backing out? No. This was her chance. She had to convince him.


    [I can’t make a move right now. But I’ll send you something soon that will help you. After that, your family will start favoring you over her. When that happens, you’ll be able to get whatever you want.]


    Audrey stared at the message, feeling a mix of confusion and curiosity. What could this be? [Then I’ll wait for it. Thank you, Sir.]


    She sent the message and sat there, waiting, but no further replies came.


    David had already left, leaving only Danielle, Howard, and Vivian downstairs.


    "Danielle, you’ve had a long day. Go upstairs and take a bath," Howard said, his tone warm but firm. He knew how hard his daughter worked. He never asked her too many questions about what she was up to-he just wanted her to be happy. "Yeah, Danielle, go upstairs and rx for a bit. You won’t be seeing much of us over the next few days," Vivian added with a hint of reluctance. She wished she could shield Danielle from all the pressures of life and let her enjoy being young, like a princess with no cares.


    "Dad, Mom, I’m waiting for Joseph. I need to talk to him about something," Danielle exined, having already called Joseph after finding some important info on ck Web.


    "That troublemaker," Howard muttered, pulling out his phone. "He knows his sister’s waiting for him and still doesn’te back on time? I’ll call him right now!"


    Just then, the door opened, and Joseph walked in, phone in hand. "Dad, why are you calling me?"


    Howard’s patience was wearing thin. His son was always making Danielle wait.


    There came a ringing of phone calls from the entrance. Then they saw Joseph. "Dad, why are you calling me?" he asked.


    "Where have you been? Danielle’s been waiting for you," Howard said, his voice a little sharper than usual.


    Joseph nced at the clock-only 7 p.m. "Sorry, Danielle. I had ast-minute meeting, and got dyed."


    Danielle smiled brightly. "It’s fine, Joseph. You’re notte. Now I get to spend more time with Mom and Dad."


    Both Howard and Vivian smiled, relieved and happy to have her around a little longer.


    "Joseph, have you eaten yet?" Danielle asked, noticing that Joseph seemed a little off.


    "I’m not hungry yet. I’ll eat when I get hungry," Joseph said, brushing it off.


    "Not hungry? The chef’s made dinner. Danielle, why don’t you eat too? He made a ton of your favorite dishes," Vivian said, knowing Danielle had probably