Chapter 493

Daniela paid no mind to Caiden's words.

She turned her attention to the doctor beside her."How is he? Will he make it?"

The doctor, his refined demeanor betrayed by a sly smile, adjusted the IV drip. "Don't worry.If you want him to live to a hundred, consider it done."

Caiden's body started to shake as terror gripped him.Trapped in this bleak, godforsaken madhouse, he knew death would be a mercy compared to the torment of staying here.

"Daniela! If you have any real guts, just kill me already!" he bellowed.

"Kill you? That would be too merciful. I doubt my mother would want to see you so soon." Daniela turned to leave.

A furious voice rang out behind her. "Daniela Harper!"

Daniela turned to see Caiden pushing himself up on the bed, his voice quiet, his eyes cast downward."I'm sorry. It was all my fault."

Daniela arched a brow.

Caiden lifted his gaze to meet hers. "I loved you.l held you, cherished you. Are you really going to leave me here? Daniela, I'm begging you. Don't be so cruel.I was wrong-l admit it! Take me home, please! It's freezing here at night. The wind screams through the windows. I can't sleep. Just take me home. Think of me as a harmless pet, something you keep around,okay?"

Daniela's gaze was sharp, her smile sharper. "What are you thinking? A sinner like you doesn't deserve comfort. If you truly regret it, then repent properly in this place."

"Wait!" Caiden shouted as she turned to leave."know what you're looking for. Daniela, I know what you want to find out. Let me out, and I'll tell you everything!" Daniela froze mid-step. She slowly turned her head,her piercing gaze locking onto Caiden. "What did you just say?"

"I know you're digging into your mother's death. You think someone else was behind it. That's why you've kept Brylee and her daughter on edge. You know there are more people involved in your mother's death. You're searching for the real mastermind,aren't you?"

A frost settled in Daniela's gaze. Her stare dropped to him as if he were nothing more than discarded filth. "So, you knew all along. You knew someone else was behind my mother's death."

Under her piercing glare, Caiden's bravado wavered.But he also knew he wouldn't always get another chance. He couldn't keep faking suicide just to see her. This was his only shot-he had to take it.

"Yes, l've always known. Katrina was just a maid.How could she have pulled the strings on her own?There had to be someone else behind her."

Daniela's eyes stayed cold. "And how do you know Brylee and her daughter aren't acting alone?"

Caiden scoffed, "I just know. But I won't tell you now.Get me out of here! Take care of me in my old age. If you agree, I'll tell you everything."

Daniela's voice sliced through the air, sharp and cold."You knew someone else was behind my mother's death all this time, yet you did nothing. You lived off her legacy, stood over her grave, and indulged yourself without a shred of guilt."

Caiden flinched under Daniela's piercing words."had no choice. Brylee made her own enemies. What did that have to do with me? You know what I'm capable of. What could I have done? You were just a child. Did you expect me to fight those people and leave you orphaned?"

Daniela let out a cold laugh. "Haven't I been an orphan all along?"

Caiden swallowed, his voice growing desperate."At least to the world, you were still a wealthy heiress.You know I'm powerless. Who could I possibly take on? All I could do was protect myself. But listen-if you get me out of here, I'll tell you everything.I swear it!"

Daniela arched a brow, her tone mocking. "And if |don't?"

Caiden's expression darkened, his eyes glinting with ruthless resolve. "Leave me here, and this secret dies with me. You'll never know who killed your mother,Daniela. You'll be trapped in this nightmare forever."

Daniela let out a soft, amused chuckle.

Caiden stiffened. "Why are you laughing?"

Daniela tilted her head slightly. "Do I look scared?"

Caiden hesitated. "Haven't you always been desperate to know who did it?"

Daniela nodded. "Of course, I wantto know. But I'm patient. You're the one who's desperate, Caiden.After all, people only kill for love, power, or reputation. And now that I stand higher than my mother ever did, it's only a matter of time before they come for me, isn't it?" Caiden stiffened.

A satisfied smile curled at Daniela's lips-she had hit the mark.

She smirked, silently cursing Caiden for being such a fool.