Chapter 560

"Should I call a doctor for you?" Alexander inquired.

Daniela gestured for the waiter to open the window.As the crisp air flooded the room, she let out a slow breath. Bit by bit, the color returned to her cheeks.

Alexander instinctively lifted his hand,ready to summon a doctor.

Daniela dismissed the gesture with a wave. "That won't be necessary. Just some digestive issues. Speak your mind."

Alexander studied her with a doubtful gaze. Could it really be just digestion problems? His voice carried concern. "Have you at least consulted a doctor?"

Daniela remained silent, and oddly, that silence put Alexander at ease.

For a split second, he had thought she was pregnant.

Daniela took a measured sip of water,her expression unreadable. "You have ten minutes. Make them count."

The message was unmistakable-she wasn't here for idle chatter. Alexander let out a soft chuckle. "Only ten minutes?Come on, we've known each other for years. Cedric won't get jealous over a simple conversation,will he?I mean no harm. Just thought we could talk set the past aside."

Daniela took another slow sip of water,her expression calm yet unreadable. "I deal with countless matters every day and firmly believe in avoiding unnecessary conflicts unless someone gives me a reason to act. As long as you steer clear of those I care about, I'll have no reason to stand against you."

A warning, clear as day.

Alexander caught the message loud and clear but he pretended not to.

He smiled. "We were close once, weren't we? If you're so protective, why haven't I ever been on that list?"

The moment the words left his mouth, Daniela felt that same nauseating sensation stir again.

"Daniela, I have no bad intentions. We both have a place in Olisvine, in the business world. Peace fosters success, don't you agree? We're both at the top. It makes more sense to trust each other than to waste energy on suspicion. I'm offering an olive branch,nothing more. Why not stand together instead of apart?" As he spoke, Alexander lifted his glass and tapped it lightly against Daniela's. "The past is behind us, not worth dwelling on. Why not start fresh-as friends?"

Daniela didn't move, her silence speaking volumes.

Alexander's lips curled into a confident smile. "As the newly appointed president of the commerce association, I now have control over 99% of businesses across the country. I understand that you have no interest in joining, and I won't pressure you.But you need to operate in this environment. Working with me means working smoothly with all these enterprises. Doesn't that make things easier for everyone? I don't know your reasons for going after those eight individuals, but if you intend to proceed,just say the word. You won't have to lift a finger-I'll handle them for you."

Daniela let out a dry scoff. "Oh? I prefer taking care of things myself."

Alexander shook his head, a nostalgic smile tugging at his lips. "Still as stubborn as ever, just like when we were kids. But now that I'm the president of the association, any move I make against them is considered restructuring. However, if you take action,it will be seen as a failure on my part. Daniela,the last thing I want is to stand against you. I give you my word -within a year, those eight will be gone, and no one will even realize it happened. Just stay out of it, alright? If not for me, then at least for Chace. He's my friend now, and if this turns into a public mess,it won't be easy for him either, don't you think?"

Chace Truman had been Brylee's friend.

When Brylee died, Chace oversaw the arrangements and hosted the funeral.

Alexander had Chace step in as a mediator.Chace had said to Daniela, "If your mother were watching over you,she'd want you to be happy. If she knew her death was keeping you shackled, it would break her heart. A mother's only wish is for her child's happiness.You might not see it now, but one day, you will."

Back then, Daniela had thought she wouldn't have to wait long. She'd understand sooner than they realized.

"Fine," Daniela said coolly. "You have a month. If they're still standing after that, don't blame me for handling it my way."

Alexander's eyes gleamed. "Deal! Give me a month,and they'll be gone without a trace!"

With that, Daniela rose from her seat,ready to go.

Alexander sighed with mild regret. "Had I known you weren't feeling well, I would've rescheduled. My apologies. Once this is settled, I'll host a banquet-you have to be there." As Daniela stood, a gust of air carried the scent of steak towards her, making her wrinkle her nose in discomfort.

The reaction hit before she could suppress it.