Chapter 1008

Daniela arched a brow at Hamilton, as if he'd finally.lost his grip on reality. "If I really wanted Brad dead, do you think I'd go about it in such an idiotic way? Please.If I had meant to kill him, he'd never have made it this far."

Hamilton hesitated, then gave a reluctant nod. "Fair.But if it wvasn't you, then who in their right mind would try to lay a hand on anyone from the McCoy family in Oiscoll?"

"Is that what you think?" Daniela's tone was light,almost mocking. "You should open your mind a little more. Ever consider the threat might be coming from inside the McCoy family itself?"

That idea clearly rattled Hamilton. His eyes narrowed as he mulled it over, the gears in his head turning behind a mask of suspicion. Without another word,he spun on his heel and strode out of the room.

"Keep a close eye on things, Carol," Daniela instructed curtly.

Carol, arms folded and chin tipped up in defiance,let out a disgruntled huff. "It wouldn't hurt for that old guy to learn a lesson or two."

Daniela glanced over, studying her for a long beat.Finally, she shrugged. "If it doesn't bother you that he's Nikolas' father, it certainly doesn't bother me."

Carol's lips twitched as she muttered reluctantly,"Isn't he Cedric's father too?"

Daniela's gaze slid to Cedric's impassive face before she spoke, her tone light. "Clearly, my husband doesn't seem to mind. But Nikolas certainly does. Do as you please. It's not a command."

From outside, the deep rumble of a car engine rolled into the quiet room.

Daniela sipped her coffee, resuming her breakfast without another word.

Carol shot to her feet, her chair scraping back in frustration. "Fine."

Daniela let out a soft laugh that turned into a small cough, forcing Cedric to reach over and pat her back with an amused grin.

Hamilton wvas already barreling down the road,heading straight for Josh's house.

Inside,Josh sat watching the news as his brows knitted.

The anchor reported that only Brad had been found in the car.

He narrowed his eyes, suspicion hardening in his chest.

No remains? How come no traces were left behind? And wasn't Ethan supposed to be stuffed into Brad's suitcase? So where the hell was he?

Josh barely had time to make sense of the situation before Hamilton stormed in, his face dark with rage "Did you kill Brad?"

Josh shot him a glare, annoyance flaring instantly. His temper was legendary, a fuse short as a summer spark."What the hell are you talking about? You got proof?Or are you just here to pick a fight? Actually,I was about to ask you if Daniela killed Brad. Otherwise,how did he end up dead out of nowhere? Hamilton, I'm not letting you leave until I get some real answers."

Hamilton froze, clearly rattled by Josh's vehemence.

Josh's tone turned cold and biting. "And ever since this went down, I've been calling Ethan non-stop.Why can't I get through to him? What did Daniela pull this time? Out with it!"

Hamilton stared at him, unable to get a single word past his lips.

Josh swung his arm and shoved Hamilton hard enough to send him stumbling.

Hamilton teetered backward, the sharp edge of the table looming toward his skull.

Just then, the front door slammed open, and a pair of arms caught Hamilton just in time.Hamilton squeezed his eyes shut, bracing for pain that never came. Instead, he felt himself hauled upright,steady hands gripping his shoulders.

Blinking, he spun around-Carol stood behind him,arms folded and gaze steely.

"What are you doing here?" Hamilton muttered,still shaken.

Carol arched an eyebrow, shooting Josh a look of pure contempt. "Planned to kill him,huh?"

Josh curled his lip, his glare dripping with malice,furious that his blow hadn't landed. Today was supposed to be Daniela's downfall, and he was ready to take Hamilton down with her. Carol's sudden appearance had wrecked everything.

"Josh McCoy!" Hamilton barked, still reeling from the close call. The brute force behind Josh's attack left no doubt-he planned to seriously injure him.

Hamilton twisted around, heart pounding as the razor -sharp table edge threatened to split his skull. Had he collided with it, the outcome would have been catastrophic. He shot Josh a glare, voice trembling with outrage. "How could you stoop so low as to attack me? You killed Brad, didn't you?"

Arms folded tightly, Josh snorted with icy disdain."You're accusing me of murder? Where's your proof?If you don't have any, then save your breath and get lost."Hamilton seethed in place, fists clenched, struggling to keep his temper in check.

Carol shot him a look of disdain. "Alright, let's go.You're no match for him."

All the time spent with Daniela had never left Carol feeling so thoroughly defeated. Now, it was unmistakable to her-Hamilton's bravado was a flimsy mask he only wore around his children. In front of his brothers, he was completely stripped of power, a man rendered helpless.

Carol strode out, her jaw set, while Hamilton trailed after her, burning with humiliation and rage