Chapter 506

Joyce said, "Our family has long been rooted in mining. With Doug's passing, the business has grown beyond my capacity to manage alone. As we're half-sisters and I prefer to keep the business in the family,I'm proposing we become partners."

Leaning back, she exuded a sense ofpride.

She had evolved significantly from her earlier days.

Daniela gave a faint smile and replied, "Really?"

Joyce said with a nod, "Absolutely."

Daniela, remaining silent, rose and approached the coffee table to pour herself a cup of coffee.

Joyce watched Daniela, a look of confusion spreading across her face. "Daniela, what's your hesitation? I'm here offering a partnership that includes significant financial benefits. Why not accept immediately? Are you aware of how profitable our mines are?"

She gestured with her fingers, indicating a figure. "This much."

Daniela sipped her coffee quietly, her smile slight. She disregarded the figures Joyce suggested, familiar with the financial details of major corporations, including those based in Olisvine.

Her leadership at Elite Lux was no coincidence.

She knew of Doug's reputation as a financial powerhouse.

Daniela maintained her smile.

Joyce's expression turned to one of frustration.11|get that you're wealthy, Daniela, but more wealth never hurts. This is an exceptional chance. I'm offering this because I trust you."

Daniela's smile persisted. Joyce always felt a twinge of annoyance at Daniela's grin. It was as if Daniela knew everything.

"You trust me..." Daniela began with a smile. "Alexander's father visited me recently."

Joyce stiffened.

Daniela looked up, noting Joyce's reaction. "He was upset, mentioned you wouldn't see him, and that Alexander has gone missing. He's quite concerned and asked if I could help locate his son, given our past connections."

Joyce narrowed her eyes slightly.

Daniela added, "I've agreed to help. Now that you're here, perhaps you might know something. Where could Alexander have gone? It's unusual for a person to just disappear. Those in the know are aware he's missing,but outsiders might suspect he's up to something."

Joyce's eyes darted away. "I haven't kept up with him. He never valued my presence much, and I'd rather not be entangled with his issues now."

Joyce's pulse quickened under Daniela's perceptive smile.

Trying to maintain composure, she said, "Daniela, let's not get sidetracked. I need to know if you're in on the partnership. If you're not interested, I'll look elsewhere. Many would jump at the chance to collaborate with me."

Daniela responded with a mild smile.

She noticed Joyce's eyes darting towards Cedric as she spoke.

Daniela's expression became thoughtful.

It suurprised her that after all this time, Joyce still seemed infatuated with Cedric.

"Do you find it appealing?" Daniela suddenly asked.

Caught off guard, Joyce hesitated.

For a moment, she thought Daniela had actually noticed something. But after a brief pause, Daniela's voice cut through the silence. "I was talking about the flowers in Cedric's hand."

Cedric's workspace was typically stark and formal.

Yet today, it was adorned with various blooms, lending an intriguing air to the office.

"Not bad," Joyce commented, redirecting her attention away from Cedric. "I'll give you three days to think it over. If I don't hear from you by then, I'Il seek another partner."

With that declaration, she rose to leave.

Her eyes lingered on Cedric once more.

Noticing Daniela engrossed in her coffee, Joyce hesitated. She then approached Cedric and asked, "Where did you get those flowers? They're beautifully arranged."

While arranging the flowers, Cedric responded, "I can send you the shop's details."

Joyce looked back at Daniela, now absorbed in her phone, and bit her lip. "Cedric, perhaps you could get some for me as well? I'll pay you handsomely."

Cedric glanced up at Joyce, somewhat bewildered. "With all your resources, surely you can find someone else for this task. I don't require any compensation."

A shade of annoyance crossed Joyce's face. She pointed at some flowers Cedric had set aside. "May I take them?"

Cedric had no objections. Those were destined for the trash anyway. His attention was fully on arranging the blossoms to make them look even more perfect.

"Sure," Cedric agreed, focusing on his task.

Joyce, slightly embarrassed,reached for the flowers.

She thought of them as a gift from Cedric.