Chapter 846

Daniela led Carol away to get changed, and once they emerged,she immediately set out to find Cedric.

Cedric seemed restless all evening, and the thought of him squaring off against the cunning Hamilton alone didn't sit right with her.

She'd barely stepped into the hallway when she ran into Alexander.

He blocked her path with a practiced,casual smile."Cedric asked me to let you know he's gone up to the study with Mr. McCoy. Mr. McCoy sent me to fetch you."

Daniela arched a skeptical brow. "Cedric sent you to find me?"

If Cedric kept a personal blacklist, Alexander's name would be etched in at number one. There was no way Cedric would willingly involve Alexander in anything

Alexander just shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant."Why would I make this up? If you're that suspicious,go ahead-call Cedric yourself."

Unconvinced, Daniela immediately dialed Cedric's number

The call went straight to voicemail-his phone was off

Alexander gestured toward the staircase. "Are you coming or not? The study's waiting."

Daniela tucked her phone away and squared her shoulders. "Which floor did you say? I'll go up myself."

Alexander gave a brisk nod. "Eighth floor."

Without another word, Daniela strode toward the elevator.

After pressing the button for the eighth floor, she realized that this villa only had eight floors.

She pressed the button for a random floor and stepped out, finding a staff member to ask,'-′′|Hamilton's studyon the eighth floor?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Good. If you see anyone of my companions,tell them I'm headed up. And if you spot Nikolas or Damon,let them know too."

With a quick nod of thanks, she stepped back into the elevator and rode it up.

The elevator ascended slowly. When the doors opened, she stepped onto an expansive terrace-wide open, with the night air swirling in.

She frowned. Before she could react, someone pushed her from behind.

Instinct took over; Daniela staggered forward,caught herself on the terrace railing, and spun around,eyes blazing.

Alexander stood behind her, blocking the exit-far too composed for someone who'd supposedly been busy elsewhere.

"Not surprised, huh?" he asked, studying her unflinching gaze. "Honestly, I thought you'd be frightened."

A steadier, sharper energy radiated from him now.It seemed that he was clutching some secret advantage,something that braced his spine and made him bold.

"Alexander, you're beyond shameless. What's this little act for? Trying to lure me up here-what are you really after?" Daniela's mind churned with anxiety over Cedric, afraid he might be no match for whatever traps waited downstairs.

Alexander's smile curved, his gaze lingering on Daniela's flawless features as if he couldn't tear his gaze away. "Daniela, you know how I've always felt for you. Back when I thought you were gone for good,everything lost its color. But then you came back, and suddenly,life made sense

He locked his eyes on hers, voice trembling with a quiet intensity. '"You have no idea how much I missed you. I've never loved anyone else like this-not even close.Daniela, I love you. I really, truly love you."

She remained motionless, her face as unreadable as stone. "If you've finished, I'm leaving."

With a brisk turn, she started for the elevator.

But Alexander stepped in her way, blocking her exit.Sadness crept over his face.

"Why are you in such a rush to leave? You're right here,Daniela." He put his hand on his chest. "Every night, I dream about you."

A wave of disgust rippled through her; her eyes narrowed in disdain.

She slapped his hand away, her voice sharper than before. "You think you're the only one who's ever wanted me? Get over yourself, Alexander. Now get lost."

Alexander's hand hovered in midair, stung by Daniela's icy dismissal. His features crumpled with aching regret "Daniela, are you never going to give me another chance? We were married, remember? Can't we just go back-pretend the divorce never happened?"

She shot him a glare, her words cutting through the tension "Keep dreaming."

A hollow sigh escaped him, shoulders sagging in defeat. "I never wanted to force you. I love you too much for that. But you've always refused to listen to me."

Without warning, Alexander pulled a knife from his pocket, the blade catching the overhead light witha sinister glint.

Daniela faced him without flinching, her eyes unreadable.

A manic, broken laugh tore from Alexander's throat."They say you're some mercenary legend. I know my little stunts mean nothing to you. Did you get the text earlier? Hamilton's been digging for your weaknesses."

Without warning, Alexander dragged the blade across his wrist in one swift, reckless motion.

Scarlet droplets hit the floor in a steady, chilling rhythm.

One splash spattered across Daniela's cheek-startling,cold,and slick.

For a heartbeat, Daniela froze. Her eyes fixed on the

blood, her muscles locked in place, a sudden, primal unease thrumming through her veins. She curled her hands into fists, knuckles whitening as she fought to keep her composure.

"Hamilton's been hounding me to give up your weaknesses," Alexander gasped, his voice ragged,thick with pain and desperation. "But I wouldn't tell him.I couldn't do that to you, Daniela. Don't you get it?"