?Chapter 1453:


    From a nearby table, Hamilton gestured subtly. The waiter gave a small nod and quietly stepped away.


    “Why the panic, Cedric?” Hamilton said, shing an easy smile.


    “She’s probably fixing her makeup. That takes more than five minutes. You’re watching her too closely. That’s not always a good thing.”


    Cedric didn’t bother to answer. His eyes stayed on the ss, scanning the crowd beyond.


    Seeing his agitation, Hamilton motioned toward his secretary. The man stepped forward right away.


    “Mr. Phillips, Mr. McCoy hopes you’ll reconsider. We’d like you to ept your position as McCoy Group’s heir.”


    Cedric’s jaw tightened. He rose from his seat.


    “Not interested. Choose someone else.”


    Hamilton’s smile faltered. His tone sharpened.


    “Choose someone else? You’re throwing away something most people would beg for. You’d inherit more than just wealth. Billions, Cedric. And you won’t even listen to thewyer?”


    Without replying, Cedric waved at Carol.


    “Where’s Dani?” Carol asked in confusion. “Didn’t she go looking for you?”


    In that instant, Cedric’s face darkened. He became serious and cold. He turned slowly and looked Hamilton dead in the eyes.


    “Where is my wife?” The power behind his voice stunned even Hamilton. For a second, he couldn’t speak.


    Then, a flicker of pride crossed his face. This was the kind of presence the McCoy sessor should have.


    “I have no idea,” said Hamilton, waving it off.


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    “She’s probably catching up with someone. Look at what’s in front of you. This offer I’m making—it’s not temporary. I’m giving you everything. The future of the McCoy family will rest on your shoulders. All of it is yours. That matters far more than one woman.”


    Cedric didn’t flinch. He spoke again, his voice like steel. “Where is my wife?”


    “I don’t know,” Hamilton said again.


    Cedric turned and walked away. Just before stepping through the door, he paused.


    “You better pray she’s unharmed. If she’s not, I’ll kill you.”


    Hamilton’s face twitched with anger as he watched Cedric leave.


    “You’ve turned down more than you realize, Cedric!” However, Cedric didn’t even stop.


    Then, with a quiet sigh, Hamilton muttered, “Still too young.”


    Cedric’s chest tightened. Something felt wrong. Too many people had started to use Dani’s vulnerabilities, twisting them for their own gain. Even that strange message had him on edge.


    A growing sense of dread pulled at him. He needed to find her—fast.


    Niks strolled over with a half-filled ss. “What happened?”


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