?Chapter 393:


    “Ah, you always had a sharp wit, dear.”


    Dani rubbed her eyes, clearly growing weary of the charade.


    “If you have something to say, say it. I have a meeting this morning.”


    Caiden sighed inwardly, reminded starkly of the demands of wealth—nights blending into mornings of relentless work. He could never live like that. He preferred a leisurely morning in the garden, basking in the sunshine.


    “Dani, it’s about Joyce—she’s getting married soon.


    You’re aware of that, right?” Katrina cut in, unable to contain her impatience any longer.


    Dani nodded slightly.


    “I’m aware.”


    “Since you’re her sister, don’t you think a small contribution to her wedding would be appropriate? Just as a gesture?” Katrina suggested, her smile straining.


    Dani saw right through them. They were here for money.


    She understood the financial dynamics of Harper Group better than anyone. Since taking the helm, she had overhauled thepany, sidelining Caidenpletely.


    “Joyce isn’t my sister. I was my mother’s only child,” Dani stated tly.


    Caiden’s expression darkened, and he looked as though he might explode, but he caught himself when his gaze met Cedric’s casual yet alert posture, a fruit knife casually in hand.


    Swallowing his rage, Caiden forced a smile.


    “Dani, Joyce is your stepsister. Now that she’s entering a new chapter, isn’t it worth showing a little support, even symbolically?”


    Dani nodded. A gift was customary, even for an acquaintance. Even if it was one of her employees getting married, she would send a gift.


    Caiden caught her gesture and quickly exchanged a satisfied nce with Katrina.


    “So, Dani, have you thought about what you’d like to give?”


    Dani’s lips curled into a subtle smile.


    “What would you suggest as a fitting gift?”


    Even $1,000 felt more than generous in her mind.


    Katrina let out a practiced chuckle.


    “Oh, Dani, you’re heading Elite Lux now. Of course, you’d want to maintain a certain standard, but don’t worry—we wouldn’t dream of asking for too much. Just a small token, something modest.”


    Dani’s smile widened, though it carried a sharp hint of mockery.


    “Katrina, you have quite the knack for dressing up your true intentions with polished words.”


    Katrina’s expression hardened instantly. Had she note here asking for money from Dani, her temper would have red without hesitation.


    Dani, however, seemed uncharacteristically tolerant today. Normally, she would have ended this conversation by now.


    Instead, she leaned back slightly, her faint smile suggesting she was watching a cheap performance put on by a pair of desperate clowns.


    “Dani,” Caiden finally said, his tone losing its usual warmth.


    “Here’s the thing. Joyce is getting married, and as her stepsister, you shouldn’t be too tightfisted. We’re not asking for a lot, just $20 million. What do you say?”


    He barely finished before Cedric’s eyes turned cold, a sharp glint of danger flickering in them.


    Caiden caught the change in Cedric’s demeanor and gulped audibly. Hastily, he added, “If $20 million seems excessive, maybe a small percentage of shares in your roboticspany instead? Surely that wouldn’t be asking for too much, right?”


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