?Chapter 1266:


    Dani replied with a fake smile, “You’re wee to stay for lunch, but I hope no one here will make my husband ufortable.” Her gaze locked with Hamilton’s, piercing and unyielding, and her words carried a warning. “My temper can be fierce, and my protective instinct for my loved ones is strong. If anyone makes my husband unhappy, I’ll make sure they’re twice as miserable.”


    The air seemed to thicken as Hamilton’s previously pleasant expression darkened into a grimace.


    Off to one side, Charles was a portrait of anxiety, his entire body quivering. Hamilton’s secretary kept his gaze lowered, his hands balled into fists, white-knuckled and tense.


    A tense silence cloaked the room, thick and unyielding.


    The moment was broken when Cedric appeared from the kitchen, carrying a steaming dish. Dani waved her hand gracefully, signaling the others to gather around the table.


    Hamilton strode in, embodying an aura of calcted dominance. He surveyed the room with a critical eye, his expression softening slightly as he nodded in approval.


    “The decor here has a refined elegance, devoid of the garish extravagance typical of the nouveau riche,” he noted, his tone carrying a note of genuine admiration.


    Dani settled into her chair with a nonchnt grace. “I simply embrace Cedric’s preferences,” she replied evenly, the underlying message clear—Cedric’s taste was superior to that of the Hamilton family.


    No sooner had Dani taken her ce at the table than Hamilton’s face clouded over. He ced his fork down with a deliberate, resonant ck.


    The secretary reminded Dani, “In the McCoy family, everyone else must wait until Mr. McCoy finishes his meal. It’s also customary for the younger ones to show respect by serving Mr. McCoy during the meal.”


    With that, Charles positioned himself dutifully by Hamilton’s side and put the fork back before Hamilton.


    Cedric brought out another dish from the kitchen. After that, he told Dani, “Go ahead and sit down. I’ve prepared all your favorite dishes. The soup will be right out.”


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    Dani acknowledged his efforts with a grateful nod and settled into her chair.


    Across from her, Hamilton’s gaze turned icy, his eyes narrowing as he scrutinized Cedric and Dani, who seemed oblivious to his expectations of decorum.


    Cedric, undeterred, returned promptly with the soup and took his seat next to Dani. He served her with a tender gesture, coaxing her to try a bite. “Taste this and tell me what you think.”


    Casually, Dani engaged Hamilton. “Please, feel free to help yourself. Enjoy anything you like.”


    Hamilton’s response was a chilling re, his voiceced with disdain. “Is this what you call hospitality?”


    Before Cedric could muster a reply, Dani intercepted. “Why? Aren’t the dishes to your liking?”


    Hamilton opened his mouth to retort, but Dani didn’t give him the chance. “Personally, I’ve always found my husband’s cooking to surpass anything else avable.”


    Cedric, taken aback by Dani’s use of the term “husband,” stared at her, stunned. “Your husband? Are you referring to me?”


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