?Chapter 1423:


    Excitement surged through Niks like a bolt of lightning. “I won’t let her down. I swear I’ll make this work.”


    With the contract stamped and tucked away, Carol looked up. “Dani also said if you ever need support,e to me.”


    Niks’ breath caught again. This wasn’t just money. It was open ess. It was the kind of trust he’d never received from anyone, especially not without a cost.


    “I won’t let her lose a single cent,” he said, chest tight with resolve.


    Niks turned and left without another word, his steps heavier with purpose.


    Behind him, Carol exhaled quietly. Dani didn’t hand out favors. She never gave money, let alone opened every door within herpany for someone else’s business. So, who was this really for?


    It wasn’t about Niks. This was Dani making sure that no matter what happened down the road, Cedric would have something to fall back on. She wasn’t investing in apany.


    Dani was securing a future for him.


    Cedric frowned when he looked over the contract. “Why is my name listed under the partner’s section? Shouldn’t that be Dani’spany?”


    Carol shrugged. “I’m not sure. You’ll have to ask Dani.”


    Just as he turned to do that, Cedric caught sight of Alexander walking in with someone unfamiliar.


    “Hey,” said Carol, stepping closer. “Who’s that guy?”


    Cedric asked around. One of the guards answered, “He said he’s Mr. Bet’s new secretary. Name’s Arthur Lopez.”


    “Arthur?” Cedric had never heard that name before.


    When he went upstairs, both Alexander and Arthur were already inside the meeting room. Cedric paused at the doorway and took a closer look.


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    The man wore a light gray suit and looked like he was in his forties. Behind his thick sses, his sharp gaze barely moved. He didn’t speak to Alexander. Just kept scribbling on a piece of paper.


    Cedric nced at Carol. She got the cue. When she passed by Arthur’s chair, she slowed just enough to catch a glimpse. He was sketching some kind of chart. Nothing she recognized.


    The meeting kicked off. Alexander spoke first,ying out the goals of the partnership, the process, and the benefits both sides could expect. Dani paid attention, jotting down notes.


    Then she paused. She felt someone watching her.


    She looked up and met Arthur’s eyes. He gave her a faint, unreadable smile.


    Dani gave a small nod and returned to the documents in front of her.


    Across the table, Cedric kept his eyes on Arthur. Not once did the man look at Alexander. Every time, his gaze was locked on Dani. He kept writing, slow and steady.


    Later in the meeting, Cedric stood up and passed behind Arthur. His eyes caught something odd. The paper was covered in small ck dots.


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