¡¯s eyes darkened. ¡°Find out more about rinda¡¯s and Shadow¡¯s market prices.¡±

    Whatever the circumstances, they had been dragged into this because of him. It was only right that he paid them ordingly.

    Rex hesitated. ¡°Cedric, Shadow might have a price, but rinda¡­ If you want her market rate, well, let¡¯s just say it might cost you your entire fortune.¡± Everyone knew Cealmaur¡¯s leader wasn¡¯t a legend for nothing.

    When Cealmaur first emerged, they took the mercenary world by storm with only two people¡ªthe leader and Shadow. Even when multiple rival gangs banded together to crush them, they failed spectacrly. That battle wiped out their enemies and reshaped the entire criminal underworld, sending shockwaves through every faction.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 882

    ?Chapter 882:

    Since then, no one had dared challenge Cealmaur¡¯s authority. Even Shadow had vanished for years.

    ¡°Cedric, level with me. Do you know Cealmaur¡¯s leader? Otherwise, why would she be stepping in because of you?¡±

    Cedric narrowed his eyes. No matter how hard he searched his memory, he couldn¡¯t recall any connection between himself and rinda.

    But one thing was certain¡ªhe hated owing anyone.

    Dani woke from her nap to find a message from Lillian lighting up her phone screen. She nced at it briefly, then headed to the bathroom to freshen up.

    After sshing cold water on her face, she tied her hair into a neat ponytail. Stepping out of Cedric¡¯s lounge, she found him at his desk, punching numbers into a calctor.

    ¡°What are you working on?¡± she asked, approaching him.

    Cedric muttered, ¡°I need to keep a smallpany intact for a futureeback and liquidate the rest.¡± He pressed the inte and said, ¡°Have the finance department calcte the full value of Phillips Group¡¯s assets.¡±

    After ending the call, his expression remained a mix of seriousness and ease, as if he had already epted the weight of the decision. Yet, beneath it all, there was something unreadable in his gaze.

    ¡°Honey, I¡¯m deep in debt and need to pay it off in cash. You okay with that?¡±

    Dani responded without hesitation, ¡°Of course.¡±

    The secretary standing nearby swallowed hard. Could this couple stop talking about billion-dor assets as if they were discussing the weather?

    Unbothered, Dani resumed ying her video game.

    M?????? ?????????????? ???? ??????????????????.??????

    Cedric mentioned he had a meeting in the conference room. Dani gave a small nod, and once he left, she finished her game, stretched her neck, and told the secretary, ¡°I¡¯m heading downstairs for a walk.¡±

    The secretary¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Would you like me to apany you?¡±

    Dani shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m just taking a quick tour of the departments. No need to tag along.¡±

    The secretary¡¯s excitement deted instantly.

    Half an hourter, Cedric wrapped up his meeting. A wave of regret hit him¡ªhe should have kept Dani close. It was too dangerous these days.

    When he returned to his office and saw it empty, his pulse skyrocketed. ¡°Where¡¯s my wife?¡±

    His secretary bolted out of the department, pointing to the lower floors. ¡°She said she was touring the departments downstairs.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s expression darkened. Without another word, he rushed into the elevator.

    The secretary stood frozen. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with Mr. Phillips? I¡¯ve never seen him this rattled. His wife is just walking around thepany, not leaving the building. What¡¯s got him so worked up?¡±

    What possible danger could there be in Cedric¡¯s ownpany?

    Cedric was frantic.

    At first, he couldn¡¯t locate Dani until his secretary pointed toward the meeting room. ¡°She¡¯s over here!¡±

    Cedric hurried to the room and found Danifortably settled in the office armchair, bathed in sunlight as she napped.

    As the noise of his approach disturbed her, Dani¡¯s eyes fluttered open, and she greeted Cedric with a smile. ¡°Why the hurry? I was just taking a nap.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 883

    ?Chapter 883:

    With a great sense of relief, Cedric embraced Dani tightly. ¡°You had me worried.¡±

    Dani responded by patting Cedric¡¯s back lightly andughed. ¡°Scared? Don¡¯t be. I¡¯m here, all safe.¡±

    Throughout their walk to the office, Cedric held Dani¡¯s hand firmly.

    Observing them, the secretary believed in love again.

    Once back in the office, Cedric only rxed after sitting and watching Dani for some time. Dani had been unusually tired these past few days, and upon reaching the office, she immediatelyid down on the sofa to sleep.

    Cedric stole nces at her repeatedly before finally turning his attention to his phone.

    He had received many voice messages from Rex.

    Choosing not to use headphones this time, Cedric converted the audio messages into text to read them.

    ¡°Wow, Cedric! You won¡¯t believe what happened! Down in the alley on Old Street, the leader of Extinction was taken out. It took me by surprise. Guess who I saw? rinda! She was decked out in all ck: a loose hoodie, a baseball cap, skinny jeans, and a mask. When she first showed up, she seemed like any other young woman with her hair in a high ponytail. She moved in silence, and before I fully realized what was happening, it was all over. The encounter was just a blur of swift actions.¡±

    Cedric raised an eyebrow at the message. ¡°Old Street?¡±

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right! Old Street, just opposite Phillips Group. Quite the coincidence, huh? I meant to message you, but everything happened so quickly. They neutralized the leader of Extinction before I could even reach for my phone. Following this incident, it¡¯s obvious to¡­¡±

    Everyone knew that rinda had your back. Who would dare to touch you now?

    Cedric paused for a moment before asking, ¡°Can you get in touch with Shadow? I¡¯d like to meet her personally tonight.¡±

    Find what you love at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s???????

    Rex responded, ¡°I¡¯ll see what I can do.¡±

    Cedric was confused. Had they be that close?

    Minutester, Rex messaged again. ¡°Shadow¡¯s on her way up to see you now.¡± Cedric¡¯s confusion deepened.

    With a chuckle, Rex added, ¡°I¡¯ming up as well. I want to say hello to your wife.¡±

    Shortly after, the door to Cedric¡¯s office opened.

    A tall woman d in ck entered.

    Cedric nced at Dani, who was still sleeping, and motioned for Shadow to speak from the other side of the room.

    It might have been his imagination, but Cedric thought Shadow¡¯s eyes lingered on Dani a moment longer as she walked past.

    Cedric frowned, and Shadow stepped closer.

    ¡°Why are you looking out for me?¡± Cedric asked.

    Shadow folded her arms, her voice calm and detached. ¡°Our boss just told me to stretch my legs.¡±

    Cedric was skeptical of her response but chose not to challenge her. ¡°I¡¯m willing to pay for protection at the going rate.¡±

    Shadow nodded and said, ¡°Alright, but I¡¯m not the one to set the price. You¡¯ll need to discuss that with our boss.¡±

    Cedric didn¡¯t beat around the bush. ¡°When can I meet your boss?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 884

    ?Chapter 884:

    Once more, Cedric noticed Shadow¡¯s gaze drifting towards Dani.

    Cedric positioned himself to obstruct her view.

    With a slight smirk, Shadow said, ¡°Rx, I was merely appreciating your wife¡¯s beauty. Nothing more. Our boss will meet with you whenever she decides.¡± With those words, Shadow gestured with her hand and exited the office.

    As she walked past Dani, Shadow crisply announced, ¡°I¡¯m heading out.¡±

    Cedric and Rex watched as Shadow stepped into the stairwell and quickly disappeared into the shadows.

    Rex turned from the now-empty stairwell to where Daniy asleep on the sofa. He quietly said to Cedric, ¡°Cedric, why is your wife still sleeping at this hour?¡±

    They came and went, and yet she remained undisturbed.

    Rex wondered if his boss had married azy woman. She was undeniably attractive, though her apparent lethargy was less appealing.

    ¡°Hmm,¡± Cedric responded, gazing at Dani with fondness. ¡°She just went for a quick walk downstairs, and it wore her out.¡±

    Rex offered a strained smile. ¡°Tired from just a brief walk? On the other hand, rinda had just been involved in a significant altercation.¡±

    ¡°Alright, Cedric. I need to get going.¡±

    Before leaving, Rex took another look at Dani. Despite himself, he felt a strange resemnce between Dani¡¯s figure and rinda¡¯s.

    It had to be his imagination. After all, Dani had be fatigued merely from a brief walk downstairs.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s£®?§àm takes you away

    As Rex was on his way out, something caught his eye. He spotted Dani¡¯s hair ribbon just as the elevator doors were beginning to close.

    ¡°Cedric!¡± Rex hastily pressed the button to reopen the elevator doors. ¡°Your wife¡­¡±

    Could she actually be the leader of Cealmaur? The thought flickered through his mind, but Rex quickly shook it off. How could that be possible? The woman who led Cealmaur was inconceivable as Cedric¡¯s wife. It was too far-fetched for him to believe.

    Rex scratched his head, entered the elevator, and departed.

    Three dayster, Joyce visited Phillips Group to meet with Dani about a potential coboration. It was her first time visiting Cedric¡¯s office.

    Her heart raced with excitement, but she maintained a calm demeanor. ¡°Dani, I¡¯ve brought the contract. Please sign it.¡±

    Dani declined.

    Joyce¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°What do you mean? Are you turning down easy money? Dani, what¡¯s holding you back?¡±

    Dani wasn¡¯t scared of anything. She simply didn¡¯t have the time recently.

    Joyce tightened her lips and turned to Cedric. ¡°What about you? Don¡¯t miss this golden opportunity.¡±

    Cedric also showed no interest. For him, nothing was more crucial right now than their ns to have a baby.

    Visibly annoyed, Joyce scowled. As she walked out, she said sharply, ¡°Turning down easy money? I wonder how long you can maintain this pretense of nobility.¡±

    Joyce stormed down to the parking lot.

    Once inside the car, she fixed a cold stare on Alexander, who upied the passenger seat. ¡°Didn¡¯t you im that the so-called bounty order would ensure my desires were fulfilled? I just visited them, and Cedric is unharmed.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 885

    ?Chapter 885:

    Alexander also found this puzzling. He had relied on insider information, which boasted about the bounty order¡¯s wless track record.

    Considering that Cedric was merely a businessman,cking any form of protection, his evasion was puzzling. Now, the intermediary Alexander had used was nowhere to be found. This situation left him with a bad feeling.

    Alexander had initially nned to take out Cedric first, then eliminate Joyce, clearing his path to Dani. However, it appeared his strategy needed some revisions.

    Upon her return home, Dani was met by Lillian with unexpected news. ¡°Joyce has disappeared.¡±

    Dani looked at Lillian. ¡°Are you sure? She was in my office earlier today.¡±

    Lillian confirmed with a nod and showed Dani a video. The surveince footage captured Joyce walking through a mall when suddenly, a battered, nondescript van pulled up alongside her. Within moments, she was pulled into the vehicle.

    The incident caused panic among bystanders, who quickly alerted the police. By the time the police arrived, Joyce was already missing.

    Lillian exined, ¡°This appears to be a well-nned abduction. The van managed to evade all cameras while exiting. As of now, there¡¯s no sign of Joyce.¡±

    Dani¡¯s expression turned serious. There was something particrly strange about this event.

    Lillian continued, ¡°Fairburne Group is in chaos. There¡¯s widespread spection about who will inherit Joyce¡¯s assets should anything happen to her.¡± Since Joyce had no children and Katrina had passed away, the only remaining rtive was Caiden, still officially recorded as family with Joyce. That, indeed, was a stroke of luck.

    Lillian smiled broadly. ¡°Dani, given that Caiden is under psychiatric care and you¡¯re his only child, you have a legitimate im to this wealth.¡± Her excitement was evident.

    Your source of stories: galn¦Òv??ls.??????

    Dani, however, did not share her excitement. ¡°If someone orchestrated this entire situation, do you really think they¡¯d simply allow Caiden or me to inherit everything without a challenge? Just wait. The person responsible will show themselves eventually.¡±

    Dani¡¯s insight was remarkably urate.

    Later that day, Fairburne Group convened an urgent press conference.

    A mysterious figure, dressed in a ck suit and wearing a mask, dered on camera that he would act as the interim chairman of Fairburne Group during Joyce¡¯s absence. He added that should Joyce be officially dered deceased, he would legally inherit all her assets.

    This announcement stunned the public, sparking spection about the masked man¡¯s identity.

    Watching the broadcast, Dani focused intently on the man¡¯s eyes, which were visible behind therge mask. They looked remarkably simr to Cedric¡¯s.

    She wasn¡¯t the only one who made the connection.

    Others also noticed the resemnce and beganparing photos of Cedric. Soon, rumors spread that Cedric had inherited Joyce¡¯s vast fortune. Resourceful individuals even uncovered video footage of Joyce at Phillips Group, just an hour before she vanished.

    This fueled widespread spection that Cedric was, in fact, the new chairman of Fairburne Group. Public curiosity turned the situation into a dramatic love triangle, and an intense battle for power began to emerge.

    However, following the press conference, the interim chairman withdrew from the public eye. This absence only intensified the rumors, leading people to conclude that Cedric must have stepped back from public appearances because he couldn¡¯t juggle two roles.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 886

    ?Chapter 886:

    Cedric scowled as he read the flood of congrattory messages on his phone from business contacts. For a moment, he was at a loss for words.

    Seeing Cedric¡¯s puzzled expression, Dani chuckled lightly. She reached out and gently patted his back, as ifforting a puppy. ¡°I know you¡¯re not responsible. I¡¯ll catch that person myself.¡±

    As newfound wealth began to circte, previously unattainable possibilities started to unfold. Alexander carefully erased every shred of evidence linking him to his cosmetic surgery.

    He then dered that Fairburne Group¡¯s vast resources would be rechanneled to support Bet Group.

    Bet Group, once teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, miraculously rebounded with the vigor of a phoenix rising from its ashes. It soon became the crown jewel of Olisvine¡¯s business sphere.

    Given the lucrative nature of the mining sector, it was a genuine fortune chest, promising colossal profits.

    Who, after all, could resist such a lucrative opportunity?

    Richard, having endured years of scorn and humiliation, savored his long-awaited return to prominence. His eyes sparkled with unshed tears as he settled all of Bet Group¡¯s debts, reimed the once-lost vi, and slipped back into his refined suits, restoring his status among the elite.

    Though Richard¡¯s haughty demeanor made aeback, he maintained a courteous front around Dani.

    One afternoon, their paths crossed in a bustling shopping mall. Spotting her from afar, he approached with a warm, inviting smile. ¡°Dani, it¡¯s been ages! If you¡¯re not too busy, perhaps you coulde over for a chat?¡±

    As Dani strode away, Richard remained motionless, his gaze lingering on her with the warmth typically reserved for a father observing his son¡¯s wife. It wasn¡¯t solely Alexander who harbored regrets about their shared history. Richard toomented his prior missteps with a heavy heart.

    ???????????? ?????????? ???????????? ???? ?????????¦Í??????©q??????

    Dani had been a remarkable daughter-inw, and their loss was due to their own misjudgments. Resolute in his determination, he vowed to value her presence if the opportunity for reconciliation ever arose.

    Moreover, Richard took deliberate steps to shield Dani from any disparagement, making sure no one dared to speak ill of her.

    One of his friends, picking up on his protective stance, joked, ¡°Richard, what¡¯s gotten into you? Trying to get back on Dani¡¯s good side, are you?¡±

    With a chuckle, Richard replied, ¡°Dani¡¯s a good girl and was once my daughter-inw. Now, with Bet Group flourishing, it¡¯s hardly about getting back into favor. Times have changed, love is liberated, and modern rtionships are fluid. Dani held a deep affection for my son. If there¡¯s a path to theming together again, it wouldn¡¯t be odd. She was once part of my family, and in my eyes, she always will be.¡±

    His words blended defense, pride, and a renewed authenticity.

    His friends exchanged uncertain looks, wondering if Richard¡¯sments were heartfelt or merely for appearances. Could Dani truly have a change of heart? Would she remarry Alexander?

    Indeed, Dani had once harbored affection for Alexander. Who could im to understand the whims of a young woman?

    Because of this, the Bet family began to garner newfound respect. Several key clients, motivated by regard for Dani, proposed exceptionally advantageous partnerships with Bet Group.

    ted, Richard phoned Alexander to ry the joyous developments.

    Yet Alexander¡¯s response was devoid of enthusiasm. Instead, he said, ¡°Dad, don¡¯t push too hard. Dani treasures her privacy. If she learns of this, it won¡¯t sit well with her. And regarding those who seek partnerships because of her influence, we should decline them.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 887

    ?Chapter 887:

    Richard paused, torn between the allure of profitable deals and the risk of displeasing Dani.

    But his priority was clear¡ªhe could not bear the thought of causing her distress. Recognizing the importance of patience, he consented and began a meticulous search for suitable coborators.

    This decision only fueled the fires of rumor. People grew increasingly convinced that Dani had indeed reconciled with the Bet family. After all, why else would they have spurned such lucrative offers?

    Consequently, proposals for partnerships flooded in, one after the other. Within a brief period, Bet Group evolved from a struggling entity into one of the nation¡¯s most distinguished enterprises.

    Nevertheless, the public¡¯s curiosity remained piqued. Why had Alexander kept such a low profile for so long? His knack for business was indisputable. Under his stewardship, Fairburne Group had soared, securing its position as a frontrunner in the industry. Previously, Doug had been too engrossed¡­

    In his efforts to effectively manage the business, Alexander¡¯s indulgences were clear, while Joyce simplycked the necessary acumen. Therefore, when Fairburne Group published itstest quarterly report, it dispelled any lingering doubts about Alexander¡¯s abilities.

    With the internal machinery running smoothly, Alexander organized a charity auction and extended an invite to Dani. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, he orchestrated a dy for Cedric¡¯s car, ensuring histe arrival at the event.

    Lurking in the shadows, Alexander watched Dani¡¯s face, his fists gradually unclenching after being tightly clenched in tension. In that moment, a wave of satisfaction washed over him, confirming that his efforts had paid off.

    He silently trailed her, choosing not to reveal himself. Instead, he settled into a seat just behind her, his eyes fixated on her with an intensity that bordered on obsession.

    Each time Dani raised her paddle only to lose a bid on an item, Alexander stepped in, securing the auction. The gathered crowd nced at the mysterious masked figure, murmuring among themselves in curiosity.

    Yet, Dani remained oblivious to the murmurs, her attention focused on her phone as she texted Cedric. She asionally participated in the auction before returning to her conversation.

    F??rst ??pp??ared ??n g?????????¦Í???????????

    From his seat, Alexander caught glimpses of her cheek and the subtle smile ying on her lips. A smile crept onto his face as well. He waspletely absorbed, following her every movement with an intensity that was dangerously close to fixation. To him, it seemed impossible to tear his gaze away, even for a fleeting moment.

    Alexander was ovee with a profound sense of regret as the charity auction concluded too soon. He hadn¡¯t spent enough time with Dani, and just like that, the event was over. He was left with a lingering desire for more.

    Compelled by this longing, he followed Dani into the cold evening air. Dani wasposing a message when a voice, rich and familiar, pierced the silence. ¡°Dani.¡± It was a voice that echoed with the same timbre as Cedric¡¯s. Surprised, she spun around, her face lighting up with a brilliant smile, her eyes gleaming like celestial bodies beneath the grandeur of the streetmps.

    Watching her, Alexander felt his heart warm. ¡°Dani.¡± Disguised by his mask, he closed the distance between them.

    With a graceful flourish of his hand, he gestured to the people behind him. ¡°ce these items in Dani¡¯s trunk, please.¡±

    Lillian, her brows knitting in displeasure, walked to the car¡¯s rear, her fingers deftly popping open the trunk.

    Dani looked at the man standing before her. His eyes were identical to Cedric¡¯s. ¡°Alexander?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 888

    ?Chapter 888:

    A sharp sting of regret pierced Alexander¡¯s heart. As her voice called out his name, the brilliance of her smile slowly faded, reced by a veil of cold detachment.

    In that moment, Alexander felt a deep longing. He wished with all his heart that he could truly be Cedric¡ªthe only Cedric who could effortlessly bring out Dani¡¯s unguarded smile. But, regrettably, he wasn¡¯t.

    With a heavy heart, Alexander pulled off the mask and looked at Dani, illuminated by the shimmering city lights.

    ¡°Dani, I don¡¯t need to be Alexander. I can be anyone you want me to be. I would cross the furthest corners of the earth and do anything daring if it meant making you happy. Dani, you can¡¯t even imagine the depth of my love for you.¡±

    Dani¡¯s expression faltered, her brows knitting in confusion.

    Nearby, Lillian sensed something was off. The man before them resembled Cedric, but there was an eerie coldness emanating from him.

    ¡°Dani, don¡¯t waste your words on someone like him. Let¡¯s leave.¡±

    Dani didn¡¯t spare Alexander a second nce as she turned to climb into the car.

    Alexander made no move to follow her. Instead, he remained rooted to the spot, his lips curving into a gentle smile as he waved. ¡°Dani, we¡¯ll see each other again very soon.¡±

    As the car pulled away, Lillian cast a sidelong nce at Dani, her voice tinged with disbelief. ¡°What is he thinking? Who in their right mind undergoes stic surgery to resemble Cedric? Is he mentally unstable, or simply out of his mind?¡±

    Dani remained stoically detached. She harbored no curiosity about Alexander¡¯s thoughts or underlying motives. Her heart had only two pursuits: seeking justice for her mother and standing by Cedric.

    Fresh content avable now g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv????s

    She spared no time for distractions, nor did she have any desire to engage with those who professed their love through bizarre and baffling actions.

    Upon returning home, Dani headed to her study. She retrieved the list Natalie had handed her earlier. It was time to confront those individuals.

    Elite Lux, renowned for its stable and robust maneuvers in the market, had recently shifted gears. It was now on an aggressive spree, seizing control of well-known domesticpanies.

    Wasting no time, Phillips Group quickly started to mimic these bold moves. From pharmaceuticals to education, from aviation to private banking, Elite Lux had spread its influence far and wide, leaving no sector untouched.

    The immense scale of their acquisitions stirred confusion and unease among the masses.

    Elite Lux¡¯s approach was merciless and unyielding. They gave no quarter, employing monopolistic practices that inevitably led their targets toward financial ruin.

    Each acquisition was finalized at the shockingly nominal fee of just one dor.

    The industry was in upheaval, with widespread anxiety about who could be next in line for Elite Lux¡¯s aggressive expansions.

    In a frenzy, industry leaders frantically sought connections and leveraged every possible influence, desperate to understand what had driven Dani, the CEO of Elite Lux, to such extreme measures.

    Some approached Richard,den withvish gifts, hoping to glean some understanding through him.

    Yet Richard¡¯s demeanor remained unaffected; his tone smooth, his assurance palpable. ¡°Dani has always had a serene disposition. For her to adopt such aggressive strategies, someone must have profoundly provoked her. There¡¯s no cause for rm. If you¡¯ve conducted your affairs transparently, what reason do you have to fear? Dani isn¡¯t one to unjustly direct her frustrations at others. Return to your homes; don¡¯t fret over matters beyond your control.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 889

    ?Chapter 889:

    Despite his soothing reassurances, his visitors left with lingering concern clearly etched on their faces. Richard, on the other hand, maintained aposed and detached air, seemingly unperturbed.

    But then, one unexpected day arrived.

    ¡°Mr. Bet, a gentleman is at the door iming to be the president of the National Commerce Association. He wishes to speak with you. He introduced himself as Mr. Perry.¡±

    Richard lounged in the warm embrace of the sunlight, hisughter booming when he heard those words. Dani certainly had a knack for stirring things up.

    Even the president of the National Commerce Association had been rmed. The National Commerce Association was a prestigious coalition, voluntarily established by the nation¡¯s elite enterprises. Onlypanies with assets exceeding ten billion dors could im membership, and its ranks wereposed of the finest and most powerful business giants. To put it bluntly, anyone from the association was a heavyweight in the business world.

    The association served as a powerhouse for these giants, constantly abuzz with thetest and most lucrative market insights. In essence, these were the individuals dominating the market, skimming the cream off the top. By the time they had their fill, even the leftovers were enough to enrich those on the periphery.

    Previously, when the Bet family had been desperate to join this association, Alexander had leveraged every connection and pulled every possible string, pouring immense resources into the effort. The reception expenses had run into the tens of millions. Yet, after all that, the association¡¯s president had brushed them off with mere words. ¡°The Bet family has only recently soared past the ten-billion-dor mark. Who can say whether their fortunes will hold? It¡¯s premature to let them into our ranks so easily. Is the National Commerce Association a club that can simply be bought into?¡±

    Following this incident, Bet Group became the butt of every joke in the industry for the better part of a year.

    Now, the president of the association making a personal visit surely had to be linked to Dani¡¯s aggressive acquisitions.

    Richard quirked an eyebrow, slowly rose from his seat, and took a leisurely stroll through the garden, circling it four times. It took him a full half-hour before he meandered back into the vi.

    ¡°Ah, Mr. Perry,¡± Richard said, his voice dripping with theatrically courteous tone as he entered. He shed a sardonic smile. ¡°This is an unexpected honor! I had almost resigned myself to the idea that we would never see you grace our ce in my lifetime.¡±

    Your story hub g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s

    Previously, Richard had only seen Hackett Perry through the filtered lens of the media. Now, meeting him in person, Richard quickly assessed him.

    Hackett was on the shorter side, barely reaching five feet three, with a build that suggested too manyvish dinners. He wore a polo shirt that was a bit too tight across his plump belly, his gleaming forehead reflecting the light as he greeted Richard with a broad, beaming smile.

    Upon meeting, Hackett presented Richard with a golf club valued in the millions. Ignoring the sarcasm in Richard¡¯s tone, Hackett shed a warm smile and handed him a badge signifying membership in the association. ¡°There was just a bit of confusion earlier. Today, I have no agenda other than to resolve our previous misunderstandings. The error was purely on my staff¡¯s part, and I¡¯m here personally to set things right. This badge represents the pinnacle of status in our business circle.¡±

    Hackett, ever the persuasive speaker, handed over the badge and rose to his feet. ¡°I¡¯ll keep my visit brief today, but Richard, in a few days, our association will host a gathering. It¡¯s crucial that you attend.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 890

    ?Chapter 890:

    Before leaving, Hackett handed Richard a list of the gathering¡¯s attendees.

    ¡°Richard, my friend, here¡¯s the list ofpanies attending the gathering. Have a look, and if there¡¯s anyone else you¡¯d like to bring, just say the word¡ªI¡¯ll handle the details.¡±

    With a smile that didn¡¯t falter, Hackett made his departure. Richard escorted him to the door.

    As Hackett got into the car, Richard¡¯s face contorted with disdain. He spat in the direction of the car, ensuring the sound was loud and clear. Hackett turned, still smiling, and gave Richard a parting wave before sliding into the car.

    Richard stood there, wondering if Hackett had failed to hear him or if the man was just impossiblyposed. How was Hackett managing to remain so unfazed?

    Behind him, a secretary hesitated before voicing her concerns. ¡°Mr. Bet, isn¡¯t it unwise to antagonize Mr. Perry in such a manner?¡±

    Richard responded with a sneer. ¡°What¡¯s the risk?¡± He nced nonchntly at the list Hackett had passed him earlier. ¡°Granted, the names here represent some of the giants in the industry, but that¡¯s simply the nature of the business world. When you¡¯re on the rise, everyone is your ally. They¡¯re only showing up now to cling to my sess and beg for Dani¡¯s mercy. Otherwise, do you really think they¡¯d spare me a second nce? I haven¡¯t lost touch with reality. In this arena, friendships are fleeting, interests are eternal. As long as I¡¯m an asset to¡­¡±

    ¡°Earning money is difficult, but swallowing one¡¯s pride is even harder,¡± Richard remarked, his voiceced with a mixture of amusement and disdain. ¡°All those high-flying big shots you see are nothing more than puppets dancing in the shadows.¡±

    The secretary raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his words. ¡°Yet, I¡¯ve never seen Ms. Harper bow to anyone.¡±

    Richard¡¯s expression softened at the mention of Dani. ¡°That¡¯s because Dani is one of a kind. She has an innate gift. Ever perceptive, just like her mother, with that sharp intellect. The Bet family has weathered countless storms, all thanks to her resilience. In terms of business acumen, she outshines even Alexander. Were she not a woman, suitors from all over the world would be moring for her attention.¡±

    He chuckled, a yful gleam in his eyes. ¡°Fortunately for Alexander, she is a woman¡ªhis perfect match. Initially, Alexander didn¡¯t recognize her worth, but given a second chance, they are destined for a blissful union.¡±

    However, the secretary furrowed his brow in skepticism. ¡°Considering Ms. Harper is already married, is it usible she would leave Cedric for Alexander?¡±

    More novels avable at g¦Áln¦Òv???s?c?m

    Richard responded with certainty. ¡°Without a doubt, she will. How long has Dani been with Cedric? She¡¯s known Alexander for ten years. Of course, Alexander is the better match for her.¡±

    The secretary had a different opinion. He believed that rtionships weren¡¯t measured by time, but by the depth of understanding between people. Yet, he didn¡¯t have the courage to voice his disagreement.

    Instead, he subtly inquired, ¡°Mr. Bet, do you n to attend the uing gathering?¡±

    Richard casually tossed the association¡¯s badge into a drawer. ¡°Naturally, I¡¯ll be there. Why would I miss out? It will be quite the spectacle, watching those once-arrogant giants get put in their ce by Dani¡¯s sess. Just thinking about it brings a smirk to my face.¡±

    The National Commerce Association was a treasure trove of market trends. Being involved was clearly advantageous.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 891

    ?Chapter 891:

    Additionally, with so many eager people wanting to ingratiate themselves with him, how could he possibly pass up such a rewarding opportunity? He was absolutely determined to attend.

    Unbeknownst to Richard, Hackett had stopped by Phillips Group before heading to his home.

    Cedric¡¯s secretary, always poised and courteous, had entertained Hackett with an afternoon of coffee.

    As Hackett prepared to leave, he left behind a badge.

    Upon noticing the badge, the secretary offered a gracious smile. ¡°You¡¯re far too generous, Mr. Peny. This is simply too precious for us to keep. I¡¯ll make sure to inform Mr. Phillips upon his return.¡±

    Hackett¡¯s smile remained gentle, radiating a friendly and rxed demeanor. ¡°Mr. Phillips is truly a standout individual. We¡¯ve extended an invitation for him to join our association before, but his schedule has always been too full. I took the opportunity to deliver this in person since I was in the area.¡±

    The secretary gave a slight nod. ¡°I appreciate your efforts, Mr. Perry. Should Mr. Phillips find some free time, he will undoubtedly contact you.¡±

    As the badge was handed back to him, Hackett¡¯s expression subtly shifted, his smile fading into a more stern look. ¡°Is this how Phillips Group shows their regard for the president of the National Commerce Association¡ªby denying me even a token of respect?¡±

    The secretary maintained hisposure, his hands neatly sped in front of him, exuding professionalism and courtesy. ¡°How is that possible? You are a figure of national renown. It would displease Mr. Phillips greatly if I were to show you disrespect.¡±

    Despite his words, the dismissal was undeniable.

    Hackett, clearly annoyed, abruptly exited with a final jab. ¡°In the future, let¡¯s see if Cedrices crawling back to me for this privilege.¡±

    Your imagination begins with g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s©q?????

    Upon leaving Phillips Group, Hackett made his way to Elite Lux, but he didn¡¯t even manage to enter.

    Lillian, far less indulgent than Cedric¡¯s secretary, briskly turned him away. ¡°Ms. Harper is recuperating and is not receiving guests at this time.¡±

    The incident unfolded before the eyes of many spectators, causing Hackett¡¯s face to cloud over with fury.

    Thankfully, Richard granted him entry and even epted a badge; otherwise, Hackett might have reached his boiling point.

    Back at the association, Hackett broke down crying during a meeting. The members of the association exchanged looks of bewilderment. ¡°Is there a problem, Mr. Perry?¡±

    Hackett, with a wave of his hand and a sorrowful shake of his head, let his tears fall onto the surface of the conference table.

    ¡°What¡¯s happened? We implore you to tell us!¡±

    Having served as the esteemed president for over twenty years, Hackett was deeply respected within themunity.

    Throughout his long stewardship, he had only ever encountered two significant crises.

    The first involved Brylee. Her resolve was as hard as steel, and her influence in the business world was unyielding. She wielded her authority with a sharp,manding aura.

    In a bid to unify themunity, Hackett had once offered her a chance to join the association.

    But Brylee had scoffed at the notion. She firmly believed that business triumphs were earned through personal merit alone¡ªvictory was the prize for the powerful, and defeat the scourge of the weak. Why would she bother bing part of such a ¡°pretentious¡± association? To her, it was wiser to invest that time and money into something that truly helped people.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 892

    ?Chapter 892:

    Her actions spoke as loudly as her words. She had financed educational programs for children in need, extended support to farmers devastated by locust invasions, and initiated a fund specifically for children suffering from hearing impairments.

    During this time, the mediavished endless praise on her.

    Consequently, manymerce association members started to switch their allegiance. Had Brylee¡¯s sudden, premature death not urred, the association¡¯s copse could have been inevitable. This marked the first major crisis Hackett encountered.

    Over ten yearster, Hackett had settledfortably into his role, enjoying the power and perks that came with it.

    However, Brylee¡¯s daughter, Dani, emerged as a brilliant force, posing a new threat to his authority.

    Dani proved even more daunting than her mother due to her forthright tactics. She had openly dered war.

    Severalpanies under the association¡¯s protection had already been cleverly overtaken by her, and there were clear indications that her campaign was far from over.

    While outsiders could overlook the strategy, Hackett saw the method in her moves.

    Dani was strategically targeting pivotal enterprises within the association, methodically weakening its structure. Hackett felt the oppressive threat hanging in the air.

    Facing the members, he dabbed at his moist eyes and managed a strained smile. ¡°It¡¯s nothing major, really. Just a minor hup. We¡¯re all esteemed individuals here; let¡¯s focus on maintaining peace and harmony.¡±

    His vague reassurances only served to stoke the mes of their curiosity.

    Find what you love at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    Hackett, pressing a handkerchief to his eyes once more, conceded, ¡°Alright, alright. I hadn¡¯t nned to bring this up, but since you¡¯re pressing, I¡¯ll share. Just promise not to overreact. It¡¯s truly nothing to fret about.¡±

    Some members, their patience waning, prodded him further. ¡°Mr. Perry, out with it! You¡¯re torturing us with this suspense.¡±

    Seizing the moment as the tension peaked, Hackett drew in a theatrical breath. ¡°Well, here¡¯s the scoop. Elite Lux is flourishing, and I thought, why not extend an invitation for them to join us? Dani, though young, possesses remarkable talent. So, I paid her a visit. But you won¡¯t believe what happened next.¡±

    He stretched out his words on purpose, drawing out the suspense.

    The members leaned in, brows knitted in concern. ¡°What happened? Come on, tell us.¡±

    ¡°Dani dismissed us outright. She imed that a titan like Elite Lux wouldn¡¯t fit into a petty organization like ours. She went so far as to scoff at our association, saying that evenbined, we wouldn¡¯t hold a candle to the smallest of Elite Lux¡¯s branches. At first, I brushed it off ¡ª youthful arrogance, I thought. But then, she crossed a line. She actually spat at me, telling me to grovel if I ever hoped for her to even consider our offer.¡±

    The room burst into a chorus of shocked gasps.

    Hackett continued, ¡°I even went so far as to offer to resign as president and let her assume the role, hoping it might satisfy her. But do you know what her response was?¡±

    The members¡¯ eyes narrowed in anticipation. ¡°What did she say?¡±

    In a toneden with grievance, Hackett responded, ¡°She dismissed the position outright. Not only that, she proimed her intent to methodically take over everypany within our association.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 893

    ?Chapter 893:

    At these words, the room devolved into chaos.

    ¡°Dani has be insufferably arrogant. What is she implying with this? Does she believe she can just beat us all?¡±

    ¡°Exactly! Her arrogance knows no bounds. We need to stand our ground.¡±

    ¡°Absolutely! Isn¡¯t herpany just another fancy luxury brand? We have suppliers in this association who work with them. Marc, consider halting their supply chain to disrupt their operations and force them to reconsider. Make Dani plead with you!¡±

    The crowd voiced their approval.

    ¡°Exactly! Stop supplying Dani!¡±

    ¡°Let Dani see what we¡¯re made of!¡±

    ¡°Marc, don¡¯t worry. We support you!¡±

    Voices ovepped in the room. Yet, Marc Green remained silent in his chair, uttering not a word.

    In the harsh world of business, any sign of weakness could provoke an attack. The same friends who supported him today might exploit him if he showed any real vulnerability.

    Hackett looked over at Marc, who was quiet, and smiled slightly. ¡°Marc, why so silent? It¡¯s not the end of the world. Your business doesn¡¯t rely solely on Dani¡¯s orders, right?¡±

    Another man interjected, ¡°Exactly! Our association is strong. If Dani stops her orders, we¡¯ll help you. What do you think?¡±

    ¡°Also, you¡¯ve alwaysined about Elite Lux¡¯s strict standards. Now¡¯s your chance to break away and prove your worth. Isn¡¯t this the perfect opportunity?¡±

    ¡°Come on, Marc. Dani is just a woman. What¡¯s there to be afraid of? What can she really do to you? She¡¯lle crawling back for your materials soon.¡±

    g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s has the stories you love

    The group¡¯s enthusiasm grew as they spoke louder, their confidence building.

    They were all eager to bring Dani down a notch.

    The idea of a sessfulpany led by a woman seemed to irritate these men.

    They were determined to undermine her, asserting that true sess was still a man¡¯s domain.

    Furthermore, they believed the reputation of their trade association shouldn¡¯t suffer because of this.

    Marc remained silent for a long while.

    Atst, under their intense gazes, he responded in a calm tone, ¡°You can support me now, but can you continue to do so forever?¡± Elite Lux was a globally renowned luxury brand.

    Although Marc had oftenined about their strict quality requirements, the substantial payments they made were beneficial.

    The five-year contract with Elite Lux had been reassuring. If Marc terminated it prematurely and Dani chose another supplier, would he not be merely a tool in their hands?

    Hackett observed Marc reflecting, a smirk of ridicule crossing his face briefly.

    A secondter, he sighed again. ¡°Alright, Marc, I understand. We shouldn¡¯t pressure you like this. Let¡¯s pretend we never had this discussion.¡±

    Hackett¡¯s act of swallowing his pride left a faint sense of guilt hanging in the room.

    Someone said, ¡°Marc, I hear you have a five-year deal with Dani. It¡¯s just for five years, right? Why don¡¯t you show us the contract? Whatever she¡¯s buying, we can take it off your hands!¡± The suggestion ignited excitement among the crowd.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 894

    ?Chapter 894:

    With some hesitation, Marc took out the contract.

    A hush fell over the room as they began to read through it.

    Hackett, grinning mischievously, picked up the document. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? What¡¯s with the silence? Is it such a big issue? It¡¯s only a five-yearmitment¡­¡±

    But as he spoke, his smile gradually disappeared, and his face stiffened.

    He could no longer find humor in the situation.

    ¡°Marc, are you serious? Is this the volume you supply to Elite Lux?¡±

    ¡°Wait, is your entirepany dependent on Elite Lux?¡±

    ¡°Is this even real? How are we supposed to handle such arge amount?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not fair, Marc.¡±

    One of the quieter men exchanged a nce with Hackett, then patted Marc on the shoulder. ¡°Marc, this isn¡¯t right. Remember when your daughter was kidnapped abroad? Hackett saved her. Without his help, who knows what might have happened? Now it¡¯s time for you to repay him, don¡¯t you think?¡±

    Marc¡¯s stomach dropped at the memory.

    Hackett dismissed it with an air of false humility. ¡°Oh, that was nothing significant.¡±

    ¡°Nothing?¡± the other man retorted. ¡°Marc, Hackett saved your life. Now he¡¯s been offended, and you won¡¯t support him? Do you even belong to this association? Look, we¡¯re not abandoning you. We¡¯ll take twenty percent of the order. You figure out the rest. It¡¯ll work itself out, right?¡± Before Marc could respond, Hackett stood up. ¡°Thanks, Marc. Don¡¯t look so down. Dani¡¯s big orders mean she depends on you, doesn¡¯t she? She won¡¯t dare upset you. Maybe she¡¯ll even beg youter. What do you think?¡±

    Marc responded with a forced, bitterugh.

    Leaving the trade association, he felt an overwhelming weight on his heart.

    L¨»t?st ch¦Ápt?rs ??n g??l??ov????.§ã??m

    The underlying message from everyone was clear: they wanted him to test the boundaries.

    If he didn¡¯tply, he risked being expelled from the association.

    Dani was reviewing documents in her office when Lillian knocked on the door. ¡°Dani, Marc is here. He wants to meet with you.¡±

    Dani nodded.

    Soon, Marc stepped into the room, carrying a gift. ¡°Ms. Harper, it¡¯s been a while. Just a small token of appreciation.¡±

    Dani barely nced at the gift. ¡°What do you want?¡±

    Marc knew Dani had little patience for small talk or needless conversation, which only added to her enigmatic nature. People like her were the hardest to read.

    He let out a short, nervous chuckle. ¡°Well, there¡¯s something I need to discuss with you.¡±

    Dani nodded again. ¡°Then get to it.¡±

    Marc swallowed hard. ¡°The cost of raw materials has risen recently. So, would you consider raising our price?¡±

    Dani remained calm as she looked at Marc. ¡°We have a contract, don¡¯t we?¡±

    Marc nodded quickly. ¡°We do. But business has been rough, and I¡¯m in a tight spot. Could you consider a little flexibility, maybe a slight percentage increase?¡±

    Lillian rested against the doorframe, her gaze fixed on Marc.

    Dani, however, remained unfazed. ¡°How much are you asking?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 895

    ?Chapter 895:

    Marc licked his lips nervously. ¡°Just twenty percent.¡± He stole a nce at Dani, but her expression remained unreadable. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a badge. ¡°I¡¯d also like to invite you to join the National Commerce Association. This is the badge.¡±

    Dani nced at the badge, then met his gaze with a faint smile. ¡°I understand what you¡¯re asking.¡±

    Marc exhaled in relief, thinking he¡¯dpleted his mission.

    ¡°If you no longer wish to continue our partnership, that¡¯s fine,¡± Dani added.

    Marc¡¯s smile stiffened. ¡°No, no, that¡¯s not what I meant,¡± he stammered, panic creeping into his voice. ¡°We can renegotiate the price. And as for the association, at least consider joining. We¡¯re very sincere about this.¡±

    Marc was about to speak again when Dani slowly lifted her hand.

    Marc stood still, frozen.

    He had meticulously prepared for this meeting, envisioning countless possible responses from Dani and crafting the perfect replies for each. But he hadn¡¯t anticipated this.

    Dani simply stated, ¡°Our partnership with you ends today. Lillian, please show him out.¡±

    Marc¡¯s mouth was wide agape. ¡°Ms. Harper, please, listen! I wasn¡¯t trying to threaten you! I just wanted to persuade you. The association offers real benefits. Please, give me another chance.¡±

    Lillian picked up the phone and called security. She tossed the badge out along with Marc.

    Shortly after, Elite Lux¡¯s official website announced the termination of its contract with Marc¡¯spany.

    The news spread fast, shaking the entire association.

    For updates, visit ?¦Ál?ov??s.co?

    Everyone was astonished as no one had expected Dani to be so ruthless.

    A partnership worth billions a year was terminated just like that?

    No negotiations, no second chances?

    Marc stormed into Hackett¡¯s office, fuming. Hackett, however, merely smiled, consoling him. ¡°Rx. Just wait. How long do you think Elite Lux willst without a major supplier like you? Women make impulsive decisions. Give it time. She¡¯lle crawling back.¡±

    That very evening, Hackett paid Dani a visit.

    She had just stepped out of her car when he intercepted her.

    ¡°Dani, was that necessary? I was an old friend of your mother¡¯s. We¡¯ve known each other for years. Why make this unpleasant? I have only one request: call off your acquisition ns, or at the very least, leave our association members out of it. Let¡¯s move forward without bad blood. Otherwise, Marc will be just the first. Morepanies will walk away, one after another. Elite Lux may be powerful, but it¡¯s still finding its footing in the domestic market. Its foundation isn¡¯t as solid as you think. Who will stand by you then? Take my advice, y fair, and the road ahead will be much smoother.¡±

    Still smiling, Dani sidestepped Hackett and walked into the Elite Lux building without a word.

    Days slipped by.

    Contrary to Hackett¡¯s predictions, Elite Lux stood firm. Not only did it maintain its supply chain, but Marc¡¯spany was the first to copse.

    Elite Lux¡¯s business was vast, and the association members¡¯ contributions were nothing more than a drop in the ocean. They couldn¡¯t make up for Marc¡¯s losses.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 896

    ?Chapter 896:

    Desperate, Marc rushed to Elite Lux, hoping to see Dani but instead, he found Cedric tending to a row of lush green nts in the hallway. ¡°Mr. Phillips, please, could you put¡­¡±

    ¡°In a good word for me? Tell Ms. Harper we¡¯re willing to stick to the original contract and continue our partnership. We can talk about joining the associationter. Please, help me out.¡±

    Cedric looked up, mildly surprised. ¡°You¡¯re toote.¡±

    Marc¡¯s stomach twisted. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Cedric smiled faintly. ¡°Were you not aware? When Elite Lux entered this market, it had already built its own raw material processing nt.¡±

    Marc waved his hands frantically. ¡°That¡¯s impossible. I checked! There was no nt. And we signed a nonpete agreement. Elite Lux wasn¡¯t allowed to process its own raw materials. Ms. Harper knows¡­¡±

    Cedric nodded. ¡°That¡¯s true, but Dani has me. Mypany never signed a nonpete with you. So, when you terminated your contract with Elite Lux, we stepped in and sealed the deal. You¡¯re really out of the loop. It¡¯s been days, and you¡¯re still living in denial?¡±

    Marc stumbled back a few steps, his eyes wide in disbelief. Without wasting a second, he ordered his team to investigate thepany Cedric had mentioned.

    Momentster, Marc broke down right then and there.

    He copsed at Dani¡¯s office door, sobbing. ¡°Ms. Harper, please give me another chance! I swear I won¡¯t threaten you again! I won¡¯t raise prices anymore! I was misled! I can¡¯t survive without Elite Lux¡¯s orders. Please, I¡¯m begging you!¡±

    But Dani never showed up.

    Marc¡¯spany¡¯s funds dried up. Investors pulled out one after another.

    ??¦Á???????? §ã????¦Ñ???????? ??¦Á??????¦Í??????©q?????

    Five dayster, the once-thrivingpany dered bankruptcy. Before his bankruptcy was finalized, Marc turned to Hackett, clinging to ast shred of hope for help.

    But Hackett merely smiled and said, ¡°There¡¯s no room for you in this game anymore. Coming to me won¡¯t change that. If you need someone to me, look in the mirror and me yourself for being stupid.¡±

    That same day, Marc tragically ended his own life by throwing himself off the association¡¯s headquarters. He was dead on impact.

    Unfazed, Hackett instructed his staff to take care of the matter. That same day, Dani continued her expansion, securing another acquisition under the association¡¯s umbre.

    The entire association fell into a state of silent, suffocating fear.

    Richard stepped into the gathering, his gaze sweeping over the once-mighty business tycoons, now sitting in silence, their faces etched with an uncharacteristic heaviness. Settling into a chair, he crossed one leg over the other, his posture dripping with quiet arrogance.

    The same men who once swaggered around, barking orders like kings, were now forced to swallow their pride.

    His future daughter-inw had struck with razor-sharp precision. What a remarkable woman!

    ¡°Richard, you¡¯ve made it!¡± Hackett greeted him with a warm smile, lowering himself into a chair by the coffee table. ¡°You¡¯re looking better than ever these days.¡±

    Richard let out a light chuckle. ¡°Naturally. Nothing lifts the spirits like watching a grand spectacle unfold.¡±

    The meaning behind his words wasn¡¯t lost on the others. Their expressions turned grim.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 897

    ?Chapter 897:

    Hackett, however, kept his smile intact. ¡°Indeed, it was quite the disy. Dani has an uncanny decisiveness, and her strategies are nothing short of brilliant.¡±

    Hearing Hackettmend Dani sent a wave of satisfaction through Richard, his chest swelling with pride.

    ¡°But¡­¡± Hackett¡¯s gaze drifted across the room, his smile slowly dimming. ¡°Isn¡¯t she being a little too high-profile?¡±

    Richard¡¯s voice remained calm. ¡°If she¡¯s got the talent, why should she have to keep a low profile?¡±

    ¡°Fair enough, but she¡¯s been making moves a bit too boldly. At the end of the day, she¡¯s still just one woman. No matter how skilled she is, she should be wary of steering straight into a storm, don¡¯t you think?¡±

    ¡°Exactly.¡± Someone else let out a chuckle. ¡°No matter how sharp she is, she¡¯s still just one person. Richard, I hear there¡¯s talk of Dani possibly making amends with your son? If that¡¯s true, let me give you a word of caution. Building apany is tough, but protecting it is even tougher. Don¡¯t let her boldness put your family¡¯s future at risk.¡±

    A quiet chuckle came from someone nearby. ¡°We seasoned yers have been keeping our distance out of respect. But if we were to move as one, do you really think Dani could hold her ground? We¡¯ve been generous to the younger crowd, yet she walks as if she¡¯s untouchable.¡±

    Hackett¡¯s smile stretched wider as he noticed Richard¡¯s brow crease.

    His voice remained light, but the weight behind it was unmistakable. ¡°We¡¯re just concerned about Alexander¡¯s future. The Bet family has already seen its fair share of hardships. You, more than anyone, know what it¡¯s like to fight through adversity. Would you truly want your son and his future wife to keep walking that same treacherous path?¡±

    Richard¡¯s gaze flickered with a mix of emotions, his face giving nothing away.

    Hackett leaned in, his voice smooth, coaxing. ¡°We¡¯re extending a genuine invitation to Dani to join our association. If she epts, the Bet family cane aboard too. We¡¯d be one big family. Doesn¡¯t that sound ideal? Why keep butting heads? Isn¡¯t pooling our strengths and making money together the smarter move?¡±

    Stay tuned for more g??lno¦Íe??s.c?m

    As he spoke, Hackett poured Richard a cup of coffee, his smile stretching even wider. ¡°Give it some thought, won¡¯t you? Can Dani really take on all of us alone? And what¡¯s she even gaining from it anyway?¡±

    Richard inhaled deeply, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. He wasn¡¯t sure what Dani¡¯s endgame was, but he had to admit¡ªHackett had a point.

    Profit was the priority. Stirring up hostility left and right wouldn¡¯t bode well for Alexander either. If Dani married into the Bet family, her enemies would inevitably be theirs.

    Richard¡¯s frown deepened under the weight of the dilemma.

    Noticing his hesitation, Hackett gave a faint smile and patted Richard¡¯s hand.

    ¡°One more thing, Richard. I hadn¡¯t brought this up before, but since we¡¯re having such a productive conversation today, I¡¯ll say it now. Your future daughter-inw¡¯s strong-handed approach might start chipping away at your authority within the family.¡±

    Richard parted his lips to reply, but Hackett smoothly cut in with a knowing smile. ¡°I get it¡ªyou don¡¯t mind. But as a father, are you truly fine with your son always ying second fiddle to a woman? If you and Dani join our association, we¡¯re all reasonable men here. If any disputes arise in your family, we¡¯d be right there to back you up, mediate in your favor. Doesn¡¯t that sound like a win?¡±

    Hackett¡¯s words seemed to ease the burden pressing on Richard¡¯s mind. His brows slowly rxed. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll talk to her. Dani¡¯s taken things too far this time. We¡¯re all part of the same circle¡ªthere¡¯s no reason for this kind of hostility. No need to make life harder for each other.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 898

    ?Chapter 898:

    At his words, the others exchanged pleased smiles, their expressions bright with satisfaction.

    Once Richard had left, a man beside Hackett leaned in and murmured, ¡°Do you really think Dani will agree? She doesn¡¯t seem like someone who¡¯s easily swayed. Could it be that she¡¯s going after us because she¡¯s uncovered something about her mother?¡±

    Hackett shut him down. ¡°Rubbish! What mother? Whose mother?

    That¡¯s got nothing to do with us!¡±

    After stepping out of Hackett¡¯s office, Richard didn¡¯t head straight to his car.

    Instead, he pulled out his phone and dialed Alexander. ¡°Hackett asked us to try and talk Dani out of it.¡± Silence stretched on the other end of the line.

    Richard exhaled sharply. ¡°Why is Dani so determined to go up against them? These men are industry giants. If she pushes too far, they won¡¯t just sit back and watch. If they decide to retaliate, she won¡¯t stand a chance.¡± Still, Alexander said nothing.

    Frustration crept into Richard¡¯s voice. ¡°Alexander, I know how hard you worked to build your sess. And I know you want to be with Dani, but is it worth risking everything you¡¯ve achieved? What if she refuses to back down and offends the wrong people? Even if you two get back together, you¡¯ll be walking into a storm that won¡¯t just pass.¡±

    Finally, Alexander spoke, his tone steady and unwavering. ¡°Dad, stay out of this. Dani isn¡¯t reckless. If she¡¯s making a move like this, she has a reason. Let me figure it out.¡±

    Richard¡¯s frown deepened, but after a long pause, he let out a reluctant sigh. ¡°Alright.¡±

    Once he hung up, he ran a hand over his face.

    No matter how much he respected Dani, his priority was always Alexander.

    ?o?.sl??ou??? uo s??s?? l??????o

    And above all, he didn¡¯t want to go back to the struggles of the past.

    Still, if Alexander was willing to wait, he would trust him to handle it. He forced himself to hold back from confronting Dani.

    But the next day, Dani made headlines again, this time for boldly acquiring yet another major corporation.

    Richard sat stiffly in front of the television, his eyes glued to the screen as Dani¡¯s interview yed. A cold unease crept through him.

    Then, his phone rang.

    Hackett.

    ¡°Richard, don¡¯t you think your future daughter-inw is crossing the line?¡± Hackett¡¯s voice was low, edged with something dangerous.

    Richard¡¯s stomach tightened. ¡°Well, uh¡­¡±

    ¡°Have you spoken to Dani or not? Or did you, and she just brushed you off? If she doesn¡¯t even listen to you, don¡¯t expect us to sit back and watch. The association¡­¡±

    ¡°Represents over three thousand of the country¡¯s toppanies; we won¡¯t let this slide.¡±

    Richard swallowed hard. ¡°What¡¯s the rush? I haven¡¯t had a chance to talk to her yet. My schedule¡¯s been packed. I¡¯ll meet with Dani this afternoon. No, I¡¯ll go right now!¡±

    He ended the call and shot to his feet, panic etched across his face.

    What the hell was Dani thinking?

    Was she seriously going up against the nation¡¯s most powerful enterprises? If they joined forces against her, she¡¯d be crushed.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 899

    ?Chapter 899:

    Meanwhile, Dani was reviewing reports when a knock at the door interrupted her. Lillian stepped in. ¡°Dani, Richard¡¯s here. He looks frantic and says he needs to see you right away.¡±

    Dani¡¯s brows lifted slightly. ¡°See me?¡±

    Lillian nodded. ¡°He waspletely out of breath when he arrived. His face was pale from running, and he chugged a full ss of water before he could even speak.¡±

    Dani¡¯s brows knitted slightly. ¡°Ask him what it¡¯s about. I have an international meetinging up. If it¡¯s nothing urgent, tell him toe back another day.¡±

    Today¡¯s meeting was with headquarters to review thetest round of financial data.

    The overseas executives had always been skeptical of Dani¡¯s decision to return to the country, enforcing strict uracy checks on every report.

    Lillian nodded and stepped out.

    Richard paced the lobby, checking the time every few seconds. When Lillian returned, he didn¡¯t wait for her to speak.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go upstairs,¡± he said, already striding to the elevator.

    Lillian held up a hand, stopping him. ¡°We can talk here. Dani is in an international meeting. Tell me what you need, and I¡¯ll pass it along.¡±

    Richard¡¯s face darkened. ¡°That won¡¯t do! This is serious, and you can¡¯t speak for her. I need to see Dani¡ªnow!¡±

    Lillian gave an indifferent shrug. ¡°Thene back another day.¡± Her casual response nearly made Richard lose his temper.

    His gaze flicked around the lobby until itnded on Cedric, who was idly trimming the branches of a potted nt.

    Explore g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s for fresh content

    Richard¡¯s irritation boiled over. ¡°Look at him! Just look at Cedric! He used to be the fearsome CEO of Phillips Group¡ªcalm, ruthless, always in control. And now? Now he¡¯s lounging around like some spoiled brat. Don¡¯t tell me he¡¯s riding on Dani¡¯s coattails now?¡±

    Lillian followed his gaze.

    Cedric was carefully snipping away at the nt, his expression oddly serene.

    Spoiled? Not exactly. But ever since he married Dani, he had be more approachable, even at ease.

    Cedric¡¯s secretary had once mentioned that before Dani entered his life, Cedric never smiled.

    Now, Lillian often caught Cedric grinning at Dani, shing a full set of teeth,pletely unguarded.

    ¡°Lillian, the most important thing in any rtionship is sincerity!¡± Richard¡¯s voice carried weight, his emphasis on the word unmistakable.

    Lillian arched a brow. ¡°And?¡±

    ¡°Dani¡¯s been making some aggressive movestely, acquiring onepany after another. Alexander and I are beside ourselves with worry¡ªwe haven¡¯t had a decent night¡¯s sleep in days. You¡¯re her right hand, aren¡¯t you? You know as well as anyone that if she thrives, so do you. So, talk some sense into her. No one takes on a giant andes out unscathed. Just because herpany is thriving now doesn¡¯t mean she should get ahead of herself. She needs to stay grounded, don¡¯t you think? Hackett spoke to me a few days ago. His message was simple: harmony benefits everyone. I think it¡¯s a sound approach. Dani is still young; she should aim for a smooth, steady path instead of being so¡ª¡±

    Richard stopped short, realizing the word he was about to use might not sit well. He adjusted his tone, gentler now. ¡°What I mean is, she shouldn¡¯t back herself into a corner. Someone as sharp as Dani wouldn¡¯t do that. Don¡¯t you agree?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 900

    Chapter 900:

    Richard was disying an unusual level of politeness at that moment.

    Dani¡¯s status had changed dramatically.

    His voice carried a softer tone than it had in previous days.

    Catching Lillian¡¯s eye, Richard chuckled and said, ¡°I¡¯vee here in aplete rush, worried sick. Alexander is concerned too. Yet, it seems Cedric isn¡¯t worried at all.¡±

    Lillian picked up on the subtle insult. It was a clear swipe at Cedric, though it was far from discreet.

    She had no desire to engage in a lengthy conversation with Richard and responded briskly, ¡°I get what you¡¯re saying. I¡¯ll ry your message to Dani.¡±

    She then rose to leave. However, after a few steps, she paused and turned around.

    ¡°Before I go, let me offer you some friendly advice. Dani holds him in high regard and won¡¯t appreciate anyone speaking ill of him. Moreover, she has both the means and the desire to keep him content.¡± The people at Elite Lux were fiercely protective of their own. They might criticize Cedric themselves, but external criticism was not wee.

    Richard remained still for a moment, his mind slowly catching up as he realized that Lillian was talking about Cedric. His face quickly turned sour.

    He hurried out and dialed Alexander¡¯s number.

    As soon as Alexander found out Richard was at Elite Lux, he became anxious. ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you I was still considering it?¡±

    ¡°Still considering it? Hackett and his associates are gearing up for a move. If they act, it will lead to an economic showdown nationwide. If it reaches that point, and you¡¯re forced by the businessmunity to choose a side, what then? Fairbume Group¡¯s core business is mining, but you¡¯re expanding into other sectors. You¡¯ve just started making inroads there. What¡¯s your n if the situation esctes because of Dani? Cedric doesn¡¯t appear trustworthy, and the same goes for Lillian. Should things take a turn for the worse, they are likely to be the first ones to flee. When that happens, it will be just you and Dani left. Do you genuinely believe you can support her and face the entire world alone? That¡¯s ridiculous!¡±

    Alexander remained quiet for an extended period.

    galno¦Í?ls is your update source

    Undeterred, Richard added, ¡°Lillian brushed off myments. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll seize another chance to speak with Dani soon.¡±

    As Richard was on the verge of ending the call, Alexander abruptly said,

    ¡°Dad.¡±

    Richard stopped.

    ¡°Dad, if ites to that, I will be there for her, and together we will face the world.¡±

    Richard¡¯s eyes narrowed.

    ¡°I have lost her once before,¡± Alexander continued. ¡°She ended up with someone else, and it was the biggest mistake of my life. I won¡¯t step back this time. I¡¯m determined to stay by her side, no matter the consequences.¡±

    Richard frowned. ¡°Have you lost your senses? Consider all you¡¯ve had to endure to achieve what you currently hold!¡±

    To secure his position, Alexander faced humiliation and disgrace while associated with Joyce. He had even undergone stic surgery to make himself look like Cedric. Was he really willing to risk everything now?

    ¡°Dad, I¡¯m sorry.¡± With those words, Alexander disconnected the call.

    Richard remained standing, exhaling deeply.

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Good night dear ones. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. ?(^?^ )? ¡ä-

    .

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 901

    ?Chapter 901:

    What aplicated situation!

    Meanwhile, Dani¡¯s strategy to expand her influence was progressing. Hackett had mustered the support of the entire businessmunity, readying them for a collective attack on Dani.

    Upon hearing this, Richard approached Hackett. ¡°Just grant me a bit more time. I believe I can persuade Dani.¡±

    Hackett narrowed his eyes at him. ¡°You¡¯ve had all the opportunities I could offer, and you¡¯ve wasted each one. Dani¡¯s behavior is so reckless and arrogant. If I don¡¯t put her in her ce, she¡¯ll assume we¡¯re all pushovers. She has already provoked considerable outrage, and people are prepared to confront her!¡±

    Richard pleaded, ¡°Just give me one hour. I need to speak with Dani.¡±

    As Richard made his way into Dani¡¯s office, he found her observing Cedric arrange some flowers.

