?Chapter 881:


    “Bankruptcy?” he eximed, snapping his head toward Dani in rm. “Ms. Harper, does Elite Lux’s secretary department happen to need a capable male secretary?”


    Dani let out a small, amused smile.


    The secretary, however, remainedpletely serious, his expression almost reverent. “I mean it. I’ve wanted to join Elite Lux for the longest time. If Phillips Group actually went under, would you consider taking me in?”


    Cedric turned to re at the secretary he had worked with for years, his gaze sharp and unreadable.


    Without a word, he strode past him and headed straight for Dani.


    Lowering himself onto the seat beside her, Cedric softened his tone. “I can cook, clean, and even keep the bed warm. I don’t cost much either—just enough to make ends meet.”


    The secretary stood there in stunned silence.


    Just enough to make ends meet?


    That wouldn’t do.


    He wanted wealth.


    Realizing he had already lost this battle, the secretary sulked in defeat, while Cedric threw Dani a victorious smirk.


    Dani simply smiled back.


    She agreed immediately, hoping Cedric would always be as carefree and lighthearted as he was in that moment.


    Additional chapters at g ??ln ov els .???? ??


    At noon, Cedric had the secretary bring lunch to the office.


    He told Dani, “I have a client meeting at noon. After lunch, you can rest in the lounge.”


    Dani gave a small nod of agreement, and Cedric left.


    As he made his way to the second-floor canteen, Cedric nced out the window. The traffic below flowed smoothly, the streets appearing peaceful, but Cedric knew better. Beneath that calm surface, unseen threats lurked.


    He pulled out his phone and called his subordinate, Rex Patel. “What’s the situation now?”


    Rex chuckled. “Situation? What situation? Shadow’s already handled it. There’s nothing she can’t take care of. But I heard the leader of Extinction has his sights set on you. Better watch your back.”


    Extinction was a fast-rising gang—ruthless, merciless, and bound by no code. They would do anything for the right price. Lately, word had spread that their leader aimed to be the new underworld overlord, wiping out several major organizations to clear his path. They had never crossed paths with Cealmaur before, but this time, things felt different.


    “I heard their leader publicly challenged rinda to a one-on-one fight. No word yet on how Cealmaur’s responding,” Rex added.


    Cedric’s eyes darkened. “Find out more about rinda’s and Shadow’s market prices.”


    Whatever the circumstances, they had been dragged into this because of him. It was only right that he paid them ordingly.


    Rex hesitated. “Cedric, Shadow might have a price, but rinda… If you want her market rate, well, let’s just say it might cost you your entire fortune.” Everyone knew Cealmaur’s leader wasn’t a legend for nothing.


    When Cealmaur first emerged, they took the mercenary world by storm with only two people—the leader and Shadow. Even when multiple rival gangs banded together to crush them, they failed spectacrly. That battle wiped out their enemies and reshaped the entire criminal underworld, sending shockwaves through every faction.


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