?Chapter 649:


    Dani rarely went to banquets. She wasn’t fond of socializing or drama. In the past, whenever she attended events, Cedric was always by her side.


    Tonight, though, she was going alone.


    Josie couldn’t stop herself from overthinking.


    When Dani arrived at the banquet, many key figures from the finance world had already gathered.


    The host of tonight’s event was a VIP, so her attendance was essential.


    The moment Dani entered the hall, she turned heads. Her maic presence and breathtaking beauty made her the center of attention wherever she went.


    As soon as Dani stepped inside, Doug’s eyes were immediately drawn to her.


    His eyes lit up, a reaction that didn’t go unnoticed by Joyce, who was standing beside him.


    Joyce paused for a moment, then smiled teasingly.


    “Honey, what caught your eye?”


    Doug wrapped his arm around Joyce’s waist, his eyes fixed on Dani as he whispered, “Is that your half-sister?”


    Joyce nodded.


    “She’s breathtaking, isn’t she?”


    Doug had no interest in attending such an event, but Joyce promised to introduce him to a beautiful woman, so he begrudgingly agreed.


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    The moment he saw Dani, he was undeniably captivated. His pulse quickened with excitement, and he could hardly contain his eagerness to approach her.


    He extended his hand, his voice smooth.


    “Good evening, Ms. Harper. I’m Doug Fairburne.”


    Dani assessed the man before her.


    He was middle-aged, with a protruding belly and thinning hair.


    Standing in her high heels, Dani was a little taller than him. She quickly nced at his receding hairline, then at Joyce, who was draped in jewels next to him, and offered a faint smile.


    Joyce’s difort was palpable.


    What was Dani trying to imply with that smile? Was she looking down on her? Did Dani think she had chosen such an unappealing man solely for his wealth?


    Doug’s financial power allowed Joyce to be arrogant in front of everyone—except Dani.


    She couldn’t summon any arrogance around Dani, who held unmatched influence in the business world.


    Even Doug, who spent money freely, paled inparison to Dani’s power.


    But Joyce knew Doug’s weaknesses. His judgment was clouded by desire. Who knew what could unfold?


    “Dani, meet my husband, Doug.” Joyce intentionally raised her voice, ensuring the gossiping crowd could hear every word. A fake smile stretched across her face as she waited for Dani to extend her hand.


    She was certain that once Doug shook Dani’s hand, he would be captivated by the encounter, eager to pursue her.


    If she couldn’t deal with Dani directly, she’d let Doug take care of it.


    She longed to see Dani suffer the same fate she was trapped in.


    Joyce’s smile deepened, full of malice.


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