The Wife You Buried Is Back from Hell novel Chapter 777

“To be honest, Danielle, I didn’t ask you here tonight just to talk about work.” Harold’s gaze was steady, his tone earnest. “I admire you—a lot. Whether it was the brilliance you showed at the ISSDS competition or your current performance on the job, you stand out. You’re exceptional. It’s hard not to notice.”

A heaviness settled in Danielle’s chest. She’d suspected Harold might go this direction, but she hadn’t expected him to be quite so blunt.

“I hope we can work together for the long term. Not just professionally, but… personally as well.” Harold’s voice softened, tinged with hope. “Chief Engineer Crawford, I like you. If you’re willing to give me a chance, I’ll do everything in my power to give you and Niki a secure, peaceful future.”

Danielle didn’t hesitate. She shook her head firmly. “Mr. Chapman, I appreciate the compliment, but I can’t accept.”

“I don’t have feelings for you in that way. There’s no possibility of anything long-term between us, and our connection will remain strictly professional.”

Harold’s expression barely shifted, though a flicker of disappointment crossed his eyes.

He fell silent for a moment, then managed a gentle smile and nodded. “I understand. I was too forward.”

“Well, since you’ve made your decision, I won’t press the matter. Even if we won’t be more than colleagues, I hope we can still work together in the future.”

“I’m afraid you may be disappointed, Mr. Chapman. How Ninesky chooses its partners isn’t up to me alone.”

Danielle’s tone was resolute, leaving Harold no room to maneuver.

He paused, surprised by her decisiveness, but didn’t push further. “Then I wish you all the best, Chief Engineer Crawford.”

“It’s getting late. Let me give you a ride home.”

“That’s not necessary. I can get home on my own.”

The words landed like daggers. Nathan’s face went pale; his hands clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white.

He drew a deep breath, forcing down his anger. “I don’t need her to like me to keep her under control. Don’t forget—she’s Alexander’s weakness. As long as we have that, I have plenty of ways to make Alexander cooperate.”

Harold raised an eyebrow but said nothing, simply lifting his cup again. In his eyes, a calculating glint appeared.

Their partnership had always been one of mutual benefit. The means didn’t matter—only the results.

Meanwhile, Danielle stepped out of the restaurant and realized just how late it was. The alley was nearly silent, not a single cab in sight.

She pulled out her phone, ready to call a ride, when she spotted a familiar figure standing beneath a streetlamp a little ways down the block.