Chapter 271

Alexander was quite taken aback to see Daniela at the mall. She never liked shopping and even when chasing after him, she seldom wished to spend time with him.

For Daniela, shopping was a complete waste of time.

With a chuckle and clear amusement, she remarked, "Mr. Bennett, you're concentrating on the wrong aspects."

Alexander hadn't expected Daniela to reply, yet there she stood, ready to engage.

Previously, Alexander was indifferent to her comments, but today, something changed.

Daniela's readiness to converse delighted him.

He even smiled, his voice growing gentle. "What do you mean? Where should my attention be?"

Daniela 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 Daniela's silence. "Why did you stop talking?"

Daniela redirected her gaze back to him.

Alexander continued, "Where should my attention be, Daniela? I believe my focus is correct." His voice was soft and playful, touched with flirtation.

Cedric could no longer bear it and stepped in, pulling Daniela away. He sneered, "What nonsense is this?Alexander, you're a married man. Shouldn't your focus be elsewhere? Do you need Daniela to teach you that?"

Alexander stood tall, meeting Cedric's glare. "I am merely speaking with Daniela. It's well known that Joyce and I are incompatible. I'm in the midst of divorcing her. Daniela 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 Daniela 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'm completely in control here."

Alexander frowned at his words.

Daniela, 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, Daniela and Cedric left without a backward glance.

Earlier that day, after signing a contract, Alexander felt a surge of happiness, feeling a newfound closeness to Daniela.

Yet,he was restless throughout their dinner.

The memory of Daniela tugging on Cedric's sleeve haunted him.

Daniela,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, Daniela had easily invaded that spacewith 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 Daniela's before he could declare 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."

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 be comfortable. Is there anything wrong with that?"

Now,Katrina regretted her earlier decision deeply.

Had she foreseen this outcome, she would not have persuaded Daniela 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 relationship?" Katrina paused, taking a deep breath."It's different. Caiden was wealthy, and I benefited from him. What do you get from this relationship?"

"Joy, happiness. What Alexander can't provide, he can," Joyce answered.