Chapter 1022

Nikolas turned, a gentle smile playing on his lips as he met Hamilton's gaze. "You know, if one day you're ever wronged or picked on, we might not step up to defend you. That sort of courage isn't in us. But if Daniela truly considers you family, I believe she'll stand up for you, just like she fights for her mother.In the end, isn't everyone simply chasing a fair shot at life?"

With those words, Nikolas offered a last smile before heading down the stairs.

Hamilton remained rooted in place, caught in a quiet moment of contemplation.

Time passed as he stood in silence, and eventually he looked up, his eyes landing on Daniela.

She turned just in time to catch Hamilton's lingering gaze.

Ready to descend the stairs, Daniela was stopped by his voice. "If your mom knew everything you've done for her, she'd be relieved and proud."

For a moment, Daniela froze, locking eyes with Hamilton as something unspoken passed between them. Some subtle shift had changed him; she could feel it. Moments later, as they left Josh's house,Hamilton's phone buzzed.

He took the call, eyes flickering to Daniela before stepping away, voice dropping. "Why do you want to meet with Daniela? This isn't her concern. We're not about to follow you down this reckless path!"

Josh's voice erupted through the phone, wild and desperate. "I'm still a McCoy! How can you just ignore me? I'm your brother, Hamilton. Brad's completely unhinged-he's killing without restraint. What makes you think you're safe from his wrath?"

Exasperation colored Hamilton's reply. "Enough with the scare tactics! Brad has no reason to hurt me. I've never done anything to cross him."

A huff of irritation came from Josh. "Put Daniela on the phone! I don't have time to argue with you."

Without another word, Hamilton ended the call.

Nikolas, keeping pace beside Daniela, glanced over."What happened? Who was on the line?"

Hamilton shook off the question. "Nobody worth worrying about-just a lunatic ranting. Let's head home. This isn't the kind of place Daniela should be dragged into. She deserves better than this mess."

As a few people up ahead turned their heads, he added with a touch of awkwardness, "What if she gets frightened and it's bad for the babies?" With that, Daniela and her companions made their way back home.

Later that night, a message from Josh appeared on Daniela's phone. "Come to the hospital. It's urgent.I want to cut a deal with you."

Daniela ignored the message, making no move to reply.

She was ready to toss her phone aside when another notification lit up the screen, signaling a second incoming message.

"You can see I have nothing left to offer. But didn't you ask for Ethan's and Brad's letters of confession?Don't you want mine? Don't you want it for your mother? You want us to confess to our sins,don't you?I'm ready to give you my confession. Do you have the nerve to face me and take it?"

Daniela didn't keep any secrets from Cedric.

Cedric, having heard everything, replied without missing a beat, "Let's head out."

With a quick grin, Daniela pushed her chair back."Okay, let's get going."

Darkness thickened outside while Cedric and Daniela slipped from the warmth of the house. At the doorway,Hamilton muttered, "Goodness gracious! It's already eight. Why are you two stepping out at this hour?Don't you know it's not safe?" Nikolas gaped at Hamilton, barely believing his ears."Seriously? Eight isn't even late. You must be joking."

Damon rolled his eyes and said, "Remember when l left past midnight and you threatened to lock me out?"

Duran let out a laugh. "There was a time I walked in at dawn for breakfast, and Dad practically banned me from the house. It's only eight. Most people are just starting to have some fun. Where's the danger?"

With a grin, Daniela reassured him, "We're just stretching our legs. Give us an hour and we'll be back."

A look of disapproval crossed Hamilton's face."I'm coming along."

Suddenly,Daniela lost her words.

Cedric found himself equally stuck, unable to speak.

Nikolas rose from his seat, unable to hide his disbelief."Look at them, Dad. That's a couple on a stroll, and you're not exactly fitting in. Why tag along?"

Hamilton turned to argue. That brief distraction gave Daniela and Cedric the perfect window to slip out unnoticed.

A moment later, Hamilton realized they were gone,muttering under his breath in the living room.

Nikolas could only sigh."Dad, you do remember you've got other sons,right?" Kohen chimed in, "Honestly, thefavoritism isn't subtle.You can't expect us not to notice."

Charles flashed a mischievous smile. "If you want to depend on someone besides Cedric in your old age,maybe show us a little love too, don't you think?"

Damon's laughter echoed around the room. "He's got a point. Cedric's not exactly settling in for good."

Duran considered the group, then shrugged. "If you ask me, Daniela's the one who's open to talk. Cedric puts up walls nobody's getting through."

Hamilton, not moving from his spot, narrowed his eyes. "Yes, it's Daniela we need to reach. Cedric's like a locked door without a key."

Plans began to form in Hamilton's mind. He'd have to speak with Daniela once she was back.

Waiting for her, he planted himself by the door,hopeful for her return.