Chapter 453

Natalie ignored the rumors floating around online.

She was entirely focused on when Daniela would meet her end.

Yet, as another week went by, Daniela remained very much alive.

"Are you a scam artist?" Natalie shouted angrily at Russell.

"How could that be? You're thinking too much. We are professionals."

Natalie snapped back, "Then why is Daniela still breathing?"

"Oh, I forgot to tell you, the money you provided was just an initial payment.You need to send over another three million."

Natalie was furious when she heard this. "Another three million? Will your demands ever end?"

If she had known the cost would be so high, she might have considered handling Daniela's disposal herself.

"Three million is nothing. Daniela is the world's vealthiest woman worth billions. Surely vou aren't short three million?" Russell asked her.

Natalie rolled her eyes. She was running low on funds.

She had been so sure that Cealmaur would kill Daniela soon that she had been spending freely, even after selling her villa.

Recently, she had sold her car, designer handbags, and jewelry, and now, she had nothing left to sell.

Elyse had always been under Brylee's wing, and as Elyse's daughter, Natalie had never experienced the struggle of having no money.

Her desperate situation was driving her to the edge,and Natalie found herself wishing more than ever for Daniela's swift end.

"Are you requesting a loan from me?" Daniela was amused by the idea when she heard it.

Natalie wanted her dead, was out of funds, and was now approaching her for a loan.

What a clever plan!

Natalie thought that once she was gone, she wouldn't need to repay the loan.

"Yes." Natalie kept up her proud demeanor even while asking for money. "I'm running a bit low on funds.Could you lend me five million, Daniela?"

Daniela laughed. She remembered Russell mentioning to Natalie that thev needed an additional three million. "What could you possibly need all that money for?she asked.

Natalie tightened her lips. "What I use the money for is my own business. I'l pay you back at some point.You have so much money, a few million here and there shouldn't bother you. In fact, giving it to me wouldn't make a difference,right?"

Daniela gave a slight smile. "That's not quite true."

Natalie paused for a moment. "What? Are you pretending to be poor?"

Daniela answered. "Not exactly. It's just that my family is very strict with money."

Natalie was surprised."What do you mean?"

Daniela wore a concerned look. "My husband doesn't allow unnecessary spending."

Natalie appeared irritated."What?"

She stared in disbelief at Cedric, who had just entered the room. "You're a grown man, and you dare to control my cousin's finances?"

Cedric looked over at Daniela, who quickly winked at him.He nodded."Yes, your cousin earns money well.but I need to manage it. With so many people competing for her attention, I need to ensure our security."

Natalie was caught off guard by Cedric's sharp insight Daniela always appeared so strong, yet here she was,seemingly controlled by her husband.

"So,Cedric,could you lend me five million?" Natalie's voice became gentler.

Cedric opened his laptop and responded with politeness, "Of course, we're family. A few million is nothing to us."

Natalie smiled broadly and nodded eagerly. "So when will you send the money?"

Natalie, eager to see Daniela out of the picture,continued, "Cedric, with your large company,you could transfer the funds immediately,couldn't you?"

Cedric nodded."Yes."

Natalie was thrilled. She was about to call the finance department when Cedric suddenly asked, "What do you plan to offer as collateral?"

Natalie's smile froze, and her grip on the phone tightened. She stared at Cedric, stunned. "What?You need collateral?"

Cedric looked at her calmly. "Of course,loans require collateral."

Natalie was taken aback. "But you just said we're family."

Cedric nodded once more. "Even among family,it's important to keep things clear and manage them properly. So, what can you provide as collateral?"

"The villa? Hmmm... It's sold. Your handbags? The one you're holding is second-hand, only worth a few thousand,not nearly enough. And jewelry...You don't have any left." Cedric looked up at Natalie. "So, what will you use for collateral?"

Natalie gasped. She felt Cedric wasn't truly planning to lend her the money; instead, he seemed to be using this as a chance to embarrass her.

"Daniela, won't you intervene?" Natalie walked over to Daniela. "We're cousins. I'm definitely on your side.Honestly, you shouldn't let Cedric manage all your finances. Didn't you see the news yesterday? Cedric was involved with Joyce. How can you still entrust him with so much money? You need to be more careful.Women shouldn't trust men with their money;keep it yourself. Or better yet, let me handle it. I've come across some excellentinvestment opportunities lately.Let me show them to you. What do you say?"

Natalie looked seriously at Daniela. "I mean it. Men can be dishonest. Don't trust them too much. Trust me instead. Hand the money over to me,will you?"

Cedric stood up, left the room, and slammed the door behind him, the sound echoing throughout the office.

Natalie pointed at Cedric's vanishing figure and growled, "Daniela, did you see that? Money really changes people. Cedric has the nerve to disrespect you like that! You need to teach him a lesson!"