    Out of breath, the security guard offered an apology to Dani. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but he was just too quick for us to stop.¡±

    Dani stood up, fixing her gaze on Richard. ¡°What brings you here?¡±

    Richard entered with urgency, casting a disapproving look at Cedric. ¡°Dani, there¡¯s a major issue at hand!¡±

    Dani responded withposure, ¡°Are you referring to the matter you discussed with Lillian yesterday? I¡¯m already aware of it and have devised a strategy of my own. I¡¯m puzzled as to why you¡¯re so agitated.¡±

    Richard, having rushed up the stairs, caught his breath, and Dani noticed his effort, which made her tone a bit gentler. Otherwise, she could have easily responded with, ¡°It¡¯s none of your concern. Why are you getting so upset?¡±

    Richard was taken aback, momentarily speechless. He briefly wondered if his concerns were unwarranted. Should he just leave?

    ?????????????? ????????????: ?????????¦Í???????????????

    ¡°Hold on.¡± Richard faltered, his earlier urgency deted by Dani¡¯s calm demeanor. ¡°Doesn¡¯t this situation worry you? Hackett mentioned that if you continue to acquirepanies from the association, they will band together against you.¡±

    Dani merely nodded. ¡°So?¡±

    Richard was surprised by her casual reaction. ¡°You aren¡¯t worried at all?¡±

    ¡°About what?¡±

    ¡°The association!¡± Richard stepped forward. ¡°Are you even aware of what the National Commerce Association entails? There isn¡¯t time to go into depth now, so I¡¯ll simplify it for you. The association is a powerful alliance of individuals, each with a worth of at least ten billion. Theybine their resources, connections, and influence to safeguard their collective interests. When one member faces a threat, they unite to confront the challenge as a united front.¡±

    Richard paused, considering his words. ¡°The power of the National Commerce Association can obliterate anything in their way. Even the media agrees¡ªstanding against them is like standing against the entire world.¡±

    Dani gave a slight nod. ¡°Oh, that does sound impressive.¡±

    Richard dabbed at his forehead, his confusion deepening as he studied Dani. This wasn¡¯t the reaction he expected. Something was off.

    Richard hesitated, searching for the right words. After everything he had said, Dani remained unfazed. Finally, he asked, ¡°What¡¯s on your mind?¡±

    Dani remainedposed. ¡°As I said earlier, Lillian has already passed along your message from yesterday. As for the association, it doesn¡¯t concern me much. My future ns remain confidential, and I¡¯m not at liberty to discuss them. If there¡¯s nothing else, I have another meeting to attend.¡±

    Richard stood still, momentarily stunned. After all his effort, was Dani really brushing him off so easily?

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 902

    ?Chapter 902:

    ¡°Dani, listen. You¡¯re young and don¡¯t grasp how serious this is. This association isn¡¯t something to take lightly. You can¡¯t just¡ª¡± Before he could finish, Lillian stepped in and led him out.

    Richard found himself standing outside Elite Lux, shoulders slumped in frustration.

    Why was Dani so impossibly stubborn? Just because herpany had some sess didn¡¯t mean she could let it go to her head. When trouble came, she would have no choice but to rely on Alexander to clean up her mess. And Cedric? He was just a man who indulged in luxury, living for pleasure without a care for responsibility. He was nothingpared to Alexander¡ªpragmatic, forward-thinking, and always considerate. Alexander was a hundred times the man Cedric would ever be.

    With these thoughts, Richard turned on his heel and left.

    He hadn¡¯t even reached home when he saw Hackett already waiting at his doorstep.

    Richard stepped out of his car, tension rising.

    Hackett, exuding authority, wasted no time. ¡°What did Dani say?¡±

    Richard hesitated, pressing his lips together.

    Hackett let out a coldugh. ¡°So, I wasted my timeing here? I thought Dani would actually listen to you, but it seems I gave you too much credit. Since that¡¯s the case, I won¡¯t hold back anymore. I¡¯ve already united over five thousand top enterprises¡­¡±

    ¡°Across the country to impose sanctions on Dani and Elite Lux. Richard, I have just one question for you. Are you standing with Dani against us, or will you join us to bring her down?¡±

    Richard mustered a weak smile. ¡°Don¡¯t you think that¡¯s a bit excessive?¡±

    .c¨®m is the source

    Hackett¡¯s lips curved slightly, but his eyes stayed ice-cold.

    Richard cast his gaze downward. ¡°How about giving me a little time? I¡¯ll have Alexander talk to Dani. You don¡¯t want an all-out war either, do you?¡±

    One thing was clear to Richard. Elite Lux wasn¡¯t some minorpany¡ªif it were, Hackett wouldn¡¯t be so persistent. Even for the association, crushing Dani wouldn¡¯t be without consequences.

    ¡°Dani is headstrong, and I¡¯m not the best at convincing her. Let my son handle it,¡± Richard added.

    Hackett locked eyes with Richard, his voice like steel. ¡°You have three days. No more, no less. If I don¡¯t see Elite Lux¡¯s application to join the association by then, I¡¯ll take it as a deration of war. And when that happens, don¡¯t expect mercy.¡±

    With that, he turned on his heel and left, heading back to the association.

    He held a meeting with the members of the association.

    ¡°Hackett, what exactly are you afraid of?¡±

    ¡°Yeah! Why are you cutting Dani so much ck?¡±

    ¡°Just push her out of the domestic market entirely. Make her pack up and go. Isn¡¯t that the simplest solution?¡±

    ¡°I think you¡¯ve gone soft, Hackett. You¡¯re not the same as when you dealt with Brylee back in the day. Back then, you were decisive and ruthless. But now, when ites to her daughter, you¡¯re hesitating?¡±

    The meeting was private, attended by eight individuals who had all been involved in dealing with Dani¡¯s mother.

    Arrogance was written all over their faces, except for Hackett¡¯s. Hackett shot them an angry re. ¡°Have you forgotten how much effort it took to bring down Brylee? What happened then? Was she really defeated in the corporate world?¡± His words wiped the smug looks off their faces.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 903

    ?Chapter 903:

    ¡°Dani isn¡¯t like Brylee. Brylee built her empire within the country, meaning she had to maintain local ties and protect her reputation. That forced her to be flexible, giving us room to strategize against her. But Dani? How many people is she connected with? Other than that stubborn Cedric, there¡¯s only the muddle-headed Richard. If I don¡¯t squeeze him, what other option do we have? And if this esctes into a full-scale price war and your business starts crumbling, don¡¯te whining to me.¡±

    His words left them momentarily speechless.

    ¡°That¡¯s not what we¡¯re saying, Hackett. We just think it¡¯s too humiliating.¡±

    ¡°Why should we be afraid of her? Imagine the embarrassment if people heard that the head of the association was pleading with her!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, Hackett. You¡¯re giving Dani too much credit. Having money isn¡¯t everything in today¡¯s world, is it?¡±

    Hackett had a reputation for being both decisive and ruthless. But when it came to Brylee and her daughter, his soft approach baffled everyone.

    Noticing Hackett¡¯s stern expression, the group smirked. ¡°Alright, Hackett. We¡¯ll give Alexander a shot for your sake. But if he fails, don¡¯t expect us to hold back against Dani.¡±

    Hackett smirked icily. ¡°Go ahead, do whatever you want. It¡¯s not like I owe Dani anything. When the battle begins, handle it yourselves¡ªleave me out of it.¡±

    He stormed out, mming the door behind him.

    The moment Hackett was out of sight, Winslow Flores, who had been sitting beside him, smirked. ¡°We give Hackett respect most of the time, and he acts like he runs the ce.¡±

    Huey Murray scoffed. ¡°Exactly! It¡¯s just Dani. What¡¯s so terrifying about her? This whole thing is absurd!¡±

    Continue reading at g?????¦Ï¦Í??????. c o??

    Bruno Deleon mmed the table. ¡°If you ask me, we should just eliminate Dani and make an example of her. Let the world see the power of our association!¡±

    Farley Astley, the youngest and usually the quietest, finally spoke. ¡°Have you considered that Dani isn¡¯t challenging us out of arrogance? She¡¯s the richest person in the world. Taking her on mighte at a steep price.¡±

    Across from Farley, Marcus Beckett chuckled dismissively. ¡°What¡¯s there to be afraid of? Once Dani is gone, the market is ours. Any losses we suffer now, we¡¯ll take back from her tenfold!¡± At that, the entire group erupted intoughter.

    In the end, Richard managed to set up a meeting with Alexander. Under the cover of night, Alexander sat d in a ck suit, his face concealed behind a mask.

    Richard gazed into Alexander¡¯s eyes¡ªso different from before¡ªand felt a deep pang of sadness.

    ¡°Alexander, Hackett¡¯s message is exactly as I told you. What do you think? They¡¯re not bluffing. You¡¯ve seen how the association has ruthlessly dominated the market for years, pushing countless families into financial ruin. If you don¡¯t fall in line, they¡¯ll hit you with economic sanctions. Do you recall when our family business nearly copsed just because I upset a minor figure in the association? It was Brylee who helped us out. Without her, we would have lost everything. This time, there¡¯s no Brylee to save us. You need to think carefully¡ªchoosing the wrong side could be catastrophic.¡±

    Alexander dropped his gaze, lost in thought.

    Since his appearance had changed, he hated meeting people, as if he belonged in the shadows, unworthy of the light.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 904

    ?Chapter 904:

    Even now, sitting before his father, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to meet his eyes.

    ¡°Dad,¡± Alexander said as he stood up, ¡°I get it. I¡¯ll think it over.¡± After that, Alexander made his way to Elite Lux.

    He lingered outside until Cedric was gone, then took off his mask and stepped into the sunlight.

    As Alexander walked along, everyone greeted him with a respectful ¡°Mr. Phillips.¡±

    Alexander acknowledged them with a nod. As he walked past Lillian, she looked up, slightly confused, and called out, ¡°Hey, didn¡¯t you leave to pick up some food for Dani? You¡¯re back already? Did you get the¡­¡±

    Alexander remained silent. After a few more steps, he turned to look back at Lillian. She was smiling, her entire presence exuding an easy familiarity.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Lillian asked, still puzzled.

    Alexander simply shook his head.

    He realized that as long as he bore Cedric¡¯s appearance, those close to Cedric treated him with warmth and regard.

    Alexander muttered to himself, ¡°This appearance reallyes in handy.¡±

    He then entered Dani¡¯s office and locked the door behind him. Outside, the sky had turned ominously dark. Rain was clearly on the horizon.

    In the dimly lit office, Alexander¡¯s figure was barely discernible, his face only faintly visible in the subdued lighting.

    At that moment, the dark clouds seemed to envelop Alexander, shielding him.

    Dani was engrossed in a game and didn¡¯t look up.

    The sound of the lock clicking made her instinctively think it was Cedric, as he was the only one bold enough to lock her office door. A slight smile appeared on Dani¡¯s face. ¡°Cedric, you know it¡¯s working hours, don¡¯t you?¡±

    The gamepany had recentlyunched a new game, and Dani was testing it out.

    ¡°Is it enjoyable?¡± His voice was low and gentle, reminiscent of how Cedric often spoke.

    Daniughed, focused on her game. ¡°It¡¯s quite good, actually. Join me for a roundter. The ount number is 5566, and the password is the same. Hurry and log in so we can team up.¡±

    They were ying a team game against the game¡¯s developers.

    Upon logging in, Alexander was immediately greeted by the developers. ¡°Hey, Cedric!¡±

    Their interactions suggested they yed together regrly and werefortable with each other.

    In the game, Dani was as skilled as ever. Whenever Alexander lost focus, she was quick to cover for him.

    These moments reminded him of thest seven years.

    During that time, Dani had been just as protective in real life, vigorously defending both him and his business interests.

    ¡°Hey, Dani, that¡¯s not fair! Why only look out for Cedric? Ah! I¡¯m out!¡±

    After a teammate was eliminated, the developersunched a fierce offensive against both Dani and Alexander.

    Yet, Dani managed to keep the upper hand, securing a strategic position that led their team to a resounding win.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 905

    ?Chapter 905:

    Alexander put the game controller down and looked around.

    Dani sat back in her executive chair, her face lit up with a triumphant and rxed smile, a contrast to her expressions over the past seven years.

    Seeing this, Alexander also let a smile spread across his face.

    From her chair, Dani looked to the door, still smiling. ¡°Why are you standing by the door? I can hardly see you. Come in.¡±

    Dani then moved to the sofa, her smile unwavering. ¡°Let¡¯s y another round!¡±

    She restarted the game, and the background music picked up energetically.

    Dani noticed that the figure in the shadows hadn¡¯t moved. Her smile suddenly halted.

    ¡°Ce¡­¡± She cut herself off, narrowing her eyes in suspicion. ¡°Who are you?¡±

    This was a new game, and their teamwork had been slightly shaky, which was why Dani hadn¡¯t picked up on any anomalies until that moment.

    She ced her phone down and rose from her seat, her intense gaze locked on the door.

    Just as she made a move towards it, the door clicked open, and the person in the doorway dashed away in a hurry.

    Dani stopped in her tracks.

    In the corridor, Lillian shouted in bewilderment, ¡°Cedric, why are you running like that?¡±

    She suspected something was amiss and approached Dani. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    ?????????????? ???????????????? ????????: ??????????¦Í??????.??????

    Dani, her eyes narrowed, stayed quiet and headed straight for the security room.

    Inside, Ryan was absorbed in his phone but looked up as Dani entered, with Lillian close behind.

    Dani immediately brought up the security camera footage. Standing off to the side, Lillian and Ryan appeared confused.

    ¡°Dani, what¡¯s happening?¡±

    ¡°Hey, isn¡¯t that Cedric?¡±

    ¡°He just left the building. How did he get back so fast?¡±

    Dani, leaning forward on the desk with both hands, said, ¡°That¡¯s not Cedric.¡±

    At her words, Ryan and Lillian were stunned into silence.

    Subsequently, Elite Lux enhanced its security measures. Daniter received a text.

    ¡°Be cautious of Hackett. He poses a threat.¡±

    Dani gave it little thought and erased the message.

    Themerce association soon discovered that Alexander¡¯s effort to approach Dani had not seeded. Hackett tried to convince them to make another attempt, but the members of the association declined.

    They dered that, effective immediately, they would impose an economic sanction on Elite Lux and cut off all ess to it.

    The domestic supply chains of Elite Lux were cut off as soon as the war started.

    Every source for raw materials waspletely blocked.

    Not even basic necessities could be purchased.

    Members of themerce association rxed in the meeting room, their faces lit up with gratification.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 906

    ?Chapter 906:

    Huey said, ¡°Now that we¡¯ve all made our moves, let¡¯s see how long Dani can maintain her pride.¡±

    Bruno interjected, ¡°Honestly, we should have done this to Dani much earlier. Who does she think she is? The world¡¯s wealthiest person? Last year, my family invited her to a banquet, and she didn¡¯t even show up. Such arrogance! Clearly, her family never taught her manners.¡±

    Farleyughed and said, ¡°Bruno, is it really such a big issue? She skipped your family event, so what? It¡¯s well-known you just wanted to set her up with your son. She figured it out but kept quiet about it. Now, you¡¯re holding a grudge. How long has it been?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s not get ahead of ourselves. Dani didn¡¯t reach her position by ident. We must be careful not to be a joke ourselves,¡± Hackett said, smiling briefly.

    Huey casually brushed at his leg. ¡°Hackett, you excel in many areas, but sometimes you¡¯re too cautious.¡±

    Farley agreed. ¡°Right, no matter how skilled Dani is, she¡¯s still just in her twenties. With no one supporting her, what can she really aplish alone?¡±

    ¡°Just watch. In less than three days, Dani will being to us, asking for forgiveness,¡± Bruno said with a heartyugh, his plump cheeks bouncing. ¡°The image of her, looking just like Brylee, bowing down to me, delights me!¡± The group erupted inughter.

    Hackett allowed himself a moment of ease.

    As Bruno was leaving, he pped Hackett on the back. ¡°Just excel in your role, Hackett. The best is yet toe for you.¡±

    In the following days, a nationwide price war disrupted the market. The association¡¯s members went from being rxed to anxious, meeting first daily, then hourly.

    ¡°Find a solution!¡± Bruno shouted, clearly agitated. ¡°We¡¯re in chaos here, and I hear Dani is just ying games in her office!¡±

    ???????? ?????????????? ???????? ???? ??????????¦Í??????[.]??????

    Farley¡¯s expression grew even more concerned. ¡°We¡¯re all in the same businessmunity. How can Dani be so harsh with us?¡±

    Bruno clenched his fists. ¡°You all mocked me for wanting Dani as my daughter-inw. Now you see her capability, right? This morning, mypany¡¯s stocks fell again. The shareholders are ring at me like they want my head!¡±

    Even Winslow, who was typically quiet, frowned with concern. ¡°The real issue is figuring out how to stop the losses.¡±

    When they instigated the war, they overlooked a critical detail.

    They severed Elite Lux¡¯s supply lines, yet Elite Lux dealt in luxury goods. Their customers cared solely about product quality, not the supplier.

    Furthermore, Elite Lux, globally recognized, constituted only a small portion of Dani¡¯s broader portfolio.

    Severing her domestic supply lines was insignificant. She had numerous flights daily bringing in supplies from overseas, ensuring uninterrupted production.

    While costs rose slightly, they gained enhanced control over product quality.

    Dani¡¯s business empire extended across multiple sectors, including luxury goods, entertainment, education, construction, port transportation, and even aerospace. These varied resources supported Dani¡¯s operations.

    Themercial conflict not only demonstrated Dani¡¯s robustness but also highlighted their own weaknesses.

    It exposed their motivations driven by greed to the public eye.

    They were fated to lose this battle from the start.

    It wasn¡¯t just about losing anymore; what mattered now was finding a way to stop the losses.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 907

    ?Chapter 907:

    Should the losses persist, the association members risked not only their own downfall but also the survival of their enterprises. Dani¡¯s self-reliance was evident in her ability to operate independently.

    She gathered the few remaining smaller items from local businesses, giving them a boost. The owners of these small businesses, eager to earn Dani¡¯s approval, worked with greater enthusiasm and efficiencypared to the veterans fromrge corporations.

    This conflict irrevocably cut off their prospects for future partnerships with any of Dani¡¯spanies.

    As everything crumbled, they were left in awe, realizing that the title of the world¡¯s richest person was truly earned. They had definitely overreached.

    Reflecting on their earlier criticisms, they now felt as though they were metaphorically hitting themselves. The repercussions were painfully clear.

    Within the association, desperation set in as members scrambled to address their mistakes.

    ¡°Hackett, this was a wed decision. You need to be ountable!¡±

    ¡°Exactly!¡±

    ¡°We joined the association thinking it would offer business insights and financial gains. Now, we¡¯ve ended up with nothing. We¡¯ve even lost contracts from Dani¡¯spanies¡ªthose were major contracts!

    What¡¯s your n now?¡±

    In the business world, the bottom line is to make money.

    ?????????? ???????????????? ???????? ???? g????????¦Í?????????????

    They had eagerly joined the association, which had yielded no profits, and now they faced substantial financial losses. Just the thought was infuriating.

    ¡°I want to leave the association! Reimburse me for my losses and return the ten million I paid for the annual membership!¡±

    ¡°Yes! Return our money!¡±

    ¡°Return our money!¡±

    ¡°Return our money!¡±

    Hackett was overwhelmed by the barrage ofints. He couldn¡¯t bring himself to face these people.

    Themerce association had flourished for years. Eachpany contributed ten million annually in sponsorship fees, and new entrants paid an additional fifty million as an initiation fee. These funds alone allowed Hackett to live extravagantly.

    Additionally, the members, who were either wealthy or influential, frequently sought his favor to secure new business opportunities for financial gain, reputation, or profit.

    The potential mass withdrawal of thesepanies posed a severe threat to Hackett¡¯s lifestyle.

    Understandably, he was not prepared to let go without a fight. After hiding for half the day, he eventually emerged, exuding a forced confidence as he approached the agitated crowd.

    ¡°Who here is considering leaving the association? Those wishing to leave, please proceed to register with the secretary now!¡±

    Following his directive, the members rushed towards the secretary¡¯s office.

    Hackett, hands sped behind his back, clenched his fists nervously, though he appearedposed. ¡°But before you decide to leave, listen to what I have to say. Think carefully about future regrets. If you¡¯re certain you won¡¯t have any, then you¡¯re free to withdraw.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 908

    ?Chapter 908:

    Seeing Hackett¡¯s enigmatic attitude, the crowd paused, uncertain of their next move.

    Bruno interjected from the side, ¡°Hackett, just speak inly. We¡¯re supposed to be like a family here; there¡¯s no need for such secrecy.¡±

    Hackett looked around at the crowd and sneered, ¡°Really? Do you still see me as your president? I¡¯ve dedicated myself to guiding us towards sess, yet now you question my leadership. If you want to leave, then go¡ªforget all the efforts I¡¯ve put in over the years!¡±

    The crowd fell silent.

    One member stepped forward and asked Hackett, ¡°What exactly do you mean?¡±

    Hackett, seizing the moment, continued to act mysteriously, suggesting he held a secret too sensitive to disclose, which only heightened the group¡¯s curiosity.

    Farley, observing the tense atmosphere, caught Hackett¡¯s gaze briefly. He gave a slight nod and dered, ¡°Well, if Hackett won¡¯t exin, I will. You¡¯ve all disappointed Hackett deeply! Are you aware of all he¡¯s nned for your benefit?¡±

    The crowd exchanged puzzled looks upon hearing this.

    Farley continued, ¡°Dani is quite influential, isn¡¯t she?¡±

    The crowd unanimously agreed. ¡°Absolutely!¡±

    ¡°But she¡¯s also quite arrogant. She once approached Hackett with a condition for joining the association¡ªonly if certain members were removed. From her demeanor, it was clear she intended to take over your businesses. This wasn¡¯t about Hackett or any of us initially. Thepanies facing eviction wouldn¡¯t include any of the eight of us. Yet, out of loyalty to all of you, Hackett still tried to negotiate with Dani. Consider this: Hackett is not only a senior but also a figure of respect here, and yet, he humbled himself before Dani to plead on your behalf. Even more remarkably, he knelt before her!¡±

    The crowd was taken aback.

    ???????? ???? ???????????????? ???????? ?g???????¦Í?????????????

    ¡°Dani was that bold?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve already made settlements, and she¡¯s still unyielding? The market is huge, how can she manage everything by herself?¡±

    ¡°Right! So, leaving the association won¡¯t protect us from her, will it?¡±

    As the tension rose, Hackett let out a deep sigh. ¡°That¡¯s precisely my concern. Think about it; even together, we struggle against Dani. If we split up, wouldn¡¯t the local market be even more susceptible, essentially handing it over to her? Do you really want that to happen?¡±

    The crowd, motivated by Hackett¡¯s words, responded at the same time, ¡°No, we don¡¯t!¡±

    Hackett nodded and responded, ¡°I thought so. The association hears you. That¡¯s why we¡¯ve decided to reduce the annual fee from ten million to one million during this challenging time, as a sign of our support.¡±

    This prompted a murmur of disagreement among some attendees.

    A loss of nine million per person was significant.

    Who would invest in the association if not for profit?

    Hackett reassured the group with a confident look, saying, ¡°Furthermore, the association will also lower its entry requirements. Companies with an annual revenue of just ten million can now join us without an entry fee; they¡¯ll only need to pay the annual fee. Plus, the person who introduces a new member will receive a bonus of one hundred thousand!¡±

    This announcement sparked renewed discussion among the crowd. The other seven, sensing Hackett¡¯s strategy, silently apuded him with thumbs-ups.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 909

    ?Chapter 909:

    Although they lowered the annual fee and cut the entry fee, there would be morepanies joining them. And they could unify these new members against Dani.

    Once Dani was no longer a factor, wouldn¡¯t the local market be theirs for the taking?

    Huey, seizing the moment, stood and dered, ¡°We are honest with you, and we ask for your support in eliminating this threat to our market, paving the way for fairpetition.¡±

    The crowd, filled with excitement, eagerly worked to bring in new members.

    The following day, news of the association lowering its entry barriers dominated the headlines.

    The room was alive with conversation.

    Dani and Ryan were leisurely ying cards with a few others, not currently focused on expanding their business, so they appeared quite at ease.

    Only Nina was feeling tense.

    The headlines in the news were specifically pointed and rming, making her uneasy just to read them.

    ¡°Dani, aren¡¯t you concerned?¡± she asked. ¡°Themerce association is scheming against you. They n to gather all domesticpanies to boycott us. They¡¯ve been attracting a lot of new members. If they consolidate all that business power, won¡¯t Elite Lux be in a difficult position?¡±

    Nina¡¯splexion was tinged with concern.

    Dani responded with a casual smile. ¡°Two pairs! That¡¯s a win for us.¡±

    Ryan and Lillian, sitting opposite, had their faces covered by sticky notes.

    ?????????????? ?????????? ?????? galn??v??????£®??????

    Watching Dani remain jovial, Nina sighed and exited the room. ¡°Dani, when do we make our move?¡± Lillian asked, mixing the cards again.

    ¡°Let¡¯s wait a few more days, let things escte¡ªit¡¯ll be more fun then.¡±

    At that moment, Nina re-entered and informed Dani, ¡°Someone is here to see you downstairs.¡±

    ¡°Who is it?¡± Dani asked.

    She thought it might be those boring folks from the association. Bored, she decided to head downstairs to see what was going on.

    To her surprise, it wasn¡¯t them, but Alexander.

    The lighting that day was favorable, and Dani recognized him instantly despite his all-ck attire and the hat pulled down over his face, nearly hiding it entirely.

    Finding the situation dull, Dani turned to walk away.

    Alexander hurried after her. ¡°I need to speak with you.¡±

    Dani faced Alexander, visibly confused. ¡°Why do you keep appearing like this? What are you trying to say?¡±

    With a sense of urgency, Alexander begged, ¡°Just give me five minutes. I truly have something important to discuss with you.¡±

    The lobby was filled with activity. Dani was unperturbed by the crowd, but she was bothered by Alexander¡¯s decision to wear Cedric¡¯s face and act recklessly.

    She found a quiet spot and sat down.

    Alexander came and sat beside her. ¡°Dani, I was wrong before. I didn¡¯t appreciate you. After all this time, do you still resent me?¡±

    Dani shook her head. ¡°No.¡± That was the simple truth. She just found it all very bothersome.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 910

    ?Chapter 910:

    ¡°We were never that close, and now I have a husband who gets quite jealous. I want to keep him happy every day. Your presence would only disturb him.¡±

    Dani looked at Alexander. ¡°Nobody wants to see his face worn by another. My husband might be forgiving, but I¡¯m not. I believe everything about my husband should be exclusive to him.¡±

    Alexander felt a pang of pain at her words. He managed a weak smile. ¡°Dani, remember how you used to stand up for me? You made me unique gifts for my birthday, insisting they had to be one of a kind.¡± Now, those sentiments were being used to defend another man, and it saddened Alexander.

    ¡°But it¡¯s okay. We have a long future ahead,¡± he said.

    Dani¡¯s expression showed her growing impatience.

    Alexander reached into his pocket and took out a bank transfer device. Dani eyed it warily. ¡°What¡¯s this about?¡±

    Alexander exined, ¡°Dani, perhaps you no longer care for me, but you¡¯re still the only one in my heart. I won¡¯t dwell on the past. I¡¯m just asking for a ce in your future. This device lets you ess funds from Fairburne Group as needed. I know you¡¯re being targeted by the association. I don¡¯t know your current strategy, but money is always useful. It could help you execute whatever ns you have.¡±

    Alexander was earnest, but Dani remainedposed.

    ¡°Alexander, I don¡¯t need it.¡±

    ¡°Do you have to be so stubborn?¡±

    Alexander frowned. ¡°I get that you¡¯re still upset with me, but let¡¯s leave the past behind. Why jeopardize your business just to spite me? The association is seriously challenging you. This money could keep your operations going. If things really get bad, you could relocate yourpany overseas. Also, I spoke with Hackett beforeing here. He¡¯s agreed to give you a day to withdraw from the domestic market. He promised me, and he¡¯ll keep his word. Dani, consider this. You¡¯ve achieved so much as a woman in this tough environment. Don¡¯t aim too high. I¡¯ve witnessed your efforts, and I acknowledge them. Can¡¯t we leave it at that?¡±

    Alexander¡¯s words were heartfelt and emotional. ¡°Dani, please,e back to me. I¡¯ll value you. Let¡¯s start anew, shall we?¡±

    ?????????????? ???????? ???????????????? ???? g???????¦Í??????????????

    Dani remained silent, her only emotion being pure disgust. ¡°Alexander, are you sure you¡¯re confessing to the right person? I¡¯m married. Are you seriously trying to pursue me? Do you enjoy being a home-wrecker?¡±

    Alexander¡¯s head jerked up, his eyes clouded with hurt beneath the brim of his hat.

    ¡°Besides, Alexander, you¡¯ve never truly understood me,¡± Dani added.

    Stunned, Alexander protested, ¡°That can¡¯t be! Dani, we¡¯ve known each other for years. How could I possibly not understand you?¡±

    ¡°Do you honestly think you know me? I¡¯m not the kind of person who dwells on the past¡ªbe it people or things. I married Cedric because I genuinely love him. Haven¡¯t you ever wondered how I can always tell that you¡¯re not Cedric?¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Alexander asked, his gaze locked on hers.

    ¡°Because I love him. The first clue was a scar. Then, there was a habit of yours that didn¡¯t match. And over time, even the smallest gesture of yours was enough for me to recognize that you weren¡¯t Cedric.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s eyes went wide with shock. ¡°A scar? Where is it? No way! The stic surgeon made sure I was an exact replica of Cedric, down to the smallest detail!¡±

    Dani sighed, shaking her head. She had said plenty, yet he only clung to what suited him.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 911

    ?Chapter 911:

    Alexander tensed, as though he¡¯d just uncovered a vital secret.

    So that was it¡ªDani saw through him because of a scar he didn¡¯t even know existed. If he recreated that scar, he could deceive her once more. He could reim her smile, her protection¡ªeverything. Consumed by desperation, Alexander tugged his hat down further, as if trying to disappear from sight.

    Snatching the bank transfer device from the table, he thrust it into Dani¡¯s hand and rushed out without another word.

    He would leave the country, undergo another surgery. He would be Cedric¡ªthe man Dani loved¡ªthrough and through. Just before departing, Alexander shot a message to thepany¡¯s finance team.

    ¡°No matter how much is spent, don¡¯t report it to me. My wife is the one using the money.¡±

    The finance team confirmed the instruction but couldn¡¯t help feeling confused. His wife? Did he mean Joyce?

    Dani brushed Alexander off and headed upstairs to y cards with Ryan and Lillian.

    A few dayster, a newly formed group of members convened at themerce association, initiating yet another business embargo against Dani.

    But they quickly found out their efforts were useless¡ªthere was no reaction at all.

    Meanwhile, Elite Lux held a groundbreaking fashion show.

    Stunning models showcased exquisite designs on the nation¡¯s most prestigious stage, captivating the audience.

    The public remained indifferent to the intense corporate warfare.

    Step into fiction with  .

    The fashion show turned out to be a spectacr triumph.

    Elite Lux celebrated its most remarkable sess in years, raking in tens of billions in on-site orders.

    With this single move, the association¡¯s embargo became meaningless.

    One by one, members started silently pulling out of the association.

    Hackett scowled as he scanned thetest membership report.

    Huey mmed his fist down. ¡°Dani¡¯s going too far!¡±

    Bruno propped his head on his hand, frowning. ¡°What the hell is Dani up to? Damn it!¡±

    Farley, visibly frustrated, snapped, ¡°Is there really no one who can step in? If Dani keeps pushing like this, our business embargo will be nothing more than aughingstock!¡±

    Hackett narrowed his eyes. ¡°I¡¯ve already dispatched someone to track down Richard. He ims he¡¯s with Alexander in another country. Who knows what they¡¯re up to while we¡¯re dealing with this crisis here?¡±

    Bruno nervously rubbed his hands, his voice dropping. ¡°Is Daniing after us because of what happened to Brylee? Why else would she single us out? We¡¯ve always been courteous to her.¡±

    Leaning back in his chair, Hackett narrowed his eyes. ¡°Caiden lost his mind, Katrina¡¯s dead, Elyse vanished, and Natalie fled the country. Now, Dani ising after us. Given all that, it¡¯s highly likely that her sudden hostility stems from Brylee¡¯s death!¡±

    Bruno¡¯s eyes went wide. ¡°So¡­ what¡¯s our move?¡±

    Marcus lifted a hand. ¡°Let¡¯s not lose our heads. What if we¡¯re wrong? If we act rashly, we might expose ourselves. Let¡¯s invite Dani to dinner and feel her out first.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 912

    ?Chapter 912:

    Huey shuddered. ¡°Dani¡¯s brutal¡ªshe won¡¯t let us off easy. So manypanies have gone bankrupttely. Who¡¯s to say we won¡¯t be next? I refuse to let my family¡¯s business copse while it¡¯s under my watch!¡±

    Hackett¡¯s face darkened. ¡°Enough talk.¡±

    ¡°We need to gauge the situation. Get ready. My secretary will set up a dinner with Dani. Stay alert. I hear Cedric means a lot to her. We¡¯ll split up¡ªone group will test Dani, the other will work on Cedric.¡±

    Huey jumped in. ¡°I¡¯ll deal with Cedric. Honestly, Dani¡¯s cutthroat approach freaks me out.¡±

    Another said, ¡°I¡¯ll handle Cedric too. Dani is too unpredictable, and I don¡¯t want to risk making a mistake.¡±

    Hackett¡¯s eyes narrowed in irritation. ¡°Fine! I¡¯ll handle her myself. Huey, Marcus, you¡¯reing with me!¡±

    With that, Huey¡¯s and Marcus¡¯ faces fell instantly.

    They had hoped for an easier task.

    Things had been unbearably tensetely.

    To them, Cedric seemed like the safer bet.

    Dani was ying an online game with Cedric when Lillian entered the room. ¡°Dani, themerce association has invited you to join them for a meal.¡±

    Dani straightened up, her lips curling into a slight smile. ¡°They couldn¡¯t resist any longer, could they? I thought they would hold out a bit more.¡±

    Lillian sneered, ¡°Those old foxes are cunning. They never dirty their own hands; they prefer to have others do the heavy lifting while they enjoy the fruits of theirbor. It¡¯s sickening!¡±

    C?ntent ?riginally fr?m g?l????¦Í?????????????

    Daniughed and said, ¡°Show them no mercy. Let them see our strength. Tonight, we handle those merchants, and by tomorrow, those veterans will be the ones on the offensive.¡±

    Lillian nodded and exited the room.

    Nina lingered at the doorway, observing Dani.

    She held great admiration for Dani.

    She had never encountered anyone as bold and unapologetic as Dani, who fearlessly embraced both love and hate.

    Dani¡¯s radiance was undeniablypelling.

    Nina, who was usually timid and reserved, felt empowered by Dani¡¯s presence.

    She aspired to always stay close to Dani.

    Lillian reappeared and said, ¡°Dani, does this mean you won¡¯t be attending the dinner tonight?¡±

    Dani was disinterested. She foundrge gatherings and dining out overly noisy and bothersome.

    ¡°Your mother¡¯s old friend is indebted to Hackett. He hopes that you join them for a meal for his sake.¡±

    Dani smiled. ¡°They¡¯ve even got in my mother¡¯s friend. Skip dinner. I¡¯ll just meet them for coffee.¡±

    Lillian responded to the invitation right outside Dani¡¯s office. The other party was exceedingly grateful and quickly sent over the details.

    Lillian chuckled. ¡°They¡¯ve arranged to meet at the Alejandran Coffee, where a single cup costs a hundred thousand. These old guys are really splurging this time.¡±

    Dani waved dismissively. ¡°Tell them to meet me at the cafe downstairs instead.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 913

    ?Chapter 913:

    Lillian nodded and then nced at Cedric, who was still in the room. ¡°Is he going too?¡±

    Cedric shed a grin. ¡°Am I included?¡±

    ¡°Yes, your name¡¯s on the list. Will you be attending?¡±

    Cedric chuckled, clearly seeing through the group¡¯s motives.

    Dani remained determined. After their recent setbacks, these old fools were likely hoping to gain an advantage by negotiating with him.

    ¡°Of course, I¡¯ll attend. If I don¡¯t, it will just terrify them.¡±

    Nina overheard this and thought Cedric and Dani made a perfect team. She was deeply impressed.

    Dani turned to her with a smile. ¡°One day, I¡¯ll find someone suitable for you.¡±

    Nina returned a smile, although her interest in marriage had waned.

    The meeting was scheduled for eight o¡¯clock that evening.

    Dani had just wrapped up a multinational conference when Lillian entered. ¡°Dani, they¡¯ve arrived. All eight of them are here, but they¡¯re trying to keep it under wraps to avoid any media attention that could embarrass them if it leaks that they¡¯re here to negotiate. They¡¯re dressed very inly.¡±

    Dani nodded and made her way downstairs with Lillian and Cedric. Initially, these people were worried, but their anxiety eased upon seeing Dani. Their posture improved visibly.

    Why? Dani was so pretty, they immediately assumed that she got what she had today by relying on men.

    Her slight build didn¡¯t suggest a powerful CEO but rather resembled a television star.

    They believed she was outwardly dazzling, though internally, she might be feeling the pressure.

    Discover more on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??¦Ï?? (uso de ¡°?¡± y ¡°¦Ï¡± griega)

    The group exchanged looks, a mutual understanding passing between them.

    They suspected Cedric had orchestrated this business move, not Dani.

    Given her delicate demeanor, she appeared more as eye candy than a force in business.

    As Dani drew closer, their anxiety diminished.

    They had been standing, but before Dani even reached them, they had taken their seats.

    Noticing this, Dani¡¯s smile widened. She turned to Cedric and whispered, ¡°It seems they think I¡¯m the easy target.¡±

    Dani and Cedric arrived, only to find that Hackett¡¯s group had already made themselvesfortable. Pretending not to notice Dani, they remained clustered together, murmuring in hushed, secretive tones. Dani¡¯s lips curved into a mocking smile.

    Only then did Hackett act as if he had just noticed Dani. With exaggerated surprise, he eximed, ¡°Ms. Harper! What a rare sight! It¡¯s been ages. I¡¯ve been trying to invite you to dinner, but you keep turning me down.¡±

    He wasted no time in delivering a lighthearted reprimand.

    Dani held her smile, unbothered by Hackett¡¯s remarks. But Hackett barely acknowledged her reaction, turning his attention to Cedric with a sudden change in attitude.

    His tone turned deferential. ¡°Mr. Phillips, it¡¯s been too long.¡±

    Hackett¡¯spanions exchanged nces, eyeing Cedric before briefly ncing at Dani¡¯s small frame. Chuckling, they stood up, offering Cedric warm and polite greetings.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 914

    ?Chapter 914:

    It was clear they saw Cedric as the true power behind the scenes. To them, Dani, with her youthful appearance, hardly seemed capable of making waves in the business world.

    Paying no heed to their ttery, Cedric pulled out a chair for Dani, his voice soft as he said, ¡°Have a seat.¡±

    Dani took her seat.

    The eight men chuckled, exchanging knowing nces. ¡°Mr. Phillips, you truly dote on your wife.¡±

    Hackett joined in,ughing. ¡°That¡¯s how it should be! A happy wife means a happy life, after all.¡±

    Marc added with a smirk, ¡°No wonder yourpany thrives in business. We should take notes from you, Mr. Phillips.¡±

    While they talked, Hackett politely gestured for Cedric to take a seat. Cedric settled into his chair, prompting the eight men across from him to do the same.

    Cedric sat with a straight posture, while Dani¡¯s chair was slightly askew, making it appear as though Cedric alone faced the eight men. With her petite frame almost swallowed by the oversized chair, Dani faded into the background, easily ignored by the group.

    The eight men watched as Cedric poured a ss of water for Dani, but she shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m not thirsty.¡±

    Setting the ss in front of himself, Cedric offered, ¡°Want to go for a walkter? There¡¯s a new shopping za, and I heard they have great snacks. You¡¯ve been craving something sourtely, haven¡¯t you?¡±

    Dani gave a small nod. ¡°Let¡¯s go once this is done.¡±

    The eight individuals on the other side observed their conversation, exchanging nces as if they weren¡¯t even present.

    Cedric was known for being difficult to deal with, yet his attentiveness towards Dani was undeniable.

    More chapters on g????????¦Í??????.?????

    If Cedric stayed firm, their backup n was to target Dani instead.

    In the end, women could always be won over with jewelry, designer clothes, andvish gifts.

    Modern women were all gold diggers anyway. Dani couldn¡¯t possibly resist the temptation of wealth.

    That assumption put them at ease, making them believe the night wouldn¡¯t be a total loss.

    They could only hope this business feud would end soon, or the entire association might fall apart.

    Unable to hold back any longer, Farley spoke up first. ¡°Mr. Phillips, we¡¯re here not only to reconnect but also to discuss some pressing business matters.¡±

    Sitting upright with an unreadable gaze, Cedric asked evenly, ¡°What business matters?¡±

    Once again, the eight of them exchanged uncertain nces.

    Huey let out a small chuckle, took a sip of water, and said, ¡°We¡¯ve met before, haven¡¯t we? At thest charity auction, we both had our eyes on a piece of jewelry, and you eventually¡­¡± Clearly, Huey was attempting to butter Cedric up.

    Cedric lifted a hand to cut him off. ¡°Apologies, but I have ns to take my wife for a walkter. I¡¯ll give you fifteen minutes. Will that be sufficient?¡±

    The eight men across the table froze in disbelief.

    ¡°Fifteen minutes?¡± Hackett choked out. That wasn¡¯t even enough time for introductions. They had prepared extensive arguments and even nned to invite the couple to a private clubter. But faced with Cedric¡¯s detached demeanor, Hackett swallowed his frustration. ¡°Fifteen minutes it is!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 915

    ?Chapter 915:

    Cedric gave a slight nod of acknowledgment. Even in casual attire, he carried himself with an air of authority thatmanded respect. Hackett¡¯s grin stretched wider, bing even more obsequious. ¡°There was a minor misunderstanding recently, Mr. Phillips,¡± he said, pulling a pre-filled check from his pocket. ¡°I acted too rashly, and for that, I take full responsibility. The eight of us are here today to see if we can settle this matter amicably.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s gaze flickered briefly towards the check resting on the table. His lips curled into a smirk. ¡°Do you take me for a beggar?¡±

    Bruno, ever the one to obsess over money, widened his eyes in disbelief. ¡°Mr. Phillips, did you look closely? That¡¯s two hundred million! Since when does a beggar receive that kind of sum?¡± Bruno had spent the entire night agonizing over the exact amount to offer.

    Cedric, a veteran in the business world, lounged back in his chair, tilting his chin slightly as he regarded them.

    His posture was casual, but the sharp glint in his eyes carried a silent challenge.

    ¡°This money isn¡¯t for me,¡± Cedric said smoothly. ¡°My wife has a kind heart. There are countless homeless children in impoverished regions, and she hopes to unite charitable businesses to fund schools worldwide¡ªworking toward a world where poverty no longer exists.¡± Cedric¡¯s statement sent a chill through the eight men, leaving them uneasy.

    A world without poverty?

    Marc let out an awkward chuckle, pping hesitantly. ¡°Eliminating poverty worldwide sounds a bit ambitious. Perhaps we should start on a smaller scale? Maybe in Olisvine first? And your wife¡¯s vision is quite idealistic. Mr. Phillips, don¡¯t you think it would be wiser to take things step by step?¡±

    All eight pairs of eyes turned to Cedric, waiting for his response.

    Cedric shook his head effortlessly. ¡°That won¡¯t do. Kindness shouldn¡¯t have borders. And considering that you all are at the helm of the domestic business world, don¡¯t you think two hundred million is a little underwhelming for such an ambitious project?¡± A heavy silence settled over the room.

    Hackett¡¯s thoughts raced as he hesitated before asking, ¡°Then, what would be an appropriate amount?¡±

    L??€$? ???t??§ñ? I¦Ç ?a?n?¦Í¦Ål?.c?m

    Cedric chuckled lightly, his amusement barely concealed.

    The eight men across from him remained stiff, their gazes locked on Cedric¡¯s lips, bracing themselves for whatever shocking words might follow.

    Then, Cedric raised a finger.

    The men opposite him stiffened.

    Their expressions turned nk, shock flooding their features.

    ¡°Did you mean ten million?¡± Bruno asked, his voice shaking.

    Cedric said nothing.

    Farley¡¯s fingers tightened around his water ss as he forced a strained chuckle. ¡°Ten million for each of us. Nothing we can¡¯t handle, right?¡±

    Hackett, sitting to the side, found his smile faltering.

    Still, Cedric remained silent. He knew these old foxes weren¡¯t confused¡ªthey were just buying time. But in the end, they would have to ept the reality before them.

    Hackett¡¯s feigned pleasantness gave way to a scowl. ¡°Mr. Phillips, just what exactly are you ying at?¡±

    Cedric responded with cool indifference. ¡°I believe I¡¯ve made myself quite clear, haven¡¯t I?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 916

    ?Chapter 916:

    Hackett lowered his gaze. ¡°A hundred billion?¡±

    Cedric chuckled lightly. ¡°If that sounds low to you, feel free to increase the amount. For a project of this scale, a hundred billion is merely the baseline.¡±

    The moment he finished speaking, the eight men collectively shut their eyes, inhaling sharply.

    ¡°A hundred billion?¡± Bruno erupted, mming the table as he shot to his feet. ¡°Are you out of your mind? You trying to drive us all into bankruptcy? This is extortion! Do you really think we fear you? We showed up here today out of courtesy, and yet you have the nerve to push things this far? Do you actually believe you can dominate the entire business world on your own? Let me tell you something¡ªyou¡¯d better take this two hundred million while it¡¯s still on the table. Otherwise, soon enough, you might not even get that much!¡±

    Bruno was shaking with rage, his face contorted with fury.

    But Cedric remained asposed as ever. ¡°If you think it¡¯s too much, then we have nothing more to discuss. We¡¯ll manage just fine on our own. Our fifteen minutes are up. Dani, shall we take that walk?¡±

    Dani rose to her feet, slipping her hand into Cedric¡¯s as they walked away.

    The eight men sat frozen, their expressions nk with shock.

    Huey blinked in disbelief. ¡°They just walked out?¡±

    Farley frowned. ¡°Not even a chance to negotiate? What the hell was that?¡±

    Hackett spun towards Bruno, eyes zing. ¡°Are you insane? Why the hell did you lose it? We¡¯re already at a disadvantage. Did you forget why we came here?¡±

    Feel inspired on g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s£®c§à??

    Bruno clenched his teeth. ¡°Did you not see Cedric¡¯s greed? A hundred billion! He¡¯s trying to bleed us dry! And Dani¡ªdid you catch that re she gave me? That gold digger! Who the hell does she think she is? Just because her husband¡¯s got power, she thinks she can look down on us? She actually thinks she¡¯s something, huh? Yet when it came down to it, she didn¡¯t even have the guts to speak. The richest person in the world? What aplete joke!¡±

    His voice boomed, cutting through the air and echoing across the lobby. Hackett yanked at Bruno¡¯s sleeve, trying to rein him in.

    Bruno jerked his arm free, seething. ¡°I want them to hear! They¡¯re nobodies! Dani? The richest person in the world? Not even close!¡±

    The moment those words left his mouth, the figures near the exit halted.

    A beatter, Cedric turned his head, his gaze cutting through the room like a de, locking onto the eight men.

    Bruno stiffened, his bluster faltering under Cedric¡¯s icy stare.

    Bruno stuttered, watching Cedric and Dani disappear. His frustration boiled over. ¡°Did you see that? What was that attitude? So damn arrogant! Shouldn¡¯t we put them in their ce?¡± His voice rang out, still loud and indignant.

    Ryan, Lillian, and Nina stood nearby, arms crossed, their gazes turning sharp and icy.

    After their stroll, Lillian eyed the snack in Dani¡¯s hand and asked, ¡°Dani, is it time to start the n?¡±

    Dani nced at the three fuming faces before her, a small smile ying on her lips. ¡°That mad, huh?¡±

    Ryan clenched his jaw. ¡°Absolutely!¡±

    Nina huffed. ¡°Furious!¡±

    Dani chuckled, nodding. ¡°Seems about time. Let¡¯s pick one of the eight to test the waters.¡±

    The moment she said that, the three instantly answered in unison, ¡°Bruno Deleon!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 917

    ?Chapter 917:

    Dani raised a brow, surprised. Then, she heard Cedric spit, ¡°Bruno Deleon.¡±

    Daniughed lightly. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you¡¯d all agree on this. Bruno it is.¡±

    Bruno was the second most powerful figure in themerce association.

    Raised in poverty, he relied on borrowed money toplete his education. When the inte boom hit, he was among the first to seize the opportunity, securing his initial fortune.

    Heter married into an influential family in the tech industry, using his father-inw¡¯s connections to ascend the social ranks quickly.

    Before his father-inw¡¯s passing, the old man entrusted the intepany to his daughter¡ªBruno¡¯s wife. But within a few years, Bruno manipted events, stripping his wife of control and iming thepany for himself.

    The moment he solidified his position, he discarded his wife without hesitation.

    Back then, Bruno had masterminded a horrifying event¡ªhaving a group of men assault his wife, leaving her emotionally shattered. The very next day, she took her own life, leaving behind one chilling statement¡ªBruno would pay for his actions.

    Years went by, yet Bruno continued to rise, backed by Hackett¡¯s support.

    Bruno once smugly dered on camera, ¡°Justice? It doesn¡¯t exist. It¡¯s just another luxury for the wealthy.¡±

    Having wed his way up from nothing, Bruno had no qualms about resorting to dishonorable tactics. He valued money more than anyone else in the room.

    So, when Cedric demanded a hundred billion, Bruno was the first to crack.

    The eight remained seated in the caf¨¦.

    ???????? ???????? ?????????? ???????????????? ???? g????????¦Í??????£®??????

    Bruno mmed his fist on the table. ¡°Are you all just going to sit there while Cedric walks all over us? I¡¯m telling you, a hundred billion dors would ruin me! Forget it¡ªI¡¯m not handing over another cent!¡±

    Hackett sighed, his brows furrowing. ¡°Bruno, you¡¯re as impulsive as ever. We haven¡¯t even decided if we¡¯ll pay.¡±

    Fuming, Bruno nted his hands on his hips. ¡°We have to get rid of Cedric. I¡¯ve had enough of his arrogance. No one has dared challenge me like this in years. It¡¯s infuriating.¡±

    Bruno grabbed his ss and downed the water in one go.

    Winslow, leaning back, spoke with quietposure. ¡°If you ask me, just pay and move on. Whether we like it or not, Dani is recognized as the world¡¯s richest person. A

    ¡°One hundred billion is a steep price, but with new members constantly joining the association, we¡¯ll make it back in time.¡±

    Winslow wasn¡¯t like the others. He had crossed paths with Elite Lux before. He didn¡¯t know them personally, but he recognized that Dani wasn¡¯t just there as Cedric¡¯s plus-one.

    ¡°Winslow, if you¡¯re just going to bow down, then keep quiet!¡± Bruno spat.

    Winslow might¡¯ve been ranked lowest among them, but he was the most calcted. When he spoke, there was usually a reason. Hackett shot Winslow a hesitant look, reluctant to part with such arge sum. ¡°Why don¡¯t we hold off a little longer?¡±

    Winslow gave a casual shrug before standing up. ¡°I won¡¯t argue. If we¡¯re paying, just give me a heads-up so I can n ordingly. But if you¡¯re thinking of going against Dani or Cedric, don¡¯t count me in. I¡¯ve got family obligations, so I¡¯m out.¡±

    With that, he walked away.

    Bruno scowled at Winslow¡¯s retreating figure, seething. ¡°Spineless coward! It¡¯s just Dani! What¡¯s there to fear? Look at him scurrying away like he¡¯s being hunted! Afraid of a woman? Pathetic!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 918

    ?Chapter 918:

    Hackett ran a frustrated hand through his hair. ¡°Enough about Dani¡ªshe¡¯s irrelevant. Cedric is the real problem here.¡±

    The others murmured in agreement andunched into quiet deliberation.

    Bruno headed back to his newly acquired vi.

    By his side was histest conquest¡ªa second-rate celebrity barely clinging to fame.

    She exuded a captivating, seductive energy.

    Just as Bruno was about to indulge, his phone buzzed.

    Irritated, he picked up. ¡°This better be important!¡±

    His secretary¡¯s frantic voice crackled through the line. ¡°Mr. Deleon! We¡¯ve had several major order cancetions tonight! You might need toe immediately!¡±

    Holding the woman close, Bruno scoffed. ¡°So what? Thepany¡¯s thriving, and our new game is about to drop. A few cancetions aren¡¯t the end of the world. Stop overreacting.¡± And with that, he ended the call.

    Bruno¡¯s secretary stared in horror at the crashing yer count for the new game, his anxiety mounting with each passing second.

    He didn¡¯t dare call again, opting instead to flood Bruno¡¯s inbox with updates.

    Bruno, too preupied, ignored his phone the entire night.

    The sleepless secretary watched the game¡¯s numbers nosedive, a sinking sense of doom settling in.

    Five billion dors had been poured into this game.

    ?????? ???????? ???????????????? ???? g???????¦Í?????????????

    It was supposed to be their gateway into the international market. But with such dismal engagement, they¡¯d have to give it away for free just to get yers.

    The next morning, Bruno finally showed up at the office.

    A crowd had formed outside his office door.

    The tech, marketing, and PR teams were all clustered anxiously outside.

    ¡°What the hell is this?¡± Bruno eyed his secretary¡¯s exhausted face and sneered. ¡°You look like the world¡¯s ending. What¡¯s with the long face?¡±

    Trembling, the secretary lifted his gaze to meet Bruno¡¯s.

    Bruno¡¯s smirk stiffened instantly, his expression hardening. ¡°What the hell is going on?¡±

    His secretary trailed closely behind as they stepped into the office. The finance director anxiously extended thetest financial report, hands slightly trembling.

    Bruno¡¯sposed demeanor shattered in an instant, morphing from detached disinterest to sheer disbelief, before twisting into unchecked rage. ¡°What the hell did you just say? Repeat that!¡±

    The marketing director hesitated before stepping forward, his gaze averted. ¡°Elite Lux¡¯s gaming division has justunched a directpetitor to our title. Their visuals are crisper, their characters more dynamic, and the gamey offers a level of depth that yers find irresistible. And¡­¡±

    Lowering his voice even further, he added, ¡°It¡¯s absolutely free. yers can unlock every weapon and skin simply by progressing in the game. To make matters worse, every celebrity affiliated with Elite Lux is actively promoting it. In short, there¡¯s no room left for us in the market.¡±

    Bruno¡¯s temple throbbed, veins pulsing with fury.

    The marketing director took a cautious step back, his expression grim. The sales director quickly took his ce. ¡°Mr. Deleon, thisunch has set off a domino effect. Our entire game portfolio is suffering¡ªevery single title is seeing a decline in sales!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 919

    ?Chapter 919:

    The technology director added, ¡°Mr. Deleon, I reached out to a friend working in Elite Lux¡¯s gaming sector. He confirmed that they have over a hundred more titles lined up¡ªand every single one of them will be free!¡±

    Bruno¡¯s eyes narrowed dangerously. ¡°All free? What is this, a damn charity? How the hell is Dani funding this madness?¡±

    The finance director said, ¡°Elite Lux¡¯s gaming division is merely a fraction of their empire. They¡¯ve seamlessly incorporated subtle advertisements within their games. While the games themselves aren¡¯t profitable, their in-game ads and strategic product cements generate significant revenue. ording to highly credible sources, the ie from advertisements and merchandise sales has not only offset their development costs but has already pushed them into profitability.¡±

    Bruno¡¯s fury burned so intensely, he felt like his entire being mightbust. Cedric was absolutely ruthless!

    ¡°Cut the damn exnations! Give me the numbers. How much have we lost?¡± Bruno clutched his chest, his breathing in ragged gasps under the crushing weight of the revtion.

    The finance director looked ready to sink into the floor. ¡°Our stock prices have been in freefall, and as of tonight, they¡¯ve bottomed out. We¡¯ve already hemorrhaged over 30 billion dors. If this decline doesn¡¯t stop, by the time tonight is over, our losses will surpass 80 billion.¡±

    Taking a deep, steadying breath, he delivered the final blow. ¡°We¡¯ve lost what would have been five years¡¯ worth of profits gone.¡±

    With his report concluded, the director lowered his head, unwilling to meet Bruno¡¯s gaze.

    The entire room remained silent, heads bowed in a shared sense of dread.

    A suffocating silence filled the office, thick with tension.

    ???????????? ???????????????????? ???? ?????????¦Í????????????

    Unease was etched across their expressions.

    A minute passed.

    Then another five dragged by.

    The employees exchanged uneasy nces.

    The secretary hesitated, then cautiously lifted his gaze.

    ¡°Mr. Deleon!¡± he shouted in panic. Bruno had slumped over his desk,pletely unresponsive. ¡°Quick! Call an ambnce!¡±

    Chaos erupted within thepany, spreading like wildfire.

    News outlets pounced on the story, and by the time Bruno stirred awake, Deleon Group had hemorrhaged over 100 billion dors. A single day had undone everything Bruno had spent years building.

    The second his eyes fluttered open, he cked out once more. The remaining members of themerce association were just as dumbfounded, shaken by Cedric¡¯s growing ruthlessness.

    They convened once more, though none of them had anticipated their next meeting would be in a hospital room the very next day.

    ¡°This is absurd! Completely insane!¡± Bruno bellowed from his hospital bed. ¡°Cedric is out to destroy me!¡±

    Winslow, standing off to the side, idly clipped his nails. ¡°I told you¡ªwe should¡¯ve just paid up. If you had, you wouldn¡¯t be down 80 billion now, would you?¡±

    Regret gnawed at Bruno. ¡°How was I supposed to know they¡¯d be this ruthless? What¡¯s our next move?¡±

    If he caved now, that 80 billion loss would be for nothing! The very idea made his blood boil.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 920

    Chapter 920:

    Hackett narrowed his eyes, just as shaken by Cedric¡¯s cold-blooded efficiency. It was clear¡ªCedric wasn¡¯t holding back in the slightest.

    ¡°But why start with Bruno?¡± Marcus, who had been quiet until now, finally spoke up. ¡°Cedric could¡¯ve gone after Hackett or even Winslow, the youngest. So why go after Bruno first?¡±

    No one had questioned it until now, but once the thought surfaced, it lingered.

    Bruno felt wronged. ¡°Exactly! Why me?¡±

    Hackett leaned in. ¡°Bruno, did you cross Cedric in any way?¡±

    Bruno shook his head furiously. ¡°How could I? I¡¯ve always treated Cedric with respect. I have no idea why he¡¯d single me out first!¡± Eighty billion¡ªgone!

    That kind of money would take years, maybe decades, to recover.

    This wasn¡¯t just financial ruin¡ªit was an execution.

    ¡°If you never stepped on Cedric¡¯s toes before, then¡­¡± Hackett¡¯s words faded into silence.

    The rest of the group exchanged wary nces, a silent revtion dawning upon them.

    Bruno noticed their expressions and grew agitated. ¡°What¡¯s with those looks? I swear, I never crossed Cedric! The only thing I did was curse at Dani.¡±

    Bruno stopped cold. Then, smacking his thigh, he gasped, ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have insulted her!¡±

    That same night, Bruno discharged himself from the hospital, clutching expensive gifts and a hefty check, sprinting towards Elite Lux.

    Bringing gifts to Dani was nothing more than a gesture of respect for Cedric.

    ?????????????? ???????????????????? ???????? g???????¦Í??????©o?????

    Upon arriving at Elite Lux, Bruno made sure Cedric had already departed before rushing upstairs.

    Just as he neared his destination, Ryan and Lillian blocked his path.

    Bruno¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡°What¡¯s the meaning of this? Step aside!¡±

    Lillian folded her arms, her gaze cold. ¡°And what exactly do you want?¡±

    Bruno hoisted the bags slightly. ¡°I¡¯m dropping off gifts, isn¡¯t it obvious? Lend me a hand!¡±

    To Bruno, Lillian was nothing more than a mere secretary.

    When she didn¡¯t budge, his temper red. He jabbed a finger at her. ¡°You¡¯re just a secretary! Who gave you the guts to talk back? Do you even realize how easily I could ruin you?¡±

    Deep down, Bruno never saw women as his equals. In his mind, they existed only to serve his whims. Respect? That wasughable. ¡°These are high-end luxury goods, worth millions. Take them to Dani¡¯s office¡ªand be careful! You couldn¡¯t afford to rece them if you tried!¡± he spat.

    A passing janitor, oblivious to the tension, casually carried the gifts into Dani¡¯s office.

    Bruno¡¯s smugness swelled. He sauntered in, let his gaze wander critically around the room, then lowered himself onto the sofa, preparing to cross his legs.

    Before he could settle in, Lillian¡¯s steady voice rang out. ¡°Bruno Deleon is inside.¡±

    A momentter, Dani stepped in.

    Bruno sprang to his feet, shing a practiced smile. ¡°Ms. Harper, my apologies for dropping by unannounced.¡±

    His words carried an apology, but his expression certainly did not.

    The smile was forced, his eyesced with barely concealed contempt.

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Have a great week dear readers. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. (? ?? ? ¨C ? ) ?

