?Chapter 360:
“After bing the richest in Olisvine, Richard grew too confident and faced a liquidity crisis the following year. Who persuaded the bank to extend a substantial loan to the Bet family? Bet Group stabilized, but during the year you married Dani, Richard’s careless remarks nearly caused your downfall. Who crafted the PR strategy that not only salvaged your reputation but turned a crisis into a triumph? That move is still celebrated as a masterstroke by PR experts.”
Cedric’s gaze on Alexander was unyielding. He concluded, “Everyone sees you, Alexander, as the savvy CEO who steered Bet Group through troubled waters. But is that the reality? Alexander, Dani might not bother keeping tabs on these favors with you, but I’m someone who remembers every detail. If you continue to be ungrateful and spread falsehoods, then rest assured, I’ll ount for everything, including the grievances you aired during your divorce from her!”
Alexander lingered in the courtyard for what felt like an eternity. It was only Joyce’s voice, calling his name, that snapped him out of his reverie. Time had slipped by unnoticed.
Dani had always been a vault when it came to the past. If Cedric hadn’t unearthed those details today, Alexander could have continued to believe all those triumphs were his own craftsmanship. In that revtion, Alexander recognized that he had been the primary beneficiary throughout their rtionship.
For years, he had deluded himself into thinking that Dani had married into the Bet family out of avarice, using their wealth and influence as stepping stones to cement her status within the Harper family. Now, reflecting on those thoughts, he realized how naive and absurd they had been.
Even after their separation, Dani had kept her silence about her contributions. Was she protecting his fragile ego? The realization stirred a maelstrom of shame, regret, and vexation within Alexander.
Then it dawned on him—when Bet Group teetered on the brink of another crisis post-divorce, and he found himself floundering for solutions, it was because Dani was no longer his hidden ace.
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Disoriented, Alexander shuffled back into the vi. As he passed through the living room, Joyce’s voice echoed a few times, but it fell on deaf ears.
Lillian questioned Dani, “What’s gotten into Alexander?”
Alexander deliberately slowed his steps, straining to hear Dani’s reply.
Yet, there was only silence. When he turned back, he saw Dani seated serenely on the sofa, engrossed in her game, utterly aloof.
In that instant, Alexander understood. Dani hadpletely severed ties with him—just as she had with Cedric.
Cedric, who had never been daunted by anything, now stood frozen in fear. He lingered silently in front of Dani’s door, paralyzed. Words failed him. The divide between them wasn’t merely physical—it felt as though he had been relegated to the outskirts of her universe. Despite living under the same roof and crossing paths daily, an invisible barrier seemed to iste him from her.
During this period, Cedric left on a two-day business trip and found himself embroiled in a trivial yet annoying scandal. It was an unfounded rumor—utter drivel. Normally, Cedric would have shrugged off such nonsense. But this time, he panicked. He dialed his team, demanding they quash the trending topic at once.
Upon his return to the vi, Cedric was slightly breathless from hastening back. In the living room, Caiden waved his phone, making snide remarks.
“Cedric’s still quite the heartthrob. Even in a meeting, he sparks a romance.”
“Exactly! Cedric’s got the looks, the clout, and the cash. Who in Olisvine evenes close? And check this out—he’s practically glued to that actress in this picture!”
“Oh, I’ve seen her! She’s starring in that buzzed-about drama. It’s no surprise she’s climbed the ranks so quickly with these kinds of connections. Guess Cedric’s her benefactor, huh?” Katrina chimed in.
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