?Chapter 4:


    “Do you want Dad to grow old and live the rest of his lifepletely alone, Dani? Have you considered how lonely he’ll be once you’re married? Sitting alone in that huge house, with no one to care for him when he’s sick or even pour him a ss of water?”


    After that, Joyce turned to Alexander.


    “Alexander, do you honestly believe I’d start a fire just to end my own life?”


    Alexander remained silent, absorbing the weight of the conversation. His face darkened with each passing second, reflecting a growing storm within.


    He fixed a cold, unforgiving stare on Dani andmanded sternly, “Dani, kneel and beg Joyce for forgiveness!”


    Dani turned to face Alexander, her expression defiant. Why would she do that?


    Suddenly, Katrina leapt from her chair and stormed over. Without a moment’s hesitation, her hand swung through the air,nding a sharp p across Dani’s cheek.


    Stunned, Dani could barely register the sudden assault before Katrina copsed into a heap of raw nerves and tears.


    Pointing her finger at Dani, Katrina yelled, “Dani! You tried to kill my daughter! How can you stand there, unapologetic and using her instead? Oh, my poor girl! I’m to me for everything. I never should’ve be a stepmother to another’s child. It’s all on me! I’ve kept you from the man your heart belongs to and dragged you into danger. I can’t forgive myself for this!”


    Caiden felt a sharp pang in his chest at Katrina’s torment.


    Driven by a surge of anger, he approached Dani and delivered a firm p as well.


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    The impact sent her reeling back, her body hitting the wall as she struggled to maintain her bnce.


    Dazed, Dani stood against the wall, her mind swirling with thoughts as tears blurred her vision.


    She fixed her gaze on Alexander, a gleam of hope still lingering in her heart.


    She silently pleaded for him to defend her, to offer even a single sentence in her favor.


    However, Alexander’s response shattered herst hope as he said sternly, “Apologize now! Or I’ll have to call the police.


    You’re facing charges of attempted murder, Dani. That could mean life in prison.”


    “Alexander…”


    Although Dani had steeled herself for Alexander’s answer, it still cut deeply, like a keen-edged de tearing through her heart.


    How many decades does one get to live, only to have it mean nothing? She had devoted ten years of her existence to loving him, investing her soul into the rtionship.


    Yet, what she received in return was merely his staunch defense of another woman.


    “Yes, call the police!” Katrina’s voice erupted in the room as she frantically reached for her phone.


    “Leave this murderer to them to handle!”


    Amidst the chaos, only Dani caught the subtle way Joyce squeezed Katrina’s hand following her explosive deration.


    Their eyes met in a fleeting, silent exchange.


    Katrina paused, her resolve wavering.


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