    .

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 921

    ?Chapter 921:

    ¡°What do you need?¡± Dani didn¡¯t waste time with niceties. She simply walked past him and took her seat.

    Bruno hesitated, expecting an invitation to sit, but none came.

    Irritation prickled at him, but he couldn¡¯t let it show.

    Forcing a chuckle, Bruno lowered himself into the seat. ¡°Yesterday, I let my mouth run and said some things I shouldn¡¯t have. I came to apologize. And I hope you¡¯ll like these gifts.¡±

    Dani gave them a brief nce before letting out a soft chuckle. ¡°And what makes you think I¡¯d like them?¡±

    Her response nearly made Bruno choke on the air. These gifts were worth a fortune, and she had the nerve to say she didn¡¯t like them?

    ¡°I was in a bit of a rush.¡± Fishing a check from his pocket, he extended it toward her. ¡°Please ept this.¡±

    Dani nced at the check, a faint smirk ying on her lips. It was the same two-hundred-million-dor check from the day before.

    ¡°Look, we¡¯re all businesspeople. No need to make things so difficult. Think of this as a goodwill gesture,¡± he added.

    Dani leaned back slightly, her tone measured. ¡°And what exactly do you want from me?¡±

    Bruno¡¯s eyes gleamed with anticipation. He believed Cedric was the real power behind all this. Dani? She was just a pretty face. But with Cedric wrapped around her finger, she held the influence.

    Of course, what he said was the opposite. ¡°Last night, Mr. Phillips took extreme action against mypany, leading to severe losses. Could you have a word with him? Ask him to ease up a little?¡±

    Dani chuckled, plucking the check off the table. ¡°If my memory serves me right, Cedric mentioned a hundred billion dors yesterday, didn¡¯t he? And if I recall correctly, you lost around eighty billionst night. Had you acted sooner, you wouldn¡¯t have ended up paying this much.¡±

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c???? brings imagination alive

    Bruno swallowed his pride, his jaw tightening. ¡°Yes, I was foolish.¡±

    Unhurriedly, Dani ced the check back on the table and slid it toward him. ¡°Cedric told me this morning¡ªhe gave you a chance yesterday, and you didn¡¯t take it. Now? A hundred billion won¡¯t cut it. It¡¯s a trillion. So, are you going toe up with it, or pretend this meeting never happened?¡±

    The sheer number nearly made Bruno choke. ¡°A trillion? You can¡¯t be serious! Even if all eight of us pooled our wealth, we wouldn¡¯t have that much!¡±

    Dani¡¯s voice remained unhurried. ¡°But you haven¡¯t even tried. How can you be so sure?¡±

    Ultimately, Lillian tossed both Bruno and his gifts right out the door. ¡°Scram! Who do you think you are, acting all high and mighty? Please! When I was spending millions like pocket change, you were still scraping by in the slums!¡± she mocked.

    A powerful business mogul, yet here he was¡ªthrown out like a nobody.

    Onlookers gawked, some even pulling out their phones to record.

    By nightfall, Bruno¡¯s humiliation had be industry gossip. Word spread like wildfire¡ªBruno Deleon was tossed out of Elite Lux by a secretary.

    In a dimly lit private lounge, Bruno fumed at the remaining seven.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t been humiliated like this in years! Dani is insufferable! Absolutely unbearable! What now? Does she run the market? She demands a hundred billion, and we just hand it over? She demands a trillion, and we magically find it? Who does she think she is? It¡¯s all because of Cedric! She acts untouchable now, but back when she was chasing after Alexander, wasn¡¯t she meek and submissive? Hackett! Say something!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 922

    ?Chapter 922:

    Hackett, silent until now, narrowed his eyes and turned to Bruno.

    Bruno frowned. ¡°What are you getting at?¡±

    Hackett smirked. ¡°Even the most powerful men have their weaknesses¡ªespecially for beautiful women. If we can¡¯t sway Dani, we need someone else in Cedric¡¯s ear. Someone loyal to us, and utterly irresistible.¡±

    Bruno blinked in disbelief. ¡°Isn¡¯t Dani exactly that?¡±

    No matter what they thought of her, they had to admit¡ªDani was stunning.

    Hackett let out a knowing chuckle. ¡°No matter how beautiful she is, I¡¯m sure Cedric would get bored. Bruno, that beauty you¡¯ve been keeping under wraps might be just the answer.¡±

    Bruno clung to the hope that the woman he had kept could shift the bnce in his favor.

    He hosted an extravagant banquet, expecting Cedric¡¯s presence, but the man never showed.

    Before Bruno coulde up with his next move, he was hit by a crushing defeat so absolute that any attempt to recover felt impossible. His phone buzzed incessantly with calls from the marketing department.

    ¡°Mr. Deleon, there¡¯s a major problem with ourtest game.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Deleon, hackers have cracked our newest release; pirated copies are flooding the market!¡±

    ¡°Mr. Deleon, our market share has plunged from 50% to a mere 5%!¡±

    ¡°Mr. Deleon, our stock is on the verge of a historic crash!¡±

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s©q??§àm opens doors to fiction

    ¡°Mr. Deleon¡­¡±

    Bruno was drowning in dire reports. Yet he waspletely incapable of stopping the downfall.

    Once more, he stood at Elite Lux¡¯s entrance, the time since hisst visit feeling like an eternity.

    Memories surfaced¡ªhisst visit, his harsh words toward Dani. Now, Dani remained untouchably brilliant, while he teetered on the edge of financial ruin.

    Bruno took a step toward the entrance of Elite Lux.

    The security guard smirked. ¡°Apologies, Mr. Deleon. No appointment, no ess.¡±

    Bruno lifted his gaze to the towering building, tears carving paths down his face.

    With a hollow thud, he copsed to his knees at the entrance. The pride he once unted now mirrored the depth of his current desperation.

    He bellowed, ¡°Cedric! Please! Just one more chance! I¡¯m begging you, Cedric!¡±

    Onlookers gathered, watching as Bruno pped himself repeatedly. Blood seeped from his lips, dripping onto the pavement in crimson streaks.

    Without warning, the heavens unleashed a torrential downpour. The crowd scattered, leaving Bruno drenched and alone, his desperate cries slicing through the rain. ¡°Cedric! Please! See me!¡±

    The sound of approaching footsteps made Bruno snap his head up in shock.

    Cedric loomed over him, an umbre in hand, his gaze icy. ¡°Your chance is long gone.¡±

    Brunotched onto Cedric¡¯s leg, his voice trembling. ¡°I swear, I never meant to cross you! I shouldn¡¯t have insulted your wife. I get it now. Please, have mercy!¡±

    Cedric peered down at Bruno, whose outward submission was betrayed by his tightly balled fists.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 923

    ?Chapter 923:

    A lethal glint flickered in Cedric¡¯s eyes.

    If not for men like Bruno, Dani would have remained the radiant young woman she once was.

    He could never erase the image of Dani, broken and despondent.

    A girl once as luminous as a princess had been dimmed by their greed. After all this time by his side, Dani was only now relearning how to smile and truly unwind.

    People admired Dani¡¯s strength, but who remembered that she was just twenty-four?

    A young woman in her prime, meant to bask in love and parental care, had instead carved out an empire with her own hands.

    The world called her formidable, but all he felt was sorrow for her struggles.

    Dani was so remarkable, so gentle, so full of life. Yet because of these people, she endured so much pain.

    A storm of hatred and fury brewed in Cedric¡¯s gaze.

    He sent Bruno flying with a kick. ¡°Mercy doesn¡¯t exist in my world!¡±

    Bruno lifted his gaze, only to meet Cedric¡¯s unyielding, icy stare.

    ¡°Cedric, why? Why are you doing this to me? I don¡¯t understand!¡±

    Cedric¡¯s lips curled into a cold, indifferent smile. ¡°Because you had iting!¡±

    ?????????????????? ???????? ???? g???????¦Í?????????????

    Bruno stumbled back to themerce association, a mere shell of the man he once was.

    Inside the conference room, the remaining seven members were already gathered.

    Their eyes flickered with astonishment¡ªsome surprised, some fearful, others indifferent to his downfall.

    Hackett sighed. ¡°Bruno, you got too careless.¡±

    The rest nodded in silent agreement.

    Huey smirked. ¡°If you ask me, your n was weak. Otherwise, how could you fall sopletely, with no way to fight back?¡±

    Farley nodded. ¡°You should¡¯ve secured the shareholders from the beginning. Now, you¡¯ve lost their trust and control.¡±

    Bruno scanned the room¡ªeach of them speaking as if they bore no responsibility.

    He threw his head back andughed, a loud, unhingedugh. Clutching his stomach, he pointed at them,ughing until tears rolled down his face.

    Hackett frowned. ¡°Bruno, have you lost it? It¡¯s just one defeat. Is it really that bad?¡±

    Bruno stood, wiping away his tears. ¡°Is it worth it? Easy for you to say when you¡¯re not the one suffering¡ªbut don¡¯t worry, your turn ising.¡±

    With that, Bruno turned and strode toward the exit. ¡°Let¡¯s see if you stay thisposed when it¡¯s your head on the chopping block.¡±

    Just as he reached the door, he paused and turned back. His sharp gaze locked onto Hackett¡¯s. ¡°You¡ªyes, you. You orchestrated Brylee¡¯s death. Just wait. Dani wille for you! Ha-ha!¡±

    Bruno¡¯s crazedughter echoed through the halls of the association.

    A moment ago, the room had been full of chatter and amusement; now, everyone sat frozen, their smiles erased. In that instant, a single thought consumed them all. Who would be next?

    Dani had expected that sooner orter, someone from themerce association woulde to visit her. What she hadn¡¯t anticipated, however, was that it would be two.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 924

    ?Chapter 924:

    They arrived separately, one after the other.

    Winslow was the first to show up, patiently waiting downstairs for over an hour. As lunchtime neared, he finally stepped into the dining area and stopped beside Dani.

    ¡°Ms. Harper, may I have five minutes of your time?¡± he asked.

    Dani lifted her gaze, briefly ncing at Cedric. ¡°You¡¯re here for me?¡± she asked, her tone measured.

    She had always thought the association members were blind fools, clinging to the illusion that Cedric was the true power behind everything. Yet here stood someone who actually seemed to have some sense.

    Winslow, ever reserved, simply nodded, his posture and tone radiating deference toward Dani. ¡°Yes. I came to speak with you.¡±

    Dani gave a slight nod. ¡°What do you want?¡±

    Lowering his voice, Winslow spoke. ¡°Most believe Cedric is the mastermind, but I know better. Your title as the world¡¯s richest person is no ident¡ªit¡¯s earned. I¡¯ve always respected your business acumen, though I¡¯ve never had the opportunity to say so in person.¡±

    Dani brushed off thepliment. ¡°Get to the point.¡±

    Winslow got straight to it. ¡°When the association was first formed, I was thest to be a member, holding the eighth position. Many of its earlier dealings had already taken ce by then, including that particr matter. By the time I became part of it, everything was already nearing its conclusion, and I had no role in that incident whatsoever.¡±

    That ¡°incident¡± was Brylee¡¯s death. He deliberately left it unsaid, trusting that Dani would catch his meaning.

    As he spoke, he pulled a check from his pocket. ¡°I won¡¯t deny that I profited from it¡ªroughly fifty million dors. I did the math yesterday. That money never sat right with me, and it¡¯s time it went back where it belongs. With interest, calcted at your earning rate, that brings the total to two billion.¡±

    Winslow slid the check forward. ¡°Regarding the eighty billion you demanded, the others refuse to pay, but I will. If we split it evenly among the eight of us, that¡¯s ten¡­¡±

    I??§Ö$§ä ¡é#¦Áp?¨º§ñs I§Ú galno¦Íels

    Winslow continued, ¡°I¡¯ll add five billion on top of that as an apology. That makes my total fifteen billion. Please review the numbers. If anything is off, let me know, and I¡¯ll correct it immediately.¡±

    Winslow kept his head lowered as he spoke, the very image of sincerity and humility.

    Dani¡¯s eyes flicked to the check resting on the table. Winslow had spoken of fifteen billion, yet the check in his hands boldly disyed twenty billion. He was indeed a smart man.

    Dani¡¯s lips curved into a faint smile as she passed the check to Lillian. ¡°Please donate this to a charity for those less fortunate, on my behalf.¡±

    Winslow bent even lower in a deep bow. ¡°Ms. Harper, I¡¯ll take my leave now. If you ever require my assistance again, simply have Lillian notify me, and I¡¯ll give it my all.¡±

    With those words, Winslow departed with great respect, never once lifting his head during the entire exchange. From the moment he entered until his departure, only five minutes had passed.

    As soon as he was gone, Lillianmented to Dani, ¡°He¡¯s clever, knowing toe to you instead of Cedric. His humility speaks volumes. He¡¯s quite impressive.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 925

    ?Chapter 925:

    Dani picked up her fork, taking her time with each bite.

    Hackett had just exited his car when his attention was drawn to a sleek ck vehicle weaving through the rain. He pointed to the car and asked his secretary, ¡°Whose car is that? It looks familiar. Could it belong to one of our members?¡±

    The car sped off, and the secretary adjusted his sses, straining to get a better look, but it had already blended into the flow of traffic. ¡°Mr. Graves, I can¡¯t make it out clearly.¡±

    ¡°Never mind, let¡¯s head inside.¡±

    The secretary quickly held an umbre over Hackett. Hackett wasn¡¯t tall, but his well-tailored, elegant suit gave him an air of dignity.

    He took his seat across from Dani at the dining table, a smile ying on his lips. ¡°Mr. Phillips, may I have the honor of sharing a meal with you?¡±

    Compared to Winslow, Hackett seemed far less appealing. His purpose was to speak with Cedric, so he merely nodded politely at Dani before shifting his focus entirely to Cedric.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t expectingpany,¡± Cedric said, serving some food for Dani, his tone t. ¡°Mr. Graves, what brings you here?¡±

    Hackett chuckled lightly. ¡°Indeed, I have a matter to discuss with you.¡±

    Having held the presidency of the business association for far too long, Hackett was unwilling to lower himself. He managed a strained smile, attempting to appear polite. ¡°Mr. Phillips, may we speak privately?¡±

    His request clearly implied he wished to exclude Dani.

    Before Cedric could respond, Lillian let out a soft chuckle from the side. Hackett, slightly puzzled, asked with a forced smile, ¡°What¡¯s so amusing?¡±

    Discover what¡¯s new on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv??ls

    Lillian crossed her arms, her gaze sharp. ¡°I¡¯m amused by how clueless you are, begging the wrong person. It¡¯s surprising you¡¯ve made it this far as president of themerce association.¡±

    It had been many years since anyone had dared to speak to Hackett in such a manner. Not even Brylee would have been bold enough to speak to him like this in the past. Hackett fought to hide the flush creeping up his neck. He briefly shut his eyes, inhaled deeply, and then forced a tight smile at the corners of his mouth.

    ¡°Ms. Harper,¡± Hackett said with a faint smile, trying to project generosity, though the anger simmering in his eyes was barely concealed. ¡°You really should keep your subordinates under control.¡± Hackett turned his steely gaze to Dani. ¡°Ms. Harper, with such an expansive business, it would be quite the scandal if people learned you couldn¡¯t even manage your own team properly.¡±

    Hackett let out a cold, humorlessugh before tilting his head slightly, locking eyes with Cedric. His tone nowced with respect, he added, ¡°Right, Mr. Phillips?¡± He was clearly attempting to impress Cedric, putting on an act.

    Dani let out a sharp snort ofughter. Cedric joined in theughter, and for reasons he couldn¡¯t pinpoint, Hackett felt an unexpected twinge of unease.

    Then Cedric said, ¡°Lillian is family. We can¡¯t treat her as an outsider. What¡¯s the matter, Mr. Graves? Do you have an issue with that?¡± Hackett¡¯s face drained of color at the words. He had clearly made a blunder.

    ¡°Oh, I see. I thought she was just a secretary. How thoughtless of me.¡± Hackett let out a quiet sigh of relief, quickly ncing over at Lillian. She stood with her arms crossed, her expression aloof and indifferent.

    After a rough start, Hackett leaned in, lowering his voice. ¡°May I have a word? There¡¯s a small matter I¡¯d like to discuss.¡±

    Cedric looked at Dani, who gave a small, knowing smile. Cedric rose to his feet, with Hackett quickly following. Cedric took a seat a few paces away from Dani. Hackett settled into the chair next to Cedric.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 926

    ?Chapter 926:

    Hackett forced a smile. ¡°Everyone knows how deeply you cherish your wife. And I could see it now.¡± Cedric¡¯s expression remained unreadable.

    Hackett pressed on, ¡°However, I believe your wife is a bit too ruthless. In business, we should greet people with warmth to ensure sess.¡±

    Cedric arched an eyebrow, his expression still cool. ¡°Is that so?¡±

    Hackett opened his mouth to respond when Cedric casually added, ¡°Are you implying that your family¡¯s sess is thanks to your wife winning favor from others?¡±

    Hackett¡¯s face stiffened at the words, his expression locking in ce. After all, no one dared speak to the president of themerce association in such a manner.

    Hackett¡¯s face remained rigid for a long moment before he clenched his teeth and said, ¡°Mr. Phillips, you must be joking. I was simply offering some advice. Maintaining a bnced rtionship is essential. I¡¯ve heard your wife was your first love, so it¡¯s natural for you to be so protective of her. But if you focus too much on your wife, your standing at home will suffer. In love, it¡¯s vital to maintain the upper hand.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s gaze grew cold, his eyes locking onto Hackett.

    Hackett¡¯s face took on a smug grin. ¡°There are three tricks to dealing with women. Would you like to hear them? First, don¡¯t spoil them too much, but don¡¯t ignore them either. Treat them like a cat¡ªtease them when you¡¯re interested, and give them space when you¡¯re not. Second, don¡¯t give them too much power. Otherwise, they¡¯ll start thinking they¡¯re someone important, and it will be harder to put them in their ce. Third, don¡¯t shower them with too much money or let them unt themselves in public. Keep them like a bird in a cage, dependent on you. This way, they¡¯ll always rely on you, a puppet in your hands.¡±

    With each word, Cedric¡¯s expression grew icier.

    Hackett had often shared these thoughts with others, and as the president of the association, he was ustomed to ttery. He felt a sense of satisfaction sharing his ¡°insights¡± with Cedric, believing it might bring him closer to him.

    Business and women were always the best topics to bond over. A couple of drinks, and men would treat each other like old friends.

    Find thetest updates g????????????????.??????

    ¡°Mr. Graves,¡± Cedric called out.

    Hackett smiled, responding, ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°If I remember correctly, you started your career in the entertainment industry, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    Hackett, slightly puzzled, replied, ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°1 recall your female artists often y roles as independent, strong, and dignified women. So, in your view, are women just meant to depend on men?¡±

    Hackett chuckled. ¡°That¡¯s just a marketing strategy. Women today love that image, don¡¯t they? They seem independent and strong, but deep down, they¡¯re still fragile and need support. We just give the market what it wants.¡±

    Hackett¡¯s filmpany had produced many female-led blockbusters, each a hit. No one expected that beneath the facade of championing female independence, Hackett actually held women in contempt.

    ¡°Mr. Phillips, you¡¯re just too devoted. We should talk more about these matters in the future. You¡¯ll see how enjoyable it can be.¡± Hackett grinned at Cedric. ¡°I wonder if you¡¯d be interested in visiting my home. My three daughters just returned from studying abroad and are at home. They all admire you greatly.¡±

    Cedric nced at Hackett¡¯s sycophantic grin, his stomach turning with disgust. ¡°Is that so?¡±

    ¡°Mr. Graves, you really go all out for business. Don¡¯t forget, I¡¯m a married man.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 927

    ?Chapter 927:

    Hackett chuckled. ¡°That¡¯s why I think you¡¯re too attached. Only those with little would rely on marriage to secure their lifestyle. What¡¯s its true value, other than polishing your public image? For men, pleasure is what really matters.¡±

    Hackett left with a smug grin, handing Cedric a note with his home address before exiting. ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting for you at my home, Mr. Phillips.¡± With that, Hackett left, his smile widening.

    Just as Cedric was about to toss the note into the trash, Dani stepped forward and stopped him.

    Cedric shot Dani a confused look. Dani nced at Ryan and asked, ¡°Did you record what Hackett just said?¡±

    Ryan quickly nodded. A yful smile crossed Dani¡¯s lips as she turned back to Cedric. ¡°I¡¯d like to see what his daughters look like.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s expression soured instantly, as if he¡¯d just bitten into a lemon. ¡°I¡¯d rather not.¡±

    He despised those gatherings where girls drenched themselves in perfume so heavily that it shed like an overused air freshener. The chaotic mix of scents gave him an instant headache. He¡¯d much rather be at home cuddling with his wife. Starting a family with her was something he looked forward to.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Dani said with a yful smile at Cedric. ¡°I¡¯m curious what kind of daughters a man like him has raised.¡±

    Cedric let out a reluctant sigh. ¡°Fine. But if I see anything unpleasant, you owe me.¡±

    That evening, as soon as they got home, Cedric wasted no time pulling Dani upstairs. The next day, just when Dani finally had the chance to sleep in, Hackett sent a message to confirm the dinner ns.

    By evening, Cedric leaned in, his breath deliberately teasing Dani¡¯s skin as he whispered, ¡°If you don¡¯t get up now, we¡¯ll miss dinner at Hackett¡¯s home.¡±

    Then, pressing a gentle kiss against her, his voice turned yful,ced with affection. ¡°Or we could just stay home and y our own little game instead.¡±

    ???????? ???????????????? ?????? g???????¦Í?????????????

    As he spoke, his fingers trailed up her t stomach slowly and deliberately. But just as they reached a certain point, Dani caught his hand, stopping him in his tracks. ¡°I¡¯m getting up now!¡±

    Dani practically bolted out of bed, rushing to the bathroom. ¡°I need to freshen up!¡±

    Cedric chuckled as he stretched out on the bed, utterly amused. Standing at the sink, Danizily brushed her teeth, feeling every bit of the exhaustion lingering in her body. Cedric had been experimenting with some new trickstely, and she was paying the price for it,pletely worn out.

    ¡°Why do you look so drained? Wasst night not satisfying?¡± Cedric¡¯s usual stern expression softened, his gazeced with desire, making his eyes all the more captivating.

    In that moment, Cedric was undeniably irresistible.

    As he stood before her, Dani couldn¡¯t help but recall Lillian¡¯s words about Cedric¡ªhe was dangerously seductive.

    Right now, Cedric embodied temptation in its purest form.

    He lowered his gaze, his fingers tracing a slow,zy path down her back. Leaning in, his lips brushed against her ear, his voice husky and intimate. ¡°Shall we try something new, my dear?¡±

    The way he said thosest two words sent a shiver down her spine. Dani swallowed hard. She was still recovering fromst night. The bathroom had be a disaster, and she couldn¡¯t even bring herself to look at it. Another round? There wasn¡¯t even a ce left to do it again.

    Apparently, Cedric had the same thought because he let out a long, dramatic sigh.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 928

    ?Chapter 928:

    When Dani finally emerged from the bathroom, feeling refreshed, she found Cedric on the phone.

    ¡°Yes, the vi in the south of the city. Make the entire second floor one massive room. Have the designer send over theyout.¡±

    Dani stood frozen, her mouth falling open in surprise.

    That was a vi spanning several hundred square meters.

    Cedric wanted to turn the entire second floor into a single room? Had he lost his mind?

    As Dani stood there stunned, Cedric turned toward her with a mischievous smirk. His shirt was unbuttoned, the loose cor offering a tantalizing glimpse of his bare chest.

    He stood there effortlessly rxed, radiating an irresistible allure from head to toe.

    Dani drew in a sharp breath.

    Lillian had been right all along.

    He was a dangerously seductive man.

    Lillian knocked on the door. ¡°Dani, the car is ready.¡±

    That evening, Dani was apanied by Ryan, Lillian, and Nina on her outing.

    At the wheel was Cedric.

    §Þ?§Ô? ¦Ô¦Ñ??§ä?? ?§ä g?l????l?.???

    As they arrived, Hackett¡¯s eyes immediatelynded on Cedric behind the wheel. His face lit up with a smile, but when Cedric opened the door and Dani stepped out, his grin faltered ever so slightly.

    Cedric asked, ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Can¡¯t bring my wife along?¡±

    Hackett quickly masked his difort with a strained smile. ¡°Of course, you can!¡±

    As they followed Hackett inside, Dani was struck by how the unassuming exterior of the house gave way to a world of hidden opulence.

    First, a vast sea of blooming flowers greeted them, followed by an endless stretch of manicured golf greens, and yet another garden before they reached the vi.

    It was no surprise that Hackett had suggested driving in.

    Dani took in her surroundings with interest, her smile widening. ¡°Mr. Graves, it seems you employ over fifty servants, mostly women except for the security. Your public support for women seems more than just words.¡±

    Hackett let out a heartyugh.

    The group followed him through the doors, greeted by an interior so opulent it could have been lifted from a ssic painting. Their eyes were drawn to priceless antiques, and the luxurious surroundings wereplemented by the soothing sound of flowing water.

    Even Nina, a seasoned traveler, couldn¡¯t hide her amazement. ¡°This isn¡¯t a home; it¡¯s like living in a pce.¡±

    Delighted by the praise, Hackett pped his hands, and in an instant, the maids appeared to serve the dishes. Each te was a masterpiece of culinary art.

    Hackett pped once more, and three young women descended the stairs, their anklets chiming softly with each step, lending an enchanting charm to the vi.

    ¡°Allow me to introduce my three daughters,¡± Hackett said.

    Nina was already captivated.

    One of them was the epitome of purity and grace, herrge eyes seeming to hold a gentle, flowing stream within them. Her smile was so captivating that even Nina, a woman herself, felt her heart flutter with admiration.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 929

    ?Chapter 929:

    Dani observed the three girls. Hackett had truly spared no expense.

    After dinner, Hackett concocted a reason to take Cedric to meet an important shareholder, guiding him to his study.

    Inside the study, Hackett poured coffee for Cedric with a cheerful demeanor. ¡°Mr. Phillips, I hope the meal was to your liking.¡±

    Cedric gave a curt nod.

    Hackett offered a faint smile as the study door swung open.

    His three daughters stepped in and greeted Cedric. ¡°Hello, Mr. Phillips.¡±

    Hackett shed a smile before stepping out of the room.

    Cedric rose from his seat as well.

    Hackett quickly said, ¡°Mr. Phillips, please make yourselffortable. I¡¯ll return shortly.¡±

    It was evident that Hackett intended to leave Cedric alone with his daughters.

    Though Cedric had encountered many unsavory situations, this one still left a bad taste in his mouth.

    Noticing Cedric¡¯s frosty demeanor, Hackett quickly added, ¡°Mr. Phillips, did my words yesterday hold no weight?¡±

    Hackett waved dismissively, signaling for his daughters to leave the room.

    ¡°Mr. Phillips, my three daughters are quite stunning. Are you interested in any of them? I¡¯d like to propose a deal.¡±

    It was at this moment that Hackett¡¯s true intentions became clear.

    Get lost in stories on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s©q??????

    ¡°I know Dani is just a figurehead. You¡¯re the one pulling the strings in the business world. I hope you¡¯ll cease your efforts and give us some space.¡± Hackett smiled faintly. ¡°As part of the deal, my three daughters will be at your disposal.¡±

    Cedric narrowed his eyes. ¡°All three?¡±

    Hackett nodded. ¡°It¡¯s their fortune to be with someone like you. Rest assured, they¡¯ve been raised to be idealpanions.¡±

    Meanwhile, downstairs, Dani was savoring the fruit while Cedric descended with a sour expression.

    Dani beamed, offering the fruit in her hand. ¡°It¡¯s a new variety. Very delicious. You should try it.¡±

    Cedric cast a helpless nce at Dani, who seemed unfazed by everything, before pulling her up and saying, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Hackett bid them farewell. ¡°Mr. Phillips, if you decide, have your secretary reach out to me. I¡¯ll be waiting for you!¡±

    On their way back, Dani continued to enjoy the fruit she had just sampled at the vi. The tomatoes were small, fresh, and juicy, bursting with sweetness.

    Lillian and Nina each picked one, their eyes lighting up with delight after tasting it.

    Cedric sighed deeply. ¡°You three only care about the food. Dani, if you keep eating like this, someone might steal your husband away!¡±

    Dani, oblivious to him, continued discussing the new tomato variety with Lillian and Nina.

    Cedric closed his eyes in frustration, and after stepping out of the car, he called his secretary to inquire about the fruit, casting a resentful nce at Dani.

    As Dani was gentlyid back on the bed, her senses were filled with the sweet aroma of the fruit.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 930

    ?Chapter 930:

    Cedric¡¯s mind began to blur, and he found himself muttering, ¡°This fruit really is delicious.¡±

    Dani, exhausted, nestled in Cedric¡¯s arms and let out a softugh.

    ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± Cedric asked, trying to sound authoritative.

    Dani, unfazed, kissed Cedric on the lips. ¡°Why are you upset?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t care about me!¡± Cedric used, his voice tinged with frustration.

    ¡°How could I not care about you?¡±

    Cedric¡¯s expression darkened as he pulled her close, holding her tightly. Dani asked, ¡°Didn¡¯t you notice? Those three girls don¡¯t resemble Hackett at all. Not only that, but they don¡¯t even look like sisters.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s grip loosened, and he slowly lowered his head, considering her words.

    Dani gazed up at Cedric, her smile full of mischief.

    Hackett was certain that no man could resist beautiful women, especially ones as mesmerizing as his three daughters.

    His secretary muttered, ¡°Do you think Cedric will take the bait?¡±

    Hackett snorted, a mockingugh escaping him. ¡°I have whatever type he likes.¡±

    At his words, the secretary quickly averted her gaze, a fleeting look of fear crossing her eyes.

    Hackett gave his secretary a quick nce, grinned, and tugged her into the room.

    The night dragged on, filled with the anguished sobs of the secretary. The following day, themerce association gathered once again for another meeting.

    Keep reading on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv????s

    But this time, Winslow was absent.

    Marc furrowed his brow. ¡°What¡¯s happening with Winslow? We¡¯re at a turning point. Cedric just took down Bruno, and we have no idea who¡¯s next. Does Winslow really think Cedric won¡¯t go after him?¡±

    Huey narrowed his eyes at the group, a sharp warning in his voice. ¡°Listen up, we¡¯re a team. If anyone tries to cozy up to Cedric behind our backs, don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t warn you. I¡¯ll be ruthless if I find out!¡±

    At Huey¡¯s words, the group quickly murmured their assurances. Yet in their minds, the opposite was true. It seemed smarter to offer a token of goodwill.

    After all, if they ended up as the next target, they might end up like Bruno, who could barely afford a luxury hotel these days. If not for marrying off his daughter to the head of a global corporation, hispany would have crumbled.

    The group was deep in thought as the meeting continued.

    After the meeting, everyone sent their gifts to Cedric. Taking Dani¡¯s advice to heart, Cedric epted them all, putting the givers at ease.

    The only one who didn¡¯t send a gift was Huey, and the other seven exchanged looks of pity.

    Huey ruled the hardware industry, from basic screws and scissors to advanced aerospaceponents, and his products were unparalleled. Over the years, he¡¯d ruthlessly acquired anypetitors that dared to emerge, monopolizing the field.

    The only challenge to his reign had been Brylee, whose innovative hardwarepany shattered Huey¡¯s monopoly.

    Brylee had been the only one to seed in this over the years. Huey was arrogant, ranking third in the association but carrying himself like a top dog. He dismissed the fear that gripped the others, secretly plotting to take on Cedric.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 931

    ?Chapter 931:

    So, he scoffed at the idea of sending gifts.

    Dani had set her sights on Huey next.

    When his authority was first challenged, he was the one who suggested eliminating Brylee by any means before anyone else even thought of it.

    The day before Dani made her move, she attended a banquet. Cedric, upied with greeting international guests, mentioned he would be arrivingte.

    From a distance, Huey spotted Dani and made his way towards her, holding a ss of wine.

    ¡°Ms. Harper,¡± he greeted in a dismissive tone.

    Dani gazed at him with indifference.

    ¡°What¡¯s with the attitude?¡± he sneered. ¡°Everyone knows you¡¯re just a puppet for Cedric. He¡¯s the one behind it all.¡±

    Dani gave him a look that suggested he was an idiot.

    Huey chuckled, leaning in closer to whisper, ¡°Being with Cedric isn¡¯t easy, huh? Let me show you a better way. If you ever choose to leave him,e to me. I promise you¡¯ll live a life of ease.¡±

    He took in Dani¡¯s delicate profile, then added, ¡°You look just like your mother. Maybe you could do what she wouldn¡¯t. I¡¯d be more than happy to wee it.¡±

    His words wereced with a suggestive undertone.

    Lillian quickly stormed over and pped him.

    Enraged, Huey attempted to retaliate, but Ryan kicked him away.

    Every journey starts at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c????

    Themotion drew the attention of everyone at the banquet.

    Dani stood facing Huey, her eyes cold and emotionless.

    She moved closer to him, bent down, and with a soft chuckle, whispered something in his ear.

    At her words, Huey¡¯s face drained of color, turning pale and pitiful.

    That night, Elite Lux made their move.

    Every one of Huey¡¯s ships bound for overseas was ambushed by pirates. Eleven ships, packed with valuable goods, disappeared without a trace. After receiving the call, Huey slumped into his chair, hastily arranging to meet Cedric, only to be told that Cedric was still upied with the foreign guests.

    Huey bribed the hotel staff to gain ess to the surveince footage, confirming that Cedric hadn¡¯t made any calls during the meeting.

    A cold sweat broke out along Huey¡¯s spine.

    This meant the real mastermind wasn¡¯t Cedric. It was Dani all along! And tonight, he had insulted not only Dani, but herte mother as well.

    Huey¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief, his mind going nk as he struggled toprehend the situation.

    The eleven ships contained Huey¡¯s entire fortune. His legs shook uncontrobly. He couldn¡¯t decide whether this was just bad luck or if Dani was behind the whole thing. Desperate, he reached out to every contact he had, hoping to recover the goods from the ships. Huey dialed Hackett¡¯s number.

    Hackett, dismissive of the situation, responded, ¡°What does Dani have to do with this? Even Cedric couldn¡¯t pull something like this off. Eleven ships with hundreds of containers, worth billions. Do you really think Cedric has the power to do that? Even if he did, he couldn¡¯t sell it.¡±

    Huey voiced his suspicion. ¡°What if it¡¯s Dani instead of Cedric? She has connections overseas!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 932

    ?Chapter 932:

    Hackettughed out loud. ¡°Huey, have you lost your senses? Dani? She¡¯s insignificant! Do you believe she could hijack so many of your ships? If it were really her, I¡¯d cover your losses, no problem.¡± Hackett burst intoughter on the phone.

    Huey looked down, saying, ¡°I just confronted Dani today, and then my ships were ambushed by pirates. How could that be a coincidence?¡± Hackett chuckled. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll look into it, but with that much lost at sea, it¡¯s usually gone for good. Brace yourself.¡± Hackett ended the call.

    Huey spat, seething with anger.

    He stood by the hotel entrance, waiting for Cedric to finish with his foreign guests.

    Over half an hourter, Cedric finally appeared, and Huey¡¯s phone rang.

    A friend told Huey, ¡°No matter what you offer, those ships are gone for good.¡±

    Huey felt his heart drop. ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°They say you¡¯ve upset someone. The goods aren¡¯ting back. Stop wasting your time.¡±

    Desperate, Huey said, ¡°You¡¯ve been in this game for over fifty years. Don¡¯t you have any sway? This represents everything I¡¯ve worked for. Those raw materials are of no use to them. These are client orders, and if I miss the deadline, I¡¯ll face heavy penalties! It will destroy me!¡±

    The person on the other end paused for a moment, then said, ¡°I can¡¯t help you here. I don¡¯t have that kind of influence. You should find someone locally to¡­¡±

    Huey sighed, ending the call. ¡°Produce a new batch and beg the person you¡¯ve angered for mercy. That might be your only shot.¡±

    He needed to locate a factory to produce the goods, but where could he possibly find one? In his days of monopoly, he¡¯d crush anypetitor at the slightest challenge. Now, there wasn¡¯t even a small workshop avable, let alone a factory.

    Huey looked up and saw that Cedric had already departed with the foreign guests, leaving the area deserted. Feeling defeated, he told his driver to head for Dani¡¯s ce.

    Fresh chapters live g?ln¦Ò¦Íe?s?c?m

    As Cedric returned from the reception, he noticed Dani holding a shivering stray puppy in her arms. As they got ready to take the puppy to the vet, Huey showed up. ¡°Not right now,¡± Dani said, pointing to Cedric behind her. ¡°Talk to Cedric.¡±

    This time, Huey was more cautious. He gave Cedric a quick nce before following Dani as she walked out.

    ¡°Ms. Harper, I know a great pet hospital with skilled doctors. Follow my car.¡±

    Huey¡¯s behavior now was utterly submissive, a sharp contrast to the arrogance he disyed at the banquet and his ruthless nature after being humiliated by Lillian.

    The puppy was taken to the hospital, and Cedric gently ced a coat over Dani¡¯s shoulders.

    ¡°Ms. Harper, today¡¯s incident was a misunderstanding. I¡¯m truly sorry! I spoke without thinking! I was incredibly drunk! Please don¡¯t hold it against me.¡±

    Cedric turned to face Huey, his brows furrowed in confusion. ¡°What exactly did you say?¡± His voice carried an underlying menace. Huey¡¯s heart dropped. ¡°I forgot. It was a slip of the tongue, not intentional. Please, I¡¯m really sorry!¡±

    Huey, known for his appearances on financial channels, was typically arrogant and dismissive. Thest time he visited this pet hospital, he¡¯d even assaulted a doctor. Now, his submissive behavior¡ªalmost bowing in front of them¡ªwas a gratifying sight.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 933

    ?Chapter 933:

    All eyes turned to Dani in curiosity. They hadn¡¯t anticipated that the CEO of Elite Lux would be so powerful. After all, this was Huey.

    Dani¡¯s expression remained calm as she took the puppy from the doctor and said to Huey, ¡°I told you, if you have a problem, talk to Cedric. It¡¯s pointless to speak to me.¡±

    Huey quickly responded, ¡°If talking to you is useless, then I have no one left to beg. Ms. Harper, it¡¯s all my fault. Please speak to whoever took my ships and ask them for mercy. If I lose these goods, I¡¯ll be ruined!¡± He begged earnestly.

    Dani instructed the vet, ¡°Give it a vine. I¡¯m keeping this dog.¡±

    The vet, intimidated, nced at Huey and nervously asked, ¡°What will you name your pet?¡±

    Dani responded, ¡°Monster.¡±

    Huey¡¯s jaw dropped in shock. He couldn¡¯t fathom that the tiny puppy would have such a name. Monster? But there was no time for him to dwell on it. As the vet took the dog inside, Huey immediately begged Dani. ¡°Ms. Harper, please, have mercy on me.¡±

    Dani looked at Huey, watching as he slowly knelt before her.

    People moved about them.

    Dani, dressed casually, remained indifferent, her eyes emotionless. She wondered if her mother could see this. The ones who had once inflicted harm upon her mother were now finally bowing to her.

    Neen long years had passed since the tragedy of Brylee¡¯s untimely demise. This day hade toote, but fortunately, it had finally arrived. Dani epted the puppy from the vet before slipping into her car to head home. Huey trailed behind her every step of the way.

    At the entrance of the vi, Dani paused on the stone steps. Her gaze, cold and piercing,nded on Huey, as if she were looking at a dead man. Her words sent a shiver down his spine. ¡°This is just the beginning. Why give up now?¡±

    Feel the thrill at g aln  ov el s .

    Huey, visibly shaken, raised his head to meet Dani¡¯s steely eyes, which glittered menacingly under the moonlit sky. Ovee by a mix of fear and uncertainty, he remained kneeling outside the vi until the stroke of midnight. Gradually, he realized his waiting was in vain.

    Numbness crept into his knees, yet with a burst of resentful determination, he forced himself to his feet.

    As dawn painted the sky, Huey found himself at themerce association.

    The moment Bruno caught sight of him, a smirk curled his lips. ¡°Didn¡¯t expect to see you this early.¡±

    Huey responded with a silent, chilling re directed at Bruno, his eyes narrowing into slits.

    Bruno grinned. ¡°Remember how you mocked me before? At least I managed to hold out for two days. What about you? A mere phone call was all it took for you to crumble!¡±

    He vividly remembered the scorn in Huey¡¯s voice when he had desperately sought assistance, how Huey had derided him with a smug sneer.

    By ten o¡¯clock that morning, everyone had convened. Bruno, having resigned himself to his fate, exuded an air of unusual calm. Hackett, having presented his gift, appeared utterly disinterested. Winslow stretchednguidly, curling up in a corner and shutting his eyes; the others couldn¡¯t tell if he was actually sleeping or merely feigning it.

    Huey¡¯s fist came down hard on the table, his voice seething with rage. ¡°Dani is venomous! If she dares, I want her to face me herself! She¡¯s behind all of this, using underhanded tactics! She¡¯s stripped me of everything. Her greed knows no bounds! Hackett, you¡¯ve witnessed my ruin. If you remain passive, it won¡¯t just be our association that appears weak¡ªyourpanies will be jeopardized as well. I may have lost everything, but I refuse to let this go unanswered! You simply can¡¯t turn a blind eye to this. Who¡¯s next on the list?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 934

    ?Chapter 934:

    Tension rippled through the group as they traded wary looks.

    Hackett scrunched his features in concentration, the pieces of the puzzle gnawing at his mind. ¡°What did you just say? She¡¯s behind all this?¡±

    Huey nodded. ¡°Dani herself admitted it! She was ying dumb and outsmarting us all! We¡¯ve all been deceived by her!¡±

    Color drained from Hackett¡¯s face as the revtion sank in. Dani was the mastermind behind it all? But he had already given his gift to Cedric. Hackett¡¯s heart sank.

    Winslow observed Hackett with a disinterested yet piercing gaze. He saw the sudden ashen look on Hackett¡¯s face and the stiffening of his posture.

    Dropping his gaze, Winslow said, ¡°Hackett, what¡¯s got you so rattled all of a sudden? Does it really make a difference whether the mastermind is Dani or Cedric?¡± With that, all eyes turned to Hackett.

    Hackett¡¯s heart thudded painfully against his ribs, yet he managed to drape a cloak of feigned outrage over his features. ¡°What exactly are you suggesting? I¡¯m utterly astonished at the depths of Dani¡¯s cunning.¡±

    Marcus¡¯ gaze sharpened as he scrutinized Hackett, a flicker of suspicion crossing his features.

    Despite lengthy discussions, the meeting concluded without any decisive oues. As for the goods from Huey¡¯spany, the best resolution they could offer was merely a promise to dispatch an investigator soon.

    Huey departed, his steps heavy, the ring sunlight outside intensifying his sense of defeat.

    Later that afternoon, Hackett returned to Elite Lux, his hands filled with borately wrapped gifts.

    Perfectly timing his entrance with the lunch hour, Hackett perched in the cafeteria, a practiced smile ying on his lips as he waited for Dani. Before sitting down with Cedric, Dani said to Lillian, ¡°We need to enhance our security measures. Tell Ryan to implement a facial recognition system at the entrance of the cafeteria. It¡¯s imperative we restrict ess to employees only.¡± Lillian acknowledged with a quick nod.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s©q??o?? is where stories live

    Hackett¡¯s smile briefly faltered as he addressed Dani. ¡°I hope you don¡¯t mind my impromptu visit, Ms. Harper. Your fondness for jade came to mind when I saw some exquisite pieces atst night¡¯s auction. I couldn¡¯t resist getting them for you.¡±

    He gingerly set avish gift box on the table, the price tag boldly indicating five hundred million¡ªits value clear, apanied by a gleaming certificate.

    Dani raised an eyebrow, responding with a mix of amusement and suspicion. ¡°This is incredibly generous of you. But are the others in the association aware of this?¡±

    In stark contrast to Cedric, Dani exuded an icy aloofness, her polite detachment rendering her seemingly unapproachable.

    Hackett¡¯s heart fluttered anxiously, but he managed to conjure up a strained smile. Just as he was gearing up to speak, Dani dropped a casual bombshell.

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard about your three beautiful daughters.¡±

    Thement sent a shiver down Hackett¡¯s spine, and a bead of sweat appeared on his forehead.

    Dani¡¯s lips twitched into a slight, enigmatic smile as she continued, ¡°My husband never tires ofuding your skills in nurturing such beautiful daughters.¡±

    At her words, Hackett¡¯s mouth twitched, caught between a grimace and a smile. He was unsure if he was being praised or subtly ridiculed. He clung to his smile, a bit too tightly, and bowed his head slightly, masking the surge of bitterness threatening to show.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 935

    ?Chapter 935:

    ¡°So, what brings you here today?¡± Dani probed, her voice light but with an undercurrent of scrutiny.

    Hackett let out a nervous chuckle, more a stammer than augh. ¡°Considering you¡¯re at the helm of this acquisition, I just wanted to clear the air. Any past misunderstandings¡ªI hope there are no hard feelings.¡±

    Dani looked at him, her expression shifting to one of perplexity. ¡°Why? There¡¯s nothing to clear. You seem to be overstating things. Weren¡¯t you the one who always preached that women should be seen as mere adornments for men, advising Cedric against pampering me too much? I must admit, sometimes your observations might hold a grain of truth.¡±

    Herst words,ced with a sweet, sardonic smile, sent a fresh wave of anxiety crashing over Hackett. Hisplexion turned ashen as the full implication of her words slowly dawned on him.

    Cedric and Dani couldn¡¯t have been more different.

    Her indifference was absolute.

    After speaking, she turned her attention back to her meal,pletely ignoring Hackett. Not even his position as the president of themerce association had any influence on her. She didn¡¯t even offer a few polite words to conclude the conversation.

    Across the table, Hackett sat tensely, embarrassment gnawing at him.

    It wasn¡¯t until Dani had left, not even casting a nce behind her, that Hackett¡¯s face hardened. Rising from his seat, his expression was cold.

    The surrounding diners, familiar with Hackett, were visibly shocked. They had always regarded him as amanding figure, yet now, he appeared diminished in front of Dani. Whispers filled the room.

    ¡°Hackett seemed so powerful before!¡±

    g¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s is your story hub

    ¡°Absolutely. At a recent auction, when he was outbid on something he wanted, the winner ended up with a broken leg. Everyone thought Hackett was untouchable.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s surprising to see him outmaneuvered by a young woman like Dani, given his experience.¡±

    ¡°Look at him, drenched in cold sweat.¡±

    ¡°But shouldn¡¯t all eight association members be here? What is Hackett doing here alone?¡±

    ¡°He must be trying to secure Dani¡¯s mercy behind closed doors while still boasting about his influence in public. Knowing Dani, she won¡¯t bother to set the record straight.¡±

    As they spoke, they captured Hackett¡¯s stern face and shared the images online.

    Fuming, Hackett could barely contain his anger.

    It had been a long time since he had felt this humiliated.

    Straightening up, he strode out of the Elite Lux dining hall.

    Even as he walked away, the echoes ofughter followed him. ¡°Look at him! Nothing but empty threats. We all know he¡¯s lost his edge. It¡¯s about time he stepped aside!¡±

    As Hackett entered the elevator, his face contorted with fury. He mmed his fist against the wall.

    With renewed resolve, Hackett vowed to bring down Elite Lux.

    He rushed to themerce association and summoned the other seven members.

    On the phone, he insisted they urgently assemble within half an hour to n their counterattack against Dani¡¯s economic measures. As he paced, hands clenched on his hips, his anger intensified, and fantasies of retribution against Dani filled his mind. Despite his demands, thirty minutes ticked by without any of the members appearing.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 936

    ?Chapter 936:

    The sun dipped below the horizon, and only then did Bruno walk in, unfazed by his tardiness.

    ¡°What seems to be the problem?¡± Hackett snapped, losing his calm. ¡°Bruno, weren¡¯t we supposed to address a crucial issue today? Why the indifference? Am I the only one facing these sanctions? Don¡¯t you care about your enterprise anymore?¡±

    With a smirk, Bruno dragged a chair over and settled into it, letting out a sigh of indifference.

    Gradually, the others began to appear, with Winslow being thest to arrive, well after ten in the evening.

    Suppressing a yawn, Winslow asked, ¡°I¡¯ve got nster. Can we wrap this up in thirty minutes?¡±

    Standing firmly, hands still on his hips, Hackett stared at them with cold contempt. ¡°What¡¯s this supposed to mean? Are you telling me you can¡¯t even gather everyone for a meeting now? Am I the only active member here? If that¡¯s your attitude, we might as well dissolve this association!¡± Rage simmered within Hackett.

    Marcus, wearing a grim expression, confronted him. ¡°Hackett, who are you trying to deceive? You think we¡¯re oblivious?¡±

    Stunned, Hackett asked, ¡°What are you implying?¡±

    ¡°Exactly, what are you implying?¡± Farley asked sharply. ¡°Did you secretly meet with Dani to beg for mercy? Hoping she would spare you? Hackett, should I y the recording where you malign her?¡±

    Hackett¡¯s voice wavered as his lips tightened. ¡°What are you implying?¡±

    Marcus, visibly annoyed, flung his phone toward him. ¡°Take a look! You met with Dani earlier today, right? It¡¯s all over the inte. We never thought you¡¯d deceive us like this.¡±

    Explore captivating tales on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s

    A noticeable shock ran through Hackett. Yet, he quickly regained hisposure and raised his voice. ¡°Now you¡¯re using me? Who was I trying to protect? Do you think I enjoyed degrading myself before Dani? What drove me to do it? If I weren¡¯t president, I would¡¯ve preferred to avoid this mess. I couldn¡¯t bear to see you end up like Bruno and Huey, so I went to beg Dani to spare everyone. Was it your assumption¡­?¡±

    ¡°That I pleaded only for my own sake? Had I known this misunderstanding, I would have indeed begged solely for myself. How utterly thankless!¡±

    Hackett¡¯s face, round and flushed, trembled with what seemed to be genuine resentment.

    Confused nces were exchanged among the group, each person unable to determine Hackett¡¯s sincerity.

    Firmly, Hackett continued, ¡°Dani now wields considerable influence. Without solidarity, she¡¯ll overshadow us. Do you really want that to happen? This association has thrived for years, benefiting everyone. If you¡¯re ready to surrender and let a woman like Danimand you, then I wash my hands of it.¡±

    A smirk yed on Hackett¡¯s lips as he observed their serious expressions. ¡°Let me rify something else. Dani¡¯s leniency won¡¯t extend to you just because you submit. Do you think she¡¯s after you for your business dealings? That¡¯s false! Completely false! This is all about Brylee¡¯s death!¡±

    The moment those words left Hackett¡¯s lips, everyone stiffened, except for Winslow. His eyes remained vacant, his expression detached, as though he were still half-asleep.

    Hackett swept his gaze across the room. ¡°Look for yourselves. If you¡¯re truly fine with this, let¡¯s just pretend this meeting never happened.¡± Without another word, he turned to leave.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 937

    ?Chapter 937:

    Farley quickly rose to his feet, blocking Hackett¡¯s way. ¡°Hackett, take a breath. We haven¡¯t even started talking, and you¡¯re already fired up. That¡¯s not like you. We¡¯ve always had each other¡¯s backs, and now you¡¯re making it sound like we¡¯re strangers. Come on, we need to stand together, don¡¯t we?¡±

    Marc stood as well. ¡°Exactly! With something this serious, none of us can afford to sit this out.¡±

    Tripp Morris furrowed his brow. ¡°We¡¯ve tried everything, and nothing works on Dani. What¡¯s left?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve imposed sanctions, we¡¯ve reasoned with her, but nothing gets through. What else is there?¡± A heavy silence settled over the room.

    By the time Alexander returned from abroad, fresh from his stic surgery, the entire domestdscape had shifted.

    Without wasting time, he absorbed the market shares once held by Bruno and Huey.

    In just two weeks, Bet Group sessfully integrated the assets of Fairburne Group.

    Seizing this golden opportunity, Bet Group skyrocketed into the market¡¯s spotlight.

    Richard¡¯s face lit up with excitement as he watched Bet Group¡¯s stock rise steadily. Turning to Alexander, he said, ¡°Alexander, we¡¯ve officially made it onto the world¡¯s billionaire list. We may not be at the top yet, but it¡¯s a solid start.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s eyes followed thetest rankings, drifting from Bet Group¡¯s position to the undisputed leader¡ªElite Lux.

    Richard let out a light chuckle. ¡°We can take our time catching up, but honestly, I don¡¯t think you need to wait until your wealth matches Dani¡¯s. Everyone knows how effortlessly she makes money. And once you¡¯re family, does it even matter?¡±

    You need topete. Your wealth will eventually end up in your children¡¯s hands anyway.¡± Alexander nodded; the logic made perfect sense.

    M¦Òr¦Å ¦Ôpd¦Á§äes ¦Én G¦Áln¦Ò¦Íels.c¦Òm

    When love was genuine, wealth became irrelevant.

    And Dani wasn¡¯t the type to care about money anyway.

    Alexander studied his reflection, scrutinizing the freshly refined features.

    ¡°Dad, check my left side. Does it still look unevenpared to Cedric¡¯s? It doesn¡¯t seem as seamless to me.¡±

    Richard examined him briefly. ¡°Not at all. It¡¯s wless. If you and Cedric walked side by side, I wouldn¡¯t be able to tell you apart.¡± Alexander¡¯s lips curled into a faint smile at those words.

    He nced at the inside of his arm, where there was a faint scar. With it, Dani would never be able to tell him apart from Cedric.

    ¡°If a fake is convincing enough to fool the world, it bes real!¡± Alexander mused, continuing to study his face in the mirror. This face would be his key to winning Dani back.

    His eyes flickered to Cedric¡¯s schedule disyed on his tablet. His n was simple¡ªslip into Cedric¡¯s world piece by piece until he became Cedric entirely.

    Hackett made his way to Richard again.

    The moment Hackett ced a check for eight hundred million in front of Richard, Richard¡¯s eyes gleamed.

    ¡°No hidden agenda here. I¡¯m getting old, and I can¡¯t hold on to this seat forever. We¡¯ve all witnessed the Bet family¡¯s rise. We believe Alexander should take over as the new president of themerce association,¡± Hackett said.

    Richard barely contained his delight.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 938

    ?Chapter 938:

    It wasmon knowledge that the association¡¯s membership fees were exorbitant.

    The association¡¯s membership fees alone could support countless individuals for ten lifetimes.

    And the presidency? It carried perks far beyond what met the eye. In the corporate world, it was akin to holding a crown.

    ¡°A golden opportunity, huh?¡± Richard¡¯s gaze lingered on the check, his grip on reason hanging by a thread. ¡°But why Alexander?¡±

    Hackett shed a knowing smile, producing an antique he had long cherished. ¡°Come on, Richard. We¡¯re all friends here. No need for questions. Leadership should be in the hands of the capable. And with Alexander¡¯s talent, isn¡¯t he the natural choice for the top spot?¡± Hackett had his eyes on Alexander because of Dani¡¯s years of attachment to him. Once Alexander took the presidency, Dani wouldn¡¯t have the heart to move against him.

    More importantly, Alexander understood Dani better than anyone. It was said that the closest people knew each other¡¯s weaknesses best. Compared to anyone else, Alexander had the upper hand when it came to understanding Dani. As for the presidency¡ªonce the dust settled, Hackett had every intention of taking it back.

    For now, Alexander would be his pawn, paving the way for his true ambitions.

    Hackett¡¯s scheme was meticulous. He had a knack for reaching his goals without breaking a sweat.

    Hackett departed Richard¡¯s office brimming with confidence. After all, who in their right mind would turn down the presidency of the association?

    Hackett strode away, his confidence unwavering.

    This time, Dani dealt with Farley first, then Tripp, and finally Marcus. After that, their reputations were left inplete shambles, and unrest spread like wildfire throughout the association.

    ???????? ????????: ???????????????????????????????

    For the first time, the association was flooded with an overwhelming number of refund requests.

    Desperate, Hackett and the remaining seven rushed to the Bet family¡¯s.

    Up until this point, everyone¡ªexcept for Hackett and Winslow¡ªhad suffered major financial turmoil.

    Hackett, gripped by anxiety and fear, stole a nce at Winslow¡¯s unwavering calm. A chilling realization crept in¡ªhe was next.

    The looming uncertainty, paired with the certainty of his downfall, nearly shattered him.

    In desperation, he gathered his people and sought out Alexander. But this time, Richard didn¡¯t invite them in. Instead, he handed back the check and gift Hackett had previously offered.

    ¡°Sorry, I spoke with my son. He told me that Dani isn¡¯t someone who loses her temper easily or acts out of arrogance. If she¡¯sing after you now, it means you must have done something to provoke her. We¡¯re staying out of this mess.¡±

    Hackett¡¯s expression darkened with unease. ¡°But this is the presidency of the association! Are you saying that Alexander truly has no interest in it? You might want to reconsider!¡±

    Richard let out a faint smile. ¡°Respect and admiration are what give the president of themerce association real power. But if the entire industry resents them, what¡¯s the point? When Alexander wanted to join, you shut him out without hesitation. And now, when troublees knocking, you turn to us. Do you really think we¡¯re foolish enough to make an enemy out of Dani just for a title?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 939

    ?Chapter 939:

    At first, Richard had nearly been swayed. He had even sought out Alexander¡¯s opinion, but after Alexander analyzed the situation thoroughly, he had be furious. These people were looking for a scapegoat.

    ¡°Richard, you¡¯re reading too much into this. The association is a force to be reckoned with. Why would we be afraid of Dani?¡±

    ¡°Oh, really?¡± Richard scoffed. ¡°Then why the sudden generosity? Don¡¯t take me for a fool¡ªI know exactly what¡¯s got you all rattled. Get lost! I have nothing more to say to you!¡± Richard was about to kick them out.

    Hackett stepped forward. ¡°Richard, this is all just a misunderstanding. How about this? When Alexander has time, we¡¯ll sit down and talk face-to-face. Would that work for you?¡±

    Richard¡¯s brows furrowed in a deep frown.

    Hackett smoothly pushed the check and gift back into Richard¡¯s hands. ¡°We came here sincerely, after all. And let¡¯s be honest¡ªholding a position of poweres with challenges. Otherwise, how would anyone respect it? We¡¯re not asking you to go against Dani, just to have Alexander mediate. She¡¯s young, and being sobative won¡¯t do her any favors in the long run, right? I won¡¯t deny it¡ªDani¡¯s capable. Right now, we can¡¯t match her. But luck doesn¡¯tst forever, does it? Just let Alexander know. Have him meet with us. And if you¡¯re still uneasy, at least keep the gift.¡±

    Hackett was nothing if not calcted. Richard waspletely outmaneuvered.

    After Hackett¡¯s remark, Richard fell silent for a moment before muttering, ¡°Wait here. I need to make a call.¡± He stepped aside, phone in hand.

    Bruno narrowed his eyes. ¡°Hackett, why does Alexander always keep such a low profile?¡±

    Huey nodded in agreement. ¡°Yeah, he didn¡¯t even show up at thest press conference.¡±

    Hackett¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. ¡°Now that you mention it, it is strange. Didn¡¯t Richard say Alexander went missing? Then suddenly he turned up, and not long after, Bet¡­¡±

    ???????? ???????? g?????????¦Í???????????????

    The group had merged with Fairburne Group, but Joyce had vanished without a trace. None of it made sense. Winslow shot a sharp nce at Richard, who was speaking in hushed tones over the phone. ¡°Look into him.¡±

    A momentter, Richard returned, his phone still in hand. ¡°Sorry, Alexander¡¯s schedule is packed. He said he¡¯ll discuss it with you some other time.¡±

    Hackett smiled faintly, slipping his phone back into his pocket. ¡°Oh? Alexander is too busy to meet? I wonder what¡¯s keeping him so upied.¡±

    Richard¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°What exactly are you trying to say?¡±

    Hackett tilted his head slightly. ¡°Fairburne Group belonged to Joyce, didn¡¯t it? But now she¡¯s gone, and all her shares have mysteriously ended up in Alexander¡¯s hands. Thatpany is massive¡ªit controls a fortune in mineral resources. It¡¯s hard to believe Joyce would just hand it over out of the goodness of her heart.¡±

    Richard¡¯s face darkened.

    Hackett¡¯s smile remained unchanged. ¡°Well, since you won¡¯t help us, I suppose we¡¯ll have some free time to investigate Joyce¡¯s disappearance instead.¡±

    Richard¡¯s anger was frozen on his face.

    The eight men across from him saw everything clearly.

    Huey¡¯s tone was icy. ¡°I suggest you bring Alexander out. We¡¯re not interested in digging into Joyce¡¯s situation¡ªwe just want to talk. There¡¯s no need for him to act so secretive, is there?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 940

    Chapter 940:

    Richard¡¯s patience was wearing thin. ¡°Fine! I¡¯ll call him right now!¡± He pulled out his phone and dialed Alexander¡¯s number.

    The moment the call connected, Hackett snatched the phone right out of Richard¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Alexander, let¡¯s meet. Your position isn¡¯t solid yet, and going against the association might not be the wisest move for Bet Group, don¡¯t you think? Besides, we mean no harm¡ªjust a conversation. If things don¡¯t go well, we won¡¯t force the issue.¡±

    Against Dani, they didn¡¯t dare raise their voices, but when it came to Alexander, Hackett still carried an air of arrogance.

    For a few seconds, the other end of the line waspletely silent. Then came a cold, measured voice. ¡°Tomorrow night at eight. Lynklee Cafe.¡±

    The call abruptly cut off. Richard shot a furious re at the eight men in front of him. ¡°Would you even dare go up against Dani? She crushed every single one of you, and now, with nowhere left to run, you crawl to Alexander? What a bunch of damn cowards!¡± His rage boiled over.

