Chapter 511

Cedric's secretary entered with a tray of fruit.

As soon as he stepped in, he caught the word "bankruptcy" and nearly dropped the tray.

"Bankruptcy?" He snapped his head towards Daniela in alarm.′′Ms. Harper, does Elite Lux's secretary department happen to need a capable male secretary?"

Daniela let out a small, amused smile

The secretary,however,remained completely serious, his expression almost reverent. "I mean it.I've wanted to join Elite Lux for the longest time. If Phillips Group actually went under, would you consider taking me in?"

Cedric turned to glare at the secretary he had worked with for years, his gaze sharp and unreadable.

Without a word, he strode past him and headed straight for Daniela.

Lowering himself onto the seat beside her, Cedric softened his tone. "I can cook, clean, and even keep the bed warm. I don't cost much either-just enough to make ends meet."

The secretary stood there in stunned silence.

Just enough to make ends meet?

That wouldn't do.

He wanted wealth.

Realizing he had already lost this battle, the secretary sulked in defeat while Cedric threw Daniela a victorious smirk.

Daniela simply smiled back.

She agreed immediately, hoping Cedric would always be as carefree and lighthearted as he was in that moment. At noon, Cedric had the secretary bring lunch to the office.

He told Daniela, "I have a client meeting at noon. After lunch, you can rest in the lounge."

Daniela gave a small nod of agreement,and Cedric left.

As he made his way to the second-floor canteen, he glanced out the window.

The traffic below moved smoothly, thestreets appearing peaceful, but Cedric knew better. Beneath that calm surface, unseen threats lurked.

He pulled out his phone and called his subordinate, Rex Patel. "What's the situation now?"

Rex chuckled. "Situation? What situation? Shadow's already handled it. There's nothing she can't take care of. But I heard the leader of Extinction has his sights set on you. Better watch your back."

Extinction was a fast-rising gang-ruthless, merciless, and bound by no code. They would do anything for the right price.

Lately, word had spread that their leader had ambitions of becoming the new underworld overlord, wiping out several major organizations to clear his path.

They had never crossed paths with Cealmaur before, but this time, things felt different.

"I heard their leader publicly challenged Clarinda to a one-on-one fight. No word yet on how Cealmaur's responding," Rex added.

Cedric's eyes darkened. "Find out more about Clarida's and Shadow's market prices."

Whatever the circumstances, they had been dragged into this because of him. It was only right that he paid them accordingly.

Rex hesitated. "Cedric, Shadow might have a price, but Clarinda... If you want her market rate, well, let's just say it might cost you your entire fortune."

Everyone knew that Cealmaur's leader wasn't a legend for nothing.

When Cealmaur first emerged, they took the mercenary world by storm with only two people-the leader and Shadow. Even when multiple rival gangs banded together to crush them, they failed spectacularly.

That battle wiped out their enemies and reshaped the entire criminal underworld, sending shockwaves through every faction.

Since then, no one had dared to challenge the authority of Cealmaur.

Even Shadow had vanished for years.

"Cedric, level with me. Do you know Cealmaur's leader? Otherwise, why would she be stepping in because of you?"

Cedric narrowed his eyes.

No matter how hard he searched his memory, he couldn't recall any connection between himself and Clarinda.

But one thing was certain-he hated owing anyone.

Daniela woke from her nap to a message from Lillian lighting up her phone screen.

She glanced at it, then headed to the bathroom to freshen up.

After splashing cold water on her face, she tied her hair into a neat ponytail.

Stepping out of Cedric's lounge, she found him at his desk, punching numbers into a calculator.

"What are you working on?" she asked, approaching him.

Cedric muttered, "I need to keep a small company intact for a future comeback and liquidate the rest." He pressed the intercom and said, "Have the finance department calculate the full value of Phillips Group's assets."

After ending the call, his expression remained a mix of seriousness and ease, as if he had already accepted the weight of the decision. Yet, beneath it all, there was something unreadable in his gaze.

"Honey, I'm deep in debt and need to pay it off in cash. You okay with that?" Daniela responded without hesitation, "Of course."

The secretary standing nearby swallowed hard.

Could this couple stop talking about billion-dollar assets like they were discussing the weather?

Unbothered,Daniela resumed playing her video game.

Cedric mentioned he had a meeting in the conference room.

Daniela gave a small nod, and once he left, she finished her game, stretched her neck, and told the secretary, "I'm heading downstairs for a walk."

The secretary's eyes lit up. "Would you like me to accompany you?"

Daniela shook her head. "I'm just taking a quick tour of the departments. No need to tag along."

The secretary's excitement deflated instantly.

Half an hour later, Cedric wrapped up his meeting.

A wave of regret hit him-he should have kept Daniela close. It was too dangerous these days.

When he returned to his office and saw it empty, his pulse skyrocketed."Where's my wife?"

His secretary bolted out of the department, pointing to the lower floors. "She said she was touring the departments downstairs."

Cedric's expression darkened. Without another word, he rushed into the elevator.

The secretary stood frozen. "What's wrong with Mr. Phillips? I've never seen him this rattled. His wife is just walking around the company, not leaving the building. What's he so worked up about?"

What possible danger could there be in Cedric's own company?