Chapter 358

Lillian was certain of Cedric's loyalty; she knew he would consent to being the bait.

In her view, Nina was more cunning than Katrina but not particularly hazardous.

It would simply involve capitalizing on Cedric's charm.

It was nothing too serious.

Once Lillian finished proposing the idea, she awaited Daniela's approval.

Daniela, however, remained quiet.

"Daniela?"

Lillian, thinking Daniela might not have heard her, was about to reiterate her suggestion when Daniela responded with a firm, "No."

Lillian was startled by the response.

"Anything that might put Cedric at risk is out of the questionn111Daniela declared decisively.

Lillian was caught off guard. "But it's not really dangerous, is it?"

"Regardless," Daniela replied, her voice steady and authoritative. "He shouldn't be dragged into my personal affairs."

Cedric was invaluable.

Daniela regretted involving him in her complex life, burdening him with concerns for her well-being.

She refused to expose him to any risk.

Absolutely not. Lillian was struck by Daniela's determination.

Daniela seldom expressed her feelings openly. Lillian had never been under the impression that Daniela deeply cared for Cedric.

At best, she considered that Daniela valued him as a friend and had begrudgingly embraced their relationship.

Lillian found herself questioning her assumptions.

Could it be that Daniela truly had deeper feelings for Cedric?

Lillian pondered over this until Katrina showed up, looking utterly disheveled and distressed.

Daniela initially suspected Katrina was fleeing from someone, but as soon as she entered the office, Katrina began sobbing.

"Daniela, are you going to address the situation with your dad? As a high-profile CEO, it can't look good to have a father accused of domestic abuse,right?"

Nina observed quietly from the doorway, her eyes widening at the accusation.

Daniela glanced up and caught sight of Nina by the door. "He is not my father."

This revelation caused Nina to look taken aback, while Katrina, though surprised, seemed somewhat prepared.

"So, you're saying you won't intervene with your father mistreating me? He's been excluded back home and has returned to town. He threatened to harm me unless you allow him to stay at the Harper family villa."

Daniela was aware that Katrina had recently been funded by Joyce. Despite hiring bodyguards, Katrina likely had funds remaining. "Are you asking for my help?"

"Yes," Katrina replied.

"Very well. What's your price?" Daniela asked.

Katrina was taken aback by the question. "You're wealthy, and yet you're asking me for money?" Daniela responded calmly, "I'm a businesswoman. I don't provide help without something in return. You know this as well as anyone."

Katrina tightened her lips, visibly frustrated. "How much are you asking?"

Daniela responded with a smile, lifting a single finger.

"Ten thousand?"

Daniela scoffed derisively, her face conveying disdain.

"One hundred thousand?" Katrina's expression darkened.

Daniela shook her finger mid-air.

"Really, Daníela! A million? Why not just rob a bank while you're at it?" Katrina exclaimed.

Daniela's face showed no emotion. "If that's unacceptable, we can end this discussion. Feel free to seek help elsewhere."

Katrina was seething with anger. She considered finding another solution, but everything depended on Daniela's approval since she controlled the property.

"One million, covering three months' rent. Additional days will incur further charges. Mull it over and return if you wish to discuss further." Daniela's demeanor was firm, indicating she was prepared to dismiss Katrina if necessary.

Katrina clenched her jaw. "I don't have that kind of money," she declared, then dramatically sat down on the floor."If you leave me no choice, then I won't leave."

After all this time, Katrina had come to understand that staying by Daniela's side was safer than facing the unpredictable dangers of the outside world or returning home to endure Caiden's beatings.

Observing Katrina on thefloor, Daniela let out a slight smirk."Are you trying to pressure me?"

That smile was what Katrina dreaded most about Daniela.

It always seemed to prelude severe consequences, as if the sword of Damocles hung over her head. Daniela's approach was consistently understated but impactful.

"Get up," Daniela commanded, her expression suddenly stern, her intense gaze prompting Katrina to rise swiftly.

"Can't you speak more gently?" Katrina's voice shook slightly, betraying her nervousness.