    Hackett, unfazed, offered aposed smile. ¡°If you want someone to me, me Dani for being too powerful. If she weren¡¯t, we wouldn¡¯t be scrambling for solutions. But don¡¯t worry¡ªwe have no intention of harming Alexander.¡±

    Even after suffering heavy losses at Dani¡¯s hands, the eight most powerfulpanies in the association still held significant influence. Among them, Hackett remained the most influential¡ªhis authority was far from diminished.

    Just as the group was about to disperse, Winslow suddenly muttered, ¡°Did you notice? Alexander¡¯s voice on the phone¡ªit sounded familiar. Like someone we¡¯ve met recently.¡±

    The others barely paid attention. ¡°Who else could it be? It¡¯s just Alexander. We¡¯ve heard his voice before, so of course, it sounds familiar.¡±

    With that, they scattered.

    First appeared in g??lnov els.??o??

    Dani was reviewing thetest designs when her phone vibrated with a message from Alexander.

    ¡°The association wants to meet with me. It seems like they¡¯re backing me as the new president. How should I coordinate with you?¡±

    She nced at the message but didn¡¯t bother replying, focusing instead on the documents in front of her.

    Later, her phone rang. It was Alexander.

    Without hesitation, Dani ignored the call and blocked the number.

    A few minutester, an unknown number appeared on her screen.

    Still flipping through the files, she answered, ¡°Hello?¡±

    ¡°Dani, did you see my message?¡±

    Her fingers turned another page. ¡°Alexander, I thought I made myself clear before. Whatever¡¯s going on with you¡ªit has nothing to do with me.¡±

    While Dani spoke, Nina and Lillian were off to the side, chatting andughing.

    ¡°Is Dani preparing for pregnancy? Cedric¡¯s been working out every day and eating double portions. Are they trying for a baby?¡±

    Without waiting for a response, Dani ended the call and blocked the number.

    Alexander stood frozen, his face a mask of shock and disbelief. His mind was a nk. He couldn¡¯t believe what he had just heard.

    Dani was preparing for pregnancy? And she and Cedric were trying for a baby?

    He had been working so hard to get closer to Dani. How could she possibly want a child with someone else? Why couldn¡¯t she wait for him? It had to be Cedric! Cedric must be pressuring her.

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Hope you liked the chapters dear ones, there is gonna be two new novels today. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. ??(£Þ?£Þ)??

    .

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 941

    ?Chapter 941:

    Anger surged through Alexander, his hands balling into fists so tightly that his nails nearly pierced the skin. He wanted nothing more than for Cedric to be gone¡ªpermanently.

    Once Cedric was out of the picture, there would be no one else¡ªjust him!

    He was even prepared to sacrifice everything for Dani¡ªif only she would return his feelings.

    At dusk, Alexander¡¯s face bore an expression of grim determination.

    The next morning, Alexander arrived at the designated meeting spot for his appointment with the eight members of themerce association.

    A partition separated them¡ªAlexander on one side, and the group of eight on the other.

    Hackett peeked over repeatedly, puzzled by Alexander¡¯s behavior.

    Weren¡¯t they here to discuss matters?

    How could any meaningful conversation happen with such a barrier in ce? The group exchanged confused nces, shrugging at Alexander¡¯s strange conduct.

    With Dani, at least they had been able to see her face. Was Alexander trying to outdo her in aloofness?

    ¡°Forgive me. I¡¯ve been feeling unwell recently and prefer not to be seen. Please, just speak freely,¡± Alexander said firmly.

    Hackett and the others weren¡¯t concerned with hisck of visibility; the business at hand was what mattered.

    They settled into their chairs.

    Winslow nced at the partition, a familiar sensation returning. ¡°Alexander, we propose to nominate you as the president of our association.¡±

    Read exclusive stories at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    Alexander¡¯s response was cold. ¡°And what do I gain from epting?¡±

    Just as Hackett opened his mouth to speak, Alexander preempted him, his voice dripping with disdain. ¡°Merely a title? And you expect me to lead your battles? Do you truly think I¡¯m that naive?¡±

    Bruno¡¯s expression darkened, his forehead creased with a mixture of anger and disbelief. ¡°Alexander, how can you speak like this? Have you forgotten that your rise was made possible only because of the doors we unlocked for you? How can you be so tantly ungrateful?¡±

    A sardonicugh escaped Alexander¡¯s lips. ¡°Oh, really? Doors you im to have opened? Let¡¯s be clear¡ªwasn¡¯t it because you failed to stand up to Dani, ended up financially shackled, and couldn¡¯t pursue other interests that I was able to seize the opportunities you missed?¡±

    Bruno¡¯s response caught in his throat, his cheeks flushing with suppressed fury as he struggled to articte his frustration.

    Huey narrowed his eyes slightly. ¡°Alexander, do you remember when you were eager to join our association? I brought you in. Despite the unfavorable oue, I always treated you fairly, didn¡¯t I?¡±

    Alexander nodded. ¡°Indeed, you did. But let¡¯s not forget the outrageous fifty million you charged for that introduction, promising me a lucrative position within the association. And what happened? My money evaporated, and the promised membership turned to dust. I was excluded during the profitable times, and now I certainly have no intention of sharing in the losses.¡±

    As Alexander¡¯s words hung in the air, the tension in the room became palpable. One by one, everyone stood, their bodies rigid with indignation.

    ¡°Alexander, curb your arrogance!¡± Marcus exploded, his voice resonating with fury.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 942

    ?Chapter 942:

    Pointing sharply at the screen, Bruno cursed, ¡°Alexander, such ungratefulness is beneath you!¡±

    A sudden crash rang out as a coffee cup smashed against the floor, splintering into shards.

    Alexander¡¯s voice cut through the air, cold and sharp. ¡°Who¡¯s the ungrateful one here? Remember, you¡¯re the ones seeking my help!¡±

    At his words, frustration contorted their faces, their expressions tightening with irritation.

    Hackett rose slowly, his voice deliberate. ¡°There¡¯s no benefit in dwelling on old grievances. You must have a strategy, or you wouldn¡¯t have agreed to this meeting. What¡¯s your n? Surely, you don¡¯t intend to let Dani take control of everything, do you?¡±

    However, Hackett was mistaken.

    Alexander harbored no objections to Dani holding power. In his eyes, her vast wealth was destined to merge with his eventually. He fully supported Dani¡¯s rise to prominence.

    But there was one exception.

    He harbored a deep-seated desire for Cedric to fail. In fact, he wanted nothing more than for Cedric to take hisst breath. A shadow of loathing flickered briefly across Alexander¡¯s gaze, and he paused, collecting his thoughts.

    Reclining slightly in his chair, he said, ¡°I have no interest in presiding over the association, nor do I wish to participate.¡±

    Huey, nearly bursting with frustration, opened his mouth to protest, but Hackett restrained him. ¡°Then what do you suggest?¡±

    ¡°Allow me to offer some advice,¡± Alexander replied, his tone even and measured.

    Dive into fiction with g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s

    Hackett¡¯s eyes narrowed, suspicion sharpening his gaze. Could Alexander genuinely afford such generosity as a businessman? Ultimately, he refused to confront Dani.

    Alexander continued, ¡°Dani is out of your league. Trying to take her down is futile and won¡¯t get you anywhere.¡±

    Hackett raised an eyebrow. ¡°Then what¡¯s our move?¡±

    ¡°Strike at her weak spots. What is Dani¡¯s current priority? Target that.¡±

    Silence filled the room as Hackett processed Alexander¡¯s words.

    Alexander went on, ¡°Cedric is her vulnerability. Phillips Group is thriving, but with all eight of you united, you can still pose a threat. When pushes to shove, Dani will undoubtedly rush to Cedric¡¯s side. That will give you a chance to negotiate.¡±

    His voice was steady, ¡°Remember, if you control Cedric, you control Dani. She may be tough, managing businesses that are lucrative and fast-growing, eclipsing the older, established industries. But Phillips Group isn¡¯t as formidable as herpany. If you¡¯re looking for an escape, Cedric is your key.¡±

    The tension in the room began to dissipate as his words sunk in.

    Hackett hesitated. ¡°But what if Dani intervenes to support him?¡±

    Alexander let out a sly chuckle. ¡°Once or twice might not matter, but if she continually bails him out, Cedric¡¯s ego will take a hit, and he¡¯ll inevitably sh with her. Being seen as weak and dependent on a woman will only bring him scorn. That tension could drive them apart, giving you some breathing room.¡±

    The group nodded, absorbing the strategy.

    Winslow spoke up, ¡°And if Dani strikes backter, aren¡¯t we back where we started?¡±

    Without missing a beat, Alexander responded coldly, ¡°We¡¯ll cross that bridge when wee to it. If you can¡¯t handle your current troubles and all eight of you go under, don¡¯t point fingers at me for seizing an opportunity.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 943

    ?Chapter 943:

    The eight of them exited the cafe.

    Bruno frowned,pletely perplexed. ¡°What¡¯s Alexander ying at? Helping us without asking for anything in return?¡±

    Winslow spoke, arms crossed. ¡°No way. He wants us to take down Cedric for him. He¡¯s just making it sound like he¡¯s doing us a favor.¡±

    Huey turned to Hackett. ¡°Hackett, what¡¯s the move?¡±

    Hackett¡¯s expression remained cold and unreadable. ¡°We don¡¯t have a choice. Either we go along with this, or we wait to go bankrupt.¡±

    A heavy silence settled over them.

    Hackett¡¯s voice hardened. ¡°Starting tomorrow, we attack Phillips Group from all sides.¡±

    Just before leaving, Winslow nced back at the cafe, a nagging feeling creeping in.

    That voice inside didn¡¯t sound like Alexander. Who else could it have been? He couldn¡¯t ce it just yet.

    The eight of them spent the night strategizing.

    By the time the stock market opened the next morning, Phillips Group¡¯s shares took a sharp dive.

    By the day¡¯s end, they had plunged to a historic low.

    Rumors spread like wildfire.

    Cedric returned to Phillips Group, working to contain the fallout.

    ???????? ???????????????? ???? ????????????????????????

    Dani studied the stock chart, her gaze darkening with every dip. Lillian stood behind her, arms crossed. ¡°They¡¯re smarter than I gave them credit for¡ªtargeting Cedric instead.¡±

    A heavy tension radiated from Dani, sharper than ever before.

    Even Nina, after a quick nce at her, instinctively took a step back.

    Nina whispered to Lillian, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with Dani?¡±

    Lillian smirked, casting a knowing look at Dani. ¡°She¡¯s pissed.¡± Nina rarely saw Dani lose her temper.

    In fact, she was indifferent to most things, except Cedric.

    This was the first time Nina had seen her truly upset.

    ¡°So what happens now?¡± Nina asked, barely above a whisper.

    Lillian let out a low chuckle. ¡°Someone¡¯s about to regret their choices.¡±

    Nina turned to her, wide-eyed.

    Traditional industries moved at a slower pace than Dani¡¯spany, which thrived on rapid profits. They relied on raw materials,bor, fluctuating markets, and customer demand. In short, too many variables.

    The eight members of themerce association had deep-rooted connections within the country. They leaned heavily on those ties, which kept them afloat.

    For Phillips Group, the pressure mounted from every direction, with crises piling up one after another.

    The association members, watching Cedric struggle, finally exhaled in relief, apuding Alexander¡¯s cunning strategy.

    That day, Hackett sent Richard a rare antique. Richard beamed with satisfaction.

    Alexander was just as pleased. Once Phillips Group copsed, Cedric would have nothing. Then, he could take Cedric¡¯s ce.

    Dani wanted to step in and help Cedric, but he insisted he could handle it. So, for the next few days, she stayed on the sidelines, watching. And just as he promised, Cedric pulled through.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 944

    ?Chapter 944:

    She decided to leave it be for now. A man¡¯s pride had to be respected.

    Since Cedric didn¡¯t want her interfering in Phillips Group¡¯s affairs, she continued to target the association. Hackett was next.

    That night, Hackett and his group sat drinking, basking in their supposed victory. Soon, Cedric would surrender, and they could negotiate with Dani on their terms.

    Bruno exhaled in relief. ¡°For a second, I thought we were actually done for.¡±

    Huey wiped the sweat from his forehead. ¡°No kidding. That was brutal. If there¡¯s one lesson here, it¡¯s that Dani is not someone to cross.¡±

    Marcus gave a knowing nod. ¡°True, but luckily, Cedric is her Achilles¡¯ heel. Without him, she¡¯d never back down.¡±

    Tripp scowled, swirling his ss. ¡°Even so, we took a massive hit. Next time, the membership threshold needs to be raised. We need to recover those losses.¡±

    Bruno sneered. ¡°Dani should be the one paying for it! Who does she think she is, acting so high and mighty? At the end of the day, she¡¯s just a woman. If I get the chance, I¡¯ll make her regret ever challenging me.¡±

    Huey nodded, his voice dripping with disdain. ¡°She thinks she can avenge her mother¡¯s death? She should¡¯ve died with her! The moment we get the chance, we¡¯ll make sure she¡¯s out of the picture for good!¡±

    Hackett¡¯s expression darkened at those words. ¡°You¡¯re underestimating her. Dani has some serious connections. Plenty of people want her gone, yet she¡¯s still standing. That should tell you she¡¯s not as easy to take down as you think.¡±

    Huey scoffed, rolling his eyes. ¡°Connections? So what? At the end of the day, she¡¯s just one person. No matter how powerful she is, when it¡¯s her turn to die, she¡¯ll beg for mercy like everyone else.¡±

    Laughter erupted around the table, their voices brimming with arrogance.

    Just then, Hackett¡¯s phone rang. Still smirking, he answered, leaning back in his chair. ¡°What is it?¡±

    New chapters now on g@?¦Ç¦Òv???s.c§àm

    The others watched as his confident grin slowly stiffened. Then, in an instant, it vanished, reced by pure terror. ¡°Did you just say¡­?¡±

    As Hackett¡¯s shaking voice filled the air, the rest of their phones started buzzing with notifications. One after another.

    The breaking news alert shed across their screens, the headlines bold and damning:

    ¡°Scandal of Women Abuse at Graves Group!¡±

    ¡°Hackett¡¯s Three Daughters Are Adopted!¡±

    ¡°Graves Group¡¯s Charity for Poor Girls Was a Front for Grooming Them for Future Gains.¡±

    ¡°Shocking! The Copse of Graves Group¡¯s Public Image!¡±

    Hackett¡¯s fingers shook as he clicked on the first article, dread tightening in his chest.

    A recording of Hackett¡¯s conversation with Cedric in the study had gone viral.

    In the audio, his voice rang out clearly. ¡°As part of the deal, my three daughters will be at your disposal.¡±

    ¡°Women are worthless by nature¡ªyou can¡¯t let them think they¡¯re special. Keep them locked away, cut off from the world, make them need you for everything. That way¡­¡±

    ¡°You can do whatever you please.¡± Hackett¡¯s words yed from the phone, his tone cold and calcted.

    The other seven people present stared at Hackett in shock.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 945

    ?Chapter 945:

    Bruno slowly rose to his feet, his voice sharp. ¡°So, you went behind our backs and met with Cedric.¡±

    Farley¡¯s lips curled into a bitter smile. ¡°You told me your eldest daughter was the perfect match for my son. You even said they should get engaged after Christmas.¡±

    Marcus narrowed his eyes. ¡°You were the one who made it clear¡ªno one was supposed to contact Dani or Cedric alone.¡±

    Huey let out a scornfulugh. ¡°Hackett, you really are something else. Trying to make a secret deal with Cedric? Looks like he yed you instead.¡±

    Hackett stumbled back a step, his face pale. Disbelief flickered across his features, then dread.

    He had built his empire in the entertainment industry, where the illusion of female empowerment had been a gold mine. But with this scandal, every actress, model, and brand tied to him would be dragged down as well.

    Graves Group was spiraling toward disaster.

    That night, under the cover of darkness, Hackett visited Alexander again, his hands full of extravagant gifts.

    That evening, Alexander was at home. In his study, a partition still divided the room.

    This time, Hackett didn¡¯t argue about it as he had before. He was already backed into a corner, with the public turning against him. Even the association members were keeping their distance.

    He had to fight back, and hard.

    ¡°Alexander, please, you have to help me! That recording going around online is aplete lie! Cedric fabricated the whole thing¡ªI had nothing to do with it. Cedric is ruthless! He showed up at my family, and all I did was introduce my daughter to him. That¡¯s it! But now he¡¯s twisting everything. The worst part? I never even said those things! It¡¯s all nder!¡±

    ???????????????? ?????????????? ????????: ?????????¦Í????????©q?????

    On the other side of the partition, Alexander sat at his desk, leisurely pouring himself a cup of coffee.

    Hackett, sweating, nced at the partition, trying to push past it, but the bodyguards stopped him.

    He wiped a shaky hand across his forehead. ¡°Alexander, if you help me get through this, consider it a favor you can cash in anytime. What do you say?¡±

    Silence stretched between them, until a soft, mocking chuckle drifted from the other side of the partition. ¡°You can barely keep yourself afloat right now. What makes you think your favor is worth anything to me?¡±

    Hackett¡¯s jaw clenched. He pulled a check from his pocket and held it up. ¡°This is just a small token of my gratitude. Once this whole mess is taken care of, I promise you¡¯ll be repaid tenfold.¡± The bodyguard carried the check over to Alexander, who barely spared it a nce. ¡°I need you to agree to one condition.¡±

    Hackett¡¯s pulse stuttered. ¡°What condition?¡±

    Alexander¡¯s voice was smooth but unyielding. ¡°Once this crisis is over, you¡¯ll resign from the association, and I¡¯ll take over as president.¡±

    Hackett¡¯s forced smile twitched. His original n had been to let Alexander take the role temporarily, only to rally the other seven members and force him out once the dust settled.

    Alexander gave him no time to dwell on it. ¡°The other seven must step down with you.¡±

    Hackett¡¯s fingers curled into fists. This wasn¡¯t just a minor concession¡ªthis was handing over an empire he had spent years cultivating. He drew in a sharp breath, barely masking his frustration. ¡°Don¡¯t you think you¡¯re asking for too much?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 946

    ?Chapter 946:

    For years, Hackett had ruled over the association, overseeing annual revenues that exceeded a million dors under normal circumstances. And now Alexander expected him to give it up just like that?

    Alexander¡¯s tone remained indifferent. ¡°Have you not grasped the situation yet? Dani ising for you and the others. I may not know the full story, but based on what I do know, there¡¯s only one reason she would go to such lengths. Brylee¡¯s death.¡±

    Hackett¡¯s chest tightened.

    Then, Alexander delivered his next words with unwavering certainty. ¡°You were involved in Brylee¡¯s death. That¡¯s why Dani wants revenge. Do you really think your association is worth more than a human life?¡±

    Hackett didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°Of course! My association is my life¡¯s work! No one¡¯s life¡ªespecially not Brylee¡¯spares to it!¡±

    Alexander exhaled lightly, almost amused. ¡°Then you¡¯d better think carefully. You¡¯ve seen what Dani is capable of. Would you rather end up with nothing? Or lose the association but keep Graves Group intact? Take your time deciding.¡±

    Hackett¡¯s gaze darkened with suppressed rage.

    Alexander leaned back in his chair, his voice steady. ¡°The first twenty-four hours in PR are critical. You don¡¯t need me to remind you of that, do you? If you don¡¯t make a decision now, I won¡¯t be able to pull you out of this mess.¡±

    Hackett stood stiffly, his fists clenching at his sides.

    His voice shook with barely contained fury¡ªlosing the association felt like tearing away a piece of himself. But Alexander¡¯sposed demeanor made one thing painfully clear: he had no other options.

    A long silence stretched between them before Hackett finally spat out, ¡°Fine! But I have one condition. I want Cedric dead. I want Dani to lose the man she loves forever!¡±

    ???????? ???????????????? ????????: g???????¦Í?????????????

    Behind the partition, Alexander¡¯s lips curled into a slow, calcted smile. ¡°As you wish.¡±

    Once the agreement was signed, Hackett¡¯s voice turned cold. ¡°Now tell me¡ªhow do we fight back?¡±

    Alexander let out a low, mirthless chuckle. ¡°Cedric released a recording that painted you as someone who disrespects women. You¡¯ll counter with footage of Cedric drinking, getting cozy with your three daughters, andter, entering a hotel with them. After that, you¡­¡±

    His voice dropped, every sybleced with quiet, lethal intent.

    Hackett¡¯s lips curled into a sinister grin as he listened.

    ¡°Alexander, you really are a master at manipting public perception. I won¡¯t deny that your n could throw Cedric into deep trouble. But the person in the video must be Cedric himself. If the footage is unclear, it won¡¯t hold up. Besides, Cedric isn¡¯t an idiot¡ªhe won¡¯t give us the chance to frame him. We could end up facing serious charges for falsifying evidence.¡±

    Alexander let a beat of silence pass before responding, his tone calm and direct. ¡°Is that so?¡±

    Hackett nodded firmly, his confidence unwavering. ¡°Of course. Do you think Phillips Group¡¯s PR team is weak? They¡¯ll scrutinize every second of that video, tearing it apart for inconsistencies. If Cedric himself isn¡¯t clearly visible, the whole n is useless. I can¡¯t back this strategy.¡± His words were polite, but his expression made his opinion clear: Alexander¡¯s idea was ridiculous.

    ¡°Then make sure Cedric appears in the footage.¡± Alexander¡¯s response was cold and direct.

    ¡°What?¡± Hackett¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. ¡°Alexander, you can¡¯t be serious! How the hell would Cedric ever cooperate with me? Have you not seen how obsessed he and Dani are with each other? They¡¯re practically glued at the hip! No one could evere between them!¡± Frustration twisted in his chest, and he felt like he was wasting his breath trying to reason with Alexander.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 947

    ?Chapter 947:

    Just as he was about to rise from his seat in exasperation, the bodyguards stepped forward, gripping the partition on both sides and removing it.

    At the center of the room, Alexander satposed, his presencemanding.

    Hackett¡¯s breath hitched as their eyes met.

    Slowly, Alexander lifted his gaze and asked, ¡°What if I y the role of Cedric?¡±

    Hackett was utterly stunned. His jaw dropped, and he found himself unable to close it. He thought he was staring at Cedric himself.

    Rising to his feet, Hackett began to circle Alexander, examining him closely from every possible angle. Every detail, from the hairstyle and clothes to the facial expressions and mannerisms, mirrored Cedric perfectly.

    ¡°Is this really you, Alexander?¡± he asked.

    A shiver of realization crept down Hackett¡¯s spine. That exined why Winslow had always remarked on the familiarity of Alexander¡¯s voice. Now, paying closer attention, Hackett confirmed that Alexander¡¯s voice was indeed identical to Cedric¡¯s.

    Hackett couldn¡¯t believe what he was seeing.

    ¡°If you remain this shocked, you¡¯ll run out of time to deal with yourpany¡¯s emergency!¡± Alexander reminded him.

    Hackett took a deep breath. Looking intently at Alexander, he asked, ¡°Where did you have the surgery done? You must tell me!¡±

    Hackett went to pick up his three daughters so they could have a video shoot with Alexander at his hotel. During the drive, Hackett buzzed with excitement. If altering one¡¯s appearance was indeed so straightforward, why not replicate Cedric¡¯s look by the dozen? And why stop at Cedric? He could replicate Dani too.

    Feeling as though he had stumbled upon a fantastical opportunity, Hackett promptly called an overseas stic surgeon he knew. When he mentioned it concerned Alexander, the response was immediate. ¡°Hold on.¡±

    Shortly thereafter, they sent Hackett a pricing list and a video documenting the procedure. Hackett scanned the figures and inhaled sharply.

    The cost was astronomical¡ªnearly a hundred billion dors!

    Hackett then clicked on the video marked ¡°Top Secret.¡±

    Minutes into the video, Hackett was so shocked that he pped the driver on the back and yelled, ¡°Stop the car!¡±

    As soon as the car came to a halt, Hackett bolted outside and threw up.

    His secretary hurried after him, confused. ¡°Mr. Graves, what happened? Was there something in the surgery video that¡­?¡± Hackett vomited again.

    The secretary stood frozen in shock.

    Hackett bent over, retching up his recent meals. Visions of the harrowing surgery footage overwhelmed his mind. The procedure involved brutally reshaping bones and reassembling them, an agonizingly painful process.

    The stic surgeon¡¯s voice message then yed.

    ¡°If you haven¡¯t braced yourself for the potential of death, I advise against proceeding lightly. This surgery mightpletely alter someone¡¯s appearance, but it carries a mortality rate of ny-nine percent!¡±

    After regaining someposure, Hackett rinsed his mouth and spat out the water. ¡°Alexander haspletely lost his mind!¡±

    His secretary asked cautiously, ¡°Mr. Graves, are you still considering transitioning the association leadership to Alexander?¡±

    Hackett narrowed his eyes. ¡°Yes. He¡¯s set on getting rid of Cedric anyway. In the end, the world has room for only one Cedric, and Dani will love only that one. Alexander is more desperate than we are. The enemy of my enemy is my ally. Once Alexander steps into Cedric¡¯s shoes for Dani, the doors to numerous coborative ventures will open. Imagine the advantages we¡¯ll hold over him then.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 948

    ?Chapter 948:

    The most pressing matter was to navigate through the current turmoil. After Hackett had left, Richard entered Alexander¡¯s study.

    Even after all this time, Richard couldn¡¯t help but be amazed when he saw Alexander¡¯s face.

    ¡°Alexander, weren¡¯t you bothered by the association¡¯s demands? What¡¯s changed your mind now?¡±

    A storm seemed to brew in Alexander¡¯s eyes as he exined, ¡°Dani¡¯s position is unattainable. If wealth doesn¡¯t elevate me to her level, then I¡¯ll climb the socialdder. My interest isn¡¯t in the association itself, but I won¡¯t overlook any opportunity that might bring me closer to her.¡±

    Once he cleared the association of its current members, his next move would be to bring Dani into the fold. By then, he would control the association, with Dani as his most loyal ally. For him, the setup was perfect.

    That evening, Alexander apanied Hackett¡¯s three daughters into the hotel room. Under the scrutinizing gaze of the high-definition camera, Alexander wore Cedric¡¯s face. He tried to maintainposure but couldn¡¯t hide the satisfaction in his role.

    Behind the camera, Hackett watched, utterly astonished. Alexander was indeed a force to be reckoned with. Ruthless and determined, he wouldn¡¯t stop until Cedric was out of the picture. His actions would push Cedric into an inescapable corner of public scandal.

    Meanwhile, Cedric had just navigated through a corporate crisis. Fresh from a shower and dressed infortable pajamas, he reclined on the bed, waiting for Dani¡¯s arrival.

    When she entered, Cedric greeted her with a suggestive grin.

    Daniughed.

    ¡°My love,¡± Cedric said as he leaped across the room and wrapped her in a tight embrace. ¡°When will you make me a father? I long for a child with you.¡±

    ???????????? ???????????? ???? ??????????????????£®??????

    Dani chuckled softly. ¡°Alright.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s face brightened at her words, and he pulled her in for a deep kiss. Dani mentioned that she wanted to shower, and Cedric insisted on joining her.

    Reluctantly, she agreed. Just as she was about to embrace him, the ringing of a phone interrupted them.

    Dani nced towards the sound, breathless. ¡°Your phone.¡±

    Cedric whispered seductively, ¡°Let it ring.¡±

    Then Dani¡¯s phone began to ring as well.

    As she reached for it, Cedric gently pulled her back to the bed.

    ¡°Let yours ring too,¡± he murmured, his kisses trailing across her skin.

    Dani struggled to catch her breath under his affection. Suddenly, a knock at the door interrupted them.

    ¡°Dani,¡± Lillian¡¯s voice called from outside.

    Dani grasped Cedric¡¯s hand to halt his advances. Cedric gave her a sulking look.

    With a soft chuckle, Dani teased, ¡°Calm down, will you?¡±

    She then slid off him, quickly dressed, and grabbed her phone from the nightstand to contact Lillian.

    Lillian responded promptly, ¡°Dani? Aren¡¯t you home? I¡¯m right outside your door.¡±

    ncing at Cedric, whoy on the bed looking dejected, Dani smiled gently and replied, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 949

    ?Chapter 949:

    Lillian immediately adopted a more serious tone. ¡°It¡¯s important!¡±

    ¡°Give me a moment; I¡¯ll meet you downstairs,¡± Dani said into the phone.

    Cedric¡¯s expression grew even more somber as he overheard.

    After ending the call, Dani leaned down and shared a lingering kiss with Cedric, leaving them both short of breath.

    Cedric then rose to get dressed, his demeanor still one of mild annoyance. ¡°You owe me one.¡±

    Dani agreed with a smile, nodding. ¡°Absolutely.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s face brightened when he checked the time. ¡°Let¡¯s make this quick. Return straight here after your discussion downstairs!¡± However, neither of them found their way back upstairs that night.

    Descending together, Dani and Cedric usually encountered Lillian¡¯s yful remarks during moments like these. But today was different.

    A grave look marred Lillian¡¯s face as she stared at Cedric.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Dani inquired, sensing the tension.

    Lillian silently extended her phone towards her. The screen was swamped with trending news, all centered around Cedric.

    ¡°Scandal Surrounds Cedric!¡±

    ¡°The Illusion of Cedric¡¯s Loyalty Destroyed!¡±

    ¡°Cedric Caught with Three Women!¡±

    Your source: g??ln??v??ls.??????

    ¡°Revealed: Cedric¡¯s Scandalous Video!¡±

    ¡°Cedric¡¯s Passionate Night with the Graves Sisters!¡±

    ¡°The Deceit of Cedric Uncovered!¡±

    ¡°Cedric¡¯s Betrayal of Dani!¡±

    Lillian said, ¡°This isn¡¯t just trending here; Cedric¡¯s scandal has flooded the entire inte!¡±

    Ryan chimed in, ¡°This has gone beyond our borders. International tforms are also aze with condemnation of Cedric.¡±

    Lillian faced Ryan, asking urgently, ¡°Have you found anything conclusive? What does the technical analysis say about the authenticity of that so-called scandalous video?¡±

    Setting the phone aside, Ryan looked towards Dani and Cedric, sighing. ¡°There¡¯s no evidence of tampering. The video appears authentic.¡±

    Shock registered on Lillian¡¯s face.

    Ryan¡¯s expression turned to one of disbelief and resentment as he stared at Cedric.

    Despite the tension, Dani remainedposed. ¡°That isn¡¯t Cedric in the video.¡±

    Ryan, visibly upset, asked, ¡°Dani, how can you still defend him?¡±

    Dani calmly shook her head. ¡°Check the video¡¯s timestamp. It¡¯s dated the day after the family banquet. Remember what was happening then?¡±

    A moment of realization hit Lillian. ¡°Yes, I recall now! That was the day Ryan suffered a bad bout of food poisoning, and Cedric was by his side the entire night.¡±

    Ryan was visibly shocked. He checked the timestamp closely. Indeed, it was true. ¡°Who could possibly be in the video then?¡± he asked. Cedric was equally astonished, scrutinizing the video again and again. He fixated on the face that mirrored his own, rendered speechless for a considerable time.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 950

    ?Chapter 950:

    Grabbing hisptop, Ryan said, ¡°I¡¯m going to pull the video offline immediately! Who is this doppelg?nger, and how could he impersonate Cedric to such an extent? This must be a deliberate frame-up!¡±

    Meanwhile, Cedric¡¯s phone was incessantly buzzing.

    The public rtions team was in disarray.

    They couldn¡¯t fathom Cedric engaging in such behavior.

    Despite the damning nature of the online evidence, they scrutinized the video repeatedly but found no clues suggesting that the man wasn¡¯t Cedric.

    At first, even some skeptics online refused to believe the ims.

    They sent the so-called explicit video for forensic analysis.

    The resulting verdict was blunt:

    ¡°The individual in the video is undeniably Cedric!¡±

    As the storm of public opinion reached its peak, the mastermind behind the chaos reveled in the turmoil, introducing yet another explosive element¡ªa recorded conversation amid the fervent discussions.

    Five recordings had surfaced online.

    Each one unmistakably featured Cedric¡¯s voice. rmed, Lillian clicked on the suddenly popr recordings.

    Cedric¡¯s voice filled the room.

    ¡°Hackett, I¡¯m responsible for those misogynisticments about you online. What are you going to do about it?¡±

    ¡°Dani is my wife, and with her support, I¡¯m untouchable in Olisvine.¡±

    ??????????? §ã???¦Ñ???????? ??????????????????©q?????

    ¡°As long as we¡¯re married, she¡¯s my shield. Merely by being her husband, Imand respect and open doors throughout Olisvine.¡±

    ¡°Hackett, you value your daughters, but to what end? You¡¯ve lost your influence. If you don¡¯t want to face bankruptcy or worse¡ªseeing your daughters end up in a nightclub¡ªthen they better follow my lead. Why the tears, Hackett? Being associated with me should be an honor for your daughters!¡±

    ¡°Tonight, bring your three daughters to Room 1308, Night Lounge Hotel.¡±

    The release of these recordings dominated the trending topics. Servers were overwhelmed and crashed for almost thirty minutes due to the heavy traffic.

    ¡°Cedric, protected by Dani.¡±

    ¡°Divorce Dani and Set Her Free.¡±

    This plea quickly climbed the rankings.

    The PR team from Phillips Group arrived in a rush, confronting Cedric with serious expressions.

    ¡°Mr. Phillips, did these words reallye from you?¡±

    ¡°Our technical experts have verified these recordings. They¡¯re authentic, just like the high-definition video.¡±

    ¡°Please, we need your response.¡±

    Cedric had cultivated a reputation as a business prodigy admired by many. His followers idolized him, struggling to reconcile the man they admired with the viin portrayed in the media.

    Meanwhile, Ryan was trying to ess hospital security footage. If he could find that footage, it could confirm Cedric¡¯s alibi¡ªthat he was at the hospital that night, not at the Night Lounge Hotel as imed.

    Ryan¡¯s hands shook as he navigated the security system.

    Seeing his struggle, Dani took over theputer.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 951

    ?Chapter 951:

    Her fingers moved swiftly across the keyboard, but after a few tense minutes, the screen disyed a frustrating message: ¡°The requested page is not archived.¡±

    Dani closed her eyes for a brief moment, sensing that their adversary had meticulously nned every move.

    After passing theputer back to Ryan, she walked toward the doorway, her gaze surveying the Phillips Group staff gathered below.

    ¡°I understand your shock and your anger. As Cedric¡¯s wife, I, too, was stunned by these usations online. But I ask you to have faith in my husband. He is a wonderful man, and I implore you to allow us the time to gather evidence and clear his name. Please, stand with Cedric and me during this challenging time.¡±

    Wade ke, from the tech department and a long-time admirer of Dani, stepped forward. ¡°Ms. Harper, do you truly stand by Mr. Phillips? You know the technology better than any of us. You¡¯ve seen the videos. They¡¯re real, aren¡¯t they?¡±

    Dani nodded in acknowledgment. ¡°The footage online hasn¡¯t been altered, but the man in those videos isn¡¯t Cedric. I realize how difficult this is to believe, and all I ask is for a little time. We will vindicate him.¡±

    Dani¡¯s appeal, in light of thepelling evidence against them, seemed weak at best.

    Some staff members suspected she was sacrificing her integrity to protect Cedric.

    Nevertheless, they returned to their duties, motivated not by the scandal but by their longstanding respect for Phillips Group and the decent treatment they had always received.

    The undeniable nature of the online evidence seemed almost final, leaving scant opportunity for defense.

    Back in the living room, the team gathered, their expressions troubled as they strategized their next move.

    L¦¡¦Ó??¦Ó ch¦Á¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?l??.??????

    Dani lingered for a moment before heading to the kitchen to prepare some food for the group.

    Shortly after, the PR manager and several members of Phillips Group¡¯s tech team arrived,ptops in tow, ready to coborate on strategies. The living room became a makeshiftmand center, filled with several team members.

    Dani served the food she had prepared, and a heavy silence fell as they ate.

    Meanwhile, the intensity of online debates showed no signs of fading. The security chief from Phillips Group reported that vandals had thrown garbage at their office building.

    Dani essed the inte, clicking on the most trending topic. The headline read, ¡°Cedric, Apologize!¡± Chaos reigned throughout the night.

    Journalists from every major national newspaper staked out the buildings of both Phillips Group and Elite Lux.

    The following morning, the stock price of Phillips Group plummeted, hitting the daily limit.

    By the afternoon, more than a hundred business partners had called to sever their contracts.

    An unjust boycott impacted all celebrities affiliated with Phillips Group. Major retailers removed all Phillips Group products from their shelves, exacerbating the crisis.

    Phillips Group descended from corporate dominance to public enemy overnight.

    It was widely epted that recovery was impossible for thepany this time.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 952

    ?Chapter 952:

    Cedric seemed destined to carry a permanent mark of disgrace. Elite Lux¡¯s official website was swarming withments like, ¡°Dani, divorce him!¡±

    Top executives at Elite Lux headquarters quickly became involved as the crisis escted.

    The mood was grim among the PR and tech teams at Phillips Group; online trolls savagely attacked every public statement they issued.

    ¡°Dani, what¡¯s our next move? The trolls are relentless!¡± Lillian asked, overwhelmed by the onught of online attacks.

    With a calm demeanor, Dani suggested, ¡°Let¡¯s pause for a moment. I need to rest for half an hour.¡±

    The PR and tech team at Phillips Group were speechless.

    How could she be sleeping at a time like this?

    Cedric, ever supportive, draped a nket over Dani and signaled for quiet.

    He suggested, ¡°Why not take this time to rest as well? We have guest rooms ready.¡±

    Exchanging suspicious nces, the team was stunned.

    Rest at such a time?

    Sleep was out of the question!

    Right on the heels of a previous mess, Phillips Group was floundering once more.

    Their jobs were hanging by a thread!

    Discover the rest on ??????o¦Í?????????????

    Falling asleep under such stress was unthinkable.

    Lillian whispered to the assembled group, ¡°Get some rest. When Dani is up, we¡¯ll have plenty to tackle.¡±

    Simultaneously, she and Ryan closed their eyes, surrendering to slumber.

    The members of Phillips Group watched in silent amazement. The people from Elite Lux were soposed¡ªhardly a surprise, given Dani¡¯s status as the wealthiest person in the world. Her calm was legendary, truly a sight to behold.

    Unable to sumb to sleep themselves, yet unsure of their next steps, they exchanged bewildered nces.

    Cedric found himself in a precarious position. With Phillips Group¡¯s official websitepromised by hackers, no public statements could be made. Despite the fervent keystrokes of frantic technicians, the digital breach remained unmitigated.

    Cedric had initially nned to hold a press conference, but Dani had told him it wasn¡¯t necessary before she went to sleep, so he had no choice but to sit tight.

    Idle and restless, he wandered into the kitchen to slice some fruit.

    From the shadows, the PR department manager observed Cedric¡¯s rxed figure and murmured to the tech team, ¡°Has Mr. Phillips resigned himself to this fate?¡±

    ¡°What other options does he have? The evidence against him is overwhelmingly incriminating.¡±

    ¡°Could Phillips Group really copse?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s uncertain, but with Ms. Harper¡¯s presence, it¡¯s unlikely.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve just invested in a house. If thepany folds, I¡¯ll be ruined. Do you think Elite Lux has any openings? I¡¯d seriously consider a position there.¡±

    ¡°Could I possibly join as well? I¡¯d take any job at Elite Lux; I¡¯m not concerned about the sry. I just want to be near someone I¡¯ve admired so much.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 953

    ?Chapter 953:

    Mutual understanding passed between the PR manager and the tech staff with a series of knowing nods.

    Cedric, overhearing the conversation from a short distance, interjected with a hint of amusement, ¡°Hey, thepany hasn¡¯t sunk just yet.¡±

    They all turned to Cedric, theirughter tinged with embarrassment.

    Cedric, peeling an orange, let the silence linger briefly before adding, ¡°If it reallyes to it, I might also seek out a role at Elite Lux. I wonder if my wife would consider hiring me as her personal assistant.¡±

    The PR manager and the tech team were utterly dumbstruck. After such a lurid scandal, how could he even dream of bing her personal assistant?

    The PR manager eyed Dani warily before turning to Cedric, his voice barely above a whisper. ¡°Isn¡¯t your wife upset?¡±

    The tech staff added, ¡°The rity of that footage was startling. Surely, she must be livid after viewing it, no?¡±

    A crafty smirk curled Cedric¡¯s lips as he leaned in, a twinkle of mischief in his eye. ¡°Oh, she¡¯s well aware that the man in that video isn¡¯t me.¡±

    He even wanted to boast about his performance in bed. ¡°I¡¯d do a far better job than the guy in the video.¡±

    He recalled the day spent with Ryan at the hospital, a solid alibi. Dani, with her keen eye, would have instantly noticed the man in the video wasn¡¯t him.

    There was simply no need for exnations¡ªwords were unnecessary.

    Such was their unspoken, profound connection.

    Cedric crossed his arms, reclined further into the sofa, and shed a grin. ¡°Such understandinges only with the bonds of marriage.¡±

    The others absorbed Cedric¡¯s unwavering calm, their expressions mingling shock with a touch of envy.

    The tech staff asked, ¡°You¡¯re truly not perturbed in the slightest? People online are ruthlessly tearing you apart.¡±

    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t grasp it unless you were married,¡± Cedric responded.

    As everyone mulled over his repeated phrase, Cedric added, ¡°Once you¡¯re married, you¡¯ll understand that even if the entire world turns against you, your partner will always be your steadfast ally.¡±

    A hush fell over the group, a mixture of surprise and slight annoyance at his overt romanticism.

    Unlike the strained mood hanging over the Harper family¡¯s vi, the eight members of themerce association were in high spirits, clinking champagne sses deep into the night.

    Bruno clucked his tongue, a smirk ying on his lips. ¡°The one who knows you best is often the one who strikes the hardest. Alexander¡¯s move was truly cruel, targeting¡­¡±

    Cedric struck right at Dani¡¯s greatest weakness! Dani¡¯s definitely too drained to focus on our strategies now.¡±

    Huey chimed in, ¡°Exactly. Mypany¡¯s new game is finally picking up steam!¡±

    Farley sighed, his forehead creasing. ¡°I was petrified, thinking my business was on the brink of copse!¡±

    Amidst the discussions, Winslow stood by, his silence heavy, absorbing every word.

    Hackett let out a low chuckle. ¡°Like I¡¯ve always said, despite Dani¡¯s remarkable skills, she remains merely human. A minor hurdle, and she crumbles!¡±

    Tripp, nodding along with a knowing smile, responded to Hackett, ¡°This time, even Cedric¡¯s formidable efforts won¡¯t change the oue. Now that we¡¯ve handled Cedric, what¡¯s our timeline for dealing with Dani?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 954

    ?Chapter 954:

    Huey quickly joined the conversation, his voice tinged with urgency. ¡°Yes. Hackett, when do we move against Dani? You have no idea the losses mypany has suffered this time. I won¡¯t find peace until Dani is out of the picture!¡±

    Marcus stood up decisively. ¡°It¡¯s time to eliminate Dani!¡±

    The others rose in unison, a wave of agreement sweeping through them. Still smiling, Hackett affirmed, ¡°Indeed, it¡¯s settled then; Dani¡¯s days are numbered. And when we strike, Alexander will fall alongside her. If we redirect their business domestically, the profits will more than make up for our recent setbacks¡ªa thousand times over. With Dani out of the way, the domestic market will finally be within our grasp.¡±

    At the thought of seizing control from the wealthiest in the world, smiles spread contagiously across the room.

    ¡°But we need to approach this game with caution,¡± Hackett suggested, his eyes glinting with slyness. ¡°It¡¯s too early to provoke Alexander. Let¡¯s use him to corner Dani instead.¡±

    As he strategized, Hackett gestured to his secretary with a grin, instructing them to dispatch yet another priceless antique to the Bet family.

    The room buzzed withughter and merriment as Hackett invited his so-called daughters to partake in the festivities.

    Alexander scoffed indifferently at the gift from Hackett.

    Richard remarked appreciatively, ¡°That¡¯s quite generous of Hackett.¡± Just then, Hackett¡¯s call came through.

    ¡°Alexander, I owe you one! Your strategy has turned Phillips Group into public enemy number one, but¡­¡± Hackett hesitated, his tone growing serious. ¡°How should we deal the final blow?¡±

    g???????¦Í??????.????n ¨C ??????????????????????

    ¡°When someone is down, you make sure they don¡¯t get back up, right?¡± Alexander replied coldly, his gaze fixed on the pine trees dotting the horizon.

    With the phone on speaker, the eight listeners in the room exchanged excited nces.

    Hackett, rubbing his bald head with a broad smile, eximed, ¡°Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! Cedric won¡¯t have a chance to rise again!¡±

    At three in the morning, the imposter posing as Cedric stepped forward to hold a press conference.

    He made a brief appearance, tears of remorse glistening under the harsh camera lights as he confessed to every allegation circting online.

    ¡°I sincerely apologize. My actions have not only caused public chaos but have also hurt my beloved wife. As of today, I will officially resign as CEO of Phillips Group to atone for my mistakes. I vow to never set foot in the business world again.¡±

    Standing on stage, dressed in an elegant suit, he bowed deeply, his face a mixture of regret and turmoil.

    ¡°Additionally, I extend my deepest apologies for the irreversible harm this scandal has inflicted upon my wife. I have utterly failed in my duties as a husband, and for that, I believe the only way forward is divorce. Dani deserves far better than a disgrace like me. I have never been worthy of her! From the very start, I was drawn to her wealth, power, and status¡ªI never truly loved her. Now that the truth isid bare before the world, I cannot face her anymore. I will leave everything behind, entrust mywyer with the divorce proceedings, and ensure I walk away with nothing as a token of my repentance. Thank you.¡±

    The ¡°Cedric¡± delivered his statement and disappeared just as swiftly, the entire ordeal unfolding in less than five minutes.

    Yet mere moments after the press conference, paparazzi caught ¡°Cedric¡± slipping into an upscale club, indulging in an intimate rendezvous with another woman.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 955

    ?Chapter 955:

    And with that, the carefully curated image Cedric had built over the years came crashing down in an instant.

    The inte erupted in outrage. ¡°Dani, leave him! Dump the scumbag!¡±

    The shocking turn of events left the PR manager and the entire tech department reeling.

    They nced at the Cedric standing before them, then back at the ¡°Cedric¡± in the press conference footage. Indistinguishable!

    But how?

    If the man at the press conference was truly Cedric, then who was the person standing here?

    The room buzzed with silent confusion, a collective disbelief hanging in the air.

    Cedric let out a quiet sigh, his gaze flickering to the press conference footage before he tenderly pulled a nket over his sleeping wife. The PR manager, barely containing his shock, whispered hoarsely, ¡°Holy hell! Mr. Phillips is actually innocent!¡±

    The tech staff groaned internally. ¡°We¡¯re done for! I think I went too far with Mr. Phillips earlier. I¡¯ve been calling him a scumbag in my head all this time! How do I even face him now?¡±

    The PR manager hesitated, rubbing his temples. ¡°I¡¯d love to know that too. Also, it¡¯s been over thirty minutes. Should we wake Dani up? The inte is practically on fire. If we don¡¯t act soon, we¡¯re going under. What¡¯s the n?¡±

    The tech staff responded, ¡°Forget it. Let her sleep. With the way the public is raging, unless Mr. Phillips and the fake one magically appear side by side, the only way to calm them down is if Mr. Phillips takes his own life!¡±

    They exchanged weary looks and let out a collective sigh.

    Lately, exhaustion had been Dani¡¯s constantpanion. When she finally opened her eyes, she found everyone else had dozed off.

    ?????????????? ???????? ???????????? ???????? ??????????¦Í??????©q??????

    She checked the time, her brows knitting together.

    She nudged Cedric awake. ¡°I told you to wake me in thirty minutes! What happened?¡±

    Cedric gestured towards his phone. ¡°No point. You would¡¯ve just exhausted yourself for nothing. I¡¯ll head to the officeter and figure things out.¡±

    In crises like this, the only way to stabilize thepany was to follow through with what had already been announced¡ªhis resignation. Stepping down as CEO of Phillips Group and weathering the storm was the only logical course of action.

    It was the standard move the executives made when facing major scandals.

    The tech department, now awake, caught Cedric¡¯s words, and their faces instantly fell.

    Cedric, on the other hand, lookedpletely unbothered.

    Dani studied his easygoing expression and let out a soft chuckle. ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried? You¡¯ve married a difficult woman, and now you¡¯re walking away from the empire you built. Any regrets?¡±

    Cedric pulled her into a warm embrace,ughter rumbling in his chest. ¡°Not a single regret. You¡¯re worth everything.¡±

    The Phillips Group staff collectively shut their eyes in exasperation.

    Of all the times, now?

    These two were acting as if this wasn¡¯t a full-blown crisis.

    After freshening up, Dani invited everyone to sit down for breakfast. Once it was over, she pulled her hair into a sleek high ponytail and looked at the team. ¡°Alright, it¡¯s time to strike back! The harder we¡¯re hit, the higher we¡¯ll bounce. I need everyone on board for the rest of the day.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 956

    ?Chapter 956:

    Under the gentle spring sunlight, Dani stood in a crisp green sweater, her bright, confident smile radiating assurance.

    Without hesitation, they set off for Phillips Group.

    A restless crowd had gathered at the entrance, but seemingly out of nowhere, a team of men in ck moved in, securing the perimeter with military precision. Not even a single fly could slip past them. Hand in hand, Dani and Cedric stood tall at Phillips Group¡¯s entrance, ready to face whatever came next.

    ¡°Hello, everyone. I¡¯m Dani, CEO of Elite Lux and Cedric¡¯s wife. Last night, we were blindsided by an unexpected wave of nder, leaving us no time to react. I don¡¯t know who held that press conference, but I do know my husband was with me the entire time. We married young and aren¡¯t seasoned in handling such rumors, but we ask for your patience as we address this and set the record straight. Thank you.¡±

    After finishing her words, Dani took Cedric¡¯s hand and stepped into the building.

    Their figures carried both solitude and defiance.

    The public admired Dani¡¯s strength, while continuing to vilify Cedric for his betrayal.

    Inside the conference room, Dani addressed the employees eager for revenge. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go all out and roast Cedric. You have one hour¡ªcrash the servers with yourments.¡±

    A wave of confusion swept through the room.

    They exchanged puzzled nces. ¡°Huh?¡± Had they misheard her, or had she misspoken?

    Dani turned her gaze to Cedric.

    Verified and published at g ??ln ovels.??????

    Cedric strolled in, sipping a ss of juice. Catching everyone¡¯s bewildered stares, he smirked. ¡°You heard her. Get to it.¡±

    And just like that, the entire Phillips Group, along with Elite Lux employees, spent the next hour flooding social media with relentless criticism of Cedric until the servers crashed entirely.

    This overwhelming storm of condemnation,bined with the fury of uninvolvedizens, soon became known as The Darkest Hour.

    Spectators whispered, ¡°Phillips Group is doomed. Even their own employees and Elite Lux staff are turning on Cedric. Arge-scale employee bacsh like this has never happened before!¡±

    The man at the center of the storm sat in the break room, casually inspecting the juicer, wondering if it was time for an upgrade.

    An hour had passed. Employees from Phillips Group and Elite Lux continued their relentless smear campaign against Cedric.

    Suddenly, an anonymous post surfaced, revealing a shocking story: ¡°Shocking Revtion! A CEO, once bankrupt and twice-divorced, mysteriously amassed wealth after a former wife disappeared, inheriting her massive fortune. He traveled abroad for stic surgery, carrying a photo of another ex-wife¡¯s current husband.¡±

    The post quickly sparked rapid spection. One clevermenter remarked, ¡°A CEO down on his luck, twice-divorced, with an ex-wife married to another? Coming into a fortune? Could this be Alexander Bet?¡± As the post gained traction, employees from both Phillips Group and Elite Lux scrambled to redirect the public¡¯s wrath back onto Cedric, dismissing the revtion as a mere distraction. ¡°Ignore this rubbish! Stay focused on denouncing Cedric!¡±

    Observers began to suspect it was a deflection tactic and, increasingly intrigued, they started tracking the whistleblower. Momentster, the anonymous source uploaded a blurry video.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 957

    ?Chapter 957:

    The video showed a man in a suit leaving the Bet family residence and heading towards a press event. Though wearing a mask, his build bore a striking resemnce to Cedric.

    This left everyone puzzled and questioning.

    Despite the confusion, employees at Phillips Group and Elite Lux held their ground. ¡°Stay focused! Continue to target Cedric!¡± However, skepticism began to grow.

    Questions arose as to why Cedric would be seen leaving Alexander¡¯s residence at such ate hour. These suspicions,bined with earlier rumors about stic surgery, sparked a wave of curiosity.

    Yet, as the public delved deeper into these questions, employees from Phillips Group and Elite Lux remained steadfast in their attacks on Cedric.

    An onlooker suggested, ¡°Maybe you should look into this. What if Cedric is being set up?¡±

    Phillips Group¡¯s PR team, responding from their official ount, dismissed the concerns. ¡°Look into what? The situation is clear. What would anyone gain by impersonating our CEO? Just to show up at a press event and cause a rift between him¡­¡±

    The idea began to take root. ¡°Could it actually be possible?¡±

    Alexander¡¯s continued attempts to reconnect with Dani and his expressions of wanting to reunite, despite her disregard, led to wild spection. Had he lost his grip on reality because of Dani?

    The PR team of Phillips Group scoffed at the notion. ¡°That¡¯s absurd! Who would go to such lengths? Keep focused and continue the attack on Cedric!¡± After the incident, there was a noticeable drop in the volume of insults hurled at Cedric.

    However, the nder persisted among many.

    Suddenly, the whistleblower¡¯s ount was deactivated.

    M??r? ??ont?nt ??????: g??l??ov?ls.??¡ð??

    Confusion spread among the online crowd. ¡°Wait, why was that ount banned? Was it on to something real? Could Alexander really have undergone surgery to mimic Cedric, especially with the recent video showing ¡®Cedric¡¯ leaving the Bet family¡¯s residence? This is getting weird. Now, I¡¯m really starting to question everything!¡±

    Phillips Group and Elite Lux employees continued to incite, ¡°Come on, keep up the attacks! Don¡¯t let up!¡±

    One bystander expressed frustration. ¡°Why are you all relentlessly attacking him without seeking the truth? I¡¯m starting to feel bad for Cedric. What kind of employees does Elite Lux have? Cedric is Dani¡¯s husband; shouldn¡¯t you be supporting him instead of adding to his troubles? Dani, how can you allow your staff to behave like this?¡±

    In response, a Phillips Group employee retorted, ¡°Stay on target! Keep the insultsing!¡±

    An employee from Elite Lux said, ¡°Aren¡¯t they supposed to be getting a divorce? Dani is currently too distraught, locked up in the bathroom, unable to oversee anything.¡±

    One individual openly addressed Dani online, saying, ¡°You¡¯re the wealthiest in the world! Dry those tears! There¡¯s still a chance to turn things around!¡±

    From her verified ount, Dani responded, ¡°Thanks to everyone for your support, but what am I to do? After all, I am merely a woman. Could everyone lend a hand in investigating this?¡±

    This response portrayed Dani as a delicate figure, overwhelmed by her marital distress.

    The sight of such distress in a woman as admired as Dani moved people profoundly.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 958

    ?Chapter 958:

    Consequently, tech experts from around the globe initiated a thorough examination of the surveince systems around Bet Group, managing to infiltrate all the security cameras that very night.

    Despite these developments, the staff at Phillips Group and Elite Lux remained undeterred, continuing their efforts to incite further negative attention. ¡°Stay here! Enjoy bashing him! I¡¯ll even pay the bill for yourments!¡±

    Their calls went unanswered. Only the employees of Phillips Group and Elite Lux remained active in their denunciations of Cedric on social media.

    Eventually, the scandal subsided and fell off the trending charts, prompting Phillips Group to purchase a spot to keep the issue alive. Observers were bbergasted, publicly advising Cedric, ¡°With the scandal winding down, perhaps it¡¯s time for a staff overhaul. What leader could tolerate such betrayal?¡± Cedric chose not to reply to thesements.

    The staff at Phillips Group nced at the incendiary messages with concern and turned to Dani. ¡°With all this cursing, won¡¯t our boss give us a hard timeter?¡±

    Dani offered a reassuring smile. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Instead, I¡¯ll give each of you a bonus.¡±

    Shortly after, she made a generous transfer to everyone in the group chat. Each member received ten thousand dors. Their spirits lifted instantly! The insults escted to such extremes that even those not directly involved feltpelled to turn away.

    Not long after, a new revtion surfaced online under the headline ¡°Shocking Revtion!¡±

    The post read, ¡°A chief surgeon friend of mine from overseas just informed me about a case a few months back. A man from Olisvine, not yet a CEO and reportedly bankrupt at the time, received stic surgery funded by a woman. Both were somewhat unstable mentally. Due to patient confidentiality, I can¡¯t reveal his name, but the surgery documents list his emergency contact as a Ms. Holt, who seems to be his new spouse!¡±

    This explosive information skyrocketed to the top of the trending list.

    ga??????¦Í??????.k??n ¨C ???????? ???????????????? ????

    Anotherizen then added, ¡°Everyone, I¡¯m just an ordinary observer. Out of concern for Dani, who seems overwhelmed, I decided to hack into the surveince around Alexander¡¯s residence. Recently, there have been frequent meetings there with themerce association. Given that Dani has paused herpany acquisitions during this scandal, I believe there¡¯s a connection. Moreover, I¡¯ve essed 24-hour surveince footage from around Elite Lux, showing Cedric consistently returning home¡­¡±

    ¡°Nightly, including the evening of the press conference. There¡¯s no evidence of him leaving at all that night. I¡¯m convinced the man at the press conference and the one at the nightclub wasn¡¯t Cedric. People, let¡¯s not rush to judgment without knowing the full story!¡±

    The online user appeared to have a strong admiration for Dani. They had consistently liked her posts. Every remark was left intact, with not a single deletion, exuding a sense of openness and honesty.

    The audience was hooked, fully engrossed in the situation, except for the employees of Phillips Group and Elite Lux. ¡°Stay focused! We need to keep throwing shade at Cedric!¡±

    The growing frustration among online users finally reached its peak.

    ¡°Alright, that¡¯s it! I¡¯ve been holding back, but I can¡¯t anymore. Phillips Group signs your paychecks, yet you¡¯re all too busy ndering your own boss instead of backing him up. What¡¯s wrong with you?¡±

    ¡°So this is how it¡¯s going to be? Blindly trashing him now? Can Cedric and Dani not handle their own employees? Are they seriously just letting this slide? If I were in charge, I¡¯d have fired everyst one of you already!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 959

    ?Chapter 959:

    ¡°That¡¯s what I don¡¯t get! Before, at least there was some excuse, but now that the truth is out, you¡¯re not even acknowledging it? What¡¯s your deal?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m honestly done with this. I can¡¯t stand to watch anymore. Phillips Group and Elite Lux employees, you guys have officially crossed the line. How does Cedric not feelpletely humiliated by all this?¡±

    Just a few minutester, a peculiar trending topic suddenly surged.

    ¡°Feeling sorry for Cedric.¡±

    And right behind it, yet another trend surfaced.

    ¡°Dani, your husband is being bullied.¡±

    The employees of Phillips Group and Elite Lux stared at the screen, utterly dumbfounded.

    What was happening?

    When insults were discouraged, people seemed to enjoy attacking Cedric even more, as if it were some kind of rebellion.

    But the moment they were given full freedom to bash him, they hesitated. Not only that, but now they actually pitied him?

    These online users were truly unpredictable¡ªso, in response, the employees of Phillips Group and Elite Lux decided to turn up the heat, doubling down on their criticism.

    Phillips Group¡¯s PR team took it a step further, even allocating a sizable budget to ensure Cedric stayed at the top of the trending list. The employees managing the tform couldn¡¯t believe what they were seeing.

    ¡°Seriously, what kind of deep-seated grudge do you all have against your CEO? This is insane!¡±

    Phillips Group employees simply shrugged and grinned. ¡°Rx, it¡¯s all for fun! You should join in too!¡±

    The moderatorughed. ¡°This whole thing is wilder than any drama series. I need to catch up on all the details!¡±

    By noon, everyone waspletely drained from the relentless onught of online criticism.

    Inside the conference room, a tired voiceined, ¡°I swear, I¡¯ve thrown every insult I know. I¡¯m officially out of material!¡±

    ¡°Are we seriously supposed to keep this up? Haven¡¯t we done enough? Even my mom called me, demanding to know why I¡¯m dragging my own boss instead of standing by him. She told me to get home immediately¡ªI¡¯m in for a lecture.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m exhausted too. My phone is practically melting at this point.¡±

    Dani, keeping an eye on the trending topics, pped her hands cheerfully. ¡°Excellent work, everyone! Let¡¯s take a break and pick this upter. Lunch is on me¡ªpremium cuisine and top-tier barbecue!¡±

    At her words, elite chefs arrived, turning the Phillips Group cafeteria into a Michelin-star dining experience. From high-ranking executives to security personnel, everyone indulged in gourmet meals worth thousands.

    Once satisfied with theirvish feast, the team dove back into the online battlefield.

    However, by the afternoon, attacking Cedric became increasingly difficult as a wave of shocking revtions flooded the inte.

    Hackers from all corners of the web dismantled Alexander¡¯s private life, even leaking flight records of his secret trips abroad for cosmetic procedures.

    The criticisms from Phillips Group and Elite Lux employees were buried under a tidal wave ofments dissecting the scandal. By 5 PM, as the workday wrapped up, the once relentless storm of negativity against Cedric had vanished without a trace.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 960

    Chapter 960:

    Cedric¡¯s name still dominated the trending lists, but now, it was apanied by waves of sympathy.

