Chapter 354

Daniela was taken by surprise as she gazed at Alexander. "You're still here?"

Alexander inhaled deeply. Usually, with his pride, he would have walked out by now.

But today,something was different.

His fists tightened, as if he were throwing all caution aside, unwilling to back down until he had his answer."I need you to answer me."

Without hesitation, Daniela answered, "I refuse."

Alexander nearly lost his breath. "Did you ever love me?"

Daniela hesitated briefly, then replied, "No."

Alexander nodded, his voice cold. "Alright. Daniela, I hope you never regret what you've said today. One day,I'll make you see me in a new light, reconsider me, and you'll want me again. But by then, I'll be out of your reach."

With that, Alexander walked away, his pride shattered.

Killian nudged Cedric. "When Alexander said Daniela had given him everything, what did she say that left him so defeated?"

Cedric had an inkling, but he still made his way downstairs. He called out to Alexander, "What did she say to you? We didn't catch it."

Alexander suspected that Cedric was purposefully trying to mock him. He narrowed his eyes. "You don't know?"

Alexander thought Cedric was more manipulative than that woman named Nina he had just encountered.

Cedric raised his hands in mock innocence. "I don't know, and I am curious."

Alexander was enraged by Cedric's response. He shot Cedric a furious glare.

Earlier,he had told Daniela, "You've given everything for me. How am I any different from Cedric?"

Daniela had replied, "It's different."

Unseen by the others, she had mouthed, "Myself."

"Daniela has always gone above and beyond for me, but she never gave herself to me," Alexander yelled at Cedric, his frustration boiling over. "She'd do anything I asked, yet she wouldn't even let me hold her hand,let alone anything more personal. But you've crossed that line with her, haven't you? So,tell me,Cedric,does it make you feel proud? Does it feel special to have what she kept from me? Well, don't get too comfortable. People change, Cedric, and mark my words-sooner or later, Daniela will realize I'm the one she's truly meant to be with."

Alexander's words were sharp and icy, each syllable cutting through the air like a blade.

Cedric's lips curved into a faint, smug smile as he replied,"Oh? Is that what she let you believe?"

Fury radiated from Alexander like heat from a wildfire, his clenched fists trembling.

With a final, venomous glare, he spat, "The future is long-we'll see who wins in the end!" Turning on his heel, he stormed off, refusing to glance back.

In the office, Lillian's brows knitted together. "Daniela, why on earth did you hire Nina as your secretary at Elite Lux? She's going to be hovering around you constantly."

It felt like handing Elyse a front-row seat to every move Daniela made.

Daniela's smile was calm, almost serene. "To catch the big fish, you need the right patience."

Lillian nodded, though her frown lingered. "Nina might look fragile, but her eyes? They're always darting around,especially when Cedric's nearby-there's a predatory gleam you can't miss."

Daniela nodded slightly. "Elyse has been living comfortably off my mother's shares for years. Her daughters? They've grown up spoiled, thinking the world owes them something. Nina might be petty, but her sister Natalie, who's abroad? She's the real one to watch." Back then, Brylee had poured her heart and soul into supporting Elyse and her family.

And what clid she get in return?

A cruel, tragic ending. Kátrina never tálked about the defails, but Daniela had pieced the story fogether on her own.

"Lately, Katrina's been through hell-eight car accidents, six other incidents. She's been breaking down,crying, begging to see you, Daniela. Do you want to talk to her?"

Daniela shook her head firmily. "No,not yet. Some people only realize their mistakes after they've been broken down enough. Just make sure she stays alive."

Lillian gave a curt nod. "From the looks of Katrina's recent string of disasfers, Elyse's hand in this is unmistakable. But something tells me it's not just her. Is there someone else pulling strings behind her?"③

Daniela didn't say a word. She stood quietly by the floor-to-ceiling window, her gaze fixed on the bustling traffic below, her eyes thoughtful.