Chapter 876

Hamilton shot a sharp glare at his secretary. "What would you know? Cedric's lived simply and doesn't understand the pull of the high life. That's why he said no. But just wait. Once he tastes the luxury and glamour of the elite, he'll be hooked!"

The secretary nodded in complete agreement.

Cedric's life was indeed much simpler than many of the wealthy people in Oiscoll. He carried himself with an unpretentious air.

Though he frequently donned Elite Lux's bespoke.high-end suits, it was merely a reflection of Daniela's enterprise.

More so, he was often spotted carrying a basket of groceries, rumored to even cook himself.

It was clear he had yet to know the true meaning of a lavish lifestyle.

Once the siren call of wealth and luxury lured him in,changing loyalties would come effortlessly.

Hamilton caught the secretary's approving nod and smirked with satisfaction. "Mr. McCoy, what's the plan?" the secretary inquired."Cedric isn't willing to leave Daniela. How do you plan to lure him into the lavish life?"

Hamilton smirked. "Cedric is concerned about Daniela.isn't he? Just tell him McCoy Group's about to launch a major collaboration, gathering partners. I doubt he'll resist the temptation. Have our undercover at Daniela's company leak the news. Cedric will come to me willingly."

Cedric had been pushing his buttons more times than he cared to admit lately.

He was losing track of who held the real power-father or son.

He had to assert his dominance over Cedric,or risk losing control down the line.

The secretary asked, "And Daniela? Nikolas seems unwilling to intervene. Should we find someone else to manage her?"

Hamilton's expression hardened, his voice icy. "Put Daniela on hold for now. Once Cedric falls for the lavish lifestyle and leaves her behind, I'll teach her a lesson and make sure she will never get too full of herself again."

The secretary chuckled. "Mr. McCoy,your schemes are brilliant. No matter how strong Daniela is, she can't slip past your reach."

A dark, sinister grin spread across Hamilton's face.

The following morning, Arthur Avila, the marketing department manager, rapped gently on the door of Cedric and Daniela's office.

Noticing Cedric's vacant chair, Arthur decided to leave.

Daniela looked up and asked, "Are you here for Cedric?"

Arthur nodded, gripping a file tightly. "Yes. He isn't here right now, so I'll come back another time."

Daniela answered smoothly, "He's out on a site inspection this morning. What's in the file? Hand it over-I'll make sure he gets it."

Arthur forced an uneasy smile. "That won't be necessary. He always handles this collaboration personally. I'll report to him later."

Daniela didn't take it seriously at first. Yet Arthur's reaction spoke volumes-his face flushed like he'd been caught hiding a secret.

Daniela fixed Arthur with a cold, unwavering gaze,then reached out her hand."Give it to me."

Daniela's usual chill deepened. When she locked eyes without a hint of feeling, it felt like a piercing,intimidating stare. Arthur nearly dropped the file, startled by her icy demeanor.

Carol frowned as she stepped closer. "Why so nervous? It's just a collaboration, isn't it? What's the fuss? Is there something you're hiding from us?"

Cedric had always been open with Daniela on business That made Arthur's nervousness all the more suspicious.

"No, it's just a minor project-not important enough to bother you with," Arthur replied.

Carol had already closed the distance.

Arthur was left with no option but to surrender the file.

Carol handed the file over to Daniela.

Daniela studied the contents carefully.

The project showed great promise.

More specifically, it was perfectly suited for collaboration and quite profitable.

If her goal in coming to Oiscoll was profit, this project would be the perfect fit.

Sadly,that wasn't her true purpose.

The project was McCoy Group's. She was already probing past issues and making headway. She wanted to avoid too deep an entanglement with McCoy Group.which could complicate things down the road.

Daniela set the file aside and glanced at Arthur, whose nervousness was plain to see.

"It's a solid project," Daniela said evenly.

Arthur visibly relaxed, but then she added, "Still, hold off on all collaborations with McCoy Group for now."

Arthur looked up, surprised. "Why is that?"

Carol clicked her tongue. "Just follow orders. Does the CEO have to explain her decisions to you?"

Arthur walked away, clearly deflated.

Daniela's eyes narrowed as she watched Arthur's heavy footsteps fade. "Keep an eye on him," she told Carol.

Meanwhile, Hamilton continued to wait patiently for Cedric to reach out.