?Chapter 1477:


    A flicker of anxiety crossed Niks’ face as he waited for Cedric to speak.


    After a brief silence, Cedric said just one word, “Faith.”


    The response took Niks by surprise, leaving him speechless.


    Cedric continued, “You already know how to size up a situation and keep things under control. Your judgment is spot on. All I did yesterday was point out a few details—you’re already heading in the right direction. What you’ve been missing isn’t skill, but faith in yourself.”


    Niks sat frozen in ce, trying to take it all in.


    As sunlight streamed through the window, tears began to form in his eyes.


    “Do you really think it’s not skill I’m missing right now?”


    Niks had lost count of how many times he’d heard that line.


    From the moment he started carving his own path, countless voices echoed the same judgment. He’d never bought into it.


    A lifetime of being slotted into his father’s ns and written off as an afterthought had wormed its way under his skin. Who was he to believe he could do anything remarkable?


    He’d spent years trailing behind his father, clinging to someone else’s vision, never daring to trust his own.


    But when Cedric pointed out hisck of faith in himself, he wanted to believe Cedric.


    The thought startled him. He didn’t know where this hope hade from.


    He’d never trusted anyone’s words before.


    And yet, right now, he desperately wanted them to be true.


    His hand tightened around the edge of the project proposal, his knuckles white. Eyes rimmed red from a night without sleep, he turned to Dani.


    She met his gaze, steady and sure.


    “As your biggest backer, I agree with Cedric. Niks, you’re not the person you used to be. This is your moment. Make them pay attention.”


    Carol didn’t hesitate as she stated, “Now’s the time they learn to fear you.”


    The words crashed through him, sharp as lightning. Niks drew a shaky breath.


    “Now’s the time they learn to fear me.”


    And with that, he burst from the room, fueled by a sudden, unstoppable resolve.


    Cedric settled at the dining table, knife and fork in hand, poised to dig in.


    A thunderous crash echoed through the vi as the front door flew open.


    Niks burst in, breathless and wild-eyed. He jabbed a finger at the three diners, his voice ringing with raw bravado.


    “This is it! My moment to finally stand out!”


    Before anyone could respond, he spun on his heel and charged right back out the door.


    The three resumed their meal, unbothered.


    Carol said casually, “All this over a business deal? Is it worth getting this excited?”


    Dani shot Cedric a knowing look.


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