    ¡°Feeling sorry for Cedric.¡±

    ¡°Apologies to Cedric.¡±

    ¡°Unbelievable turn of events.¡±

    ¡°Too little, toote, Alexander.¡±

    ¡°Spinelessmerce association! If you have an issue with Dani, confront her! Why go after her husband instead?¡±

    As the employees wrapped up their final wave of criticisms, an announcement was made¡ªit was officially time to clock out.

    Netizens couldn¡¯t help butment, ¡°Phillips Group employees are built differently. Their boss is under fire, and they¡¯re enjoying a feast. The scandal flips, and they clock out on the dot. What exactly did they even do? Cedric, are you still hiring? I¡¯d happily take a paycheck without trashing my boss!¡±

    The second they stepped out of the office, every employee was greeted with a hefty bonuspletely unexpected but well-received. Whispers circted that the luckiest employees walked away with bonuses equivalent to an entire month¡¯s sry.

    The office erupted into cheers. ¡°Thank you, Ms. Harper! Thank you, Mr. Phillips!¡±

    Observers couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. ¡°After an entire day of dragging them, isn¡¯t it a little toote to start buttering them up?¡±

    Hackett and the other association members had retreated to the seclusion of the mountains, seeking sce in the natural hot springs. Their choice of refuge was strategic, aimed at avoiding any usations of plotting against Dani and Cedric.

    Bruno, relishing theforting warmth, narrowed his eyes contentedly. ¡°Ah, this is the life we deserve!¡± he eximed, pping his stomach with satisfaction.

    ???? ?????????? ???? ???????????? ¡ª ???????? ???? ?????????¦Í????????????

    A grin spread across Huey¡¯s face as he rxed. ¡°Cedric won¡¯t get away so easily this time! I¡¯m eager to see him grovel and lose that smug arrogance.¡±

    Farleyughed heartily, reminiscing about a recent encounter. ¡°Last time I bumped into Cedric at Elite Lux, I was so tempted to smack him. His arrogance is unbearable! He thinks he¡¯s some kind of business prodigy, but he¡¯s nothingpared to us, who have weathered many storms.¡±

    Marcus, nursing a ss of wine, brooded over his recent losses in their conflict with Dani. His gaze was cold, his intentions dark. ¡°We should eliminate them both, if you ask me! And as for Dani, let¡¯s find a group of men to teach her a lesson. No one will want her after we¡¯re done. That¡¯ll wipe the allure right off her face!¡±

    Winslow was absorbed in his phone.

    Hackett nced at the preupied Winslow and chuckled. ¡°You won¡¯t find any reception here, Winslow. Rx, we¡¯re here to have a good time. Besides, Cedric has already been caught with his hand in the cookie jar. No matter what Dani tries, she won¡¯t be able to extricate him. Once we¡¯re back, we¡¯ll simply take control of his business.¡±

    Everyone around him roared withughter, though Winslow kept his eyes glued to his phone. ¡°I can¡¯t shake this feeling of difort.¡±

    Bruno burst outughing. ¡°What¡¯s there to worry about, Winslow? Dani hasn¡¯t even made a move against your business yet, so why the nerves?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re overthinking it, Winslow,¡± Farley chimed in. ¡°This time, Cedric doesn¡¯t stand a chance against us!¡±

    Marcus looked at Winslow, hesitated, and then said, ¡°Winslow, why hasn¡¯t Dani targeted you yet?¡±

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Hope you have a great day dear ones. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. ?(^?^ )? ¡ä-

    .

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 961

    ?Chapter 961:

    At ease, Winslow continued to stare at his device. ¡°Who knows? Maybe she¡¯s too busy. My firm is hardly on her radar; it¡¯s the smallest fish in the pond.¡±

    A thought struck Hackett, an image shing through his mind of a figure resembling Winslow when he went to see Dani. ¡°You haven¡¯t gone behind our backs to strike a deal with her, have you?¡±

    ¡°Deal with Dani, have you, Winslow?¡± Silence suddenly fell over the hot springs. All eyes in the group fixed on Winslow.

    Setting his phone aside, Winslow looked up slowly. ¡°What nonsense is this? Me, make a deal with Dani? Come on, Hackett. You know as well as I do that I couldn¡¯t offer her anything substantial. What¡¯s pocket change to you is my entire operation. If she¡¯s willing to go after you, why would she let me off the hook?¡± Everyone paused to reflect after hearing this.

    Bruno nodded slowly. ¡°That makes sense.¡±

    Winslow shrugged off thements lightly. ¡°Perhaps Dani just overlooked mypany, or maybe she was too busy. You guys really expect me to join your financial misery?¡±

    Huey chuckled and patted Winslow on the back. ¡°Come on, we¡¯re in this together. Remember, it was your n to deal with Brylee. Dani won¡¯t forget that.¡±

    It was meant to ease the tension while also serving as a warning to Winslow.

    Winslow¡¯s gaze was cold as he stared off into the distance, a smirk ying on his lips. ¡°Afraid of Dani? That day will nevere.¡± Laughter echoed around him as the others nodded in hearty agreement.

    They lingered in theforting warmth of the hot springs for several hours, basking in rxation.

    Once they emerged from the water, their phones, now within signal range, buzzed relentlessly with a flood of notifications.

    g???????¦Í??????.??0??; ???????????? ??????????

    As they gazed at their screens, the unfolding drama rivaled any prime-time soap opera.

    By the stroke of midnight, headlines screamed with scandalous revtions like ¡°Shameless Commerce Association!¡± and ¡°Apology Demanded from Commerce Association!¡±

    Their own schemes against Cedric had spectacrly rebounded on them.

    In a state of panic, Hackett barely took the time to dry off before rushing to get dressed and out the door. Huey, in his haste, slipped and tumbled over.

    Though they imed there was no rush, their voices quivered with a palpable sense of urgency.

    Racing down the mountain, they were glued to their phone screens, absorbing thetest updates.

    Bruno said, ¡°Who had the bright idea to retreat to these remote hot springs? We¡¯re cut off from everything!¡±

    Farley retorted, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter now. We¡¯re already toote.¡±

    Huey added, ¡°Whoever¡¯s backing Cedric is a genius! How did they manage to flip the script sopletely, even with all that damning evidence against him?¡±

    Marc yelled from the back seat, ¡°Enough chatter! Just speed up!¡±

    Winslow peered out the window, his expression unreadable. Olisvine was about to change a lot.

    The vehicle raced down the winding road, its upants gripped by a collective unease. After hours of travel, they finally arrived at the Bet family estate at three in the morning and rapped urgently on the door. The instant Alexander appeared, shock rippled through the group.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 962

    ?Chapter 962:

    No one had anticipated such an uncanny resemnce to Cedric. How could someone look so much like him? Stunned, they stared at Alexander before hurriedly settling into their seats.

    Though Hackett had met Alexander before, the resemnce still unsettled him¡ªbut there was no time to dwell on it. He quickly blurted out, ¡°Alexander, you¡¯re about to take over as president. What¡¯s our next move? How did the tide turn in Cedric¡¯s favor? Have you seen the online chatter? People are actually sympathizing with him! What¡¯s our n?¡±

    Bruno, clearly on edge, chimed in, ¡°If we don¡¯t figure this out before ten, our stock prices could take a catastrophic hit!¡±

    Marcus¡¯ chest tightened. ¡°If the stock crashes again, I¡¯d rather jump off the building! Mypany won¡¯t survive another blow!¡±

    Alexander, d in an impably tailored designer suit, sat among them. ¡°So, are you all finally ready to ept me as president?¡± Without hesitation, they all nodded.

    At this moment, the presidency was the least of their concerns. If their businesses copsed, titles wouldn¡¯t matter¡ªthey¡¯d have nothing left to fight over.

    As everyone nodded, Alexander caught the fleeting trace of reluctance in Hackett¡¯s expression. With a soft chuckle, he added, ¡°If you recognize me as your leader, I¡¯ll lend a hand. If not, I see no reason to bother.¡± His piercing gaze lingered on Hackett as he spoke.

    Bruno tugged at Hackett¡¯s sleeve and whispered urgently, ¡°Say something! The presidency is irrelevant now. Our survival is at stake!¡± The rest of the group murmured in approval.

    Hackett hastilyplied, ¡°I never opposed it. Alexander, you¡¯re in charge. I have noints.¡±

    Alexander inclined his head. ¡°Good. Then I¡¯ll take care of Cedric.¡±

    Alexander hadn¡¯t expected that, despite the enormity of the situation, Cedric had remained silent and still managed to turn the tide in his favor. The business world now praised him for executing one of the most masterful PR maneuvers in history, effortlessly turning a disaster into a victory.

    The rest on g???????¦Í?????????????

    That night, an official statement was released by themerce association¡¯s ount:

    ¡°Owing to Hackett Graves¡¯ advanced age and his inability to continue leading the association, the presidency is hereby transferred to Alexander Bet of Bet Group. The association is optimistic that under his leadership, it will better serve its members. To mark this transition, VIP membership channels are now open, with entry and first-year fees waived. Additionally, members with notable contributions will not only gain ess to premium business resources but will also receiveplimentary support to elevate their enterprises to billion-dor valuations.¡±

    The announcement sent shockwaves through the business world, igniting a flurry of debate.

    ¡°Alexander Bet? How did he end up as the association¡¯s president?¡±

    ¡°Haven¡¯t you heard? Since Bet Group merged with the Fairburne Group, they¡¯ve been raking in wealth,nding a spot on the world¡¯s rich list. Richard is grinning from ear to ear!¡±

    ¡°Has Alexander really be that powerful?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not about his abilities; it¡¯s about his marriages. One ex-wife is the richest person in the world, and the other left him a massive fortune. Say what you want, but Alexander sure knows how to pick them.¡±

    ¡°Now that Alexander is president, do you think Dani will join the association?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 963

    ?Chapter 963:

    As the wealthiest person on the, Dani¡¯s business instincts were second to none. All eyes were on Elite Lux, waiting for their next move.

    Rumors swirled that a powerful tycoon had secretly struck a deal with the association. Given their towering status in the business world, their identity remained undisclosed. Naturally, spection pointed straight to Dani.

    While anticipation mounted, the association¡¯s official ount subtly fueled the fire by liking ament on Elite Lux¡¯s official post. Instantly, the public was convinced¡ªDani had joined the association.

    Before long, businesses were moring to secure a membership. The association¡¯s eight members marveled at the frenzy¡ªseven of them couldn¡¯t help but give Alexander an approving thumbs-up.

    ¡°Alexander¡¯s influence is remarkable! Who knew that being Dani¡¯s ex-husband would be such an asset?¡±

    ¡°Thanks to this announcement, nearly every major business in the country is scrambling to sign up.¡±

    In their rush, no one seemed to notice the small line of text tucked away at the bottom of the benefits list.

    ¡°All members must unconditionally grant full ess to their resources for association use.¡±

    This use allowed them to pool the nation¡¯s business resources into a single force against Dani and Cedric.

    No matter how formidable Dani was, she couldn¡¯t take on the entire country¡¯s business sector alone.

    The group of eight exchanged quiet, knowing chuckles.

    Check exclusive content g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    Standing in the president¡¯s office, Alexander gazed down with a distant, unreadable expression.

    In that moment, he felt as though he had finally leveled the ying field with Dani.

    Maybe now, he was worthy of standing before her as an equal.

    Now leading the association, Alexander wasted no time in setting up a meeting with Dani.

    Before heading out, he walked alone into the detached vi he had purchased.

    Inside, an elderly man with failing eyesight and hearing was the only presence. At the sight of Alexander, he silently locked the door and departed.

    The basement was cloaked in shadows, the air thick with the damp, suffocating scent of neglect.

    Joycey motionless, her wrists and ankles shackled in unforgiving iron.

    Her garments were in tatters, the room steeped in the pungent, unmistakable scent of blood and rust.

    With a practiced motion, Alexander lifted a handkerchief to shield himself from the stifling air.

    The measured click of his footsteps stirred Joyce. Slowly, she raised her head, her body bent forward as if in forced submission.

    ¡°Alexander, if you¡¯ve got the nerve, just kill me already! What the hell do you want from me?¡±

    The word ¡°bitch¡± had been etched into her skin, a grotesque mark of humiliation. Her face contorted with raw fury.

    Alexander stood just beyond her reach, his eyes fixed on her with an unreadable expression.

    ¡°Eager for death?¡± A slow smirk curved his lips. ¡°Not so fast.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 964

    ?Chapter 964:

    Joyce¡¯s eyes zed with a venomous, unsettling hatred as she locked her gaze onto Alexander. ¡°Never forget, the very foundation of your status and dignity is built on my efforts. When disaster struck the Bet family, who was your pir? When society turned its back on you, who was the only one offering a hand in the darkness? All these years, I have remained unwavering by your side. Alexander, open your eyes and see the truth¡ªit¡¯s me!¡±

    Alexander met her gaze, his eyes cold with fury, a chilling rage that filled the air between them.

    ¡°You im it was you?¡± His voice was sharp,ced with a bitterness that could freeze the air. ¡°You dare stand there and take credit? Let me tell you, Joyce, the empire I built is constructed on the ruins of my pride and conscience. I¡¯ve be a monster, the very thing I once despised. And you? Far from being a savior, you¡¯ve been a burden, treating me as nothing more than a pawn in your games¡ªnever as your husband. Your so-called care was nothing but a mask, driven by your ego, craving control over me. If not for your schemes, the Bet Group wouldn¡¯t have crumbled sopletely. If not for your interference, Dani wouldn¡¯t have divorced me and married Cedric. Every cmity that has befallen me bears your fingerprints! You don¡¯t deserve to breathe!¡±

    With that, Alexander took a step toward Joyce, his hands seizing her throat in a vice-like grip.

    His fingers tightened with unyielding force, cutting off her breath.

    Looking down, he watched as her face slowly lost its color. He relished the power he held over her.

    Just as Joyce¡¯s eyelids began to flutter, her consciousness slipping away, Alexander loosened his grip.

    She copsed to the floor, her breaths ragged, erupting in violent coughs. But amidst the struggle, wild, hystericalughter began to bubble up from her chest.

    ????????????????: g????????????????.??????

    Tears streamed down her face as she looked up at Alexander, herughter ringing eerily through the still air.

    ¡°You regret it now, don¡¯t you? How could you not? You let the richest woman in the world slip through your fingers, and Cedric has imed her as his wife. In the dead of night, do you torment yourself with thoughts of what could¡¯ve been if you had never chosen me? Can you truly me me? It¡¯s not my fault, Alexander. It¡¯s your own foolishness. You believed every lie I told, even when the truth wasid bare in those recordings. You knew I orchestrated the fire at your wedding to Dani, yet you still stayed by my side.¡±

    ¡°Why? Because of your own foolishness! You were blind to your true feelings for Dani, convinced that she, who had always stood by your side, would never leave. Having grown up without a mother¡¯s love, you were desperate for unwavering loyalty, never understanding that loyalty must be reciprocated. Onlyter did you realize, but by then, it was far toote. Dani, when in love, gave her all. Yet, when her love faded, she severed ties without hesitation. Regret gnawed at you, but no action could undo what had been done.¡± Joyce¡¯s voice rang out, filled with malicious glee. ¡°Alexander, seeing the regret etched on your face brings me endless satisfaction. Your own foolishness cost you the love of your life! Now, you¡¯re doomed to wander forever loveless, as your eternal punishment!¡±

    Reeling from her words, Alexander stumbled out of the vi, each of Joyce¡¯s spiteful remarks piercing his heart like cold steel.

    Yes, he had been a fool¡ªa fool who had lost the most profound love he¡¯d ever known.

    ¡°But that¡¯s not the end of it. There has to be a way to set things right¡ªthere must be!¡± Alexander reassured himself, fleeing the scene as if running from his own shadow.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 965

    ?Chapter 965:

    Unbeknownst to him, as he fled, the basement door creaked open, nudged by the whispering wind.

    It took a considerable amount of time before Alexander managed to regain hisposure. He had to meet Dani soon, and he repeated to himself over and over: the past was just that¡ªthe past.

    He was determined to make things right with Dani, topensate for his past mistakes through future actions.

    The meeting took ce at Alexander¡¯s newly inaugurated hotel. When he saw Dani and Lillian arrive, a wave of relief washed over him.

    He had feared that Dani might show up with Cedric.

    ¡°Please, take a seat, Dani,¡± Alexander said warmly, his tone filled with attentiveness. ¡°The steak here is exceptional. I highly rmend you try it today.¡±

    Dani, showing little interest, responded tersely, ¡°You arranged this meeting through a friend of my mother¡¯s. Surely, we¡¯re not just here to dine, are we? Let¡¯s skip the pleasantries and focus on the matter at hand. We don¡¯t have all day.¡±

    Despite her directness, Alexander¡¯s smile remained unshaken, as if her words had no power to disrupt his mood today.

    ¡°Considering your hectic schedule, I made sure to schedule our meeting after business hours. We have a shared history since childhood, after all. Why not enjoy a meal together?¡±

    With a gentle smile, Alexander helped Dani slice her steak before cing it in front of her.

    ¡°This steak was sourced fresh this morning. I had initially wanted to cook it myself for you, but unfortunately, my culinary skills aren¡¯t up to par. This time, the chef¡¯s expertise will have to suffice. Next time, however, I promise to prepare the meal myself.¡±

    Alexander was well aware thattely, all of Dani¡¯s meals were personally prepared by Cedric.

    Read exclusive content at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    His gesture was a clear challenge, a statement that he could match¡ªand even surpass¡ªanything Cedric could do for her.

    But Dani wasn¡¯t interested. Her face twisted in displeasure at the overpowering aroma of the steak. She cleared her throat loudly. ¡°Ahem! Ahem!¡±

    A wave of nausea swept over her, draining the color from her face until she looked positively ghastly.

    Turning to Lillian, she gestured for her to remove the steak immediately.

    After gulping down several sips of water, Dani barely managed to subdue the gnawing urge to vomit that threatened to overwhelm her.

    Alexander poured more water for her, his brow furrowing with concern. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Did the ride over here make you carsick? You¡¯ve always been susceptible to it, even as a child,ining about the smell of gasoline.¡±

    As Alexander continued to fill her ss, his eyes followed Lillian taking the steak away. He noticed the subtle easing of Dani¡¯s difort, and a shadow crossed his features.

    Standing close beside her, he observed her delicate profile now tinged with a hint of vulnerability.

    His hand, once rxed at his side, slowly curled into a tight fist.

    ¡°Should I call a doctor for you?¡± Alexander asked.

    Dani motioned for the waiter to open the window. As the crisp air filled the room, she let out a slow breath, and gradually, the color returned to her cheeks.

    Alexander instinctively raised his hand, about to summon a doctor.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 966

    ?Chapter 966:

    Dani waved him off. ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary. Just some digestive issues. Speak your mind.¡±

    Alexander studied her with a doubtful look. Could it really just be digestive issues? His voice held concern. ¡°Have you at least consulted a doctor?¡±

    Dani remained silent, and for some strange reason, her silence put Alexander at ease. For a fleeting moment, he had wondered if she was pregnant.

    Taking a measured sip of water, Dani¡¯s expression remained unreadable. ¡°You have ten minutes. Make them count.¡±

    The message was clear¡ªshe wasn¡¯t here for small talk.

    Alexander let out a soft chuckle. ¡°Only ten minutes? Come on, we¡¯ve known each other for years. Cedric won¡¯t get jealous over a simple conversation, will he? I mean no harm. I just thought we could talk and set the past aside.¡±

    Dani took another slow sip of water, her expression calm yet unreadable. ¡°I deal with countless matters every day and firmly believe in avoiding unnecessary conflicts, unless someone gives me a reason to act. As long as you stay away from those I care about, I¡¯ll have no reason to stand against you.¡± A warning, clear as day.

    Alexander caught the message loud and clear but pretended not to. He smiled. ¡°We were close once, weren¡¯t we? If you¡¯re so protective, why haven¡¯t I ever been on that list?¡±

    The moment the words left his mouth, Dani felt that same nauseating sensation stir within her again.

    ¡°Dani, I have no bad intentions. We both have a ce in Olisvine, in the business world. Peace fosters sess, don¡¯t you agree? We¡¯re both at the top. It makes more sense to trust each other than to waste energy on suspicion. I¡¯m offering an olive branch, nothing more. Why not stand together instead of apart?¡±

    As he spoke, Alexander lifted his ss and tapped it lightly against Dani¡¯s. ¡°The past is behind us, not worth dwelling on. Why not start fresh¡ªas friends?¡±

    Dani didn¡¯t move, her silence speaking volumes.

    L??t??st ch??pt??rs in g¦Ál??ovels.c?m

    Alexander¡¯s lips curled into a confident smile. ¡°As the newly appointed president of themerce association, I now control 99% of businesses across the country. I understand that you have no interest in joining, and I won¡¯t pressure you. But you need to operate within this environment. Working with me means working smoothly with all these enterprises. Doesn¡¯t that make things easier for everyone? I don¡¯t know your reasons for going after those eight individuals, but if you intend to proceed, just say the word. You won¡¯t have to lift a finger¡ªI¡¯ll handle them for you.¡±

    Dani let out a dry scoff. ¡°Oh? I prefer taking care of things myself.¡±

    Alexander shook his head, a nostalgic smile tugging at his lips. ¡°Still as stubborn as ever, just like when we were kids. But now that I¡¯m president of the association, any action I take against them would be considered restructuring. However, if you take action, it will be seen as a failure on my part. Dani, thest thing I want is to stand against you. I give you my word¡ªwithin a year, those eight will be gone, and no one will even realize it happened. Just stay out of it, alright? If not for me, then at least for Chace. He¡¯s my friend now, and if this turns into a public mess, it won¡¯t be easy for him either, don¡¯t you think?¡± Chace Truman had been Brylee¡¯s friend.

    When Brylee died, Chace had overseen the arrangements and hosted the funeral.

    Alexander had Chace step in as a mediator. Chace had said to Dani, ¡°If your mother were watching over you, she¡¯d want you to be happy. If she knew her death was keeping you shackled, it would break her heart. A mother¡¯s only wish is for her child¡¯s happiness. You might not see it now, but one day, you will.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 967

    ?Chapter 967:

    Back then, Dani had thought she wouldn¡¯t have to wait long. She¡¯d understand sooner than they realized.

    ¡°Fine,¡± Dani said coolly. ¡°You have a month. If they¡¯re still standing after that, don¡¯t me me for handling it my way.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s eyes gleamed. ¡°Deal! Give me a month, and they¡¯ll be gone without a trace!¡±

    With that, Dani rose from her seat, ready to leave.

    Alexander sighed with mild regret. ¡°Had I known you weren¡¯t feeling well, I would¡¯ve rescheduled. My apologies. Once this is settled, I¡¯ll host a banquet¡ªyou have to be there.¡±

    As Dani stood, a gust of air carried the scent of steak toward her, making her wrinkle her nose in difort. The reaction hit before she could suppress it.

    Alexander let his gaze linger on Dani¡¯s face before it inadvertently drifted to her abdomen. It was a fleeting moment before he looked away. ¡°Dani, perhaps I should go with you to the hospital? Stomach troubles are not to be taken lightly,¡± he suggested, his tone heavy with concern.

    Dani headed for the door, replying dismissively, ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary. I already have a family doctor.¡±

    Alexander followed her to the staircase, his eyes lingering on her long after she had disappeared from view.

    ¡°Norton,e here,¡± Alexandermanded, his voice low and serious.

    ¡°Mr. Bet, what can I do for you?¡± Norton Truman asked promptly.

    ¡°Do you still have that cousin working at Elite Lux?¡± Alexander asked. A nod from Norton confirmed it.

    ???????????? ????????: ???????????????¦Í??????????©q?????????

    ¡°Good. I need him to monitor Dani¡¯s health closely,¡± Alexander continued. Norton¡¯s expression shifted to confusion.

    ¡°Check if she¡¯s pregnant,¡± Alexander instructed, his words deliberate.

    If she was, he would need to tamper with her food to prevent any chance of a child. Dani belonged to him alone!

    If she ever had a child, it would be his and no one else¡¯s!

    The thought of her bearing a child that wasn¡¯t his filled him with violent jealousy.

    All of this turmoil was Joyce¡¯s doing! Had Joyce not interfered, he would never have lost Dani.

    The secretary noticed a frightening malice sh in Alexander¡¯s eyes.

    In the dark basement of a vi, Joycey bloodied and barely conscious, her body sprawled in a pool of her own blood. Alexander, finished with his brutal assault, tossed the whip aside with contempt.

    He then stepped on Joyce¡¯s face, pressing down with his shoe. ¡°You liked the scent of blood, didn¡¯t you? Well, now¡¯s your chance to indulge!¡±

    His shoe pressed firmly against Joyce¡¯s blood-streaked face as he spoke coldly. ¡°Joyce, your end is deserved.¡±

    The night dragged on, filled with the harsh sound of a whip cracking. Joyce, nearly lifeless, was barely conscious when an elderly man intervened, pulling Alexander away by his arm.

    With a mocking sneer, Alexander left without looking back. In the dim light, Joyce, battered and weak, secretly grasped a small shard of ss in her hand.

    Dani had just walked out of Alexander¡¯s hotel when she received a piece of news. Natalie had returned as a celebrated international actress. She had gone straight to Elite Lux, insisting on meeting with Dani. Concern was evident on Lillian¡¯s face as she fretted over Dani¡¯s well-being.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 968

    ?Chapter 968:

    ¡°Have here to the house,¡± Dani instructed.

    Lillian nodded in acknowledgment. She recalled that Cedric was currently away, busy resolving financial issues, leaving their residence unupied.

    After arriving home, Dani was about to refresh herself with a shower.

    Before heading to the bathroom, she turned to Lillian and instructed, ¡°Call Elyse over.¡±

    Lillian¡¯s gaze lingered on Dani, her voice tinged with concern. ¡°Won¡¯t it escte the situation?¡±

    Dani¡¯s smile widened. ¡°Exactly. What a spectacle it will be to watch them sh!¡±

    With augh, Lillian agreed.

    Fresh from her shower, Dani descended the stairs to find Natalie already waiting.

    Natalie now exuded the poise and presence of a movie star. During her time abroad, she had voiced a character in a critically acimed animated film, connected with a top director, and skillfully secured a role in a blockbuster movie. Her return was marked by significant media attention.

    Now established in international fame and swollen with pride, she had be bold.

    ¡°I have no hidden agendas, Dani. I aim to re-establish my career here. You control several entertainment outlets. Hand one over to me, and I¡¯ll manage it,¡± she said boldly.

    Dani quietly filled a ss with water.

    ¡°Alternatively, allocate some resources to me. I¡¯ve learned that yourpany holds the rights to Ultimate Kung Fu. I want the lead role in that movie,¡± Natalie continued.

    Dani grasped the full extent of Natalie¡¯s ambitions.

    ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????? g???????¦Í?????????????

    Ultimate Kung Fu, a martial arts epic, featured a love story that challenged traditional boundaries. The protagonist was a heroic and stunning woman, battling sinister forces with bravery and virtue. She made the ultimate sacrifice, staying true to the justice she cherished until the end.

    This pitiful conclusion left countless fans yearning for a film version where the heroine might find a happier fate alongside her beloved. The announcement of the film¡¯s production had attracted the attention of many renowned actresses, all eager to secure the lead role. Aware of this coveted opportunity, Natalie had returned to the county specifically for this purpose.

    However, she mentioned the role nonchntly upon arrival, seemingly taking for granted that Dani would be unaware of the film¡¯s deep significance.

    Dani could only smirk in response. Clearly, Natalie had underestimated her.

    Turning her gaze to the guest room, Dani said, ¡°I¡¯ll need some time to consider this.¡±

    Natalie frowned. ¡°What is there to consider? Dani, I¡¯m a Dury! I carry the samest name as your mother! If you refuse to help me, do you really think your mother would approve if she were still alive?¡± Her tone carried an air of entitlement, as though Dani owed her everything.

    Dani chuckled, unfazed. ¡°But my mother isn¡¯t alive anymore. If you found a way to bring her back, maybe then she¡¯d hand you the role.¡±

    Natalie¡¯s frustration spiked. Had she known just how ruthless Dani could be, she never would have gotten involved in the scheme to eliminate Brylee. After all, Brylee had truly doted on her. Whenever she pleaded, Brylee never failed to give her what she wanted. Now, regret consumed Natalie, her anger shifting towards Elyse. Back then, she had only been a teenager, too young to understand the consequences. But Elyse? She was already an adult and stillcked any sense of judgment, causing her own sister¡¯s demise. Pure foolishness had sealed their fate.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 969

    ?Chapter 969:

    Natalie¡¯s delicate features contorted with rage. ¡°Aunt is gone now. What else can I do?¡±

    She dared not confront Dani head-on. The truth was¡ªshe feared Dani. She knew Dani responded better to sorrow than force.

    Out of Dani¡¯s sight, she pinched her thigh hard, forcing tears to well up in her eyes. Then, with a well-practiced blink, they fell. ¡°Dani, I know what you¡¯re holding against me. You believe my mother and I had a hand in your mother¡¯s death. Yes, my mother was involved, but me? How old was I then? What could I have possibly done? At most, I spoke carelessly. My mother, in her blind ignorance, caused her sister¡¯s death. Every time I think of Aunt¡¯s tragic end, my heart aches. If you want justice, take it up with my mother. She¡¯s the one responsible for everything!¡±

    Natalie locked eyes with Dani, her expression pleading. ¡°If you want, you can even sue my mother. I¡¯ll be your witness. I swear.¡± She held her breath, waiting for Dani¡¯s reaction.

    Dani remainedposed, taking a slow sip of water before speaking. ¡°So, you¡¯re saying you¡¯re willing to take your own mother to court? She¡¯s your biological mother, the one who raised you. Can you bear to do that?¡±

    Natalie nodded, sorrow etched across her face. ¡°Yes, it would be difficult, but she brought this upon herself.¡±

    Dani leaned back into the sofa, her expression unreadable. ¡°I¡¯ll think about it.¡±

    The moment those words left Dani¡¯s lips, Natalie¡¯s face lit up with excitement. ¡°Dani, the guilty must pay for their sins! Don¡¯t go soft on her! Oh, by the way, about the lead role in that film¡­¡±

    Dani¡¯s tone was icy. ¡°You¡¯re toote. The lead role has already been taken.¡±

    Natalie¡¯s eyes went wide. ¡°Who took my role? Who dares to steal my ce?¡± Her expression darkened with rage. ¡°Dani, we¡¯re family! I even said I¡¯d testify against my own mother for you. Isn¡¯t that proof of my sincerity?¡±

    ?????????????? ???????????? ???????????? ???? g????????¦Í?????????????

    Dani let out a sharp sneer. ¡°So, testifying against your mother is just a bargaining chip for the lead role?¡±

    Natalie flinched, panic creeping into her voice. ¡°No! I¡¯m testifying against her because it¡¯s the right thing to do! But Dani, we¡¯re family! How could you hand such an incredible opportunity to an outsider?¡±

    Dani¡¯s lips curled into a smirk. ¡°It¡¯s not an outsider.¡±

    Natalie stiffened. ¡°Then who is it?¡±

    Dani¡¯s smirk deepened. ¡°Your sister, Nina.¡±

    Right on cue, the door creaked open, and Nina stepped into view. She met Natalie¡¯s stunned gaze with a pleasant smile. ¡°Natalie, long time no see.¡±

    Natalie¡¯s expression soured instantly.

    Nina?

    It was her!

    Dani offered casually, ¡°Natalie, if you don¡¯t mind, there¡¯s still a supporting role avable. Want to consider it?¡±

    Nina stood just behind Dani, a smile on her face¡ªone that made Natalie¡¯s blood boil.

    Nina¡¯s voice was sweet, almost teasing. ¡°Sorry, Natalie, but the lead role is mine. The supporting role isn¡¯t too bad, though. Decent screen time. Worth considering¡ªunless, of course, you can¡¯t handle being beneath me.¡±

    Natalie¡¯s hands curled into trembling fists.

    It wasn¡¯t just that.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 970

    ?Chapter 970:

    The screen time, the character¡¯s depth, the lines¡ªeverything paled inparison to the lead role.

    She had always been superior to Nina in every way. And now, she was expected to endure this disgrace?

    Natalie called out to Dani desperately, but Dani was already on her feet. ¡°Think about it. I¡¯m tired. I¡¯m heading upstairs.¡±

    Natalie scrambled forward. ¡°Dani!¡±

    But Dani was already climbing the stairs, leaving Natalie behind, seething with frustration.

    Natalie spun toward Nina, snapping, ¡°Go tell Dani you want the supporting role instead!¡±

    Nina chuckled. ¡°Not a chance.¡± With that, she stepped into her room, shutting the door behind her.

    Natalie stood frozen in the living room, her fists clenched so tightly her nails dug into her palms.

    She wanted to wring Nina¡¯s neck.

    She was supposed to be the star! The only one who mattered!

    Unbeknownst to her, someone had been watching her every move. Lillian folded her arms, amusement flickering in her eyes. ¡°Elyse, did you hear that? Your daughter wants to send you to prison!¡±

    Elyse¡¯s eyes snapped up, sharp and cold. ¡°Stop trying to stir things up!¡±

    Lillian let out a light chuckle. ¡°Why would I? Dani said that now that you¡¯re out of the hospital and doing better, it¡¯s time to earn a living. You can work as a server on set. Oh, and keep an eye on Natalie while you¡¯re at it. Think of it as a family reunion.¡±

    L?t?st ?h??¦Ñt?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?ls.??0??

    Elyse¡¯s gaze dropped, but the fire in her eyes burned strong. ¡°You want to use me against Natalie, don¡¯t you? Don¡¯t forget, she¡¯s my daughter.¡±

    ¡°She is, but does that matter? Your daughter threw you under the bus without a second thought. You heard her yourself, didn¡¯t you?¡± Lillian shot back.

    Elyse clenched her jaw. ¡°A mother¡¯s instinct is to protect her child.¡±

    Lillian gave a knowing nod. ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s see how long you stick to that.¡±

    With that, she turned and strolled away.

    Inside the study, Dani sat in the center, facing Nina across the table.

    ¡°Dani, did you catch Natalie¡¯s expression just now? She looked miserable.¡±

    Dani watched Nina¡¯s excitement carefully. ¡°Are you certain about getting involved? She had no problem turning on your mother. She won¡¯t hold back on you either. Think about it, Nina. If you¡¯re unsure, you can still step away.¡±

    When Nina first stepped forward for the lead role, Dani had been caught off guard. But now, it all made sense. Nina hadn¡¯t let go of her grudge; she had merely been waiting for the right moment.

    After all, no one knows you better than family. Nina knew Natalie too well¡ªher arrogance, her vanity, her desperation to be in the spotlight. She was bound toe back. That was why Nina had secured the lead role before Natalie could even try.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with this, Dani. I know you¡¯re looking out for me, but some things¡ªI have to handle them myself.¡±

    Dani sighed. She understood Nina¡¯s resolve. Nina had been humiliated, her engagement cancelled. But now, she had found her purpose again. And that purpose was revenge.

    ¡°Alright. Just think about it. This film is backed by Elite Lux and Phillips Group. If anything gets too overwhelming, tell me. You can step away anytime, and I¡¯ll handle the rest.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 971

    ?Chapter 971:

    Nina¡¯s eyes welled up. ¡°Thank you, Dani.¡±

    The following day, at the grand opening ceremony of Ultimate Kung Fu, Dani stood front and center as the investor. The male and female leads nked her, while Natalie, the second female lead, stood awkwardly off to the side.

    The crowd showered Nina with praise, calling her the perfect choice for the role.

    Natalie¡¯s face darkened, her icy re fixed on Nina.

    Seizing the moment when no one was watching, Natalie stepped in front of Nina. Before Nina could react, a sharp pnded on her cheek.

    ¡°You wretched woman! What¡¯s with that smug face? unting your role, are you? Can¡¯t wait for the world to know you¡¯re the lead? Let me tell you something: no matter who gets the lead, no one outshines me!¡±

    Nina brushed Natalie¡¯s hand away, straightening up. Her gaze was ice-cold as she met Natalie¡¯s burning fury head-on.

    ¡°Oh? No one can overshadow you? Then why are you seething right now? Face it, Natalie¡ªI¡¯m the lead, and that¡¯s not changing. The male lead? He¡¯s charming, sure, but his attention is all on me. Even if you beat me senseless, you still won¡¯t take my ce. And let¡¯s not forget¡ªthis film is backed by our cousin. If youy a hand on her lead actress, do you think she¡¯ll just let it slide?¡±

    Natalie¡¯s expression contorted with fury. ¡°Are you threatening me?¡±

    Nina let out a soft chuckle. ¡°I¡¯m just stating facts. Can¡¯t handle someone else stealing the spotlight? Still think the world revolves around you? Wake up, Natalie. The times have changed. You¡¯re no longer the Dury family¡¯s prized daughter. But me? I¡¯m still Dani¡¯s cherished cousin.¡±

    ¡°Nina!¡± The male lead waved from across the set, shing a bright smile. ¡°The director wants to go over the script with us.¡±

    Nina¡¯s lips curved into a smile. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll be right over.¡±

    Catching the furious twist of Natalie¡¯s face, Nina felt a wave of satisfaction wash over her.

    ???????? ???????? ????: ?????????¦Í?????????????

    ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, Natalie, I¡¯ll be going. Your scenes as the second female lead won¡¯t start for a while. Maybe head back to the hotel if you¡¯ve got nothing better to do.¡±

    Natalie clenched her fists, watching Nina approach the director.

    The male lead pointed to Nina¡¯s face.

    Nina lowered her head, silent, but her eyes flickered briefly towards Elyse.

    A secondter, Natalie caught sight of the male lead and director exchanging disapproving frowns. Natalie¡¯s entire body shook with fury.

    Nina!

    ¡°That sly, maniptive snake!¡±

    The newly crowned Best Actor, Cormac Murray, was cast as the male lead in Ultimate Kung Fu.

    Natalie sat idly, script in hand, but her gaze never left Cormac. His features reminded her so much of Cedric that she couldn¡¯t look away.

    All morning, she found herself watching him. And every time Nina acted beside him, a surge of irritation burned in her chest.

    During the break, Nina grabbed a cup of hot coffee and just so happened to stroll past Natalie.

    Natalie sneered. ¡°Enjoy the spotlight while itsts, Nina.¡±

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Nina chuckled, blowing gently on the steam rising from her cup. ¡°However long itsts, one thing¡¯s certain¡ªright now, I¡¯m ahead of you.¡±

    Natalie clenched her jaw.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 972

    ?Chapter 972:

    Nina shed a subtle smile and greeted Cormac just as he turned to her.

    Natalie¡¯s smirk vanished in an instant.

    Nina shot her a nce and murmured, ¡°Natalie, don¡¯t you think Cormac looks a lot like Cedric? I think he might have a little thing for me. What¡¯s your take?¡±

    Natalie¡¯s eyes darkened, her re sharp. ¡°Nina! Don¡¯t get ahead of yourself!¡±

    Nina smirked. ¡°Well, maybe he doesn¡¯t like me. Maybe he¡¯s just being professional since I¡¯m the lead actress. But at the end of the day, that¡¯s exactly what I am¡ªthe lead actress.¡±

    Natalie¡¯s eyes narrowed, her anger bubbling to the surface.

    She shot to her feet, knocking into Nina¡¯s hand before delivering a sharp p across her face.

    The sound of the p echoed across the set, turning heads.

    All eyes snapped towards them in stunned silence.

    Nina¡¯s head turned, her hand trembling as the scorching coffee spilled onto her skin, forming an angry red blister.

    Nina cradled her stinging cheek, shaking out her burned hand. ¡°Natalie, I get it. You¡¯re jealous that I got the lead and get to work with Cormac. But I earned this role. Can¡¯t you see that?¡±

    ¡°Can you stand seeing your sister seed? At least let me keep some dignity in front of everyone.¡± Natalie¡¯s eyes darted to the onlookers.

    Quiet murmurs spread through the crowd as people exchanged nces. As if by ident, Nina turned her hand slightly, revealing the angry blister to the crowd.

    The swollen, translucent burn stretched across her hand, drawing gasps.

    A collective gasp rippled through the set.

    Latest chapters g@ln¦Òv??ls?c©–m

    ¡°My God! That¡¯s her own sister, and Natalie still went that far?¡±

    ¡°All over jealousy? That¡¯spletely uncalled for.¡±

    Nina¡¯s eyes turned red, tears rolling down her cheeks, making her appear even more vulnerable. ¡°Natalie, I¡¯ve always known that I could never quite measure up to you. Since we were kids, Mom has always favored you. For years, whenever people spoke of the Dury family, your name was the only one they ever mentioned, as if I never existed. But I¡¯ve neverined because you¡¯re my sister. Seeing you seed has always made me happy as well. This is just one role where I get to be the lead, and your supporting role is still significant. So why can¡¯t you bear to see your sister seed for once? Natalie, what will it take for you to work with me, just this once?¡±

    Her makeup today¡ªsoft, smudged eyeshadow and a touch of red at the corners¡ªonly amplified her sorrowful appearance.

    Her words struck a chord, and the onlookers¡¯ gazes softened with sympathy.

    Natalie¡¯s expression hardened, her voice dropping to a sharp whisper. ¡°Enough, Nina.¡±

    Everyone saw Natalie¡¯s lips move, though they couldn¡¯t hear what she said.

    The set fell into an anticipatory hush.

    And then, to everyone¡¯s shock, Nina¡¯s body shuddered, and she dropped to her knees. She trembled, her voice quivering with fear. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Natalie. I won¡¯t do it again. It¡¯s my fault. I¡¯ll stay away from Cormac, I swear. Just don¡¯t hit me, please!¡±

    She hunched over, her body convulsing as if in terror.

    Natalie¡¯s face flushed with rage. She lifted a hand, ready tosh out. But before she could, a figure moved between them, blocking her path. It was Cormac.

    His voice was calm but firm. ¡°Miss Dury, have some mercy. You should know when to back down.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 973

    ?Chapter 973:

    Natalie¡¯s lips curled into a forced smile, poised to respond, but Cormac¡¯s cold voice sliced through her attempt. ¡°Miss Dury, I appreciate your attention, but you¡¯re not my type.¡±

    The blood drained from Natalie¡¯s face.

    Murmurs rippled through the crowd.

    ¡°Is she about to cry?¡±

    ¡°She ps her own sister and then ys the victim?¡±

    ¡°You have no idea¡ªthere are plenty of women who y the victim these days. Did you see how hard she pped Nina? No hesitation at all. But the moment she faces Cormac, she puts on this helpless act. If someone walked in now, they¡¯d think she was the one who got pped. Natalie really knows how to put on a show.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right! Natalie¡¯s probably been pampered her whole life, doing whatever she pleases. Someone needs to put her in her ce.¡±

    As those words sank in, the entire set quietly nodded in agreement, their expressions echoing the sentiment.

    With Cormac¡¯s steady support, Nina made her way towards the resting area. Midway, she abruptly turned her head.

    As expected, her eyes locked onto Natalie¡¯s.

    A sly, taunting smile curved on Nina¡¯s lips as she faced Natalie. That expression infuriated Natalie; she exploded into a furious tantrum, cursing and jabbing her finger at Nina.

    The director¡¯s thunderous voice finally cut through, forcing her into reluctant silence. Yet, her re remained locked onto Nina, sharp as a dagger.

    Back home, Nina found Dani lounging in the living room, eyes on the TV.

    Feel inspired by g¦Á ?¦Ç ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s,

    ¡°Dani, I stirred up quite amotion on set today,¡± Nina admitted.

    Dani shot her a knowing look, a smile ying on her lips. ¡°Standing up for yourself felt good, didn¡¯t it?¡±

    Without hesitation, Nina nodded, a bright smile lighting up her face. ¡°It really did.¡±

    Dani let out a soft chuckle as Nina happily skipped back to her room.

    Watching Nina disappear into her room, Lillian leaned in closer and murmured, ¡°Cormac just won the youngest Best Actor award. Wasn¡¯t he supposed to take a break? Why would he suddenly ept this project?¡±

    Dani¡¯s lips curved into a knowing smile.

    Lillian pressed on, puzzled. ¡°And he¡¯s starring alongside a total neer? That seems out of character. Why would he agree?¡±

    Dani let out a soft chuckle. ¡°Because¡­¡±

    Lillian¡¯s curiosity piqued.

    Dani merely lifted her hand and gestured towards Nina¡¯s room. Realization dawned on Lillian. ¡°Oh, this is going to drive Natalie absolutely insane.¡±

    The following day, the inte buzzed with the headline, ¡°Nina Dury vs. Natalie Dury¡ªBattle for the Lead Role!¡±

    A leaked video of the altercation quickly spread, igniting a wave of online bacsh against Natalie.

    The footage sparked an outpouring of sympathy, earning Nina a surge of new fans.

    Soon, a crowd of supporters gathered on set, cheering for Nina. She stood among them, shing a warm smile. ¡°Thank you all for your support! But I¡¯d rather you focus on my work. Mr. Murray is so dedicated and meticulous¡ªI¡¯m learning so much.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 974

    ?Chapter 974:

    ¡°See myself as an idol? Honestly, I¡¯m just like you. A fan girl at heart.¡± The crowd erupted with excitement. ¡°Wait, Nina! You¡¯re a fan girl too? Who¡¯s your favorite?¡±

    Nina let out a yfulugh. ¡°Who else? Mr. Murray, of course!¡±

    That day, Nina treated her fans to a meal. After wrapping up filming, she lingered, chatting with them as if they were old friends.

    Later, her supporters flooded forums with her words, and within hours, her follower count soared past a hundred thousand.

    Furthermore, after Nina admitted to being a fan of Cormac, his supporters rallied behind her, showering her with encouragement. Hidden in the shadows, Natalie watched everything unfold. Her fist, already tight, struck the wall beside her with force.

    Elyse had been silently observing for some time. When Natalie¡¯s gaze met Elyse¡¯s, she quickly turned away, her expression far from pleased. Instead, her demeanor was ice-cold.

    ¡°Why are you here? Come to gloat too?¡± Natalie snapped.

    Elyse¡¯s heart ached. ¡°Natalie, how can you say that? Haven¡¯t I always put you first, above everything? I¡¯ve been observing for the past few days, and it¡¯s clear¡ªNina fits this role better. You should ept the second lead and go back abroad. There¡¯s no way you can win against Dani.¡±

    At those words, Natalie snapped her head to Elyse, her re sharp and frigid. ¡°Easy for you to say! Do you think surviving abroad is simple? Do you know how many men I had to drink with just tond a minor role? Now that Nina¡¯s about to make it, you suddenly find me bothersome and want me out of the way? Absolutely not! I won¡¯t stand by while she gets Dani¡¯s backing and I¡¯m left to fend for myself.¡±

    Elyse¡¯s face twisted with frustration and sorrow. ¡°Natalie, don¡¯t you get it? Dani will never let us go because of Brylee¡¯s death.¡±

    Irritation red in Natalie. ¡°You keep saying that, but Dani hasn¡¯t done a thing to us! You¡¯re just favoring Nina, making my life harder on purpose!¡±

    Stories live now on galn¦Ò??????????o??

    Elyse opened her mouth to exin.

    But Natalie went on, ¡°Brylee has been gone for years. If Dani truly wanted to punish us, she would¡¯ve done so already. Clearly, she¡¯s chosen to move on. Besides, Brylee was gone when Dani was just five. How much could a child that young even recall? I doubt she even remembers what Brylee looked like anymore.¡±

    ¡°If it were up to me, I would never let a ghost from the past destroy the life I have now.¡±

    To her, happiness in the present was all that mattered. The rest? Just meaningless baggage.

    Clinging to resentment over a mother who had been gone for years seemed utterly foolish.

    Elyse made another attempt to reason with her, but Natalie waved her off, exasperated. ¡°Enough! Stop nagging! If you have so much time, use it to persuade Nina to give me the lead role! Or better yet, beg Dani to show me some favoritism too!¡±

    As soon as she finished, Natalie spotted Cormac stepping off set. She grabbed a bottle of water and strode over to meet him.

    Elyse let out a weary sigh.

    Left with no other option, she intercepted Nina at the doorway.

    ¡°Nina, you¡¯ve always been such an obedient child, never fighting with Natalie over anything. Just this once, can¡¯t you step aside and let your sister have the lead role since she wants it so badly?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 975

    ?Chapter 975:

    Nina let out a sharp, bitterugh. ¡°Mom, you¡¯ve admitted it yourself. I¡¯ve been the one yielding since childhood. Why should it always be me who has topromise? Natalie and I are both your daughters, so why do you keep favoring her?¡±

    Elyse sighed, her brows knitting together. ¡°I don¡¯t have a choice. There¡¯s only one lead role in this show. If there were two, I wouldn¡¯t have to put you in this difficult position, would I? Can¡¯t you just be a little more understanding?¡±

    That same weary, guiltden tone.

    Every time Elyse spoke like this, Nina found herself giving in, sacrificing her own desires without question.

    ¡°I¡¯m standing my ground this time,¡± Nina said, turning away. ¡°When Dad passed away, he asked me to listen to you, and I have done so all these years. But it seems you¡¯ve forgotten that I have dreams too. I¡¯m not handing this role over to anyone! If someone has to step back, let it be Natalie!¡±

    And with that, Nina spun on her heels and strode off.

    Elyse stood there, wailing after her. ¡°Are you trying to drive me to my grave, Nina? If I copse here, your entire acting career will be ruined!¡±

    Nina scoffed, her gaze lifting to the sky, unimpressed.

    The same old guilt-tripping. It had lost its sting long ago.

    Not bothering to turn around, she walked away.

    Elyse, unwilling to give up, dragged Natalie to see Dani.

    ????????????¡¯?? ????????: ?????????¦Í?????????????

    ¡°Dani, could you fund another project and move Nina to that one? Let Natalie have this lead role instead, please?¡±

    Nearby, Lillian rolled her eyes in exasperation. ¡°Do you think making a show is as easy as waving a magic wand? It takes serious money! If it¡¯s so simple, why don¡¯t you fund it yourself?¡±

    Elyse clutched Natalie¡¯s hand tightly, then dropped to her knees before Dani. ¡°Dani, I¡¯m desperate, which is why I¡¯m begging you. You know Ick your wealth and power. I¡¯m just a helpless mother with nowhere else to turn. Please, help my daughters!¡±

    Just then, Cedric walked in from outside, his gazending on the two kneeling figures.

    ¡°Dani, Ryan wants you to call him. He has something important to discuss.¡±

    Dani gave a slight nod and got to her feet.

    Cedric turned to Josie. ¡°Take some fruit upstairs for Dani. Honestly, why do people always show up here uninvited?¡±

    With that, he dropped into the chair Dani had just left. ¡°Alright, what do you want?¡±

    Elyse¡¯s gaze trailed after Dani as she disappeared upstairs, her hope momentarily deting.

    ¡°Dani already agreed to set up a film project for Natalie. Cedric, could you help make it happen?¡±

    Cedric arched a brow and nced at Lillian. ¡°Is that true?¡±

    Lillian scoffed. ¡°No.¡±

    Cedric leaned back and eyed Elyse. ¡°You heard her. It¡¯s not happening.¡±

    The moment the words left his mouth, Elyse burst into tears. ¡°Cedric, you don¡¯t understand how difficult my life has been. I have nowhere else to turn, which is why I¡¯m asking you. With your influence, securing a movie deal should be effortless. If you refuse, I¡¯ll have no choice but to keep pestering Dani. Surely that¡¯s more troublesome, right? I swear, if you help me this once, I won¡¯t trouble Dani ever again!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 976

    ?Chapter 976:

    Of course, that was not true. She would at most stop bothering Dani until these films were finished.

    Cedric¡¯s face darkened. Was she trying to threaten him? ¡°Are you looking for trouble?¡±

    Unlike Dani¡¯sposed nature, Cedric exuded a cold,manding presence, his gaze perpetually lowered as if others weren¡¯t worth his attention.

    Elyse froze at his words. ¡°What?¡± Had she misheard him?

    ¡°What? A wicked heart and deaf ears too?¡± Cedric¡¯s eyes burned with anger. ¡°I asked if you were looking for trouble.¡±

    Elyse¡¯s heart pounded under Cedric¡¯s sharp gaze. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°You went to my wife for favors. Did you ask me first?¡±

    Elyse opened her mouth, but Cedric¡¯s cold voice sliced through. ¡°What¡¯s hers is mine. Asking her is the same as asking me. And everyone knows I never take a loss.¡±

    Elyse ducked her head, forcing a smile. ¡°It¡¯s not really a loss, is it? We¡¯re family. You help us, we help you. It¡¯s mutual, right?¡±

    ¡°Really? And how exactly do you n to help me?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ it¡¯s not like you need anything, right? We¡¯d love to help, but you¡¯re rich and powerful. What could we possibly offer? Our help would just get in your way.¡±

    Cedric let out a chilling chuckle. ¡°So, you think you can just keep leeching off me forever?¡±

    He leaned back, his eyes narrowing. ¡°Do I look like a generous man to you?¡±

    ?????????? ???? ?????? ????????????: g???????¦Í????????????

    Elyse pressed her lips together, uneasy.

    Cedric¡¯s tone turned final. ¡°Either let Natalie settle for her supporting role or pull her out of the film entirely. I don¡¯tck actresses. And let me make one thing clear¡ªeverything Dani owns belongs to me. Anyone who tries to take it is signing their death warrant.¡±

    Elyse recoiled instantly. ¡°No, we wouldn¡¯t dare!¡±

    After leaving the house, Elyse finally exhaled. Cedric¡¯s presence had been suffocating¡ªhe truly terrified her.

    ¡°Natalie, you heard him¡ªCedric isn¡¯t someone we can cross. And remember, I already warned Dani about the people pulling strings behind the scenes. She let you return and got me out of the asylum¡ªshe¡¯s nning something. We need to leave, find a ce where no one knows us, and start over. Okay?¡±

    Natalie jerked her hand free from Elyse¡¯s tight grip. ¡°Go ahead and leave if you must, but I¡¯m holding on to Dani, my source of wealth.¡± Additionally, if capturing Cedric¡¯s heart was beyond her reach, surely she could sway Cormac. Despite Nina¡¯s interference, she refused to concede defeat.

    When Nina returned, Cedric was in the kitchen, meticulously preparing fruit for Dani, who wasfortably settled on the couch, her eyes glued to the television screen.

    Head bowed, Nina quietly stepped in, casting a fleeting nce at Dani before stopping at the kitchen entrance.

    ¡°Cedric, my mother and Natalie caused a scene today. I¡¯m sorry for the trouble.¡±

    Cedric kept his attention on the task at hand. The kitchen was engulfed in deep silence, broken only by the rhythmic sound of water. Nina observed Cedric as he washed the cherries and arranged them in a basket, then turned off the faucet.

    The abrupt silence left nothing but an icy stillness.

    Nina¡¯s difort grew, a nagging unease that had followed her on her journey back. She dreaded bing a burden to those around her. As she tangled with her anxieties, Cedric¡¯s voice, low and soothing, cut through the silence.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 977

    ?Chapter 977:

    ¡°Dani sees you as family. Her childhood was filled with hardships, and though she might appear reserved, she genuinely enjoys the warmth ofpany. She doesn¡¯t regard you as an inconvenience. I hope you can find joy here, as part of our family.¡±

    Cedric turned to Nina, his expression softening. ¡°You know, since we¡¯re all family here, causing chaos isn¡¯t a concern, right?¡± His voice carried the casual ease of a simple truth.

    He didn¡¯t wait for her response; instead, he walked over to Dani, presenting her with the fruit.

    Nina watched him go, a surge of emotions swelling in her chest.

    To be considered part of the family¡ªthis was a novel and heartwarming experience for her. She had never before felt such a profound sense of belonging and affection.

    Now, within the walls of Dani¡¯s home, it was taking ce. Dani had previously given Alexander a month to deal with the eight members of themerce association.

    After that, she hadn¡¯t paid attention, just waiting to see the results. However, Alexander would send updates.

    While Dani was watching TV, she received a message from Alexander. ¡°Quick update¡ªWinslow has stepped down from the association; that leaves seven.¡±

    Dani paused, the name ¡°Winslow¡± sparking a faint memory. He had once approached her, offering arge sum of money, an action she had barely acknowledged at the time. Now, his name resonated with newfound significance.

    Over the next two weeks, Dani heard nothing from Alexander, a clear sign that matters were deteriorating.

    Dani decided to investigate on her own. Previously, during the acquisition, several people had been dealt with. Now that she had stepped back, they were eager to make aeback.

    I?t€$? ¡é§ß?¦Ñ?¦Å?? ?§Ú g??l??ov?l??.??om

    Ryan presented thetest market shares to Dani, highlighting that Bet Group¡¯s progress had stalled since aligning with the association.

    Lillian, ever practical, remarked, ¡°It¡¯s to be expected. Those seven individuals are tight-knit. Alexander stands little chance against their united front.¡±

    ¡°Fool!¡± Dani responded with a dismissive sneer.

    Lillian continued, ¡°Winslow¡¯s reaction is peculiar, though. He sensed the adverse tides and promptly backed out. I hear he¡¯s even prepping his immigration papers. Didn¡¯t he im to be uninvolved? Why the sudden rush to leave?¡±

    Lillian¡¯s tone was nonchnt as she spoke, but the news visibly surprised Dani. Lillian caught the shift in her demeanor. They shared a knowing look, silent but potent.

    With a piercing gaze, Danimanded, ¡°Dig into this. If needed, press Caiden or Elyse for details about this man¡¯s involvement in my mother¡¯s death.¡±

    Lillian wasted no time and sought out Elyse.

    Under Lillian¡¯s stern stare, Elyse shivered, confessing, ¡°Winslow was ater to the association. I hadn¡¯t had much to do with him. He¡¯s always been so introspective and reserved.¡±

    Lillian¡¯s expression turned colder. ¡°Had Dani¡¯s mother ever mentioned him before she died?¡±

    Elyse shook her head. ¡°No, never.¡±

    Lillian tucked her dagger away and made to depart. Elyse followed her. ¡°Lillian, considering that the nation¡¯s foremost entertainment enterprise bears Dani¡¯s name, could you possibly unearth some resources for Natalie?¡±

    Lillian cast a sidelong nce at Elyse, whose smile was tinged with hope. ¡°You should speak to Cedric about that. He¡¯s entitled to all of Dani¡¯s assets.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 978

    ?Chapter 978:

    ¡°Did Dani consent to that?¡± Elyse pressed, her voiceced with urgency.

    Lillian replied curtly, ¡°Indeed, she did.¡±

    At this, Elyse was momentarily at a loss for words.

    Returning to converse with Dani, Lillian ryed Elyse¡¯s response. ¡°She didn¡¯t even mention Winslow?¡± Dani¡¯s voice trailed off into silence.

    ¡°Is something troubling you, Dani?¡± Lillian inquired, noticing her distraction.

    Dani hesitated, her tone reflective. ¡°I can¡¯t quite articte the feeling. It¡¯s unsettling.¡±

    Persisting, Lillian added, ¡°Caiden mentioned he would remain silent unless you visit him.¡±

    Dani gave a slow nod. ¡°I¡¯ll pay him a visit this evening. Please fetch Linden for me.¡±

    Lillian observed Dani closely. ¡°Are you concerned that Ninacks the strength to manage Natalie?¡±

    Dani exhaled sharply. ¡°Nina¡¯s approach is too mild. I doubt she¡¯ll be able to handle it properly. Luckily, with Linden there, Natalie won¡¯t get the chance to make a mess.¡±

    Chuckling, Lillian exited to call Linden.

    Upon Linden¡¯s arrival, Dani instructed, ¡°I need you to take care of Nina on the set. What are your thoughts?¡±

    Linden, quick to grasp the underlying implication, assured her confidently, ¡°You can count on me. I won¡¯t disappoint you.¡±

    That afternoon, Linden arrived at the film set.

    ?????????????? ??????????????: ?????????¦Í?????????????

    The moment Natalie saw him, her face drained of color.

    Nina smirked, her eyes gleaming with mischief. ¡°Well, well, if it isn¡¯t Linden. Natalie, you two were almost married once. Thinking of reigniting that spark?¡±

    Back then, Dani had given Natalie two options¡ªleave the country or marry Linden, with a vi as a bonus. Proud and ambitious, Natalie had chosen to leave. Linden had been the subject of ridicule for quite some time.

    Now that he was back, there was no way he would let Natalie feelfortable. Nina¡¯s teasing was intentional, her voice loud enough for everyone to hear, causing Natalie¡¯s expression to darken. Her gaze flickered toward Cormac. Linden caught the nce and without hesitation, pulled her into a secluded alley, forcing himself onto her.

    Footsteps echoed nearby as people passed. Natalie¡¯s body trembled, her limbs going weak with humiliation.

    Linden¡¯s harsh words brushed against her ear. ¡°Go on, cause a scene! You¡¯re a big star now, right? Scream¡ªlet everyone see who you really are!¡± Hot tears streaked down Natalie¡¯s cheeks.

    As Natalie stumbled out of the alley, hushed whispers spread around her. ¡°Women these days have no shame. Doing it in public? Can¡¯t they control themselves?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t she just a supporting actress? Women like her only move up in the industry by sleeping their way to the top. Absolutely disgusting!¡±

    The director stormed over, his eyes cold and piercing.

    Natalie opened her mouth to exin, but the director cut her off. ¡°Natalie, have some dignity.¡±

    Instantly, every gaze locked onto her, judgment burning in their stares.

    Linden adjusted his clothes, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes.

    Natalie¡¯s head dipped, her teeth clenched so hard they ached, her fists trembling at her sides.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 979

    ?Chapter 979:

    That day, the entire setughed at Natalie¡¯s disgrace.

