Chapter 45

Claudia had just wrapped up some work and returned to grab a coffee when she spotted Daniela standing by the counter. It struck her as odd.

“Oh, you’re back,” Daniella said smoothly, her expression now calm and composed. “What kind of coffee do you want? I got caught up with something earlier and just came to place my order.”

Claudia didn’t suspect anything. The server, however, rolled their eyes subtly but didn’t say a word.

After placing their orders, the two women walked back to the office together, but Daniella’s mind wasn’t with her. Her thoughts kept returning to what Ralph had said to Abigail. A sense of panic twisted in her chest. Her instincts told her that Ralph’s feelings for Abril were not as indifferent as he claimed. That realization stirred a deep sense of crisis within her.

That afternoon, as employees streamed out of the building, Stephen spotted Daniella and rushed over, but the smile on his face quickly faded when he saw her expression. His tone turned urgent. “Dani, what’s wrong? Did someone upset you?”

Daniella bit her lip and lifted her face. Her eyes were red. She shook her head but didn’t answer his question.

Stephen grew more anxious. “Dani, who was it? Just tell me who…”

“I’m fine, Stovie, let’s go home,” Daniella said softly as she got into the car, her voice still thick with emotion.

Stephen could only comply, but his heart was in turmoil. He was so focused on Daniella’s tears that he completely forgot Bianca had asked him to pick up Abigail on the way.

Luckily, he forgot, because at that moment, Abigail had already taken a cab downtown after work to buy a gift for Adam.

The car stopped in front of a pastry shop. It was a place Adam loved, though with his age and health, sugar intake had to be monitored. Abigail carefully picked out a selection of sugar-free treats.

Afterward, she found a restaurant for dinner before taking a cab home.

At Gibson Villa, Bianca’s worried voice echoed through the living room. “Dani, don’t cry, sweetheart. Did someone upset you? Just tell us everything. Stevie will back you up. We can’t let anyone make our princess cry.”

Daniella sat on the sofa, tears falling, looking heartbreakingly pitiful.

Blanca was beside herself with worry. Stephen was pacing, clearly anxious. Seeing Daniella refuse to say anything, Stephen suddenly thought of someone and blurted out, “Was it Abigail? Did she upset you again?”

A flicker of satisfaction passed through Daniella’s eyes. She wasn’t speaking on purpose, and she just wanted them to guess. Now, things were going just as she wanted.

“Stevie, it’s not Abby. It’s just me…” Daniella choked up again, crying even harder.

Stephen’s worry turned into frustration. “If it wasn’t Abigail, then who else? Did she threaten you again and tell you not to complain?”

This wasn’t the first time something like this had happened. He remembered the grievances Daniella had suffered since Abigail returned three years ago. Stephen jumped to his feet and snapped, “I’m going to confront her.”

“Stevie, no,” Daniella called out.

“Stevie, stop right there,” Bianca’s voice rang out at the same time. “Let her finish.”

Bianca shot Stephen a glare and said to Daniella, “Dani, just tell me the truth. Did Abigail bully you again?”

Daniella’s eyes flickered as she wondered, “She isn’t blaming Abigail right away? For someone who claims to favor me so much, it’s only been a few days and she’s already turning soft on her real daughter?”

A flush of resentment surged inside her. Thinking of Ralph, Daniella made a silent vow – she had to marry him.

“… I just saw Ralphie talking to Abby. What if he doesn’t like me anymore?” Daniella’s tears spilled again.

Stephen immediately retorted, “Impossible. If Ralph doesn’t like you, who would he like? He only ever has you around. There’s no way he’d fall for someone like Abigail.”

The contempt in his voice was unmistakable. Bianca shot him a warning look, thinking bitterly, ‘No matter what, Abigail is still his biological sister. How can he talk about her that way?’

“Still, with everything Abigail’s done, there’s no way the Fletcher family would ever accept her. The Fletcher family has risen fast in recent years, and people say they’re connected to one of the legacy families in Chesterwick."

“We finally have a chance at marrying into the Fletcher family. We can’t let that chance slip.”

With that thought, Blanca gently comforted Daniella. “Dani, Stevie is right. You’re overthinking it. Hasn’t Ralph always brought you gifts every time he visits? If a man is willing to spend money on you, it means you matter to him.”

Daniella lifted her tear-streaked face, her voice laced with dependence. “Really?”

Bianca stroked her hair, her voice soft. “Of course. You’re so beautiful and capable. Why wouldn’t Ralph like you?”

Daniella blushed, rested her head against Bianca’s shoulder, and finally smiled. Seeing her calm down, Bianca and Stephen both relaxed as well.

Stephen teased, “I’m going to have a word with Ralph tomorrow. I gotta make him pay for causing my dear sister to cry like this.”

Daniella’s eyes flickered, her tone almost hesitant. “Abby already broke off the engagement with Ralphie, Mom, do you think the Fletcher family will still agree to our engagement?”

Bianca’s smile faded. She had always believed Daniella would be the one to marry into the Fletcher family.