Chapter 857

Cedric's words hit like ice, freezing Hamilton's expression in place.

A faint twitch ran through the creases of Hamilton's aged face.

Apologize to Daniela in front of the media?

Hamilton blinked,half-convinced he'd heard wrong.

He managed a strained smile. "Come again? I must've misheard you."

Cedric cast his eyes downward,casually tightening his watch strap like he had all the time in the world."You heard me loud and clear. I said apologize to Daniela in front of the media. This offer's a one-time deal. Miss your shot now, and I'm afraid you won't get another."

Hamilton's forced grin finally cracked. "Cedric, I'm still your father. Don't you think this is too much?"

Cedric let out a sharp sneer. "Father? I've never acknowledged you as one, and I never will. The moment you hurt my wife, you made yourself my enemy.You asked me here, and I came. I gave you a chance-if you waste it, don't blame me for walking away. And let me make it official, the McCoy family's downfall will mirror Alexander's."

With that, Cedric rose, his movements steeped in quiet pride and firm resolve.

His towering frame and magnetic aura pulled every gaze from the women in the restaurant like a tide drawn to the moon.

He fastened his jacket, pivoted smoothly, and strode away without sparing a backward glance.

Hamilton's face drained of color, fury turning his features ghostly.

He spun around and slapped Kohen across the face.

Kohen reeled, eyes wide. "Father, why did you strike me?" He hadn't done anything to provoke his father.

Cedric's biting words had left Hamilton seething, his pride torn to shreds.

Fuming, he jabbed a finger at Kohen's nose."Useless!I told you to bring Daniela! Why did Cedric show up instead? You've embarrassed me!"

On his way out, Hamilton lashed out with a vicious kick that sent Kohen stumbling.

Kohen collapsed onto the floor, his fists trembling as he glared at Hamilton's fading silhouette. Cedric returned to the company, instinctively looking for Daniela before starting work.

But when he pushed open the door, the office greeted him with nothing but silence.

"Where's my wife?" Cedric asked, his tone edged with concern.

The secretary answered, "She mentioned she was feeling drowsy and left with Carol."

Cedric blinked in surprise, glancing at the clock-only 7 PM. "Tired already? At this hour?"

The secretary nodded. "Yes, she's been unusually sleepy these days. She even napped at her desk earlier. After finishing the meal you sent,she played a new game on the sofa for a bit, then said she was tired and left for home."

Cedric's chest tightened with unease the moment he heard those words.

He gave up on work and headed straight home without another thought.

When he arrived, the living room was bathed in the soft glow of a single dim yellow lamp.

Damon and Carol were immersed in a game, while Nikolas leaned in, briefing Daniela with data reports.Daniela lay stretched out on the sofa. Cedric approached quietly and peered down at her.

"Hey, enough talking," Cedric said to Nikolas. "She's asleep."

Nikolas froze, eyes dropping. His expression darkened instantly. "All that time briefing on the new company...was it all for nothing?"

Carol glanced over. "Why is Daniela so sleepy again?Last night, she dozed off halfway through the game."

Her eyes flicked to Cedric with a pointed look. "Are you wearing her out in bed? Don't be so greedy!"

Cedric felt wronged but didn't want to discuss his private life with them.

He bent down and gently lifted Daniela into his arms.

Daniela's eyelids fluttered open just enough to see Cedric. She clung to his neck softly, whispering,"Sleepy."

Cedric carried her upstairs, poised to tuck her in and settle beside her, when a sharp knock sounded on the door.

Startled, Cedric called out, "What is it?"

Nikolas' voice was urgent. "This plan is critical-it could decide the fate of my new company. Can you get Daniela up to listen?" Anxiety crept over his face

Cedric frowned. "She's invested in it, sure. But can't you handle the decisions yourself?"

Nikolas answered without hesitation, "I've never handled a project this big with so much money involved. If it falls apart, I'll be terrified. I'm begging you-just this once, please wake Daniela. Without her guidance,I honestly don't feel confident."

With that,he tried to enter.

Cedric held up a hand, his patience thinning. "Go downstairs first."

Nikolas protested, "But I really-"

Cedric cut him off firmly."Go downstairs!"

Begrudgingly, Nikolas backed away, glancing over his shoulder with pleading eyes. "Please, make sure Daniela wakes up. It's critical-I really need her."

After Nikolas left, Cedric gently checked Daniela's forehead.

He brushed a soft kiss across her cheek and whispered,"Are you feeling alright?"

Daniela murmured, "Just tired. Let me rest." Cedric kissed her again tenderly. "Alright, sleep well.I won't disturb you."

She slipped back into peaceful slumber

Cedric stepped onto the balcony and called the family doctor right away

The doctor told him to keep a close watch

Before heading down. Cedric checked Daniela's forehead once more- no fever. Then he descended the stairs

From the stair landing. Cedric caught Carol's voice "Nikolas, I bet only Cedric will come down."

Cedric made his way downstairs.

Nikolas looked desperately after Cedric,seeing no one else follow. his face darkening with worry."What are you doing here? I need to speak with Daniela!"

Cednic grabbed the plan from Nikolas' hands. "Tell me everything

Nikolas hesitated. "You? What could you possibly understand?" He finished with a contemptuous snort.