Chapter 258

Lillian narrowed her eyes.

As someone in a powerful position, being the subject of rumors was a matter Cedric would have to take seriously, even if he was broad-minded and not easily angered.

While business success depends on capability, the image of those in power plays a crucial role.

After all, why do so many CEOs go to great lengths to project an image of a perfect family life?

A stable public image is key to gaining investors' trust.

Cedric understood this basic truth better than anyone. Yet, he let the gossip about him spread without doing anything to stop it.

Either Cedric was exactly what the rumors suggested, or...

Lillian's gaze fell on Daniela, who was smiling. "Cedric, do you not care, or is it because you value Daniela's happiness over your own image and choose not to intervene?"

As soon as she finished speaking, Lillian noticed Daniela's and Cedric's eyes meet from across the crowd,followed by a shared smile.

Something wasn't right!

There had to be more to it!

Unless they were very close, there couldn't be such a lingering, meaningful exchange of glances.

Lillian's curiosity was piqued.

She grabbed Daniela and pulled her into the courtyard. "Daniela, what's really going on between you and Cedric?"

Daniela had been enjoying the conversation inside, where they were discussing Cedric being caught in a compromising situation, when Lilian abruptly dragged her out.

Daniela felt a twinge of regret.

"You've heard it all-Cedric likes men."

°Stop with the nonsénse. I don't believe it. Cedric is so traditional; he's only ever had eyes for you!"

"Then what do you want to ask me?"

"What's your relationship? Are you and Cedric together? Is there something between you two...

Just as Lillian was about to get to the heart of it, the driver called to inform her there was an issue with the car.

Lillian urged, "Don't think you can run off, Daniela. Stay here. I'll be back. Don't try to deceive me." With that,she stormed out.

Daniela let out a soft chuckle and settled onto a nearby bench to wait for Lillian.

What no one noticed was that someone had been observing from the balcony upstairs the entire time.

It was Alexander, silent and unmoving.

Keith approached Alexander and peered down.

He saw Daniela sitting gracefully on the bench, her long dress flowing elegantly around her.

"You have to admit, even just sitting there, Daniela radiates the elegance of an aristocratic lady. She might lack theharshness of someone ín charge, but her charm is undeniable."

The moment he spoke, Keith felt a sharp, icy gaze cutting through him from beside him.

"I didn't mean it like that. I was just admiring her. What's that supposed to mean, Alexandér? You're married.

What does Daniela have to do with you? Even if I do like her, what's the harm in that?"

Alexander's cold gaze swept over him. "How dare you!"

Keith laughed. "What? Do you still have feelings for her?" "Isn't it normal for me to have feelings?" Alexander replied, taking a sip of his drink, his eyes fixed on Daniela, "She's my ex-wife."

Keith let out a short chuckle. "The way you're talking, it's like she's still your wife, not your ex. But then again, who wouldn't be drawn to someone like Daniela? If you're serious about it, you'd better make a move before someone else does."

Alexander raised an eyebrow, his curiosity gettíng the better of him. "What exactly are you getting at?"

"Everyone used to believe Daniela and Cedric were a couple. So even if they had feelings for her, they didn't dare approach Daniela. But now that it's clear Cedric prefers men, the chance is wide open. Now everyone's itching to make their move. Even if they're not genuinely interested in her, chasing after Daniela's fortune is hardly a poor choice."

At those words, Alexander's fingers tightened around his glass.

Just as he was about to reply, he noticed two men with drinks heading in Daniela's direction.

His expression hardened, and without another thought, he made his way downstairs.

Joyce made her entrance, fashionably late, just in time to witness the whole scene unfold.

Katrina leaned in and whispered to her, "After all this time, you still haven't won over Alexander?"

Joyce clenched her teeth in frustration. "He doesn't have feelings for me. He doesn't like me. What am I supposed to do?"

Katrina hesitated, then spoke. "If you really can't keep a man's heart, you'll have to learn how to make the best of your circumstances."

Joyce turned her head sharply, her eyes cold and calculating."You mean...?"