Chapter 305

A harsh, commanding "Get lost!" echoed through the vast living room.

Joyce froze in her tracks, her cheeks flushing with humiliation.

That familiar sting of not being good enough compared to Daniela crept in once again,filling the quiet night.

Her eyes grew red as she gazed at Cedric's sharp, chiseled features.

She couldn't understand what she was missing.

Why could he show so much kindness to Daniela but not to her?

His eyes held such warmth for Daniela, yet when they turned to her, they were nothing but icy.

What was it about her that fell short next to Daniela?

Why did Cedric, with all his capability, refuse to even look her way?

Overcome with bitterness, Joyce clenched her jaw and tore off the thin robe she had draped around herself.

She had been about to settle into bed, used to sleeping with as little as possible.

On her way to grab a drink, she had casually thrown on a simple robe. Now, she was being naked.

。

The late-night breeze cut through the room, sending a chill across her skin.

Standingtall, Joyce revealed herself completely. She was convinced that Cedric wouldn't miss her presence in the expansive living room.

Back in the bedroom, Daniela instinctively reached out for the person she expected to be beside her,but her hand only met cold, empty sheets.

Frowning,she felt around the mattress, the coolness confirming she was alone. She slowly opened her eyes, letting them adjust to the darkness around her. "Cedric?"

But the silent room offered no reply.

Tossing the covers aside, Daniela figured he must have gone downstairs for water and decided to check for him.

As she reached the staircase, her eyes landed on Joyce, who stood completely naked in the middle of the living room.

Cedric stood not far off, seemingly deep in thought.

A deep frown etched onto Daniela's face as she hurried down the stairs.

Before Joyce could utter a word or make a move, Daniela positioned herself in front of her.

Grabbing the discarded robe from the sofa, Daniela gripped Joyce by the neck and pushed her towards the entryway.

Joyce barely had a moment to process what was happening before the robe hit her face with a jarring smack.

The sharp impact on her skin fanned the flames of her anger.

She yanked the robe away and was ready to declare that she and Cedric were caught up in'a moment of passion. But as soon as her eyes met Daniela's piercing glare, she went rigid.

Her heartbeat thundered in her ears.

She had never seen Daniela in such a state before.

Typically, Daniela was the picture of indifference.

Whether it was handling Caiden's favoritism, going after Alexander, or dealing with the gossip that followed her,she always kept her cool. Her confidence never wavered, and there was never a hint of emotion that could be easily read.

There was a time when Joyce had even convinced herself that Daniela was incapable of feeling anger or contempt.

After all, when Alexander and Daniela's marriage fell apart, she didn't waste time trying to explain herself to the media. Instead, she just showed them the evidence, straightforward and without fuss.

It was moments like that which led Joyce to believe Daniela was far too composed to ever lose control.

Yet now, Daniela's icy, piercing stare bore into her, and the grip around her neck gradually tightened.

The choking terror of having her life in jeopardy was far worse than the time she had been trapped in that bleak warehouse.

"Do you really think I wouldn't hurt you?" Daniela's face was no longer blank; a faint, almost pleasant smile spread across her lps.

"I..." Joyce opened her mouth to defend herself, intending to blame Cedric for seducing her.

But before she could say anything, Daniela's grip on her neck tightened once more, silencing her.

With her other hand, Daniela pressed a finger firmly against Joyce's lips, stopping her words in their tracks."I'm not interested in your excuses. I don't need your denial."

Terror widened Joyce's eyes.

Daniela's gaze sharpened as her fingers pressed harder into Joyce's neck.

Joyce's faceturned ashen, and the blood drained from her features in mere moments.

Joyce's hands slapped desperately at Daniela's arm, but Daniela shoved her forcefully to the floor.

The impact jolted through her, and Joyce's head hit the floor with a sickening thud, the blow nearly knocking her unconscious.

Her vision blurred and faded at the edges, and for a brief, terrifying moment, she felt as though death was right on top of her.

A wave of fear flooded over her, her body trembling as something warm began to trickle down beneath her. "Daniela!" Cedric's voice rang out, sharp and urgent. "Let her go!"

He had never seen Daniela behave this way. She seemed completely deaf to his voice, no matter how much he raised it.

Not wanting to use force, he crouched and encircled Daniela in his arms, whispering,"|′Ss over now. Don't let it upset you. I'm fine, really. There's no need to be angry."