Chapter: 24

The security guards responded with quick, solemn nods, underscoring the gravity of the manager's directives.

Daniela and the manager continued into the heart of the building.

Outside, Alexander and Joyce remained momentarily paralyzed by the unfolding events.

It took Joyce several moments to find her voice as the newly minted sign arrived.

With "Harper" prominently displayed, replacing the old name on the iconic Olisvine landmark, her astonishment was palpable.

Turning to Alexander, Joyce exclaimed, "Alexander, did you catch that? Daniela has not only secured ties with the CEO of Elite Lux but has convinced him to rename an entire building in her honor! It seems she has thoroughly enchanted the CEO!"

Alexander's expression clouded over.

Since she got out of the car, Daniela hadn't glanced at him even once.

Just a few months earlier, she had loved him deeply. But now, having become involved with the CEO of Elite Lux, she regarded him as if he were a mere stranger.

Joyce, observing Alexander's growing discontent, adjusted a loose lock of her hair and remarked, "Alexander, didn't I warn you? Women like Daniela-gorgeous and manipulative— always know how to use their beauty. You doubted me before, but now you see the truth. Freshly out of her marriage, and she's wasting no time seducing the CEO of Elite Lux. Utterly disgraceful."

Her tone acquired a biting jealousy towards the end, seemingly without her own realization.

Alexander's features turned even more somber.

Next to him, Joyce's jaw tightened in frustration. "Alexander, did you catch that? Daniela completely ignored you-acted as though you were invisible! Remember how she used to pursue you relentlessly? Now, with her newfound status, she parades around, steeped in arrogance. I'd bet she hasn't even informed the CEO of Elite Lux about her divorce. The moment the CEO appears, I'll expose Daniela for the cunning, scheming liar she's always been!"

Joyce was haunted by the humiliation from the audio and surveillance footage. Now, seeing Daniela not only escape any. fallout but also cozy up to someone as influential as the CEO of Elite Lux was unbearable to her.

Joyce's fury simmered, building with each ticking second. Daniela's fortunate streak couldn't possibly last forever.

There was no way she would let this slide. This was her time to expose Daniela's deceit, rip away her mask, and revel in her downfall. Daniela's fall would be her opportunity to rise, using it as the foundation for her own ascent.

Alexander stood there, his face a mask of neutrality, eyes locked on a faraway point.

After waiting for an hour, Joyce could no longer bear the cold silence. She shuddered, wrapping her arms around herself and huffing warm breath into her hands for warmth. She turned to Alexander with a shiver, her voice tinged with impatience. "Alexander, do you think the CEO of Elite Lux will show up? Renovating a building is no small affair. Surely he wouldn't entrust such a task to Daniela. What does she even know about it?"

While speaking, Joyce took out her phone from her coat pocket and dialed a number.

The call connected almost immediately, and her friend's voice came through, laced with surprise and disbelief. "What the heck are you talking about? You've got to be kidding me. My friend in security just confirmed the CEO of Elite Lux is in the building. Why are you still waiting out there?"

Joyce caught Alexander's hand and hurried him inside.

They were halted by a vigilant security guard, but she quickly adapted, finding a hidden path through a cramped corridor used for discarding kitchen waste from _ the cafeteria.

The pungent aroma of her perfume mingled with the acrid smell of rotting garbage, creating a nauseating mix that was almost overwhelming.

With ‘clenched fists and gritted teeth, she muttered bitterly to Alexander, "Get through the worst, and you'll outshine them’all!"