Chapter 544

Cedric and Daniela couldn't have been more different.

Her indifference was absolute.

After speaking,she focused on her meal, completely ignoring Hackett.

Not even his role as the president of the commerce association influenced her.

She didn't even bother with a few concluding remarks.

Across the table, Hackett sat on pins and needles,embarrassment nibbling at him.

It wasn't until Daniela had left, without so much as a glance backward, that Hackett's face hardened. He rose,his expression cold.

The surrounding diners, familiar with Hackett, were visibly shocked. They had always seen him as a commanding figure,yet here he was, diminished by Daniela.

Murmurs filled the room.

"Hackett seemed so powerful before!" "Absolutely. At a recent auction, after he was outbid on something he wanted, the winner ended up with a broken leg. Everyone thought Hackett was untouchable."

"It's surprising to see him outmaneuvered by a young woman like Daniela, given his experience."

"Look at him, drenched in a cold sweat."

"But shouldn't all eight association members be here?What is Hackett here alone?"

"He must be trying to secure Daniela's mercy behind closed doors while boasting about his influence in public. Knowing Daniela, she won't bother to set the record straight."

While they talked, they captured Hackett's stern visage and shared the images online.

Fuming, Hackett could barely contain his anger.

It had been a long time since he had been so humiliated.

He straightened up and strode out of the Elite Lux dining hall.

Even as he walked away, the echoes of laughter followed him. "Look at him! Nothing but empty threats. We all know he's lost his edge. It's about time he stepped aside!"

As Hackett entered the elevator, his face contorted with fury, and he slammed his fist against the wall.

With renewed resolve, he vowed to bring down Elite Lux.

Hackett rushed to the commerce association and summoned the other seven members.

On the phone, he insisted they assemble urgently within half an hour to plan their counterattack against Daniela's economic measures.

As he paced, hands clenched on his hips, his anger intensified, fantasies of retribution against Daniela occupying his thoughts.

Despite his demands, thirty minutes ticked by without any of the members appearing.

The sun dipped below the horizon, and only then did Bruno walk in, unfazed by his tardiness.

"What seems to be the problem?" Hackett snapped,losing any semblance of calm. "Bruno, weren't we supposed to address a crucial issue today? Why the indifference? Am I the only one facing these sanctions? Don't you care about your enterprise anymore?"

With a smirk, Bruno dragged over a chair and settled into it with a sigh of indifference.

Gradually, the rest began to appear, with Winslow being the last to arrive, well after ten in the evening.

Suppressing a yawn, Winslow asked, "I've got plans later.Can we get this over with in thirty minutes?"

Standing firmly, hands still on his hips, Hackett stared at them with cold contempt. "What's this supposed to mean? Are you telling me you can't even manage to gather everyone for a meeting now? Am I the only active member here? If that's your attitude, we might as well dissolve this association!"

Rage simmered within Hackett.

Marcus, wearing a grim expression, confronted him."Hackett, who are you trying to deceive? You think we're oblivious?"

Stunned, Hackett asked, "What are you implying?"

"Exactly, what are you implying?" Farley asked in a sharp tone. "Did you secretly meet with Daniela to beg for mercy? Hoping she would spare you? Hackett,should I play the recording where you malign her?"

Hackett's voice wavered as his lips tightened. "What are you implying?"

Marcus, visibly annoyed, flung his phone towards him."Take a look! You met with Daniela earlier today,right? It's all over the internet. We never thought you'd deceive us like this."

A noticeable shock ran through Hackett. Yet,he soon regained his composure and raised his voice. "Now you're accusing me? Who was I trying to protect? Do you think I enjoyed degrading myself before Daniela?What drove me to do it? If I weren't president, I would prefer to avoid this mess. I couldn't bear to see you end up like Bruno and Huey, so I went to beg Daniela to spare everyone. Was it your assumption that l pleaded only for my own sake? Had I realized this misunderstanding, I would've indeed pleaded solely for myself.How utterly thankless!"

Hackett's face, round and flushed,quivered with what seemed to be genuine resentment.

Confused looks were exchanged among the group,with none able to discern Hackett's honesty.

Firmly, Hackett continued, "Daniela now wields considerable influence. Without solidarity, she'll overshadow us. Do you really want that to happen?This association has thrived for years, benefitting everyone. If you're ready to surrender and let a woman like Daniela command you, then I wash my hands of it."

With a smirk playing on his lips, Hackett eyed their grave expressions. "Let me clarify something else.Daniela's leniency won't extend to you simply because you submit. Do you think she's after you for your business dealings? False! That's utterly false! This is all about Brylee's death!"