Chapter 194

Lillian stole a quick glance at Daniela.

After the brief flicker of emotion at first, Daniela's face became calm again. There was a coldness about her that felt almost icy.

Lillian, despite having no family of her own, couldn't help but feel a stab of pity for Daniela's situation.

She didn't want Daniela to listen to another word of what was being said.

Rising to her feet, she hoped Daniela would take the hint and follow, but Daniela stayed rooted to her spot.

Meanwhile, the discussion behind them carried on without pause.

"Cedric, what's your answer?" Caiden's voice was steady, almost clinical. "I'm not asking for much. One hundred million, and she's yours. After that, the Harper family and Daniela will have no further ties.How does that sound to you?"

In families like theirs, even something as trivial as buying a pet could set them back millions, with upkeep easily climbing into the tens of millions.

To Caiden, the offer was perfectly reasonable."That's my final offer. If you think it's too steep, I can always approach Alexander. I'm confident he'd pay even more to claim Daniela."

He took a slow sip of his coffee, exuding an air of composure that bordered on smugness.

In his mind, Cedric would surely pay.

Daniela no longer considered him her father. She was divorced, yet Cedric continued to protect her, all while living under the Harper family's roof, bearing no title or official status.

Cedric not care about Daniela? Refuse to pay the hundred million? That was impossible! Daniela moved slightly, ready to intervene. But before she could act, a firm, calm voice sliced through the charged atmosphere of the cafe.

"I'll pay the money."

Daniela went rigid, her body frozen in place.

Cedric spoke with an unshakable calm. "Daniela is priceless. I hope that's clear. I'll offer you three hundred million-but there's one condition. You are never, for as long as you live, to tell Daniela what you just said to me. Never let her know you're aware all along that I was the boy from her past. Never let her find out that you've watched her endure so much,indifferent to her pain. And don't you dare belittle the sacrifices she's made for Alexander."

Caiden's smile wavered for a fleeting second before returning, broader than ever. He let out a laugh and quipped, "That's it? You'll still pay a bride price when you marry her later? So this isn't just a complete buyout,huh?"

Cedric's face remained as composed as ever. "No, it's not."

He set his coffee cup down and leaned in, his voice low and icy. "But you need to promise me-you'll take this secret with you to the grave. If Daniela ever hears a word of this, I won't demand my money back.Instead, I'll make sure you pay with your life."

Sunlight poured in through the cafe's windows,painting Cedric in a soft, golden light.

But Cedric himself was the opposite of warm.An unyielding frost seemed to envelop him, his chiseled features and piercing eyes radiating a lethal intensity.

In that instant, Caiden felt a chill run down his spine as he realized he was treading on dangerous ground.The man sitting across from him wasn't just anyone-this was Cedric, a name that carried fear wherever it was spoken.

Caiden hesitated, opening his mouth as if to defend his disgraceful actions or ease the tension. But Cedric cut him off. "Leave." Caiden rose to his feet, an oddly cheerful grin on his face, as if Cedric's icy warning hadn't pierced him at all.

Three hundred million!

The figure rang in his mind, sending a wave of satisfaction through him.

It was more than enough to ensure his family could continue their extravagant lifestyle for years to come.

The thought that Daniela held such value in Cedric's eyes made Caiden chuckle quietly to himself.

Yet, a reckless idea suddenly darted through his thoughts.

If Cedric could shell out three hundred million to keep Daniela in the dark about the past, then how much would Alexander fork over to hide the truth that he wasn't the boy from her childhood?

Better still, how much would Alexander be willing to offer to swap the bride in his forthcoming wedding-from Joyce to Daniela? The idea took hold of Caiden, and a wave of greed surged through every corner of his mind.