Chapter 225

Daniela was sitting at the dinner table, surrounded by a crowd. Without raising her voice or stepping away,she stated coolly, "I have no sister."

Caiden hesitated before replying, "But blood is thicker than-"

"Caiden Harper!" Daniela cut him off, her tone calm and indifferent. She didn't raise her voice, nor did she show any anger, but the mere mention of his name made everyone at her table glance up, their eyes narrowing. "My mother passed away long ago,and I have no one to protect me. Do you think that makes me weak?"

Caiden was struck speechless. After a long pause, he managed to say, "That's not what I meant. But so many people came to the wedding because of you.Your absence is causing a lot of trouble for me." Daniela replied coolly, "I thought I made myself clear the last time you came to see me. But since you seem unable to grasp it, let me be blunt. I don't go looking for trouble, but I am not afraid of it. I have no ties to you anymore. So don't call yourself my 'dad'again-it's revolting. Also, the matters of the Harper family have nothing to do with me. Stop involving me in your mess. You wouldn't like the fallout."

She paused, letting her words sink in before continuing again, "Yes, I have no one to protect me.I've known that for years. But that doesn't make me an easy target. It doesn't matter how many shares I've given her. Taking you or Joyce down would be simple. And if you doubt me, feel free to try. I can make you smile one moment and have you in tears the next."

Her words were sharp, and her gaze emotionless.

There was no anger in her voice, no personal grudge.

This was simply business.

"Caiden, are you willing to try?" she asked. Caiden opened his mouth, struggling to find words."But I'm still your-"

"I see," Daniela said,cutting him off with a slight nod."So you do want to try. Fine. Let's use Joyce's wedding to make an example."

Her words sent a chill of panic through Caiden.

"No!" he blurted out, but the call had already ended.

Caiden stood motionless, staring at the phone in his hand, his face drained of color. Daniela's cold tone echoed in his mind, her words heavier than he could comprehend. He realized, with a sinking heart, that she truly didn't care about him anymore.

Regret ate at him. He regretted asking for that 5%shares of the company.

He regretted bragging to the guests earlier that Daniela would show up.

Katrina sneered, seeing the lifeless expression on his face. "Seriously, Caiden? Is it really that bad? What's the worst she could do? Kill you? Look at you-pale as a ghost. What a joke! When has a daughter ever humiliated her father like this?"

Caiden hardly registered her words. Slowly, he lifted his head, his eyes drifting to the increasing crowd of irate guests, all demanding their gifts in return.

A chill of dread washed over him. His chest constricted as a heavy, sinking sensation settled in his stomach.

Katrina didn't have timne to deal with Caiden. She walked over to the ones asking for their gifts back,standing with her hands on her hips.

"Alright! Anyone who wants their gift back, come over here!" she snapped, her voice oozing with arrogance.

The 5% shares in the robotics company had given her a sense of power, and she looked down at the group with utter disdain. "But let me make one thing crystal clear-if you take your gifts back, don't even think about building any connections with our family ever again! Whether Daniela showed up or not, she's still a Harper. She's a busy woman-we get it. But here you are, causing a scene at Joyce's wedding.Do you think Daniela will forgive you for bullying her sister like this? And you still think you'll make ties with Elite Lux? Dream on!"

Katrina had never been particularly close to Daniela,but she had no hesitation when it came to exploiting Daniela's reputation.

She spoke with such strong confidence that everyone was left stunned into silence.

Seeing their frozen expressions, Katrina allowed a smug smirk to spread across her face.

She never missed an opportunity to press her advantage, even when it was clear she was in the wrong.

Without a hint of shame, she pressed on. "You all really lack foresight. Let's forget Daniela for a moment. Let's talk about Alexander-his name holds weight in Olisvine. And today, on his wedding day you don't think it's worth giving some antique gifts? You all know how rich Daniela is. She's got just one sister-Joyce. You honestly think she'd hold back from her? Daniela cares about Joyce so much, she gave her shares in her robotics company as a wedding gift. If she didn't care, would she do that?"

Katrina shifted her focus to the man leading the group, narrowing her eyes. "Daniela gave those shares because she was concerned Joyce might struggle down the road. My husband and I told her it wasn't needed, but she insisted on doing it anyway.That's how much she cares. But of course, you people have no clue. Fine, if you want your gifts back, come to me. Write down your name and your company's name. Just know this-once you take your gifts, don't ever expect another invite or any chance to work with the Harper family. We won't be dealing with you again."

Katrina's voice was unshakeable, and no one dared to make a move.

The leader of the group stepped forward, a hesitant smile stuck to his face. "No, no, we didn't mean it like that. We came here today to meet Daniela. It's all just a misunderstanding. Nobody actually wants to take anything back. Please, calm down-there's no need to get upset."

Katrina let out a cold snort, but she wasn't about to let it go that easily.

Her intense gaze fixed on the man, and she leaned in just enough to intimidate. "Weren't you the one making the most noise earlier? What's your name,and which company do you represent?"

The man lowered his head and offered an apologetic smile.

Just as the group was about to retreat back to their seats, every phone in the room vibrated with a notification.