?Chapter 135:


    “Mr. Phillips…”


    Several team members exchanged wary nces, uncertain whether to voice their thoughts.


    “Go on,” Cedric urged.


    The lead designer stepped up, hesitating.


    “Earlier, you specified using only the finest materials and hiring top-tier engineers, with directors overseeing everything personally. So what budget are we working with for all this?”


    His question came tentatively. Though not a finance guru, he could rough out the costs for the materials andbor as specified by Cedric. Given Cedric’s standards, the project’s expenses were projected to exceed 2.5 billion.


    How could such expenditure yield a profit? It seemed far more probable they’d face a substantial financial hit. Wasn’t the primary goal of a business to generate profit? What was the rationale otherwise?


    The team was baffled by Cedric’s strategy. Day in, day out, he was onsite, meticulously managing every phase of construction. His expensive ck suit was perpetually dustden. Fromying the foundations to the final touches, Cedric was involved in every detail.


    It became amon sight at Phillips Group: the chief secretary donning a hard hat, yelling updates to Cedric amidst the roar of drills and machinery.


    On one asion, Lillian and Ryan chanced upon the site. Witnessing themotion, Lillian couldn’t resistmenting with a thumbs-up.


    “Since Cedric can’t capture Dani’s heart, he’s channeling all that passion into her business ventures. It’s absolutely wild!”


    Alexander had justnded from a business trip. At the airport, he checked his phone repeatedly. After realizing Dani hadn’t reached out, he scoffed, “She’s really keeping her cool.”


    His secretary, nearby, ventured cautiously, “Might it be that she’s not just ‘keeping her cool’? Perhaps she’s moved on to better prospects?”


    Alexander let out a scornfulugh, oozing confidence with each word.


    “Better prospects? Dani? Sure, she’s skilled in her field. But for a venture thisrge? She’d never risk it with someone who’s not up to par. She’s too savvy for that.” Alexander got into his car.


    As his secretary began to speak, Alexander’s phone interrupted with a ping. It was Caiden, inviting him over for dinner.


    Without hesitation, Alexander directed the driver to Caiden’s ce. Joyce, learning of Alexander’s impending visit, immediately arranged for a professional makeup artist. She selected a breathtaking dress, identical to one Dani had once worn.


    The dress was exorbitantly priced, but Joyce felt it justified. She had pondered her future—running a business wasn’t for her. Marrying well and enjoying a luxurious life seemed far superior, infinitely preferable to Dani’s relentless, work-driven existence. Her mother’s advice resonated with her.


    “A woman should not overexert herself. Stay tender, stay gentle, and life will reward you.”


    Cedric hadn’t reached out to her in a long time. Clearly, he wasn’t destined to marry someone of her caliber, a true heiress from a prestigious family. Alexander, however, remained a viable option. Previously, Alexander had jilted Dani at the altar for her sake, a testament to his unwaveringmitment.


    Joyce reflected on this with satisfaction. Sharing her thoughts with Caiden, she found him receptive. Caiden nodded understandingly, promising to subtly mention it to Alexander at dinner. They agreed it would be ideal for Alexander and Joyce to hold their engagement ceremony before the New Year.


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