Chapter 123

Daniela emerged from the building and noticed Ryan and Lillian at the entrance, their faces clouded with discontent.

Cedric, wearing a grin, strolled up to her.

Caught by the sight of the pair who looked as rigid as statues, Daniela raised an eyebrow at Cedric and queried, "What's up with them?"

Suppressing a chuckle, Cedric shrugged nonchalantly. "Oh, them? Just two goofballs."

They had barely resumed their drive when the driver turned towards Daniela wvith a concerned expression."| think we're being followed."

Glancing behind, Daniela's eyes quickly identified Alexander's car, a vehicle she knew all too well from days filled with unrequited affection.

The mere glimpse of his car used to send her heart into joyful flips.

With an air of cool indifference, Daniela remarked,"Just pay him no mind."

"Need me to take care of it?" Cedric offered.

"There's no need," Daniela stated firmly/. "Don't waste your energy on him."

Alexander persisted in his pursuit all the way to Elite Lux.

Upon their arrival, he burst from his car, urgency etched on his face. "Daniela, we need to speak."

Offering a brief nod, Daniela replied, "Alright, get on with it."

With a sharp glance at Cedric, Alexander silently conveyed his desire for him to leave.

Cedric glanced at Daniela, who stated crisply,are you going to speak up or not? Because if you aren't, I'm heading back inside."

Daniela's tolerance for Alexander was wearing thin. "Yes," Alexander responded, his voice tinged with unease. As Daniela pivoted to leave, he reached out,grasping her arm. "Daniela, you can't have it both ways-spending time with Cedric while you're seeing me."

Her expression turned to one of surprise at his accusation.

"First off, whatever's happening between Cedric and me isn't your damn concern. And Alexander, wvhat makes you think I'm seeing you? Besides, do you honestly think you're someoneI'd consider?"

With a sour expression, Alexander shot back, "You once told me I could treat you well."

Daniela arched an eyebrow, her laugh echoing with derision. "You're really adept at embarrassing yourself. I told you that you could be kind, and that as an adult, you're responsible for your own actions.I have no interest in managing your fantasies. Don't let your imagination get the better of you-it will only lead to disappointment. And weren't you completely smitten with Joyce? You divorced me to be with her. can't fathom why, now that you're both unattached,you aren't pursuing her. Why come here to hassle me in the dead of night? Tell me, why is that?"

Her voice dripped with scorn and mockery, each word more pointed than the last.

Alexander paused, his fists clenched, a surge of frustration building within him. "I don't care for Joyce anymore. Daniela, would you ever think about giving me a shot?"

Daniela let out a soft chuckle, clearly entertained."It's not entirely out of the question."

As soon as the words left her mouth, Cedric's eyes narrowed, a sharp contraction of his pupils betraying his shock. He swiveled his head to gaze at Daniela.

Ecstatic, Alexander couldn't contain himself and blurted out, "You mean it?" Bursting with enthusiasm, he moved forward, nudging Cedric aside without a second thought. "Daniela, is this true? You actually want to be with me?"

With a faint, almnost bitter smile, Daniela tilted her head slightly. "After all the time l've spent pursuing you, it would be a waste if I didn't at least consider your change of heart, wouldn't it?"

Her expression remained impassive as Alexander,brimming with joy, eagerly agreed, "Yes, exactly!"

Meanwhile, Lillian and Ryan observed from the sidelines, their faces mirroring their confusion.

Cedric, usually so composed and astute, stood a short distance away, his hands balling into fists.

Under normal circumstances, he might have discerned the lack of sincerity in Daniela's smile and realized the truth behind her words.

However, overwhelmed by emotion, he was far from his usual calm self.

A crushing weight settled in his chest, his mind spinning in chaos.

"Daniela, I swear I have no feelings for Joyce anymore.If you doubt me, I'll prove it to you right now." Not bothering to think twice, Alexander hastily dialed Joyce's number, eagerly setting his phone to speaker as it began to ring.