?Chapter 172:


    In that instant, a profound mncholy enveloped Caiden. He watched her receding figure, yearning to call after her, yet she vanished into the distance, beyond reach.


    His attempts at reconciliation now seemed futile to Dani.


    As the rain began to fall, the driver unfurled an umbre over Caiden, who asked in a hushed tone, “Does she still harbor resentment towards me?”


    The driver, a thoughtful man in his fifties, replied cautiously, “Ms. Harper ispassionate by nature. She might be hurt, but at the end of the day, you’re her father. Blood ties are enduring, a connection that’s difficult to sever.”


    He paused, choosing his next words carefully.


    “In some families, emotions aren’t alwaysid bare immediately, particrly if they wish to avoid stirring up conflict.”


    Caiden regarded the driver with a hint of curiosity.


    Tilting the umbre against the wind, the driver spoke with quiet conviction.


    “You see, when someone joins a new family, they tend to tread lightly and avoid stirring trouble.


    Yet, when they’re among their own family, they’re more inclined to express their true thoughts. Do you know the reason?”


    Taking a thoughtful pause, he continued, “It’s because with one’s own family, there’s a greatertitude for openness. With inws or outsiders, however, people are more guarded.”


    He looked over at Caiden, adding, “The same principle applies to your family, Mr. Harper. Observe carefully, and over time, you’ll discern Dani’s and Joyce’s genuine selves.


    More to discover gα?ησνe?s?c?m


    You’ve ascended the ranks through sheer effort, assuming others have endured simr trials.


    Yet, human nature is fickle. Ultimately, everyone prioritizes their own interests.”


    The driver, having served under Dani’s mother for many years, had witnessed much and was unafraid to share his insights. Throughout the ride home, Caiden was deep in reflection.


    Katrina lingered in the living room, awaiting his return. Upon his entry, she offered him a towel.


    As Caiden made his way upstairs, Katrina nced at the driver with a hint of unease.


    “Where did he go?”


    With a calm demeanor, the driver responded, “He went to his office, reviewed some documents, then returned.”


    Katrina exhaled in relief.


    She had suspected he might have developed a sudden sense of duty and set off in search of Dani.


    It turned out her fears were unfounded.


    Katrina had just stepped out of the shower and was lying on the bed, plotting her next strategy.


    Her choice of attire, a revealing dress, shimmered with an alluring charm in the dim light.


    She was especially enthusiastic tonight. As soon as Caiden entered the room, she embraced him and started kissing him.


    However, Caiden’s interest seemed to wane, his responses sluggish and detached.


    Driven by the lure of the family fortune that dangled within reach, Katrina intensified her efforts.


    Outside, the storm unleashed its fury, mirroring the tumult inside. Once their encounter concluded, Katrina, breathless and flushed, nestled against Caiden’s chest and murmured, “Honey, what’s wrong today? You’re not quite yourself.”


    Caiden, unfazed, reached for a cigarette and lit it, the silence thickening with the rising smoke. Katrina held her breath, watching him, and once the cigarette was spent, she attempted to recapture his attention, her seductive dress clinging to her contours.


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