Chapter 982

Daniela's lips curved in a faint, almost dismissive smile. "Honestly, the money doesn't matter to me. But.don't like being threatened."

The moment Daniela finished speaking, her smile vanished, replaced by an unmistakable air of menace.

A chill crept down Jules' spine. "You mean you're giving up on tracking down whoever was behind the explosion? Daniela, don't forget that's the reason you came to Oiscoll. If you don't agree to my terms, you'll never discover who orchestrated it."

Daniela let out a sharp, humorless laugh. "Why should I care? I already know the culprit is tied to your family.Maybe it's time you all paid for what happened to my unborn child."

A wild, dangerous glint flashed in her eyes, leaving Jules visibly rattled.

"We're finished here. You can leave," Daniela said coldly, her tone brooking no argument.

Jules stood frozen, completely thrown by the coldness beneath Daniela's calm surface.

"You're really not going to negotiate?" The lure of those investment funds tugged at Jules, and he didn't want to walk away empty-handed. "I don't need the full amount-just half. Even a third would be enough.Daniela, that's my bottom line. Think it over."

Daniela made a smal gesture, and Cedric moved to escort Jules out.

Frustration washed over Jules-he'd never met anyone quite as unyielding as Daniela.

"Hold on, Daniela. I'm willing to settle for even less. Just give me something, anything! I can't believe I'm begging here and still getting nothing. Do you really want to embarrass me like this?"

The same indifference Daniela showed when she first offered Jules money was now replaced with a frigid detachment. "Daniela, just hand over that small company on the south side. It's nothing but a shell anyway, completely worthless!" Jules demanded, his voice rising.

Daniela gave Cedric a quick look,and he immediately paused mid-motion, holding off from tossing Jules o the door.

Jules let out a shaky breath, straightened his jacket, and glanced at Daniela's way, suddenly at a loss for words.

How had it come to this? Why was he begging Daniela now?

Jules cursed silently, feeling as if he'd been played all along.

He sighed and began to tell Daniela the story.

Outside the study, the McCoy brothers strained to catch Jules' words, but after his last outburst,everything went quiet.

Brad frowned. "What are they even talking about in there?"

Ethan shrugged. "What else? Jules' probably trying to strike some kind of deal with Daniela."

Hamilton's expression darkened. "I doubt it's that simple. Daniela isn't the type for light conversations, and if she invited Jules into the study, it must be something serious."

He knew why Daniela had come to Oiscoll in the first place.

Hamilton's heart tightened.

Jules came down the stairs with a spring in his step, wearing a look of smug satisfaction as he glanced at his brothers waiting below.

Brad called out, "What did you and Daniela talk about up there?"

Jules didn't bother answering. Instead, he strode toward the door with purpose. At the threshold, Hamilton hurried after him. "Did you tell Daniela who was behind the explosion? Jules, do you have any idea what you've done?"

Jules shot Hamilton a cold, dismissive look. "You've given everything for the McCoy family, but look what it's cost you. Your own grandchild paid the price. You still want to protect the family? You're a bigger fool than I thought."

Jules slid into the plush leather seat of his luxury car, casting Hamilton a look brimming with smug superiority. "As of this moment, I'm severing all ties with the McCoy family.Whatever happens next is your problem, not mine. So if she comes for payback, don't look to me for help."

The engine roared, and Jules' car disappeared down the driveway, leaving Hamilton standing alone as dusk settled around him. Turning slowly, he caught sight of Daniela on the balcony across the way.

For a moment, their eyes met in the fading evening light.

Eventually,Hamilton bowed his head, weighed down by defeat and sorrow. "The McCoy family is doomed."