    The pristine, innocent image she had carefully built was shattered beyond repair.

    At those cruel words, Natalie¡¯s breath hitched.

    Desperate, she turned to Cormac, but his expression was frosty. ¡°I hope your personal affairs don¡¯t ruin this film. I¡¯ll be rmending to Ms. Harper that we rece you.¡±

    His words left Natalie frozen in shock.

    Why?

    How could this be happening?

    She had always been the beloved one. Born into luxury, pampered all her life!

    So why was everyone choosing Nina over her now?

    Why did they all treat her like she was beneath them?

    Natalie couldn¡¯t make sense of it. All she knew was that Linden irritated her to no end.

    Without a second thought, she reached for something nearby. As everyone focused on their meals and Linden smirked at his phone, she quietly walked over and plunged the knife deep into him.

    Warm, crimson blood seeped from the wound, dripping steadily onto the floor. Natalie stared at the spreading bloodstains. A wild exhration gripped her, quickly reced by a strange satisfaction, then creeping fear. Linden¡¯s head jerked up, his wide eyes locking onto hers in disbelief.

    Panic surged through her. She shoved him forward, yanked the knife free, and drove it back in¡ªhard.

    ¡°Agh¡­¡±

    g?????0¦Í??????.??????¡ä ?????????? ???????? ????????

    That was the final sound Linden would ever make.

    Augh bubbled up from Natalie¡¯s lips.

    From this moment forward, Linden was gone from her life¡ªno more humiliation, no more shame.

    He had iting!

    One thought consumed Natalie¡ªeveryone who had humiliated her deserved to perish.

    Dani!

    Cedric!

    They needed to perish for her to reim her rightful ce¡ªthe adored and admired youngdy she had once been.

    Natalie heaved Linden¡¯s limp body up, dragging him towards the exit. A startled voice rang out behind her. ¡°Blood! Someone¡¯s bleeding!¡±

    Heads turned in horrified disbelief.

    Near the window, blood dripped ominously, a chilling sight that froze everyone in ce.

    Panic erupted in the cafeteria. Nina darted forward, only to be yanked back by a firm grip. She spun around to find Elyse.

    Elyse stood frozen, eyes wide, as if she had just seen a ghost.

    Then, without warning, she pulled Nina into an embrace. ¡°Nina, you¡¯re the only one I have now.¡±

    Nina stiffened in surprise. A momentter, she shoved Elyse off and turned to leave.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 980

    ?Chapter 980:

    Elyse clutched Nina¡¯s arm. ¡°Where are you going? Your sister¡¯s lost it! If you go after her, she¡¯ll kill you!¡±

    Nina¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°If I don¡¯t, she¡¯ll go straight for Dani!¡±

    Elyse¡¯s expression darkened with greed. ¡°Let her go after them! If she kills Dani and Cedric, all their wealth will be mine. Linden is already dead by her hands, so why stop there? Let her finish Dani off too. The wealth we¡¯ll gain will make it all worthwhile! Nina, from now on, you¡¯re my only daughter, and I promise to take good care of you!¡±

    But Nina wrenched herself free. ¡°Keep your blood money! I want nothing to do with it!¡± With that, she bolted.

    Natalie grabbed a handheld fan from the car and sped away.

    Dani had already made her way to the asylum.

    Caiden was far calmer than when Dani hadst seen him. ¡°You¡¯re here, Dani.¡±

    Dani settled into her seat, her voice steady. ¡°Winslow Flore. Have you evere across this name?¡±

    Caiden replied, ¡°I have, though not in much detail. From what I recall, your mother¡¯s final business deal involved this man. I didn¡¯t concern myself with the details, but I do remember that time being particrly windy. His name stuck with me because it sounded like the wind itself. I even told your mother it had a certain ring to it¡ªperhaps that¡¯s why I remember it.¡±

    Dani¡¯s expression remained unreadable. ¡°Is there anything else?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s all. But I do recall your mother mentioning she had been preparing a major deal with him. I never involved myself in her business matters, so I didn¡¯t think much of it. After her passing, though, I saw in the news that Winslow had sessfully sealed the deal on his own. It skyrocketed his wealth.¡±

    Dani remained silent, a faint furrow forming between her brows.

    ¡°That¡¯s everything I know,¡± Caiden added.

    g???????¦Í??????.????n ¨C ?????????? ???????? ????????

    Dani made a slight movement, preparing to rise.

    Caiden suddenly leaned forward, his tone urgent. ¡°Dani, you can¡¯t keep me locked away forever. You let Elyse go, didn¡¯t you? Then why not me? I¡¯ve told you everything you wanted to hear. I deserve my freedom too.¡±

    Dani didn¡¯t spare him another nce. Without a word, she turned on her heel and walked out of the hospital.

    As she stepped outside, Caiden¡¯s wild screams rang out, carried by the wind, their eerie resonance lingering in the mountains like a ghostly wail.

    Dani and Lillian made their way back home.

    When the car ran low on fuel, Lillian took it to a nearby station to refuel.

    Left alone, Dani decided to walk the rest of the way home. Midway through her journey, a sudden awareness prickled at her senses¡ªsomeone was approaching at an rming speed.

    She turned, only to be met with Natalie¡¯s bloodstained figure, her expression twisted with menace.

    In Natalie¡¯s grip, a dagger gleamed under the dim light as she lunged forward. Dani¡¯s eyes narrowed, poised to counter, when another movement from her side caught her attention¡ªsomeone else was charging at her.

    A second attack?

    Dani¡¯s muscles tensed. Acting on instinct, she intercepted the iing figure, grasped their arm, and used their own force against them, sending them tumbling aside.

    .

    .

    .

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 981

    ?Chapter 981:

    In that split second, the dagger sliced through the air, aimed straight at her heart. Dani pivoted sharply, dodging the lethal strike with precise agility.

    ¡°Dani!¡± Nina¡¯s voice rang out as she hit the ground.

    Dani nced at her, concern flickering in her gaze. ¡°Are you alright?¡±

    Bracing herself on her hands, Nina pushed up. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±

    Dani gave a firm nod. ¡°Good. Now, step back a little.¡±

    Without hesitation, Nina moved away, putting a safe distance between them.

    Turning her attention back to Natalie, Dani took in the sight¡ªher clothes stained in fresh crimson, her wild demeanor unmistakable. She looked like she had just taken a life.

    Behind her, Nina¡¯s voice rang out, sharp and urgent. ¡°Dani! She killed Linden!¡±

    At those words, a faint smile ghosted across Dani¡¯s lips as she fixed her gaze on Natalie.

    Natalie¡¯s grip on the dagger tightened, her expression darkening. ¡°What the hell are you smiling at?¡±

    Dani spoke in a slow, measured tone, herposure unnerving. ¡°Do you even realize where you¡¯re standing right now?¡±

    Natalie instinctively looked down, uncertainty flickering across her face.

    Dani¡¯s voice softened, yet her words carried weight. ¡°This is the exact spot where my mother fell to her death. Do you know why, despite all my wealth and properties, I never left this ce? Because I was waiting¡ªwaiting for this moment.¡±

    She wanted her mother to witness it.

    ???????? ?????????????? ???? ??????????????????.??????

    Everyone who had yed a role in her death would pay their due price.

    Natalie narrowed her eyes, suspicion creeping into her voice. ¡°So, you knew all along that I¡¯de back. You made Linden turn against me. You kept him close, just waiting for the moment I¡¯d return, didn¡¯t you? Dani, you¡¯re truly ruthless!¡±

    Dani let out a light chuckle. ¡°Exactly. Everything yed out just as I nned. And now, here you are, right where I wanted you.¡±

    Natalie¡¯s grip on the dagger tightened, her knuckles turning white.

    ¡°Go to Hell!¡± With a furious cry, Natalie lunged forward, the dagger aimed straight at Dani.

    Cedric had just pulled up when he saw something that made his heart nearly stop.

    In front of him, Natalie was rushing at Dani, the de gleaming in her grasp. Cedric¡¯s breath hitched in his throat.

    But before he could react, Dani¡¯s hand shot up, and in a mere blink, she had Natalie pinned down.

    Cedric¡¯s fear morphed into sheer disbelief.

    His eyes widened in astonishment, staring at the scene before him, struggling to process what had just happened.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Cedric hurriedly jumped out of the car, frantically scanning Dani from head to toe, searching for any sign of injury. But she waspletely unharmed.

    His entire perception of reality felt slightly shaken.

    ¡°At such close range, you dodged Natalie¡¯s dagger?¡± Cedric couldn¡¯t wrap his head around it.

    It had been too close.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 982

    ?Chapter 982:

    A fraction of a second, just a slight shift in angle, and Natalie¡¯s dagger would have pierced Dani without fail.

    But somehow, Dani had evaded it. How?

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Are you disappointed that I¡¯m unscathed?¡± Dani asked, her tone light but teasing.

    ¡°How could I not be?¡± Cedric muttered, still dazed. ¡°I just can¡¯t figure out how you managed to dodge it like that.¡± Could it really have been that effortless?

    He stood frozen, watching as Nina helped Dani inside. Then his gaze drifted back to Natalie, now securely tied up on the ground.

    It didn¡¯t make any sense.

    Even as he fumbled to call the police, his eyes remained fixed on the knots holding Natalie down.

    Was it truly as unbelievable as it seemed?

    His wife knew how to fight?

    Impossible! Absolutely not!

    His wife¡ªthe same woman who struggled to slice an apple without making a mess¡ªknew how to fight? No way.

    Maybe he was imagining things.

    That exnation seemed reasonable.

    Yes. That had to be it. He convinced himself.

    . is your storytelling hub

    Satisfied with his own reasoning, Cedric shot Natalie onest re before turning toward the house.

    By the time Elyse arrived, the police still hadn¡¯t shown up. She spared Natalie a quick nce before stepping inside in search of Dani.

    ¡°Dani, Natalie is already facing serious murder charges. You don¡¯t need to add to it. After all, she is still your cousin. Could you help her by hiring awyer? You have top-notch attorneys. If they take on her case, there¡¯s a chance she could avoid a murder conviction. Dani, you¡¯re the kindest person I know. You wouldn¡¯t hold a grudge against Natalie, right?¡±

    Before Dani could respond, Cedric kicked Elyse without hesitation. ¡°In your dreams! Natalie tried to harm my wife, and now you expect us to help her? Let me make one thing clear¡ªI¡¯ll personally see to it that she never walks free again!¡±

    Elyse stumbled back, eyes wide in shock as she took in Cedric¡¯s seething expression. ¡°It¡¯s over¡­¡±

    She grabbed Nina¡¯s hand. ¡°Nina, go beg Dani! She¡¯s always looked out for you¡ªshe¡¯ll listen if you ask. Natalie is your sister! You wouldn¡¯t be so cruel as to turn your back on her, would you?¡±

    Nina yanked her hand away, her voice cold. ¡°Mom, when Natalie had me thrown into that warehouse, did you plead with her the way you¡¯re pleading with me now? Did you even try?¡±

    Nina¡¯s gaze bore into Elyse, demanding answers.

    Elyse looked away, too ashamed to look at her daughter. ¡°I did beg her, but she wouldn¡¯t listen. You¡¯ve always done what I asked, haven¡¯t you?¡±

    Nina scoffed, herugh sharp and bitter. ¡°So because I was obedient, I should just ept everything without question? Mom, Nataliemitted murder! She took a life¡ªshe has to answer for it!¡±

    As soon as the words left her mouth, the police arrived.

    They dragged Natalie away, with Cedric close behind, apanied by awyer.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 983

    ?Chapter 983:

    Elyse slumped into a corner, trembling. Natalie thrashed against her restraints, her voice ringing with venom as she screamed, ¡°Dani, you just wait! I¡¯lle back! I¡¯lle back and kill you!¡± That threat left Cedric on high alert.

    From the day Natalie was locked up to the final court ruling, Cedric was present at every stage, ensuring justice was served.

    It was only after the verdict was sealed that Cedric finally exhaled, releasing the breath he hadn¡¯t realized he was holding.

    Dani, however, remainedposed throughout.

    ¡°Babe, even thinking about it now gives me chills,¡± Cedric admitted.

    Dani responded with a small, knowing smile.

    ¡°But seriously, how did you dodge like that? It was incredible!¡±

    ¡°Oh? Did it look that cool?¡± Dani teased.

    ¡°Absolutely! I even tried to recreate it a few times after, but I couldn¡¯t pull it off!¡± Cedric confessed, still baffled.

    Dani let out a soft chuckle. ¡°In moments of crisis, the body releases adrenaline, triggering instinctive reactions. It¡¯s a natural response.¡±

    Cedric nodded, taking her exnation at face value.

    With Natalie out of the picture, Elyse suddenly turned her attention to Nina, showering her with an almost suffocating amount of affection on set.

    To outsiders, she seemed like the perfect, doting mother.

    But Nina knew better. Natalie was gone, and Elyse could only rely on her now.

    Updates always live at gal¦Ç¦Òv??ls

    ¡°Nina,¡± Elyse cooed, setting a ss of water in front of her. ¡°Don¡¯t you find it inconvenient living at Dani¡¯s? You¡¯re a rising star now¡ªyou have fans watching you. Staying at her ce isn¡¯t ideal. Why don¡¯t you ask Dani to let you move into our old vi instead?¡±

    Nina¡¯s gaze remained cold, unreadable.

    Elyse pressed on, her tone sickeningly sweet. ¡°Dani was going to give that house to Natalie anyway. What difference does it make if you take it instead?¡±

    Nina didn¡¯t even need to think twice. ¡°It¡¯s you who wants to move into the house.¡±

    Elyse let out an awkward chuckle. ¡°Sweetheart, I just worry about you living alone. And let¡¯s be honest, this isn¡¯t even your ce. Dani may not say anything, but Cedric? Over time, he¡¯s bound to mind. And Lillian? You know how difficult she can be. Wouldn¡¯t you be better off somewhere else? Come live with me, and I¡¯ll take care of you. You¡¯ve always said I yed favorites, but this is my chance to make it up to you, alright?¡±

    Nina let out a sharp scoff. ¡°So, Mom, your idea of making it up to me only works in a big house?¡±

    Elyse frowned slightly, still not used to being patient with Nina.

    Elyse sat in silence, unable to shake her frustration.

    With Natalie in jail, Nina was the only one left by her side. Yet, she had never seen much value in Nina.

    Due to her bias, Nina¡¯s upbringinggged significantly behind Natalie¡¯s in every aspect.

    Elyse exhaled slowly, her chest tight.

    Just then, her phone rang. A nce at the screen revealed thewyer¡¯s name.

    ¡°Dury, your daughter, Natalie Dury, has requested to see you.¡±

    Without hesitation, she answered, ¡°I¡¯ll be there.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 984

    ?Chapter 984:

    On the other side of the ss partition, Natalie wept uncontrobly. ¡°Mom! You don¡¯t know how much I¡¯ve suffered!¡±

    Elyse¡¯s throat tightened as she fought back tears.

    ¡°Mom, listen to me! This is all Nina¡¯s fault! She knew I wanted that lead role, so she pushed me to the edge on purpose! And Linden must have been Dani¡¯s pawn, sent to ruin me! You were right all along, Mom. Dani is out for revenge!¡±

    Elyse drew in a slow breath, her shoulders heavy.

    Natalie¡¯s tear-streaked face twisted in desperation, her voice trembling. ¡°Mom! You have to make Dani and Nina pay for this!¡±

    Her eyes burned with expectation, waiting for Elyse¡¯s reassurance.

    But instead, Elyse let out another long sigh. ¡°Natalie, you¡¯re already in prison. What¡¯s the point of fixating on this now?¡±

    The words hit Natalie like a p, her body going rigid as disbelief filled her eyes. Elyse continued, ¡°I warned you before¡ªDani is out of your league. But you refused to listen. If you had focused on building your career abroad, none of this would have happened. And now, after everything, you expect me to stand against her? Do you have any idea what that would mean for me?¡±

    Her tone hardened as she added, ¡°Nina is the only one I have left. Thanks to your scheming, she hates me. I¡¯m already walking on thin ice with her, so don¡¯t make this any harder for me.¡±

    Natalie had been spoiled her entire life. Being cast aside like this sent her into a spiral.

    ¡°Mom! Are you even hearing yourself? I was framed! And instead of defending me, your own daughter, you¡¯re only thinking about yourself? How could you be so heartless?¡±

    Elyse¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change. ¡°You¡¯re too worked up to listen to reason. No matter what I say, you won¡¯t hear it. That¡¯s enough for now. I¡¯ll visit another time.¡±

    With that, she ended the call.

    M??? ??????s ?? ????????s.???

    As she rose to leave, a loudmotion erupted behind the ss. Natalie had shot up from her seat, only for the guards to shove her back down.

    Elyse heard it all but never turned around.

    She walked away, each step heavier than thest, knowing this would be thest time.

    Natalie had once been her greatest pride. But now, with cracks beyond repair, there was no reason to hold on.

    Back home, Elyse prepared two bowls of soup.

    One was for Nina.

    Nina epted it without a nce, setting it on a nearby table. Momentster, a passing crew member identally knocked it over, spilling the contents onto the floor.

    Nina didn¡¯t even flinch.

    Elyse bent down, picking up the thermos with a quiet sigh. ¡°Nina, no matter what, I¡¯m still your mother. Your father passed away when you were young, and I raised both you and your sister on my own. I know you resent me, but I swear¡ªI¡¯ll make things right.¡±

    Nina took a slow sip of water. ¡°You don¡¯t have to, Mom. As far as I¡¯m concerned, I died the day you left me to rot in that warehouse.¡±

    Elyse¡¯s expression darkened, her features twisting with anger. She looked at Nina as if she were a stranger¡ªone she wanted nothing to do with.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 985

    ?Chapter 985:

    ¡°Must you keep holding this over my head? I¡¯m your mother, whether you like it or not. I¡¯ve already admitted I was wrong. What else do you want from me? No matter what happens, you¡¯re still my daughter. You can fight it all you want, but you¡¯ll never break free. Just like Dani, you¡¯re bound to this fate forever.¡±

    The sky overhead loomed heavy with dark clouds, casting a dull gray over everything.

    The rain poured without mercy.

    Nina stood under the eaves, her gaze fixed on the downpour.

    Dani had been trapped in the night her mother died.

    Nina had been trapped in a childhood devoid of warmth, forever yearning for love that never came.

    Elyse made her way to Dani, carrying a thermos of soup.

    ¡°Olisvine¡¯s weather is always like this,¡± she said, offering the container. ¡°You should have something warm.¡±

    Dani¡¯s lips curved into a faint smile. ¡°Aunt Elyse, what an unexpected visit. You must need something from me.¡±

    Elyse¡¯s grip tightened around the thermos. Dani¡¯s sharpness had always been insufferable.

    Elyse forced a smile. ¡°Yes. I stopped by the film set today and had a word with Nina. But she still resents me for favoring Natalie. I can¡¯t deny it¡ªI neglected her in the past. And now¡­ Dani, once you have children of your own, you¡¯ll understand. No matter how much a mother tries, she can never meet every child¡¯s expectations. There¡¯s always one who feels slighted. That¡¯s how Nina sees it now. Of course, I know it¡¯s my fault. I don¡¯t me her for being upset. But a mother and daughter shouldn¡¯t let resentment fester. Once that happens, there¡¯s no turning back. Don¡¯t you agree?¡±

    Dani studied her, amusement flickering in her eyes. A small, knowing smile curved her lips.

    Elyse, pleased with the reaction, softened her tone. ¡°Your mother was fortunate to have a daughter like you. What you¡¯ve aplished¡ªbuilding an empire like this¡ªshe never could have imagined.¡±

    Read the rest on g??l????¦Í????s?.?o??

    Dani remained silent. She knew Elyse was working her way up to a request.

    Predictably, Elyse straightened her back, her voiceced with a hopeful tone. ¡°Dani, do you recall the promise you made to look after me when I grow old? And what about the vi your mother purchased? You mentioned that if Natalie were to marry, you¡¯d gift it to us as a wedding present, didn¡¯t you? I¡¯ve always told my daughters how big-hearted you are¡ªthat a vi is but a trifle for you. Now, given my current predicament of having no ce to call home¡ªnot to mention Nina¡¯s status as a celebrity, making it quite awkward for her to stay here¡ªhow about you transfer the vi to us? Nina and I could move there. It would be more convenient for everyone, wouldn¡¯t it?¡±

    Her throat felt dry after her monologue. She had rehearsed this plea in her mind for a long time now.

    Now, with Natalie behind bars, she needed to secure something tangible from Dani. Without it, herter years loomed empty and bleak.

    Elyse noticed Dani¡¯s silence and let out a nervous chuckle, attempting to lighten the mood. ¡°Of course, Nina is content to stay here, but Dani, think about the future. With your own children on the horizon and Nina always around, things could getplicated. You understand, don¡¯t you?¡±

    Unable to bear the tension, Lillian and Josie quietly excused themselves, slipping out of the room.

    Meanwhile, Dani remainedposed, her expression unreadable as she absorbed Elyse¡¯s words, her demeanor the epitome of patience.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 986

    ?Chapter 986:

    ¡°Please, Dani, have your say,¡± Elyse urged.

    Suddenly, Dani chuckled. Elyse leaned in, her eyes wide with anticipation, hanging on every word that would escape Dani¡¯s lips.

    ¡°Aunt Elyse, your concept was rather impressive, but it¡¯s truly unfortunate.¡±

    Elyse¡¯s features tightened momentarily in confusion. ¡°Then why is it unfortunate?¡±

    ¡°Just before you stepped through the door, I signed a contract.¡± Puzzlement washed over Elyse.

    ¡°That very vi you¡¯re so fond of has just been acquired for a new theme park venture.¡±

    At first, a shadow of disappointment crossed Elyse¡¯s face, but quickly her eyes lit up. ¡°Acquired? Truly?¡±

    Dani responded with an affirming tilt of her head.

    ¡°And what about thepensation? Was it substantial?¡± Elyse tapped her foot against the ground, consumed by regret. If only she had known about the theme park nned for that area, she never would have parted with her vi at such a bargain price. She could have raked in a small fortune inpensation. Overwhelmed by remorse, Elyse felt tears prickling her eyes.

    ¡°Dani, since that vi was originally mine, don¡¯t you think I deserve some of thepensation? Not all, just half¡ªfifty percent, okay?¡±

    The vi had fetched a handsome sum, and now, with the uing acquisition, its value was bound to have skyrocketed.

    Elyse¡¯s eyes gleamed with fervor; she was utterly oblivious to Natalie¡¯s predicament behind bars.

    ¡°Are you serious?¡± Dani countered, skepticismcing her tone. ¡°By that logic, should the new owner share the theme park¡¯s profits with you too? You did get paid when you sold the ce, right?¡±

    Elyse brushed off the logic with a wave of her hand. ¡°But aren¡¯t we family? Shouldn¡¯t we be sharing whateveres our way?¡±

    Freshly uploaded on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv????s

    Dani offered a wry smile in response, her patience thinning. ¡°And if I hadn¡¯t sold the vi and its value had plummeted, would you be offering to absorb the losses with me?¡±

    Elyse¡¯sugh was unapologetic, rich with mirth. ¡°Oh, Dani, you¡¯ve always had a knack for turning a profit. A small loss here or there means nothing to you¡ªI¡¯m your aunt, after all!¡±

    Dani¡¯sughter followed, lighter, mingling with the lingering tension. She found herself unable to stomach her aunt¡¯s greed.

    ¡°Just hand over fifty percent of the money, Dani. It¡¯s a trifle for you.¡± Elyse had steeled herself for a drawn-out dispute, but Dani¡¯s unexpected acquiescence took her aback.

    ¡°Very well, I¡¯ll instruct the finance team to process the transfer to your ount.¡±

    A wave of tion crashed over Elyse, propelling her almost into Dani¡¯s arms in an impulsive disy of gratitude. However, Dani forestalled the embrace with a preemptive gesture.

    Overflowing with gratitude, Elyse eximed, ¡°I¡¯ll send over the details of my bank ount. Oh, Dani, I know you¡¯re a good girl!¡±

    Nina, fresh off the set, arrived home to find Elyse radiating sheer delight by the doorway.

    Only hours before, Elyse had been a picture of contrition on the set; now, she carried herself with an air of triumph, seemingly towering over everyone else. She ostentatiously ignored Nina, sweeping past with a dramatic re of disdain. Nina, hardly taken aback, sauntered into the vi. Catching sight of Dani, she queried, ¡°So, you¡¯ve given Elyse the money?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 987

    ?Chapter 987:

    With a wry smile, Dani responded, ¡°Was it that transparent?¡±

    Nina confirmed with a nod, ¡°tantly. She was virtually soaring, head in the clouds, blind to the world around her.¡±

    Dani let out a chuckle. ¡°Indeed,pensated her for that vi where you once resided.¡±

    Nina erupted into giggles. ¡°No wonder she¡¯s over the moon.¡±

    True enough, Elyse was ecstatic. With such a windfall, she envisioned a future free from dependency.

    She ventured to the mall, indulged in a shopping spree, draining her pockets, and upon returning home, she dialed the finance department at Elite Lux.

    Her tone was imperious over the phone. ¡°Ensley, why does transferring such a hefty sum take an eternity? How much longer must I wait? I intended to purchase a handbag today, and this dy is quite inconvenient.¡±

    On the other end, Ensley Ruiz was taken aback.

    A single dor?

    For a handbag?

    She couldn¡¯t grasp why Elyse was so desperate for this particrpensation. Was she really in such dire need of that one dor?

    Elyse¡¯s demand sounded as though she was entitled to a fortune, not just a measly buck. It was utterly absurd.

    She understood that thend once belonged to Elyse, but now it was under Dani¡¯s name. Phillips Group nned to erect a theme park there. Being partners, Dani had suggested they merely make a nominal transaction of one dor.

    Why was thisnd still of any concern to Elyse? Why did they need to note that thepensation was a gift to her? The whole situation baffled her.

    Since it was Dani¡¯s order, Ensley had to execute it wlessly.

    Perhaps Elyse¡¯s payment had fallen short by just a single dor.

    Ensley¡¯s tone was almost excessively polite. ¡°Please wait a little longer. I¡¯ve already submitted the application. As soon as Ms. Harper signs it tomorrow, I¡¯ll transfer the money to you right away.¡±

    Elyse replied with little interest, double-checking the ount number with Ensley to make absolutely sure there were no slip-ups.

    By the next day, Elyse had already burned through all her cash. So when she saw just one dor hit her ount, she was caughtpletely off guard. ¡°What¡¯s going on with Ensley? I verified the ount number with her yesterday. Why send only one dor? Is she testing if my ount is still working?¡± A secondter, Ensley¡¯s message popped up. ¡°Did the moneye through?¡± Elyse responded, ¡°Yeah, I got it.¡±

    Ensley sent over a smiling emoji. Elyse returned one, convinced the real money would follow any moment now.

    That vi was massive¡ªselling it could easily fetch her hundreds of millions.

    With that fortune, she could keep up her extravagant lifestyle. Maybe she could even find herself a handsome young man to spoil. Now that she was older, it was finally time to start enjoying life.

    She kept staring at her phone, waiting, but nothing showed up.

    ¡°Ensley!¡± Elyse¡¯s voice sharpened with anger. ¡°Where¡¯s the money?¡±

    Ensley replied, ¡°I already sent it, didn¡¯t I?¡±

    Elyse¡¯s breath hitched. ¡°I didn¡¯t get it! Ensley, how could you screw this up? We¡¯re talking about a huge amount! Did you send it to the wrong ount? Can you even afford to cover a loss like that?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 988

    ?Chapter 988:

    Ensley pressed her lips together. It was literally just a dor. The phone call itself cost more than that measly transfer, but she wouldn¡¯t dare voice that thought. Elyse had a razor-sharp tongue.

    ¡°I did transfer it. I have a screenshot to prove it. Take a look.¡±

    Elyse¡¯s eyesnded on the screenshot¡ªjust one dor. ¡°One dor? Is this some kind of joke? Do you think I need a single dor? I¡¯m talking about myndpensation¡ªthe millions I¡¯m owed!¡± Ensley forwarded thend sale contract.

    As Elyse stormed towards Dani¡¯s office, she passed the finance department, whereughter rang out.

    ¡°Can you believe Elyse? Asking me for millions inndpensation? I waspletely speechless!¡±

    ¡°Exactly! Ms. Harper gifted thatnd straight to Phillips Group for their amusement park. And this old hag thinks she can cash in on it? It¡¯s downright hrious!¡±

    ¡°Elyse is greed personified. She yed these same tricks on her own sister, and now she¡¯s trying to pull the same stunt on Ms. Harper. Honestly, having a rtive like that is just bad luck for Ms. Harper!¡±

    ¡°That old hag has no shame. Isn¡¯t Nina a celebrity now? She doesn¡¯t even look after her own mother, yet here Elyse is, leeching off Ms. Harper instead! You should¡¯ve heard her on the phone earlier¡ªacting all high and mighty. If you didn¡¯t know better, you¡¯d think she was the one in charge of thepany!¡±

    Elyse stood frozen at the finance office doorway, her face twisting with rage.

    The conversation inside carried on. ¡°Didn¡¯t she once tell her own daughter to sell her body? If things are so bad, she can just sell herself now.¡±

    The moment those wordsnded, Elyse stormed in and pped the speaker across the face.

    Just as Dani wrapped up her meeting, she walked in to find Elyse standing there, face dark with fury. She arched a brow.

    New chapters avable g?ln¦Ò¦Í??ls

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Aunt?¡± Dani¡¯s voice was smooth, unreadable. When it came to putting on an act, she was leagues ahead of Elyse.

    ¡°You sold the vi for just a single dor?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Phillips Group is setting up an amusement park. I didn¡¯t feel like charging them for it.¡±

    Elyse bristled. ¡°Why? Sure, you¡¯re married now, but who¡¯s to say that¡¯llst? I get it, you¡¯re in love, but what if things change? Your mother handpicked the vi as a gift for me, and you practically gave it away for free! I don¡¯t ept this!¡±

    Lillian, overhearing, rolled her eyes. ¡°We paid full price for that ce back then. You don¡¯t agree? Who cares? What right do you even have to object?¡±

    Elyse¡¯s frustration spiked. ¡°I¡¯m Dani¡¯s aunt! If she¡¯s making reckless decisions, how can I not be concerned? Dani, you¡¯re married now, but you still have to protect your assets! Small sums are one thing, but a vi that size? How could you just give it away?¡±

    ¡°Are you even thinking about your future?¡± Elyse asked, her voice sharp.

    Dani let out a soft chuckle. ¡°Did my mother think about her future when she gifted you that vi?¡±

    Elyse stiffened. ¡°Let¡¯s not dwell on the past. I¡¯m just trying to remind you to be more careful with your finances.¡±

    Dani nodded. ¡°Understood. Anything else?¡±

    Elyse was caught off guard by the question.

    Anything else? What else was left for her?

    The vi was gone. What else could she possibly ask for?

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 989

    ?Chapter 989:

    Elyse walked away from Elite Lux, her pockets empty, eyes lifting to the vast sky where dark clouds threatened rain.

    Regret crashed over her. If she had known things would turn out like this, she never would have harmed Brylee.

    Now, with no one left to turn to, what was she supposed to do next?

    Elyse tracked down Nina. ¡°You should be supporting me in my old age. Give me five hundred grand a month, and I¡¯ll stay out of your way.¡±

    Nina¡¯s response was t. ¡°I don¡¯t have any money.¡±

    Elyse had no interest in pretending to be a doting mother anymore. All she wanted was cash. ¡°You¡¯re a big-time celebrity now, and you expect me to believe you¡¯re broke? Come on. I¡¯m not asking for much¡ªjust half a million!¡±

    Nina sighed. ¡°I¡¯m still new to this industry. Dani gave me a shot, and that¡¯s the only reason I even have a chance at making it.¡±

    Elyse narrowed her eyes. ¡°You¡¯re lying. Dani didn¡¯t pay you? That¡¯s impossible! I know her¡ªshe¡¯s never stingy with money.¡±

    Nina nodded. ¡°That¡¯s true. Dani offered me money, but I refused. Since I live and eat with her, I told her to treat it as living expenses. Instead, she set up a fixed-term savings ount for me¡ªone I can¡¯t touch until it matures. So, no, I really don¡¯t have any money right now!¡±

    Elyse squeezed her eyes shut in frustration. ¡°Why a savings fund? How much did she even put in it?¡±

    Nina shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t know, but like you said, Dani wouldn¡¯t shortchange me. Since my health isn¡¯t great, I added a use¡ªif anything happens to me, the money will be a thank-you gift for Dani¡¯s support. It won¡¯t count as an inheritance.¡±

    Thispletely shattered any chance Elyse had of getting her hands on the money.

    Elyse made a spectacle on set, snatching up a megaphone and disrupting the shoot with a loudmotion.

    Latest stories on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s

    ¡°Gather around, everyone! See for yourselves! The so-called big star! Ignoring her aging mother, leaving me to rot in a tiny apartment! Look at her, Nina Dury, leaving her own mother in a dingy rental, waiting to die.¡± Her voice was loud enough to attract a crowd.

    It was like she had finally found the perfect stage for her performance.

    ¡°Take a good look at her! Is this what a real star looks like? Celebrities are supposed to be role models, yet she tossed her own mother aside. How can someone like her even call herself a public figure?¡±

    Elyse stirred up chaos, showing no concern for the fragile career Nina was just beginning to establish.

    Nina stood off to the side, her gaze icy as she silently observed the scene.

    Elyse turned to the reporters, throwing out usations. ¡°I was a single mother! I struggled to raise Nina on my own! I adored her! Every single outfit she wore as a child¡ªI made them with my own hands!¡±

    Nina let out a quiet scoff, her thoughts dripping with sarcasm. Her clothes had been made from the scraps left over after making Natalie¡¯s clothes.

    ¡°I was always there! I never missed a single parent-teacher meeting, no matter what!¡±

    Of course, she never missed Natalie¡¯s meetings. But when it came to Nina, she had skipped her biggest dancepetition. The day Nina won her award, she stood on stage, scanning the crowd for a familiar face¡ªthere was none.

    Elyse went on, ¡°I kept a close eye on her studies, made sure she excelled, and even sent her abroad for higher education! Look at her now¡ªNina Dury, an outstanding sess!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 990

    ?Chapter 990:

    The truth was, Nina had been epted into a prestigious university overseas, but Elyse refused to let her go because there was only enough money to send one child abroad. Once again, she was the one who had to stay behind, forgotten.

    Outstanding? Really?

    How could anyone who spent their childhood overlooked and unwanted be called outstanding?

    Every time Nina stood next to Natalie, she felt like she was shrinking into the background.

    It was a gnawing, deep-rooted inferiorityplex that never faded.

    That day, the set was swarming with reporters.

    The production team had nned to use this moment to elevate Nina¡¯s reputation, but Elyse had single-handedly torn that n to shreds.

    For a rookie actress with no major projects under her belt, this kind of controversy could end her career before it even started.

    Nina stayed silent, watching as the director dialed Dani¡¯s number.

    ¡°Ms. Harper, I take the quality of my scenes and my actors very seriously. I know Nina isn¡¯t the ungrateful person that lunatic is making her out to be, but the public doesn¡¯t know that. Outsiders don¡¯t see the truth. This drama isn¡¯t just for me¡ªit¡¯s for an audience, and perception matters. I understand you¡¯re not concerned about money, but as a director, my reputation is on the line. This situation is spiraling. The entertainment news has already picked it up, and that woman has given multiple interviews. Who knows what kind of outrageous ims she¡¯ll make next? She¡¯s not just here to stir trouble¡ªshe¡¯s here to destroy Nina. And the worst part? If these usations came from anyone else, people might doubt them. But because they¡¯reing from her own mother, everyone assumes they¡¯re true.¡±

    After all, Elyse painted herself as the devoted mother who had always cared for Nina. But those were events buried in the past¡ªwho could prove otherwise now?

    How could Nina fight against memories rewritten by lies?

    She was trapped.

    ¡°Ms. Harper, how do you suggest we handle this? The flood of reporters haspletely disrupted filming. Can you step in for now? I think we should rece Nina.¡±

    The director ended the call and turned, locking eyes with Nina.

    He approached her with a heavy sigh. ¡°Nina, I have to think about the bigger picture. I hope you understand.¡±

    Nina gave a small nod. She understood all too well. No one wanted to be entangled in a mess like this. She hated that this was her reality.

    With her gaze lowered, she prepared to leave. But before she could, Cormac stepped forward. ¡°Nina.¡± She turned to face him.

    ¡°Don¡¯t let it get to you.¡±

    She gave him a slight nod. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    She climbed into the car, and through the window, she caught sight of Cormac striding towards the director.

    A few momentster, the director was gesturing wildly, his face red with frustration.

    Nina returned home and went straight to Dani.

    ¡°Nina, don¡¯t stress over this. I¡¯ll take care of it,¡± Dani assured her.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 991

    ?Chapter 991:

    Nina shook her head, her voice firm. ¡°No, Dani. Let me handle it myself.¡±

    Dani studied her, surprised.

    Nina exined, ¡°My whole life, I¡¯ve drifted without direction, without goals. I¡¯ve always gone along with whatever, never caring much. And that became my identity. But not this time. This time, I want to achieve something on my own. Dani, you¡¯ve already shined a spotlight on me¡ªlet me take it from here.¡±

    Dani nodded in understanding. In adulthood, some battles had to be fought alone.

    But she never expected Nina¡¯s response to be so drastic.

    Nina exposed everything¡ªthe full extent of her suffering.

    How Elyse and Natalie had orchestrated a scheme to lure her into a hotel to sleep with Linden, so he could get rid of Dani.

    How, on her wedding day, she had been ambushed, dragged into an abandoned warehouse by more than a dozen men.

    She called a press conference and, standing before shing cameras, shrugged off her coat¡ªrevealing the scars that covered her body.

    Staring into the cameras, she spoke with tears. ¡°I still don¡¯t understand. Why wouldn¡¯t a mother love her own child? Why would she go so far as to set me up?¡±

    Nina¡¯s voice trembled. ¡°I have no one¡ªno safety, no one to catch me when I fall. I¡¯ve been fighting alone for so long that I don¡¯t even know if my existence matters. I¡¯ve always been cast aside, discarded, until Dani came into my life.

    She carried her own scars, yet she still reached for me. She showed me what it means to be cared for. Her husband, Cedric, told me I was part of their family. I think I¡¯ll remember those words for the rest of my life. Because no one has ever made me feel like I belonged before. Today, I¡¯m speaking out because I refuse to stay silent any longer. I want the world to see the truth¡ªthat the loving mother image Elyse Dury has so carefully crafted is nothing but a lie.¡±

    Nina¡¯s statement was extensive, exceeding ten thousand words, meticulously recounting every injustice she had endured since childhood.

    Read the newest chapters g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    In an instant, Elyse became a public enemy.

    When Nina came home, Elyse stormed towards her, seething with rage. She grabbed Nina by the cor, her grip trembling. ¡°You¡¯ve ruined me! Are you happy now? I should have never brought you into this world!¡±

    Nina let out a cold, hollowugh. ¡°Too bad it¡¯s toote for regrets. You killed Dani¡¯s mother. You¡¯re the one who deserves to die. You¡¯re finished!¡± Her voice was sharp, herughter like a de slicing through Elyse¡¯sposure.

    Dani hadn¡¯t expected Nina to be so unyielding.

    Later, when Nina returned home, Dani told her, ¡°Cormac came by. He said there¡¯s no need to rece the lead actress. He¡¯s thetest Best Actor, with a strong fan base. If you want to try again, the opportunity is still there.¡±

    Nina shook her head. ¡°I need a break, Dani. I¡¯m exhausted.¡±

    Dani sighed, recalling the sincerity in Cormac¡¯s eyes when he had spoken earlier.

    She said gently, ¡°Just remember to thank him. He¡¯s genuine.¡± In the entertainment industry, reputation was everything.

    Someone who stood by you at your lowest wasn¡¯t just an ally¡ªthey were rare.

    But fate had a way of shifting things, and Dani chose not to say more. After Nina retired to her room, Ryan entered, his tone grim. ¡°Dani, Elyse is making a move.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 992

    ?Chapter 992:

    Dani had originally nned to pressure Elyse into revealing her backers, but Nina¡¯s explosive revtion had elerated everything.

    Dani¡¯s expression turned cold. ¡°Who?¡±

    Ryan¡¯s response was steady. ¡°Winslow Flores.¡±

    Dani wasn¡¯t surprised. She nced at the time¡ªjust one day left before Alexander¡¯s promised deadline.

    Aside from Winslow, the rest of the members remained within themerce association.

    Lillian scoffed. ¡°Alexander is pathetic. He¡¯s already being pushed to the sidelines. Winslow pulled out early¡ªhe¡¯s scared you¡¯ll uncover something. He¡¯s sharp.¡±

    Dani¡¯s gaze darkened.

    He needed to be cunning. How else could he have stayed under the radar for so long among such powerful figures?

    ¡°Dani, are you meeting Alexander tomorrow?¡± Lillian asked.

    Dani shook her head. ¡°No, that won¡¯t be necessary. Initiate a fresh round of acquisitions against all eight of them.¡±

    Lillian¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Who¡¯s first on the list?¡±

    Dani answered, ¡°Hackett.¡±

    Winslow was an expert at keeping a low profile¡ªshe¡¯d let him stay in the shadows a little longer.

    At Flores Group, Winslow¡¯s face darkened the moment he saw Elyse.

    Complet3 c0nt3nt at g??lnovels.??????

    ¡°Are you out of your mind? Showing up here now? Do you want Dani to find out about our connection?¡±

    Elyse looked worn down. ¡°I have no choice¡ªI¡¯m broke. I tried not to reach out, but I¡¯m desperate. What else can I do? Even if Dani figures it out, I still have toe to you. Your business is booming. You owe me some support, don¡¯t you?¡±

    Winslow exhaled sharply, biting back his frustration. He walked to his desk, scribbled out a check, and flung it at Elyse¡¯s face. ¡°Take the money and stay away!¡±

    He had barely gotten away from the association, and now Elyse turned up. Just his luck.

    Elyse eyed the check, unimpressed. ¡°This isn¡¯t nearly enough. You swore that after Brylee was gone, I¡¯d live infort forever. Now that Natalie¡¯s locked up and Nina won¡¯t lift a finger for me, you¡¯re the only one left to support me.¡±

    Winslow¡¯s gaze darkened, a dangerous gleam flickering in his eyes. For a brief moment, a lethal intent shed in his stare. ¡°Look, I don¡¯t want trouble¡ªI just want afortable life. Five hundred thousand a month should do it,¡± she added.

    Winslow¡¯s stare turned icy before a slow, unsettling smile spread across his face. ¡°Fine. It¡¯s only right I take care of my aunt in her old age.¡±

    Pleased with his response, Elyse gave a nod and walked off with the check in hand.

    Winslow¡¯s gaze followed Elyse as she walked away, the lethal glint in his eyes intensifying.

    Lately, Dani had been feeling more exhausted than usual.

    By the time she woke up, it was already past ten.

    Around this time, she typically stayed home in the morning, had lunch, took a short nap, and then headed to the office. Lillian often teased that Dani was practically in hibernation.

    Dani woke up to an eerily quiet house.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 993

    ?Chapter 993:

    The usual sight of Lillian gaming in the living room was missing; only Josie was bustling in the kitchen.

    Dani grabbed a ss of water while Josie approached with a te of fruit.

    ¡°Cedric mentioned he had a cross-border meeting this morning but will be back in time for lunch. Nina got a call this morning, and Lillian went with her. They rushed out without breakfast, but Nina said she¡¯d return for lunch.¡±

    Dani nodded, then grabbed her phone to check for a response from the overseas university.

    She nned to send Nina overseas for her studies. With everything that had unfolded, a change of environment and some new courses might help her reset.

    A young woman needed the chance to explore the world.

    As Dani finished browsing the university details, the vi door burst open.

    Lillian was the first to step in. ¡°Dani.¡±

    Dani barely had time to react before Lillian dropped the bombshell. ¡°Elyse died.¡±

    Dani paused, then raised her eyes to meet Lillian¡¯s. ¡°Elyse is dead?¡±

    Lillian nodded affirmatively. ¡°Nina is parking the car. We were at the police station this morning and saw the body. It was indeed Elyse. The police told us she was found by the river, discovered by an early morning fisherman who then reported it.¡±

    Dani remained silent for a moment.

    Nina walked into the room and, seeing Dani, offered a gentle smile. ¡°Dani, I¡¯m okay. I actually find the irony of how this ended quite hrious. Elyse spent her life plotting against everyone, and now to die like this¡ªit¡¯s like poetic justice.¡±

    Dani asked, ¡°Did the police have any idea who was responsible?¡±

    ???????????????? ???? ????????: ??????????¦Í??????©q?????

    Lillian shook her head in response.

    Nina excused herself and went back to her room.

    Dani furrowed her brow, and Lillian suggested, ¡°Maybe it was Winslow.¡±

    Dani fell silent again, then said, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect him to move so swiftly and decisively!¡±

    It was so sudden. Elyse had just reached out to him, and then Winslow took her life.

    What was the rush?

    Was it a deep, dark secret, or something else at y?

    Dani arranged a simple funeral for Elyse and quicklypleted all necessary ceremonies. She had also finalized arrangements with an overseas school that was ready to ept Nina.

    As Nina was about to leave, she embraced Dani. ¡°Take care of yourself, Dani.¡±

    The ne took off, carrying Nina far away.

    Upon returning home, Dani received a phone call. ¡°Natalie wants to meet you.¡±

    Dani went to see her.

    Natalie stared intently at Dani across the table. ¡°Did you have a hand in this?¡±

    Dani responded with a smile. ¡°Did you ask to see me just to ask that? It seems rather pointless.¡±

    Natalie retorted, ¡°Dani, do you think you¡¯ve won? No! This isn¡¯t over. Danger lurks even in tranquility. You are destined for a tragic end like my mother!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 994

    ?Chapter 994:

    Dani let out a soft chuckle. ¡°Really? I¡¯m actually quite eager to see that. But I doubt you¡¯ll witness it. By the time you¡¯re released, the world will have changed beyond your recognition.¡±

    ¡°Natalie, just stop fighting it. Nina is already studying abroad, living the life you¡¯ve always dreamed of, while you¡¯re going to rot here forever!¡±

    With these words, Dani stood up, her smile lingering.

    Overwhelmed with anger, Natalie stood up furiously, only to be forcibly seated again by the guards.

    Her shouts of anger dwindled as Dani walked away.

    That day, the sun shone brightly, and a gentle breeze rustled through the trees.

    Dani looked up, pondering.

    Was this the conclusion of it all?

    Unexpectedly, Alexander came to seek her out much sooner than she had anticipated.

    ¡°Could you give me one more month?¡± Alexander begged, not ready to let go. He had assumed Dani would agree to his request. However, Dani shook her head.

    ¡°Why? I don¡¯t understand! You don¡¯t need the association¡¯s resources, nor do you covet the president¡¯s chair. You desire nothing from them, so why target them? Dani, it¡¯s not like you to hinder others¡¯ business efforts or attack them. Why are you pursuing those eight individuals? If you tell me, as the current president of the association, I could even coborate with you. I¡¯m here to help.¡±

    This was Alexander¡¯s true motive for visiting.

    He was prepared to forsake Bet Group and relinquish his role as president of the association. He wanted Dani.

    He was unwilling to let go.

    ???????? ???????? ???? ????????: g???????¦Í????????????

    He aspired to be the man that Dani favored.

    Thus, he stood before Dani, imploring her to reconsider.

    He even suggested, ¡°I don¡¯t need to divorce Cedric. I¡¯m quite open-minded. I¡¯ve been waiting for this day for a long time.¡±

    Alexander had thought everything through.

    Instead of passively waiting, he decided to act.

    If he and Dani were to have a child together, he believed it would cement his ce in her life.

    As people age, physical appearances matter less and less. What really matters is blood.

    Alexander thought that if they shared a child, Dani¡¯s feelings for him might deepen over time.

    He looked at Dani full of hope, awaiting her response.

    Dani¡¯s look grew increasingly intense, making Alexander somewhat self-conscious.

    It had been ages since she had regarded him with such an intense gaze.

    Still, he couldn¡¯t shake off a nagging sense of insecurity.

    Since he had undergone facial surgery, he worried she might notice something off.

    Alexander¡¯s gaze shifted away, revealing a hint of embarrassment.

    Dani let out a soft chuckle.

    His ears reddened, and he lowered his voice as he said, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 995

    ?Chapter 995:

    Dani pointed at Alexander¡¯s nose. ¡°Your skin is sagging.¡±

    At her words, Alexander stood up abruptly, wishing for a mirror to check his reflection. ¡°How could that be?¡±

    He hurriedly searched for a mirror, but there was none to be found in Dani¡¯s office.

    In desperation, he turned on his phone camera and started inspecting his nose from every angle.

    Having had stic surgery, he was particrly conscious about how he looked and what others thought, always aiming for perfection.

    Alexander hadplete trust in Dani¡¯s words.

    So, when she said it, he took it to heart without hesitation.

    He had arrived confident but now feltpelled to leave hastily. ¡°Dani, I need to go,¡± he said, covering his nose. ¡°We¡¯ll talk about this another time.¡± With that, Alexander hurried to the elevator.

    As he walked away, Lillian asked, ¡°Dani, is his skin really sagging?¡±

    Alexander strained to hear as Dani sighed deeply and said, ¡°Anything fake will always fall short of the natural.¡±

    These words echoed in Alexander¡¯s mind, heavy with implication.

    He felt exposed, like a wed product, and quickly covered his face with a mask.

    Rushing back to his office, he asked his secretary for an opinion.

    m??r?? ??¦Ñda??es ???? ??a??novels.c??m

    His secretary scrutinized him closely. ¡°No, it doesn¡¯t look saggy at all. Actually, I think it looks even better than Cedric¡¯s.¡±

    The secretary was a tterer and wasn¡¯t in the habit of paying attention to people¡¯s noses.

    He couldn¡¯t recall what Alexander¡¯s nose had looked like before, and he had never met Cedric in person. Yet, offeringpliments was a routine part of his job.

    ¡°Get out!¡± Alexander suddenly snapped. ¡°You¡¯re all just ttering liars!¡± He examined his reflection over and over, convinced something wasn¡¯t right. He was embarrassed.

    How could this happen just as he was opening up to Dani?

    ¡°Anything artificial will always fall short of the natural.¡± Dani¡¯s words stung like needles, making it hard for him to breathe.

    Alexander instructed his secretary to book the earliest possible flight to the country where he had gotten his surgery.

    The next morning, as he hurried out, seven people blocked the entrance to hispany.

    Wearing a ck mask, Alexander was visibly agitated. ¡°Move aside! I have urgent matters to deal with!¡±

    Hackett was visibly anxious. ¡°What urgent business could you possibly have? Did you see Dani? What did she say? Why is she targeting us again?¡± This time, it seemed she had targeted him first.

    His reputation had barely started to recover when Dani began making moves. Was she out to destroy him?

    And why target him first?

    Alexander was short on patience. ¡°I¡¯ve told you, I¡¯m busy right now. We¡¯ll talk when I return in a few days.¡±

    Bruno protested, ¡°A few days? Alexander, are you serious? We¡¯re in the middle of a corporate war! If you¡¯re gone for a few days, we might be wiped out by the time you return!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 996

    ?Chapter 996:

    Huey, still reeling from theirst crisis, interjected, ¡°Exactly! You¡¯re the president of the association. How can you leave at such a critical time? If you do, you don¡¯t deserve to be president.¡±

    Farley also showed his frustration. ¡°Alexander, can¡¯t you at least act responsibly?¡±

    Tripp blocked the exit. ¡°No, you¡¯re not leaving.¡±

    Alexander checked his watch, his anxiety mounting. ¡°You bring that up now, but when Dani stepped back and you all excluded me, you didn¡¯t care that I was the president. Now you need me because there¡¯s trouble. I¡¯m telling you, move! I have urgent business.¡±

    ¡°No way!¡± Hackett shouted. ¡°The issues at the association are more critical. What could possibly be so urgent that you need to leave right now?¡±

    Alexander closed his eyes for a moment. ¡°I need to undergo facial reconstruction.¡±

    This revtion left the seven of them stunned.

    Alexander pushed past them, not looking back.

    Hackett questioned his own ears. He stood baffled for a long while before turning to Bruno. ¡°Did you hear Alexander say he¡¯s going for what? I must be losing my hearing. Did he really say facial reconstruction?¡±

    Bruno was just as shocked. ¡°Yeah, I heard that too.¡±

    The others nodded in agreement.

    Secondster, they all burst out in disbelief.

    Full ztory avabl3 at g??lnovels.??????

    ¡°Alexander¡¯s lost his mind! With everything falling apart here, he¡¯s worried about facial reconstruction!¡±

    Hackett was overwhelmed with regret. ¡°I really regret it now. If I had known, I never would have supported him as president.¡±

    Farley sneered. ¡°He¡¯s so obsessed with his looks?¡±

    Marc shut his eyes for a moment, weighed down by concern. ¡°What should we do? My business can¡¯t survive another setback. If you don¡¯t have a n, I might as well surrender to Dani!¡± The group fell into a heavy silence.

    Hackett stared distantly, his expression grim. ¡°I doubt Dani would simply let us off even if we surrendered.¡±

    He fixed a stern gaze on the others. ¡°She¡¯s seeking revenge for her mother¡¯s death. Put yourself in her shoes; could you forgive and forget?¡± This prompted a profound silence among the group.

    Suddenly, Hackett¡¯s expression changed as a thought struck him. ¡°We didn¡¯te up with the idea to kill Brylee! We were merely aplices. Perhaps that could mitigate our guilt.¡±

    Bruno quickly agreed. ¡°Exactly! Let¡¯s approach Dani. I admit I was part of the n to end Brylee¡¯s life, but it wasn¡¯t my idea. It was all Winslow¡¯s doing from the start!¡±

    Farley echoed, ¡°And now Winslow wants to leave the association to save his own skin? That¡¯s not going to happen!¡±

    Marc nodded, feeling a flicker of hope.

    Meanwhile, Alexander was in another country, carrying a recent photo of Cedric in his pocket.

    ¡°Make me look 100k like this,¡± he said to the cosmetic surgeon.

    The surgeon adjusted his sses and examined the photo carefully. After a few minutes, he handed the photo back to his assistant. ¡°There are definitely areas that need adjustment.¡±

    Anxiety flickered across Alexander¡¯s face. ¡°Can you make me look exactly like him?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 997

    ?Chapter 997:

    The surgeon offered a reassuring smile. ¡°Of course, we¡¯re experts in our field. You can trust our work. However, achieving such precision will be costly. As a frequent client, you¡¯re surely aware of our fees.¡± Alexander handed over a check.

    The surgeon examined it, squinting slightly. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Bet. We¡¯ll start your facial reconstruction right away.¡±

    He then gestured towards Alexander¡¯s mouth. ¡°This area here seems a bit off. Would you like us to touch it up? And would you consider some hyaluronic acid injections?¡±

    Alexander had a single focus. ¡°Do whatever you think is necessary. I just want to look exactly like the person in this photo.¡±

    The surgeon smiled reassuringly. ¡°You can count on us. We¡¯re professionals.¡±

    After Alexander left, the assistant looked at the photo, confused. ¡°I don¡¯t really see any difference from the person in this photo. Why does he need reconstruction?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t get it,¡± the surgeon responded. ¡°It¡¯s all business, and we don¡¯t turn away customers. In cosmetic surgery, patients always want improvements, regardless of how good they already look. If we don¡¯t serve them, someone else will. So, we might as well make the money.¡±

    The assistant asked, ¡°But didn¡¯t he just have hyaluronic acid treatments recently? Isn¡¯t it too soon for more?¡±

    ¡°Just use a small amount,¡± the surgeon said. ¡°Besides, any minor side effects are just part of the beauty process and are usually not significant.¡±

    The assistant still looked concerned.

    The surgeon continued, ¡°When he¡¯s done, make sure topliment him. He¡¯s clearly dealing with some psychological issues. He always brings the same photo for surgeries. Remember, true beauty is about more than just appearances. Eventually, all facades break down; it¡¯s inevitable.¡±

    The assistant sighed, resigned.

    I??€$? ¡é??t??§ñ? ?¦Ç ga?n?¦Í¦Ål?.c??

    That afternoon, Alexander underwent the cosmetic procedure.

    During the surgery, the surgeon received a call. When he resumed, his hand hesitated briefly.

    He looked at his assistant, who appeared anxious.

    Before the assistant could say anything, the surgeon assured Alexander, ¡°This session will yield even better results than before. You¡¯ve made a smart decisioning here, Mr. Bet.¡±

    After that, the surgeon shot a stern look at his assistant. ¡°Get out!¡±

    Dani was reviewing reports in her office when Lillian entered. ¡°Dani, Hackett and the others are here to see you.¡±

    Dani nced at the data, her lips curling into a faint smile. ¡°They certainly didn¡¯t waste any time.¡±

    Lillian crossed her arms. ¡°They¡¯re here to plead with you.¡±

    Dani nodded, set aside the reports, and rose from her desk. ¡°Let¡¯s go meet them.¡±

    They walked down to the reception room on the ground floor. The group waited until Dani was seated before they took their own seats, showing a marked deferencepared to their previous encounters.

    ¡°Ms. Harper, we understand you appreciate fresh seafood. We¡¯ve brought you some premium deep-sea fish that just arrived in the city this morning. Perhaps you¡¯d like to try it?¡± Hackett suggested, signaling his secretary to hand the gift box to Lillian, who was standing behind Dani.

    The box was heavy, prompting Lillian to call over a security guard to take it.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 998

    ?Chapter 998:

    ¡°If it pleases you, I can arrange for more to be sent,¡± Hackett added.

    The other six members of the group exchanged looks, their expressions souring.

    Why didn¡¯t Hackett inform them to bring gifts too? How could he manage this alone?

    This oversight left their smiles forced, a hint of resentment towards Hackett coloring their faces.

    Dani¡¯s smile broadened slightly. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Graves. What brings you all here today?¡±

    Hackett nced at his colleagues. They straightened up, their faces serious. Huey, always quick to speak, broke the silence first. ¡°Ms. Harper, it seems there has been a significant misunderstanding between us.¡±

    Dani¡¯s voice carried a hint of amusement. ¡°Oh, really?¡±

    Bruno interjected, ¡°Yes, a severe misunderstanding. We only just realized our mistake and thought it crucial to rify things with you, Ms. Harper. We wouldn¡¯t want to be misjudged.¡±

    Dani raised an eyebrow. ¡°That sounds quite grave.¡±

    Hackett also added, ¡°Indeed, it¡¯s mainly my fault for not grasping your intentions earlier. We came here today to set the record straight. You know, when your mother¡¯s¡­¡±

    ¡°Company, now Harper Group, rose to prominence and became an industry leader, we genuinely wanted her to join the association. However, because of one person, a misunderstanding arose between us, and that led to the tension and distance that followed. After your mother passed, we deeply regretted not resolving these issues with her. Now that you¡¯re here, we hope to correct that.¡±

    Hackett spoke eloquently, his tone filled with remorse.

    The other six nodded emphatically. ¡°Yes, we truly regretted it.¡±

    ?????????? ?????????????? ???????? ????????: ??????????¦Í??????.??????

    Dani observed them quietly, offering no immediate response.

    The room¡¯s atmosphere tensed up, but Hackett continued, ¡°In fact, we¡¯ve always held your mother in high regard. It¡¯s remarkable that she built such arge business as a woman. Unfortunately, she was cursed with a malicious sister and a foolish husband, which led to her tragic demise. Such a pitiful situation.¡±

    Hackett sighed deeply before continuing, ¡°What we need to rify today involves the structure of our association. Originally, we had eight leadership positions, and the rest were members. We intended to elect your mother as a leader, but another individual yearned for that spot. When he discovered our ns to nominate your mother, he took drastic actions against her. It¡¯s bewildering to us. It was just a leadership role. Why would someone resort to harming a woman over it?¡±

    The other six members nodded in agreement.

    Bruno interjected, ¡°I suggested at that time we could simply create an additional leadership position. It wasn¡¯t a big deal.¡±

    Farley added, ¡°Exactly, rules were rigid, but there was always room for flexibility. Some people just took things too far.¡±

    Marc said, ¡°Some people would do anything to get what they wanted. It¡¯spletely perplexing.¡±

    Several members voiced their thoughts in session.

    Dani listened quietly and grasped their angle. They were attempting to deflect me.

    She smiled thinly. ¡°What do you mean? I¡¯m confused. Are you suggesting my mother¡¯s death wasn¡¯t merely an ident?¡± Her query visibly shocked them.

    Dani continued, ¡°Who are you referring to when you mention ¡®some people¡¯? Are you indicating that this person was responsible for my mother¡¯s death?¡± They were momentarily speechless, their thoughts scrambled.

    What did this mean?

    Dani wasn¡¯t aware of this?

    Did their admissions make them look foolish?

    Did Dani¡¯s focus on them stem solely from a business rivalry?

    Could that be true?

    Their faces fluctuated between pale and flushed, disying both embarrassment and unease.

    Dani looked around calmly. ¡°Who exactly are you talking about when you say ¡®some people¡¯?¡± The room fell silent.

