Chapter 629

Daniela remained composed, her expression giving nothing away.

She wasn't upset. She had simply used Alexander's attention to keep Cedric at a distance.

Her goal was already accomplished. There was no reason to take things further with Alexander.

"Daniela, were you just keeping Cedric at a distance?Is that why you suddenly started talking to me more?"asked Alexander.

Daniela had never bothered to hide her motives,so Alexander had pieced it together when he got home.The thought had left him surprisingly amused.

"But aren't you two still married? You can keep using me. I really don't mind," he offered.

Daniela chuckled,meeting his gaze. "Don't act like l was the only one who benefited. The world thought we might be getting back together, and that worked out quite well for you, didn't it? Just the deals I know about are worth over a billion. That doesn't even include the rise in your company's stock prices. If we compare gains, you walked away with far more than l did. We both got exactly what we wanted, so why pretend otherwise? Do you think my memory loss makes me easy to fool? You've underestimated me."

Alexander's expression stiffened. Being called out so bluntly caught him off guard.

Daniela scoffed. "I lost my memory, not my wits.I don't remember what happened in those three years,but people will tell me. So, there's no need to act like we were particularly close. In business, it's always better to stand on your own two feet. Or are you not worried about the reputation that comes with profiting off a woman?"

A flicker of unease crossed Alexander's face. The weight of embarrassment settled over him.

Since Daniela's return, she had once again proven her sharp business instincts to the world.

Everyone wanted to be associated with her.

But Daniela was unpredictable.She had only shown him favor on a handful of occasions.

However,people assumed that with her memory loss,he had a chance to rekindle their relationship.

Investors reacted accordingly. Partnerships flourished,and stock prices soared.

Richard had done the calculations. From the moment Daniela reappeared to now, Bennett Group had gained over five billion in assets.

Alexander had intended to split the profits with Daniela. A fifty-fifty share seemed fair. He couldn't bear to give it all away.

But even a fifty-fifty split seemed too much to Richard.

"Daniela is already rich. She doesn't need our small contribution, does she?" Richard had argued. "Besides,if you two remarry, you'll share the assets anyway.Just forget about it."

Alexander had played dumb the entire time, never expecting Daniela to call him out so directly.Shame burned through him.

Just as he was about to speak, the auction began.

Daniela's eyes locked onto Alexander as he moved to sit beside her. She said coolly, "That seat isn't yours."

Her voice carried an icy edge, drawing the attention of those nearby.

Alexander hesitated, feeling the weight of their stares.He rubbed the bridge of his nose and said, "Then, I'll come find you later. You've got the wrong idea."

Without waiting for a response, he turned and headed to the front row. Daniela shifted her gaze back to the stage.

"The auction is up there. Why are you looking at me?"Daniela asked Carol a moment later.

Carol had been staring at her profile, watching her closely. "Daniela, you just got upset. I haven't seen you like that in a long time.Why?"

It couldn't have been about the money.Whether Elite Lux thrived or not, Daniela's fortune was already staggering. A sum this small meant nothing to her.

Daniela's response was simple. "Just felt annoyed."

Carol tilted her head. "Is it because Alexander was rude to Cedric at the entrance? That's what got to you,isn't it?"

Daniela turned to look at her.

Carol didn't hesitate. "CCedric is still your husband,after all. And with so many people watching,Alexander went too far.Daniela,you should remind him who really calls the shots. In Olisvine, we set the rules."

A slow smile spread across Daniela's lips.

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Cedric sitting diagonally across from her.

The auction commenced. Alexander made several high-profile bids. and each time he stood, his gaze instinctively flicked towards Daniela.

Everyone around them noticed. It was obvious who he was looking at.

Daniela, however, remained indifferent, sitting composed and unmoved by the attention.

"This is the final item of the night," the auctioneer announced.′′Apiece of 17th-century porcelain."

A delicate dining bowl was placed under the spotlight,its surface adorned with vivid blossoms that gleamed under the light.

Daniela's eyes lingered on it.

"The starting bid is one million."

Alexander turned to Daniela with a smirk. "Eight million!"

The crowd gasped.

A small bowl, worth no more than five million at best,had just been bid up to an outrageous sumn. Was he insane?

The auctioneer's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Mr.Bennett! Thank you for your generous bid. Eight million!" Even he had assumed the price wouldn't go much higher.

"Eight million, going once!"

"Nine million." A calm voice rang through the room.

A hush fell over the crowd.

"It's Cedric!" someone whispered in surprise.

Alexander's expression darkened. "Fifteen million!"

Cedric remained composed. "Twenty million."

Alexander's jaw tightened as he shot Cedric a sharp look. "Twenty-one million!"

Cedric didn't flinch. "Thirty million."

At Cedric's offer, the entire hall buzzed with astonishment.

"Are they out of their minds? Thirty million!"

"Is Cedric just throwing money away? This tiny bowl isn't worth more than five million at best!"

"What are Cedric and Alexander even fighting over?Does the bowl have some hidden value we don't know about?"

"Wow! A showdown between the former and current richest men in the country. Now, this is entertainment!" What a spectacle!"

Carol leaned in towards Daniela. "Alexander made over fifty billion off you and thinks buying this little bowl will win your favor. But what about Cedric? |heard Cedric was in a coma for three years, and Phillips Group has been struggling. Dropping this kind of money now must be putting serious pressure on them, don't you think?"