?Chapter 925:


    Dani picked up her fork, taking her time with each bite.


    Hackett had just exited his car when his attention was drawn to a sleek ck vehicle weaving through the rain. He pointed to the car and asked his secretary, “Whose car is that? It looks familiar. Could it belong to one of our members?”


    The car sped off, and the secretary adjusted his sses, straining to get a better look, but it had already blended into the flow of traffic. “Mr. Graves, I can’t make it out clearly.”


    “Never mind, let’s head inside.”


    The secretary quickly held an umbre over Hackett. Hackett wasn’t tall, but his well-tailored, elegant suit gave him an air of dignity.


    He took his seat across from Dani at the dining table, a smile ying on his lips. “Mr. Phillips, may I have the honor of sharing a meal with you?”


    Compared to Winslow, Hackett seemed far less appealing. His purpose was to speak with Cedric, so he merely nodded politely at Dani before shifting his focus entirely to Cedric.


    “I wasn’t expectingpany,” Cedric said, serving some food for Dani, his tone t. “Mr. Graves, what brings you here?”


    Hackett chuckled lightly. “Indeed, I have a matter to discuss with you.”


    Having held the presidency of the business association for far too long, Hackett was unwilling to lower himself. He managed a strained smile, attempting to appear polite. “Mr. Phillips, may we speak privately?”


    His request clearly implied he wished to exclude Dani.


    Before Cedric could respond, Lillian let out a soft chuckle from the side. Hackett, slightly puzzled, asked with a forced smile, “What’s so amusing?”


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    Lillian crossed her arms, her gaze sharp. “I’m amused by how clueless you are, begging the wrong person. It’s surprising you’ve made it this far as president of themerce association.”


    It had been many years since anyone had dared to speak to Hackett in such a manner. Not even Brylee would have been bold enough to speak to him like this in the past. Hackett fought to hide the flush creeping up his neck. He briefly shut his eyes, inhaled deeply, and then forced a tight smile at the corners of his mouth.


    “Ms. Harper,” Hackett said with a faint smile, trying to project generosity, though the anger simmering in his eyes was barely concealed. “You really should keep your subordinates under control.” Hackett turned his steely gaze to Dani. “Ms. Harper, with such an expansive business, it would be quite the scandal if people learned you couldn’t even manage your own team properly.”


    Hackett let out a cold, humorlessugh before tilting his head slightly, locking eyes with Cedric. His tone nowced with respect, he added, “Right, Mr. Phillips?” He was clearly attempting to impress Cedric, putting on an act.


    Dani let out a sharp snort ofughter. Cedric joined in theughter, and for reasons he couldn’t pinpoint, Hackett felt an unexpected twinge of unease.


    Then Cedric said, “Lillian is family. We can’t treat her as an outsider. What’s the matter, Mr. Graves? Do you have an issue with that?” Hackett’s face drained of color at the words. He had clearly made a blunder.


    “Oh, I see. I thought she was just a secretary. How thoughtless of me.” Hackett let out a quiet sigh of relief, quickly ncing over at Lillian. She stood with her arms crossed, her expression aloof and indifferent.


    After a rough start, Hackett leaned in, lowering his voice. “May I have a word? There’s a small matter I’d like to discuss.”


    Cedric looked at Dani, who gave a small, knowing smile. Cedric rose to his feet, with Hackett quickly following. Cedric took a seat a few paces away from Dani. Hackett settled into the chair next to Cedric.


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