Chapter 624

Richard, who had maintained his composure until now,let a trace of unease slip into his voice. "Alexander,what's happening? Has Daniela still not made peace with you?"

Frustration was etched across Alexander's face. "I have no idea what went wrong. Why is Daniela keeping her distance from me?"

Richard ventured, "Is this about Joyce?"

"I've told her already-I don't have any feelings for Joyce."

Richard shook his head. "I don't buy it. This has to be about Joyce. Daniela used to adore you, and now that her memory's gone-barely remembering Cedric-there's no logical reason for her to push you away.Someone must have spoilled the beans about your history with Joyce, and that's why she's keeping you at arm's length. Alexander, I'm not here to pressure you, but this is a golden opportunity. You can't let it slip through your fingers. If Cedric gets ahead of you again, you'll lose face-and everything you've worked for will be for nothing. And let's not forget, Cedric's already at a disadvantage with his injury. Are you really going to let him outpace you?"

Alexander's response was instant. "No way!"

Richard nodded in approval. "Then here's the plan.Tell Daniela that I invite her over for dinner.We've had our share of misunderstandings, and it's time l made an effort to smooth things over."

Alexander hesitated. "I'll give it a shot. She's been pretty busy lately."

"Busy or not, everyone has to eat," Richard said, fixing Alexander with a sharp look. "Do you even realize how many people have their eyes on Daniela? I heard the Stout family is already making moves-they've sent an intermediary to set up a meeting."

Alexander stiffened. "Already?"

Richard scoffed. "What did you think would happen?Those people don't play fair. Daniela's marital status means nothing to them-profits are all they care about. You get that,don't you?"

Restless, Alexander shot up from his chair. "I'll go invite her right now. Dad, make sure to prepare her favorite dishes. And when she gets here, please don't put on airs."

Richard waved a hand, brushing off the concern."Naturally. Just get her here-I'll treat her like royalty." Alexander gave a firm nod before making a beeline for Elite Lux.

Cedric was heading upstairs,with his secretary carrying a box of sushi, when he spotted Alexander storming through the entrance.

Before Cedric could even process what was happening,Alexander swooped in, grabbed the sushi straight from his secretary's hands, and bolted upstairs

The secretary stood frozen, utterly baffled.

Cedric's brows knitted together. Fresh from rehabilitation, he had taken the time to prepare that sushi himself-for Daniela.

He hadn't anticipated Alexander being this brazen.

Without hesitation, Cedric rushed upstairs.

Just as he reached the top, he caught Carol's voice."Sorry,but Daniela isn't here."

Alexander extended the sushi box. "Please pass this to her and let her know my father and I are inviting her to dinner. I also need to discuss something with Daniela.Would it be alright if I waited here?"

Carol,unfazed,gestured towards the conference room.Alexander offered a small smile and strode over, only to halt in surprise. The room was packed.

A frown of confusion crossed Alexander's face as he glanced at Carol.

Carol smirked. "They're all here for the same reason as you-hoping to invite Daniela to dinner. Feel free to join the club."

Cedric, too, was considering staying.

Just as he moved forward, Carol cut in. "Cedric,don't you have your own place?"

Alexander stilled. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Carol remained unfazed. "Exactly what I said. Need me to spell it out?"

Alexander watched as Cedric stepped forward.Without hesitation, Carol returned the sushi box to Cedric. "Daniela isn't here. No clue when she'll be back-or if she'll be back at all. You're welcome to wait,but if it takes too long, you can leave."

Cedric was taken aback by Carol's change in attitude.

Carol shrugged. "I don't know you that well, but I've noticed Nina holds you in high regard-like family. And,well,Ryan and Lillian called me yesterday-told me to ease up on you."

Cedric offered a polite smile. "Appreciate it." Daniela had been gone for hours.

By the time she returned, the conference room stood silent and deserted.

The only light in the office came from a dim desk lamp.

Carol glanced up. "Cedric dropped by with sushi-said he made it himself. And he waited for..." She checked the time. "Eight hours. And Alexander was the second last to leave. Said he'd be back tomorrow."

Daniela barely reacted. Stepping into the office, her gaze landed on Cedric, still seated on the sofa.

The sushi box rested untouched on the table.

He sat upright, legs together, a picture of quiet patience as he waited.

No phone in hand, no magazine, no distractions-nothing but stillness.

Bathed in the soft glow of the lamp, he simply waited -for her.

In that instant, a distant, almost forgotten image flickered through Daniela's mind.

It was as if she had seen this before-as if this wasn't the first time Cedric had waited for her like this.

It felt as though he had been waiting for her-not just tonight, but for years, steadfast and unwavering.