Chapter 784

Resentment still simmered beneath Hamilton's composed exterior. The string of humiliations he'd suffered at Daniela's hands hadn't faded from memory.

Finally, he had a chance to reclaim some dignity in front of her-and he wasn't about to let that slip awvay.

"Absolutely not. If Daniela doesn't come, then Cedric shouldn't bother showing up either," Hamilton said flatly, his voice leaving no room for debate.

The line went dead before the secretary could reply.He stared at the silent screen, lips pressed into a tight line, and let out a sigh of resignation.

Dragging his feet a little, he made his way back to Cedric, forcing a polite smile that didn't reach his eyes."Mr. McCoy, your father wants both you and your wife to attend."

From the side, Nikolas scowled the second he heard it."Why bring her into this?"

Was his father going to welcome both Cedric and Daniela into the family?

Remaining friendly, the secretary turned to Cedric. "Since Daniela is your wife, it only makes sense for her to meet your father, don't you think?"

Without hesitation, Cedric caught the angle Hamilton was playing

His face hardened into a cold, unreadable expression."So he's using this as an excuse to provoke her. That's what this is."

Caught off guard, the secretary found himself speechless. He hadn't expected Cedric to be quite this sharp.

Trying to smooth things over, he replied, "Why would he do that? You're his family. There's no reason for him to create conflct. Maybe just take a moment to change and ask your wife to come down?"

Cedric didn't budge. "No need. Go back and tell Hamilton I have no intention of joining the McCoy family. And I'll never allow anyone to put my wife in a difficult position. If that's all, you can leave now."

Without waiting for a reply, Cedric turned and climbed the stairs, disappearing into his workspace while the others stood frozen.

Across the street, Hamilton instinctively glanced toward the building, expecting to see Cedric emerge Instead,only the secretary and the stiff-faced McCoy brother remained in view. Realizing Cedric was nowhere in sight, Hamilton's brow furrowed. He snatched up his phone and redialed, this time with far less patience. "What the hell is taking so long? It's just a change of clothes! Is he really going to make this into some dramatic spectacle? Do l need to walk over there myself and drag him out?"

At that moment, the secretary muttered to himself,"You might actually have to."

Carefully choosing his words, he spoke in a low tone."Mr. McCoy, Cedric just told me he won't be joining the family."

Hamilton sprang to his feet, voice thundering across the room. "What did you just say?"

Around him, murmurs rose and heads turned. The quiet cafe quickly filled with curious stares.

Not bothering to lower his voice,Hamilton shouted again, "He said what? Cedric's refusing me? Has he lost his damn mind?"

Even the secretary had to admit-Cedric's response had taken him by surprise.

"I'm afraid that's exactly what Cedric said, sir," the secretary replied, his tone cautious.

Closing his eyes briefly, Hamilton clenched his jaw."Where is he now? Put him on the phone." With a sigh, the secretary answered, "He's already gone upstairs."

Hamilton's teeth ground together as he struggled to maintain his composure. "This is about Daniela, isn't it?He's throwing away everything because I asked her to be here? How absurd! Fine Tell Cedric that Daniela doesn't need to come. He can come alone."

The secretary recognized it as Hamilton's version of backing down. Unfortunately, the damage was already done.

"Sir, I think I may not have been clear earlier," the secretary said gently. "Cedric wasn't just objecting to Daniela's presence. He meant every word. Whether she joins or not doesn't matter-he has no intention of returning to the McCoy family. He doesn't want the title He doesn't want to acknowledge you."

Hamilton was stunned. He doubted if he heard correctly "Come again?" "Mr. McCoy, it really seems like Cedric has no interest in the family fortune. From everything I've seen, his words were sincere. He truly doesn't want any of it Not the name, not the wealth, not the legacy" The secretary felt the urge to suggest that Hamilton might have misunderstood something.