Chapter 16

The echo of Joyce's laughter was gone,replaced by stillness.

She approached Alexander, pulling on his sleeve."Alexander,surely you don't believe this nonsense, do you? This is Daniela we're discussing-the same woman who has adored you for over a decade! How can she suddenly be the CEO of Elite Lux? Does she even possess the resources or the capacity to achieve something like this? Take a good look! We're standing in the iconic building of Olisvine-a genuine landmark!How could Daniela, of all people, manage to own such a place? Alexander, it's impossible that she's the CEO of Elite Lux. Don't be deceived by her!" Daniela had spent more than twenty years playing the flawless role of the Harper family's heiress.

For the samne duration, Joyce had existed under her shadow.

Daniela was renowned for her beauty, grace, and intellect-attributes that allowed her to shine in whatever she pursued.

But now? She was supposed to have tumbled from grace, shamed by the Bennett family. Yet here she stood, bathed in the illustrious aura of Elite Lux.

How could Joyce ever come to terms with this?

Alexander faced Daniela. Unlike Joyce, he maintained his composure.

Although the revelation had stirred him, he couldn't ignore the undeniable reality before him.

Had reality been different, Daniela wouldn't have been able to set foot inside this establishment,let alone receive a cordial welcome from Joshua and the building manager.

A subtle smile graced Daniela's lipsas she stood there,and Alexander found the expression rather disconcerting.

He gazed at her, his voice tinged with confusion and a hint of accusation. "If you're really the CEO of Elite Lux, why keep that a secret until now? Did you find amusement in this charade?"

Was her pretense of vulnerability merely a ploy to garner his compassion?

Such a sly schemer she was. ~ As these thoughts swirled in his mind, an old memory bubbled up to the surface. Richard had mentioned that the CEO of Elite Lux had first become a prominent figure while still a teenager.

Following the release of her lauded final work,"Unrequited Love," she had abruptly receded from the limelight. The whispers at the time had been tantalizing; many believed this young visionary had been struck by a real-life romance, choosing love over her career.

And now, if Daniela indeed was that CEO, had she relinquished her role at Elite Lux for the sake of a heartfelt affection? And more intriguingly, who was the person that swayed her heart?

Standing apart, Alexander observed Daniela with a bewildering sense of estrangement cloaking him. For the first time, it dawned on him that perhaps he had never truly known her.1

Unruffled by Alexander's intense scrutiny, Daniela offered a slight, enigmatic smile and responded, "It appears you've forgotten. You've always been too engrossed in your own affairs to allow me a moment to clarify, haven't you?"

Initially, Daniela had intended to unveil all her secrets to Alexander before their impending nuptials.

However,Alexander had told her that he had no interest in her and all he wanted was for her to behave herself after their marriage.

In simpler terms, he held no real expectations of her.

To the public, Alexander's father had even stated that the union was simply a long-standing commitment made between the two families years earlier.

Yet, beneath this facade lay a more strategic calculation. The Bennett family had consented to the marriage solely due to the considerable influence wielded by the Harper family.

Daniela,being Caiden's only biological daughter, stood to inherit a substantial portion of the Harper family's fortune, despite Caiden having remarried and having a stepdaughter. Given these prospects, the Bennett family welcomed her into their family.

Upon discovering the true motives behind their acceptance, Daniela's eagerness to disclose her true self dwindled.

Alexander's expression darkened dramatically, his jaw tightening as his eyes became turbulent with frustration. Underneath lay a palpable fury,fueled by the bitter realization that he had been deceived.

With a steely glare at Joyce, he declared in a frosty tone, "We're leaving."

Remaining would only tarnish the honor of their families further.

Just as they neared the exit, Lillian's commanding voice stopped them in their tracks. "Hold on a moment!"

Reluctantly, Alexander paused, his body tensed as Lillian strode forward, a golf club in hand. "Here,take your $8,000 golf club. I doubt even our caddies would bother with such an inferior piece."

Her mocking words cut deep, visibly embarrassing Joshua,who turned a deep shade of red.

He hurriedly pressed the elevator button and ushered Alexander and Joyce out.

With that, Daniela made her triumphant return to Olisvine.

As the CEO of Elite Lux, she now presided majestically over Olisvine's most famous landmark.

Recovering from her astonishment, Joyce was already weaving new plots. She leaned towards Caiden, her voice oozing sugary charm. "Dad, Daniela's now the CEO of Elite Lux and she owns Olisvine's top landmark building. Do you think you could convince her to spare one floor for me?"