?Chapter 111:


    Her words struck him like a punch to the gut, each syble driving the de of guilt further into his chest. It felt like his chest might cave in from the sheer intensity of his feelings, his breathing ragged, as though he was drowning in it all.


    Noticing his pain, Josie offered quiet reassurance.


    “Maybe it’s just the aftermath of yesterday. Facing such cold treatment from her own family—it’s more than anyone should endure. But things will improve. She’s away from the Harpers now. She has Elite Lux, and, most importantly, she has you. Give it time, and she’ll heal. Her future will shine.”


    She then slipped out of the room.


    Lillian shifted slightly at the faint sound of the door closing. She opened her eyes briefly, nced at Dani, still sleeping soundly, and sank back into the couch. It wasn’t long before her light snores resumed.


    Cedric’s focus turned back to Dani. He observed the way the crease in her brow, which had been so tense moments earlier, was beginning to rx.


    The gentle rhythm of Lillian’s snores seemed to calm her, as if a quiet part of her mind registered Lillian’sforting presence.


    Cedric hesitated for a second, then grabbed his phone and dialed his friend, Shaun Rodney.


    “Hey, Shaun, quick question—do you know how someone can make themselves snore?”


    Shaun asked, “What’s this about? Did your girlfriend say you snore? But didn’t you have that sleep test done ages ago? You’re not even a snorer!”


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    “I’m aware I don’t snore. But I want to figure out how to do it. Any suggestions?”


    “Is this some kind of snoring kink? Does your girlfriend actually like snoring? Look, I’m a doctor, not some snore expert. Oh, and by the way, you were trending yesterday. Is this about Dani? Is she the one who’s into snoring?”


    Cedric didn’t waste time reading the rest. He exited the chat, opened his browser, and typed “how to snore” into the search bar. Just as he was about to press enter, a quiet knock came from the door. His secretary stepped in carefully, sparing a quick look at Dani, who was still sound asleep in the bed, before speaking in a hushed tone.


    “Mr. Phillips, the Harpers have arrived.”


    Cedric’s expression darkened, and he got to his feet.


    The secretary paused, her difort clearly showing.


    “There’s a group of reporters with them. After what happened yesterday, it looks like they’re trying to do damage control, iming they came to apologize. Katrina’s reallyying it on thick—crying her eyes out, tears and snot all over the ce. If Ms. Harper doesn’t make an appearance, the media might twist it to make her look haughty or ungrateful. Elite Lux is still patching up its reputation domestically. Sir, it might be best to ask Ms. Harper how she wants to deal with this.”


    It was clear Caiden and his group were aiming to put on a show. A misstep in handling this could spiral into a public rtions nightmare.


    Earlier that morning, the Bet family’s stock had hit rock bottom, erasing tens of millions in value. During a media interview, Richard’s face betrayed his growing anger and disappointment.


    The secretary, ever the careful observer, could feel the gravity of the moment hanging over them.


    He stole a quick nce at Cedric, who was not officially part of Dani’s life yet.


    When Dani’s eyes fluttered open, the first thing she noticed was Cedric’s slightly exasperated expression. Under his eyes, there was a trace of weariness, like he hadn’t gotten much rest.


    She propped herself up on one elbow and shed him a small smile.


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