Chapter 485

Cedric didn't respond to the question.

He stared out the window at the scenery rushing past, his mind looping back to the document placed under Daniela's hand.

It was a divorce agreement.

In the Elite Lux office, Lillian couldn't wrap her head around it. "Daniela, why didn't you bring up the divorce?"

Daniela clenched her fist. "I didn't have to say it out loud.He already knew what I meant."

Lillian still didn't understand.

Daniela turned to the vast skyline beyond the floor-to-ceiling window. "One day, when you truly love someone,you'll get it."

The bond that once felt unbreakable could become the sharpest blade, cutting deeper than any wound.

A single conversation could tear two people apart.

Daniela fell silent, lost in thought.

Maybe Lillian was right. Cedric had so many paths ahead of him. Maybe walking away from her would lead him to something better-something happier.

And her own heartbreak? That didn't matter as much.

Daniela carried on with her days-work,meals, sleep.She slowly distanced herself from Cedric, her warmth fading into a surface-level politeness.

She could feel Cedric's unease.

She could feel him pulling away.

But she, unwavering and relentless, kept pushing forward, leaving him with nowhere left to retreat.

Cedric was truly afraid.

He chose the farthest business trip he could find and put as much distance between them as possible.

Lillian had seen firsthand just how ruthless Daniela could be, and it unsettled her.

"Daniela, Natalie approached Doug at that auction the other day, but Joyce is keeping a close watch.Natalie hasn't gotten a chance to make a move yet."

Daniela's expression remained unreadable, her presence as cold and unyielding as ice. "If there's no opportunity, then make one. Host a gala under Elite Lux's name and ensure Doug is on the guest list."

Elite Lux's galas were the crown jewel of Olisvine's social scene.

C)

Lavish venues.

Exquisite champagne.

Relentless media attention.

Natalie wasted no time turning to Daniela for help.Daniela smirked and flicked the invitation card in her hand onto the floor without a second thought.

Natalie immediately bent down to retrieve it. Linden stood nearby, his glare sharp with disgust as he spat, "Bitch."

Natalie remained unfazed.

If latching onto Doug meant enduring scorn, so be it.

She was willing to do whatever it took.

After all, who was Linden to her? Just one of Daniela's lackeys.

Natalie left Elite Lux, invitation in hand, and ran into Nina.

Natalie said, "Daniela seems off lately. Any idea why?Did she and Cedric actually fall out?"

Natalie was plotting something. If Daniela and Cedric were truly over, then between Cedric and Doug,she'd much rather choose Cedric.

Nina leaned against the elevator wall, her expression unreadable. "Daniela and Cedric are fine. Stop overanalyzing."

Natalie let out a sharp laugh. "Fine? You're awfully protective of their marriage. Funny, considering you used to be so in love with Cedric yourself."

She casually adjusted her hair,her tone dripping with confidence. "Nina, no matter what, you're a Dury.Daniela's your cousin, and I'm your sister. No matter what happens, you're obligated to help me. Got it?The Dury family's future depends on me winning this."

Nina flicked her gaze towards Natalie, unimpressed.

Natalie pulled an invitation card from her pocket and dangled it between her fingers. "Don't say I never do anything for you. Here, I got you an invite from Daniela. It's your chance to rub elbows with some wealthy heirs."

Nina eyed the card suspiciously. "Since when are you this generous?"

Natalie's lips curled into a sly smirk. "Oh, I'll be needing a favor in return. Doug will be at the gala tonight. I just need you to keep Joyce busy for half an hour. That's all the time I need to make him fall for me." Nina shot her a look of pure disdain. "Didn't you always claim you'd save yourself for the one you truly love? And wasn't that Cedric? Now, suddenly, you're interested in Doug? That short,fat man?"

Natalie scoffed, "What would you know? Cedric's an idiot-he only has eyes for Daniela. So why should I waste my/ time? I deserve better. What, you think l should settle for Linden? That useless, hideous nobody? Just make sure Joyce stays out of my way tonight."

Natalie started to walk away, but after a few steps,she stopped and turned back. Her gaze locked onto Nina's. "Don't breathe a word of this to Daniela.She and Joyce are on the same side, but you and l? We're family. Don't forget that."

With that, she stepped into her car. Just before the door shut, she threw out one last promise."When I pull this off, I'll make sure you get your cut of the rewards."

Then the car roared to life and sped away.

Nina narrowed her eyes and let out a sharp, icy laugh.

She slipped the invitation into her pocket, not even considering telling Daniela.

This whole thing was too disgraceful to bother mentioning.

If Natalie wanted to go head-to-head with Joyce, let her.

The timing couldn't be better. Nina had been itching for some real entertainment.

Standing at the grand entrance of Elite Lux, she pulled out her phone and scrolled through her contacts yntil she found the number she wanted.Then, with a smirk, she pressed call.

"Hey, I've got something juicy for you tonight.Interested?"

"What's it about?"

Nina's lips curled as she lowered her voice to a near whisper. "A scandal you won't want to miss."