Chapter 257

Richard couldn't hide his satisfaction. "It's not a huge amount, but we can build on it over time. Alexander,Daniela's really a kind soul. I made a sincere apology earlier, and at first, she didn't respond, but when l mentioned it was my life savings, she started to soften. Daniela is nothing like that cold-hearted Joyce.Despite how you neglected her before, she never held a grudge against you. I must say, she's a gem. You're truly missing out."

Alexander was overwhelmed with a mix of emotions.

Standing silently in the cold corridor, he whispered to himself, "If I truly apologize, will she forgive me?"

As he reflected on this, he felt a subtle warmth begin to thaw the coldness that had taken root in his heart.

Maybe it wasn't the right time yet. Perhaps he should wait just a little longer.

He would wait until Bennett Group was running smoothly again and securing a significant project. Then,he could approach Daniela and ask for another chance, a fresh start.

Only then would he feel like he could truly stand on equal ground with Cedric.

He knew he hadn't been the best husband in the past, but if he could have another opportunity, he was determined to build a better future with Daniela.

To truly cherish her this time, never again exploiting her loneliness or allowing himself to take her for granted.

With those thoughts,Alexander felt a surge of purpose, a renewed determination to make things right.

Meanwhile, Joyce returned to Caiden's villa again.

She waited for.a quiet moment when no one was around and trapped Cedric in the garden.

"Have you thought more about my proposal?" Joyce asked with a sly smile, her eyes locked onto Cedric. His physique was exactly her type-thin in clothes, yet toned and muscular underneath.

His eyes, always indifferent, fascinated her. She was eager to see just how wild and uncontrollable someone fike him could be in bed.

"Don't worry. As long as the money is right, I won't spill your secret." She edged closer, her voice low and tempting.

Cedric's lips curled into a sneer as he smoothly sidestepped her approach, causing Joyce to stumble and crash to the ground.

"What's that supposed to mean?" she snapped, glaring up at him.

Cedric's expression remained icy. "You're giving yourself too much credit. Do you honestly think you're in any position to be connected with someone like me?"

Without a second glance, he turned and walked away, leaving her seething with anger.

Joyce slammed her fist into the ground, frustration boiling over.

Cedric had no idea what was good for him.

If that was how he wanted to play it, she'd make sure to use her own methods.

It wasn't long before rumors started circulating throughout Olisvine that Cedric had a preference for men.

The rumors escalated, growing wilder and more exaggerated with each passing day.

Daniela, attending a banquet without much concern, overheard people gossiping about it.

Their faces were filled with sincere regret.

"How could Cedric... What a shame!"

"My dad even told me to try harder to win his heart. After hearing that, he couldn't eat for three days."

"Who wouldn't be disappointed? I always said I'd compete with you fairly, but now, what's the point?"

"There are so few decent men left in the world, and now the good ones are being snatched away from us! Is there no justice?°

"I once saw Dániela as a rival, but now I see I completely misjudged her."

Danlela held her glass of wine, listening to every word of the conversation.

Now it made sense why the other women at the banquet had been so friendly towards her.

But she couldn't wrap her head around how these rumors had even begun.

She glanced at Cedric, who stood not far off, mningling with a drink in hand.

He looked composed and dignified, not at all like someone who'd be linked to such rumors.

"Daniela, are you shocked too?" someone murmured, leaning in to share a secret. "My friend says Cedric is gay."

Daniela turned to the speaker, her eyes wide with shock. "Who told you that?"

The person shrugged nonchalantly. "It's comnmon knowledge now. And word on the street is that Cedric has some pretty unusual preferences-the stranger, the better."

Watching the man who had been wrongly accused, Daniela couldn't help but feel a deep sense of pity.

She asked, "I see. And what else have they been saying?"

Daniela didn't usually get caught up in gossip, but seeing her curiosity, everyone eagerly spilled the latest rumors.

"I heard Cedric goes to gay bars all the time and is pretty popular there."

"And apparently, he likes them rough and strong. The image is just too much to handle."

Daniela tried to picture it, but the thought felt too taboo for her to fully entertain.

After finishing his rounds of socializing, Cedric planned to seek out Daniela.

But when he looked, there she was, surrounded by a group of women, all chatting excitedly. Cedric found it oddly interesting.

Daniela rarely showed interest in anything this much.

It was rare to see so many people gathered around her for a conversation.

But he enjoyed seeing her so lively and at ease.

Cedric turned to Lilian, asking, "What are they talking about?

Lillian chuckled lightly. "They're talking about your juicy gossip."

"My gossip?" Cedric raised an eyebrow in surprise.

Lillian nodded, passing on the explosive rumors she'd just caught wind of.

She didn't buy into the idea that Cedric had any interest in men, so the gossip didn't really grabher attention.

Instead, her focus remained on watching how Cedric and Daniela interacted with each other.

As she spoke, she observed Cedric's expression carefully.

Even though he was the target of the rumors, Cedric didn't show a hint of anger.

Holding his wine glass, he chuckled quietly, his gaze fixed on Daniela. "Does she actually enjoy hearing these outrageous stories?"

Once more, a strange thought began to creep into Lillian's mind.′′Aren't you angry?"

Cedric smiled. "Why would I be angry about it?"