?Chapter 93:


    Joyce hesitated before taking a small, nervous step forward, her hands twisting nervously in front of her. Katrina gave a subtle pull on her skirt, a silent nudge of encouragement.


    Taking a breath, Joyce forced a shy smile and spoke in a soft, almost teasing tone.


    “Mr. Phillips, are you here to congratte me on my new office? Thank you so much for being here. It really means a lot. The space is still a work in progress, though.”


    Katrina couldn’t have looked happier. With a proud smile, she added, “Cedric, wee! What a wonderful surprise to have you here!”


    Caiden felt his pride grow as he watched Cedric. Having him there, with all his influence and status, was like a badge of honor for Caiden, giving him a sense of validation and boosting his confidence tenfold. At the same time, Joyce’s friends were gathered at the back, staring at Cedric in awe.


    “That’s Cedric?” one of them whispered, her voice shaky with astonishment.


    “You’re talking about Cedric Phillips? The business mogul who’s always in the news?”


    “He’s so put together, totally unlike us. He has this presence—so polished, so sophisticated.”


    “Yeah, but isn’t Cedric known for staying away from social events? Why would hee here, of all ces? And on Joyce’s office opening day, no less. What’s happening?”


    “Isn’t it clear? Cedric must have a thing for Joyce! I mean, why else would he be here? Joyce is basically set for life nownding someone like Cedric? She’s hit the jackpot.”


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    “Living the dream. But why would Cedric go for someone like Joyce? She doesn’t really seem all that sharp.”


    Thatst remark wasn’t as quiet as the rest—it was loud enough for everyone to catch.


    The room went still. Caiden, Katrina, and Joyce turned in sync, their res sharp and cold.


    On the other hand, the building manager couldn’t help but stifle augh.


    From the moment Katrina’s gaze fell upon Cedric, her smile was unwavering. She regarded him as an exemry choice for a son-inw. Leaning towards Caiden, she murmured, “Cedric really is something else, isn’t he? Look how polite and considerate he is. We haven’t even officially started, and here he is, already bearing a gift.”


    Caiden, watching Cedric’s poised and respectful manner, nodded in acknowledgment.


    Katrina’s grin broadened with pride.


    “You see, honey? This is all free doing. Had I not nurtured Joyce so well, she might have ended up like Dani. Think about it—when we’re old, who will we depend on? Certainly not Dani.”


    With an eager nod, Caiden responded, “You’re absolutely right. Joyce is all we’ve got. Dani? She’s a lost cause, utterly unreliable for the rest of her pathetic life.”


    Katrina felt a surge of tion, her beaming smile proof of her delight.


    She advanced a few paces towards Cedric, her focus turning to the vase the building manager held. A glimmer of recognition danced in her eyes.


    “Hang on… Isn’t that fromst night’s auction?”


    Curiosity flickered in Katrina’s eyes as she leaned toward the vase.


    Yet, as she approached, the manager recoiled instinctively, clutching the vase closer to his chest.


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