?Chapter 268:


    Katrina straightened with an air of authority, fully prepared to storm in. But just as she moved, Lillian’s hand shot up, stopping her in her tracks.


    Katrina’s smug expression evaporated, her features contorting into a scowl of rage.


    “What is the meaning of this?”


    “Our boss was very clear. Everyone is the master of their own fate, and she refuses to meddle in someone else’s destiny. It’s best if you leave now.”


    She then turned to address the security guard.


    “And just so you know, the boss wanted me to inform you—she considers herself without parents now. Handle this as you deem appropriate. If they be troublesome, don’t hesitate to call the police.


    You’re an Elite Lux employee, empowered to reject unwee visitors. There’s a $10,000 bonus for your discretion. Stop by the finance department tomorrow to im it.”


    With a stretch that betrayed a hint of nonchnce, Lillian sauntered off.


    Caiden and Katrina were left rooted to the spot, their eyes locked on the closing doors of the elevator as Lillian disappeared from view.


    She just walked away? Was Dani really going to let them suffer without giving a shit?


    Unwilling to concede, Katrina took a determined step forward, only to be met by the security guard, who now brandished his baton with an authoritative grip.


    “This is Elite Lux, not an open house,” he stated icily, blocking their path.


    Feel the magic at gα?ησν????s?cο??


    His stance underscored his formidable presence, and the palpable tension caused Katrina to falter.


    Katrina begrudgingly retreated toward the entrance.


    As they stood in the chilling gusts of wind, she turned to Caiden, worry etching her face.


    “What do we do now?”


    Caiden had never imagined that Dani would treat him with such indifference. After all, he was the man who gave her life.


    Yet, it became painfully clear that he could not rely on Dani.


    He came to the realization that the only one he could truly depend on was the newborn child.


    Beside him, Katrina, her body shivering from the chill, understood Caiden’s thoughts intimately after years of being together. She stoked his growing resentment and remarked, “Dani is truly ruthless. It’s understandable she might disregard me, since I’m not her real mother. But you’re her father. She should at least consider speaking to you for the baby’s sake. How can she be so heartless? Then again, those in business often show no mercy. Remember how her mother treated you? Had she not died so unexpectedly, you likely wouldn’t have seen a penny of the Harper family’s fortune. And now Dani is just the same. She’s indifferent to your suffering, leaving you to freeze out here. Perhaps she’s hoping you’ll simply pass away, making it easier for her to im the Harper family’s fortune for herself.”


    Caiden stood silently, his teeth chattering from the cold. His eyes, though he spoke no word, conveyed the depth of his chill and bitterness. He felt as if the entire world scorned him, offering him no genuine respect, except for the child. To him, only this baby represented a pir of future support.


    Caiden gritted his teeth, his voice a harsh growl as he dered, “Fine, I’ll camp out here all evening. Let’s see if Dani has the guts to ignore me tomorrow. If she can stomach seeing her father endure the cold, then so be it. But does she really believe she can escape the gossip? The whispers will start!”


    His voice carried a veneer of toughness, yet he scarcely managed thirty minutes before his resolve began to crumble.


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