Chapter 856

Kohen was convinced he was cursed with the worst luck possible.

"No offense meant," he said humbly, bowing slightly while addressing Cedric. "Father wishes to invite Daniela to dinner."

Kohen looked up and noticed Cedric was at least a full head taller, which only deepened his envy. They shared the same father, yet Cedric towered over him.How was that fair?

"When and where?" Cedric replied calmly.

Kohen's face brightened. "Seven tonight,at McCoy Restaurant."

Cedric nodded and said briefly, "Understood."

Kohen couldn't hold back his excitement and hurried off to tell Hamilton.

Hamilton looked concerned. "Did Cedric know? I invited Daniela, not Cedric."

Kohen affirmed, "I made it very clear that you invited Daniela. Cedric acknowledged respectfully."

Hearing "respectfully" eased Hamilton's worries and reassured him

At seven, Hamilton waited inside McCoy Restaurant

A sleek car arrived, and Cedric stepped out wearing a sharp tailored suit.

Hamilton's smile vanished the moment he saw Cedric had come alone.

He glanced angrily at Kohen.

Kohen protested, "I did tell him you invited Daniela."He felt unfairly blamed.

Cedric,weighed down by recent long hours, wore gold -rimmed glasses to soothe his tired eyes. As he made his way over, his sharp features and calm confidence turned the heads of several passing young women.

He loosened his jacket and sat, saying, "Cut to the chase. Why do you keep coming after my wife?"

Cedric appeared calm, ordering a black coffee immediately upon arrival.

Hamilton observed Cedric's calm presence, admiration shining in his eyes.

Such a remarkable young man was truly a perfect fit for the McCoy family.

From his face to his posture and physique,he exuded undeniable elegance. Wherever he walked, he radiated the aura of a refined young gentleman.

Hamilton nodded approvingly, impressed by Cedric's bearing and presence.

Hamilton told himself that soon he'd contact the royal family of Loglil. A man like Cedric-he wasn't just fit to wed a princess; he could be a king.

The more Hamilton considered it, the more delighted he felt. His eyes softened gradually as he looked at Cedric. "What would you prefer to eat?"

Kohen had never heard such softness in Hamilton's voice; it was like watching a storm hush itself into a breeze. His eyes flicked to the side, curiosity sparked,just as Hamilton pushed the menu forward."Take a look. I don't know what you like. You didn't get to grow up by my side. I'll make it up to you."

Cedric sipped his coffee with detached calm, casually brushing off a woman who tried to ask for his number.He raised his eyes, ice pooling in his stare as he met Hamilton's gaze. "This isn't a family gathering for me."

Hamilton parted his lips to respond.

Cedric cut him off. "You'd better be grateful I'm talking to you now. Next time, you might not have the luxury of keeping your cool." The atmosphere turned dense, as if even the air had stopped to listen.

Kohen sat frozen, caught off guard by the sharp turn of events.

No one besides Cedric had ever dared to throw such bold words at Hamilton.

But Hamilton merely chuckled, unruffled, as if insult had turned into amusement.

He cast Cedric a look filled with smug pride, as if silently declaring,"That's my blood."

Kohen could only sit there, utterly at a loss for words.

That expression was foreign on Hamilton's face-he'd never worn it for any of their brothers, not even for Nikolas!

"Young blood runs hot, and pride burns bright. I get that," Hamilton said with a placid smile. "But you should know when to rein it in. Once you officially take the reins of the McCoy empire, prove yourself with skill-not by using your sharp mind to squeeze the family business right now. That's not the smartest move."

Hamilton truly admired Cedric, and his words offered him a way to retreat with dignity. Then he added, "Still, I'll admit-the damage you've done to the branch company proves your skill. I can't say I'm disappointed."

Cedric's eyes remained cold. "You've got a way with words, I'll give you that. But I've never thought McCoy Group was anything special. If that's all you've got, I'm out of here."

Hamilton exclaimed, "Hold on. Your attacks on our branch have gone too far. This is internal family business-I hope you'll back off."

Cedric heard him out and stared back with frosty indifference.

When no answer came,Hamilton spoke again. "I know you're still angry about what happened at my birthday party. I'm willing to apologize."

To Hamilton, this was him showing his most genuine intent.

"Apologize to me?" Cedric's voice turned to ice."You hurt my wife! She's the one who deserves your apology!"

Hamilton brushed off the matter as a petty detail.

After all, he was deeply pleased with having such a remarkable son. He spoke without a hint of pause."Sure. I'll find time to-" Those words hit like shards of glass, freezing Cedric's face into a deeper chill.

He cut Hamilton off, his voice sharp as a blade."Apologize to Daniela in front of the media!"