Chapter 167

Daniela spoke with a stark directness. "I'm usually not one to make a fuss, but my patience has its bounds.If you all wish to continue residing here, I advise you steer clear of me. Otherwise, I won't hesitate to ask every single one of you to vacate the premises."

After dellvering her ultimatum, Daniela turned to the maid and instructed firmly, "Marilyn, empty Joyce's room upstairs.Within the hour, I plan to relocate my things there."

Marilyn Stout returned Daniela's directive with a piercing gaze of evident disapproval. She retorted sharply,"Your overbearing ego is too much to handle. Rebuking your own father? That's a whole new level of disgrace. Honestly, fighting Joyce over tat room is stupid. You were fine in your tiny little roomn before.What's the big deal now? If you're so determined to move upstairs, I suppose | could prepare the baby's room instead."

Marilyn had barely finished her statement when Joyce nearly burst into applause.

However, the room was suddenly stilled by the sharp sound of a slap.

Everyone halted, caught off guard by the unexpected echo of the strike.

Cedric, who had been observing quietly, relaxed his clenched fists and allowed a small, knowing grin to cross his face.

Marilyn faced Daniela, her hands shaking with indignation. "What the hell is wrong with you? You actually had the audacity to hit me?"

"Why not? Did you honestly think you were above it all?" Daniela shot back with a frosty glare.

"I am Katrina's aunt, and I am considerably older than you! How dare you!" Marilyn exclaimed,her hand raised in anger.

Cedric was just pulling himself to his feet when another slap resounded in the room.

Daniela picked up a napkin from the table and wiped her hand. "I've already made myself clear. From today onward, I'm not holding back. I don't give a damn who you are. To me, you're just another nobody. I have a short fuse, and I tend to hold grudges. Anyone who has wronged me shouldn't be surprised when I pay them back in kind."

Marilyn shivered under the intensity of Daniela's cold stare, feeling suddenly shaken.

Was this really the girl who had silently endured hunger whenever she refused her food? The sarne girl who had meekly apologized to her even after being slapped?

Daniela then turned her focus to Joyce, who instinctively stepped back. A slight smnile played on Daniela's lips. "You have one hour to remove your belongings from that room. Otherwise, I wvill discard them myself."

Rage lit up Joyce's eyes, a fiery intensity taking over her expression. She turned desperately to Katrina."Mom!"

However, Katrina, visibly disturbed by Daniela's outburst, remained silent. Caiden clenched his jaw tightly."Are you freaking crazy, Daniela? What's gotten into you?" he blurted out, his voice strained with disbelief.

Indeed, Daniela's earlier claims were not without merit. When Brylee had unexpectedly passed, she bequeathed her estate equally between Caiden and Daniela. Brylee's generosity and kindness had made her beloved among the company's veteran employees, who in turn showed Caiden the same respect.

Yet, Katrina contended that entrusting so many shares to a child was imprudent. She argued that a daughter would eventually marry, diminishing her need for such extensive assets.

By reclaiming those shares, Caiden could fortify his position within the company. Furthermore, he would need to amass a considerable dowry for Joyce in the future.

Katrina insinuated that Daniela, still mourning Brylee's demise, was overly reliant on Caiden for emotional support. J

She craftily suggested that if Caiden appeared sufficiently pitiable, Daniela would be unable to deny him anything.

Following Katrina's manipulative advice, Caiden acted accordingly. Predictably, Daniela relinquished all her shares in the company.

Back then, Daniela was merely a child, easily duped by Caiden, who deceitfully exchanged Brylee's lifelong achievements for nothing more than a simple lollipop.