Chapter 699

Cedric was in the garden, quietly tending to the flowers.

The three of them approached and stood in front of him.

He looked up, surprised to see them there.

"Do you need something?" he asked. His voice was cold.

Charles froze for a moment. In that moment, he saw something familiar-Cedric looked just like Hamilton.

Kohen stepped forward first, keeping his usual smile.

"This is Charles McCoy, our brother. He heard about your injury. He works in the medical field and knows specialists who treat leg conditions. We're really grateful that you chose not to fight for the inheritance . To show our thanks, we've already arranged for a doctor to take a look at your leg."

All three believed Cedric would accept their offer without resistance.

But Cedric didn't even look at them. "Don't bother.I'm not your brother."

They exchanged uncertain glances.

Nikolas stepped in. "Even if you won't admit it, you're still our brother. You gave up your claim. Let us at least do something in return."

Kohen added quickly, "If you refuse, we'll carry the guilt."

Charles nodded several times. "We should help you recover."

Cedric stopped watering the flowers and stared at them, his gaze sharp. "Why are you being so kind all of a sudden? What are you really after?"

His words made all three chuckle nervously.

Nikolas replied, "Isn't it obvious? We just want to thank you."

Kohen jumped in. "You've treated us well. We want to give back."

Charles said at once, "Otherwise, we'll feel terrible.Please let us help."

Cedric looked at them and said flatly,"If you feel that guilty, should I change my mind and fight you for the inheritance?"

That shut them up.

Nikolas looked stunned.

Kohen's expression turned uneasy.

A flicker of something cold passed over Charles'face.

Cedric caught all of it and let out a quiet laugh. "I'm not your brother. That's why I don't get anything.But if you're going to call me brother, then I deserve a share. Whether or not you mean it, that's something you'll have to think about." He turned back toward the flowers. "And I know the state of my leg. If you're set on being helpful, go assist my wife. She still needs to figure out who wrote that note."

Cedric didn't want to waste another second.

They only cared about money and power-neither of which interested him.

Without another word, Cedric walked back toward the villa.

Charles glanced at Nikolas and Kohen.

Kohen caught up to Cedric and spoke quickly. "We won't call you brother, but you should accept our goodwill. If you don't, we'll be uneasy."

"If you agree to let us help, we'll take it as a sign you won't fight us over the inheritance." Nikolas stepped in right after.

Cedric came to a halt. "Why do you all care so much about my leg?" Charles noticed the shift in his tone and said,"Cedric, we're doing this for both you and us. You're a good-looking guy, but that leg messes with your image. Even a top executive needs to look the part,don't you think? And your wife-she's stunning.Wouldn't you want to dance with her on a clear,starry night? What if one day she walks away because of it? Wouldn't that make you want to come back and fight us for what we have?"

Cedric didn't reply right away. The thought struck something in him. He did want to dance with Daniela under the stars.

The three of them picked up on his hesitation. But before any of them could say more, a voice drifted out from inside the villa."I don't like dancing."

All three turned toward the sound, stunned.

Nikolas called out, "Daniela, we're trying to talk some sense into Cedric. Can't you support us on this?Don't you want his leg to heal?"

Kohen added, "It's a shame to wear such a nice suit when the leg doesn't match it."

Charles leaned forward, his voice smooth. "Daniela,think about it. A bad leg doesn't just affect looks. It'll affect his health too."

Daniela's brow tensed slightly.

The three exchanged hopeful looks.

Charles knew not to push the wrong way in this situation. He softened his tone and smiled."What handwriting were you talking about?"

Kohen pulled out his phone and tapped the screen."Take a look at this. Do you recognize the writing?It looks familiar. I know l've seen it before."

Charles gave it a quick glance and shrugged."I don't recognize it."

Daniela's eyes didn't leave him. She caught the slight shift in his expression.

"You sure you don't recognize it?" Daniela asked, her voice cold, eyes locked on his face.