Chapter 353

As the words hung in the air, Elyse knocked and stepped into the room.

She paused upon seeing the gathered people, her gaze sharp. "Alexander? You have the audacity to be here?"

Alexander ignored Elyse completely, his focus solely on Daniela. "What's so different? Daniela, you pursued me for ten years. What haven't you given me?"

Daniela's response was a soft chuckle, her smile filled with the same self-assured confidence.

Alexander narrowed his eyes, watching her intently. Standing in front of her, he caught a brief movement of her lips. A single word left her mouth, and a cold shiver ran down his spine.

Cedric, Killian, and Elyse were standing by Daniela's side, so they didn't see the word Daniela mouthed.

It was a word so powerful it left Alexander speechless, defenseless, unable to form a single counterargument.

Alexander's eyes filled with a deep frustration as he glared at Daniela, feeling completely wronged.

"Daniela, is this how you treat me? Do you know why I'm here? I'm here to tell you l don't want Bennett Group, I don't care about my pride, I want nothing but you. If you still want me, I'll be the man behind you,like your father was for your mother.I will love you unconditionally. Is this how you repay me?"

Daniela spread her hands casually. "Yes, that's right."

With that, her attention seemed to shift away from Alexander. She glanced past him to Elyse standing in the doorway. "Aunt, is there something you need?"

Elyse nodded, walking forward, briefly glancing at Alexander as she passed by.

In that moment, Alexander seemed stripped of all his previous arrogance, like a stray dog. He appeared to have finally come to terms with his situation. He was trembling uncontrollably, and his eyes lost all focus. Elyse said, "I've secured some major contracts for Harper Group that need your signature."

Daniela smiled warmly. "I've always trusted your work, Aunt."

Elyse smiled in return. "Nina's graduated now. She's always been frail. I was thinking of having her work at Harper Group.What do you think,Daniela?"

Daniela signed the contracts, her smile soft and approving."Sure, arrange a position for her as you think best."

Elyse laughed lightly. "She's not capable of much, so a regular clerical position will be fine."

As Daniela handed over the signed contracts, her smile was warmer than Elyse's. "I recall Nina studied finance.Let her learn in the finance department."

Elyse chuckled. "No, she's a bit too careless. Let her stay by my side as a clerk. If she can't handle it, I'll personally take care of it."

Daniela nodded. "It's your decision."

Elyse smiled once more. "Nina's waiting outside. She was determined to see you as soon as she heard | was here."

With that, Elyse walked to the door, calling for Nina to come in.

Nina Dury, Elyse's eldest daughter, entered the room with a fragile, delicate air about her, her head lowered in a shy gesture.

Yet as she passed Cedric, she faltered, before standing opposite Daniela and calling her name quietly."Daniela."

Daniela offered a soft smile in return.

Nina's voice was gentle as she spoke."Daniela, I don't want to stay by my mother's side forever. May I apply to join Elite Lux?"

Before Daniela could say a word, Elyse's expression hardened, her brow furrowing. "Nina, have you lost all sense of your limits? Elite Lux isn't the place for you. Your health is fragile, so stay with me and prepare for marriage. Why can't you just listen?"

At these words, Nina couldn't hold back, and her tears began to fall."Mom,I've graduated. I want to prove myself. I don't want to follow you forever. I've grown up and can stand on my own. Though my health isn't perfect, Daniela can look after me."

Elyse stood, hands firmly planted on her hips, too furious to say anything more.

A heavy silence fell over the office as all eyes turned to Daniela, waiting for her response.

Daniela maintained her calm smile. "It's good to see Nina has such ambition. Joining Elite Lux is perfectly fine."

Nina's face lit up with excitement at Daniela's words.

Just then, Lillian opened the door, and from where she stood, she caught Nina stealing a glance at Cedric.

Had it not been for Lillian's sharp instincts, she might have missed it entirely.

Nina kept her head lowered, her face hidden behind stray strands of hair, her expression a mystery to those around her.

Elyse chuckled. "I told you, Daniela, she's a bit of a troublemaker. Go ahead and spoil her. Nina, tell Daniela what position you'd like."

Lillian's expression soured. It was clear to her that this was all a performance, a scheme to land Nina a spot at Elite Lux.

She cast a glance at Daniela, who was unbothered, before taking a seat.

Daniela smiled warmly at Nina, asking,"So,what do you think, Nina?"

Nina's voice remained soft, yet every word was unmistakable."|want to learn from you, Daniela. You've always been the one I look up to."

Elyse laughed. "Don't be silly. I'm happy Daniela is your role model, but your future should focus on finding a husband."

Nina pouted, clearly displeased with her mother's words.

Daniela chuckled. "Alright, Nina can start in the secretarial department tomorrow."

Elyse's laughter echoed once more.

After a few more exchanged pleasantries, Elyse left with Nina. As they passed Cedríc, Nina's ears flushed red, and she let out a soft chuckle.

Her chuckle was so soft that only those nearby, like Killian and Cedric, could hear it.

Killian raised an eyebrow, exchanging a glance with Cedric.

Once they had left, Lillian stood, her dissatisfaction clear. "Those two are masters of manipulation! What a performance they put on this morning!"

Alexander remained rooted to the spot, entirely disregarded by Daniela.

He was seething with anger, yet a sliver of hope still lingered as he asked, "Daniela, do you really not want me anymore?"