Chapter 464

"Well... Uh... I..." Elyse stammered, her panic evident as she struggled to find her words. "That recording-it's not my voice. Linden must have manipulated it.I never said those things!"

With a sense of urgency, she continued, "I stand by my words. That's not my voice, Daniela. You can't hold me responsible for your mother's death just because it's difficult for you to come to terms with.Honestly, I'm being falsely accused here. Consider our relationship-we're family. What reason would I have to hurt your mother? She was practically a financial lifeline for me. Why would I harm someone who has given me so much?"

Daniela maintained a calm expression, her smile slight."Indeed,why would you,Aunt Elyse?"

Elyse's eyes pleaded for understanding as she looked at Daniela.

Daniela's smile softened as she continued, "After my mother died, I was baffled as to why someone so full of life would leap from a building. And when my father quickly remarried,I couldn't grasp how he could move on so soon from his beloved wife. Years passed with just me,without the warmth of family, and my confusion only grew. But eventually, I accepted that some things in life, especially human nature, are beyond understanding."

Daniela concluded her thoughts, then stood up decisively. "Elyse, you will face consequences for your actions."

Her gaze then turned to Natalie.

With a light smile, she said, "I recall how much my mother adored you when we were children. Did you ever imagine you'd find yourself in such a predicament when you and your mother schemed against her?"

She chuckled lightly. "Just be patient. This is merely the start."

It wasn't until Daniela had disappeared from view that Elyse exchanged a look with Natalie.

Natalie, disheveled and scantily clad in a towel,was a picture of despair and shame.

Overwhelmed by emotions, Natalie burst into tears "Mom! Everything's fallen apart. Daniela has shattered my life. All because of her vendetta tied to her dead mother, she's resorted to every underhanded tactic to ruin me. Now, I'm a scandal in Olisvine. Daniela must be stopped.I need her gone!"

Just as she finished her outburst, a knock sounded at the door. The hotel manager entered, dressed in a suit.holding a hefty bill. "Madam, please settle your bill.The total comes to 8.8 million dollars." Upon hearing the enormous amount,Elyse collapsed.

Meanwhile. Daniela exited the hotel and drove straight to her house.

Her phone was silent, devoid of any new messages from Cedric for several hours.

She sensed his displeasure was profound.

Daniela stopped by a cupcake shop on her way.picking up a box of treats.

As they neared the villa, the building appeared mostly dark,save for a lone light in the living room.

Ryan greeted her at the door with a worried look "Daniela,he's extremely upset this time."

With a resigned sigh, Daniela entered.

She slipped off her shoes, donned her slippers, and while walking to the living room, she flashed a cheerful smile. "I grabbed your favorite cupcakes from the shop. Care for some?"

Cedric, though typically easygoing, had an imposing presence when angered. His features were set in a stem expression, his eyes cold,fixating on something below,in silence.

"Cedric..." Daniela set the box of cupcakes on the table. "I was just out managing a situation, nothing dangerous.I stayed within your boundaries." The dim lighting in the room cast dramatic shadows.slicing Cedric's face between light and darkness.

"Are you upset? I'm sorry, Cedric. You have the final say here, alright?" Daniela reached out to touch his hand,her fingertips lightly scratching to indicate her willingness to yield. "I really am sorry. Please, let's not fight,okay?"

Cedric's gaze slowly rose, his hand pulling away from Daniela's.

A knot formed in Daniela's stomach as she braced berself.

Before she could say more, Cedric said,"I saw the news coverage."

Daniela looked at Cedric.

"It was quite a spectacle. Elyse aimed for you and Linden, but instead, Natalie and Linden were caught.the police got involved, and it all ended in a public scandal for the Dury family. After the journalists left.you faced Elyse, didn't you? She must have been scared."

Cedric then turned his face away, shrouding it in shadow,his eyes gleaming with a stark,resentful cold."You emerged without a scratch. Quite remarkable."

Daniela bit her lip, sensing that her efforts to calm him were likely in vain. "l..." just can't take itanymore." Cedric murmured wearilyDaniela stared at him,her shock evident.

Why am I always the last to find out? What have you done to make Elyse believe there's something between you and Linden?"

Daniela opened her mouth to respond.

Cedric lifted his hand, signaling her to stop. "There's no need to explain." He knew that she always had her reasons. "It seems like you never really put me first."

Daniela's fists tightened.

Cedric continued without allowing her to interject."Daniela, I'm not invincible. I feel fear, and I overthink things. Each time you leave, I'm struck with worry about your safety. If anything were to happen to you.who would even tell me? It feels like I'm always an afterthought to you. You know me so well, yet you don't seem to grasp what I truly need. What I desire is all of you, Daniela. I crave the fiery passion we share in our private moments and the fierce determination you display against your adversaries. Whether you're calm.composed, detached, elegant, courteous, or employing any tactic necessary. I want every part of you."