Chapter 159

A sharp crash rang out, shattering the silence,followed by a haunting stillness.

Daniela slowly lifted her gaze, her expression icy,before casually pulling a wet wipe from her bag and cleaning her hands.

The simple gesture jolted Katrina back to reality.A piercing scream tore from her throat, echoing through every corner of the room. Pain shot through her injured finger.

Daniela leaned in, and her lips curled into a sinister smile as she asked, "Doesn't it hurt?"

Katrina gasped, her body trembling in fear. She saw Daniela's smile, but it was as if Brylee was standing before her.

Daniela met Katrina's gaze with calm detachment,offering a smile that seemed almost innocent. "You pushed your way into the Harper family right after my mother passed.Do you remember how that made me feel? Did you think I was too scared to speak up, or that Caiden mattered so much to me that I wouldn't dare upset him?"

Cradling her broken finger, Katrina's fear deepened with every step Daniela took closer. She mumbled incoherently, her body shrinking back in terror. To her,Daniela appeared utterly unhinged.

"Katrina, I normally couldn't care less about you. But since you all insist on harassing me, let me make one thing clear-I won't hesitate to fight back."

Daniela's voice was soft, yet filled with an unmistakable steel.

The calmness on her face made a chill run down Katrina's spine.

In that moment, Daniela seemed to resemble Brylee more than ever.

She was beautiful, merciless, and uninterested in speaking a word more when a single action would suffice.

Fear crept slowly into Katrina's heart, tightening its grip.

Seeing Katrina cornered,Alexander quickly moved to help her.

But just as he took a step forward, someone stepped in his way.

"Cedric!"

Cedric crossed his arms nonchalantly. "That's me."

"Do you see what Daniela's doing?" Alexander asked,his voice rising, "She's hurting Katrina. Aren't you concerned she might call the police? Are you just going to stand by and watch this?"

Cedric's laugh was low and unhurried. "Relax, buddy.I've got top-notch lawyers and endless financial support. Unless someone dies, this isn't a big deal."

Alexander stared, stunned by Cedric's obvious favoritism. "You're just letting her do this?" he asked,unable to hide his disbelief. ①

Cedric grinned again. "I'm courting her."

Alexander's shock quickly morphed into something darker. He locked eyes with Cedric, emphasizing each word. "Daniela was married before. She was married to me."

Cedric chuckled. "Oh my God,really?"

Alexander had known Cedric's interest in Daniela was more than just business. But Cedric was one of the most powerfuI men in Olisvine.

If Cedric wanted to have a fling with Daniela, Alexander could understand.

But hearing Cedric claim he was actively pursuing her?

That felt completely surreal.

He thought Cedric had lost his mind.

They were all insane.

On the other hand, Joyce was frantic, screaming about calling the police. Daniela,however, didn't seem bothered at all. She simply shrugged, settling into a chair as if she had all the time in the world.

Katrina teetered on the edge of unconsciousness,overwhelmed by pain.

Joyce,her voice trembling with worry, rushed to her side. "Mom, are you okay?"

Daniela was busy playing a shooting game on her phone, the loud blasts from the game echoing through the room. She appeared completely unfazed by Katrina's suffering or Caiden's critical state.

Joyce stood, fury flashing in her eyes as she glared at Daniela. "You're just here to make our lives hell, aren't you?"

Daniela didn't flinch. She gave a simple nod. "Yes.Isn't that clear? I'd say you're not exactly known for your intellect if you have to ask." Joyce seethed at Daniela's cold attitude. "How did you turn into this, Daniela? Just because you have money doesn't give you the right to do whatever you please!"

Daniela let out a dry laugh, her fingers still tapping at her game. "Maybe you should work your way up to mny level before you start lecturing me about what's possible or not. But I doubt that'll ever happen. With your lack of initiative, you'll never know what it's like to actually hold power."

Daniela tilted her head, pretending to sympathize."Even if you did marry Alexander, I highly doubt you'd ever really control his family's fortune."

Joyce's anger flared. But, unfortunately, Daniela's words hit home. She had never been quick on her feet. The only time she'd ever gotten the upper hand over Daniela was when Alexander left Daniela for her.

Now that it was obvious Daniela had no interest in Alexander anymore, Joyce had no way to claim another victory.

Her fury made her voice shake, but it was clear she couldn't land a hit on Daniela.

She couldn't even get close to Daniela,with Cedric standing guard near her, relaxed yet protective, like a warning to anyone who thought to approach Joyce balled her fists, her voice rising in a sharp,high -pitched tone. "Just wait! The police are on their way!"she yelled, her finger stabbing the air, aimed at Daniela.

At the mention of the police, Daniela paused her game. She raised her eyes slowly, her calm gaze settling on the finger Joyce had pointed at her.