Chapter 219 219

Chapter 219 219
The restaurant glittered with candlelight and crystal. A string quartet played softly in the corner, the hum of quiet conversation blending with the scent of expensive wine and perfume.

Angela stepped in, wearing a simple black dress that contrasted the gold-and-marble opulence around her. She spotted Daniel immediately. 

He was seated near the window, the city lights framing him like an illusion of warmth and charm. He stood when he saw her, smiling that practiced, charming smile she used to fall for.

"Angela," he greeted smoothly, leaning in to kiss her cheek. "You look beautiful as ever."

She gave a polite nod and sat down. "Daniel. You said it was important."

He sighed, gesturing to the waiter. "Let's order first, hmm? I don't want us to start on an empty stomach."

"I'd rather we talk first," Angela said, folding her hands neatly on the table. "You didn't invite me here to talk about food."

Daniel chuckled, but there was a nervous edge behind his grin. "Always so direct. Fine." He leaned closer, lowering his voice. "It's about Alexa."

Angela's expression stayed flat. "Of course it is."

He exhaled dramatically, as though weighed down by the troubles of a good man. "She came home last night in tears, Angie. She said Chloe... your daughter... she destroyed her reputation, her business. Alexa's company is collapsing. You know how ambitious she is but she's devastated. She needs help."

Angela frowned slightly. "And what does that have to do with me?"

"I know things got... complicated between us," Daniel said, his tone shifting softer, smoother. "But we were good together, weren't we? I miss you, Angie. I really do. I was foolish to let you walk away that day."

Angela studied him, the easy charm, the measured gestures, the faint cologne she once adored. Everything about him screamed manipulation dressed as affection.

He reached across the table, his hand brushing hers. "If we could just, fix things between us, maybe Chloe and Alexa could, too. We could all move forward together. I could talk to Alexa, get her to stop pushing this fight. But I need you to help me convince Chloe to drop this corporate war. You know her. She listens to you,"

Angela leaned back, her expression hardening. "So that's what this is really about."

Daniel blinked, pretending confusion. "What do you mean?"

"You don't miss me," Angela said coldly. "You miss control. You want me back in your arms so you can manipulate me into helping your daughter. Tell me, Daniel, was it not you who said we should stay out of our children's business? That they should handle their own mess?"

Daniel's jaw twitched, but he kept smiling. "This is different. They're hurting each other, Angie."

"No," she cut in sharply. "Alexa hurt my daughter first. Chloe didn't start this. But she's ending it, the same way she's always handled her pain with strength."

Daniel's smile faltered. "You're being emotional."

"No," Angela said, her voice calm but firm. "I'm being real. You raised a manipulator, Daniel. And now you want me to fix the mess she created? Tell your daughter to take responsibility for once in her life."

He sighed, rubbing his temples as though exhausted. "You've changed."

"I had to," Angela said quietly. "Because loving you once nearly destroyed me. I won't make that mistake again."

She stood up, smoothing her dress. "Enjoy your dinner, Daniel. And tell Alexa that no matter how much she cries, I'm not coming to her rescue. Chloe can fight her own battles and this time, she's not losing."

Daniel opened his mouth to speak, but Angela was already walking away. Her heels clicked sharply against the marble floor, echoing her resolve.

For a moment, Daniel just sat there, anger flashing behind his composed mask. His fingers drummed against the table, frustration pulsing beneath the surface.

He picked up his glass, downed the rest of the wine, and muttered under his breath,
"Then don't blame me for what happens next, Angela."