Chapter 35

The slap was just about to land.

Daniela 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 undeniable command that seemed to stabilize the chaos around him.

Daniela, perplexed yet oddly reassured, remained motionless, her eyes drifting downward to notice Cedric's other hand, balled into a firm fist at his side.

Caiden's fury escalated, his hand frozen in the air,quivering with wrath as he shot a venomous look 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, Daniela 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-what do you suppose the news will declare? 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. "Daniela!"

Daniela remained upright,her smile sugary and teasing."Yes,Dad?"

Caiden sensed that if he didn't exit soon,he would just burst from unrestrained anger.

"Enough! Daniela, 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."

Daniela waved her hand. "Of course, Dad. Be careful as you leave."

Caiden, cheeks aflame with anger, stormed out without a backward glance.

Katrina stole a quick glance at Cedric, who remained silent,standing loyally by Daniela's side.

Katrina, ever the embodiment of a graceful stepmother when others were present, softened her voice. "Daniela, 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-they vanish like morning mist. I dearly hope you won't live to regret today's choices."

Daniela let out a playful snort, her lipscurling 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-fame and power do catch my fancy. Just a heads-up, steer clear of myfinances."

Katrina's mask of composure cracked. Realizing her soft-spoken manipulations were ineffective, her face momentarily tightened in frustration before she regained her poise. After a lingering,poignant glance at Cedric, she let out a resigned sigh, turned gracefully,and made her exit.

Daniela, arms folded in mock defiance, turned her attention to Joyce, who was still planted in the same spot, obviously torn about leaving. Daniela'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 Daniela'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. Daniela was well-versed in the art of seduction,after all.

Furthermore, Cedric had just said he had a lunch appointment with Daniela. This could also serve as an opportune moment to deepen her connections with him. She couldn't help but imagine marrying him one day.

Joyce glanced at Cedric with renewed interest. "Mr.Phillips, are you planning to head to lunch soon?Could I perhaps accompany you?"

Joyce angled her head, giving her eyelashes a flirtatious flutter, hoping to charm.

Her lips curved into a playful pout, and she implored in a sweet, coaxing tone, "Please? Can I join you for