Chapter 998

After blowing off steam outdoors, Brad finally made his way back.

Upon stepping into the house, he noticed HHamilton had returned.

A grumble slipped from Brad, "What a hassle." He quickly plastered on a smile and asked, "I thought you went to find Nikolas. Why are you back already? Isn't this situation with your son supposed to be urgent?"

Hamilton shrugged. "I talked to him. That boy claimed he didn't need me meddling. When I pressed him about Carol, he flat-out denied any interest."

A snort escaped Brad, his eyes rolling."Do you honestly buy that? Nikolas, with all his pride-if he didn't care about Carol, would he be sneaking her snacks at night or staying up to play games with her? That doesn't sound like indifference to me."

Deep down, Hamilton didn't trust Nikolas' answer. Still, without a confession, there wasn't much else to pursue. Besides, he didn't want to leave this house for too long. He couldn't shake the feeling that trouble might be lurking for Daniela.

Catching the tension on Hamilton's face, Brad said, "What's got you so anxious? Daniela barely leaves the house.What do you think could possibly happen? And don't forget, I'm around. I have a stake in her business; why would I do anything to Daniela? Not to mention, Cedric and Daniela are always alert.You hanging around here does nothing. Nikolas is a different story-he actually listens to you. Just now, Egan called, wanting to meet for coffee tomorrow afternoon. Clearly, he wants to talk about Nikolas. These chances don't come often. If you let it pass, where else will Nikolas find such a strong match for an alliance down the road?"

Hamilton took a moment before saying, "So... should I meet him tomorrow afternoon?"

"Absolutely! Don't hesitate. Go," Brad responded, his tone insistent.

Morning arrived, and Hamilton stepped out, sharply dressed in a crisp black suit. Returning from her walk, Daniela caught sight of his formal look and called out, "Will you be joining us for lunch?"

Without missing a beat, Hamilton answered, "I have some business to handle, so I won't be home for lunch.You should have someone accompany you when you go walking."

His eyes landed on Carol, who was just making her way in from the yard, and he added with a note of worry,"Take Cedric along. It's busy out there. Please don't head out alone."

With that, he walked out the front door.

For a while, Daniela stood by, watching as he disappeared down the path, then pulled out her phone to text the driver.

A response came back right away.

Reading the reply, Daniela paused in thought, then turned and made her way back to the house.

She lingered at the entrance, letting her eyes rest on Carol for a moment.

By the time Carol noticed, Daniela had already slipped inside.

Brad kept an eye on Hamilton until he disappeared from sight.

He lounged on the sofa and caught sight of Cedric handing Daniela a small bowl of pomegranate seeds. It was the bowl he had poisoned.

A smug grin played on Brad's lips as he called out, "Bring me a cup of coffee," directing the housekeeper with a wave.

Soon after, a steaming cup arrived. Brad, distracted by the television and stealing glances at Daniela, failed to notice that a man's hand had placed the cup before him.

Still wearing that satisfied smile, he took a long sip, settling even deeper into his seat.

Ethan came strolling in from outside and asked offhandedly, "Brad, have you written out your confession yet?" That wiped the grin right off Brad's face. He shot a nervous glance toward Daniela and Cedric, making sure they hadn't heard, then hissed, "Confession? Are you insane? Who could write such a thing? Didn't you already write ohe? Leave me out of it!"

Ethan's brow furrowed. "Then what are you hanging around for? Shouldn't you be back at Josh's place by now?"

Quick to react, Brad slapped a hand over Ethan's mouth and hustled him away to his bedroom.

Daniela, hearing the noise, glanced their way and then focused on the empty coffee cup nearby.

The maid, unaware of anything unusual, spotted the finished cup and promptly brewed a fresh one, bringing it out with practiced efficiency.

After sternly warning Ethan to keep his mouth shut, Brad slipped out and retrieved the second coffee,savoring a leisurely sip.

The rich scent made him close his eyes in contentment.

In just five days, he reminded himself, the poison would start working again, and 40% of McCoy Group's shares would be his for the taking.

Humming a tuneless song, Brad swung his legs back and forth, entirely pleased with how things were unfolding.