    Dani¡¯s eyes swept the group. ¡°Oh, Winslow isn¡¯t here today. Did you deliberately exclude him, or are you implying he¡¯s the one responsible? If you believed he killed my mother, why didn¡¯t you go to the police then? Why bring this up only now, after so much time?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 999

    ?Chapter 999:

    Dani¡¯s rapid-fire questions left the group speechless, their faces a mask of disbelief. She could easily see through their deceit and selfish indifference.

    shing a sly grin, she pressed further. ¡°So, Winslow was behind this, wasn¡¯t he?¡±

    She gestured towards the surveince camera above them. ¡°You might want to choose your words carefully. I¡¯ve captured everything on video, just so you know.¡±

    As soon as the words left her mouth, their faces drained of color. Hackett was the first to rise, hisugh tinged with anxiety. ¡°Well, we were merely having some light conversation, nothing serious. Whether it involves Winslow or not, that¡¯s for you to figure out, isn¡¯t it? We¡¯re just here for a chat. And, as you can see, we¡¯re under surveince. Maybe we should leave things here for today. We¡¯ll be on our way.¡±

    The group stood quickly, heads down, only slowing their pace once they were a good distance away.

    Huey, clearly agitated, exploded. ¡°What are you so afraid of, Hackett? You could¡¯ve just told Dani it was Winslow earlier. What¡¯s the harm in that? Why make her figure it out on her own? What if she uncovers something that points back to us?¡±

    Bruno wiped his brow, exasperated. ¡°Exactly. The car was right by the entrance, yet we ran so far.¡±

    Marc muttered, ¡°We¡¯re just painting targets on our backs at this point.¡±

    Hackett shot them all a sharp re. ¡°What are you even talking about? There was surveince right there. If Dani gets her hands on that footage and takes it to the police, then what? Does anyone here have anything to defend themselves with?¡±

    A heavy silence fell over the group once more.

    Breaking the tense quiet, Huey asked, ¡°So, what¡¯s our next move? Do you think Dani bought our story earlier? Mypany¡¯s already on the brink. If this blows up any further, I might as well climb to the top of the building and jump.¡±

    g?a?l?n?o?v?e?l?s?.?c?o?m? = ?????

    Bruno¡¯s face twisted with frustration, a deep scowl marking his features. Narrowing his eyes, Hackett responded, ¡°Dani¡¯s sharp. Whether she believes us or not, she¡¯s going to dig deeper. And when she does, she¡¯ll uncover Winslow¡¯s schemes.¡±

    ¡°Should give us some room to breathe. Once Alexander gets back and kicks off another nationwide business offensive, it won¡¯t be so easy for Dani to corner us.¡±

    Silence enveloped the group once again, the gravity of their situation weighing heavily on them. They hoped for a moment of respite. Yet, Dani offered them no such luxury. She had already taken each of them out, one by one. This time, she didn¡¯t even have to try that hard. After theirst encounter, it was painfully clear¡ªthey were utterly outmatched by her now.

    Huey, boiling with fury, spun around to face Hackett. ¡°You promised she¡¯dy off for a while. Now what¡¯s our n?¡±

    Hackett, feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders, shut his eyes tightly, ovee by defeat. In a hoarse voice, he admitted, ¡°How was I to predict this? Dani is merciless, beyond any possibility of negotiation! Why pin this on me? You just boasted about jumping from the building. Go on then!¡±

    Despite his harsh words, there was a genuine plea in Hackett¡¯s tone, a faint hope lingering that a drastic act might sway Dani. He nced sideways at Huey, noting the quick temper and restlessness that always seemed to simmer just beneath the surface.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1000

    Chapter 1000:

    At that moment, a sinister thought slithered into Hackett¡¯s mind, stubborn and unshakeable. ¡°Huey, why not gather everyone for a meeting?¡±

    Minutester, the group had assembled, each member¡¯s face shadowed by anxiety. Positioned at the head of the table, Hackett projected a semnce of control, as though he still wielded his former clout as president of the association. Clearing his throat, he began, ¡°I have a proposition. It¡¯s still unpolished, yet I think it¡¯s worth discussing.¡±

    The remaining six members instantly snapped to attention at his words, their eyes sparking with a flicker of tentative hope.

    Huey, barely able to contain his eagerness, eximed, ¡°It¡¯s irrelevant if it¡¯s still unpolished. Out with it already! Are you really going to torture me with this unbearable suspense?¡±

    Hackett clenched his jaw, his hesitation artfully masked by a pretense of caution. ¡°Well, the n is somewhat precarious. I fear it may spiral out of control.¡±

    Huey threw his hands up in exasperation, his voiceced with frustration. ¡°Seriously, Hackett! Has Dani intimidated you to such an extent that you¡¯vepletely lost your daring spirit? This isn¡¯t like you at all.¡±

    Bruno red at Hackett. ¡°Enough with the evasions. We need to hear it now.¡±

    Farley nodded. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s get to it.¡±

    Hackett¡¯s face twisted with internal conflict as he reluctantly began, ¡°Alright, here¡¯s the raw truth. Elite Lux is swiftly ascending. It¡¯s painfully obvious that we stand no chance in a direct confrontation. If this trend continues, our downfall is inevitable. Huey¡¯s wild idea of jumping from the building¡­ well, that sparked a rather daring thought in my mind¡­¡±

    He trailed off dramatically, letting the suspense build, his eyes scanning the room as realization slowly dawned upon each face.

    Huey furrowed his brow. ¡°Are you saying we should fake a suicide attempt to create a media frenzy and turn public criticism onto Dani? Maybe that will force her to show us some mercy.¡±

    g???????¦Í??????.?????? ¨C ?????????? ????????

    Hackett didn¡¯t respond immediately, neither confirming nor denying the suggestion. He sat in silence, deep in thought.

    Finally, after a lengthy pause, Hackett spoke. ¡°I was once the president of the association. Normally, I would take responsibility for this. But I need to care for my mother. I can¡¯t take any risks.¡±

    It was clear from his words that he was unwilling to put himself in jeopardy.

    As the room filled with uneasy nces, Huey spoke boldly. ¡°Then I¡¯ll do it!¡± A brief spark of approval shed in Hackett¡¯s eyes, but he quickly masked it, maintaining a sad demeanor. ¡°Huey, are you certain about this?¡±

    Huey responded with a casual shrug. ¡°Yeah, why not? It¡¯s just about standing on the rooftop of the Elite Lux building, right? No big deal. I¡¯m not actually going to jump. I¡¯ve seen this tactic before. I once dyed paying some workers, and they staged a simr protest to force my hand. Just call the media, get some people to act distressed, buy trending spots, and hire a few inte trolls. Regardless of Elite Lux¡¯s influence, losing public support and customers could bring them down.¡±

    Hackett nodded, then quickly started delegating tasks to the others.

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: New novels in a few hours dear ones. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. (?=?=)? ?

    .

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 1001

    ?Chapter 1001:

    Once the meeting concluded, Bruno and Marcus pulled Huey aside. The three of them had always been close.

    Bruno looked seriously at Huey. ¡°You need to really think about this. The Elite Lux building is over 100 stories. Are you sure you want to do this?¡±

    Marcus agreed. ¡°Exactly. If something goes wrong, it could cost you your life.¡±

    Bruno continued, ¡°Hackett came up with the n but isn¡¯t doing it himself. We all have families to think about. He¡¯s such a maniptor!¡±

    Marcus added, ¡°Hackett¡¯s entertainmentpany was ruined by Dani. He¡¯s financially devastated now. He¡¯s desperate. As the former president, him standing on that rooftop would actually make a bigger impact than you doing it.¡±

    Huey dismissed their concerns. ¡°Forget it. I owe Hackett from way back. He¡¯s always been cunning. Plus, it¡¯s just standing¡­¡±

    Up there for a while. Nothing will happen. Hackett told me he¡¯s already arranged with 911. They¡¯ll set up safety measures below. Even if I slipped, I wouldn¡¯t be in real danger.¡±

    After they parted ways, none of them noticed Hackett lurking nearby, his expression dark as he listened to their entire conversation. Only after the three of them had walked a considerable distance did Hackett emerge from hiding, swearing under his breath at their retreating figures.

    ¡°Are you actually going to call 911?¡± Tripp asked as he stepped up beside Hackett, adjusting his sses.

    Hackett turned, a sly grin forming. ¡°What do you think?¡±

    Meanwhile, in a luxurious overseas cosmetic surgery clinic, Alexander examined his reflection meticulously in the mirror. Concerned, he turned to the stic surgeon. ¡°What¡¯s this here?¡± Alexander pointed to a specific area on his face.

    The surgeon responded with a broad smile, ¡°Mr. Bet, these things take time to heal. The fillers also need time to settle. We¡¯ve used only the finest materials for you. Just a little patience is required.¡±

    Step into new worlds at g ? ln¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s?conn

    Alexander scowled. ¡°Why does it seem like my face is uneven?¡±

    The surgeon maintained hisposure, smiling professionally. ¡°Impossible. We¡¯re leaders in our field, and you are a valued client. We¡¯ve provided you with top-tier service. There shouldn¡¯t be any problems.¡±

    Alexander continued to scrutinize his reflection. The doctor discreetly exited the room.

    Once outside, his assistant approached, visibly anxious. ¡°What should we do?¡±

    The doctor chuckled dismissively. ¡°What¡¯s there to be afraid of? We¡¯ll discharge him this afternoon. Once he leaves here, what happens next is no longer my concern.¡±

    The assistant hesitated, then said, ¡°But I identally used the wrong materials. The asymmetry might be more noticeable over time. What if he notices?¡±

    The doctor shot a stern nce at his assistant. ¡°As long as you keep quiet, who¡¯s going to know? Just remember, I¡¯m regarded as one of the top cosmetic surgeons in the world. Keep this to yourself. If you let anything slip, you¡¯ll deeply regret it.¡±

    Later that afternoon, the assistant handled Alexander¡¯s discharge paperwork. The surgeon, all smiles, reassured Alexander, ¡°Trust us, the materials will settle in perfectly. If you have any concerns, feel free to contact us.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1002

    ?Chapter 1002:

    ¡°If you have any concernster on, just give me a call. It was a pleasure serving you, and we hope to see you again.¡±

    The doctor watched as Alexander¡¯s car gradually disappeared into the distance. He murmured, ¡°My wish is about toe true. It won¡¯t be long before I see this prestigious client once more.¡±

    Alexander made his way back to the country without dy. Throughout the flight, he frequently nced at his reflection in a small hand mirror.

    A certain flight attendant seemed to be observing him intently. When Alexander gave her a disapproving look, she approached without hesitation. Her eyes, wide and gleaming with admiration, revealed her excitement.

    ¡°Mr. Phillips! Is it really you?¡±

    Alexander suddenly realized that the flight attendant had confused him with Cedric. Still, he couldn¡¯t help but take silent pleasure in the misced admiration.

    Setting aside his mirror, he straightened his posture. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s me. Do you know¡­¡±

    ¡°Absolutely!¡± she replied, struggling to contain her excitement. ¡°I¡¯m your biggest fan. I¡¯ve seen your interviews on the financial channel so many times. It¡¯s unfortunate you¡¯ve stopped appearing on them.¡±

    With aposed smile, Alexander responded, ¡°Work has kept me quite busy.¡± The flight attendant nodded, her gaze still fixed on Alexander with unabashed admiration.

    Others on the flight began to take notice, casting appreciative nces in Alexander¡¯s direction. He received exemry service for the rest of the flight. Uponnding, the flight attendant requested his autograph and even left her contact details, hopeful for further interaction.

    With a slight grin, Alexander handed her a piece of paper with Cedric¡¯s contact information and left the airport in high spirits.

    That night, the flight attendant sent Cedric a message.

    Uncover your next adventure at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s

    ¡°Hey, Cedric, could I use your phone to set up a new game ount?¡± Ryan asked, just as Cedric was peeling an orange for Dani. Without pausing his task, Cedric passed his phone to Ryan.

    As Ryan unlocked the device, a message notification caught his attention. Curiosity got the better of him, and he tapped on it. A photo loaded on the screen.

    By the time Dani finished eating the orange, Ryan was still in the same position, holding the phone.

    ¡°Ryan?¡±

    Ryan gave no reply.

    Lillian gave him a gentle push, and Ryan finally turned to face Cedric.

    Cedric, busy fitting socks on Dani, remarked, ¡°It¡¯s chilly. You need to wear socks. Let¡¯s head upstairs now.¡±

    Dani resisted, shaking her head, but Cedric picked her up.

    As he walked away, he said, ¡°Ryan, hand over the phone.¡±

    Ryan passed the phone to Cedric, his eyes never straying from his face.

    Unaware of Ryan¡¯s intense stare, Cedric focused solely on Dani.

    Later, after tending to his own needs, Cedric entered the room to find Dani already asleep.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1003

    ?Chapter 1003:

    He ced his hand under the nket, gently touching Dani¡¯s side. His voice was rough with emotion. ¡°Why have you been so tiredtely?¡±

    Dani often dozed off while watching TV on the couch.

    ¡°Should I go with you to the hospital tomorrow?¡± he offered.

    Turning over with azy sigh, Dani murmured, ¡°No need.¡±

    Cedric sighed, pressing his body closer. A faint smile yed on Dani¡¯s lips as she slept.

    Meanwhile, downstairs, Ryan used his hacking skills to gain ess to Cedric¡¯s phone.

    Baffled, Lillian asked, ¡°What are you up to?¡±

    Ryan squinted and swiveled theputer screen to show Lillian.

    A suggestive photo came into view.

    In the photo, a woman posed in a sheer, see-through top paired with ck stockings, with just enough coverage to leave little to the imagination. It was the kind of image that could make any man¡¯s face flush with heat.

    Beneath the image was a provocative message: ¡°Mr. Phillips, do you like what you see?¡±

    Lillian paused, digesting the image and text, then said, ¡°It¡¯s not shocking. Cedric¡¯s high profile might attract such advances from women attempting to seduce him. It should¡­¡±

    She was cut off by another alert on Cedric¡¯s phone. A new message appeared: ¡°Mr. Phillips, youplimented my figure on ourst flight and expressed a desire to know me better. I¡¯m avable these days. Shall we arrange a meeting?¡±

    Secondster, another message arrived: ¡°The news mentioned your uing business trip to Alveranna in three days. Coincidentally, my flight alsonds there then. If you¡¯re upied now, I eagerly anticipate our encounter overseas.¡±

    Both Ryan¡¯s and Lillian¡¯s expressions grew increasingly concerned as they read. Another image surfaced.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s offers tales worth telling

    In the photo, the woman adopted a provocative stance, clutching a paper to her chest. Ryan and Lillian looked closer. Cedric¡¯s name was clearly inscribed on the paper.

    Lillian¡¯s anger red immediately, and she was about to confront Cedric when Ryan restrained her. ¡°Should we watch a bit longer?¡±

    Elsewhere, the flight attendant endured a long night. Just as she was losing hope, the doorbell echoed unexpectedly.

    A weekter, a scandal erupted as the top story online: ¡°Cedric Sleeping with Fans!¡±

    A video surfaced showing a flight attendant, her ID in hand, tearfully addressing the viewers.

    ¡°Hi everyone, I work for Chaubray Airlines. Today, I must expose Cedric Phillips, CEO of Phillips Group, for deserting me after a brief affair. Our encounter began with love at first sight on a flight, leading to three passionate days in a hotel, after which he vanished. Given his influential position, I feel powerless and seek only justice.¡±

    On the same day, images of Dani and Cedric en route to the hospital appeared.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1004

    ?Chapter 1004:

    As Phillips Group¡¯s PR team attempted to suppress the rising scandal, rival firms fueled the fire, amplifying the allegations against them.

    Just as Dani was about to enter the consultation room, Ryan burst in, phone in hand.

    ¡°Dani, the scandal is spiraling. The attendant is now making the rounds on the media circuit. I had nned a discreet meeting with her, but she¡¯s now under the custody of themerce association. They¡¯re protecting her, and she¡¯s bing bolder, making the digital bacsh quite severe.¡±

    Dani hesitated at the door of the consultation room, then stepped back.

    ¡°Let¡¯s head back to thepany first.¡±

    Cedric couldn¡¯t be bothered with the noise flooding the inte. Right now, even being the CEO of Phillips Group felt trivial to him. If Dani was okay with it, he¡¯d dly hand over the reins to a professional manager. He had already made more than enough to let him and Dani roam the world without a care for the rest of their lives.

    To him, money was nothing more than a figure on a screen. What was the point of hoarding more? He¡¯d much rather invest his time in making a few babies with Dani.

    On the ride home, Dani caught Cedric sneaking nces at her stomach. Scrolling through thetest headlines, she finally looked up, confused.

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    Cedric leaned in, lowering his voice. ¡°Sweetheart, why aren¡¯t you pregnant yet?¡±

    Dani blinked, momentarily lost. ¡°Huh?¡±

    Every story starts at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s

    Cedric rephrased with a straight face. ¡°I¡¯ve been putting in the effort, but still no baby.¡±

    Realizing what he meant, Dani cleared her throat, changing the topic since they weren¡¯t alone in the car. ¡°People are losing their minds over your scandal. You really don¡¯t care?¡±

    Cedric shrugged,pletely unfazed. ¡°Not even a little.¡± What others thought didn¡¯t matter. The only opinion he cared about was Dani¡¯s, and he knew she believed in him.

    From the front seat, Lillian cast a nce at Cedric through the rearview mirror. It was clear¡ªCedric genuinely couldn¡¯t care less. He had no clue who was pretending to be him, nor did he bother worrying about it. Instead, he leaned back, shut his eyes, and let himself rx¡ªsomething that, oddly enough, made Dani feel at peace too.

    A soft smile tugged at her lips as she realized how pointless her earlier concerns had been. She had always worried about dragging Cedric down, and that fear had kept her from saying yes to his proposal. But watching him now, so at ease and unbothered, Dani felt her own tension melt away. She leaned back, shut her eyes, and before she knew it, sleep took over.

    At Phillips Group¡¯s entrance, the PR team stood in a tense huddle, their nerves on edge. The car pulled up, but to the PR team¡¯s growing frustration, no one inside made a move to step out.

    The PR manager stole a few nces, his brows furrowing in impatience, before finally striding over, hand raised to knock. Just then, the front window slid down at an agonizingly slow pace.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1005

    ?Chapter 1005:

    ¡°I¡¯d suggest leaving them be for now.¡±

    The PR manager caught on immediately, suddenly feeling like he had stumbled upon something he wasn¡¯t supposed to hear. His thoughts raced. Cedric and Dani sure had their priorities straight. Even with a crisis on their hands, they were busy enjoying themselves in the car. And they didn¡¯t even care if someone overheard?

    Leaning closer, the PR manager whispered, ¡°Lillian, doesn¡¯t this feel awkward for you? Want to step out and wait with me?¡±

    Lillian waved him off. ¡°No need. They won¡¯t care.¡±

    The PR manager was at a loss for words. These people were unbothered. They didn¡¯t care about being overheard, and Lillian waspletely unfazed.

    Ryan caught the PR manager¡¯s increasingly awkward expression and decided to step in. ¡°Quit overthinking. They¡¯re just asleep in the back.¡±

    Lillianughed. ¡°Besides, waking up your boss too soon is a bad idea. Give it another half hour if you don¡¯t want trouble.¡±

    When Dani stirred, she opened her eyes to find everyone ying online games, patiently waiting for her. It suddenly hit her¡ªshe should probably book a doctor¡¯s appointment. Lately, she had been unusually drowsy, her back ached constantly, and the mere scent of meat made her stomach turn.

    Her gaze drifted to her stomach. She was on the verge of smiling when a soft knock tapped against the window. Before she could react, she heard a light tsk. Turning, she saw Cedric watching her.

    ¡°Still sleepy?¡±

    Dani shook her head, smiling as she rolled down the window.

    The PR manager stood outside, practically sweating bullets. ¡°Ma¡¯am, I¡¯m sorry, but it¡¯s urgent!¡±

    ?????????? ???????? ???? ????????: ?????????¦Í????????????

    Dani gave a small nod and stepped out of the car.

    Cedric walked alongside him, his tone casual. ¡°It¡¯s nothing major. Don¡¯t blow it out of proportion and stress out my wife.¡±

    The PR manager¡¯s jaw nearly dropped. ¡°The inte is throwing a frenzy over you, and you call that nothing serious?¡±

    This couple was downright unbelievable. They treated thepany¡¯s crisis like a minor inconvenience.

    Upstairs, the PR managerid out the situation, only for Dani to nod, unfazed. With that, he let out a relieved sigh and took his leave.

    Oddly enough, theirid-back attitude rubbed off on him, making the issue seem far less urgent than before. After all, thest time disaster struck, Dani had handled it effortlessly. Compared to that, a flight attendant was hardly a concern.

    Meanwhile, at themerce association, Alexander leaned back in the president¡¯s chair, his eyes narrowing. ¡°Are you seriously suggesting jumping off the Elite Lux building? Absolutely not.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Hackett¡¯s voice carried a sharp edge of frustration. After all the effort he had put into persuading Huey to stage the dramatic jump, Alexander was now refusing to go along with it.

    Alexander leaned back in his chair, his posture rxed but his tone firm. ¡°Too many things could go wrong. As the head of this association, I can¡¯t afford to take reckless risks with our people.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1006

    ?Chapter 1006:

    Hackett let out a sharp scoff. ¡°Drop the act, Alexander. We all know you¡¯re not doing this out of responsibility. You¡¯ve got your own motives.¡±

    The room fell silent as every eye turned to Hackett, curiosity and suspicion flickering in their gazes. Hackett¡¯s gaze bore into Alexander, his voice cutting like a de. ¡°You¡¯re still not over Dani, are you? It¡¯s obvious. Every move you make is aimed at Cedric, yet whenever there¡¯s a chance to bring Dani down, you refuse to take it. Let me remind you, Alexander¡ªyou¡¯re the president now. Your duty is to this association, not your ex-wife, who has long since moved on!¡±

    Murmurs rippled through the crowd as understanding dawned. As they thought back, patterns began to emerge. Time and again, Alexander had maneuvered around Elite Lux, shielding it from any real damage.

    Huey narrowed his eyes, suspicioncing his words. ¡°Alexander, is that true?¡±

    Marcus shifted uneasily, his expression darkening. ¡°You still have feelings for Dani, don¡¯t you?¡±

    Bruno frowned, shaking his head. ¡°Come on, Alexander, that¡¯s not like you. You don¡¯t seem the type to cling to the past. Were you the one spending three days with that flight attendant?¡±

    Hackett let out a derisive snort.

    Alexander exhaled slowly, reclining further. ¡°Fine, I admit it¡ªI still have feelings for Dani. The thing with the flight attendant? That was nothing. But don¡¯t twist this¡ªI¡¯m making these decisions for the good of the association.¡±

    Bruno gawked at him in disbelief. ¡°You¡¯re serious? You still have feelings for Dani? She¡¯s married, Alexander!¡±

    Hackett¡¯s smirk widened, his voice dripping with mockery. ¡°Maybe that¡¯s just his type¡ªmarried women. First Joyce, now Dani? Listen to me, Alexander¡ªif you don¡¯t wake up soon, Dani¡¯s going to be the one who takes you down!¡±

    Alexander¡¯s face stayed unreadable, his voice firm. ¡°Say whatever you want; I¡¯m not changing my stance. I refuse to go along with this n to stage a jump from the Elite Lux building. And tell me, what¡¯s so¡­¡±

    Check full story at g??????¦Ï¦Í??????. ?????

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with me having feelings for Dani?¡± Alexander asked. ¡°She liked me first. Cedric was the outsider. Besides, if I did reunite with Dani, she wouldn¡¯t pose any threat to the association. In fact, Elite Lux would fall under my control. It would be no different from having Elite Lux as part of the association. Don¡¯t you think?¡±

    A brief hush settled over the room.

    Alexander rose to his feet. ¡°That¡¯s final. I won¡¯t allow any attacks on Elite Lux, not even the smallest one.¡±

    Saying no more, he turned and walked away.

    His recent cosmetic surgery left him feeling uneasy¡ªhis face constantly itched. When he consulted his surgeon online, he was advised to use face masks regrly during the absorption phase of the procedure.

    He decided to head home and follow the instructions. To him, his face was his greatest weapon¡ªthe key to one day recing Cedric.

    With that, Alexander was gone.

    The seven who remained sat in tense silence.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1007

    ?Chapter 1007:

    Hackett sat fuming, clearly displeased with Alexander¡¯s choice. Hispany was teetering on the edge of copse, and he couldn¡¯t afford to wait for Alexander¡¯s slow-moving n. He needed someone to stall Dani¡¯s economic sanctions.

    ¡°So, what¡¯s the n?¡± Hackett asked, masking his frustration. ¡°Mypany has the most capital, and I can hold out. But what about the rest of you? Huey¡­¡± He turned to Huey. ¡°Can you afford to wait? Thest time we were at Elite Lux, Dani and Cedric looked inseparable. Do you honestly believe she¡¯d pick Alexander? Be real¡ªwould Dani ever leave Cedric for a man with a surgically altered face?¡±

    Marcus scowled. ¡°Alexander¡¯s lost it. Dani won¡¯t even give him the time of day!¡±

    Farley narrowed his eyes. ¡°Anyone else notice Alexander¡¯s face looks uneven? What¡¯s going on there?¡±

    Marcus shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s the surgery. The longer it settles, the worse it gets.¡±

    Farley scoffed. ¡°At this rate, his face will fall apart before he even gets a chance with Dani.¡±

    Huey grew restless. ¡°Then what are we waiting for? The flight attendant scandal is still hot. We should stage the jump at Elite Lux now! Once the media picks it up, we can cry foul about their economic sanctions. Public opinion will turn against them, and they won¡¯t be able to touch us!¡±

    He waved dismissively. ¡°Stop overanalyzing¡ªlet¡¯s just do it. Alexander isn¡¯t the one under financial siege, so of course, he¡¯s stalling. Meanwhile, mypany is circling the drain. If we wait any longer, I won¡¯t be faking the jump!¡±

    Hackett put on an act of concern. ¡°Huey, you better be careful. That rooftop gets windy. If you actually fall, I wouldn¡¯t know how to break it to your family.¡±

    Huey brushed him off. ¡°Rx, it¡¯s just a tall building. I¡¯ll head up, take in the view, and enjoy some fresh air!¡±

    Hackett¡¯s lips curled into a sly smirk when no one was watching.

    ?@?¨¦$? ???t?¦Å§ñ? ¨ª¦Ð ?al¦Ðo¦Í¦Ål?.c??

    That afternoon, Dani remained at Phillips Group. Her phone rang.

    She answered, and Nina¡¯s panicked voice came through. ¡°Dani! You need to get back here¡ªfast! Someone¡¯s about to jump off our building, and it¡¯s going to be streamed live!¡±

    The Elite Lux building stood tall as a symbol of prestige, an unmistakablendmark in the city¡¯s skyline. A ceaseless tide of people flowed around it, the streets alive with honking horns and hurried footsteps.

    The cunning minds of themerce association timed their move perfectly, striking at the peak of the morning rush to stir up a spectacle. As office workers rushed to their jobs, a figure perched atop the Elite Lux building caught their collective gaze.

    Within moments, the building¡¯s entrance was swarmed with curious bystanders, and traffic ground to a halt in the chaos. Journalists stormed the scene like vultures to a feast, scrambling to set up their cameras. News channels, social media, and digital tforms erupted with the breaking story, spreading like wildfire.

    ¡°Huey Murray on the Brink¡ªWill He Jump?¡±

    From the rooftop balcony, Huey cast a nce downward, the sheer height making his stomach churn with unease. But with the weight of countless eyes upon him, retreat was no longer an option.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1008

    ?Chapter 1008:

    Huey turned to Hackett, his voice tight with nerves. ¡°Hackett, where are the reporters? Why hasn¡¯t anyonee up yet? Get someone trustworthy from the press and bring them up. If I yell from here, they won¡¯t catch a word down there.¡± Huey scanned the swelling crowd below, his brow furrowing. ¡°Hackett, there¡¯s a sea of people down there¡ªwill the fire trucks even make it throughter? Make sure the safety¡¯s in ce. If Dani refuses to back off, I might just jump for real. So you better have someone ready to catch me.¡±

    Hackett nodded with quiet assurance. ¡°Rx, Huey. Everything¡¯s in ce.¡± Hackett disappeared down the stairs to meet the press, while Huey tightened his grip on the megaphone, steeling himself for the spectacle ahead.

    Marcus shot Huey a wary look. ¡°Listen, Huey, just put on an act, alright? No real jumping. This building is no joke¡ªit¡¯s a death sentence.¡±

    His gaze drifted towards the edge, the staggering height sending a shiver down his spine.

    The mere thought of plummeting from such an altitude made him shudder. Marcus and Huey had been friends for years, and Marcus had even set his sights on marrying his daughter to Huey¡¯s son once this storm blew over.

    Bruno leaned in and muttered, ¡°Huey, just rattle Dani enough to send the message. She¡¯s a woman¡ªshe¡¯ll panic the moment she sees you up here. Once you¡¯ve made your point, climb down.¡±

    Marcus bobbed his head in agreement. ¡°This height is insane¡ªI¡¯m breaking a sweat just standing here.¡±

    Just then, Hackett returned, a swarm of reporters trailing behind him. He caught Huey¡¯s eye and gave a subtle nod¡ªeverything was in ce.

    Huey cast onest nce at the crowd below, inhaled sharply, and lifted his megaphone. Sticking to the script, Huey bellowed, ¡°Hackett! Who the hell did you bring up here? I said I¡¯m not seeing anyone!¡±

    Hackett yed his role wlessly, his voice steady yet urgent. ¡°Huey, listen to me. These reporters are from Hurricane Media¡ªthey¡¯re fair, they report the truth, and the audience isn¡¯t easily swayed. We¡¯ve been through thick and thin. If something is tearing you apart, just say the word. We¡¯ll find a way to fix it.¡±

    ?????? ???????????????? ????????: ga l no v els .co m

    Raising the megaphone once more, Huey¡¯s voice rang out, raw and unsteady. ¡°I can¡¯t do this anymore! This is it¡ªtoday, I jump from the top of Elite Lux! It all ends here! Stay back! I mean it, move!¡±

    Reporters trained their cameras on Huey for a live broadcast, hoping to push him into revealing more details about his predicament.

    Seeing through their ploy, Huey dered, ¡°I want Dani Harper to hear me loud and clear¡ªshe doesn¡¯t get to pull the strings on everything! We¡¯re honest businessmen. I¡¯ve nevermitted any unforgivable act. But now, thanks to Dani¡¯s ruthless financial stranglehold, mypany is teetering on the edge of bankruptcy. I¡¯m at my wit¡¯s end¡ªI¡¯ve already swallowed my pride and pleaded with Dani to show mercy, just enough to keep a single production line running. My daughter and son are still in school; that ie is the only thing keeping their future afloat. Hackett, you all saw I threw away every ounce of dignity, practically groveling at her feet. I begged her for mercy, just a sliver of kindness¡ªbut she spat in my face and dragged my family through the mud. I can¡¯t take it anymore. Don¡¯t any of you try to stop me. If this is what it takes for her to let my family go, then so be it. If my death buys their freedom, I¡¯ll pay the price!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1009

    ?Chapter 1009:

    The cameras caught Huey¡¯s tears as they spilled freely, his agonyid bare for all to see. Members of the business association grew emotional, their eyes red-rimmed.

    Hackett, ever the strategist, saw an opening. He stepped forward, his voice booming with conviction. ¡°Huey, listen! Come down! Right now, in front of everyone, I swear¡ªI¡¯ll cover every expense your family has. Whatever they need, I¡¯ll take care of it. Juste back to us!¡±

    Hackett¡¯s words struck a chord, and the livestream audience wavered. Sympathy flickered in theirments.

    ¡°Damn, I always thought Hackett was just a shark, but this? Maybe the guy has a heart after all.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s be real¡ªHackett¡¯spany doesn¡¯t exactly have a clean record with women. This might be a PR stunt.¡±

    ¡°You know what? Most of the women at Hackett¡¯spany were poor girls he ¡®helped.¡¯ He¡¯s a wolf in sheep¡¯s clothing!¡±

    The flood ofments soured quickly, and Hackett¡¯s jaw clenched. He barely stopped himself from snapping at the camera.

    Gritting his teeth, he forced a stiff smile. ¡°Thank you, everyone. If there¡¯s one thing about me, it¡¯s that I stand by my people. Now, speaking of mypany¡¯s products¡ª¡±

    Marcus¡¯ brow furrowed. What the hell was Hackett doing? Was he seriously turning this into a business pitch? Huey was standing on the edge of a skyscraper, for God¡¯s sake. And Hackett was out here selling himself?

    Disgust flickered across Marcus¡¯ face. He had seen Hackett¡¯s cunning before, but this was something else entirely. Without thinking, he yanked Hackett¡¯s sleeve sharply.

    Hackett gave a forced chuckle and quickly backtracked. ¡°Okay, okay, forget that. Right now, saving our friend is what matters most.¡±

    Discover new books g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    His expression tightened, irritation flickering beneath the surface as he refocused on Huey. ¡°Huey, don¡¯t do anything reckless! We can sort this out. What you want is for Dani to back off from your family, right? I¡¯ll get someone to bring her here, okay?¡±

    Hackett shot Huey a subtle, knowing look.

    Huey caught on instantly. Emboldened, he stepped up once more, clutching the megaphone. His voice thundered across the rooftop. ¡°NO, I won¡¯t meet with Dani Harper! I¡¯ll end it all right here, on the Elite Lux building! I¡¯ll sacrifice myself to pave the way for my fellow association members! Dani! Isn¡¯t this what you wanted? If I die, will that finally satisfy you?¡±

    The association members discreetly signaled their approval with quick thumbs-ups. A flicker of pride swelled in Huey¡¯s chest.

    Suppressing a smirk, Hackett called out, ¡°Huey, trust me. Dani will be here soon. She¡¯s reasonable¡ªjust state your demands, and she¡¯ll give in.¡±

    Dani hadn¡¯t even arrived yet, but Hackett was already making promises on her behalf.

    Momentster, a trending headline appeared: ¡°Dani Promises Huey.¡± Hackett checked his device, grinning as the story gained momentum.

    But Huey had lingered on the rooftop too long. The dizzying height unsettled him, and he cast Hackett a wary nce, silently signaling that he wanted to step down. The Elite Lux building loomed far too high¡ªfar too terrifying.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1010

    ?Chapter 1010:

    Hackett¡¯s re was sharp, a silentmand for Huey to hold his ground. ¡°Huey, don¡¯t be reckless! Dani is on her way. Once she gets here, everything will be settled in public.¡±

    The message was clear¡ªHuey needed to wait for Dani.

    The others agreed that only when Dani showed up and made a statement would it truly count.

    Huey nced over the edge once more. No fire trucks. No safetys. Just empty space below. His anxiety spiked. A creeping unease gnawed at him.

    ¡°Step back! Dani has arrived!¡±

    At those words, Huey¡¯s foot instinctively snapped away from the ledge.

    The livestream audience erupted in confusion.

    ¡°Wait, what just happened?¡±

    ¡°So, is he jumping or not?¡±

    ¡°Honestly, if Hackett hadn¡¯t yelled that Dani was here, Huey would¡¯ve climbed down by now!¡±

    ¡°Something¡¯s off. This feels staged.¡±

    ¡°Totally agree!¡±

    ¡°If he really wanted to jump, why is he clinging to that railing like his life depends on it? It¡¯s like he¡¯s afraid of actually falling.¡±

    Hackett¡¯s jaw tightened as he read thements, irritation ring. He shot Huey a sharp look. Pathetic. He can¡¯t even pull off a convincing threat, he scoffed internally.

    ?????????? ?????????? ????????: g???????¦Í????????????

    Meanwhile, the police escorted Dani to the scene. Cedric trailed closely behind her.

    Hackett quickly raised a hand to block Cedric. ¡°Hold on, Cedric. The guy up there is threatening to jump, but he didn¡¯t ask for you. No reason for you to get involved.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s gaze hardened into ice.

    Hackett turned to the officer. ¡°Look, we¡¯re business rivals, and there¡¯s been tension between us. Huey is on edge. It¡¯s best to y along¡ªunless you want a disaster on your hands.¡± The officer hesitated for a beat.

    Without warning, Cedric stepped forward, pulling Dani behind him.

    ¡°We¡¯ll help talk him down, but I won¡¯t let my wife be put in harm¡¯s way. Huey is unstable. If he jumps, there¡¯s a chance he could take Dani down with him. We¡¯re willing to help, but we¡¯re under no obligation to risk our lives. Either I go with her, or you deal with this yourselves.¡±

    Cedric stood firm, unwavering.

    Hackett pressed his lips together, unwilling to let Cedric go up. Cedric was tall and powerful. If he went up and dragged Huey back, not only would their staged jump fall apart, but Cedric would walk away with the public¡¯s sympathy. That would render all their efforts meaningless.

    Hackett¡¯s gaze shifted to Dani, standing just behind Cedric. Ruthless as Dani might be, she was still a woman¡ªeasier to rattle in a high-pressure situation. A little pressure, a little emotional push¡ªshe might cave.

    If events unfolded just as Cedric predicted, with Huey pulling Dani down with him, then that would be the perfect oue.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1011

    ?Chapter 1011:

    ¡°Dani¡­¡± Hackett¡¯s voice took on a desperate edge as he turned to the camera, feigning humility with practiced ease. ¡°Please, you have to save Huey. He has an aging mother and three children. If he dies, they¡¯ll be left helpless. I¡¯m begging you¡ªjust go up there alone and bring him back!¡± And with that, Hackett dropped to his knees.

    From the corner of his eye, he peeked at the live streamments.

    ¡°Hackett is vile! Emotional maniption at its finest!¡±

    ¡°Ugh, I feel sick! I actually spent money on their products? Just yesterday, too! No way I¡¯m getting a refund right now.¡±

    ¡°Dani is just one person. Of course, her husband is worried about her going up there alone! If anything goes wrong, can Hackett even take responsibility for that?¡±

    ¡°Exactly! Compared to Huey, Dani is so much smaller. If she gets pulled down with him, can you imagine what that would do to Cedric?¡±

    ¡°Cedric has the right idea. A husband¡¯s first priority is protecting his wife.¡±

    ¡°Couldn¡¯t have said it better myself¡­¡±

    The flood ofments tilted entirely in Cedric¡¯s favor.

    Hackett inhaled sharply, irritation bubbling beneath the surface. These people were impossible to manipte. Damn it! Were these people detectives or what? Instead of tearing Cedric down, he was only making him 100k better.

    Hackett clenched his teeth, swallowing his frustration. He had to push through. He turned to Dani with a pleading look. ¡°Dani, think about it. If you save Huey, you¡¯re saving an entire family. You wouldn¡¯t turn your back on them, would you?¡±

    Hackett ignored thement section, his full attention locked onto Dani.

    G3t th3 r34l st0r£¤ @ g4ln0v3ls.c0m

    Dani saw right through Hackett¡¯s performance. If this was a game of acting, she knew how to y. Dani kept silent, dropping her gaze. Her bright eyes darkened, and her lips pressed into a thin line, radiating an air of quiet sorrow.

    Hackett was oblivious, but the live stream audience was outraged. Theirments red up, condemning how a full-grown man could guilt-trip a young woman like this.

    The officers on the scene nced at Dani¡¯s petite frame, then at the muchrger man looming on the balcony¡¯s edge. Even they could see how unfair this was for her.

    ¡°Then stay put and use the loudspeaker to talk him down. We¡¯ll handle the rescue, but our first priority is safety. And honestly? Your husband¡¯s concerns aren¡¯t wrong.¡±

    Huey had been hanging on to this act for too long. Dani still hadn¡¯t shown up. The wind was growing stronger, and his legs were starting to ache.

    Atst, Huey spotted Cedric making his way toward him. Cedric¡¯s expression was stone-cold, an almost lethal presence radiating from him as he fixed Huey with an icy stare.

    ¡°So, I hear you¡¯re nning to jump?¡± Cedric¡¯s voice was t, emotionless, as if to say, You want to die? Then get on with it. But leave my wife out of this.

    Huey instinctively shrank back. Then, catching Hackett¡¯s signal, he hurriedly blurted out, ¡°I need to see Dani! Where is she? Everyone else, get lost! I won¡¯t talk to anyone but Dani!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1012

    ?Chapter 1012:

    Cedric let out a low chuckle, casually crossing his arms. ¡°Anything you need to say? Say it to me.¡±

    Huey narrowed his eyes. ¡°Why should I talk to you? I asked for Dani, the owner of Elite Lux!¡±

    Cedric stood firm, his confidence effortless. ¡°Elite Lux is hers. But Dani? She¡¯s mine. She makes the big calls, but I handle the small stuff. So, go ahead. What is it you want?¡±

    Did he just call jumping off a building ¡°small stuff¡±?

    Huey was so furious, he nearly stomped over to argue with Cedric right then and there.

    Cedric saw through Huey¡¯s ploy in an instant. Huey never actually nned to jump.

    ¡°Well? Are you going to talk or just hang there? If not, I¡¯ve got better things to do.¡±

    With that, Cedric turned on his heel, making it clear he was done entertaining the act.

    ¡°Wait!¡± Huey blurted out, his voice cracking with rm.

    What the hell was Cedric doing? He was about to jump, and Cedric didn¡¯t even flinch? Was Cedric actually okay with him taking the plunge?

    But dying was never part of the n. If Cedric walked away, how was he supposed to keep up the performance?

    Catching Hackett¡¯s frantic signal, Huey scrambled to recover. ¡°Wait! Hold on!¡±

    Cedric turned back, his eyes narrowing, his stare cold and weighted.

    L?t??t ch¦Ápt?rs ¦Én g??lnov?l??.???m

    Just as he thought¡ªpure theatrics.

    With the world watching and the scene unfolding at Elite Lux, there was no way Dani could escape the spectacle. How downright vile!

    Huey¡¯s throat went dry. The second he locked eyes with Cedric, an icy dread settled in his gut. It felt like Cedric was peeling back everyyer of his lie, and the sheer intensity sent a shudder through him.

    Cedric folded his arms, his voice razor-sharp. ¡°Go on. Weren¡¯t you just about to say something?¡±

    Huey gulped, his Adam¡¯s apple bobbing.

    Hackett clenched his fists, growing impatient. Useless idiot! It was just Cedric, damn it! What was Huey so scared of?

    Hackett shot Huey a seething re.

    Huey recoiled slightly, then straightened up, forcing his voice louder. ¡°Dani has left me no choice¡ªI don¡¯t want to live anymore!¡±

    Cedric let out a short, incredulousugh. ¡°And?¡±

    Huey floundered, grasping for a response. Wasn¡¯t it obvious? He was standing on the damn edge! If the cameras weren¡¯t rolling, he would¡¯ve cursed Cedric out.

    Cedric eyed Huey¡¯s reddening face and let out a cold chuckle. ¡°So, your grand strategy is to dangle off a building and guilt us into ying nice in business? Seriously?¡±

    Huey gaped, words failing him. That was exactly it. But hearing Cedric say it out loud made it sound so pathetic. For a long moment, Huey had nothing.

    Cedric let out another amused scoff. ¡°Cat got your tongue? Or did Iy it out too inly? You couldn¡¯t keep up with a woman in business, so now you¡¯re here throwing a tantrum on her doorstep? Damn, Huey, that¡¯s low¡ªeven for you.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1013

    ?Chapter 1013:

    Huey¡¯s face burned with humiliation. ¡°I don¡¯t want to live anymore! If you have the guts, don¡¯t interfere. Don¡¯t try to change my mind! Dani is merciless¡ªshe crushes her rivals without hesitation. I lost the business war, but with my death, the world will see her true, ugly face!¡±

    Cedric narrowed his eyes, his expression unreadable butced with contempt. ¡°You lost, and that makes you the victim? That¡¯s what you¡¯re telling me?¡± His usualmanding tone carried a weight that loomed over Huey, making it feel as if he were a mere speck beneath Cedric¡¯s towering presence.

    Huey sensed control slipping through his fingers, the conversation unraveling faster than he could salvage it.

    Cedric fell silent, arms crossed, his sharp gaze drilling into Huey like a judge awaiting a confession.

    Huey¡¯s gaze dropped to the dizzying height below, his stomach twisting as terror coiled inside him. A fall from this hundred-story tower meant certain death.

    Panic flickered in Huey¡¯s eyes. Where was the safety Hackett had assured him of? His gaze darted to Hackett, seeking an answer. Where was the rescue team? Where was the damn?

    Cedric caught the hesitation in Huey¡¯s stance, the flicker of doubt in his eyes. ¡°Huey, are youing down or not?¡±

    Huey clenched his teeth, jaw tightening as if that alone could hold his resolve together.

    Cedric¡¯s voice was ice-cold. ¡°Step down now, and you might still save face. But wait until the crowd disperses and slink down in shame? That would be truly humiliating.¡±

    Huey¡¯s face lost all color, a sickly pallor settling over him. Instinctively, his feet inched back, away from the ledge.

    ¡°Huey!¡± Hackett¡¯s voice suddenly sliced through the air, sharp and urgent.

    ??????? ???????? ??h??¦Ñt?rs ???? g??l??ov?ls.??0??

    Startled, Huey whipped around, his bnce teetering on the edge. A collective gasp swept through the crowd, the tension thick enough to choke.

    Cedric¡¯s brows knitted together. Without hesitation, he shot his hand out. Huey was a scoundrel, no doubt, but Cedric wasn¡¯t about to let him die on Elite Lux¡¯s turf.

    ¡°Cedric!¡± Huey dangled helplessly, his feet searching for something solid. His eyes brimmed with tears, panic raw in his voice. ¡°Don¡¯t let go! I don¡¯t want to die!¡±

    Cedric bent forward, his grip tightening around Huey¡¯s hand like a vice. Hackett hurried to Cedric¡¯s side, his gaze cool and impassive as he observed the scene.

    Huey lifted his head, locking eyes with Hackett¡¯s detached, unreadable stare. ¡°Come on!¡± Hackett dropped into a crouch, stretching out his arm. ¡°Huey, take my hand! Hold on tight!¡±

    Huey¡¯s instincts took over; his hand shot forward. He was sure he had grasped Hackett¡¯s hand. But then, Hackett shook off his hand, as if he wanted him dead.

    A jolt of shock ran through Huey, leaving him frozen, his mind struggling to process what had just happened. His moment of hesitation cost him¡ªhis fingers slid dangerously from Cedric¡¯s grasp.

    Cedric¡¯s frown deepened. Without wasting a second, he lunged forward with both hands. ¡°Hold on!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1014

    ?Chapter 1014:

    In the next heartbeat, a rush of hands grabbed Cedric, anchoring him, and together they hauled Huey up.

    Huey copsed onto solid ground, his legs useless beneath him, his whole body trembling like a leaf in a storm.

    He turned to Hackett, mouth agape, disbelief etched into his face.

    Hackett, still reeling from the moment, pulled Huey into a tight embrace. ¡°Huey, what the hell happened? Why didn¡¯t you hold on? You scared me half to death! If you¡¯d fallen, how could I ever face your family?¡±

    His face carried a perfect mask of concern, not a single crack in the performance.

    Huey, still dazed, stared nkly, questioning if thest few moments had even been real. The entire spectacle had spiraled into a nightmare.

    As they escorted him away, Huey cast onest nce at Cedric. Opposite Cedric, Dani stood, her voice low, her expression one of quiet concern.

    Huey dropped his gaze, shoulders heavy with exhaustion, and silently followed the others.

    In the hospital, Hackett was bustling around, speaking with the attending physician. ¡°Doctor, this man is my closest friend. Please, make sure he gets a full examination¡ªno detail overlooked.¡±

    Facing the reporters, he raised a hand, his tonemanding yet measured. ¡°That¡¯s enough for today. No more pictures. Huey¡¯s been through a traumatic ordeal. Give us some space. We¡¯ll issue a statement when the time is right.¡± With the press handled, Hackett made a brief stop at a nearby fruit shop, selecting a basket of fresh fruit and a bouquet of flowers before heading back upstairs to Huey¡¯s room.

    ¡°Huey, you nearly gave me a heart attack back there.¡± Hackett¡¯s voice wasced with concern as he set the fruit basket down. ¡°I was terrified. What the hell happened? You were supposed to hold on. Why did you let go?¡±

    Huey pressed his lips together, his gaze distant, offering no response.

    Hackett exhaled, his voice gentler now. ¡°Alright, I get it. You¡¯re still shaken. Just rest up. I¡¯ve spoken with the hospital¡ªeverything¡¯s taken care of. You don¡¯t have to worry about a thing.¡±

    L¨»¦Ó??¦Ó c§ß¦Á¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ??n g??l??ov?l??.??o??

    Right now, Hackett looked every bit the devoted friend¡ªhis words, his actions, all painted the picture of someone deeply concerned. To an outsider, he might even seem like a man with a genuinely kind heart.

    Not long after, Hackett departed, apanied by the members of the association.

    As soon as they stepped out of the ward, Marcus shot Hackett a questioning look. ¡°So what really happened back there? How did you suddenly lose your grip?¡±

    Farley frowned, nodding. ¡°Yeah. Huey barely made it. What went wrong?¡±

    Hackett sighed, his face grave. ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking about that too. It¡¯s strange, really. But if I recall correctly, Cedric bumped my arm at that exact moment. That¡¯s why I lost my grip.¡±

    Bruno narrowed his eyes. ¡°That so?¡±

    Hackett¡¯s face twisted with hurt. ¡°What are you implying? That I¡¯d lie about this? Huey¡¯s my best friend. Why would I ever harm him? Use your heads. Between me and Cedric, who has more reason to go after Huey? It¡¯s obvious¡ªit has to be Cedric.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1015

    ?Chapter 1015:

    Marcus¡¯s brows knitted together. ¡°But in the end, it was Cedric who saved Huey.¡±

    Hackett¡¯s shoulders slumped, his voice thick with emotion. ¡°Exactly! That¡¯s Cedric¡¯s game¡ªhe wants¡­¡±

    ¡°To turn us against each other. Do I really have to spell this out? My God, after all these years of brotherhood, you¡¯d rather believe Cedric over me?¡±

    Hackett ran a hand through his hair, shaking his head in disbelief. ¡°This is killing me, guys. I never thought you¡¯d doubt me like this.¡±

    Hackett¡¯s disy was so heartfelt, so convincing, that none of them could say for sure what had really happened. Silence settled over the group.

    Then, out of nowhere, Marcus¡¯ voice cut through the silence. ¡°Wait a minute. Didn¡¯t you say you called the fire department? So why wasn¡¯t there a safety cushion below?¡±

    For the briefest moment, something unreadable flickered in Hackett¡¯s eyes. The group fixed their eyes on him, their expressions unreadable.

    Hackett clutched his chest, feigning disbelief. ¡°How would I know? Are you suggesting that I deliberately kept the fire department away? The roads were packed! You saw it yourselves. The fire truck was stuck on the overpass. Are you going to pin that on me too? This is absurd!¡±

    A single tear slipped down his cheek¡ªjust enough to sell the performance.

    Bruno exhaled, shaking his head. ¡°Hackett, don¡¯t overdo it. We¡¯re just talking things through¡ªno need to take it personally. We don¡¯t know what really happened. From where we stood, we saw you and Cedric run out, but in the end, it was Cedric who saved Huey. Can you me us for having doubts? Once Huey¡¯s better, the truth wille out on its own.¡±

    Hackett let out a weary sigh, nodding as if the weight of their doubt crushed him. His car pulled up first, but he hesitated. Leaving now meant giving them time to talk¡ªtime to twist the story against him.

    Marcus gestured toward the waiting vehicle. ¡°Go on, Hackett. Your car¡¯s here.¡± Left with no other option, Hackett climbed inside.

    ??????????? ??????????????? ?????????¦Í?????????????

    Yet, he didn¡¯t leave. Instead, he had the driver circle the block before pulling into a discreet spot behind them, ears sharp for every word.

    Marcus¡¯ voice wasced with suspicion. ¡°Hackett¡¯s as slippery as theye. There¡¯s something off about him.¡±

    Farley nodded in agreement. ¡°Exactly! The fire department should¡¯ve been onsite right away. So why were they missing when it mattered most?¡±

    Bruno frowned. ¡°From where I was standing, I caught a glimpse outside. It looked to me like Hackett let go of Huey while Cedric was holding on to him tightly.¡±

    Tripp narrowed his eyes. ¡°I heard Hackett¡¯spany is circling the drain. He¡¯s desperate, willing to use anything to make Dani back off.¡±

    A tense silence settled over the group as they exchanged knowing nces. One by one, their cars pulled up, and they each departed, leaving the conversation hanging in the air.

    Hidden in the shadows, Hackett clenched his fists. Fury boiled beneath his skin. Traitors. Everyst one of them. They actually believed Cedric over him? Unforgivable. They all deserved to die!

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1016

    ?Chapter 1016:

    And Marcus was the worst of them all. Wasn¡¯t Marcus just trying to secure an alliance with Huey¡¯s family through marriage? They hadn¡¯t even sealed the deal yet, but Marcus was already acting like part of Huey¡¯s family.

    Hackett lowered his gaze, anger simmering as he read a text from the bank demanding overdue payment.

    Outside, the sky darkened, mirroring the murderous intent flickering in his eyes. He picked up his phone and called Marcus, his tone humblepletely at odds with the cold expression on his face. ¡°Marcus, are you home? Listen, I need to talk to you about Huey¡¯s situation. Just you and me. The others are too worked up, but you¡¯re rational. I wanted to speak with you first.¡±

    Marcus hesitated before replying, ¡°Let¡¯s just discuss it tomorrow with everyone. No need for a private conversation.¡±

    He hadn¡¯t forgotten what they¡¯d just talked about¡ªHackett¡¯spany was nothing but a shell now. That man was a master of deception. A wolf in sheep¡¯s clothing. He had even tried to kill Huey today. Meeting him alone was out of the question.

    But Hackett wasn¡¯t about to give up. ¡°Come on, what¡¯s there to be afraid of?¡±

    ¡°Won¡¯t bite. Didn¡¯t you say you wanted your daughter to marry into Huey¡¯s family? You¡¯re looking for a wedding gown for your daughter, right? I have a top-tier designer at my ce tonight. You shoulde check out the designs¡ªhe¡¯s flying overseas tomorrow, so this is your only chance.¡±

    Before Marcus could refuse, Hackett ended the call.

    Marcus was known for spoiling his daughter. Hackett was certain¡ªMarcus woulde.

    When people know each other too well, they also know where to strike. Marcus¡¯ weakness had always been his daughter. So, he went to Hackett¡¯s home as he was told.

    Cont3nt hozt3d at g??l??ovels.??o??

    The following morning, Hackett arrived at the hospital bright and early. With a bright smile, he walked into the ward carrying Huey¡¯s favorite dish and a fresh bouquet.

    ¡°Feeling any better today, Huey? You¡¯re still looking pale! You need proper rest, or your mind will start ying tricks on you,¡± Hackett said, arranging the flowers in a vase before turning to meet Huey¡¯s sharp gaze. His eyes were cold, silent, and unreadable.

    ¡°My head is clear,¡± Huey said, his ghostly pale face fixed on Hackett. ¡°I remember every detail.¡±

    Hackett felt a flicker of murderous intent rise within him. Still, he kept his smile intact. ¡°Is that so? That¡¯s a relief. Huey, you have to set the record straight for me. People are using me unfairly! Can you believe Marcus and the others think I let go of your hand on purpose? It was Cedric¡ªhe shoved my arm; that¡¯s why I couldn¡¯t hold on!¡±

    Hackett grinned, but Huey simply stared back at him. After all these years, Huey realized he might have never truly known Hackett.

    Silence stretched between them. Hackett¡¯s smile slowly faded, reced by a chilling indifference. His fingers brushed against the military knife in his pocket. One stab to the chest¡ªit would all be over. No one would ever know.

    His face nk, Hackett took slow, deliberate steps toward Huey.

    ¡°Hackett, I was just joking!¡± Huey burst intoughter. ¡°Look at your face¡ªyou went pale. How could I ever doubt you? You¡¯re my closest friend! I haveplete faith in you. I¡¯m not a fool; I know who truly has my back. Hackett, I¡¯m sure this was Cedric¡¯s trick, making it seem like he was the one who saved me. I waspletely caught off guard. Cedric¡¯s plotting runs deep! It¡¯s no surprise we can¡¯t stand a chance against him.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1017

    ?Chapter 1017:

    Hackett stayed silent, studying Huey intently.

    Huey patted his chest. ¡°Man, that was terrifying. Bet you were scared too, huh?¡± Hackett didn¡¯t loosen his grip on the knife until Farley and the others burst through the door.

    ¡°We¡¯ve been standing outside for a bit,¡± Farley said with a frown. ¡°Huey, are you sure it was Cedric who tried to hurt you?¡±

    Huey shot Hackett a nce before nodding. ¡°Of course! Hackett would never hurt me. I saw it clearly¡ªit was Cedric who knocked Hackett¡¯s hand away. I was left grasping at thin air. For a second, I thought I was done for.¡±

    Farley¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°If that¡¯s true, we can¡¯t just let it slide. We need to confront Cedric. He tried to kill you.¡±

    Without another word, Farley and the others turned to leave.

    Huey held up a hand. ¡°Let it go. We don¡¯t have the advantage here. We barged into Elite Lux, looking for trouble. Cedric is obsessed with Dani. Of course, he¡¯d protect her.¡±

    Farley clenched his jaw. ¡°Defending her is one thing, but he couldn¡¯t just try to kill you.¡±

    ¡°Hackett, let¡¯s go confront Cedric!¡±

    Farley and the group dragged Hackett along with them.

    Huey sat still, eyes locked on Hackett¡¯s retreating figure, catching the subtle movement as Hackett finally let go of whatever he¡¯d been gripping in his pocket.

    A few people lingered at the hospital entrance, awaiting the arrival of their driver.

    Exclusive updates avable g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    Farley nced around at the group and suddenly asked, ¡°Why isn¡¯t Marcus here today?¡±

    No sooner had he spoken than Hackett¡¯s eyes darted briefly, then he ventured, ¡°Maybe he overslept or something?¡±

    Farley squinted skeptically. ¡°No way. He¡¯s been buried in preparations for his daughter¡¯s wedding. Just yesterday, he mentioned to me that once Huey is discharged from the hospital, they¡¯ll go public with the wedding news uniting their two families.¡±

    Hackett¡¯s eyebrows shot up, taken aback. ¡°Should we swing by Marcus¡¯ ce to check on him then?¡±

    Farley shook his head. ¡°No, he¡¯s probably just swamped. We can visit Cedric without him.¡±

    Hackett waved his hand dismissively. ¡°Come on, Farley. We always tackle these things together.¡±

    Bruno, overhearing the exchange, was perplexed. ¡°Hackett, you usually prefer to take charge and always say Marcus is too rash. What¡¯s with the sudden change today? You¡¯re actually pushing to go get Marcus and even suggesting we stop by his ce? That¡¯s out of character for you.¡±

    Hackett¡¯s face darkened, and he retorted sharply, ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean? Are you all ganging up on me now? Fine! If everything I say is wrong, let¡¯s just go find Cedric and get it over with!¡±

    Just as he finished his tirade, the car rolled up in front of them.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1018

    ?Chapter 1018:

    Farley opened his mouth to reply, but before he could speak, their phones began to ring simultaneously.

    Farley answered his call, and through the speaker poured the distraught sobs of Marcus¡¯ daughter.

    ¡°Farley, hurry. My dad¡¯s dead!¡±

    The words struck them like a thunderbolt, leaving everyone frozen in shock.

    Farley¡¯s voice trembled. ¡°What did you just say?¡±

    ¡°Dad disappearedst night, and this morning they found him dead outside the back door of Dani¡¯s office building!¡±

    Farley¡¯s phone slipped from his hand and crashed to the pavement.

    Hackett eximed, ¡°Dani is the culprit. She murdered Marcus! Do you all believe me now? Dani¡¯s evil! Yesterday, she had Cedric try to take out Huey, and when that failed, she went after Marcus the same night. She¡¯s ruthless. She knew Marcus and Huey were about to strengthen their families with that wedding and got scared of the alliance, so she took him out. Do you get it now? I was serious about protecting Huey yesterday, but Cedric shoved me aside. They¡¯re trying to tear us apart, and if you can¡¯t see that, you¡¯re blind.¡±

    His words, charged with conviction, left Farley and the others dazed. For a moment, they wondered if they had misjudged Hackett all this time.

    Hackett observed their hesitant expressions and smirked coldly.

    Marcus¡¯ death at Dani¡¯spany soon dominated the headlines in Olisvine. Everyone had an opinion about it. However, Dani remained indifferent, convinced that these people were merely tearing each other apart.

    When Alexander entered, Dani was absorbed in thetest news updates on TV. He blurted out without preamble, ¡°Dani, you¡¯ve got to stop this now!¡±

    Dani, taken aback, demanded, ¡°How did you get in here? Where¡¯s Lillian?¡±

    ?????????????? ?????????????? ???? g????????¦Í??????©o?????

    Alexander exined, ¡°There¡¯s a swarm of reporters downstairs at Elite Lux. Lillian¡¯s managing them, and I sneaked up here amidst the chaos.¡±

    Dani¡¯s expression turned icy. ¡°What¡¯s this about?¡± she inquired, scrutinizing Alexander¡¯s face. She had lied to him about his facest time, but today something was seriously wrong with it.

    ¡°Have you noticed your face looks kind of lopsided?¡± she asked.

    Alexander had rushed over in such a panic that he hadn¡¯t bothered to conceal his face. Mortified, he wished he could disappear. ¡°I can handle it,¡± he replied, reaching for a tissue to cover his face. ¡°I came to tell you to stop. You can¡¯t take on Hackett and his crew. Look at¡­¡±

    ¡°Marcus¡¯ death and Huey¡¯s suicide attempt. Someone¡¯s pulling the strings here. Quit now, and I can still vouch for you.¡±

    Dani wasn¡¯t in the mood for a chat. ¡°If that¡¯s all, I¡¯d like you to leave.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s frustration grew. ¡°Why do you always dismiss me? This isn¡¯t just some business war anymore. It¡¯s life or death. Do you think I¡¯d bother saying this if I didn¡¯t care about you? Dani, think it over. I¡¯m not like those yes-men who just nod along. I¡¯m the one who truly has your back. When will you see that?¡±

    By ¡°yes-men,¡± Alexander clearly meant Cedric.

