Chapter 272

Katrina narrowed her eyes. "You two are out shopping in such a public place. Aren't you concerned about running into Alexander?"

"No," Joyce responded with confidence. "Alexander is on a business trip."

Katrina was startled by this. "Joyce! How could you be so careless? I just saw Alexander. He mentioned he's heading upstairs for dinner. How do you not know whether your husband is on a business trip or not? If you cheat on him, he's sure to divorce you!"

Joyce gave a nonchalant shrug. "If he wants a divorce, that's fine by me. I'mn financially stable and there are plenty of other options out there. I don't need to cling to Alexander. He doesn't love me, anyway. Don't worry, Mom. I know what I'm doing. Milo is waiting for me outside. I have to go." With that, she fixed her hair in the mirror and departed.

Katrina's expression turned to one of disapproval. Losing interest in shopping, she headed straight home to wait for Daniela.

Meanwhile, Cedric, feeling the movie outing was lackluster, decided to return home and watch a film in Daniela's room instead.

But as he opened the villa door, he was surprised to see Katrina there without Johan.

With a grave look, she addressed Daniela. "Daniela, I need a moment with you."

Cedric's expression soured immediately. Why was it so difficult to have a private moment with his wife?

Daniela gave Cedric a reassuring smile, then told Katrina, "Wait a moment." She then guided Cedric upstairs.

Cedric was still bewildered when Katrina stood and addressed Daniela sharply. "How long must I wait? I have something important to say." "You'll need to wait until I'm done here before we can talk," Daniela responded without turning,her tone dismissive.

Cedric was then escorted back to Daniela's room. He lingered there, gazing at her.

Despite being taller, he felt overwhelmed in her presence, as though she could easily swayhim.

Daniela motioned Cedric into the room and met his gaze silently, saying nothing.

Under her intense stare, Cedric's earlier irritation melted away. He asked softly, "What's troubling you?"

"Why do you seem upset?" Daniela inquired.

Cedric averted his eyes, replying, "I'm not upset."

"Really?"

Affirming, Cedric said, "Yes."

Daniela then rose slightly on her toes and kissed him gently.

It was a brief kiss, but it sent a shiver down Cedric's spine.

As he looked at her, Daniela questioned him again, "Why are you upset?" Her expression was cool and detached.

Cedric, gathering his resolve, countered, "You're my wife. Is it wrong to show my feelings?"

Daniela simply looked at him. She then tiptoed again and delivered a longer, more meaningful kiss. "Still upset?" she asked.

Cedric nodded. "Yes."

Daniela continued to kiss him, soothing his feigned distress.

Meanwhile, downstairs, Katrina's patience was wearing thin. She quietly asked the maid, "What are they possibly discussing upstairs for so long?"

The maid, not bothered by the inquiry, answered, "They're always like this. They get along well. I noticed Cedric making frequent early morning visits upstairs, saying he was bringing Daniela water."

Hearing the maid's explanation, Katrina was incredulous. Ddn't Daniela have water in her room? Was it something special about the water provided by Cedric?

As she pondered this, Daniela descended the stairs.

Katrina quickly asked, "Where's Cedric? Still in your room?"

Daniela's face remained impassive, though her lips were slightly reddened.

"He's organizing some company data," she responded nonchalantly as she walked towards the sofa and turned on the TV. "What did you want to discuss with me?"

While Daniela focused on the TV, Katrina, feeling a bit dissatisfied, decided not to press further. Instead, she ventured, "Could you do me a favor?"

Daniela, picking up an apple, responded flatly,"No."

"I haven't even told you what it is yet."

Daniela stayedsilent, her attention fixed on the TV, her demeanor detached.

When Cedric descended the stairs and saw Daniela's aloof expression, the peace he had just reclaimed was unsettled again.

"I's nothing serious," Katrina mentioned, trying to remain nonchalant despite her internal turmoil over Joyce's recent actions. "Could you transfer Joyce's dividends to me?"

Daniela turned and asked,"Why?"

Unable to reveal her true motives, Katrina said, "I'm a bit strapped for cash lately."

Daniela responded, "Ask Joyce to transfer them to you. I don't handle those details."

Katrina clenched her teeth in frustration. "Fine. I'll tell you the truth-Joyce and Alexander are divorcing.I don't want the Bennett family to get any dividends from the robotics company. I'd appreciate if you could halt the dividend distribution until I get things sorted." Unbeknownst to Katrina, Daniela had already ordered the halt on dividends.

Seeing Katrina willing to take the blame, Daniela was content to let her do so. "What should I say if Joyce asks?" she asked.