?Chapter 244:


    He remained seated in the audience, a bitter taste of defeat settling in. The bidding was done, and there was no turning back.


    Nearby, those who once envied Alexander’s perceived closeness to Dani began to snicker discreetly.


    “I thought he was someone important. Turns out, he’s all bark and no bite!”


    “Exactly! Acting like he’s close to Ms. Harper, but she barely spares him a nce.”


    “He always acted so high and mighty. Who was he trying to fool?”


    “Can you believe the nerve? Showing up at his ex-wife’s event! I heard he got tangled up with Ms. Harper’s stepsister, and that’s why she left him. Apparently, he treated her terribly until he realized how rich she’d be!”


    “No way! I thought he had integrity and pride. Turns out, he’s just another gold digger.”


    “Hell yes! All polished and proper, but probably just trying to approach Ms. Harper for her wealth.”


    “This bidding just knocked the Bet family off their pedestal in Olisvine’s construction world. Serves them right.”


    The crowd burst intoughter, their voices echoing around him.


    Alexander’s fists tightened at his sides as he fixed his re on Dani, who walked past him with an air ofposure, her steps steady and deliberate. His voice dropped to an icy, measured tone as he spoke.


    “I used to carry guilt for the way I treated you. I wanted to make things right. But I never imagined you’d twist my regret to your advantage in this bidding and make a fool of me. Dani, from this moment on, we’re square!”


    Dani’s lips curved into a faint, almost disdainful smile. Her voice carried the same chill as her expression.


    “Don’t overestimate your importance. I was in a good mood after a nap and decided to have a little fun with someone oblivious. If your skills fell short, don’t me me for it. Are you really so easily influenced? Perhaps you’re just not cut out for handling greater challenges.”


    Turning to leave, she suddenly stopped, throwing an amused nce over her shoulder.


    “If you’re truly as principled as you im, you wouldn’t have gone for that minor project.


    You’d cut ties entirely—with me and Elite Lux. So, what’s it going to be? Are you backing out now? The ink isn’t dry yet; you still have a chance.”


    Alexander gripped the documents in his hand tightly, feeling the sting of Dani’s words strike at his pride. He wanted to fire back but found himself unable to utter a single word in response.


    All he could do was watch as Dani, her mocking smile lingering, walked away without looking back.


    That day, Alexander experienced a level of humiliation unlike anything he’d ever felt before.


    Aimlessly drifting out of Elite Lux, Alexander bumped into Richard, who greeted him with the eager energy of someone picking up their kid from school.


    “So? Did Dani give you the project?”


    Alexander shook his head, his expression steeped in defeat.


    “Why not? Didn’t you say she gave you two options? If you didn’t choose her, shouldn’t she have handed you the contract as the logical oue?”


    Alexander looked at the towering structure before him and let out a bitterugh.


    “This was never about a choice. She just wanted to humiliate me. She still holds a grudge.”


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