Chapter 388

Daniela's voice was as soft as a whisper, yet her words hit Elyse and Natalie like a thunderclap.

Their stunned expressions didn't escape her notice.andshe allowedherself afaintsmile."What?Surprised?"

The difference between suspecting something and hearing it confirmed with such candidness was undeniable.

Elyse broke the silence with a chuckle and asked, "So,does this mean you're planning to settle down with Cedric soon?"

Daniela's response was calm and unwavering."No."

She and Cedric had married long ago.

Elyse exhaled in visible relief. "Since you're not interested in settling down with Cedric,why not let Nina have him?"

Daniela's laughter was light, almost dismissive."Oh?Nina doesn't mind that I've been involved with Cedric?How generous of her."

Elyse waved her hand as if brushing off the remark. "lf Nina manages to get the man you've discarded, she should count herself lucky."

The comment drew a slight frown from Daniela, and her tone grew cold, the warmth fading entirely."Cedric is a great person. He's not a man l've discarded. Now, if there's nothing else, I have work to do.You should leave."

Elyse's voice softened as she asked,"What about Nina and Cedric?"

Daniela's answer was clipped and firm. "I've already said, it's a personal matter. Whether Cedric takes a liking to Nina depends entirely on her. Asking me won't change anything. Now,please see yourself out."

Elyse left, her cheerful smile betraying no offense taken.

At the doorway, Natalie whispered, "Mom, see? I told you, but you didn't believe me. Daniela really isn't interested in Cedric."

Elyse's carefully laid plan to use Cedric to unnerve Daniela crumbled.

Daniela appeared utterly unbothered, her calm demeanor betraying no possessiveness over Cedric whatsoever.

"Then call off the professional killers sent after Cedric. Redirect their focus to Daniela. Her assets are multiplying rapidly. By the end of the year, they'll reach their peak. Bring in the hypnotist to hypnotize her, and by New Year's, have her sign a will leaving everything to me. After that, let her meet the same end as Brylee."

Natalie gave a curt nod and said, "Understood. I'll take care of it immediately."

She started to leave but hesitated after a few steps.Turning back, she asked reluctantly, "What about Cedric? Are we really going to let Nina have him?"

Elyse exhaled slowly and asked, "Do you honestly have feelings for Cedric?"

Natalie nodded."I do."

Elyse fell silent for a moment before asking, "Even if it meant giving up Daniela's billion-dollar fortune,would you still want him?"

Natalie's gaze didn't falter as she replied, "I would."

Elyse relayed Natalie's intentions to Nina later that day.

She had expected Nina to agree without question,but instead, Nina rejected the idea outright.

"What's so special about Cedric?" Elyse asked. "He barely even smiles when he's around you two. What could you possibly see in him?" Nina's expression softened as a dreamy look crossed her face. "Mom, you don't get it. He's been my dream since I was young. I wouldn't trade him for anything.Tomorrow's chance to teach Cedric how to make pastries is mine!"

Elyse frowned, her voice turning cold. "With money,you could have any man you want."

Nina shook her head, a lovesick smile tugging at her lips. "But there's only one Cedric in this world."

In the end, Elyse sided with Natalie. The next morning,she locked Nina inside the house.

Natalie prepared for the meeting with a surge of confidence. Hugging Elyse before she left, she said,"Don't worry, Mom. Today, I'll win Cedric over with my charm!"

Elyse nodded firmly and gave the man beside her a slight push, directing him towards Natalie. "If Cedric stays unyielding, take him along. He'll assist in hypnotizing Cedric, ensuring you can capture his heart effortlessly."

Natalie gave a determined nod. "Alright, I'll do it."

Nina stood silently on the second-floor balcony, her gaze fixed on the driveway as Natalie drove off with the hypnotist. Her hands gripped the cold metal railing so tightly her knuckles turned white.

Why?

Why was everyone determined to go against her?

Why, just when she had glimpsed a sliver of hope, did it have to vanish so cruelly?

Why?

Tears of anger and helplessness rolled down her cheeks.

She seethed with resentment towards Natalie and Elyse for stealing everything that was supposed to be hers.

Natalie, meanwhile, headed to the meeting with unwavering confidence.

During the drive, she repeatedly sought reassurance from the hypnotist, her tone edged with urgency."Your techniques are perfected, right? There won't be any harm to his body, will there? This is the man I want to spend my entire life with. I can't bear the thought of causing him pain-not even a scratch.Make sure it's safe!"

Just before stepping in, Natalie stopped and issued a precise instruction. "Don't hypnotize him yet. Wait for my signal."

Deep down,she wanted to try winning Cedric over on her own first.

Maybe she could charm him without needing any tricks.

It wasn't an impossible dream.

She straightened her outfit, smoothed her hair, and entered with confidence.

It was a cozy little pastry shop. As she stepped inside with a radiant smile, a man with a neatly trimmed beard walked towards her.

"Hello. Are you the instructor teaching rose pastries?I'm Leo."