?Chapter 1034:


    “I’ll support you in this endeavor, but on one condition,” Alexander added.


    Hackett, ever the shrewd businessman, narrowed his eyes. “What’s the condition?”


    “Kill Cedric! I intend to be the only Cedric left. Once he’s gone, Dani will be devastated. Use that moment to strike at Elite Lux. I’ll swoop in as the savior, whisk Dani away overseas, and leave the domestic market in your hands.”


    Hackett fell silent, absorbing the gravity of the proposal.


    “Lacking the nerve?” Alexander pressed, his tone sharp.


    “Not at all,” Hackett countered. “It’s just that Cedric is well-guarded by highly skilled bodyguards. They could pose a significant challenge.”


    Alexander’s gaze drifted away, his voice cold. “That sounds like your problem. All I care about is seeing Cedric gone. If not, I’ll find another partner.”


    “No, wait! I’ll figure something out.”


    Hackett wouldn’t be foolish enough to kill Cedric himself. Instead, he convened the major members of the association, excluding only Alexander.


    “Let’s consider imposing another wave ofmercial sanctions against Cedric,” Hackett rallied the others passionately. “We must seek retribution for Marcus’ death!”


    Bruno narrowed his eyes, his gaze piercing. “Cedric’s bold enough to murder Marcus! We cannot allow him to trample over us without consequences!”


    Tripp, nodding emphatically, chimed in, “Enduring his provocations will only embolden Dani! Since mercy is off the table, striking first seems our only option.”


    Amidst the murmurs, Farley’s silence broke as he balled his hands into fists, inspired by Tripp’s words. “Then let’s band together! No retreating, no surrender!” The room buzzed with a unified readiness for action.


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    However, Huey, with a serene countenance, voiced his dissent. “I must disagree.”


    Hackett’s emerging smile faded abruptly. “Huey, what are you implying? Has fear taken hold of you?”


    Bruno, perplexed, turned to Huey. “Did the recent ordeal frighten you that much? What is there to fear when death is our shared destiny? Dani seeks vengeance for her mother’s death. She’de after us regardless.”


    Leaning back with an air of calm defiance, Huey replied, “True, deathes for us all. However, I refuse to meet it senselessly.”


    At this, Hackett’s frustration boiled over. “Huey, borate! What do you mean?” Huey stood defiant, his demeanor unshaken by Hackett’s intimidating aura. “Until the truth about Marcus’ demise surfaces, my stance against Elite Lux remains unchanged.”


    This bold statement plunged the room into an oppressive silence.


    Huey’s stare bored into Hackett, a scornful smirk ying at the corners of his mouth. “I am nobody’s pawn, to be discarded in their personal vendettas.” The room gasped, taken aback by the tension.


    Hackett alone seethed with anger, his hand thundering against the table. “Huey, are you insinuating something sinister? Do you dare use me of murdering Marcus?”


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