Chapter 265

Joyce discovered that the favoritism she once believed in was merely an illusion.

Thls epiphany rendered her previous decision to walk away almost comical.

She laughed so intensely that tears cascaded down her cheeks.

As she laughed, Daniela and Alexander turned around, drawn by the sound.

Tightening her grip on her scarf, Joyce inhaled deeply and straightened up.

She then draped the scarf around her neck.

She affirmed to herself that a man incapable of loving her was unworthy of her heart.

With the scarf securely in place, Joyce approached Daniela and Alexander.

Alexander, looking bewildered, watched as Joyce confidently linked her arm through his. With a superficial smile, she asked, "Why haven't you left yet? What were you discussing with my sister?"

Her smile, though faint and unconvincing, did not reach her eyes, hinting at the coldness behind it.

Alexander frowned deeply.

Turning to Daniela, Joyce said, "I need a moment more with Alexander."

Daniela gave a brief nod and walked away.

Alexander made to follow Daniela, yearning for a response to his earlier confessions, but Joyce obstructed his path. "Don't waste youur time."

Alexander faced her, irritation sharp in his voice. "What do you mean by that?"

Joyce offered a wry smile, the warmth of the scarf around her neck contrasting with the coolness of her demeanor. She adjusted the scart casuafly and warned, "Alezander, no matter your bellets or whether Daniela ends her relatlonship with Calden, she remains my sister. Our marriage is still legafly valid, and should you pursue anything with her, just a few tears from me in public could wreak havoc on Bennett Group."

She chuckled dryly, her laugh piercing the tense alr. "After all, is there anything more scandalous than you having an affair with your sister-in-law, wouldn't you agree?"

Alexander's expression darkened, his eyes narrowing. "You wouldn't dare."

"Why wouldn't I?" Joyce retorted, her voice calm yet detached. "What do I have to lose? I don't rely on you,Alexander. But do you dare to take that risk?"

She stepped closer, her tone quietly menacing."Are you willing to risk Bennett Group's future against me?Perhaps you should proceed. Maybe Daniela will be touched by your persistence and forgive you eventually."

She crossed her arms and flashed him a cold, mocking smile.′′SO,what's your decision? Your business empire or the beauty? Choose."

Joyce didn't wait for his response.

Before walking away, she turned sharply, her voice firm and decisive. "I don't consent to a divorce. You're welcome to file if you wish, but be ready to lose everything. I've realized I quite enjoy being your wife."

Then, she let out a wild, almost unhinged laugh before turning and walking back to the villa. Her eyes were cold,her expression resolute.

If she couldn't have a happy life, they might as well be miserable together.

Alexander stood frozen, Joyce'sultimatum-"yoour business empire or the beauty"-resonating in his mind like a deafening roar.

He hadn't anticipated Joyce would take such drastic steps, placing herself yet again as an obstacle between him and Daniela.

His gaze lingered on Daniela as she walked away, and his hand slowly clenched into a tight fist. That same day, Joyce packed her belongings and left. When Katrina inquired about her actions, Joyce declared she wasn't seeking a divorce. She intended to endure this marriage for the rest of their lives.

As she spoke, Daniela was in the living room. Joyce's gaze fixed on her throughout the conversation.

Daniela,however,showed no reaction, making it unclear whether she had heard it or not.

Joyce grabbed her suitcase, ready to depart, yet paused, reflecting briefly before setting it back down. She approached Daniela and stood next to her.

"Daniela, I've decided not to divorce Alexander. What do you think about that?" Joyce felt a twinge of fear towards Daniela.

Daniela,invaluable for her connections, was like a treasure trove of opportunities. Joyce was aware of Daniela's influence,having witnessed powerful men submit to her at Elite Lux with utter obedience.

If she angered Daniela, and Daniela chose to reclaim the roboticscompany shares, Caiden wouldn't be able to retrieve them a second time.

Without Daniela's financial support, Joyce questioned how she could possibly challenge the Bennett family.

Daniela, engrossed in a report, seemed not to hear Joyce initially.

Daniela glanced at Joyce, prompting her to repeat her statement.

Daniela's reply came flatly. "It's up to you. Why are you telling me? I'm not your mother."

Nearby, Joyce's mother, observing the exchange, narrowed her eyes at Daniela, suspecting an ulterior motive.

Unlike her mother, who possessed keen instincts, Joyce simply offered a tentative smile to Daniela. "I felt l should consult you. Without the support from the robotics firm, what else can I count on?"

Realizing the futility of any deception in front of Daniela, Joyce let go of any facade.

As she concluded, her phone chimed with a notification. She made no move to check her phone.

Daniela raised her chin slightly and asked, "Aren't you going to check that?"