Given Millie’s track record, if she’s capable of plagiarism, who knows what other lines she’ll cross in the future.
“She’s got a problem with her character. You might be able to protect her for now, but do you really think you can shield her from the world forever?”
People like her are destined for a hard fall—and she might even drag others down with her.
Alexander stood with his hands in his pockets, chin slightly raised, exuding an effortless kind of pressure. His gaze slid over Danielle’s tense jawline, and his lips curled into an ambiguous smile. “Stand by her till the end? That’s my line.”
He stepped closer, his shadow falling over Danielle. His voice was calm, almost gentle. “Some things are better left alone.”
Danielle almost laughed out loud.
Better left alone?
So when someone’s at your throat, you just turn the other cheek?
Propping up Millie was Alexander’s favorite pastime. Did he really think she’d just let it slide?
Impossible.
Alexander looked down at her from above, his gaze unwavering.
“Don’t you get it? You’ve got a bright future ahead of you—why get sidetracked by all this?” His tone was measured. “If you insist on taking this to court, I’ve got the resources to keep you tied up in legal battles all day long.”
It was a threat, plain as day.
He was telling her that nothing good would come from dragging this out—just a waste of everyone’s time. Sure, he had the means to see it through, but he clearly had no interest in squandering them on something with a foregone conclusion. If he could cut out the middleman, all the better.
Danielle let out a cold laugh. No wonder Millie always acted so entitled and arrogant—she had a man like Alexander backing her up.
Danielle spoke, her words measured and clear. “And what if I say I want her to pay for what she’s done?”
Alexander only flicked the ash from his cigarette when it threatened to scorch his fingertips, then stubbed it out with a frown.
“Her fate isn’t your concern.”
With that cryptic remark, he turned on his heel and left.
Danielle stood still, the smallest frown creasing her brow.
His attitude made it perfectly clear—he’d always side with Millie. But some things he said were so vague, she couldn’t quite make sense of them.
She didn’t dwell on it. Instead, she turned and walked away.
—
Danielle arrived at the entrance of Cloudwood Bistro.
“Niki, I need to head home with Dad,” Jarvis piped up, appearing from around the corner. “We’ll talk about school stuff again in a couple of days, okay?”
Caleb Northrop joined them, offering Danielle a warm smile. “Long time no see.”
Danielle nodded politely in greeting. “What brings you all here?”
Caleb explained, “Jarvis and Niki were at the same competition today. We came by for lunch, and when Jarvis heard you were here, he insisted we stop in and say hi.”
“Pretty lady, I have to go now.” Jarvis tugged at Danielle’s hand. “Dad says you’re amazing—and now that you’re less busy, you’re welcome to come over for a visit sometime.”
Danielle just smiled at the invitation. “Thank you, sweetheart.”
Mr. Hawthorne saw the group gathered and came over, beaming. “All familiar faces! It’s a shame everyone’s already eaten.”
They’d stopped by for a meal after checking on the progress at the factory.
“We’ll have plenty more chances,” Mr. Hawthorne said cheerfully. “We all move in the same circles anyway.”
They chatted amicably, with Mr. Hawthorne showering the children with praise for their cleverness.
Millie happened to step out just in time to witness the scene.
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