?Chapter 1420:


    But Dani spoke up again, calm and focused. “Based on what you just exined, ten million won’t cut it. If you’remitted to this, I want a detailed budget—one that covers everything this project needs to seed.”


    Niks was stunned. He turned his head, surprise flickering in his eyes. “Wait, what did you just say?”


    Niks’ cheeks flushed with a rush of excitement as Dani met his gaze. “Is that your final budget number? If it is, I think you should check your math. Something’s off. If not, I need the figure. I’m not concerned how long it takes for you to repay me. Got it?”


    Niks stood rooted to the spot, stunned. He had only handed Dani a rough sketch along with some estimated costs. There was no way she could realize his figure was far from urate.


    “That isn’t the final budget. My n is to get through the first phase and find additional fundingter on…”


    Dani’s tone stayed steady and direct, as if she were talking to Niks as an equal. There was no hint of superiority, only respect. “If you could secure more funding, you wouldn’t be here asking me.”


    Niks looked defeated for a moment.


    “I’m offering you a real opportunity,” Dani continued, watching Niks’ expression color with emotion. “I need you toe up with a realistic budget and a detailed project n. Can you have that ready by tomorrow morning?”


    Energy flooded Niks as the words sank in. This was the first time someone truly listened to him, not because he was from the McCoy family, but because of his ideas and effort. She treated him as an equal, discussing his proposal without judgment.


    A fierce resolve began to burn within Niks.


    He straightened, a confident light in his eyes. “You’ll have the full proposal on your desk by tomorrow morning, promise!”


    With his spirits soaring, Niks marched off to his room, ready to work through the night.


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    Meanwhile, Dani turned her focus back to herptop. Cedric threw himself into the task of tracking down where the unknown phone number came from.


    Carol turned to Dani and asked, “Are you really nning to support Niks? It’s obvious Hamilton’s been holding him down all these years. Niks seems desperate for someone to believe in him. But what if he’s just all talk? He could end up blowing through the fortune for nothing. On the other hand, if he actually has talent, he might turn into seriouspetition down the line. Aren’t you worried he’ll be a rival to Cedric?”


    Niks happened to have something to confirm with Dani. He stopped a few meters away upon hearing Carol’s words.


    Dani, with her back to Niks, said calmly, “There’s nothing to worry about. Cedric can handle whateveres his way.”


    Niks didn’t know how to respond.


    When Niks thought Dani had nothing more to say, she added, “I don’t have any siblings. I can’t say what having siblings means to Cedric, but it must matter to him. Otherwise, Cedric wouldn’t have softened and let them stay. That’s why I’d rather do what I can to keep this connection intact. Niks’ project actually has potential, and it just needs a proper budget, somewhere close to eighty million. I’d—”


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