Chapter 645

Jack tightened his fists. "Mom, I'm the her to Elite Lux.I'll protect you, no matter what."

Joyce gave a small nod, visibly relieved.

As Daniela moved in, Tasha was in the middle of packing up her things.

"If you're willing to stay, I'll hire you," said Daniela. "I really likeyour cooking."

Tasha paused, glanced at her, and after a few seconds,nodded.

She came back with her belongings.

Joyce let out a bitter scoff. "Loyalty means nothing to people anymore. I begged you to stay, and it was useless. Then she speaks one word, and you're unpacking again. Tell me, Tasha,does her money look shinier than mine?"

Daniela entered the room just then, her eyes locked on Joyce. "This is my house, so think before you talk.If you keep running your mouth, I'll throw you out. You believe me, don't you?" Joyce started to reply but gave up halfway. lips pressed in frustration.

Tasha glanced at Daniela, realizing she was nothing like the woman from the gossip sites.

Daniela was firm,clear-headed.

Tasha started up the stairs with a basket, but Daniela waved her off. "You don't need to handle that.Someone else will take care of the room. Just focus on the kitchen."

Tasha looked at Daniela again, this time with a hint of respect.

Daniela was like a natural leader who kept everything under control.

That morning, people moved in and out of the house,handling the bedrooms. By the time Tasha finished making lunch, the upstairs had already been set right.

She went up to check it herself. Not only had the master and guest rooms been cleaned, but every upstairs room had been rearranged.

The place looked completely different. Like new.

At the dining table, Caiden, Joyce, and Jack sat across from Daniela and Carol. Cedric joined them shortly after. "I like calm," said Daniela, picking up her fork So if you're going to live here, stay quiet. I don't tolerate drama. And if you test me. you already know what'll happen."

As soon as she said it, Caiden leaned back, his face pale.

Joyce tensed up, grabbed Jack, and stormed away. A chair screeched as she kicked it back.

From the kitchen doorway, Tasha watched Daniela eat like none of it fazed her.

Caiden,who usually had a complaint ready, sat frozen in place.

About thirty minutes passed after lunch. Joyce came down with Jack and faced Tasha in the kitchen. "Make me something else. I'm still huungry."

Tasha glanced over. Daniela sat in the living room,flipping through channels like she didn't have a care in the world. Her face stayed cold and unreadable.

"The kitchen's closed after meals. Miss Harper made that clear," said Tasha, locking the kitchen door right in front of Joyce.

Joyce's face turned red. She stormed off to confront Daniela. "Are you seriously planning to starve me and Jack?" Daniela kept clicking the remote. The TV light bounced across the room, paintingflickers on the walls.

She didn't speak. Her expression stayed sharp and unreadable.

Then her gaze cut to Joyce.

Joyce froze.A chill crept up her neck, and she backed up half a step. "Daniela, don't go too far. You acted like a victim out there, but this is the real you."

Daniela turned her eyes back to the screen. "Here's how it is, Joyce. Tasha works for me now. Her job is to serve me and my people. And once meals are done,the kitchen is off-limits. Also, you and Caiden will be paying ten thousand a month. If you can't afford it, I'll show you the door."

Joyce snapped, "You're charging me to live here?Aren't you afraid I'll take Jack and leave, never to return? Think this through. Jack, Dad, and I are the only family you've got. You can't have kids. That means no heirs, no one to care for you when you're old. Are you really ready to lose us?"

Three years ago, Daniela might have laughed. These days,she rarely did.

She stared at Joyce like she wasn't even alive.′′|′Valready thought it through. I live in the now. Some problems? I'll handle them when Im old. And didn't you say you were leaving anyway? Tasha, go help her pack Jack's things. Make sure everything is wrapped up neatly."

Joyce burst into tears and ran outside to find Caiden.He was hiding in the yard, hoping not to get dragged in.

"Why did you have to rile her up? Keep your head down. Daniela's got money, power, and no patience. If she kicks us out, where are we going to find another place like this?"

Joyce clenched her jaw. "Fine.She wins-for now. But one day she'll need Jack, and when that day comes,I won't make it easy for her."

Caiden nodded. "Right. She can't have children.All we need to do is wait.Once she's out of the picture, her stuff becomes ours. No point fighting now."

And deep down, he knew the truth. Nobody beat Daniela when it came to being ruthless.