?Chapter 321:


    Everyone at the table, except for Joyce, understood her underlying message.


    Katrina had just proposed a marriage alliance.


    Richard lowered his gaze, clearly unsettled.


    Alexander, however, kept his expression nk.


    “I want nothing to do with Dani. That’s never going to happen.”


    Katrina chuckled lightly, herposure unshaken.


    “Who said anything about Dani? I was talking about Joyce.


    You and she grew up together. It would be such a waste if the two of you didn’t end up together.”


    Alexander opened his mouth to refuse, but Katrina stopped him with a well-timed, disarming smile.


    “Alexander, you need to think ahead. Look at Dani. She’s already brought Cedric home.


    Young people these days don’t waste any time. For all we know, she might already be expecting.


    You don’t want to fall too far behind her, do you?”


    Her gaze stayed fixed on him, studying his every movement with calcted precision. She searched for any sign of unease or hesitation, knowing that even the smallest crack in hisposure would be a victory.


    What she got, however, was far beyond what she had anticipated.


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    Alexander’s hand froze mid-motion, the knife he was holding suspended in his grip.


    His pupils narrowed, and an icy storm of emotions flickered in his eyes—confusion, resentment, and something far darker.


    Under the harsh glow of the chandelier, his gaze locked with hers. He parted his lips as though to say something, but the words never came. Instead, he lowered the knife to the table, his expression drained of warmth.


    The rest of the dinner passed in tense silence.


    Katrina leaned towards Alexander before stepping into her car.


    “Alexander, it doesn’t matter whether it’s Dani or Joyce. Marrying into the Harper family is all the same. If Cedric can make himself at home with us, so can you—especially given your history with Joyce. Take your time to think it over, and let me know.”


    Her tone was calm, yet her words carried a quiet authority that left little room for argument.


    That momentary crack in Alexander’sposure gave Katrina all the confidence she needed.


    She was certain he woulde around—whether because he still carried feelings for Dani or because his pride wouldn’t let him walk away entirely.


    On the drive home, Caiden finally broke the silence.


    “You said Joyce and Dani are alike. Do you really believe that? Do you think Alexander will agree to this?”


    Katrina’s expression darkened, and her voice turned sharp.


    “What exactly are you suggesting? Do you think Joyce is somehow inferior to Dani? Is there a reason marrying Joyce would be such an impossible idea? What are you trying to say?”


    Katrina knew Joyce better than anyone, but she still defended her daughter fiercely.


    “Just wait. Alexander and Richard will call us soon enough.”


    In her mind, Alexander’s personal feelings didn’t matter. The only thing that counted was ensuring Joyce married him. There was no way she would allow her daughter to live a life that paled inparison to Dani’s.


    “And if Alexander refuses?” Caiden asked.


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