The Wife You Buried Is Back from Hell novel Chapter 1156

The meeting was less of a conference and more of a wake-up call, intended to instill a sense of urgency and purpose. Danielle was suddenly reminded of something Alexander had once said: “Technology is important, but what’s most important are the researchers. The talent.” It was true. Even the best projects and most advanced technologies needed people to bring them to life. A nation's strength ultimately depended on the tireless efforts of generations of scientists.

Danielle turned to look at Alexander beside her. He sat quietly, his attention fixed on the proceedings, radiating an aura of profound calm. His gaze never wavered from the podium, steady and resolute. He had a knack for staying completely composed, even if a mountain were to crumble before him. A sense of peace settled over Danielle. With a man like this fighting by her side, she felt she could face anything.

In another corner of the hall, however, Lorie’s eyes were glued to Alexander, her gaze unwavering. She wore a red dress that stood out starkly in the somber room, but her eyes held a storm of complicated emotions. “Don’t worry,” Harold’s low voice murmured beside her. He had noticed her distraction and gently touched her arm. “As long as we deliver impressive results on Project 07 and win the government's approval, the Gaylord family will be fine.”

Lorie snapped back to reality, her fists clenching. She knew Harold was right. The Gaylord family was in a precarious position. Her father, Vincent Gaylord, was under house arrest, and their family business was facing an unprecedented crisis. Their only chance at a comeback was to excel in Project 07 and secure government support.

But the thought of Alexander was like a needle piercing her heart. She loved him. Yet that love was what had ultimately pushed her family into the abyss. This tangled knot of love and hate was a constant source of agony. She hated Alexander for his coldness, for having eyes only for Danielle, yet she couldn't stop herself from loving him, from watching his every move.

She watched him and Danielle sitting side-by-side, their unspoken rapport a tangible thing even in their silence. That connection was a thorn that dug deep into Lorie's heart. She envied Danielle. She envied her for having Alexander's love and trust, for being able to fight alongside him while she was forced to stand on the opposite side, his enemy.

“Stop staring. It’s useless,” Harold’s voice cut in again, tinged with scorn. “Alexander only has eyes for Danielle. Nothing you do will ever win his heart. You’d be better off figuring out how to crush them in this meeting and save the Gaylord family.” Lorie’s expression turned icy in an instant. Knowing it herself was one thing; having it thrown in her face was another.

She turned to Harold. “I know what I have to do. I don’t need you to remind me.” Taking a deep breath, she suppressed the turmoil in her heart and fixed her gaze on the podium. This was no time for sentiment. The fate of the Gaylord family hung in the balance. She had to seize this opportunity and use the evidence in her possession to utterly destroy Danielle and Alexander, ruining NextCore’s reputation so the Gaylord family could take its place.

Her hand slipped into her bag, her fingers closing around a small USB drive. It contained the evidence she had fabricated to frame Danielle for cheating.