Chapter 594

Cedric had arrived.

Stepping forward, he positioned himself protectively in front of Daniela.

Daniela had no fear of this crowd, yet a soft, amused smile still played on her lips.

"You're accusing my wife of killing Marcus? Got any proof?" Cedric's voice was icy as he gripped Daniela's hand, his sharp gaze fixed on the people before him.

"Proof? What proof do we need?" Hackett's voice rang out, loud enough to turn heads. "His body was found in her place! Who else but Daniela could've done it?"

Cedric let out a dry chuckle, his eyes filled with ridicule. "Hackett, that logic is laughable. If someone drops dead on your doorstep, does that make you the murderer? By that thinking, we might as well do away with the police altogeter."

Hackett, sensing the flaw in his own argument, lashed out furiously, "Then who else could it be? You've been gunning for the association, wiping us out one by one! Huey yesterday, Marcus today.You won't stop until we're completely erased!"

Cedric smirked, shaking his head. "That's rich. Think for a second. If we've already beaten you in business,why would we even bother with murder? What would we gain from it?"

A hush fell over the murmuring crowd as Cedric's words sank in. Slowly, understanding flickered across their faces.

Cedric's smirk deepened. "Come on, we're not that foolish. Why would we kill someone and dump the body right at our doorstep? What, do you think I enjoy tanking the property value of Elite Lux and painting a target on my own back?"

His logic was airtight. Hackett's jaw clenched in frustration, words failing him. In his desperation, he whirled towards Alexander,who had been silently watching from the sidelines. "Alexander, you're the president of the association! One of our own is dead! Are you just going to stand there fussing over your lopsided face, or are you going to say something?"

By now, Alexander had already slipped his mask back on.

A flicker of irritation crossed his face as he replayed the earlier moment-Daniela had needed help,but Cedric had beaten him to it.

Regret gnawed at him.

With the weight of countless stares on him, unease crept in. His face-still not fully healed-reminded him of his imperfections.

Hackett's frustration boiled over, his glare sharp as a blade. "Alexander, damn it, say something! You're the president! Don't you think Marcus' death has something to do with Daniela and Elite Lux?"

If Alexander pointed the finger at Daniela, it would shift the blame, dragging Elite Lux into a storm and giving Perry Group a much-needed lifeline amid their financial struggles.

Alexander said, "This situation should be left to the authorities. Until there's actual proof, I urge everyone to stay levelheaded. And personally, I trust Daniela-she's not someone who'd resort to murder."

Hackett's face twisted with rage. Without another word, he spun around, yanked open his car door, and slammed it shut with a deafening thud before speeding off.

Alexander, unfazed, kept his focus solely on Daniela.

When the last of the onlookers had drifted away, Alexander spoke gently. "I wasn't scared of Hackett. I just didn't react fast enough. Next time, I won't let anyone else step in before me."

Without another word, Daniela and Cedric turned and made their way back to Elite Lux.

Alexander remained still, his eyes fixed on Daniela's fading silhouette.

One day, he would shield her from everything and ensure she became the happiest woman alive. And now, he finally had the power to make it happen.

Hackett and his men stormed back to the hospital.

Furious, Hackett's voice thundered through the hospital halls.

"That damn Cedric can talk his way out of anything! And Alexander-what a backstabber! He's the president of the association, yet he defended Daniela? | told you before, didn't I? He likes her! Still has feelings for her!There's no way he'd ever turn against her for us!"

Bruno fumed, frustration clear in his voice. "Daniela's a nightmare to go up against. What's our next move?"

Farley narrowed his eyes at Hackett, then cast his gaze downward before asking, "Hackett, where were y/ou the night Marcus died?"

The question hit like a slap, making everyone freeze-except Huey and Farley, who both watched Hackett closely.

"Me?" Hackett's face twisted in confusion. "I was at home! Wait a damn second! Why are you even asking?You think I had something to do with Marcus' death, don't you?"

Hackett practically sprang off his seat. "I was alone the whole damn night! If you don't believe me, ask my housekeeper.She never lies!"

Farley didn't say a word.

Hackett reached for his phone, ready to call home and prove his innocence.

Bruno placed a firm hand over Hackett's. "Relax, man. It was just a joke. You know how Farley is, always messing around."

Huey sat motionless on the bed, staring at Hackett's hardened face. The memory of what had happened on the rooftop replayed in his head like a haunting reel.

A chill ran down his spine at the thought.

Hackett and his men stormed out. Not long after, Huey's phone buzzed with a message from Farley.

"Huey, after I left your place that night, Marcus called me to talk about something. I overheard him telling his driver to head to Awesmy Road-the villa district. And out of all of us, only Hackett lives there. So, logically, I think Marcus went to Hackett's place the night he died."

Normally, that wouldn't mean much.

But Hackett outright denied it, and his reaction was way too extreme.

Something wasn't adding up.

The meaning behind Farley's words couldn't be more obvious.

He thought Hackett had murdered Marcus.

Huey stared at the message, fear gripping his chest.

Sleep was out of the question. Huey was convinced Hackett had lost his mind.

He had to protect himself before it was too late.

If he didn't, he'd be next.

One name flashed in his mind-Daniela!

If there was anyone on this planet who could take on Hackett, it was her.

Without hesitation, Huey yanked out the IV and tossed the covers aside.

But the moment his feet hit the cold floor, he froze. Hackett stood at the doorway, watching him. No one knew when he had arrived.