Chapter 689

Nikolas possessed a sharp awareness of human nature, especially his own.

A sense of indignation bubbled up within him.

He spun on his heel and set off in search of Cedric.

A quick glance to the living room revealed that Daniela had already stepped out to the garden to take a call.

A wave of relief washed over Nikolas.

His gaze landed on Cedric, who was absorbed in peeling oranges, preparing to squeeze juice for Daniela.

Nikolas rolled his eyes in disbelief. "Cedric, you're like a servant who's too devoted to his work." Cedric, undeterred, kept his focus on the oranges,entirely ignoring Nikolas' comment.

Once more, Nikolas rolled his eyes in exasperation.

Suddenly, it struck him-Cedric had never been the warmest person.

He was detached from most people and things.

While Daniela was distant, Cedric was outright cold,caring for no one but her.

He had a habit of disregarding others, his attention fixated obsessively on just one individual.

Someone like that was far too detached.

Nikolas was certain that if he had discussed the secretary issue with Cedric, he wouldn't have been as accommodating as Daniela.

Daniela might come off as cold, but there was a hidden softness beneath that exterior.

But Cedric had none of that. His shifts in demeanor were reserved only for Daniela.

People saw Cedric as he appeared with Daniela,which made them unconsciously believe he was easygoing.

In reality, that was far from the truth.

This realization made Nikolas furrow his brow."Cedric, you're the head of Lone Wolf, right? Daniela has no idea,does she?"

Cedric's hands moved steadily as he washed the fruit,unaffected.

Nikolas paused. "What? Did I get it wrong? Or should I just ask Daniela to be sure?"

As Nikolas was about to take a step forward, a v/oice rang out from behind him, accompanied by the sound of running water. "You think I'm scared of you?"

Nikolas turned to see Cedric loading the oranges into the machine, watching as the sweet juice flowed into the glass.

Nikolas narrowed his eyes at Cedric. "What are you trying to say?"

Cedric's voice was calm but cold. "I'm not interested in you or whatever you're connected to, but if you keep pushing me, neither you nor anyone behind you will enjoy the consequences."

Cedric picked up the now-full glass. "What you're after isn't what I want. Leave, or you'll regret it."

Without another word, he carried the glass of juice out.

Nikolas remained frozen in the kitchen.

Cedric handed the juice to Daniela, a soft smile playing on his lips as he brushed a stray strand of her hair behind her ear.

From across the room, he suddenly turned, his dark,brooding eyes locking onto Nikolas'.

In that moment, Nikolas' heart lurched. Only when Cedric looked away did the pressure in Nikolas' chest begin to ease.

He exhaled sharply, the unease still clinging to him.

Once Daniela finished her juice, Cedric retrieved the empty glass and returned to the kitchen.

Frustrated by his own reaction, Nikolas scoffed."Cedric, with all your talent, why would you suppress your potential just to serve under a woman?"

He simply couldn't comprehend it.

His father always said men were ruled by ambition-a real man wouldn't let love stand in his way.

Cedric belonged to the McCoy family, and they didn't raise romantics.

Cedric remained silent, as though explaining would be pointless-Nikolas simply wouldn't get it.

Nikolas hesitated, reluctant to voice it, but some things couldn't be ignored. "You've known about your identity for a long time, haven't you?" Cedric rinsed the glass with deliberate care, water running over his long fingers. "Hard not to. I didn't even have to check to know who Ghos reports to."

Regret churned inside Nikolas. "Then what's your angle? You can't tell me you're not tempted by the McCoy family's fortune."

Cedric's stare was icy. "My name is Phillips, not McCoy."

Nikolas blinked, caught off guard. "You really believe that?"

Cedric let out a low chuckle. "Naturally. But if you keep pushing me, I won't mind taking the McCoy empire for myself."

Nikolas wetted his lips. "I'm not looking for a fight,Cedric."

"Oh? Really?" Cedric set the glass on the rack, his dark gaze locking onto Nikolas. "Then tell me-who's your new secretary?"