?Chapter 1228:


    Dani turned her gaze toward Cedric, seated beside her.


    Without a word, she quietly stepped out of the car and whispered to Cedric, “I need to take this call.”


    Cedric simply assumed it was business—he never meddled in her corporate affairs.


    So, with a nod, he and Carol made their way into the vi.


    Once alone, Dani’s voice turned cool and steady. “Mr. McCoy.”


    Hamilton chuckled, short and dry. “We’re all family, aren’t we? Don’t you think you were a little too ruthless tonight?”


    Standing in the vi’s garden, encircled by the soft bloom of flowers Cedric had lovingly nted, Dani drew in a breath of the faint, calming scent. A deep sense of ease settled over her.


    “Ruthless?” Dani echoed, her tone unbothered. “I wouldn’t say that.”


    Hamilton let out a knowing chuckle. “Sounds like Cedric means a lot to you.”


    Dani didn’t hesitate. “He does.”


    Even with those three missing years, Cedric still held a ce that couldn’t be shaken.


    Hamilton hadn’t expected her to be so candid. He thought Dani would mask her feelings and act indifferent toward Cedric.


    Hamilton chuckled, this time almost fondly. “That’s good. Come visit Oiscoll sometime—we’ll share a meal. You’ll enjoy it.”


    Dani’s response was sharper, cutting through the pleasantries. “I don’t like Oiscoll.”


    Hamilton’s smile faltered. People didn’t turn down invitations from the richest man in the world—not even someone like Dani.


    Still, Hamilton knew how to bide his time with valuable people. “Very well,e when it suits you. I’ll entrust my three idiotic sons to you in the meantime.”


    g?lnσν????s is where dreams unfold


    Dani’s expression didn’t shift. Through the tall window panes, she spotted Cedric at the counter, preparing juice.


    Watching Cedric quietly, she said coldly, “Mr. McCoy, if you truly care about your sons, call them back before they embarrass themselves further.”


    Dani was the only one who ever dared speak to Hamilton so bluntly. Hamilton’s silence was heavy—Dani caught the subtle hiss of his strained breath through the line.


    She heard it but remained unfazed. “Well then, goodbye.” She ended the call and turned back to the house.


    Just as her hand reached the doorknob, Cedric swung the door open with a smile, offering her a ss of juice. “Here—this should top up your vitamins.”


    Dani epted it and took a sip without a word.


    Cedric, pleased, turned back to the kitchen.


    Carol appeared, watching him with amusement. “I’ve never met a man who enjoys the kitchen this much—he’s practically a homemaker.”


    Dani couldn’t help but smile.


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