?Chapter 239:


    But she breezed right past him without a sideways nce, her entourage of mall staff in tow, rendering him, her former father-inw, utterly invisible.


    A shadow of displeasure crossed Richard’s face instantly.


    Was Dani considering a reconciliation with Alexander? It seemed quite the opposite; she appeared to want nothing to do with him.


    Yet, Richard couldn’t help but ponder—if Alexander were to marry into the Harper family, he’d be one of them. How would he maintain his pride when interacting with Dani? Would he be forced to greet her with a smile only to be snubbed?


    This thought sent a shiver through Richard, hastening his steps toward home.


    Meanwhile, Dani continued her tour of the store. Lillian cast a nce her way, curiosity tinging her voice.


    “Dani, didn’t you notice Richard back there?”


    “Yeah,” Dani responded with a dismissive shrug. Lillian nodded, a trace of relief in her tone.


    “Looks like you’ve finally snapped out of that obsession.”


    She had feared Dani might approach Richard, addressing him with undue reverence. The mere thought had left her anxious.


    With a light chuckle, Dani brushed off the concern.


    Lillian pressed on, her voiceced with intrigue.


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    “If Alexander sacrifices his dignity and chooses to be with you, would you truly ept him?”


    As Dani surveyed the store, she shook her head and dered, “No.”


    Lillian turned to her with a puzzled look.


    “Why not?”


    Dani responded, “Alexander will never relinquish control of Bet Group. His pride wouldn’t allow it. He can’t stand the thought of the gossip that would follow if he married into another family to save face. His pride, believe it or not, outweighs his own interests. Even if he were to agree, it’d be because he harbors some hope that I’d pass away soon, allowing him to inherit everything. If he doesn’t marry me, he gains nothing from the deal. He’s not the type to take such a risk.”


    Over the years, Dani had pieced together the essence of Alexander’s character. She recognized his egotism, his aloofness, and the way he masqueraded as a man of virtue while his actions were guided solely by self-interest. He was a master at ying the part of the stoic, immovable hero.


    “Just you wait,” Dani asserted with a hint of certainty.


    “Alexander will most certainly make an appearance at the bidding.”


    On the day of the bidding, as Dani and Lillian entered the venue, there was no sign of Alexander yet. However, Cedric was unexpectedly present.


    Raising an eyebrow, Lillian queried, “I thought you were determined to stay out of this?”


    Thest time Dani had paid him for the project, Cedric had been visibly mortified for days.


    “I’m not here to participate. I’m merely here to observe, to set my mind at ease,” Cedric replied, seated beside Dani.


    “Leave it to me, Dani. I’ll supervise for free. I do have the experience, after all.”


    Dani shot back, “Cedric, is watching others get rich your weird little kink? I offered you this job once, and you declined. Now you show up offering to supervise for free? What are you ying at?”


    With a warm smile, Cedric extended a thermos towards Dani.


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