?Chapter 1492:


    That night, a significant sum was transferred from Hamilton’s private ount. The next day, Hamilton instructed his secretary, “Get Niks on the phone. Tell him I want him home today.”


    A pause followed, then Hamilton added, “Damon too. Make sure hees back.”


    Without a word, the secretary began making the calls. But nothing unfolded as expected.


    Damon responded, “I’m tied up with work, so I’m noting. If you want help digging up Dani’s secrets, I’m out. I haven’t touched a cent of the family’s money, and I n to keep it that way. Leave me out of whatever mess you’re nning. Don’t even tell me about it.”


    He didn’t wait for a reply, hanging up immediately.


    After that, the secretary tried reaching Niks. Niks didn’t even bother answering.


    News of this only darkened Hamilton’s mood.


    “Oh, so now that they’re independent, they can ignore their own father. Go to Niks’pany and tell him this—if he refuses toe back, he can forget about evering back!”


    Reluctantly, the secretary made his way to Niks’ workce but wasn’t even allowed past the front door.


    That humiliation did nothing to improve Hamilton’s temper. Eventually, he cornered Niks at a crowded banquet, unable to contain his anger.


    “How could you be so ungrateful? I’m still your father. Don’t tell me I have to make an appointment just to talk to you.”


    Niks, sharp in his tailored suit, stared him down with a look that gave nothing away.


    Hamilton sneered, “All I did was take one small business from you. Was that worth all this anger? McCoy Group will be yours someday. Word is, Dani’s the one backing yourpany, so in the end, you’re still working under someone, aren’t you? I just don’t get it. You used to listen without question. What changed? Never mind. I won’t keep going back and forth with you today. I’m still your father, so I’ll let this slide. I have something I want you to take care of. If you can pull it off, I’ll wee you back into the family. You’ll take over McCoy Group.”


    ???????? ???????????? ???? ?????????????????????????


    A bitter smile yed on Niks’ lips. “Me? Taking over McCoy Group? Come on, Father. Isn’t Cedric the one you’ve always wanted to take over? Why would you even consider me?”


    Hamilton met his gaze, unflinching. “That was true. Cedric was my first choice. But his future is set—he doesn’t need this anymore.”


    Confusion flickered in Niks’ eyes. “What future are you talking about?”


    A trace of pride slipped into Hamilton’s voice. “The princess of Loglil is interested in him and wants to marry him. When the king is gone, Cedric will step up. He’ll be king. Loglil is powerful and rich. Cedric won’t care about taking over McCoy Group.”


    For a moment, Niks looked stunned. Then,ughter erupted from him—sharp and humorless. “So now you remember me, Father, just because Cedric has no use for it anymore? If the princess hadn’t picked him, would I still be invisible to you? I’ve poured everything I have into McCoy Group all these years, and this is what I am to you? Just the backup n? Only good enough for what Cedric turns down? Do my years of dedication mean nothing to you at all?”


    .


    .


    .