Chapter 626

Daniela slowly turned her head, her gaze sharpening

Carol stood at the doorway, her voice edged with vindication. "You were right all along!"

Under the biting chill of the night, Daniela's expression turned just as frigid.

Carol's lips curled in disapproval. "She's still in touch with Cedric. For the past three years, she's visited him regularly. Ever since he woke up, she's been tending to his every need."

Carol's voice tightened with anger. "From what I've found, she's been incredibly devoted to him.Daniela,think about it-was that explosion Cedric's doing?Did he try to eliminate you for Elite Lux's fortune, only to miscalculate and end up crippled himself? If so, he's only reaping what he sowed."

Daniela remained by the window, silent and unmoving,lost in thought.

By the time she turned back, the black car had already vanished into the night's abyss.

Carol, catching the shift in Daniela's expression,grew restless. "Daniela, don't be swayed by his frailty. The ones who seem the most pitiful are often the most corrupt at heart."

Her voice hardened. "Let me handle them."

But Daniela's tone was final. "You can go."

Carol's frown deepened. "Daniela, don't fall for that act! Cedric is no different from Alexander-both cut from the same deceitful cloth."

Daniela said nothing.

The room lapsed into a heavy, calculated silence.

Carol stormed out, her frustration palpable.

The following day,Alexander strolled in with a bright smile. "Daniela, I know you're swamped and barely have time for anything, so l figured lunch break was the best chance to catch you. How about dinner with my father tonight?"

Sensing that Daniela might still see his father as the cold and ruthless man from before, Alexander quickly added, "He personally asked me to bring you. He insists on cooking himself. Daniela, just this once.Please do me a favor." Daniela's eyes flicked up to meet his.

Alexander's requests were always different from Cedric's.

Even in a plea, there was an effortless arrogance in Alexander's voice, a lingering sense of entitlement.

Over the years,Alexander had absorbed much of Elite Lux's empire. The collapse of the commerce association had worked in his favor, and now, his growing empire thrived-his every move calculated,his demeanor sharp with the cunning of a seasoned businessman.

The past three years remained a blur in Daniela's mind,like a story she had never read. And yet the lingering sense of distaste was sharp, unwavering.

She was about to refuse instinctively, but Alexander quickly added with a smile, "My father knows he wasn't exactly polite to you before, and he truly wants to make amends. He's not been in the best health lately. Daniela, please understand-it would mean a lot to me. Just this once, okay? How about a simple meal downstairs at your cafeteria instead of coming over to my place? Would that be alrigt?"

After a brief pause, Daniela gave a small nod.

Alexander's grin widened, satisfaction lighting up his features.

But by evening,Alexander arrived downstairs, stepping into her office with an apologetic look. "Daniela, I messed up. I forgot to tell my father about the change in plans, and he's already gone ahead and prepared dinner at home. If you don't come, I'll never hear the end of it. Just this once, come back with me?"

Daniela remained seated, her expression unreadable,her gaze steady.

Without missing a beat, Alexander dialed Richard and switched to speaker mode.

Richard's exasperated voice burst through the speaker."Alexander, what's the matter with you? Why didn't you mention this sooner? I absolutely have to have dinner with Daniela. I'll freshen up and leave right away. I should be there by 9 P.M. Can you wait until then? Alexander, I have no patience for you right now -give the phone to Daniela. At least she has a sensible head on her shoulders."

Alexander sighed. "You're on speaker."

Richard's tone softened instantly, slipping into warmth and familiarity. "Daniela, my dear, I owe you an apology. You know how Alexander is-once he's buried in work, he forgets everything else. He's just that dedicated. I've spent the entire day preparing a lavish meal. If you don't come, it'll all go to waste.You enjoy the food at your cafeteria, don't you? How about we meet there another day? But tonight, come to our place. You wouldn't believe how much my cooking has improved." Daniela's memories were erased. Yet in the fragments she did recall, there wasn't a single instance of Richard treating her with kindness.

The man she remembered had only ever looked at her with scorn, his eyes filled with derision and contempt.

His words still echoed in her mind-sharp, cruel, and unforgettable. "Daniela, your mother is dead. Do you know what that means? It means she's gone for good.Society might not see you as worthy of Alexander anymore, but I'm sentimental, so you should always be grateful to me. Got it?"

Back then, she had been too young to fight back.

She had feared Richard, perhaps even respected him in a twisted way.

But now,the once untouchable man put on a show of remorse. She found his act almost laughable-nothing more than a pitiful display of hypocrisy.