Chapter 309

Daniela's cheeks gradually warmed with a blush.

The color deepened, spreading from the tips of her ears down to her neck, conceáled beneath the blanket.

Cedric,seldom seeing Daniela this shy, was visibly pleased.

He leaned forward, cupping her face and locking eyes with her.

In a gentle, teasing voice, he asked, "So, was I that bad?"

Daniela blinked, catching the gleam of desire in Cedric's eyes-almost predatory.

Her eyes widened in alarm. "Cedric, I'm really tired."

He chuckled, touching his nose to hers as he whispered, "Next time, I'll choose something simpler. This was a first for me. Go easy."

Daniela was about to reply when Cedric flung back the blanket.

His hand glided up her smooth abdomen.

Cedric mentally promised it was just a light tease.

Previously, even if Daniela resisted going further, he always had a way of playfully agitating her.

He was confident in his self-control now. Yet, the moment he felt her silky skin and heard her subdued,breathy sounds, all restraint dissolved.

Swept up by the moment, Cedric surrendered to his desires, captivated by the woman in front of him.

Amidst the fervor, a thought sparked within him. Once he'd embraced such unrestrained wildness, it was difficult to retreat.

Past midnight, Cedric enveloped Daniela in a soft blanket and carried her downstairs for a meal. He first reheated some soup for her.

Then, he began preparing additional dishes.

Josie, alerted by the sounds, entered the kitchen, but Cedric assured her he was fine on his own.

At the dining table, Josie complimented Daniela. "Cedríc is quite skilled in the kitchen. He's got everything under control."

Daniela offered a weary smile in agreement.

As she bent to sip her soup, the blanket slid down. Her loosely fitting top exposed a few red marks at her neckline.

Josie noticed, then chuckled before her expression turned slightly serious. "You should warn him to take it easy. Going two days without food is too much for anyone."

Despite her concern, Josie felt content.

"Cedric has always thrived in a lively environment. I've seen his home grow empty and him colder each day.Solitary business endeavors are challenging. He has faced many trials alone. His grandmother and I did our best to support him, but it was hardly enough. He was always disciplined, precisely knowing his, limits.Throughout these years, I've never observed him care for anyone like he does for you. It warms my heart to see him find true love. I'm thankful you've entered his life. Otherwise, I feared he might end up alone. When he asked me to care for you, I didn't hesitate because any woman who could win Cedric's heart must be extraordinary."

Wrapped in a warm blanket and enjoying some hot soup, Daniela looked towards Cedric, who was busy in the kitchen, and a gentle smile crossed her face.

She thought to herself how wonderful Cedric was and dreaded the thought of ever losing him.

Meanwhile, Katrina and Joyce shared a hospital room in silence.

Eventually, Katrina broke the silence. "Joyce, you're young and don't grasp the dangers of high society's games. People can die from them. No matter how upset you are, I won't get involved with Doug." Joyce gazed coldly out the hospital garden window. "I don't expect you to go out of your way for me.fhar my methods, and I'm prepared to risk everything, even If it means sacrificing my life.°

Following this, Joyce requested a nurse to change her room.

A chill gripped Katrina as she remembered Daniela's willingness to risk everything for her mother,contrasting sharply with Joyce's readiness to risk only her mother's well-being.

Katrina sighed deeply, closed her eyes, and tears began to fall.

Despite her injuries, the debt collectors that arrived weren't deterred.

They stormed into the hospital, knives at the ready, pressing against Joyce's already bruised face. "You planned this, didn't you? You told us Daniela was wealthy and then told Cedric to stick by her side,preventing us from kidnapping her."

Joyce shook her head in fright. "I didn't do that. Why not bring more muscle? Can't you handle Cedric?"

Immediately, another wound marked Joyce's face.

"Still brave enough to talk back? Do you realize who Cedric is?"

Confused, Joyce replied, "Cedric is the CEO of Phillips Group. Are you intimidated by a mere businessman?"

If so, Daniela's influence was much larger. Shouldn't they fear her more?

"Cedric is Ramon Dillon's godson, and he's long been connected to the underworld, more than you know.

Are you concealing more? Is Cedric protecting Daniela merely over business interests?" 0

Struck by this, Joyce fell silent.

Ramon Dillon? The man was known for his ruthlessness. Cedric was Ramon's godson?

"Do you have secrets to tell?" The debt collector eyed Joyce coldly.

"No, there's really nothing more. They are merely business partners. Had there been more, it would have been public by.now. Initially, Cedric showed interest in Daniela, but that changed over time." Joyce paused,then added, "Now, he has feelings for me."