?Chapter 1254:


    Niks was banking on the hope that Cedric still had no idea Dani led a mercenary force.


    Niks paused before pressing on. “Dani may be strong-willed, but at the end of the day, she’s still just one woman. Asking her to face the McCoy family head-on—it’s too much. I know she’s going there to uncover the truth about her mother’s death. I won’t stop her. That doesn’t interfere with my ns. In fact, I’m even willing to help, as long as she stays out of the family’s power struggles. I came to you because this helps you too. Call it an alliance with me if you want, but really, it’s a way to keep her safe. Isn’t that the smarter move?”


    Niks genuinely believed his argument was airtight.


    But after all that talking, Cedric’s face didn’t flinch—not even a twitch. Niks cursed under his breath. Just how stubborn could this couple get?


    Tight-lipped, he asked, “So, what’s your take?” His eyes clung to Cedric, desperate for even the slightest nod of agreement.


    Cedric let out a frosty smirk. “Who do you think you’re fooling?”


    Niks’s face hardened in an instant.


    Cedric said evenly, “She’s taking me with her.”


    Niks was momentarily stunned—he hadn’t expected Cedric to sound so certain. “Dani? You really think she’s taking you? You’re not even part of the n she made with Charles. I checked the McCoy family’s private jet manifest myself—your name’s not on it. If she truly wanted you with her, would you still be standing here? Has she told you to pack? Given you anypany tasks to wrap up?”


    Niks was nearing his breaking point. “How does someone so sharp end up sopletely blind when ites to love?”


    Dani hadn’t breathed a word about bringing him, yet Cedric clung to the idea like it was gospel.


    Cedric didn’t bother to reply. He just turned and walked off.


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    Niks stood there, mentally unraveling. He’d armed himself with every possible angle to win Cedric over.


    But he hadn’t anticipated this—Cedric’s unshakable belief that Dani would take him along.


    Where did he get that unbreakable trust?


    Niks nearly lost it. He yelled after Cedric’s retreating figure, “Come find me when you’ve changed your mind!”


    Then, he muttered to himself, “Who knew the McCoy family could birth a lovesick fool?”


    Cedric returned home, his eyes instinctively drifting toward the living room. Dani wasn’t there, watching TV as she usually was.


    In the kitchen, the housekeeper was busy preparing a meal. Sunlight spilled through the windows, wrapping the room in a cozy glow. Hearing the sound of the door, the housekeeper stepped out. Spotting Cedric, she greeted him warmly, “Mr. Phillips.”


    “Has Danie back yet?” Cedric asked.


    The housekeeper shook her head. “Not yet. She left early this morning but mentioned she’d be back for lunch. She should be here soon.”


    At her words, Cedric let out a small breath. The heavy knot in his chest loosened a little.


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