?Chapter 448:


    “Richard, we have awork that focuses on the elites at Elite Lux, collecting insider information. We often send gifts to find out what Dani’s involved with. Would you like to be a part of it?” Raul asked.


    Richard was tempted, yet a sense of shame held him back.


    “There’s no need for that. This might just be a lucky break. Don’t get ahead of yourself; be careful not to overstep.”


    Raulughed lightly.


    “You sound so cynical, Richard. Fine, if you’re not interested, it’s your call. We don’t have many spots left, anyway. The fee’s now two million, and we’re full. Bye.”


    The call ended, and Richard felt even more downhearted. He had heard of that association before, but he had no idea just how exclusive it was.


    With over two thousand members, all scrambling to win Dani’s favor.


    What shocked him, though, was the price of entry—two million!


    It was downright ridiculous!


    The room fell into a heavy silence.


    Finally, Richard turned to Alexander with a sudden thought and asked, “Do you think we should join this association? Is there still a chance we could get involved with that roboticspany? Could Joyce assist us?”


    Alexander’s expression remained icy.


    “You’re better off relying on yourself than depending on others. Don’t join that association; it’s beneath you.” Without another word, he headed upstairs.


    Richard let out a heavy sigh. It was, indeed, humiliating. The gossip going around was that Alexander had traded a priceless gem for somethingpletely worthless.


    Ga ln ovels . fuels your imagination


    Richard had pushed away a perfectly good daughter-inw, and now, joining her association would make him theughingstock. But what choice did he have? There was too much money on the line.


    Reluctantly, Richard decided to keep pushing forward and went to seek out Joyce for help.


    “So, you’re saying you want to invest in the roboticspany?” she asked.


    Richard nodded, offering a charming smile.


    “Exactly. After all, Dani is your sister, and your influence counts for a lot.”


    Joyce sneered in response.


    “So now you recognize my worth? Now you’re ttering me? Who was it that called me useless? And now you want my help? Forget it!”


    Joyce never missed an opportunity to speak her mind. She took pleasure in putting people down with her sharp words.


    Though seething with anger, Richard swallowed his pride.


    “We don’t need much, just 5% of the shares.”


    Joyce was even more satisfied, looking down at Richard with contempt.


    “Who do you think you are? Do you really believe you’re worthy of this? When Alexander married me, you barely cared. When he hit me, you didn’t defend me. Have you ever treated me like family? People say Alexander can’t stand me. Did you ever stand up for me? And now, just because there’s a benefit, you want to use me? You’ve got some nerve.”


    Richard’s eyes went wide in shock. This wasn’t the response he had hoped for. No one had ever spoken to him in such a way before.


    However, Joyce kept her cold smile in ce and continued,


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