Chapter 804

Dexter couldn't shake the guilt gnawing at him after turning away a candidate who, on paper, was practically perfect for the job. Remorse clung to his features like a shadow.

Daniela caught sight of his conflicted expression and let out a soft laugh. "Starting to regret it?"

"Not in the slightest," Dexter replied, his voice steady and sincere. "Even if I had to do it all over again, I'd still turn Alexander down the exact same way."

She gave a small, approving nod. "Good."

That single word made him pause.

Then she quickly added, "Alexander wasn't being honest. He had an agenda, and he was not here for the job. You were absolutely right to shut it down."

After a beat, her tone softened. "And honestly? You were standing up for my husband. That matters.I should be the one thanking you. So stop beating yourself up-you did the right thing."

Dexter froze, still reeling. But as his eyes met Daniela's, something in his chest eased-her words had cut through his guilt like sunlight through fog.

She gave him a small, knowing smile. "Get back to work. Don't waste another second thinking about it."

Without another word, she turned and climbed the stairs. Dexter stayed rooted in place, muttering to himself, "Of course she's the boss. She always knows how to say just the right thing."

Crossing her arms tightly, Carol followed Daniela up the stairs, her gaze sharp and probing. "Have you really lost your memories? You just called Cedric your husband. But back then, you said once the wind calmed,you'd send him back home."

The wind had long calmed. And yet Cedric was still here,with no hint of leaving the country. Daniela offered a serene, unreadable smile as she stepped into her office.

Without missing a beat, she instructed crisply, "Tell Dexter this-any man trying to worm his way into the company with a hidden agenda, like Alexander,doesn't even deserve an interview."

Carol let out a sharp click of her tongue and mumbled on her way out, "You're spoiling him way too much."

Later that evening, Daniela arrived at the banquet with Carol trailing behind. Cedric had'wanted to accompany her, but she'd turned him down, citing his lingering cold and warning him not to push himself unnecessarily.

By the time they stepped into the venue, Hamilton was already inside, proudly ushering Alexander around. "Meet our newest project manager-Alexander Bennett."

As Daniela entered, Alexander immediately spotted her. He arched a brow and lifted his glass in a casual salute. She didn't spare him so much as a glance.

Watching the cool dismissal, Hamilton scoffed under his breath. "See? The guy's delusional. She couldn't care less."

But before the words had settled, Alexander was already making his way toward her.

"Daniela, you look breathtaking tonight. May I have this dance?"

Hardly had he finished speaking when the lights in the venue suddenly went dark.

A hush fell. Two lone spotlights flared on, sweeping dramatically across the ballroom before locking,in perfect unison, on Daniela and Alexander. The audience murmured, tension thick in the air.

Delighted by the theatrics, Alexander stepped forward and extended his hand.

Daniela's lips curled into a soft, unreadable smile.Then, she pivoted on her heel, reached for the hand of a woman standing nearby, and pressed it firmly into Alexander's outstretched palm. The woman,who'd been eyeing him all evening, gasped in surprise but didn't resist.

Right on cue, music surged to life.

Daniela backed away, heels clicking as she cleared the dance floor with graceful finality.

Stunned, Alexander made to follow, but the woman now latched onto his hand tightened her grip, eyes gleaming with opportunity.

Hamilton's secretary had wanted to snap a picture of Alexander and Daniela dancing, but his plan failed.

Music filled the air. Alexander, cornered by the spotlight and expectations, reluctantly began to dance with the woman Daniela had shoved into his arms. But his gaze never left Daniela.

Hamilton let out a subtle chuckle and drifted to her side. "Daniela, you've still got it. Always one step ahead-always slipping the noose before it tightens." With a short, derisive laugh, she retorted,"Interesting. The traps I escape always seem to be the ones you set. Must sting, Mr. McCoy. Try not to be upset."

She then shifted her gaze to Hamilton's secretary."Sorry you didn't get the photo you wanted."

Without missing a beat, she raised her phone and snapped a photo of Hamilton's furious scowl. "That expression,though? I'm keeping it."

Handing the phone over her shoulder to Carol,she commanded firmly, "Send it to the team. I want this plastered on every screen in Oiscoll within the hour."

Once, a declaration like that might've sounded like empty bravado. But not anymore. Earlier that afternoon, Daniela had acquired the media firm that dictated Oiscoll's trending headlines.

Hamilton, still clueless, let out a sharp scoff. "What,you think posting dirt on me is as easy as snapping your fingers? Nothing goes live unless I say so. You should know that by noW." Daniela arched a brow, feigning astonishment. "Such a domineering streak. Should I be frightened?"

A moment later, Carol stepped forward, her voice crisp. "It's live. Top of the trending chart. Exploding."

Hamilton's smug expression faltered. His secretary scrambled to unlock his phone.

Whispers rippled through the room. No one actually believed Daniela. Surely she was bluffing.

But then the secretary read aloud, her voice trembling.

"Hamilton's livid face."

Three words. That was all it took. Hamilton erupted in fury.

He lunged forward and ripped the phone from his secretary's hands, eyes narrowing as he stared at the screen.