?Chapter 1457:


    Cedric’s hold became firmer, wrapping her securely in his arms. Gradually, his breathing slowed, matching hers. The hours stretched on, silent and deep.


    Cedric’s resolve was clear—he would do everything in his power to erase Alexander’s shadow from her memory. He wanted no trace of Alexander’s repulsive cruelty remaining. His devotion poured out without restraint.


    Eventually, exhaustion imed Dani. Cedric made sure to gently clean her up, tending to every detail so she could rest infort.


    Sleep slowly overtook Dani. Her hand slipped limply onto Cedric’s chest, her voice barely a whisper as she murmured, “Let there be no hatred left here. I just want you to always be happy.”


    The words struck Cedric straight in the heart, nearly undoing him. Even now, her first thought was for his happiness. Yet those cold-blooded people had dared to harm her. He silently promised they would pay for every wound they inflicted.


    Meanwhile, downstairs, neither Niks nor Damon managed a moment’s rest. Panic pushed Damon to pace the living room.


    “This is a nightmare! Dani’s okay, isn’t she? Please tell me nothing happened.”


    From her spot on the sofa, Carol shot him a re.


    “If nothing had happened, would Cedric be mad? No matter what Dani decides, your family isn’t getting off the hook!”


    Frustration colored Damon’s face. “That’s not fair—it had nothing to do with us. Don’t punish the innocent!”


    But Carol wouldn’t be swayed. Her angershed out at him.


    “And yet yourst name is still McCoy, isn’t it?”


    Damon could only stare, words failing him.


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    Niks, once proud of his flourishing business, now found himself drowning in shame, unable to imagine facing Dani after what had happened.


    Both men spent the long night downstairs, trapped under the weight of Carol’s cold re.


    Carol, meanwhile, worked her phone relentlessly, rallying allies and sounding rms.


    Worry gnawed at Niks and Damon.


    Throughout the night, Carol made call after call—by sunrise, she’d spoken to at least a hundred people, spreading word of the outrage.


    They openly dered that they wanted Alexander’s and Hamilton’s lives. Niks couldn’t forget Dani’s formidable reputation—she was a legend among mercenaries. If her people were truly unleashed now…


    That would mean going to war with his own family.


    By morning, Niks’ nerves had frayed to the breaking point, prompting him to dial Cedric in desperation. Cedric answered coldly, “Wait.”


    He hadn’t slept all night. Once Dani slipped into a deep rest, he left her side and made his way down.


    Niks rushed to intercept him.


    “I know Dad’s to me, but he’s still our father. I’m begging you for mercy.”


    As the plea left his lips, Niks couldn’t help but notice the love bites scattered across Cedric’s open cor.


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