Chapter 21

Daniela's eyes narrowed, casting a frosty silence over the group that had been eagerly vying for her attention.

Nearby,even the security guard fidgeted nervously."Ms. Harper, I deeply apologize. I saw them arriving together and assumed they were associated with the design firm. So I didn't confirm their identities before allowing them in."

A shadow of irritation passed over Daniela's face as her brow furrowed.

Given that the building was still undergoing renovations, such mix-ups were somewhat understandable. She couldn't blame the security guard.However, it did serve as a warning for her.

Without hesitation, Daniela dialed Ryan. "Install a facial recognition system throughout the building.From now on, entry is restricted exclusively to those registered in the system."

Ryan's reply was swift and affirmative. "UJnderstood!"

At that moment, realization dawned on the group standing before her. One of them leaned in, whispering to Joyce, "What's the deal here, Joyce? So your sister didn't give you these floors. How could you bring us up here like this?"

Discomfort spread among them, their voices tinged with unease.

"Joyce, let's not get wrapped up in trouble. We don't want to stir up any drama for our families. Our folks made it clear we should show utmost respect to Daniela. What were you thinking,bringing us here to cross her?"

Joyce fixed her spineless friends with a piercing gaze,her eyes blazing with reproach.

She whirled towards Daniela, her voice slicing through the air like a knife. "Daniela, what's this about tightening the building's security? Aren't I your sister?"

Daniela returned her look with a scornful smile."You?My sister? I'd rather not. The very idea that I would call you my sister is absurd."

"What are you implying? You reject me as your sister?You reject Dad too? Just because you've come into some money, you think you can discard your own family like that?" Joyce didn't hesitate to bring up Caiden.

Daniela let out a sly smirk, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Am I even still family? If my memory serves me correctly, wasn't it you who urged them to sever all ties with me? Or is my memory failing me?"

Joyce stood her ground, undeterred. "Yes, they disowned you. That means the Harper family's wealth is none of your concern anymore. However, after Dad brought you up, it's only right that you take care of him!"

With a bitter chuckle, Daniela crossed her arms. "Sure,I'll take care of him-that's the right thing to do. But you? I don't owe you a damn thing. I don't have time for this. Grab your people and get out of my building."

Joyce's hands clenched into fists, her eyes blazing with indignation. "Really? You refuse to even acknowledge Dad? What about Richard? He's Alexander's father! He sent me here today to inspect this place!"

Sure of her advantage, Joyce smirked inwardly.

Richard wasn't just anyone-he was Alexander's father and Daniela's former in-law.

It seemed inconceivable to Joyce that Daniela would dare to cross Richard.

Convinced of her victory, Joyce raised her head high,expecting Daniela to relent and relinquish control of the three floors.

Daniela, however,looked at her with utter disbelief."Feeling a little unhinged, are we? Perhaps it's time to get yourself checked out. Trying to use Caiden didn't work, and now you're dragging Richard into this,who,by the way, has nothing to do with me anymore.Joyce,do you even use that brain of yours, or is it just there for show?"

Color drained from Joyce's face as she processed the rebuke. She glared at Daniela, her voice trembling with fury. "You dare defy Dad and Richard? I'll make sure they disown you for this!"

Daniela merely shrugged, her indifference palpable."Go ahead.Tell them."

Infuriated beyond words, Joyce stamped her foot like a spoiled brat, but Daniela, ever composed,had already called the guards to escort her and her friends out.

The term "escort" was used loosely here.

The guards forcefully removed Joyce, who was gripping the doorframe with a desperate tenacity,from the premises.

This scene unfolded under the watchful eyes of numerous passersby, some of whom promptly began to record the incident, quickly catapulting it to viral status online.

"Is that Joyce? The one who tarnished Daniela's reputation all over social media? She's bold to even step out in public after that."

"Absolutely shameless. Now she wants a piece of Daniela's success? Impressive. I didn't think it was possible to top the nonsense I've already witnessed.She destroyed Daniela and Alexander's marriage, and now she has the audacity to suck up to Daniela? The hypocrisy is astounding."

"Typical stepfamily soap opera-no sense of limits or decorum."

"Get this. Joyce was brazen enough to demand control over the 18th to 20th floors of the Luxor Tower. She had the gall to use Daniela's father to press Daniela, not just to relinquish her rights but also to cover the expenses for the renovations!"

The netizens were abuzz with reactions.

"Daniela, need a sister? I swear I won't steal your husband, sabotage your wedding, or stir up trouble.I'll just be the quiet, compliant sibling you never had.How about it?"