Chapter 483

Chapter, one that hadn't resurfaced in years. Yet,now..

"Is it because of Cedric?"

Lillian had never anticipated Cedric's influence on Daniela would be so profound. It had never been about curing depression-it was about keeping it in check, knowing it would always come and go. The moment emotions spiraled,the symptoms found their way back. It all showed in the symptoms-proof that emotions weren't just in the mind.

"Don't worry about it. Just a minor thing," Daniela insisted.

Lillian's brow furrowed with concern. "Did something happen at Phillips Group today? Did Cedric say something to upset you?"

Daniela's fingers caressed her numb palm as she reached for her phone, her expression veiled and unreadable. "No. What could he possibly say to me?"

For a moment, Lillian considered it, but she knew Cedric wasn't the type to do that.

Yet, as they arrived at the charity event that evening and glimpsed the figure in the red dress standing beside Cedric,both Daniela and Lillian froze.

Fury ignited within Lillian, propelling her forward with fiery resolve.

Meanwhile, Daniela was rooted to the spot, her reaction stifled by shock.

Her world narrowed to the sight of Cedric, standing beside him Lydia-the undeniable center of attention.

dia was radiant her allure magnified hv the vivid red dress clinging to her curves. She leaned towards Cedric, her head tilted in a gesture of intimate familiarity, her every word dripping with an effortless.seductive charm.

Cedric stood regally, his silhouette sharply tailored in a custom-made suit, cradling a glass of wine. A faint smile played at the corners of his mouth.

Daniela, clutching her purse as if it were a lifeline,felt the room suddenly tighten around her. Her breath became shallow; the whispers and stares of the gathered elite felt suffocating.

Every gaze seemed magnetically drawn to her and Cedric-this was the kind of drama the high society thrived on.

They all remembered Cedric's protective aura around her,and now, here he stood, barely a year into their marriage,with another woman by his side.

For the elite, ravenous for the latest tale of intrigue.this was a feast.

But Daniela's world narrowed to Cedric alone.

She studied his subtly curved lips, her grip on her purse tightening involuntarily, her heart drumming a frantic rhythm before she forced her fingers to relax.

Lillian, with a flare of protective fury, broke through the crowd and yanked Lydia from Cedric's side."Cedric, this is too much! After your argument with Daniela, did she try to make amends? Quarrel all you want, but why involve a third party? Do you know she 一

"Lillian," Daniela interjected as she approached and pulled Lillian back. Her right hand trembled slightly as she gripped her purse, the movement so subtle that only a keen eye would catch it.

"Enough, Lillian," Daniela whispered. "There are reporters all around."

Reporters didn't matter to Daniela. The only thing on her mind was Cedric and his Phillips Group.

Beside Cedric, Lydia appraised the woman known as the richest in the world with keen interest.

Daniela's beauty was effortless, her complexion radiant even without a hint of makeup. Her eyes,particularly striking, shone with a clarity that was both rare and enviable.

"Hello, Ms. Harper. I'm Lydia Vargas." Lydia greeted her with a calculated casualness, extending her hand.

Lillian tensed, her gaze sharpening, as if she were about to intervene.

However, Daniela stopped her with a gentle touch,accepting Lydia's handshake with a warm, disarming smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you. That's a stunning dress you're wearing tonight."

Lydia returned the smile. "Thank you. Mr. Phillips chose it for me; he believes red is my color." Daniela nodded, her response dripping with grace. "It certainly is. If you'll excuse me, I must be going. Enjoy your evening."

Lydia watched her go, a flicker of surprise crossing her features.

She hadn't thought it would go this way. Daniela stayed composed, unruffled, and completely unfazed by the provocation.

She assumed a few sharp words would break Daniela's composure, provoking Daniela to snap at her so that Cedric would feel bad for her.

This caught her completely off guard.