Chapter 349

A shiver ran through Katrina as her eyes locked onto Daniela.

"Please, let me go! P'll confess everything, but I can't surrender myself. I just can't. If I do, everythingI′Ve built will be destroyed."

Daniela's eyes were icy as she gave a small nod. "Looks like you've already chosen the path that'll destroy you. Fine, I won't stop you. But don't expect any help from me again."

Without another glance, Daniela slid into her car, showing no interest in letting Katrina speak further.

In desperation, Katrina ran after the car, her voice cracking as she cried out, "Daniela! Don't leave me! Take me with you! l'll tell you everything. Isn't that enough?"

Her voice was raw, and soon she crumpled to the ground, struggling to catch her breath.

Tears flowed freely down her face as she stared at the unfamiliar faces surrounding her, her fear spiraling out of control.

She was paralyzed by fear. Yet no one stepped forward to offer her solace or protection.

Her trembling hands reached for her phone as she dialed Caiden's number.

When he answered, his voice was icy."Do you realize what you've done to me? I used to have a daughter l was proud of, and now I have nothing. I'm stuck in this godforsaken place, being ridiculed as a man who depends on women. You've ruined everything, even turned my brothers against me. You're the one to blame! And now you want me to help you? I wish you were dead!"

The word "dead" cut through Katrina, and she couldn't bear it.

She hung up the phone in haste and called Joyce instead.

Joyce was in the garden when a maid approached her. "Ma'am, a man named Alexander Bennett is here to see you." Joyce smiled and dismissed Katrina's call.

Turning to the maid, she said, "Let him in. And you can go ahead and leave after that. I've got a dinner party tonight, so you'll have tomorrow off. I need to catch up on some rest."

The maid nodded obediently. "Understood."

As Alexander stepped inside, the maid quetly gathered her things and left, leaving the space feeling unexpectedly empty.

Joyce continued tending to the flowers, tose that Doug particularly adored.

She could hear the footsteps behind her, drawing nearer.

She recognized it was Alexander, even before he came into view.

He stopped behind her, standing in silence for what felt like an eternity.

Joyce, however,wasn't pressed for time.

She leaned into the moment and waited for Alexander to give in.

She enjoyed the stillness, savoring the power of the moment.

At last, he spoke, his voice steady but resigned. "I can agree to your long-term lover. Just tell me your price."

At his words, Joyce's lips curled into a sly smile.

The rush of satisfaction was undeniable.

Alexander had once looked down on her, and deep inside, he still did, but he had no choice now but to submit.

She thrived on this feeling of control, loving every second of it.

She turned her head slowly, her eyes glinting with interest as they met Alexander's.

"What did you say? I didn't quite catch it." Her voice dropped, icy and mocking. "Say that again?" Alexander knew that coming to Joyce meant sacrificing his pride, but even now, he couldn't shake the feeling of disgrace.

He found himself wishing Daniela were the one standing before him instead.

With Daniela, it wouldn't feel like humiliation-it would have been playful, even enticing.

He stood frozen while Joyce watched him patiently.

She gave him time, waiting for him to finally surrender, piece by piece.

"I'll say it again." Alexander clenched his jaw, grinding his pride into dust. "I accept your terms. What do you have to offer me?"

Joyce let out a sharp, wild laugh, almost manic in its tone. With a smug look, she turned to Alexander and asked, "This is the money I earned through sleeping with Doug. Does that bother you?"