Chapter 928

Nikolas kept glancing Carol's way, subtly gesturing in hopes she'd step in on his behalf. But she acted as though he didn't exist. Left without support, he shifted his focus to Cedric.

"I've got it covered," Cedric stated firmly. "From now on, I'll grow every vegetable myself. Everything else will be flown in. I'm cutting out every possible threat."

Nikolas stared at him like he'd gone completely insane.

As Carol escorted the guests out, Nikolas asked,"Don't you think that's going overboard?"

Carol folded her arms, her expression unreadable."It's necessary. Cedric lost a child in that blast, and Daniela nearly died. Of course he wants to control every detail."

Nikolas studied the calm set of her face, then muttered, "You should watch out for yourself, too."

Carol simply gave a brief nod and strode away,leaving him standing there.

Nikolas lingered in place, unmoving, until Damon ambled over and clapped a hand on his shoulder."Give it up. Carol's never been one to hesitate. Once she makes up her mind, she just walks away. You tried giving her a look, but she didn't even glance your way."

Damon's gaze followed Carol's retreating figure."She's always known her own mind. When she reached out and you ignored her, she didn't cause a scene-just turned on her heel and left. That's Carol.No drama,no teas. She's nothing if not direct."

He nudged Nikolas toward the car. "Let's go. Dad's only thinking about his future grandson now-he couldn't care less about the rest of us, And honestly,Nikolas, it's better to end things with Carol now. The two of you were never going to work, not with Dad breathing down your neck. You know he'd never accept you marrying someone wvithout any family connections."

With a troubled scowl, Nikolas climbed into the car and followed the others home.

"What? Daniela doesn't want the help?" Hamilton sat on the sofa, mulling over names for his potential grandson when he noticed the returning servants. He shot upright, bewildered.

Damon took a long drink of water before answering,"That's not it. Daniela's upstairs. Cedric isn't letting anyone get close to her-especially not anyone from the McCoy family. He's sent us all packing."

Hamilton's expression darkened, his disappointmnent sharp. "Why are you all back here? Your sister-in-law's pregnant and instead of looking after her,you come running home? Fucking useless, every last one of you!"

He gripped his car keys, ready to leave, when Nikolas called out, "Dad."

Hamilton shot him a stern look. "What now?" Nikolas didn't flinch as he remarked, "Cedric can take good care of Daniela, but there are people lying in wait, watching for any sign of weakness. He's not prepared for snakes in the grass."

The words struck Hamilton, his eyes sharpening with sudden clarity.

Nikolas pressed on, each word carefully measured."Daniela's pregnancy paints a target on her back.The next three months will be dangerous, but once they know the baby's a boy? Every threat will multiply.Your siblings won't just sit back and watch."

A deep furrow formed on Hamilton's brow as the warning sank in.

Nikolas met Hamilton's gaze, his tone even, almost cold. "If you want to protect the baby, you need to keep an eye on your siblings because..."

He trailed off, letting the implication hang heavy betwveen them.

Hamilton's expression darkened, a grave understanding settling in as he looked at Nikolas.

Nikolas' tone was ice-cold as he went on, "Because they don't want Daniela to have a baby boy."

Hamilton's complexion drained of all color.

"Daniela has already lost a child," Nikolas continued,his gaze unwavering. "We both know Grandpa wouldn't let you look into it, which only meant the murderer was one of the McCoy family. Do you really want to risk losing this one too?"

Hamilton blurted out, "Absolutely not!"

Without another word, he stormed out and barked orders to Scarface, who stood rigidly by the door,"Put,out a bounty on the underground network.I want the top hundred special forces operatives-hire them all. Their job is to guard my future grandson,no matter what. And get another hundred mercenaries to keep eyes on every single McCoy family member,twenty-four séven. If anyone makes a move..." He paused, the silence growing heavy. Finally, his voice dropped to a lethal murmur. "Don't bother reporting to me. Just take them down,right then and there."