Chapter 204

The roar of the airplane reverberated across the heavens.

Cedric remained rooted to the spot.

Alexander sauntered over, hands tucked in his pockets, eyes tracing the ascent of the plane.

He was about to unleash a snarky comment when Cedric cut him off sharply.hold my tongue if I were you."

Alexander halted, a bit taken aback. "I didn't poke the bear, you know."

Cedric's voice was an icy warning. "Push me further, and I might just lose my cool in a way you'll regret."

Alexander let out a nervous chuckle, but before he could retort, Cedric's fists descended on him like a hailstorm.

Soon after, an ambulance whisked Alexander away, the doctor confirming he had fractured ribs and wouldn't be rising from his bed for a month.

Caiden observed Cedric with a newfound trepidation.

In that moment, following Daniela's departure, Caiden suddenly see Cedric's true nature. It was an authority that tolerated no backtalk, a display of violence that was bone-chilling to its core.

Caiden was so on edge that he even moderated his breathing; he tiptoed around his own home, ensuring his activities were silent, and even resorted to watching TV on mute.

The Harper family had never felt Daniela's absence more acutely.

"Since Daniela isn't here, and our space here is a bit cramped, perhaps you'd be more comfortable at your place?" Caiden ventured cautiously, his voice tinged with the fear of provoking Cedric.

Cedric continued to eat his meal, casting a steely glance that froze the room, radiating a daunting, Katrina, finding it difficult to swallow her food, hurriedly interjected, "It's just that we thought you might prefer the comforts of your own home. Caiden, come sit closer. Cedric is perfectly capable of deciding for himself."

Caiden retracted further into his chair.

Cedric tasted nothing of his meal, and a palpable tension swathed the villa.

As soon as Cedric departed, Joyce exhaled a long-held breath. "Having Cedric around was like walking on thin ice.Absolutely terrifying!"

This same suffocating atmosphere had seeped into every corner of Phillips Group.

Within just half a mnonth, the HR department had seen eight different organizational charts.

The finance department was already preparing financial forecasts stretching three years into the future.

The marketing department underwent a comprehensive restructuring of all market strategies.

During this upheaval, everyone felt they were treading on eggshells, sitting ramrod straight, dreading getting swept up in Cedric's tempest.

A finance staff member pleaded with Cedric's secretary. "Please, any word on when Daniela will return?"

A marketing team member added, "Honestly, just catching a glimpse of Mr. Phillips is enough to trigger a stress response!"

An HR representative chimed in,"You're telling me! I keep my eyes glued to my paperwork during meetings,terrified to make eye contact with Mr. Phillips!"

The collective sigh from the staff was palpable. "Daniela's prolonged business trip is stretching us thin!Please,we need a reprieve!"

Perhaps the universe was listening to their prayers.

The grueling Elite Lux project that had extended over half a month was finally wrapping up. After a conversation with Lillian,Cedric's relayed the news to his boss.

At Phillips Group's subsequent summary meeting, the finance department concluded their presentation,all eyes on Cedric for further directives.

Cedric stared vacantly at the tabletop.

The finance director held his breath.

The marketing and HR staff exchanged nervous glances.

The manufacturing and production teams mirrored their anxiety.

All eyes inevitably landed on the unlucky secretary.

Bracing himself, the secretary ventured, "Mr. Phillips..."

Cedric asked, "Isn't there an auction tonight?"

The room was puzzled.

Cedric pressed on, "I recall there's a bracelet called Blue Sea Mystery up for grabs, right?"

The secretary confirmed, "Yes. It features eight diamonds, with a starting bid of three hundred million."

At this, Cedric's expression clouded momentarily.

He seemed particularly averse to the number three at that moment.

Cedric inquired further, "Isn't there also a brooch adorned with sixteen sapphires?"

The secretary nodded affirmatively. "Yes, the opening bid is eight hundred million."

Cedric breathed a sigh of relief. Altogether, securing it would cost around two billion.

He surveyed the astonished faces around the room, raised his hand decisively, and declared, "Meeting adjourned."

Everyone was visiby relieved.