Chapter 98

Peyton, her face etched with deep lines of age,suddenly beamed a wide smile. "Alexander, you see, l invited you here because I want to know if you still harbor any feelings for Daniela."

Alexander caught a glimpse of Katrina, who was covertly signaling him with winks.

Richard had vaguely mentioned some urgent business over the phone. However,Alexander was completely unprepared for such a direct personal query.

Caiden strode into the room with a platter with fruits,which he placed on the center table, casting a meaningful glance at Alexander.

"Nothing deeper to it. We're simply asking," Caiden remarked, extending an apple towards Alexander.

Without a word, Alexander kept his thoughts to himself.

Impatience crept into Peyton's tone. "Speak, won't you? Without your words, how am I to assist you?"

Peyton,always charmed by the unpolished honesty of country people, found herself quite taken with Alexander.

Her expression softened into a gentle, encouraging smile. "Is it shyness that holds your tongue? Well then,let me pose it this way. If life hadn't thrown that unexpected twist, and you and Daniela were still married, do you reckon life would have been good with her?"

Alexander took a deep breath, weighing her question with a serious gaze. "Yes, I believe it would have been.Daniela was the one who initiated our divorce."

This was indeed the reality of their situation.

He had never once entertained the notion of divorce after marrying Daniela.

While Daniela lacked ambition, her compliance was a trait he found to be adequately pleasing.

Had it not been for her stubbornness, their lives would not have unfolded as they did.

With a chuckle, Peyton asked Alexander once more,"So, if I managed to reunite you two, would you be open to that idea?"

Katrina, who had been biting her tongue until now,burst out, "Peyton, that's out of line. Alexander is destined to marry Joyce. We've settled on that-he's my son-in-law."

Ignoring Katrina's protests, Peyton grasped Alexander's hand with a sincere expression."Alexander, what do you say? If you're willing, I'll make it work."

Reflecting on his father's recent conversation with Daniela, Alexander hesitated momentarily before responding to Peyton, "I don't think she'd want to marry me anymore."

At his admission, Peyton slapped her thigh. Caiden's face softened.

"Don't fret over it. I'll take care of everything. Daniela isn't foolish; who else would she choose over a catch like you? Yes, she's quick-tempered, but overlook that for now. Just sit tight and wait for my update-I'll speak to her, and soon you'll be on your way to making her your bride again. Trust me, I'll sort this out flawlessly."

Alexander had previously crossed paths with Peyton.She consistently preferred the company of boys to girls. In her perspective, Daniela was scarcely noteworthy.

Alexander had frequently caught Peyton openly disparaging Daniela as a pointless expense, voicing her criticism loudly and without any hesitation. His trust in Peyton's remarks was thin.

Raising his eyes, he noticed Caiden offering a surprisingly affectionate smile.

In a soft and reassuring voice, Caiden comforted him."Mom assured us she'd take care of everything. Just head home and stay tuned for updates. Remember,Joyce was the one who acted out of turn and shook up your marriage. If you're still harboring feelings for Daniela, it's only right that you receive some form of fairness."

Acknowledging the advice, Alexander stood up decisively. "I'll go and talk it over with my father."

Caught off guard,Katrina remained motionless nearby,her eyes wide as she watched the two men conclude their business just like that.

Not a single word was said about Joyce.

Burning with indignation, Katrina nearly sprinted after Alexander, but Caiden grabbed her arm, stopping her.

She whirled around, her eyes cold as she faced Caiden."What are you suggesting?"

Feigning naivety, Caiden explained,"The timing is off.Joyce is pregnant, and marrying into the Bennett family under these conditions would only lead to disdain. You'd have to promise a hefty dowry. The Bennett family isn't known for being gullible. If the dowry seems insufficient,would they even consider it?"

Katrina's expression turned from shock to sheer disbelief. Gazing intensely at Caiden, she challenged him. "Caiden! What exactly are you implying? Didn't we settle on a plan earlier? All the Harper family's wealth is going to Joyce! Are you seriously thinking of not keeping your word?"

Before Caiden could muster a reply, Peyton exclaimed,"What did you just say? Joyce is pregnant? And the baby isn't Alexander's? You plan to bestow the entire Harper family's fortune as Joyce's dowry?"

Peyton's reaction was fierce. "Katrina, over my dead body will you touch a dime of the Harper family's assets!"

Katrina felt like she was on the verge of losing her mind.

For years,she had weathered countless difficulties,all for the sake of Caiden. 2

Wasn't it all for a share of the Harper family's fortune?

2

Was all her dedication to be disregarded with a mere word from Caiden, demanding she forfeit her claim?That was utterly unthinkable. Suddenly, the entire house plunged into turmoil.

Back at the company, Daniela felt a sense of unease creeping over her.

Richard had shown up with a sketchbook similar to hers, suggesting they knew about the original one.

She swept the papers off her desk and informed Lillian,"I need to return to the Harper family."

"Okay." Lillian turned around, only to discover that Daniela had vanished without a trace.