Chapter 601

Hackett wouldn't be foolish enough to kill Cedric himself.

Instead, he convened the major members of the association,excluding only Alexander.

"Let's consider imposing another wave of commercial sanctions against Cedric." Hackett rallied the others passionately. "We must seek retribution for Marcus 'death!"

Bruno narrowed his eyes, his stare piercing. "Cedric's bold enough to murder Marcus! We cannot allow him to trample over us without consequences!"

Tripp, nodding emphatically, chimed in, "Enduring his provocations wil only embolden Daniela! Since mercy is off the table, striking first seems our only option."

'Amidst the murmurs, Farley's silence broke as he balled his hands into fists, inspired by Tripp's words "Then let's band together! No retreating, no surrender!"

The room buzzed with a unified readiness for action.

However,Huey,with a serene countenance,voiced his dissent. "I must disagree." Hackett's emerging smile faded abruptly."Huey,what are you implying? Has fear taken hold of you?"

Bruno, perplexed, turned to Huey. "Did the recent ordeal frighten you that much? What is there to fear when death is our shared destiny? Daniela seeks vengeance for her mother's death. She'd come after us regardless."

Leaning back with an air of calm defiance, Huey replied, "True, death comes for us all. However,l refuse to meet it senselessly."

At this, Hackett's frustration boiled over. "Huey,elaborate! What do you mean?"

Huey stood defiant, his demeanor unshaken by Hackett's intimidating aura. "Until the truth about Marcus' demise surfaces, my stance against Elite Lux remains unchanged."

This bold statement plunged the room into an oppressive silence.

Huey's stare bored into Hackett, a scornful smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. "I am nobody's pawn, to be discarded in their personal vendettas."

The room gasped, taken aback by the tension.

Hackett alone seethed with anger, his hand thundering against the table. "Huey, are you insinuating something sinister? Do you dare accuse me of murdering Marcus?"

Huey's response was a chilling laugh, resonating with defiance.

Driven to fury, Hackett yelled, "Huey, do you not fear the sting of your own conscience? Accusing me of such a heinous act? After all my sacrifices for the association,you repay me with baseless slander? Show me your proof! How could you cast such aspersions?"

Emotion choked Hackett's words, his eyes swelling with a mix of rage and sorrow.

The others around them scrambled to quell the brewing storm, urging peace between the two enraged men.

Farley attempted to mediate, his voice laced with reason. "Huey, please, Hackett has only ever planned for our collective benefit. Temper your fury."

"Temper my fury?" Huey's retort was incredulous,his voice rising in protest. "How can I temper my fury when I was inches from death on that rooftop!"

Silence once again fell like a heavy blanket over the room.

Every pair of eyes turned to Huey, their expressions a mixture of shock and incredulity.

Farley's eyes widened, a mix of disbelief and fear clouding his features. "Huey, what are you implying?"

Bruno chimed in, "Huey, you really shouldn't say things that could fracture our unity."

Huey rose, his stance bold and unyielding. With Daniela's formidable support behind him, he had nothing to fear.

He brought his hand down hard on the table, making everyone jump. "What am I implying? Isn't it glaringly obvious? Reflect on it. Why didn't the fire department show up that day? And why was it Cedric who ultimately held me back? Isn't the truth apparent?"

Hackett retorted, "I told you, it was Cedric who shoved me aside."

Huey sneered dismissively, "What absurdity are you spouting? I was right there. You might deceive the others, but you can't fool me. Hackett, you plotted my demise at Elite Lux to avoid Daniela's economic retaliation against you. You aimed for my death!"

His accusation reverberated through the room,sending a shiver down everyone's spine and ushering in a profound silence once again.

"You're spouting nonsense!" Hackett snapped

Huey's voice was cold as he abruptly kicked the chair beside him. "You know the truth deep down. Let me make this clear: until Marcus' real murderer is uncovered, I won't go against Daniela. I urge you not to be unwitting pawns in someone else's game."

With those final words, Huey stormed out, not once glancing back.

Murderous fury simmered in Hackett's eyes as he fought to keep his composure. After a tense moment,he adopted a look of distress and turned to the others,pleading, "I swear, I'm innocent. I can't fathom why Huey suspects me. Perhaps Cedric has clouded his judgment."

Farley's brow creased in thought, mulling over Huey's parting words. "I need to reconsider everything Excuse me," he said, making his exit.

The others dispersed, leaving Bruno alone with Hackett. "Hackett, I trust you. You've always been there for us. Why would you betray us?"

A tear trickled down Hackett's cheek as he clutched at a flicker of hope. "It has to be Daniela's influence over him. It must be!"

Bruno nodded, his loyalty unwavering. "I'll confront Daniela myself! Hackett, I'll right this wrong on your behalf!"

Energized by resolve, Bruno set off that afternoon to confront Daniela. That evening, Bruno's company was bought out for a mere dollar, sending him spiraling into despair and eventually a psychiatric ward.

The following day, Tripp's company suffered the same fate.

Terrified, Farley sought out Huey. "What deal did you strike with Daniela? I'll do anything to protect my company and family."

Huey took out a confession from his drawer.