Chapter 443

Elyse let out a deep sigh after hearing those words.

"Natalie, I just don't get it. You've changed so much.You used to listen, but now you're always so emotional. I'm your mother, and I won't hold this against you, but you really need to reconsider. I'm your mother, after all. If my life is getting better,shouldn't you be happy for me? It would make things easier for you,wouldn't it?"

Natalie squinted at Elyse,her gaze sharp. "So, you're admitting Daniela has helped improve your life, aren't you?"

As soon as the question was asked, Elyse froze for a brief moment. Quickly regaining her composure, she put on a stern expression. "I have no idea what you're talking about," she said, hurrying after Daniela.

Sensing something was wrong, Natalie turned to Nina."Nina, I'm sure Mom's hiding something from us.Want to team up and find out?"

Nina scoffed, "Now you want to team up? It's too late for that!"

Before Natalie could respond, Nina turned and walked off.

Natalie stood still, calling out to Nina's disappearing form."Fine! If I find out Daniela gave Mom something.you won't get it."

Nina spun around,flipping Natalie the bird,making her seethe with anger. In her frustration, Natalie kicked a nearby tree,only to hurt herself.

Linden stood off in the distance, observing as Natalie climbed into a taxi alone.

As Daniela was about to enter her car, a familiar face caught her eye from the corner of her vision.

Daniela lifted her gaze and saw a face that was the spitting image of Cedric's.

Cedric had told her he had an international meeting that evening and might not be able to attend.

Daniela waved enthusiastically, calling out, "Cedric!"

The figure hesitated for a moment in the dim light before crouching and entering the car.

Daniela stood frozen, her mind swirling in confusion as she stared in the direction of the car for a long time.

"What's got your attention, Daniela?" Lillian poked her head out to ask.

Daniela kept her gaze on the car as it continued to distance itself.

"Nothing," she replied as she climbed into her own car,

"It must have been an illusion." Inside the car, Daniela couldn't shake the thoughts of what had just happened.

Elyse was practically glowing with excitement."Daniela, you're so generous! You just bought that massive piece of land like it was nothing.Are you seriously planning to build me a retirement home there?"

Elyse was sitting in the front, with Daniela in the back seat.

Elyse twisted her neck slightly to look back at Daniela,still beaming. When Daniela said, "I'm glad you're happy with it, Aunt Elyse,"her smile only widened,and she even hummed joyfully in the car.

Daniela stayed silent throughout the entire ride.

The car pulled up to Elyse's lavish mansion. Elyse exited the vehicle, bending slightly and flashing a smile at Daniela. "Take care on your way back, Daniela."Her voice oozed with exaggerated flattery.

Daniela studied Elyse's overly ingratiating expression under the streetlights and reminded her coolly, "I've kept my promise to provide for your retirement,Aunt Elyse. I hope you'll keep yours as well. If the Harper family comes asking for handouts every month.I won't be able to keep up."

At Daniela's words, Elyse waved her hand quickly. "Of course, Daniela. You're the best to me. I won't tell anyone about this."Daniela gave a subtle glance towards Natalie, who was eavesdropping from a distance, nodded slightly, and then told the driver, "Drive."

Even as the car disappeared into the distance, Elyse continued waving at the dissipating exhaust fumes.

She was so overcome with joy that she couldn't help but dance, but when she turned around, she was startled to find Natalie standing quietly behind her.

"When did you sneak up behind me, Natalie?"Elyse gasped,surprised.

Natalie narrowed her eyes, studying her closely."What's the matter? Do you have secrets you're hiding from me?"

Elyse toyed with her hair nervously. "You're imagining things, my dear. What could I possibly be hiding?I'm exhausted tonight, so I'm heading to bed. Good night."

Natalie trailed Elyse into the house, her eyes focused intently on her profile. "Mom, remember you once said you wanted to have Daniela killed? I've already reached out to Cealmaur. If we pay them enough.they'll take care of it immediately."

Cealmaur, the world's largest mercenary group,was infamous for its assassination services, charging the highest fees but also boasting an unblemished record of success.

Once they took on a mission, the target never lived more than 24 hours.

Elyse was momentarily lost in thought. "Really? How much would it cost?" she asked, sipping her water while mentally calculating the details.

If Daniela were to die, all her wealth would go to Cedric. She thought it would be wiser to have Daniela fulfill her promises first, ensuring her own future was secure.

Daniela had handed her such a massive plot of land without even blinking.

Relying on Natalie or Nina wasn't nearly as dependable as counting on Daniela.

Noticing the wheels turning in Elyse's mind, Natalie answered, "They quoted one hundred million."

Elyse almost choked on her water. "How much did you just say?"

Nothing had even unfolded, and they were already demanding such a steep price from her.