Chapter 262

Daniela and Cedric had already made their way home.

As the door creaked open, Daniela peeled away from Cedric's warm embrace, her attention riveted to the TV screen.

Cedric exhaled deeply, and Daniela glanced at him with a smile.

Katrina and Joyce walked in mid-conversation. "You really need to rein in that temper of yours, Joyce.You've gone from bride to nearly divorced. What does that tell the world about you?"

Joyce dismissed the mention of divorce with a casual shrug, as if it were mere pillow talk. Divorce was often a card played but seldom dealt. She figured a bit of sweet-talking could smooth things over later. Even as a twice-married woman, she knew Alexander's track record was no trophy either.

With a dismissive wave, Joyce ascended the stairs to retire for the night, while Katrina took the food to the kitchen.

A sudden thought struck her, and she turned, casting her gaze from Daniela and Cedric to Lillian."Why aren't you sitting between Daniela and Cedricanymore? Weren't you keeping an eye on them?"

Lillian, her mouth busy with chips, responded with indifference, "The word on the street is that Cedric prefers men. So, to me, he and Daniela might as well be besties! No need for concern."

Katrina pondered this and made her way upstairs.

As the sound of a closing door echoed, Lillian stole a glance at the couple.

Daniela was sprawled across Cedric's lap, engrossed in her phone game.

"Hey, shouldn't you two keep your relationship under wraps? What's all this about?" Lillian chided.

Daniela chuckled. "Aren't we practically besties now? So, a little closeness shouldn't matter." Cedric tenderly brushed a stray hair from Daniela's face. "Exactly, no harm in it."

"You're just indulging her," Liflian muttered, half amused, half exasperated. "Despite the rumors swirling around,you two seem to relish the drama."

That night, Cedric, usually so guarded, strutted upstairs overtly.

Lillian sighed, pondering how the girls would react once they realized they'd been duped.

Katrina felt a nagging suspicion. While dabbing on her night cream, she asked Caiden, "You've been around quite a bit lately. Noticed anything untoward between Cedric and Daniela?"

Caiden rolled over, his back to Katrina, signaling his disinterest.

Katrina squinted through her hand cream application. "Something just doesn't sit right."

In the dimly lit room, Cedric drew Daniela close.

Looking down at her, her eyes twinkling, he asked,′′|sit that amusing?"

Daniela nodded. "I've just realized the potency of rumors. Did you hear? They said you were gay. It's just ludicrous."

As Daniela's laughter filled the room, Cedric's expression darkened subtly.

Daniela's laughter tapered off. She scooted away, wrapping herself in a blanket, inching towards the edge of the bed.

Cedric's lips pursed. "I'm off to shower."

Daniela peeked from the blanket. "Another one? Wasn't one enough?"

Cedric took a deep breath, his jaw set. "Should I not?"

Daniela giggled. "Go ahead."

He bent down, kissing her and saying, "I'll deal with you later."

Ten minutes later, Cedric stood up, glanced at Daniela's slightly parted lips, closed his eyes for a brief moment, and headed to the bathroom.

Daniela,her smnile Hngering, drifted off to sleep enveloped in the scent of Cedric lingering in the air.

The next morning, the housekeeper told Joyce, "There's a package for you on the table."

Puzzled,Joyce approached and, upon opening the envelope, was taken aback by its contents.

As Katrina descended the stairs, the look on Joyce's face gave away the nature of the documents she held.

"Mom," Joyce cried out, tears streaming down her face. "Alexander wants to divorce me! He's serious this time!"

Her wails echoed throughout the house, reaching every ear.

Inconsolable, she sobbed, "Mom, what do l do?"

Katrina's eyes flicked to Caiden descending the stairs, then quickly away.

Even if Caiden wanted to intervene, the precarious state of Harper Group meant that Alexander wouldn't take him seriously.

Only Daniela could sway him now.

As Daniela appeared, Katrina, bypassing Joyce, pleaded, "Daniela, could you talk to Alexander? Couples have their disagreements, but if it drags on, it'll lead to divorce. You have a lot of sway now; could you say good words for us?"

"Are you out of your mind?" Cedric cut in sharply before Daniela could utter a word, his expression chilling.

Lillian, poised to interject, withdrew silently, her heart sinking slightly. It was clear that Daniela no longer required her guardianship.

Katrina was caught off guard by Cedric's bluntness."What?"

"Your family's drama shouldn't tangle Daniela's feet. Have you even considered the weight of what you're asking her to shoulder?" Frustration knotted Katrina's brow, and she yearned to retaliate but held back, knowing Cedric was not one to challenge lightly.

Masking her agitation with a strained smile, she ventured, "But what if Daniela herself is open to stepping in?

Her eyes then sought Daniela, who remained head bowed and declared, "I listen to Cedric."

Katrina's face feI, words failing her as the retort died on her lips.

Lillian, rising, felt a sharp pang of discontent.

She had no appetite for the saccharine display that was about to unfold.