Alexander's words were curt and commanding, the kind that left no room for argument—a natural display of power from someone used to being obeyed.
There was a time when Danielle would have been thrilled by such attention. Back then, she craved any chance to be near him, even if only for a fleeting moment.
But those days were gone. The old Danielle was long dead.
She kept her tone cool. "If you have something to say, just say it."
Once, she would have hung on his every word, as if his commands were gospel. Lately, though, rebellion had started to simmer beneath the surface.
Alexander's expression didn't change, but his brows drew together in a frown as he repeated, "Come here."
A flat dial tone answered him; Danielle had hung up without hesitation.
Just across the room, Alexander's face darkened another shade. It was only natural to feel a surge of frustration—the dutiful wife he'd always counted on had suddenly turned defiant.
As Danielle looked away, she caught a glimpse of him staring at his phone, and then—unexpectedly—he gave a knowing, amused smile.
After Dr. Zachary and Mr. Hawthorne finished their lecture, it was Alexander's turn to take the stage and discuss industry trends and the entrepreneurial mindset.
No one could deny Alexander's expertise. In his field, he was a star. He'd led The Davidson Group to heights others could only dream of, and even now, what seemed an unreachable summit to most was nowhere near the end of his ambition.
He was a man driven by boundless desire.
Danielle didn't notice when Millie slipped into the seat beside her.
"Impressive, isn't he?" Millie grinned. "If I had a husband that accomplished, I'd probably just kick back and enjoy life, too."
A familiar fragrance lingered around Millie—one Danielle once adored, a clean, understated scent she'd only ever associated with Alexander.
Now, it clung to Millie.
Danielle rose to her feet, a mocking smile tugging at her lips. "Well, sounds like your dreams are about to come true. Better figure out how to make yourself comfortable."
The barb hit its mark.
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