Chapter 783

Something about Cedric's energy caught the secretary's attention right away.

Although confused by his reaction, the secretary still offered an apologetic smile

In his mind, this sort of opportunity was the kind people dreamed about. From his perspective, there was no reason for Cedric to hesitate, let alone reject it.

A public acknowledgment from Hamilton came with more than just status. It secured a legacy. It should have been cause for celebration.

Still, as he studied Cedric's expression,the secretary couldn't shake the feeling that excitement was the last thing on his mind.

"Did I say something wrong?" the secretary asked,uncertain now.

"No," Cedric replied with a shake of his head, offering no further explanation as he left to find Daniela instead.

The secretary assumed Cedric had stepped away to change clothes

Given the weight of the occasion-Hamilton formally acknowledging Cedric as his son-it made sense to treat it with at least some degree of formality

While Cedric was gone, the secretary took out his phone and typed a message to Hamilton. "Sir,everything's progressing well. Cedric's getting changed now. I'll bring him over shortly."

A few moments passed.

The secretary's screen lit up with a reply.

Reading it, the secretary could practically hear Hamilton's smug voice in his mind. "There's no need for all that. This is a private moment. He can save the suit for tomorrow's press conference. Make sure he's introduced as Cedric McCoy."

Short and simple as the message was, it still carried Hamilton's unmistakable pride.

Without delay, the secretary sent back a quick response. "Understood."

Just as he hit send, footsteps approached. Nikolas entered through the door, face drawn with tension.Meeting the secretary's eyes, he muttered grimly,"So,he's finally going to recognize Cedric as his son."

There was no need to confirm it. The secretary said nothing

Whatever fragile hope Nikolas had clung to seemed to crumble in that moment.

Meanwhile, across the street in the cafe, the lawyer glanced up from his seat. Spotting Nikolas through the window,he leaned closer to Hamilton and murmured,"Sir, don't you think this is a bit cruel to Nikolas?"

Calmly lifting his cup, Hamilton took a slow sip of his coffee before answering, "I never said Cedric would be the heir. That decision will come down to who proves themselves more capable."

The lawyer gave a thoughtful nod, but his gaze drifted back to Nikolas, clearly worried.

Even though Cedric tended to keep quiet and stayed close to Daniela's side, the lawyer had noticed something most people missed-there was a sharp mind behind that silence.

People were already forming opinions. Quiet as it was,the competition had begun.

After speaking with the secretary, Cedric made his way back to Daniela to relay everything he had just learned.

Daniela stopped reviewing the latest design draft and asked, "So, what's your take? Are you sure you don't want to rejoin the McCoy family?" Without hesitation,Cedric gave a firm shake of his head. "My grandmother raised me. She's my only family."

Daniela simply nodded. "Then you should go tell them exactly what you just told me."

Uncertainty flickered across Cedric's face. "Will that mess up anything you're working on?"

"No. I never counted on you saying yes to any of this.

That was never the plan."

Those words settled something inside him. He gave a light, grateful smile, then leaned in and planted a quick kiss on her cheek before turning to go.

Caught off guard, Daniela blinked.

From the doorway, Carol let out a soft laugh. "He's got great timing, that one. Knows when to make a move."

Downstairs, the atmosphere had already shifted.Nikolas and his brothers were lingering in the area,clearly aware that something significant was about to happen.

Still sitting in the cafe across the street, Hamilton waited patiently, expecting Cedric to come out and call himn "Father." As Cedric came into view, the secretary brightened with a smile

The McCoy brothers, however, weren't smiling at all.Their eyes followed Cedric cautiously, a mixture of resentment and unease brewing beneath the surface

Stepping ahead of the others, the secretary called out,"Mr McCoy!"

That greeting hit like a misfired arrow. Nikolas flinched,thinking it was meant for him.

For one brief second, he almost responded. The realization hit hard. His chest tightened with bitterness as he grasped what that call truly meant.

Everything had changed. From this moment on, he was no longer the eldest son in the eyes of the family.

Glances turned toward Nikolas, some pitying, others unreadable.

Biting down hard, Nikolas forced a strained smile that didn't reach his eyes.

"Please head over. Your father has been waiting quite a while." The secretary hesitated, glancing at Cedric's clothes. "Didn't you go up to change? Why are you still in these?"

Paint stains and dust clung to Cedric's shirt, remnants of the renovation work he'd been helping with earlier

"It's true that the press conference is tomorrow," the secretary added gently. "But today still matters. This moment's going on record. Wouldn't it be better to wear something more presentable?"

Nikolas' jaw tightened. His expression darkened.

Record? And Hamilton had even brought along a lawyer This wasn't just a meeting. It was a ceremony

Nikolas cast a look toward the cafe across the street.Hamilton didn't so much as glance over. His posture remained perfectly composed, projecting authority and confidence.

Meanwhile, the secretary's attention remained fixed squarely on Cedric, oblivious to the tension crackling beneath the surface.

Before he could prompt Cedric again, the lawyer called the secretary. "Are we set? If he's coming over,make sure he has documents to confirm his identity."

A nod from the secretary followed. He turned to Cedric to speak, only to pause when Hamilton's voice came clearly through his phone. "Invite Daniela to join us."

Clearly, Hamilton wasn't about to let this moment pass without some flourish. After losing face to Daniela in the past, he now saw Cedric's public acknowledgment as the perfect stage to flaunt victory in front of her.

Shifting to the side, the secretary gave a discreet cough before speaking into his phone. "Sir, perhaps it's best to wait until all the paperwork is finalized before calling Daniela over."

A strange tension lingered in the air.

Something about Cedric's demeanor unsettled the secretary.For a moment, he couldn't explain it.

That should've been a big moment-recognition,legacy, inheritance-but Cedric didn't look the least bit moved. Instead, he appeared calm and collected.

A sense of unease settled over the secretary.