Chapter 575

Nina's statement was extensive, exceeding ten thousand words, meticulously recounting every injustice she had endured since childhood.

In an instant, Elyse became a public enemy.

When Nina came home, Elyse stormed towards her,seething with rage. She grabbed Nina by the collar,her grip trembling. "You've ruined me! Are you happy now? I should have never brought you into this world!"

Nina let out a cold, hollow laugh. "Too bad it's too late for regrets. You killed Daniela's mother. You're the one who deserves to die. You're finished!"

Her voice was sharp, her laughter like a blade slicing through Elyse's composure.

Daniela hadn't expected Nina to be so unyielding. Later, when Nina returned home, Daniela told her,"Cormac came by. He said there's no need to replace the lead actress. He's the latest Best Actor, with a strong fan base. If you want to try again, the opportunity is still there."

Nina shook her head. "I need a break, Daniela. I'm exhausted."

Daniela sighed, recalling the sincerity in Cormac's eyes when he had spoken earlier.

She said gently, "Just remember to thank him. He's genuine."

In the entertainment industry, reputation was everything.

Someone who stood by you at your lowest wasn't just an ally-they were rare.

But fate had a way of shifting things, and Daniela chose not to say more.

After Nina retired to her room, Ryan entered, his tone grim. "Daniela, Elyse is making a move." Daniela had originally planned to pressure Elyse into revealing her backers, but Nina's explosive revelation had accelerated everything.

Daniela's expression turned cold. "Who?"

Ryan's response was steady. "Winslow Flores."

Daniela wasn't surprised. She glanced at the time-just one day left before Alexander's promised deadline.

Aside from Winslow, the rest members remained within the commerce association.

Lillian scoffed. "Alexander is pathetic. He's already being pushed to the sidelines. Winslow pulled out early-he's scared you'll uncover something. He's sharp."

Daniela's gaze darkened.

He needed to be cunning. How else could he have stayed under the radar for so long among such powerful figures? "Daniela, are you meeting Alexander tomorrow?"Lillian asked.

Daniela shook her head. "No, that won't be necessary. Initiate a fresh round of acquisitions against all eight of them."

Lillian's eyes lit up. "Who's first on the list?"

Daniela answered, "Hackett."

Winslow was an expert at keeping a low profile-she'd let him stay in the shadows a little longer.

At Flores Group, Winslow's face darkened the moment he saw Elyse.

"Are you out of your mind? Showing up here now? Do you want Daniela to find out about our connection?"

Elyse looked worn down. "I have no choice-I'm broke. I tried not to reach out, but I'm desperate.What else can I do? Even if Daniela figures it out, I still have to come to you. Your business is booming.You owe me some support, don't you?" Winslow exhaled sharply, biting back his frustration.He walked to his desk, scribbled out a check, and flung it at Elyse's face. "Take the money and stay away!"

He had barely gotten away from the association, and now Elyse turned up. Just his luck.

Elyse eyed the check, unimpressed. "This isn't nearly enough. You swore that after Brylee was gone, l'd live in comfort forever. Now that Natalie's locked up and Nina won't lift a finger for me, you're the only one left to support me."

Winslow's gaze darkened, a dangerous gleam flickering in his eyes. For a brief moment, a lethal intent flashed in his stare.

"Look, I don't want trouble-I just want a comfortable life. Five hundred thousand a month should do iit,"she added.

Winslow's stare turned icy before a slow, unsettling smile spread across his face. "Fine. It's only right I take care of my aunt in her old age." Pleased with his response, Elyse gave a nod and walked off with the check in hand.

Winslow's gaze followed Elyse as she walked away,the lethal glint in his eyes intensifying.

Lately, Daniela had been feeling more exhausted than usual.

By the time she woke up, it was already past ten.

Around this time, she typically stayed home in the morning, had lunch, took a short nap, and then headed to the office.

Lillian often teased that Daniela was practically in hibernation.

Daniela woke up to an eerily quiet house.

The usual sight of Lillian gaming in the living room was missing; only Josie was bustling in the kitchen.

Daniela grabbed a glass of water while Josie approached with a plate of fruit.

"Cedric mentioned he had a cross-border meeting this morning but will be back in time for lunch. Nína got a call this morning, and Lillian went with her.They rushed out without breakfast, but Nina said she'd return for lunch."

Daniela nodded, then grabbed her phone to check for a response from the overseas university.

She planned to send Nina overseas for her studies.With everything that had unfolded, a change of environment and some new courses might help her reset.

A young woman needed the chance to explore the world.

As Daniela finished browsing the university details,the villa door burst open.

Lillian was the first to step in. "Daniela."

Daniela barely had time to react before Lillian dropped the bombshell. "Elyse died."