Chapter 291

On that day, Caiden returned from abroad.

After eating at Daniela'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 declared flatly.

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 Daniela into rescuing Joyce.

What Katrina hadn't anticipated was Daniela 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!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 welcomed 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-Daniela!"

With those words, Caiden shoved Katrina aside and stormed out into the yard, where he promptly called his lawyer.

That same day, Caiden issued a public statement severing all ties with Joyce.

The statement also declared his intention to divorce Katrina, consolidating the Harper family's control under him and Daniela.

This announcement was not merely a step to distance the Harpers from the scandal wrought by Katrina and Joyce, but also a strategic move to ingratiate himself with Daniela.

When the topic of mending his relationship with Daniela arose, Cedric was quick to interject."There's no fixing what's irreparably broken. Daniela has all the care she needs."

Hearing this, Daniela glanced up at Cedric.

He stood before her, much like a guard dog protecting its territory.

Caiden was taken aback by the scene.

In the past, Cedric had always shielded Daniela, yet he'd maintained a respectful distance, never overstepping his boundaries or speaking out of turn.

But now? Cedric appeared empowered, advocating for Daniela without a second thought. What was the nature of their relationship 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 Daniela, his voice almost pleading. "Daniela, 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?"

Daniela had long become 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 and labeling it a freebie? The world doesn't operate on your whims, Caiden. Let's be clear-you've burned this bridge." Cedric had once given Caiden a chance to prove himself.

When Caiden last departed, he must have sensed Katrina's brewing schemes. A single word of caution to protect Daniela would have sufficed, yet Caiden remained silent. Instead, he chose flight over fight,preoccupied with his own safety.

Such a man was unfit to be called a father.

Cedric didn't wait for a response. He took Daniela by the hand and led her to her room.

Daniela sighed, and as Cedric held her, she patted his back. "Why waste anger on someone like him?"

Cedric, still fuming, replied, "Daniela, I don't understand why you're still smiling. My heart breaks for you!"