Chapter 504

Natalie's expression darkened as she sharply withdrew her hand from Elyse's grip. "Mom, you need to own up to your actions. It's unfair to offload your responsibilities onto your daughter, don't you think?"

Elyse was visibly shaken by the confrontation, rooted to the spot."You..."

"Indeed, I've informed Daniela about everything," Natalie responded in a composed voice. "I've realízed something important. It's futile to contend with someone more powerful. Daniela is far too intelligent and cunning for us; we are but insects to her."

Elyse let go of Natalie's hand. "Did you really tell her everything?"

Natalie affirmed with a nod. "Yes, I did."

Worry creased Elyse's face. "What about Mr. Perry and the others? Did you mention them too?"

With a look of contempt, Natalie answered, "Why should we protect their secrets? They ignored us when we needed help. Why not leverage the truth to our advantage with Daniela?"

Elyse's voice shook with fear. "Natalie, that's dangerous! Don't you understand what they're capable of doing for money?"

Natalie sneered, brushing off her concerns. "I'm not worried about that."

Exhaustion was evident on Elyse's face, which seemed to have aged significantly. "What did Daniela offer you?"

For a brief moment, a mix of emotions flashed through Natalie's eyes at the question.

Several moments slipped by.

She answered casually, "Nothing much. Daniela agreed to let me study abroad. Oh, and she returned the villa we used to own. While I'm gone, you'll have to manage on your own." At this, Elyse grasped Natalie's hand desperately. "Natalie, please, take me with you! Daniela knows too much; I'm dispensable to her now. If you leave me here, neither Daniela nor Mr. Perry will let me be!"

Natalie's lips tightened. She methodically removed Elyse's fingers from her hand.

"Mom, that's not going to happen. You're Daniela's aunt, and we're family. Why would she harm you?Besides, Nina is still here. She's your daughter too, and she won't let you come to harm. I need to leave;my flight is at three. Just promise me you'll look after yourself. Once I return from my studies, Daniela has promised me a company. I'll make sure you're well cared for then."

Natalie then signaled for a taxi. She walked away without a second glance.

Left alone, Elyse stood frozen, as if struck by a sudden revelation.

It was unbelievable to her. The child she had raised and loved was now casting her aside to fend for herself.

Elyse's eyes darted around in panic. Then, suddenly, a piercing scream tore through the air.

Reflexively,Elyse looked upwards.

At that moment, her heart stopped.

From somewhere above, a flowerpot plunged straight towards her.

Elyse's breathing halted.

She barely registered the forceful pull on her arm when, moments later, the sound of the pot smashing into the pavement echoed around her.

Gazing at the broken pieces on the ground, Elyse's face registered utter disbelief.

"Daniela," Elyse whispered, her body shaking, her complexion ashen. "I need to get to Daniela.She's the only one who can shield me now!"

She rushed to the elevator, her heels nearly slipping until she finally managed to hit the call button.

As Elyse burst into Daniela's office, tears cascaded down Elyse's cheeks. "Daniela, it's all my fault! I shouldn't have colluded with outsiders against your mother. Mr. Perry wants revenge. He knows I turned on him! You must help me. I don't want to die, Daniela, please!"

Daniela regarded her with a detached calm. She had not anticipated Elyse's spinelessness. Such a minor scheme had unraveled her completely.

"Do you expect me to save you?" Daniela's voice was cold as she remained seated. "To save the one responsible for my mother's death? What are you thinking?"

"I can disclose everything I know, just as Natalie did. I know more than her! She was too young to remember everything."

Desperation filled Elyse's eyes as she pleaded, "Daniela, please give me a chance. We're family, after all."

Daniela chuckled. "Since we're family, I'll let you decide-a painless death or a miserable life."

Without a moment's pause, Elyse exclaimed,"I choose to live!"

Little did Elyse know, there existed a fate much harsher than death itself.

From then on, every day of her life was tainted with remorse over her decision.