Chapter 382

Lately, Nina had been working late into the night,hoping to cross paths with Cedric in Elite Lux.

At first, Natalie mocked her for it, but soon enough,she found herself inventing reasons to stay late as well.

Nina couldn't hide her irritation at Natalie's sudden change of heart. With a sneer, she said, "Wasn't it you who said if a man truly likes you, you don't have to chase him? That women who go after men are fools?So what now? You're playing a fool too?"

Natalie, calm and composed, remained seated at her desk,her eyes fixed on the CEO's office.

It was true-she'd said those things before. But Cedric was different. His politeness was impenetrable,and he never seemed to notice her attempts. Frustration simmered inside her, and she realized she needed a new strategy.

Natalie asked, "Don't you see it? Cedric and Daniela had a fight."

Nina curled her lip, unimpressed. "Of course,I noticed. t's hard to miss."

Ignoring Nina's tone, Natalie continued, "Look, we're not enemies. I'm not going to let Daniela take the lead.One of us deserves to rise above, and as sisters,we should support each other. Can't we deal with Daniela together?"

Nina paused, her mind turning over the offer. Then she said, "I know what you and Mom are planning. I can work with you. Daniela's wealth means nothing to me.All I want is Cedric."

Internally, Natalie cursed Nina for being so easily swayed.She smiled and said,"Fine."

Nina shot her a suspicious glance. "That was fast, even for you."

"Why wouldn't it be? Men are a dime a dozen. Once you have wealth, you'll find plenty who are both handsome and obedient. You could easily land someone better than CCedric."

Nina's doubt was evident in her eyes. Yet she held back, deciding not to argue. "So, what's the plan?How do we make this work?"

A sly grin appeared on Natalie's lips. She motioned for Nina to come closer, and Nina leaned in without hesitation.

Elsewhere,Daniela wrapped up her work and prepared to leave. Cedric remained at his desk, lost in his own world.

It had been a week since Daniela's conversation with Cedric about making a decision. He still hadn't responded, and their interactions had become scarce.

He continued to monitor her meals three times a day,but once she finished eating, he would walk away without uttering a single word.

The Harper family villa had long since lost its appeal for him. Now, he seemed settled in the lounge at Elite Lux, as if planning to make it his long-term base.

Daniela closed her laptop, her gaze drifting to Cedric,who sat absorbed in his work."Are we going to talk?"

Without lifting his eyes from the screen, Cedric replied,"I'm tied up today. Maybe later."

Indeed, Cedric's schedule was packed.

His ambition in the corporate world seemed boundless,and rumors swirled about the competitor who had pushed him so hard that there was no room left for retreat.

Phillips Group's influence was growing swiftly, easing the worries of seasoned employees who had feared that a woman might distract Cedric from his relentless drive.

Sighing, Daniela stood up. "Alright. Don't stay up too late,then."

She didn't know how to approach him.

Though she excelled in business, when it came to personal connections, she felt completely out of her depth.

Her heart longed for reconciliation, but Cedric was distant and unyielding. For the moment, she couldn't find a way through.

Just as she was about to leave, a knock echoed on the door of the CEO's office.

Nina entered with a bright smile, her voice smooth as she spoke. "Daniela, Mr. Bennett from Sunny Pharmaceuticals is hoping to have dinner with you to discuss a new round of cooperation."

The name Mr. Bennett referred to none other than Alexander.

Lately, Alexander had made waves in the pharmaceutical industry, his sudden financial surge raising more than a few eyebrows.

"I don't see the need for dinner. Tell them to come to my office tomorrow," Daniela responded without a flicker of hesitation. Nina maintained her cheerful expression, adding,"Understood, but he made it clear that this is a straightforward business collaboration. He hopes you won't let past issues cloud the bigger picture. If it's possible, he'd prefer a more informal setting."

Nina understood Daniela's stance well.

Business and personal matters never mixed in Daniela's world.

Nina continued, "Also, Misael Wayne will be attending.He's highly influential, and with his presence, they're confident the agreement can be wrapped up smoothly over dinner."

Misael had long-standing business ties with Daniela.Recognizing his importance, Daniela knew she would have to honor his position.

Just as she was about to give her consent, Cedric,who had been absorbed in his work, slowly raised his gaze."Weren't you going to talk to me?"

Taken off guard, Daniela blinked. "Now? You want to talk now?"

With a calm, almost detached expression, Cedric shut his laptop. "Yes."

Daniela turned her attention back to Nina. "In that case, tell Mr. Wayne I'll meet them in my office tomorrow."

Nina bit her lip and didn't want to leave just yet. After a while, she managed a smile. "All right."

Outside,Alexander's secretary waited patiently.Having pulled a few strings to ensure Misael's attendance,Alexander hoped for a dinner meeting that evening.He stood ready in a newly purchased suit, exuding confidence and anticipation.

"Daniela has another engagement tonight. Please return at eight tomorrow morning," Nina said to them.

The secretary stood frozen, eyes wide with disbelief.

Alexander also appeared caught off guard. It didn't take long for him to accept the situation, knowing it wasn't entirely a surprise.

He had always suspected that Daniela would be reluctant to accept a dinner invitation.

Nina, playing with a strand of her hair,flashed a coy smile. "Don't get the wrong idea. Daniela was about to agree,but then Cedric asked to speak with her. So she decided to stay."

At her words, Alexander's expression darkened noticeably.

A gentle sigh escaped Nina as she continued, "This happens often. She is deeply focused on her work, but Cedric gets possessive and needy. It's caused her a lot of trouble. But, of course,she will always protect those close to her, even at the expense of her own peace. We just have to hope Elite Lux won't suffer because of it."

Nina let her words linger in the air before turning to leave.

Alexander's expression darkened further, a hint of bitterness creeping onto his face.

He knew Cedric was nothing but trouble, and Daniela,still caught up in her own romantic fantasies, was only making things worse. Some aspects of her would never change.

In Alexander's mind, he alone had the power to break through her stubbornness.

A wave of frustration washed over him, and for a fleeting moment, he imagined storming upstairs to confront Daniela, to shake her out of her foolishness.