Chapter 496

Getting rid of Doug wasn't a tough challenge.

Doug was a man of strong sexual desire.

Simply upping the dose of his medication before he slept with a woman would be enough to get the job done.

The real problem was the grudge burning inside Joyce.

That snake Natalie! Daring to take her man,fantasizing about marrying Doug, stealing everything she built?

Joyce refused to let this slide; she'd never allow it!

She lounged stiffly on the sofa, as Doug pawed at her eagerly.

She fixed her gaze on the ceiling, eyes narrowing slightly."Darling," Joyce cooed, voice dripping with honey, "I have a friend's birthday tomorrow. Will you join me?"

Joyce was well aware Doug rarely denied bed-time requests.

Just as she predicted, Doug nodded, trapped between desire and her teasing charm.

The next morning, before heading out, Joyce looped her arms around Doug's neck and grinned. "Bring some of those pills."

Doug, who normally found such gatherings dull,suddenly showed interest.

Joyce smirked. "The spot today is super exclusive.I heard the elevator has mirrors everywhere. Baby,I wanna test it out."

At this, Doug quickly dug into the drawer, grabbing two packs and shoving them into his pocket.Watching him, Joyce let out a soft chuckle and nudged his hand back into the drawer.

This time, Doug pulled out five packs. Doug protested, "These work wonders, but too many can put serious strain on my heart!"

Joyce leaned in close, whispering, "Baby, I want to do something wild with you."

Doug,eyeing Joyce as she licked her lips, let out a laugh. "I love how bold you are!"

Doug took Joyce's hand and led her outside.

As they got into the car, Doug turned to Joyce. "Is Daniela coming today?"

Joyce shook her head. "Not sure. Probably not.Daniela never cares for these types of gatherings."

Doug's expression darkened at her response.

Between Joyce and Daniela, he'd much rather indulge in a wild elevator rendezvous with the latter.

The mere thought of sleeping with Daniela felt like an unattainable fantasy turned real.

Just before stepping out of the car, Doug's face hardened. "Don't forget what I told you. I'm dead serious. I poured a fortune into Alexander's surgery.If you fail to get Daniela into my bed, you can kiss your title as my wife goodbye. You've got two days."

Joyce bowed her head slightly, a flicker of cold malice flashing in her eyes. "Alright, I got it."

Joyce hadn't anticipated Daniela's arrival let alone with Cedric.

A wave of unease washed over Joyce; Daniela's presence could throw her entire plan off course.

Yet, Daniela remained seated, nibbling on the fruit Cedric offered, appearing as if she was merely there for the celebration.

"Joyce, you're related to Daniela. Do you have any idea why she decided to attend my birthday party?"The birthday girl beamed with excitement. "I barely know Daniela, but I took a chance and sent an invitation. I never thought she'd actually come, let alone bring Cedric! This is a story I'll be bragging about forever!"

Joyce, disinterested, cast a glance towards the entrance. "Maybe Daniela got bored of baby preparations," she muttered, sounding distracted.

The girl let out an excited giggle. "Guess what?Daniela's birthday gift to me is a custom Elite Lux brooch! It's worth over half a million dollars online!|can't wait to show it off-everyone's going to be so jealous!"

Joyce barely reacted,uninterested.

"Joyce, what's got your attention?" the grl inquired.

"No one special, just waiting on someone," Joyce answered smoothly.

Joyce's stiff expression didn't ease until a poised figure stepped inside, allowing a faint hint of relief to cross her face.

She turned away, satisfied, only to lock eyes with Daniela, who sat quietly in the corner, nibbling on a small cake with a faint, knowing smile.

Joyce's heart lurched in surprise. Steeling herself,she approached Daniela cautiously. "What's so funny?"

Daniela simply continued eating her cherry tomatoes,offering no response.

"Listen, Daniela, whatever happens today has nothing to do with you. Stay out of it!"

Daniela responded casually, "I'm just here to enjoy myself.Carry on."

At Daniela's words, Joyce's nerves eased.

She was certain Daniela wasn't the type to lie.Yet having Daniela see through her so easily was irritating.

Deciding it wasn't worth arguing, Joyce shifted her focus, her gaze landing on Natalie.

Natalie wore a dress that exuded both elegance and grace, its hem rippling like a glistening stream beneath the lights.

The moment Natalie stepped in, Joyce caught Doug's eyes locked onto her. Joyce scoffed, observing the scene with icy indifference.