Chapter 628

Alexander's gaze lingered on the photo, studying it intently.

In the image, Daniela's head was slightly turned, a fleeting softness flickering in her eyes.

"Dad." He spoke with quiet satisfaction. "Why bring up the family photo? You know Brylee is the one she cherishes most. It had to be something you saidthat unsettled her."

Richard's face fell with regret. "How was I supposed to know? It's been years! She was just five back then.What could she possibly remember? Why is she still holding on to it?"

Alexander slipped his phone back into his pocket with care. "That's because, growing up,Daniela had no one shielding her-except for Brylee. That's why the memory of her mother runs so deep."

Richard was quick to respond. "That works in our favor.Since she's lost her past memories, we should show her kindness. You know how it is-when someone's been deprived of care, even the smallest warmth feels like a debt to repay. Elite Lux isn't what it used to be, but Daniela is sharp and knows how to make money. Marrying her would be a win. I brought up her divorcing Cedric, and she didn't object.Alexander, go all in this time. Make sure you don't lose her."

Alexander gave a firm nod. "This time, I won't let her slip away."

Alexander was genuinely baffled. He had been sure he was closing the distance between them, yet the next day,Daniela refused to meet him.

"Carol, are you sure there's no mistake?" Alexander was stuck on the first floor, denied access upstairs. His voice was laced with frustration. "We just had dinner together yesterday. Daniela wasn't upset at all. She even went along with taking a family photo."

Carol folded her arms, arching a brow. "Oh? Is that so?"

Alexander nodded with conviction. "Absolutely! The mood was great, completely peaceful. Daniela even brought up divorcing Cedric and marrying me again."

Carol shrugged, palms up. "Let's see the photo."

Without hesitation, Alexander pulled up the photo on his phone.

Carol snatched the phone, deleted the photo in a flash, and emptied the recycle bin for good measure.

All in a single, seamless motion. Alexander froze, staring at her, his brain struggling to catch up with what just happened.

Carol raised an eyebrow. "Got any more?"

Still reeling, Alexander shook his head numbly.

Carol gave a curt nod. "Good. Anything else?"

Carol turned to leave, but Alexander stepped in her way,confusion written all over his face. "What do you mean?"

Carol's tone was flat. "Daniela is busy and doesn't have time for pointless social calls. They ruin her appetite. She'd prefer if you didn't come back."

Alexander blinked, caught off guard."Why? We had a great talk yesterday."

"Did you?" Carol shot him a look of pure disdain.Alexander had the unmistakable air of a man who basked in his own wealth, parading it for all to see."Maybe that's how you saw it, but we didn't. No reason to stay in touch. End of story."

With that, Carol turned on her heel and headed upstairs.

"Daniela,I honestly don't get what you ever saw in him."

Daniela skimmed the report in her hands, clearly unbothered. "He hasn't come back. has he?"

Carol shook her head. "Nope. He looked pretty shaken Doubt he'll be back."

Daniela gave a slight nod. "Alright."

The previous show's massive success had breathed new life into Elite Lux. Business was booming,keeping Daniela buried in work.

Before she knew it, a month had slipped by.

One evening, an auction was taking place.

Daniela wasn't keen on attending, but Carol insisted on dragging her along, claiming she needed a change of pace.

The car rolled to a stop at the auction venue.

Even before stepping out, they spotted Cedric and Alexander near the entrance.

Alexander strutted around like he owned the place,radiating arrogance, his voice never pausing as he spoke with a self-satisfied smirk. His finger repeatedly jabbed in Cedric's direction, emphasizing his injured leg

Alexander spoke so loudly that even through the slightly open window, Carol could catch every word."Cedric, this was your doing, wasn't it? Everything was settled that day-Daniela agreed to leave you and marry me. But then, suddenly, she changed her mind.What did you say to her? A grown man like you,resorting to these desperate theatrics. Don't you find that embarrassing? Cedric, do you even understand what love really means? It's about letting go, about making the person you love happy. But you? You're just being selfish. That injured leg of yours? It's karma.Someone like you has no right to be loved by Daniela.With that leg of yours, you shouldn't even be showing yourself in public. Do you have any idea what people are saying? They're wondering how someone like Daniela-a globally respected executive-could possibly have a husband who looks like this. Have you even considered how humiliating it must be for her to be the subject of such gossip?"

Alexander carried himself with an air of arrogance,drawing curious glances from those nearby.

Carol turned to Daniela. "Want me to step in?"

Daniela's gaze flickered to Cedric's silent figure. Her voice was steady. "No need."

Carol hesitated, noting the distinct chill in Daniela's tone.

The car slid into a spot in the underground parking lot.

As Daniela entered, Alexander, seated in the front row,waved eagerly, practically beaming. He shouted. "Daniela! Over here!

His booming voice drew glances from all directions

Finding the whole scene tiresome, Daniela chose a seat in the back without much thought.

After some time, Alexander made his way over from the front row. "Daniela, there you are. I knew showing up at these events would eventually lead me to you.There's a prime spot up front with a great view. Come sit with me."

Daniela's tone was ice. "No, thanks."

Alexander's grin stiffened, the confidence in his expression faltering. Dropping his voice, he leaned in slightly and said, "Daniela, I don't know what went wrong last time. If something's bothering you,don't just bottle it up. Just tell me,and I'll fix it."