Chapter 218

Joyce flashed 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 tell the truth, Katrina stepped in, masking any tension with a light laugh. "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 placated 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 Bennett 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 grasped the true reason why the Bennett family had welcomed Joyce, even with her child. It wasn't about Joyce as a person-it 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 villa will all 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 with vague promises.

"It's all taken care of!" Katrina said with a reassuring smile. "The shares have been in Joyce's name for quite some time. We just kept it quiet to steer clear of any unnecessary issues. Don't worry; wve'd never cut corners when it comes to Joyce. At the wedding, you'll have all the documents-the equity transfer agreement and the villa'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 honesty think we'd lie to you about something so crucial? Do you want to come 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 stage, 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 the same way they had deceived her. Caiden had never planned 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?"

Richard explained everything from the dinner, including Katrina's assurances about Joyce's dowry.Alexander responded with a dismissive laugh, "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'll come crawling to Daniela 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 Daniela."

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 Daniela.