    Dani¡¯s eyes narrowed, her tone sharp and defensive. ¡°Cedric is my husband. Anyone who disparages him is my enemy.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1019

    ?Chapter 1019:

    Alexander¡¯s face fell, a mixture of hurt and disappointment washing over him. ¡°Dani, you still won¡¯t forgive me? It¡¯s been ages. Do you still hold a grudge for how I ignored you back then? I¡¯ve been trying to make amends. Doesn¡¯t that count for something? Haven¡¯t you noticed how hard I¡¯ve been working to set things right? Dani, you know this. No matter who I was with, my heart¡¯s always belonged to you.¡±

    Dani¡¯sughter was cold and scornful. ¡°Oh, really? You care about me? Do you remember you slept with a flight attendant and framed my husband for it? Alexander, your understanding of love is so warped it¡¯s almost pitiable.¡±

    Alexander halted, visibly taken aback. A slow grin spread across his face. ¡°You still care about me.¡±

    Dani¡¯s eyes filled with disbelief.

    Alexander continued. ¡°You¡¯re still keeping tabs on me, aren¡¯t you? Clearly, I haven¡¯t been erased from your heart. How else would you know about the flight attendant? Dani, I swear to you, I¡¯m done with other women. I won¡¯t do anything that bothers you again.¡±

    Dani was utterly shocked. Alexander¡¯s logic defied reason; it waspletely absurd. She was talking about his audacity to me Cedric for his own misdeeds, and yet, it seemed he waspletely oblivious to it.

    Alexander asked, ¡°Dani, you must have seen the efforts I¡¯m putting in to better myself, haven¡¯t you?¡±

    A wave of nausea swept over Dani, her stomach twisting in revolt at his words. Then, without warning, she vomited.

    At that moment, Alexander made a swift move toward her, but Dani, quick as a sh, grabbed a fruit knife from the table, brandishing it defensively.

    ¡°Okay, okay, I¡¯ll keep my distance. I get it, you¡¯re still fuming,¡± Alexander conceded with a smile. ¡°Darling, it won¡¯t happen again. Just calm down, will you?¡±

    ??? ??????? ?? ?????????.???

    Overwhelmed, Dani could bear no more and rushed toward the restroom.

    Alexander, concern etched on his features, followed suit.

    But suddenly, Cedric materialized before him, a storm of fury in his gaze. Without hesitation, Cedric snatched the knife and pressed its cold edge against his throat.

    ¡°Don¡¯t force me to repeat myself. Get out now!¡±

    Alexander cast a worried nce toward the restroom before retreating, his footsteps heavy with reluctance.

    Moments after, Dani emerged, looking ghostly pale. Cedric asked with concern, ¡°Did you consume something spoiled?¡±

    Dani dismissed his concern with a weak wave of her hand and staggered back to the restroom to sumb to another bout of retching.

    A few minutester, Lillian breezed in from the chill outdoors, her eyebrows arching in rm. ¡°What¡¯s going on? You¡¯re feeling this sick?¡±

    Dani waved her hand once more before settling into her chair. She pressed the inte button and addressed Ryan with urgency. ¡°The facial recognition system is outdated. Alexander just strolled right in.¡±

    Lillian stared at Dani, her eyes wide with shock. ¡°Did Alexander really disturb you that much?¡±

    Dani took a moment, her hand resting on her stomach as if to calm it, before looking up. ¡°What¡¯s the current situation downstairs?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1020

    Chapter 1020:

    The yful air around Lillian dissipated instantly, her expression turning somber. ¡°It¡¯s a massacre down there! The back entrance of Elite Lux ispletely soaked in blood. It¡¯s sttered all over the ce. The corpse had been lying there all night, swarmed by flies and mosquitoes. Even the forensic team couldn¡¯t handle it; they were retching left and right. The stench of decay is so overwhelming, it carries for miles. They must have struck the body at least a dozen times. It¡¯s absolutely gruesome.¡±

    Despite feeling nauseous, Dani¡¯s mind remained sharp. ¡°What was used to kill him?¡±

    Lillian responded, ¡°A dinner knife.¡±

    ¡°A dinner knife?¡±

    ¡°Yes, a blunt dinner knife.¡± Lillian rified. ¡°The wounds on the body are jagged; the de wasn¡¯t sharp at all.¡±

    Dani¡¯s brow furrowed as she connected the dots. ¡°A dinner knife suggests it happened during a meal. So, the killer was probably someone he knew.¡±

    At that moment, Ryan appeared at the door. ¡°We¡¯re still piecing it together. Whoever did this knows our surveince setup at Elite Lux like the back of their hand. They managed to drag the body in without appearing on any cameras, stayingpletely hidden in the blind spots.¡±

    Dani¡¯s brow furrowed in frustration.

    Ryan chimed in, ¡°Moreover, every piece of surveince footage of Marcus fromst night has mysteriously disappeared. It¡¯s irretrievable.¡±

    Seizing theputer, Dani began to type, her fingers a blur on the keyboard, while Ryan looked over her shoulder, a mixture of curiosity and concern on his face.

    ¡°It¡¯s clear they¡¯re onto us. They wiped the surveince clean before we even thought to check it. Restoring the footage is beyond even my capabilities. They must have shelled out a hefty sum for such a clean job.¡±

    Keep reading at .c¡ðm

    Dani halted her typing abruptly, staring at the nk screens that once held the surveince data.

    In aposed tone, she suggested, ¡°If the footage offers us nothing, then let¡¯s look into the eight association members. See if any of them have made any major expensestely. Whoever hired the expert likely had a significant payout recently.¡±

    Ryan nodded in agreement. ¡°I¡¯ll dig into their finances. Expect my report by tomorrow.¡±

    With a quick nod, Dani acknowledged his n, and Ryan departed.

    With no further action to take, Lillian exited as well.

    Cedric, concern etching his features, approached Dani. ¡°This isn¡¯t normal. You¡¯ve been vomiting too much. Let¡¯s get you to a doctor today.¡±

    Dani offered a reassuring smile. ¡°The family doctor actually paid a visit while you were downstairs.¡±

    ¡°And? What did he say?¡± Cedric pressed, his anxiety palpable.

    Dani merely pointed to a document resting on the table.

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Have a great weekend dear readers. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. (? ?? ? ¨C ? ) ?

    .

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 1021

    ?Chapter 1021:

    Curious, Cedric moved to inspect it, discovering a pregnancy test lying atop the paper, its two vivid red lines dering new life.

    Even from outside, Lillian could hear Cedric¡¯sughter bursting through the office, loud and full of unfiltered excitement.

    Confusion swept through the employees of Phillips Group like a sudden storm when they received notice of an unexpected three-day break. The calendar showed no holidays or notable events¡ªit was an ordinary week turned extraordinary without exnation. And Cedric was generously handing out five-thousand-dor vouchers for a luxury hotel buffet to every staff member.

    Cedric¡¯s secretary asked, ¡°Lillian, could it be that Mr. Phillips is on the brink of closing down thepany? Are these vouchers just avish parting gift?¡±

    Lillian raised her eyebrows. ¡°Why on earth would you jump to that conclusion?¡±

    The secretary¡¯s shoulders slumped, his face etched with the resignation of a man already envisioning unemployment. ¡°What other exnation fits? Since our boss got romantically involved with your boss, his passion for the business has halved. It feels like he¡¯s gearing up to abandon ship.¡±

    A soft chuckle escaped Lillian. Indeed, the secretary wasn¡¯t entirely off base. She had lost track of how many times she had overheard Cedric nning out loud about retiring to a picturesque spot to focus on their family life with Dani. Dani was always in agreement, supportive as ever. After all, merging their personal fortunes had made them extraordinarily wealthy, capable of affording extravagant whims like owning a small nation. Financial concerns were a thing of the past for them.

    ¡°But seriously, what¡¯s really going on with this break? And these vouchers? Come on, Lillian, you¡¯ve got to shed some light on this, or none of us will be able to enjoy that extravagant buffet.¡±

    Lillian offered a sly grin, leaving him in suspense.

    The secretary remained poised, his curiosity burning fiercely within him, as if he were literally digging his fingers into his scalp in frustration.

    Descending the stairs, he drifted past the break room, where a whimsical tune floated through the air. Intrigued, he peeked inside and came to a stunned halt. Could it really be Cedric? The formidable CEO, whose mere whispers could upheave the market? Was he actually singing?

    Find your favorite stories at

    And not merely humming along, but belting out a kids¡¯ tune?

    The secretary¡¯s features twisted in astonishment. He nearly retreated when Cedric whirled around. With a ss of vibrant orange juice in hand, Cedric¡¯s eyes locked onto his.

    The secretary snapped to rigid attention and eximed with vigor, ¡°Hey, Mr. Phillips!¡±

    With a wave of his hand and an easy smile, Cedric replied, ¡°Hello.¡±

    With his juice in hand, Cedric sauntered away, leaving the secretary petrified and drenched in sweat.

    After enduring countless years in the trenches with Cedric, this was the first glimpse he had caught of Cedric shedding his armor, showing a carefree side reserved only for Dani. And that gentle greeting¡ªwas this really the same Cedric?

    The secretary was absolutely certain he was losing his grip on reality. The situation was downright unsettling.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1022

    ?Chapter 1022:

    For some time, it seemed as though the entire world was in agreement that Cedric had be the kindest soul around.

    Eager to spread the word, Cedric was itching to make an announcement, but Dani firmly ced her hand on his arm, signaling him to keep the news private.

    What was the harm in it?

    The reason was clear: ruthless adversaries were skulking in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

    Therefore, only Ryan, Lillian, Cedric, and Dani knew the secret. In the privacy of their home, Cedric would beam with joy, regrly eximing, ¡°I¡¯m about to be a father! Dani and I are expecting a baby! Can you believe it? I¡¯m going to have a child!¡±

    In the beginning, Ryan and Lillian matched his enthusiasm. To celebrate, they orchestrated a cozy, intimate gathering just for the four of them in their basement. But as the weeks slipped by, the novelty began to fade for Ryan and Lillian, though Cedric¡¯s enthusiasm never waned, as if the revtion were perpetually fresh.

    Ryan and Lillian couldn¡¯t fathom his persistent excitement. It was only a child, wasn¡¯t it? What was the reason for such amotion?

    Cedric would retort with fervent conviction, ¡°Indeed it is!¡±

    Dani cherished watching Cedric radiate such unstoppable joy. Alexander¡¯s presence would have delighted her more if he hadn¡¯t been so persistent in lingering around.

    ¡°Dani, have you made your choice yet? When will you leave him and be with me? I bring much more to the table than Cedric does at the moment. I¡¯m at the helm of themerce association,manding the support of thousands ofpanies that could benefit you.¡±

    Alexander gazed at Dani with unabashed adoration, utterly captivated by her. Just as he inched closer, intent on making his point, Hackett stormed in, nked by his entourage, and headed straight for Dani.

    ?????????? ???? ??????????????: ?????????????????????????

    Stepping protectively in front of her, Alexander shielded Dani with his body. ¡°Stay behind me,¡± he murmured to her. ¡°These men are from the association, and I¡¯ll handle them.¡±

    But before he could borate, Hackett seized Alexander, dragged him aside forcefully, and tossed him out of the way.

    ¡°Dani! Your hands are stained with blood. You¡¯re responsible for Marcus¡¯ death, aren¡¯t you?¡± Hackett used, his eyes burning with a fierce intensity as if he could strike her down on the spot.

    Reeling from Hackett¡¯s furious usation, Alexander stood to one side, shocked. Dani began to step forward, only for someone to grasp her hand and pull her back.

    Dani turned sharply, her senses heightened by the familiar scent of cologne that filled the air.

    Cedric had arrived.

    Stepping forward, he positioned himself protectively in front of Dani. Dani had no fear of this crowd, yet a soft, amused smile still yed on her lips.

    ¡°You¡¯re using my wife of killing Marcus? Got any proof?¡± Cedric¡¯s voice was icy as he gripped Dani¡¯s hand, his sharp gaze fixed on the people before him.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1023

    ?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¡ªDani 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¡ªstill not fully healed¡ªreminded 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?¡±

    L?t??¦Ó §éh?¦Ñ¦Ó?r? ¦Én g¨»l??¦Ïv?l?.§ão??

    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¡ªshe¡¯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.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1024

    ?Chapter 1024:

    Alexander remained still, his eyes fixed on Dani¡¯s fading silhouette. One day, he would shield her from everything and ensure she became the happiest woman alive. And now, he finally had the power to make it happen.

    Hackett and his men stormed back to the hospital. Furious, Hackett¡¯s voice thundered through the hospital halls.

    ¡°That damn Cedric can talk his way out of anything! And Alexander¡ªwhat a backstabber! He¡¯s the president of the association, yet he defended Dani? I told you before, didn¡¯t I? He likes her! Still has feelings for her! There¡¯s no way he¡¯d ever turn against her for us!¡±

    Bruno fumed, frustration clear in his voice. ¡°Dani¡¯s a nightmare to go up against. What¡¯s our next move?¡±

    Farley narrowed his eyes at Hackett, then cast his gaze downward before asking, ¡°Hackett, where were you the night Marcus died?¡±

    The question hit like a p, making everyone freeze¡ªexcept Huey and Farley, who both watched Hackett closely.

    ¡°Me?¡± Hackett¡¯s face twisted in confusion. ¡°I was at home! Wait a damn second! Why are you even asking? You think I had something to do with Marcus¡¯ death, don¡¯t you?¡±

    Hackett practically sprang off his seat. ¡°I was alone the whole damn night! If you don¡¯t believe me, ask my housekeeper. She never lies!¡±

    Farley didn¡¯t say a word.

    Hackett reached for his phone, ready to call home and prove his innocence. Bruno ced a firm hand over Hackett¡¯s. ¡°Rx, man. It was just a joke. You know how Farley is¡ªalways messing around.¡±

    Huey sat motionless on the bed, staring at Hackett¡¯s hardened face. The memory of what had happened on the rooftop reyed in his head like a haunting reel. A chill ran down his spine at the thought.

    Hackett and his men stormed out.

    Not long after, Huey¡¯s phone buzzed with a message from Farley.

    ¡°Huey, after I left your ce that night, Marcus called me to talk about something. I overheard him telling his driver to head to Awesmy Road¡ªthe vi district. And out of all of us, only Hackett lives there. So, logically, I think Marcus went to Hackett¡¯s ce the night he died.¡±

    Normally, that wouldn¡¯t mean much. But Hackett outright denied it, and his reaction was way too extreme. Something wasn¡¯t adding up. The meaning behind Farley¡¯s words couldn¡¯t be more obvious. He thought Hackett had murdered Marcus.

    Huey stared at the message, fear gripping his chest. Sleep was out of the question. Huey was convinced Hackett had lost his mind. He had to protect himself before it was toote. If he didn¡¯t, he¡¯d be next.

    One name shed in his mind¡ªDani!

    If there was anyone on this who could take on Hackett, it was her.

    Without hesitation, Huey yanked out the IV and tossed the covers aside. But the moment his feet hit the cold floor, he froze. Hackett stood at the doorway, watching him. No one knew when he had arrived.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1025

    ?Chapter 1025:

    Huey¡¯s hand trembled, causing his phone to slip from his grip and crash to the floor. He hurriedly scooped it up.

    Hackett entered the room with a smile that didn¡¯t quite reach his eyes. ¡°Huey, where do you think you¡¯re going?¡± he asked, his eyes flicking to the IV drip still steadily dispensing fluid. ¡°In such a rush? Ignoring your own health?¡±

    Hackett¡¯s voice had an undertone of menace, and a glint of something dangerous shed in his eyes. The wind outside mmed the hospital room door shut with a loud thud, making the air inside feel oppressively thin.

    Huey¡¯s body shook uncontrobly at Hackett¡¯s smile. He retreated step by step as Hackett advanced. Eventually, Huey stumbled backward onto the bed. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of Hackett¡¯s hand slipping into his pocket, the outline of a knife handle subtly visible through the fabric.

    Huey¡¯s eyes widened in terror.

    ¡°What¡¯s scaring you, Huey? I¡¯m not here to hurt you,¡± Hackett chuckled, the harsh white light throwing ghostly shadows across his face.

    A vice seemed to tighten around Huey¡¯s heart, squeezing the breath from his lungs.

    ¡°I need to get home. Marcus is gone, and my son is distraught. He just called me in tears. I have to go back,¡± Huey exined hastily.

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Hackett raised an eyebrow.

    Huey nodded.

    Hackett extended his hand towards Huey without blinking. ¡°Let¡¯s see your call log then.¡±

    M0re detailz at g??l??ovels.??????

    With a dry swallow, Huey handed over his phone. The most recent call confirmed his story.

    Hackett returned the phone and pulled up a chair to sit opposite him. ¡°You¡¯ve always been the clever one. We¡¯ve been friends for over a decade. Surely, you know I¡¯ve always looked out for you, right?¡± Huey¡¯s eyes darted with mixed feelings.

    Hackett¡¯s smile widened. ¡°Some secrets are best kept buried. You¡¯re wise enough not to need reminding, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Just as Huey opened his mouth to respond, Hackett cut him off. ¡°We all have families. We must think of them before acting on a whim, right?¡±

    Huey¡¯s eyes shot open in rm. ¡°What are you implying?¡± he blurted.

    ¡°Just a friendly reminder to consider your loved ones before making any rash decisions,¡± Hackett replied. ¡°Now, weren¡¯t you heading home? I¡¯ll apany you.¡±

    Dani headed to the office in the morning. Before she could step inside, someone burst out from across the street.

    Instinctively, she unleashed a swift back kick.

    Cedric, having seen someone dash out, intended to shield Dani. But she resolved the situation so swiftly that he barely registered her movement.

    He stood dumbfounded, not by Huey¡¯s loud cries, but by Dani¡¯s swift kick.

    Cedric gaped at his wife. ¡°You just¡­¡± he stuttered.

    Dani blinked. It had been a reflex; Huey had emerged too suddenly for her to do anything but react.

    Cedric examined Dani from head to toe. ¡°Are you alright?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1026

    ?Chapter 1026:

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Dani replied casually.

    Cedric was utterly astounded. Dani, a delicate woman, had just sent a man flying back with a single kick?

    What in the world was happening?

    Dani caught Cedric¡¯s bewildered look and quickly rified, ¡°In emergencies, the human body can unlock astonishing strength. That¡¯s why they say¡­¡± She lowered her voice so only Cedric could hear. ¡°Motherhood endows a woman with formidable power.¡±

    Cedric appeared enlightened.

    Lillian, nearby, shook her head.

    Cedric¡¯s gullibility seemed to know no bounds; he¡¯d believe any tall tale.

    Just when Lillian thought she couldn¡¯t endure any more, Cedric added, ¡°Then I should have that power too! Fatherhood must endow a man with strength as well! You don¡¯t always have to fend for yourself. I was ready to intervene just now.¡±

    Dani looked at him with trust. ¡°Is that so? Then I¡¯ll count on you.¡±

    Cedricughed, nodding vigorously. ¡°You can always rely on me!¡±

    Huey sat on the ground, struggling to rise, his mouth agape as he watched the couple¡¯s tender exchange.

    ¡°What the hell!? Have you all forgotten I¡¯m lying here?¡± Huey shouted, both irate and in pain. ¡°Dani, I¡¯ve been waiting for you all night!¡±

    Huey couldn¡¯t fathom how a woman like Dani could be so strong. The impact left him feeling dizzy, as if his head was spinning. He struggled to his feet, looking rather pitiful. ¡°Dani, I need to talk to you.¡±

    New content avable now at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    They made their way upstairs.

    Huey sat stiffly in a chair, watching as Cedric fed Dani a piece of cake with a spoon.

    ¡°Are you two finished?¡± he asked, baffled. Weren¡¯t they married for years now? Their affection was reminiscent of a couple still in the honeymoon phase, making Huey feel even more pathetic.

    Dani stepped closer to him. ¡°Go ahead. What is it?¡±

    Just as Huey was about to speak, Ryan walked in, leaned down, and whispered something in Dani¡¯s ear before handing her a tablet.

    Dani wasted no time looking at it. Huey noticed a sh of displeasure in her eyes, but she masked it almost instantly.

    ¡°Go on,¡± Dani said. ¡°What is it?¡±

    Huey replied immediately, ¡°Hackett killed Marcus!¡±

    His eyes locked onto Dani as he spoke, but she didn¡¯t even flinch. Unable to suppress his suspicion, he asked, ¡°You knew about it?¡±

    Dani handed him the tablet. Huey nced down and saw a record of arge sum of money transferred by Hackett.

    Confused, Huey asked, ¡°What does this mean? Did Hackett hire a hitman?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Dani replied. ¡°I checked all the surveince cameras along the route, and they were erased. Hackett¡¯s transfer was sent to a high-level hacker organization abroad.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1027

    ?Chapter 1027:

    Huey quickly understood. ¡°So, Hackett did it!¡±

    Just then, Cedric strolled in with a ss of freshly squeezed juice and nced at Huey before saying, ¡°Do you even need confirmation? The first person he¡¯d want dead is you, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Huey felt a cold sweat drench his back.

    No one knew the truth about that day on the rooftop better than Cedric.

    Huey suddenly dropped to his knees, his voice thick with desperation. ¡°I beg you, Dani! Please, help me! Save my family! Hackett threatened me with my family just yesterday.¡±

    Dani remained silent, her expression unreadable.

    Huey quickly added, ¡°I know why you¡¯re after us. You must have found out the truth about what happened back then. But please, give me a chance. I can help you take them down!¡±

    Dani let out a soft chuckle. ¡°You think I need your help dealing with them?¡± It was easy for her. That was just the truth.

    Huey trembled with anxiety. He pulled out his phone and called his driver, instructing him to bring something up.

    At first, Lillian and the others assumed it was a gift or a check. But to their shock, it was a child!

    The rosy-cheeked little one smiled at Dani before rushing into her arms.

    ¡°This is my youngest granddaughter. Though she¡¯s only five years old, she¡¯s bright and obedient. I¡¯ll take responsibility for what I did, but my family is innocent. If not for me, then for this child. Please save my family. I know you have power and influence. To you, mypany or money means nothing. But I beg you, think of it as a blessing for your unborn child. Please?¡±

    Cedric¡¯s nk expression shattered in an instant, his eyes darkening with a fierce, murderous edge. ¡°Who told you that my wife is pregnant?¡±

    Fresh updates avable at ?@ln¦Ò¦Íe?s

    Huey quickly exined. ¡°It was an ident! I saw her test results at the hospital. But I swear, I haven¡¯t told anyone! Whether you help me or not, I¡¯d never expose your wife¡¯s pregnancy. You saved me on that rooftop that day.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s expression softened slightly.

    Huey continued, ¡°I beg you. Punish me however you want, but please, save my family. Hackett is out of control. If he dared to kill Marcus, what wouldn¡¯t he do?¡±

    When someone reaches the end of their rope, there¡¯s no line they wouldn¡¯t cross. They would stop at nothing.

    Huey could ept his own death, but he had to protect his family.

    Dani, of course, didn¡¯t need his help to deal with the rest of them. Wiping them out would be effortless. But his words lingered in her mind. ¡°Think of it as a blessing for your unborn child.¡±

    uey pleaded, ¡°I know we¡¯re the reason you lost your mother at a young age. But look at the child in your arms. Doesn¡¯t she remind you of yourself as a child? She¡¯s so adorable. You wouldn¡¯t want her to grow up without a mother, just like you did, would you?¡±

    Huey took a deep breath. ¡°And you wouldn¡¯t want her to lose the chance to grow up at all, would you? If you help my family, it¡¯ll be a good deed. And that kindness wille back to you. Your child will live a long, safe, and healthy life.¡± Huey¡¯s desperation was palpable.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1028

    ?Chapter 1028:

    Dani remained silent for a long moment before finally saying, ¡°Alright. But once this is over, you have to turn yourself in.¡±

    Huey nodded without hesitation.

    Dani wasted no time calling thepany¡¯s legal team and instructed Huey to write a full confession, detailing everything that happened that year. Then, she summoned her bodyguards and instructed them to watch over Huey¡¯s family.

    As Huey stood to leave, he turned to Dani and bowed several times. ¡°Thank you! Thank you for giving me this chance. I regret everything I did to your mother. I¡¯ll spend the rest of my life atoning for it.¡±

    Huey left, carrying the child in his arms. Across the street, someone watched the scene with a sinister gaze.

    Huey had no clue what Dani was nning. Not wanting to alert the wrong people, he made his way back to the hospital. Before he left, he spotted security guards stationed around his house. It reassured him and made him even more grateful to Dani. She was just like her mother¡ªkind and unwaveringly reliable.

    Back at the hospital, Huey called over the other members of the association. Gone was his earlier timid attitude. Now, he carried himself withmanding confidence.

    ¡°Marcus is dead. What¡¯s your take on it?¡±

    Hackett strolled inst, just in time to hear Huey¡¯s words. He narrowed his eyes, confused by Huey¡¯s shift from a jittery wreck to someone radiating boldness. He hung back, silently studying Huey.

    Bruno spoke up first. ¡°Cedric had a damn good point the other day¡ªDani had no reason to kill Marcus.¡±

    Tripp nodded. ¡°Exactly. Dani already won this whole corporate war. What would she gain from taking out Marcus? Besides, she¡¯s got the same fire as her mom¡ªshe¡¯s too sharp for low-level moves like that.¡± Farley nodded in agreement. ¡°Couldn¡¯t have said it better.¡±

    G aln ove ls . has stories you¡¯ll love

    Huey met Hackett¡¯s lingering gaze and held it. ¡°What about you, Hackett? Any theories on how Marcus ended up dead?¡±

    Hackett barely flinched. Drowning in debt, he had no energy to care about this mess. Marcus¡¯ death didn¡¯t put a dent in Dani¡¯s world, and he had no interest in the conversation.

    ¡°No idea,¡± Hackett muttered, dragging a chair over and slumping into it.

    Huey nced at him, his voice casual but pointed. ¡°Then who do you think did it? Someone lured Marcus outte at night. And he wasn¡¯t the type to leave his ce for just anyone.¡±

    As Huey spoke, he and Farley exchanged a knowing nce.

    Hackett caught the nce, his expression darkening. ¡°Listen, it wasn¡¯t me, alright? I¡¯ve got bigger problems. Talk all you want, but leave me out of these pointless meetings. He¡¯s dead. End of story. I¡¯m not wasting another damn second on this.¡±

    Once Hackett was out of earshot, Huey leaned back and said coolly, ¡°Wasn¡¯t Hackett all worked up about this just a few days ago? Why the sudden cold shoulder?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1029

    ?Chapter 1029:

    Farley smirked. ¡°You were stuck in the hospital, so you missed the show. Hackett swept in and took over every single one of Marcus¡¯panies¡ªleft his family with nothing. Cold-blooded.¡±

    Huey scanned the group, noting their furrowed brows, then casually dropped a bombshell. ¡°Crazy, isn¡¯t it? Decades of friendship, and Hackett still went this low. You think you know someone, but you never really do. If I¡¯d fallen off that building, you can bet my fortune would be long gone. Hackett? He¡¯s a loaded gun with no safety.¡±

    The group¡¯s frowns deepened.

    ¡°That was low, even for Hackett,¡± Bruno muttered, his voice like ice.

    Farley jumped in. ¡°Exactly! It¡¯s one thing if an outsider takes over, but one of us? Like some rabid dog? That¡¯s just disgusting.¡±

    Huey sighed, rubbing his temples. ¡°d we¡¯re on the same page. Hackett talks smooth, but behind the scenes? Who knows how ruthless he really is? If I¡¯d seen thising, I never would¡¯ve dealt with Brylee. Dealing with Hackett just feels dirty.¡±

    ¡°Hey, isn¡¯t there a new president of the association now? Maybe we should push Alexander to kick Hackett out. What do you guys think?¡± The group hesitated, old loyalties shing with cold reality.

    Huey shrugged. ¡°I¡¯m done with Hackett. The day I nearly fell? If Cedric hadn¡¯t grabbed me, I¡¯d be a smear on the pavement. Trust Hackett again? Might as well write my own death sentence.¡±

    They gawked at Huey. ¡°Wait, you said Cedric was the one who nearly got you killed that day.¡±

    ¡°I was scared out of my mind,¡± Huey admitted. ¡°Hackett looked ready to kill. I was weak, defenseless. If he¡¯d made a move, I was done. And my family? Cross Hackett, and we¡¯re all finished. You really think I want to end up like Marcus?¡±

    The group was stunned.

    Your escape begins with g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?????m

    As they filed out, the decision was unanimous¡ªAlexander had to get rid of Hackett, and fast.

    Once the others left, Farley came back.

    He narrowed his eyes at Huey, who was sprawled on the bed, peeling an orange. ¡°You¡¯re way too rxed. A few days ago, you looked like you¡¯d seen a ghost. And you said your family had no one watching their back. Now you¡¯re spilling your guts like you¡¯ve got nothing to lose. What changed? Someone¡¯s protecting your family, aren¡¯t they?¡±

    Huey simply kept eating his orange, unbothered.

    Farley leaned in, his gaze sharp. ¡°Dani is the one protecting you and your family, isn¡¯t she?¡±

    Huey remained silent, neither confirming nor denying.

    Farley broke the silence. ¡°Dani¡¯s not someone you can sway with sweet talk. She¡¯s got more money than she knows what to do with, and let¡¯s not forget¡ªwe¡¯re the reason her mom¡¯s gone. You really think she¡¯ll just turn the other cheek?¡±

    As he turned to leave, Farley tossed Huey a final warning. ¡°Watch yourself. Don¡¯t let her y you.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1030

    ?Chapter 1030:

    But Huey wasn¡¯t buying it. Dani wasn¡¯t the type to deceive him. She was on the brink of motherhood, and when he saw the tenderness in her eyes as she gazed at his granddaughter, he knew he could trust her. Dani wasn¡¯t after revenge. She wanted justice. The justice that had been swept under the rug for two decades.

    Alexander wasted no time¡ªHackett was officially out of themerce association. With that done, he set out to find Dani. But getting to her wasn¡¯t easy. Elite Lux was locked down, and Dani had made sure he had no way in. He waited, lurking until she finally stepped out for her usual walk. The moment he saw her, he moved in.

    ¡°Dani, I¡¯ve been waiting for ages. Why are you shutting me out?¡±

    Dani¡¯s lips thinned, irritation flickering in her gaze. ¡°What do you want?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve kicked Hackett out of the association,¡± Alexander said, as if expecting praise.

    She didn¡¯t react. Huey had already given her the rundown over the phone. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not stopping with Hackett. I¡¯ll wipe out the rest of them, bring in new blood, and take charge myself. Everything I¡¯m doing is for you.¡±

    If Huey hadn¡¯t tipped her off that the others wanted Hackett gone out of fear¡ªsuspecting him in Marcus¡¯ death¡ªDani might have actually bought into Alexander¡¯s act.

    ¡°Dani, everything I¡¯ve done, it¡¯s so I can stand beside you the right way. Can¡¯t you see how much I care? Doesn¡¯t that count for something?¡±

    Dani didn¡¯t feel ttered¡ªshe felt sick. Alexander saw her face pale and moved to steady her, but Cedric was faster. Without hesitation, he kicked Alexander back.

    ¡°You alright?¡± Cedric¡¯s voice was thick with concern.

    Dani shook off the moment and turned away. Cedric caught her arm gently and shot Alexander a deadly re. ¡°Stay away. That¡¯s your only warning.¡±

    Nuevos cap¨ªtulos en g?ln¦Òv?ls

    In seconds, Elite Lux security closed in, ensuring Alexander didn¡¯t take another step. Dani gestured toward the building. ¡°Let¡¯s go back,¡± she told Cedric. Her pregnancy symptoms weren¡¯t too bad¡ªuntil Alexander showed up. Then, like clockwork, nausea hit.

    After a moment, she muttered to Cedric, ¡°I don¡¯t know what cologne he¡¯s wearing, but every time he¡¯s near, my stomach flips.¡±

    Cedric had already figured it out¡ªAlexander was trying to find the right perfume to mimic him. From the entrance, Alexander watched. He couldn¡¯t hear what they were saying, but he saw Dani gagging and Cedric hovering protectively. They¡¯d been married for a while now, but suddenly, Cedric was acting all nervous.

    Alexander¡¯s eyes narrowed, drifting to Dani¡¯s stomach. Still t.

    Turning on his heel, he pulled out his phone and fired off a message to the association¡¯s group chat. ¡°I want you to find out if Dani is pregnant.¡±

    The association had people everywhere¡ªhospitals, clinics, ces with ess to records most people couldn¡¯t touch. Finding pregnancy records? That was easy work.

    Huey took a quick screenshot of Alexander¡¯s message and sent it over to Dani. Just to be sure, he followed up with a call. Dani was at her desk, fingers tapping steadily on her keyboard.

    It didn¡¯t take long for a reply toe through. ¡°We checked the national database¡ªno blood test records for Dani. She¡¯s probably not pregnant.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1031

    ?Chapter 1031:

    Alexander¡¯s face darkened.

    Maybe she had gone to some exclusive, off-the-books clinic, but even those were tied into the national database. Was she really not pregnant, then?

    But that pale, sickly look from earlier nagged at him, nting seeds of doubt.

    His gaze lifted to the towering Elite Lux building. One way or another, he¡¯d get his answer.

    He dialed the association¡¯s secretary. ¡°Your sister works as a cleaningdy at Elite Lux, doesn¡¯t she? Have her meet me downstairs in an hour. I need her to slip something to Dani.¡±

    Dani always had a fondness for a specific type of liquor-filled choctes, a rare find from abroad. She would often marvel at their decadent taste and the unique vor that set them apart.

    Recently, Alexander had managed to acquire some. He had asked the cleaningdy to deliver them to Dani¡¯s office.

    ¡°Do I just leave this box on the CEO¡¯s desk? Just choctes, nothing more, right?¡±

    Alexander offered a confident nod. ¡°Absolutely. I hold your CEO in high esteem, and I know she appreciates these choctes. Would you mind handing them to her?¡± He handed the cleaningdy one hundred thousand dors.

    The cleaningdy epted the choctes and departed.

    Later, as she was tidying up the office, she ced the box on Dani¡¯s desk. Dani, just out of a meeting, noticed the sophisticated packaging of the choctes. She used to chase after this exact brand whenever she got the chance. She paused, her eyes lighting up as she saw the cleaningdy smiling broadly at her.

    ¡°Ms. Harper, a rtive of mine brought these back from overseas. Remembering your fondness for them, I thought I¡¯d bring you a box. Try them and see if they rekindle those cherished vors you adore.¡±

    ?????????? ???????????????? ???? g??????ov?????.???? m

    Indeed, they were Dani¡¯s most cherished vor.

    As much as she wanted to indulge, she knew she couldn¡¯t now that she was expecting.

    ¡°Thank you, these are precisely the type I relish. I usually enjoy them after dinner. Thanks for the thoughtful gift.¡±

    The cleaningdy offered a smile in return before she resumed her duties, pushing her cart down the hallway.

    Momentster, Lillian entered the room briskly, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the choctes. Without a second thought, she snatched one and tossed it into her mouth.

    ¡°Dani, aren¡¯t you supposed to avoid these right now? What prompted this indulgence?¡±

    Engrossed in a mound of documents, Dani responded without looking up, ¡°Oh, they were a kind offering from the cleaningdy.¡±

    ¡°The cleaningdy?¡± Lillian paused, her eyebrows knitting together in surprise. ¡°When did she start gifting choctes as extravagant as these?¡±

    Dani paused, her pen hovering above the paper. She lifted her eyes to meet Lillian¡¯s, a trace of confusion flickering across her face.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1032

    ?Chapter 1032:

    ¡°This box costs what she earns in a year. Could she afford something thisvish?¡± Lillian pressed, her voiceced with skepticism.

    ¡°It was a gift from one of her rtives,¡± Dani rified.

    Lillian cocked her head, her skepticism deepening. ¡°What kind of rtive would give such an expensive gift?¡±

    Reluctant to make assumptions, Dani¡¯s expression grew thoughtful, mirroring Lillian¡¯s concern.

    ¡°Dive into it. Verify whether this rtive truly gave her the choctes. If so, arrange for the expense to be covered by her,¡± Lillian instructed, nodding in acknowledgment before exiting the room.

    However, she paused at the doorway, turning to add, ¡°If someone else passed them to her, the rumors of your pregnancy might be circting. Be cautious.¡±

    After leaving Dani¡¯s office, the cleaningdy crossed the street from the luxurious Elite Lux building. There, obscured by a mask, stood Alexander.

    ¡°Has she consumed them?¡± he asked curtly.

    ¡°Yes, she mentioned they were her favorite vor. She expressed her gratitude,¡± the cleaningdy replied.

    Silently, Alexander handed her another one hundred thousand dors and departed without another word.

    With a sly smile, the cleaningdy pocketed the money.

    Dani had nned to enjoy the choctes after dinner, which made the cleaningdy believe her im of them being consumed wasn¡¯t entirely deceptive.

    Your next tale lives on g ? ln¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s,

    She returned to her duties with a smile.

    Meanwhile, Alexander sat in his car, his gaze detached and frosty.

    He was deeply unsettled. The thought of Dani bearing Cedric¡¯s child troubled him immensely. If that happened, she would never be able to part ways with Cedric.

    He knew Dani well. gued by an unstable childhood, she longed for a steady life. The prospect of a child would bind her to Cedric forever, regardless of her waning affections. She would endure any difort to create the stable family unit she had always desired.

    And where did that leave him in her life?

    He had to act quickly.

    Alexander found Hackett, who was visibly seething with rage.

    ¡°Alexander, do you even realize the audacity of your actions? You¡¯ve managed to exile me from the association! Have you forgotten how eagerly you groveled at my feet for a chance when you first started?¡±

    Alexander¡¯s gaze was piercing, unwavering. ¡°I had no part in your expulsion. The others lost faith in you. But if you can devise a strategy that benefits the association, perhaps they¡¯ll reconsider your removal.¡±

    Hackett barked a scornfulugh. ¡°You, of all people, offering me help? How absurd.¡±

    Unperturbed, Alexander leaned back slightly, his expressionposed. ¡°Hackett, it¡¯s clear you¡¯re intent on undermining Dani. Have you discovered her weakness yet?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1033

    ?Chapter 1033:

    Hackett¡¯s smirk turned into a grimace of contempt. ¡°Dani? Even with her wealth, she¡¯s vulnerable?¡±

    ¡°Everyone has a weakness,¡± Alexander countered, his tone cold and deliberate.

    Hackett fixed his intense gaze on Alexander. ¡°Why are you revealing this now? Haven¡¯t you always been Dani¡¯s defender? What has changed that you¡¯re aiding me today?¡±

    Alexander¡¯s eyes drifted towards the window, watching the steady drizzle of rain.

    He used to think there was plenty of time. He had harbored dreams that Dani would eventually recognize his devotion, that she would see the lengths he went to win back her affection.

    However, a harsh realization struck him¡ªhis efforts were in vain. Dani continued to move forward in her life, her bond with Cedric growing stronger, so perfectly attuned it seemed as though they were meant for each other for a lifetime.

    She remained oblivious to his yearnings.

    Frustration gnawed at him. What more could he try?

    Desperation clouded his thoughts.

    He resolved that if he couldn¡¯t elevate himself to her level, he would have to pull her down to his. Perhaps then, she would notice him, recognizing the lengths he was willing to go, even risking his own life for just a moment of her attention.

    Alexander, however, kept these thoughts concealed from Hackett.

    I@?e$t ¡é§ß@???§ñ$ ?¦Ç ???§Ú?v¦Å??.c?m

    In a frigid tone, he dered, ¡°You don¡¯t really have a choice, do you?¡±

    Hackett¡¯s eyes met Alexander¡¯s, and there he saw a chilling, lethal resolve. Reluctantly, he conceded, ¡°Fine, let¡¯s hear it.¡±

    He was indeed cornered; hispany teetered on the brink of financial copse.

    Alexander leaned in, his voice low. ¡°Dani is strong, yet she harbors a profound fear that none of you have noticed. Once you grasp this fear, she¡¯s within your control.¡±

    A spark of hope flickered in Hackett¡¯s eyes. ¡°And what terrifies her?¡±

    Alexander smirked and said, ¡°She has a fear of heights.¡±

    The revtion linked back to a haunting memory¡ªDani was only five when she witnessed her mother leap from a building. The horror of that moment had deeply ingrained itself in her, leaving her vehemently averse to heights. Despite the decade she spent harboring feelings for him, she had never managed to ovee this deep-seated phobia.

    Many people never manage to break through such psychological barriers in their entire lives.

    Hearing this, Hackett smacked his forehead in realization. ¡°I should have seen iting! Remember when Huey leapt from the building? I couldn¡¯t figure out why Dani stayed inside the entire time. It wasn¡¯t until Cedric safely pulled Huey back that she dashed outside, only to hurry back in once Cedric was out of danger!¡±

    Alexander responded, ¡°By exploiting Dani¡¯s vulnerability, you could tarnish Elite Lux¡¯s public image. With their sales in decline, yourpany will thrive, and you could even secure the presidency of the association.¡± At Alexander¡¯s suggestion, Hackett¡¯s eyes gleamed with anticipation.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1034

    ?Chapter 1034:

    ¡°I¡¯ll support you in this endeavor, but on one condition,¡± Alexander added.

    Hackett, ever the shrewd businessman, narrowed his eyes. ¡°What¡¯s the condition?¡±

    ¡°Kill Cedric! I intend to be the only Cedric left. Once he¡¯s gone, Dani will be devastated. Use that moment to strike at Elite Lux. I¡¯ll swoop in as the savior, whisk Dani away overseas, and leave the domestic market in your hands.¡±

    Hackett fell silent, absorbing the gravity of the proposal.

    ¡°Lacking the nerve?¡± Alexander pressed, his tone sharp.

    ¡°Not at all,¡± Hackett countered. ¡°It¡¯s just that Cedric is well-guarded by highly skilled bodyguards. They could pose a significant challenge.¡±

    Alexander¡¯s gaze drifted away, his voice cold. ¡°That sounds like your problem. All I care about is seeing Cedric gone. If not, I¡¯ll find another partner.¡±

    ¡°No, wait! I¡¯ll figure something out.¡±

    Hackett wouldn¡¯t be foolish enough to kill Cedric himself. Instead, he convened the major members of the association, excluding only Alexander.

    ¡°Let¡¯s consider imposing another wave ofmercial sanctions against Cedric,¡± Hackett rallied the others passionately. ¡°We must seek retribution for Marcus¡¯ death!¡±

    Bruno narrowed his eyes, his gaze piercing. ¡°Cedric¡¯s bold enough to murder Marcus! We cannot allow him to trample over us without consequences!¡±

    Tripp, nodding emphatically, chimed in, ¡°Enduring his provocations will only embolden Dani! Since mercy is off the table, striking first seems our only option.¡±

    Amidst the murmurs, Farley¡¯s silence broke as he balled his hands into fists, inspired by Tripp¡¯s words. ¡°Then let¡¯s band together! No retreating, no surrender!¡± The room buzzed with a unified readiness for action.

    ?????????????? ??????????????: g??????¦Í????????????

    However, Huey, with a serene countenance, voiced his dissent. ¡°I must disagree.¡±

    Hackett¡¯s emerging smile faded abruptly. ¡°Huey, what are you implying? Has fear taken hold of you?¡±

    Bruno, perplexed, turned to Huey. ¡°Did the recent ordeal frighten you that much? What is there to fear when death is our shared destiny? Dani seeks vengeance for her mother¡¯s death. She¡¯de after us regardless.¡±

    Leaning back with an air of calm defiance, Huey replied, ¡°True, deathes for us all. However, I refuse to meet it senselessly.¡±

    At this, Hackett¡¯s frustration boiled over. ¡°Huey, borate! What do you mean?¡± Huey stood defiant, his demeanor unshaken by Hackett¡¯s intimidating aura. ¡°Until the truth about Marcus¡¯ demise surfaces, my stance against Elite Lux remains unchanged.¡±

    This bold statement plunged the room into an oppressive silence.

    Huey¡¯s stare bored into Hackett, a scornful smirk ying at the corners of his mouth. ¡°I am nobody¡¯s pawn, to be discarded in their personal vendettas.¡± The room gasped, taken aback by the tension.

    Hackett alone seethed with anger, his hand thundering against the table. ¡°Huey, are you insinuating something sinister? Do you dare use me of murdering Marcus?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1035

    ?Chapter 1035:

    Huey¡¯s response was a chillingugh, filled with defiance.

    Driven to fury, Hackett yelled, ¡°Huey, do you not fear the sting of your own conscience? using me of such a heinous act? After all my sacrifices for the association, you repay me with baseless nder? Show me your proof! How could you cast such aspersions?¡±

    Emotion choked Hackett¡¯s words, his eyes swelling with a mix of rage and sorrow.

    The others around them scrambled to quell the brewing storm, urging peace between the two enraged men.

    Farley attempted to mediate, his voiceced with reason. ¡°Huey, please, Hackett has only ever nned for our collective benefit. Temper your fury.¡±

    ¡°Temper my fury?¡± Huey¡¯s retort was incredulous, his voice rising in protest. ¡°How can I temper my fury when I was inches from death on that rooftop?¡± Silence once again fell like a heavy nket over the room.

    Every pair of eyes turned to Huey, their expressions a mixture of shock and incredulity.

    Farley¡¯s eyes widened, a mix of disbelief and fear clouding his features. ¡°Huey, what are you implying?¡±

    Bruno chimed in, ¡°Huey, you really shouldn¡¯t say things that could fracture our unity.¡±

    Huey rose, his stance bold and unyielding. With Dani¡¯s formidable support behind him, he had nothing to fear.

    He mmed his hand down hard on the table, making everyone jump. ¡°What am I implying? Isn¡¯t it ringly obvious? Reflect on it. Why didn¡¯t the fire department show up that day? And why was it Cedric who ultimately held me back? Isn¡¯t the truth apparent?¡±

    Hackett retorted, ¡°I told you, it was Cedric who shoved me aside.¡±

    ?????????? ???????? ???????????????? ???? g???????¦Í?????????????

    Huey sneered dismissively. ¡°What absurdity are you spouting? I was right there. You might deceive the others, but you can¡¯t fool me. Hackett, you plotted my demise at Elite Lux to avoid Dani¡¯s economic retaliation against you. You aimed for my death!¡±

    His usation reverberated through the room, sending a shiver down everyone¡¯s spine and ushering in a profound silence once again.

    ¡°You¡¯re spouting nonsense!¡± Hackett snapped.

    Huey¡¯s voice was cold as he abruptly kicked the chair beside him. ¡°You know the truth deep down. Let me make this clear: until Marcus¡¯ real murderer is uncovered, I won¡¯t go against Dani. I urge you not to be unwitting pawns in someone else¡¯s game.¡±

    With those final words, Huey stormed out, not once ncing back.

    Murderous fury simmered in Hackett¡¯s eyes as he fought to keep hisposure. After a tense moment, he adopted an expression of distress and turned to the others, pleading, ¡°I swear, I¡¯m innocent. I can¡¯t fathom why Huey suspects me. Perhaps Cedric has clouded his judgment.¡±

    Farley¡¯s brow creased in thought as he mulled over Huey¡¯s parting words. ¡°I need to reconsider everything. Excuse me,¡± he said, making his exit. The others dispersed, leaving Bruno alone with Hackett.

    ¡°Hackett, I trust you. You¡¯ve always been there for us. Why would you betray us?¡± Bruno asked, his voice filled with confusion.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1036

    ?Chapter 1036:

    A tear trickled down Hackett¡¯s cheek as he clutched at a flicker of hope. ¡°It has to be Dani¡¯s influence over him. It must be!¡±

    Bruno nodded, his loyalty unwavering. ¡°I¡¯ll confront Dani myself! Hackett, I¡¯ll right this wrong on your behalf!¡±

    Energized by resolve, Bruno set off that afternoon to confront Dani. That evening, Bruno¡¯spany was bought out for a mere dor, sending him spiraling into despair and eventually a psychiatric ward. The following day, Tripp¡¯spany suffered the same fate.

    Terrified, Farley sought out Huey. ¡°What deal did you strike with Dani? I¡¯ll do anything to protect mypany and family.¡±

    Huey took out a confession from his drawer.

    Farley gazed at the written confession in disbelief. ¡°You¡¯ve confessed?¡±

    Huey, typically the epitome of lightheartedness, now bore a grave look. ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve confessed.¡±

    ¡°Do you grasp the gravity of what you¡¯ve done?¡±

    With a nod, Huey replied, ¡°Absolutely, but you said it yourself, didn¡¯t you? To safeguard yourpany and family, you¡¯d go to any length. Moreover, we were at fault, right?¡±

    A tumult of emotions danced across Farley¡¯s eyes as hepsed into silence again, wrestling with his thoughts.

    Eventually, Farley¡¯s voice, thick with emotion, broke the silence. ¡°But I don¡¯t want to dredge up the past. Brylee has been gone for years.¡±

    Huey, shaking his head, cradled his granddaughter closer. ¡°For us, it may be history since we benefited. But for Dani, the past still lingers. She¡¯s trapped in the moment her mother died, her eyes filled with usation, branding us murderers. All she seeks is justice.¡±

    ???????? ?????????????? ???? ??????????????????.??????

    Gently caressing his granddaughter¡¯s hair, Huey added, ¡°I¡¯vee to greatly respect her bravery. Her mother would have been profoundly touched to witness her relentless pursuit of justice after all these years. I aspire to be someone who inspires others. I want the kids in my family to grow up respecting their grandfather, not seeing him as a coward.¡±

    Farleypsed into silence, lost in his thoughts. After a heavy pause, he resolved himself and whispered to Huey, ¡°If I confess everything to Dani and face the consequences, will she forgive me?¡±

    Huey gave a reassuring nod. ¡°Absolutely. Dani is fair. Farley, blindly following Hackett will lead you nowhere but a dead end.¡±

    Farley pursed his lips, then nodded resolutely. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll go and see Dani.¡± Huey gently set his granddaughter down. ¡°I¡¯ll apany you.¡±

    Just as they were about to step out, Huey abruptly halted, realizing he had forgotten his coat, so he asked Farley to wait outside.

    But just as he turned, a ck car parked across the street erupted in a violent explosion.

    Farley, who had just stepped in, was engulfed in the st.

    Huey stood rooted to the spot, his mind reeling from the shock, unable to move for what felt like an eternity. Finally, he managed to pull out his phone and dialed Dani, his voice quaking. ¡°Hackett has struck!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1037

    ?Chapter 1037:

    As Dani stepped onto the scene, thick plumes of ck smoke billowed from the wreckage of the exploded car. ¡°It had to be Hackett!¡± Huey said firmly.

    Dani, her face set against the biting wind, addressed Huey with determination. ¡°Surrender to the authorities. You¡¯ll be safer in jail. I¡¯ll ensure your family is safe abroad, and once this chaos subsides, they¡¯ll return.¡±

    Huey, his expression resolute, nodded in agreement. ¡°I was thinking along the same lines. Please, send 100k after them.¡±

    He bid his family farewell and turned himself in.

    On that very day, his family was safely aboard a private jet, bound for foreign shores. Meanwhile, Hackett¡¯s association crumbled, leaving him utterly alone.

    Driven by Dani¡¯s relentless efforts, Perry Group fell under financial strain and dered bankruptcy. Encircled by debt collectors, Hackett made a desperate leap from a high-rise, ending his torment. Dani arrived at the scene the day of his demise.

    Rain cascaded around her as she stood, her gaze cold and unwavering, observing the fallen man. Twenty years prior, her mother hadin simrly still, a quiet figure on the cold ground. Now, the architect of her despair had met his own grim fate, plummeting from a towering height¡ªa direct consequence of his nefarious deeds.

    Winslow was taken aback when Dani appeared unexpectedly.

    ¡°Ms. Harper, it¡¯s been quite some time.¡± Winslow greeted her with a warm smile, eyes twinkling. ¡°I¡¯ve caught wind of thetest happenings. You¡¯re truly formidable, dismantling such a mighty association with apparent ease.¡± Dani settled into the chair across from him, her eyes sharp and piercing.

    Winslow, attempting to lighten the mood, leaned in to pour her a cup of coffee. ¡°So, what¡¯s the asion for this unexpected pleasure?¡±

    Dani¡¯s smile was thin and calcting. ¡°I¡¯m sure you can guess the real reason behind my visit.¡±

    g???????¦Í??????.????n ¨C ???????? ???????????????? ????

    At that moment, Winslow¡¯s hand wavered, his voice faltering. ¡°I must admit, I¡¯m at a loss.¡±

    Dani¡¯s smile was radiant yet haunting, sending shivers down Winslow¡¯s spine. She reached into her pocket, pulled out a cufflink, and set it down on the table with a soft clink.

    Winslow paled, his face losing all color.

    ¡°This cufflink was in my mother¡¯s grasp when she passed. You always had a taste for this brand¡¯s exquisite designs,¡± Dani¡¯s voice was calm but firm. ¡°Should I take action, or will you handle it yourself? If I act, yourpany will be uprooted. If you turn yourself in, you can leave something for your family. I¡¯ll give you a day to make a choice.¡±

    With that, Dani stood up from her seat.

    That day, Winslow turned himself in.

    When the truth about Brylee¡¯s murder came to light, it sent shockwaves through everyone. Compassion flowed for Brylee, while resentment surged against the association.

    Dani, cloaked in mourning ck, made her solitary way to Brylee¡¯s grave.

    ¡°Mom, justice has been served on those who wronged you. Have you seen? Your son-inw¡¯s name is Cedric Phillips. I hesitated to introduce him earlier, fearing our marriage might crumble under the strain of these troubles. Should the opportunity arise, I¡¯ll bring him by to meet you.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1038

    ?Chapter 1038:

    She paused, gathering her thoughts, then added, ¡°I¡¯m also carrying a child. We don¡¯t know yet if it¡¯s a boy or a girl, but Cedric is overjoyed. I believe you would have been ecstatic too, delighting in the chance to dote on your grandchild. It¡¯s truly a shame. Mom, I promise to lead a good life. You don¡¯t need to worry about me anymore.¡±

    As dusk embraced the sky, a vibrant red hue bled across the horizon. With a gentle smile, Daniid down a bouquet of flowers, whispering, ¡°Mom, I¡¯lle see you again soon.¡±

    On the same day, Elite Lux¡¯s and Phillips Group¡¯s websites announced Dani¡¯s pregnancy. Tomemorate this joyous news, Elite Lux shed prices on all luxury items by fifty percent, igniting a thrilling shopping spree!

    Meanwhile, a figure red at the Elite Lux building, fists clenched in silent fury.

    ¡°Dani!¡± Alexander stormed into the Elite Lux building, his chest heaving, emotions running high. Tears streamed down his face, unchecked, as though he had been dealt the deepest betrayal. ¡°Are you pregnant?¡±

    His gaze locked onto Dani, his eyes dark and searching. ¡°You¡¯re carrying Cedric¡¯s child?¡±

    Dani nced around; it was already the early hours of the morning. Cedric was away on a business trip. She hadn¡¯t seen the point in going home, so she stayed behind, nning to spend the night at the office.

    The difort of her pregnancy had driven her upstairs for some fresh air.

    She never expected Alexander to barge in like this.

    ¡°How did you get up here?¡± she asked.

    ???????????? ?????????????? @ ?????????¦Í?????????????

    Alexander¡¯s heart twisted, as if an unseen force had reached inside him and crushed it. His voice dropped, thick with grief. ¡°Does it matter? Dani, I just need to know¡ª is it true?¡±

    His gaze fell to her t stomach. ¡°Tell me you¡¯re lying. Say you¡¯re just trying to get back at me. You¡¯re not actually pregnant!¡±

    How could the girl who had loved him for ten years be carrying another man¡¯s child?

    shes of the past blurred his vision.

    Dani had stood before him, confessing her feelings. She had learned to race and drink for him. With a microphone in hand, she had dered her love on a stage under the spotlight.

    Everything was so vivid.

    How could she?

    He was still trapped in the days when she loved him, while she had already moved so far ahead.

    He had tried so hard.

    He had even reshaped himself into someone new¡ªjust for her.

    ¡°Dani, don¡¯t you see? Can¡¯t you see how much I want to be close to you? Are you really so cold-hearted?¡±

    Dani stood still, letting the night breeze brush against her skin. ¡°Alexander, I don¡¯t hate you. But the past is just that¡ªthe past. I don¡¯t cling to it, and I hope you won¡¯t either.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1039

    ?Chapter 1039:

    With those words, she turned to leave.

    But Alexander mmed the door shut with a loud bang.

    The sound was so intense that Dani frowned slightly, instinctively raising a hand to protect her belly.

    That single movement sent a fresh wave of pain crashing into Alexander. His vision blurred, his eyes burning red.

    ¡°You want a child? We can have our child. Dani, I¡¯m no less than Cedric now. I have his looks. I have a body stronger than his. Imand themerce association¡ªnearly ten thousandpanies at my beck and call. I even have more power than Cedric now! Tell me, who else is more suited for you than me?¡± As Alexander spoke, he advanced towards Dani, his expression twisted with a mix of obsession and suppressed rage. Dani instinctively took a step back.

    She wasn¡¯t afraid of Alexander, but caution was necessary now¡ªshe wasn¡¯t just protecting herself anymore.

    Without taking her eyes off him, she discreetly called Lillian.

    Then, she met his gaze and spoke steadily. ¡°You need to calm down.¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Alexander¡¯s shout cut through the night like a whip. ¡°You¡¯re not going anywhere! Dani, you belong with me in this lifetime! Only me!¡± His gaze flicked to the ledge behind her.

    He knew she had a fear of heights.

    Moving with deliberate ease, he advanced again.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s, the ce for amazing tales

    Dani stopped at a certain point, and Alexander smirked, knowing this was her limit.

    ¡°Afraid of heights, aren¡¯t you? You don¡¯t dare take another step back.¡± Alexander spread his arms wide, his voice dripping with obsession. ¡°Come. Into my arms.¡± He advanced, step by step, eyes dark with possession.

    He was so consumed by his obsession that he didn¡¯t notice the dangerous glint in Dani¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Alexander, I strongly advise you not toe any closer.¡±

    But he didn¡¯t listen. His mind was already made up. All he could think about was taking Dani home, locking her away where no one else could touch her.

    If he kept her hidden, no one could take her from him. She would belong to him. Forever.

    The thought sent a rush of twisted exhration through him.

    His hand shot out, ready to seize her.

    But in the next moment, Dani flipped him over her shoulder, mming him to the floor.

    A sharp pain tore through his back.

    Alexandery on the floor. Dani had left for a while now, yet he hadn¡¯te to his senses.

    Dani was pregnant, wasn¡¯t she? How could she have such strength? He was a head taller than her, yet she had flipped him effortlessly, as if he weighed nothing.

    Alexander was unable to process what had just happened.

    Cedric had rushed over, only to stop dead in his tracks.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1040

    Chapter 1040:

    He stared at Dani in disbelief. ¡°Dani, are you okay?¡±

    Dani nodded with a smile.

    Still dazed, Cedric pulled her into his arms, holding her close. This was the second time.

    ¡°You reacted pretty fast just now.¡±

    Dani gave a small smile. ¡°Did I? Just instinct.¡± From the side, Lillian barely stifled augh.

    Cedric was still reeling. ¡°Alexander is a head taller than you. From that angle, pulling off a clean shoulder throw should¡¯ve been nearly impossible.¡±

    Dani¡¯s expression turned thoughtful. ¡°Really? Maybe I have a natural talent for Taekwondo? I¡¯ve always been flexible, you know¡ªslim and agile.¡±

    Cedric let out a breath, shaking his head in amazement. ¡°That¡¯s impressive.¡±

    The days began to settle into a serene rhythm.

    As Dani¡¯s pregnancy advanced, her belly grew noticeably. The first trimester brought with it severe morning sickness, and she lost a significant amount of weight, which deeply troubled Cedric.

    Determined to ease her difort, Cedric became creative in the kitchen, whipping up nourishing meals for Dani. He also took on more responsibilities at Elite Lux to reduce her workload.

    By the fifth month of her pregnancy, Cedric had purchased an ind, offering a consistent climate and surrounded by mountains and waters¡ªan ideal location for a peaceful getaway.

    Dani concluded her duties at thepany, gearing up for a vacation with Cedric.

    ¡°Love, I need to sign a contract at the office this afternoon. It shouldn¡¯t take longer than an hour. Wait for me at home, and we¡¯ll head to the airport right after,¡± Cedric told her.

    1@?€?? ¡é??t?¨º§ñ$ ¨ª§Ú gal??ovels.??om

    Having already packed for both of them, Dani settledfortably on the couch to watch TV. ¡°Take care driving,¡± she reminded him.

    Cedric walked away with a satisfied smile, warmth lingering in his expression. Ever since Dani became pregnant, his days had been filled with joy and anticipation, eagerly counting down to the moment their child would arrive. After Cedric left, Ryan was alerted by thepany about a glitch in the security system, prompting him to leave their home.

    At the same time, Lillian and Josie were at the vet, sorting out an issue with unavable prescribed dog food.

    As a result, Dani was left alone in the house.

    Suddenly, her phone rang.

    As she bent down to find it, a cold breeze swept through, and the door creaked open as if pushed by the wind.

    Rising cautiously, Dani spotted a shadowy figure covered in ck, donning a ck hat, standing at the doorway.

    She narrowed her eyes at the intruder. ¡°It¡¯s you?¡±

    The figure responded with a sinister grin and struck swiftly.

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Nice sunday for you all dear ones. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. (=?=) /

    .

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!