?Chapter 1253:


    “There’s nothing between us that merits discussion,” Cedric responded with a cool lift of his eyelids.


    “If nothing else, perhaps we could discuss Dani?” Niks proposed.


    As Cedric’s driver pulled away, the two made their way to a nearby pavilion.


    “You’re aware Dani is backing Charles now, right?” Niks began.


    Cedric’s expression remained unaffected.


    “Do you aspire to rise to power yourself, Cedric?” Niks pressed further.


    Casting a measured nce at Niks, Cedric understood that such an offer would note without a motive. The only reason Niks would approach him was out of a sense of threat. Without a doubt, that threat hade from Dani.


    “And you want me to join your side?” Cedric asked, clearly aware that Niks had made it known he had no interest in the McCoy fortune. Cedric recognized Niks’s approach as both a test and an attempt at forming an alliance. “You want me to deal with my wife?”


    The moment the word “wife” slipped from Cedric’s lips, Niks’s brows tightened ever so slightly.


    Given the tense circumstances, Cedric referring to Dani as his “wife” felt almost too personal—like crossing an invisible line.


    Niks had always seen Cedric as dangerously intelligent, and that sharp intellect now made him uneasy. When you tangled with the sharp-minded, one misstep couldnd you checkmated before you even saw the board.


    Still, Niks knew he had no better option. Of all people, Cedric was the one man Dani wouldn’t want to hurt.


    “I’m not asking you to do anything else,” Niks said, his voice tight. “All I need is for you to keep Dani in check.”


    Cedric chuckled, the sound dripping with scorn, as if he’d just heard the biggest joke of the century.


    Lаτ??τ ch?ρτ?rs ιn g??l??ov?ls.??????


    “I can give you something in return!” Niks blurted, panic rising as Cedric turned to walk away.


    Cedric didn’t even flinch. To him, Niks had nothing of value—nothing worth staying for.


    “Dani!” Niks cried out, ast-ditch plea spilling from his throat.


    Then, Cedric froze. He turned back slowly, his eyes narrowing like a de being drawn. “What did you just say?”


    Niks jumped at the chance to respond. “I said Dani! Cedric, she’s lost her memories. Right now, to her, you’re just another face in the crowd. Maybe there’s a flicker of connection, but it’s faint, barely there. And you know that better than anyone. You also know she’s in the middle of sorting out Elite Lux’s holdings. She’s making ns to go to Oiscoll—with Charles by her side. You’re not part of that n, Cedric. She doesn’t intend to bring you along. But if you work with me, you’ll have every right to go with us to Oiscoll. And once you’re there, you’ll have the chance to win her back. Isn’t that a better shot than waiting here? Dani’s forgotten everything. If she heads to Oiscoll alone, can you honestly sit back and feel at peace?”


    Niks eyed Cedric’s sharply defined profile and swallowed hard, his nerves tightening in his throat.


    “Cedric, believe me—I’m only asking you to help keep Dani in check. That’s all. I have no hidden agenda. This is strictly a McCoy family issue, and truthfully, her interference doesn’t make sense. You love her deeply, don’t you? Then I’m sure you’ll think about what’s best for her. You know how powerful and deeply rooted the McCoy family is. Even someone as capable as Dani would be walking into danger alone, and you can’t honestly say she won’t get hurt.”


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