Chapter 104

Daniela was anticipating Caiden's eruption into the fray.

Yet, Caiden cast a brief glance at Daniela, who was observing the commotion with her chin resting on her hand, and addressed Katrina with unexpected composure. "What the hell is wrong with you? Get off the ground and stop embarrassing yourself like a goddamn idiot!"

Daniela, her expression icy and detached, overheard every word clearly.

Off to the side, Lillian leaned towards Ryan and murmured, "Caiden's behavioris peculiar today, isn'tit?"

Peering towards Daniela, Ryan nodded and whispered back, "Ever since that sketchbook disappeared,Daniela has been in a foul temper. She doesn't give a damn about anyone else."

Realization dawned on Katrina that her theatrics were futile.Daniela was merely a spectator to her disgrace,entirely uninvolved and unresponsive. Leaving now would just make her a loser walking away with empty hands.She picked herself up, yanked Caiden aside, and wpedher tears away forcefully, "Caiden! Cut the crap andtell me what the hell is your problem? Daniela ruinedmy daughter's marriage, it's her or me today! Youneed to confront her and demand justice for us!"

Without a word, Caiden remained still, giving nothingаwаy

Katrina's voice escalated, tears streaming anew, "Fine!If you won't defend me, we might as well divorce!We'll split everything, Half for you, half for me. Wththat, the Bennett family will certainly welcome mydaughter with open arms!"

Caiden froze for a moment, stunned that Katrine hedthe nerve to stake a claim on half his wealth,

His eyes widened in surprise, and as he gaped at herKatrina's voice softened a touch, "Don't give me tha!look, and let's not revisit how the Harper family'sfortune was eamed by Bree, I'm your wife nowCaiden, What belongs to you also belongs to me. l'mnot picking a fight, but Daniela's gone too far!"

Joyce's belly was visibly growing day by day

If Alexander wouldn't mary her, was her fate to bewth a man once maried?

The mere idea sent a shiver down her spine, Observing the resolve in Katrina's expression, Caiden conceded,"Fine."

Katrina exhaled a quiet breath of relief, reassured by her belief that Caiden wouldn't leave her-not when no one else could match her unwavering support for him.

She leaned in slightly, her tone laced with reassurance."Honey, don't worry. I won't cause a scene. I'll simply ask her about it, and if Daniela isn't involved, I'll apologize."

Caiden barely looked up, his voice devoid of emotion."Sure."

With that, Katrina turned on her heel and marched back to the building, her steps echoing with resolve and a touch of defiance.

"Daniela! Come out! We need to talk!"

Daniela emerged, her presence icy. "What is it?"

Katrina's eyes blazed with fury as she snapped,"Was it you who wrecked Alexander and Joyce's marriage?"

Her eyes narrowed dangerously as she pressed on."Tell me,did you?"

As she spoke, Katrina raised her hand in a threatening gesture, but before it could strike, Daniela looked up sharply, her intense eyes locking with Katrina's in a silent challenge.

Katrina's heart fluttered unexpectedly, causing her raised hand to pause mid-air before retreating to her side.

"What bullshit are you even saying?" Daniela's lips twisted into a subtle smile, her eyes twinkling with a mix of amusement and challenge as she faced Katrina."Give me a break. You're throwing out accusations like a fool. Show me some proof or get lost."

"What proof is necessary when it's clear as day it was you? Why else would the Bennett family go back on their word? They were committed to the wedding just after New Year's! Is this your way of getting back at us?"

Daniela nodded, her expression thoughtful yet mocking. "Interesting theory. So, tell me, what am l supposedly avenging? What kind of shit do you think I care enough about to get revenge for?"

"You..." Katrina faltered, her eyes darting nervously."You were once married to Alexander, and Joyce has already apologized for that incident at the fire. What more do you want from her? Daniela,let bygones be bygones!"

Daniela's smile turned frosty, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Let bygones be bygones? So, you beg for mercy when you screw up, but when it's someone else's tum, you never let them live it down. Real classy of you, Katrina. And let me make one thing clear-if you're so desperate, feel free to scoop up the trash l toss out, but leave my name out of your pathetic games. I don't deal with leftovers. Oh, and one more thing. Your family really does have a thing for scraps,don't they? Just because Joyce is desperate enough to hang on to Alexander doesn't mean I give a damn.Do me a favor and keep your filthy drama to yourself -I can't stomach that disgusting crap."

Joyce felt those words like a punch to the gut,knocking the air right out of her.

The insult didn't just wound Joyce; it deeply affected Katrina and Caiden as well.

Everyone present was taken aback.

This was a side of Daniela they had never witnessed before.

Daniela, esteemed for her principled conduct and seldom seen engaging in disputes, had always appeared aloof, often ignoring petty squabbles and dismissive of the gossip swirled around her.

Yet, no one had ever seen her display such vehement anger. Without a moment's pause, Daniela whipped out her phone and dialed Alexander's number, right there in front of the entire Harper family and an increasingly curious circle of bystanders. She then activated the speakerphone.

Since their divorce, Daniela had never once reached out to Alexander first.

The sudden call took him by surprise, and his voice,tinged with unexpected warmth, didn't go unnoticed by Katrina, who watched with a frosty glare.

"Hello,Daniela."