Chapter 68

Keith's sigh was heavy with exasperation as he shook his head. "Stay stubborn if that's what you want. Let's see how long that pride of yours lasts when reality hits."

As the gala drew to a close, Alexander couldn't help but monitor Daniela's every move. His car followed hers, maintaining a discreet distance.

Inside Daniela's vehicle, her driver peered into the rearview mirror and noted, "Ms. Harper, there's a car that's been tailing us since you got in."

Daniela turned her head slightly, her piercing eyes quickly recognizing the familiar car-it was Alexander's.

Relaxing into her seat, she instructed in a steady voice, "Just ignore it."

The two cars wove through the city streets in a quiet pursuit, finally coming to a halt outside the imposing Luxor Tower.

Just as Daniela stepped out, Alexander intercepted her.

She raised her weary eyes to meet his gaze. Despite the fatigue weighing on her, she remained poised. "Mr.Bennett,do you need something from me?"

He tailed her car relentlessly, shadowing her all the way to the office building.

"You and Cedric are not right for each other," he declared bluntly.

Raising an eyebrow, Daniela responded, "Don't you have more important things to attend to?"

His lips pressed into a thin line as his eyes widened slightly, struggling to mask his disbelief.

Daniela pressed on, her tone dripping with challenge. "Or have you really become so unoccupied that you stoop to meddling in your ex-wife's affairs? Haven't you ever heard the saying, 'The best kind of ex is one you never hear from again'?"

Alexander's face grew stern, his jaw clenching with quiet intensity.

The thought of her laughter mingling with Cedric's ignited a sharp, unbidden irritation within him.

"Alright then. If you insist on being stubborn, just remember not to come crying to me when things go wrong. Don't say I didn't warn you."

Daniela dismissed his remark with a nonchalant wave of her hand. She attempted to brush past him,but Alexander extended his arm, barring her way.

"Was there something more?"

"Yes," he replied tersely, his tone cutting through the chill air.

Daniela paused, giving him a fleeting look."Go ahead."

Initially, Alexander had resolved to let Daniela seek him out. Yet, a nagging unease twisted in his gut.

Daniela had a knack for poor decisions, and if she aligned herself with another company instead of the Bennett Group, it would inevitably drag him into yet another conflict.

After a moment of deliberation, he opted to confront the issue directly. "I've got a deal you might find interesting."

He fixed his gaze on her, her features bathed in the ethereal moonlight. His fingers tightened into a fist,then he consciously relaxed, striving to smooth his expression.

As he spoke again, his voice softened into a husky whisper, carrying a hint of intimacy. "This isn't the right spot for this conversation. Let's head up to your apartment."

Daniela eyed Alexander with a mixture of confusion and caution, taking a deliberate step back. "I don't think that would be appropriate."

A shadow of frustration quickly passed over Alexander's face, his annoyance clearly rising to the surface."Why do you find it inappropriate with me, yet it seems okay when it's Cedric? Daniela, don't you understand? For a woman, being loyal-showing devotion to one man-is paramount."

The night breeze played with Daniela's hair, adding a dramatic flair as she faced him, her features sculpted with both shock and disdain. "Are you suggesting that I should keep chasing you around?"

A flicker of regret passed through Alexander's eyes. He brought a fist to his mouth, disguising a cough.

"What I mean is that you shouldn't be so fickle."

Daniela remained silent, observing him closely. Once upon a time, this clumsy, awkward aspect of Alexander might have amused her, even seemed charming-as if she were glimpsing a part of him that remained hidden from everyone else.

Those pathetic days were dead and buried. Daniela wasn't that reckless fool anymore.

Daniela turned to leave, but not before casting a parting shot over her shoulder. "It's late, and frankly, you being here reeks of desperation. As for your so-called proposition, partnerships require integrity-something I'm not sure you understand. There's no common ground between Elite Lux's principles and those of Bennett Group. If you're here to discuss the North District project, save your breath-I'm not interested."

Daniela's rejection was absolute, leaving no room for argument or delusion.

Alexander was left motionless, shock rendering him silent.

It took a few moments beforehis secretary approached, piercing the heavy silence. "Mr. Bennett, Ms.Harper has already gone inside. Perhaps we should also leave?"

Alexander stared in disbelief where Daniela had vanished, struggling to pull himself together.

He turned to his secretary, his voice tinged with confusion. "What did she mean by that?"②

The secretary bowed his head slightly, his words measured. "Ms. Harper was indicating that the North District project will proceed without Bennett Group's involvement."

Alexander blinked, his thoughts scrambling to catch up.

If Bennett Group wasn't her choice, then who did she turn to?

Clayton Renovation was out of the picture. In the entire city of Olisvine, no other firm possessed the resources or expertise needed for such a massive endeavor. It had to be him.

Alexander let out a cold, biting laugh that echoed in the frosty air. "She's got to be bluffing."