Chapter 541

Hackett was certain no man could resist beautiful women, especially ones as mesmerizing as his three daughters.

His secretary muttered, "Do you think Cedric will take the bait?"

Hackett snorted, a mocking laugh escaping him. "I have whatever type he likes."

At his words, the secretary quickly averted her gaze,a fleeting look of fear passing through her eyes.

Hackett gave his secretary a quick glance, grinned,and tugged her into the room.

The night dragged on,filled with the anguished sobs of the secretary.

The following day, the commerce association gathered once again for another meeting.

But this time, Winstow was absent.

Marc furrowed his brow. "What's happening with Winslow? We're at a turning point. Cedric just took down Bruno, and we have no idea who's next. Does Winslow really think Cedric won't go after him?"

Huey narrowed his eyes at the group, a sharp warning in his voice, "Listen up, we're a team. If anyone tries to cozy up to Cedric behind our backs, don't say I didn't warn you. I'll be ruthless if I find out!"

At Huey's words, the group quickly murmured their assurances. Yet in their minds, the opposite was true.It seemed smarter to offer a token of goodwill.

After all, if they ended up as the next target, they might end up like Bruno, who could barely afford a luxury hotel these days. If not for marrying off his daughter to the head of a global corporation, his company would have crumbled.

The group was deep in thought as the meeting continued.

After the meeting, everyone sent their gifts to Cedric.

Taking Daniela's advice to heart, Cedric accepted them all,putting the givers at ease.

The only one who didn't send a gift was Huey,and the other seven exchanged looks of pity.

Huey ruled the hardware industry, from basic screws and scissors to advanced aerospace components, and his products were unparalleled.

Over the years, he'd ruthlessly acquired any competitors that dared to emerge, monopolizing the field.

The only challenge to his reign had been Brylee,whose innovative hardware company shattered Huey's monopoly.

Brylee had been the only one to have succeeded in this over the years.

Huey was arrogant, ranking third in the association but carrying himself like a top dog.

He dismissed the fear that gripped the others, secretly plotting to take on Cedric.

So,he scoffed at the idea of sending gifts.

Daniela had set hersights on Huey next.

When his authority was first challenged, he was the one who suggested eliminating Brylee by any means before anyone else even thought of it.

The day before Daniela made her move,she attended a banquet.

Cedric, occupied with greeting international guests,mentioned he woutd be arriving late.

From a distance, Huey spotted Daniela and made his way towards her,holding a glass of wine. "Ms. Harper," he greeted in a dismissive tone.

Daniela gazed at him with indifference.

"What's with the attitude?" he sneered. "Everyone knows you're just a puppet for Cedric. He's the one behind it all."

Daniela gave Huey a look that suggested he was an idiot.

Huey chuckled, leaning in closer to whisper, "Being with Cedric isn't easy, huh? Let me show you a better way. If you ever choose to leave him, come to me.I promise you'll live a life of ease."

He took in Daniela's delicate profile, then added, "You look just like your mother. Maybe you could do what she wouldn't. I'd be more than happy to welcome it."

His words were laced with a suggestive undertone.

Lillian quickly stormed over and slapped him.

Enraged, Huey attempted to retaliate,but Ryan kicked him away.

The commotion drew the attention of everyone at the banquet.

Daniela stood facing Huey, her eyes cold and emotionless. She moved closer to him, bent down, and with a soft chuckle,whispered something in his ear.

At her words, Huey's face drained of color, turning pale and pitiful.

That night, Elite Lux made their move.

Every one of Huey's ships bound for overseas was ambushed by pirates.

Eleven ships, packed with valuable goods, disappeared without a trace.

After receiving the call, Huey slumped into his chair,hastily arranging to meet Cedric, only to be told Cedric was still occupied with the foreign guests.

Huey bribed the hotel staff to gain access to the surveillance footage, confirming that Cedric hadn't made any calls during the meeting.

A cold sweat broke out along Huey's spine.

This meant the real mastermind wasn't Cedric. It was Daniela all along!

And tonight, he had insulted not just Daniela, but her late mother as well.

Huey's eyes widened in disbelief, his mind going blank as he struggled to comprehend the situation.