?Chapter 243:


    With a definitive nod, he concluded, “Trust me, Dani. Let me take the lead on the project. I promise, I’ll execute it brilliantly!”


    His eyes shone with a mixture of hope and determination, waiting eagerly for her response.


    Dani found his silliness almost too much to bear.


    Yet, since he seemed determined to underestimate her, she feltpelled to y along.


    Her lips twisted into a wry smile as she met Alexander’s hopeful gaze and replied with a note of sorrow, “Is that really what you believe? If that’s the case, it’s clear we’re not meant to be.”


    “What?” Alexander’s voice cracked slightly as he blinked at Dani, his expression a mix of shock and confusion.


    “What did you just say?”


    “What I desire is worlds apart from what you pursue. I yearn for someone who values kindness, thoughtfulness, and puts family above the pursuit of riches. When people look at us, they shouldn’t see us as the ‘perfect couple.’ Instead, they should be saying, ‘Wow! She really knows how to manage him!''”


    Stunned and unsure, Alexander could only stand there, struggling to process.


    He had carefully followed his psychology instructor’s advice, so why was it failing him now? Nothing made sense anymore.


    “Moreover, I’m already financially secure. What use do I have for someone who’s just chasing more wealth? There’s no charm in that.”


    g?lnσν???s?c?m is a world of wonder


    “But…” Alexander’s voice faltered, his hands clenching at his sides.


    “Weren’t you always in love with me? How can you just change like that? Dani, this must be some kind of joke, right?”


    Dani gave a small, sad nod.


    “I did love you, but when I realized it was unrequited, I forced myself to move on.”


    Alexander’s mind reeled. No! The way things were before had been perfect!


    “So, you’re saying you chose wealth over what we had?” she asked, her voice a mix of disbelief and sorrow.


    Just as Alexander opened his mouth to protest, Dani, her face crumpling with anguish, raised her hand to stop him.


    “No, please don’t. I think I already know your answer.”


    At that moment, a storm of regret and despair swirled within Alexander. For the first time, he felt utterly defeated.


    He had failed Dani—not just once, but twice now.


    Watching her walk away, her shoulders slumped and her steps heavy, Alexander was consumed by self-reproach. He wanted to p himself until his face stung for being so damn clueless.


    As Alexander stepped into the conference hall, his eyes immediately caught Dani signaling something subtle to Lillian. Momentster, Lillian spun around and shot Alexander an icy, hostile re.


    Confused by her reaction, Alexander wondered what he had done to spark such hostility. When Lillian faced him, he offered a polite nod, but her response was a just scornful smirk.


    “You really have a knack for disappointing everyone, don’t you?”


    The bidding sessionmenced without further dy. Alexander, preupied with his personal turmoil, found it hard to focus and respond to each bid effectively. After several rounds, he had failed to secure any significant contracts. Ultimately, he settled for a minor project with barely any profit to show for it.


    At that moment, he caught Dani sending yet another signal to Lillian. It was then that the realization hit Alexander—he’d been set up.


    .


    .


    .