Chapter 597

Huey had no clue what Daniela was planning.

Not wanting to alert the wrong people, he made his way back to the hospital.

Before he left, he spotted security guards stationed around his house. It reassured him and made him even more grateful to Daniela.

Daniela was just like her mother-kind and unwaveringly reliable.

Back at the hospital, Huey called over the other members of the association.

Gone was his earlier timid attitude. Now he carried himself with a commanding confidence.

"Marcus is dead. What's your take on it?"

Hackett strolled in last, just in time to hear Huey's words. He narrowed his eyes, confused by Huey's shift from a jittery wreck to someone radiating boldness.

He hung back, silently studying Huey.

Bruno spoke up first. "Cedric had a damn good point the other day-Daniela had no reason to kill Marcus."

Tripp nodded. "Exactly. Daniela already won this whole corporate war. What would she gain from taking out Marcus? Besides, she's got the same fire as her mom-she's too sharp for low-level moves like that."

Farley nodded in agreement. "Couldn't have said it better."

Huey met Hackett's lingering gaze and held it. "What about you, Hackett? Any theories on how Marcus ended up dead?"

Hackett barely flinched. Drowning in debt, he had no energy to care about this mess. Marcus' death didn't put a dent in Daniela's world, and he had no interest in the conversation.

"No idea," Hackett muttered, dragging a chair over and slumping into it.

Huey glanced at him, his voice casual but pointed. "Then who do you think did it? Someone lured Marcus out late at night. And he wasn't the type to leave his place for just anyone."

As Huey spoke, he and Farley exchanged a knowing glance.

Hackett caught the glance, his expression darkening. "Listen, it wasn't me, alright? I've got bigger problems.Talk all you want, but leave me out of these pointless meetings. He's dead. End of story. I'm not wasting another damn second on this."

Once Hackett was out of earshot, Huey leaned back and said coolly, "Wasn't Hackett all worked up about this just a few days ago? Why the sudden cold shoulder?"

Farley smirked. "You were stuck in the hospital, so you missed the show. Hackett swept in and took over every single one of Marcus' companies-left his family with nothing. Cold-blooded."

Huey scanned the group, noting their furrowed brows, then casually dropped a bombshell. "Crazy, isn't it?Decades of friendship, and Hackett still went this low. You think you know someone, but you never really do.If I'd fallen off that building, you can bet my fortune would be long gone. Hackett? He's a loaded gun with no safety."

The group's frowns deepened.

"That was low, even for Hackett," Bruno muttered, his voice like ice.

Farley jumped in. "Exactly! It's one thing if an outsider takes over, but one of us? Like some rabid dog?That's just disgusting."

Huey sighed, rubbing his temples."Glad we're on the same page. Hackett talks smooth, but behind the scenes? Who knows how ruthless he really is? If I'd seen this coming, I never would've dealt with Brylee.Dealing with Hackett just feels dirty."

"Hey, isn't there a new president of the association now? Maybe we should push Alexander to kick Hackett out. What do you guys think?"

The group hesitated, old loyalties clashing with cold reality. Huey shrugged. "I'm done with Hackett. The day I nearly fell? If Cedric hadn't grabbed me, I'd be a smear on the pavement. Trust Hackett again? Might as well write my own death sentence."

They gawked at Huey. "Wait, you said Cedric was the one who nearly got you killed that day."

"I was scared out of my mind," Huey admitted. "Hackett looked ready to kill. I was weak, defenseless. If he'd made a move, I was done. And my family? Cross Hackett, and we're all finished. You really think I want to end up like Marcus?"

The group was stunned.

As they filed out, the decision was unanimous-Alexander had to get rid of Hackett, and fast.

Once the others left, Farley came back.

He narrowed his eyes at Huey, who was sprawled on the bed, peeling an orange."You're way too relaxed.A few days ago, you looked like you'd seen a ghost. Andyou said your family had no one watching their back.Now you're spilling your guts like you've got nothing to lose. What changed? Someone's protecting your family,aren't they?"

Huey just kept eating his orange, unbothered.

Farley leaned in, his gazesharp. "Daniela is the one protecting you and your family, isn't she?"