Chapter 297

Even with the best reconstructive surgery, restoring Joyce's appearance seemed almost impossible.

Caiden found himself stunned yet again.

Throughout it all, Daniela sat unbothered, her attention locked on the television as if nothing unusual had happened.

A deep, gnawing fear began to settle in Caiden's heart.

This wasn't merely fear of Daniela's influence-it was a bone-deep dread, as if he were staring into the face of a living nightmare.

That night, Katrina stayed upstairs long past midnight,tirelessly caring for a traumatized Joyce.

When she eventually came downstairs, exhaustion consumed her, and she nearly crumpled at Daniela's feet.

"Daniela, I'm begging you, please save Joyce! A hundred million might be a fortune for most, but for you, it's nothing but just a drop in the ocean."

Daniela turned off the television, her eyes finally settling on Katrina. "You're right, a hundred million doesn't mean much to me. But tell me, why should I save Joyce?"

Katrina's voice trembled with desperation. "If you don't help, they'll kill her. They've already beaten her,slashed her-her body is covered in scars. They said they'll sell her if we don't pay!"

Daniela's lips curled into a faint smile. "And what exactly, does any of that have to do with me?"

Katrina froze, biting her lip to keep herself from breaking down. "I understand this isn't your problem,but after all, we're family, aren't we?"

Daniela's response was icy. "I do have family, but it's certainly not you. Whether Joyce lives or dies is irrelevant to me." With that, she rose from her seat.

Katrina's fists tightened as she stared at Daniela's icy expression, a chill spreading through her chest.

Caiden instinctively stepped back, determined to avoid being drawn into the confrontation.

"Daniela, you're seriously not going to do anything?"Katrina asked.

Daniela cast a mocking glance at Katrina. "Can't take it anymore?"

Katrina's expression froze, her pride battling with her desperation.

Daniela's voice dripped with disdain. "Begging doesn't suit you, so why bother? Why not drop the act? Your pathetic sob story is sickening."

Katrina's face stiffened again, and her lips pressed into a firm line. Using her hands, she pushed herself to her feet. She cast a sharp glance at Daniela before slowly shifting her gaze to Caiden. Fear flickered in Caiden's eyes. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

Katrina's gaze was earnest as she addressed Caiden."Caiden, I've served you for nearly twenty years.I may not have achieved much, but l've always given my best. Please, talk to Daniela.If she agrees to save Joyce, I promise to serve you for the rest of your life,just like I always have."

Her words carried a heartfelt sincerity as she spoke.

Caiden hesitated, stealing a nervous glance at Daniela.

Daniela's laugh cut through the air just as he was about to say something.

"Caiden, let's skip the fact that you no longer have any influence over me. Even if you did, do you honestly think Katrina's worth a hundred million?How funny!"

The cruel remark drained the color from Katrina's face. Caiden's lips tightened as he stepped back, throwing Katrina an awkward shrug. "This is between you two.Don't drag me into it."

Seeing Katrina frown, Caiden added hastily,"Joyce isn't even related to me anymore. Frankly, I shouldn't have let her in tonight. The fact that she has a room here is me being generous. Don't involve me-Daniela's ruthless, and I want no part of this."

Katrina had long known that Caiden couldn't be trusted.Yet she hadn't anticipated that two decades of shared history could crumble so effortlessly under a few biting words from Daniela.

"Fine." Katrina wiped her tears and took a steadying breath. "Then let's talk divorce."

Caiden's eyes darted nervously to Daniela, who remained silent with an unreadable expression.

Unable to gauge Daniela's thoughts, Caiden dared not say a word. All he wanted was to vanish into thin air. "Regarding the divorce, I'll go along with whatever Daniela decides," Caiden mumbled at last.

Katrina turned to face Daniela. "Here's the deal: this villa, half Harper Group's shares, and Caiden's personal assets converted into cash. Just give me a hundred million in total, and I'll divorce Caiden right away. I know you don't want me here, Daniela. Pay up, and Joyce and I will disappear."

Her tone was unyielding.

Daniela, however, let out a laugh. "Is this how you ask for help? Let's be clear-you're the one in a rush, not me."

Daniela's sharp retort left Katrina momentarily speechless.

At that moment, the door clicked open, and Cedric entered the room.

Caiden had never felt so relieved to see Cedric in his life.

Rushingto Cedric's side, Caiden leaned in and whispered urgently, "You've got to do something about Daniela. She's absolutely out of control tonight!"

Cedric ignored him entirely and strode across the room to take his place behind Daniela.

Not a single word escaped his lips, but his presence spoke volumes. He was there as her steadfast protector.

Katrina's jaw tightened. Dealing with Daniela on her own was already no small feat, but with Cedric standing firmly at her side, it felt like an impossible mountain to climb.

"What's your endgame here?" Katrina demanded,her voice laced with frustration. "Aren't you worried that I won't leave this villa?"

Daniela gave a casual shrug. "Makes no difference to me. My mother bought this villa. Whether or not Caiden claims me as his daughter, I have my place here." From his spot near the door, Caiden gave a small nod. "She's right."

Fury simmered within Katrina. "What exactly do you want?" she asked, her voice rising.

Daniela stood under the glare of the overhead light,her expression calm yet detached.

All eyes in the room were fixed on her.

Daniela approached Katrina and leaned in to whisper something into her ear.