Chapter 173

Upon their return from the hospital, Caiden, Katrina, and Joyce were greeted by the sight of Daniela, who was still engrossed in her game, oblivious to their presence.

Josie, always perceptive, quickly sensed a change in Caiden's demeanor.

Katrina and Joyce also appeared unusually subdued, thei typical arrogance replaced by what seemed like obsequiousness.

"Daniela," 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's laugh 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, Daniela, we're family,and there should be no enduring resentment between us, right? Please, don't hold a grudge."

Daniela 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, Daniela's mere refusal to eat Katrina's cooking had led Caiden to shun her for a full year.3

Back then, Daniela 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.

Now, with his arm in a sling, Caiden was unexpectedly showering her with attention.

This change in his behavior was quite astonishing.

"Caiden," Daniela addressed him, her eyebrow raised and a faint, sarcastic smile playing 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-in matters of wealth, pride was expendable.

Hadn't he compromised his own pride time and again for Brylee?

If he could flatter her, surely he could do the same with Daniela.

Moreover,Daniela 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, Daniela was more than just his daughter-she 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 flashed a nearly subservient smile and inquired, "What do you need from me,Daniela?"

Daniela's response came with a soft chuckle, her smile razor-sharp. "You have mastered the art of subservience."

Caiden's smile abruptly vanished.

"I had assumed you retained some pride," Daniela 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 unáble to even feign a smile.

Daniela 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. "Daniela, 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!"

Daniela'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 mnany beautiful unreleased skins existed. Please, I'm literally begging,just one!"

Her zealous, flattering manner made Caiden's and Katrina's earlier, more genuine attempts seem downright hollow by comparison.

Katrina was mortified.

Caiden clenched his jaw and continued,′′Aharmonious family is what we all want, right? Daniela, I know l've been neglectful in the past, and | accept full responsibility. But I'm getting older, and it's time to leave the past behind. I promise to make amends."

He paused, watching Daniela's expression, which remained unaffected. Emboldened,he added,instructed my team to transfer the overseas assets back. Daniela, that money was being saved for your wedding. It was always intended for you."

Daniela's eyebrows lifted slightly,her lips twisting into a faint, sarcastic smile."Oh,you were setting aside a wedding gift for me with the company's operating funds?"

Caiden was momentarily at a loss for words. Daniela continued, "So, to clarify, if this money earns any future profits, i can subtract those from your share of the company dividends?"

Caiden stood dumbfounded, questioning her implication.

"What's the problem?" Daniela inquired, her tone sharp.that not acceptable? Or are you rétracting your promise already?"

Before Caiden could muster a reply, Katrina intervened with a forced smile."Of course it's acceptable! Why wouldn't it be? Daniela, you're family. What's yoursis yours. We're just short on cash right now, but rest assured, you'll receive everything you're entitled to."

Daniela nodded slightly in acknowledgment. Then, as though it were the most logical step, she reached under the table and produced a blank sheet of paper. "In that case, let's formalize it. Write me an lOU."

Katrina's smile stiffened. "Daniela, 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."

The idea of issuing an IOU-a binding acknowledgment of debt to Daniela-was intolerable for Katrina.

It had merely been a placating gesture, a temporary solution.

But Daniela's insistence on formalizing it marked a serious shift.