Chapter 7

Daniela sent the recording to Ryan, declaring, "I want this recording and the surveillance footage broadcast across every media outlet for the entire week,starting tomorrow morning."

Ryan nodded and made an "OK" gesture.

As the sun began to rise, Daniela laced up for a morning jog, enjoying the calm solitude of the deserted streets. 8

Upon her return, she appeared rejuvenated, her skin glowing with the rush of her morning exercise.Meanwhile,Lillian emerged fromn her sleep, disheveled and bleary-eyed.

"Good morning, Daniela," she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep.

Daniela changed into fresh attire. Stepping out, she caught sight of Lillian's groggy figure and advised,"Go back to bed. I'm heading out."

This roused Lillian fully, who called out energetically,"Your life will be sailing smoothly from here on." Outside the courthouse, Daniela paused at the entrance, her presence undeniable in a stark white dress that highlighted her statuesque frame and accentuated her long legs. She commanded attention effortlessly, the bustling environment turning into a mere backdrop to her poise.

Bystanders,whether they were there to tie the knot or sever ties, found their gazes inadvertently drawn to her.

Across the street, parked under the sprawling shade of a large tree, Alexander sat in his car, observing the scene.

He couldn't help but scowl at the admiring looks Daniela received from passersby.

As Daniela waved off the tenth man asking for her number, Alexander flung open his car door and stepped out.

Watching him approach from afar, Daniela noted the familiar cold,detached expression etched across his face. Such indifference once pained her, but now,it barely registered.

In a nonchalant tone, she declared, "Let's get going."

However,before she could move forward, Alexander reached out, capturing her wrist in his firm grasp.

A frown marred Daniela's features, and with a quick tug, she freed herself, taking a step back.

The corners of Alexander's mouth turned down, his face clouding over with a mixture of anger and disbelief. "Daniela, don't test my patience. It's wearing thin!"

With a scornful laugh, Daniela retorted, "Soon, you won't have to tolerate me anymore. I've been here over three hours. Let's expedite this, shall we?"

Alexander's face darkened further, his tone edged with a dire warning. "Are you certain you want to go through with this divorce? Remember, Daniela, not everything in life offers a second chance."

Daniela's patience snapped, her frustration evident."You're right! Let's finalize this divorce soon."

She briskly collected two forms from a nearby clerk and began filling them out, her movements sharp and determined.

Alexander stood rigid, his eyes narrowing as he towered over her. "I'm offering you one last chance.Admit you were responsible for the fire that day.Kneel and apologize to Joyce. If you do,I might consider letting this all slide."

His expression was stern, his attitude dripping with condescension and righteousness.

"Don't waste your time. My knees don't bend for anyone," she declared as she slid the completed documents across to Alexander. "Just sign here."

Alexander's eyes narrowed as he scanned the papers;everything was in order except for their signatures.

A storm cloud seemed to settle over his face as raw anger ignited in his piercing gaze. "Daniela! Do you think this will intimidate me? Let me make this clear -if you want a divorce, don't expect to walk away with a dime of my money."

Unperturbed, Daniela pointed to the line for his signature,her voice cool and detached. "Oh, please.That pitiful amount? Let Joyce have it-it might cover her hospital bills one day."

A crease formed on Alexander's forehead as he mulled over her words. The thought of Daniela leaving without a settlement seemed unbelievable.

Nevertheless, Daniela promptly signed her name.Raising her eyes to meet his, she wore a taunting smile.

"What's the matter? Getting cold feet? Or are you just realizing you're not ready to lose me after all?"she spat, her words slicing with sarcastic cruelty.

Alexander was about to reply when Daniela abruptly cut him off,raising her hand with an air of finality. Her voice was sharp, laced with clear disdain. "Save your nonsense. The idea of sharing a man with another woman makes my skin crawl-it's pathetic."

This remark set Alexander's blood boiling. His eyes narrowed into a hard glare, and his voice turned frosty as he spoke. "Is this truly what you want?" ①

As Daniela's serene expression held steady,Alexander felt a surge of resolve. Clearly, she needed to learn her lesson.

If she thought she could leave him and come back like nothing happened, she was living in a fool's dream.

Once this divorce was finalized, her life wouldn't be so easy. Even crawling on her knees wouldn't fix the mess she's made.

With a firm grip, Alexander took hold of the pen and inked his name onto the agreement. The procedure unfolded with brisk efficiency, the staff wrapping up the formalities in a blink.

Moments later, their divorce was finalized.

Nearby, a group of onlookers voiced their astonishment.

"Can you believe it? Even a woman as breathtaking as her is getting divorced. Where's the fairness in that?" "I'd love to know which fool is wvilling to divorce her.He must have been out of his mind."

"Look at this guy-nothing out of the ordinary.Why do the most radiant women settle for such a man?"

"Such a shame!"

"Miss, thinking about another shot at marriage?I know a few top-tier CEOs. Trust me, they'd treat you way better than this joker!"

Daniela offered a gracious smile, her expression cloaked in politeness as she thanked him.

Turning away,her gaze fell upon Alexander. He was a little distance away, his features twisted into a severe frown.

Daniela dismissed his sullen mood with a mere glance.Just as she was about to step away, her wrist was seized once more.

Annoyance marred Daniela's features as she wrenched her wrist back.

Alexander's tone was icy, the chill in his words unmistakable. "Daniela, do you really think that throwing a fit and divorcing me will erase all our problems? Do you have any idea how much Joyce has been suffering? She's been haunted by nightmares from that fire for days. You should kneel before her and beg for forgiveness. It's time to own up to your mistakes!"

Daniela stood frozen, a shiver tracing her spine as his words sank in. For a heartbeat, the world seemed to pause,her blood running cold.

She met his gaze, the man she had known for over a decade,yet in that moment, he felt like a stranger.

A sigh escaped her lips, soft and weary, yet her eyes began to twinkle with a defiant spark.

"Alexander, I couldn't agree more. People should pay the price for their mistakes."

A slow, knowing smile curled the corners of her lips.Joyce couldn't escape the consequences that were coming her way.