Chapter 721

Charles studied Daniela's face, noticing a brief flash of admiration.

He grinned smugly. "Daniela, I know what you're looking into. It's not just the explosion, but the truth behind your mother's death. If you back me, I can help you uncover it. Furthermore, whatever is rightfully Cedric's-whether he decides to return to the family or not-l will make sure he gets it as long as I'm in control. Also, while the McCoy family may seem peaceful, it's full of danger. Cedric doesn't care for family fortune, and you wouldn't want him caught up in this mess. If you pick me, I won't let you down."

Daniela observed Charles, realizing how shrewd he truly was. She hadn't shown any bias toward Cedric,yet Charles had brought him up.

Charles chuckled. "Daniela, you're too smart to settle for working with fools. Controlling a pawn is dull- partnering with someone as sharp as me is where the real fun lies."

Daniela took a sip of water, offering no clear response. "I hear you. You can leave now."

Charles smiled as he walked out, adding, "I'llbe waiting for the good news."

He was full of confidence, seemingly certain that Daniela would pick him.

After he left, Carol came down from upstairs."Charles is too clever. People like him are hard to control."

Daniela responded, "It's more rewarding to deal with intelligent people. I can't achieve anything with fools."

Carol quickly realized Daniela had made her choice-Charles.

She hesitated,remnembering how cheerful Cedric had been yesterday. "What about Cedric? What's your plan for him?" Daniela, usually so composed, felt a headache begin to form at the thought of Cedric.

Carol said, "I have a feeling Cedric's wrapping things up at the company. I saw him packing his bags this morning."

Daniela froze in surprise.

Carol added, "He's convinced you'll choose him for sure. If he finds out you've chosen someone else,it will break his heart."

Daniela's brow furrowed slightly.

Carol gazed at Daniela. "Whether it's the McCoy family or anywhere else, we can protect Cedric.What are you truly afraid of?"

Daniela's gaze turned icy. "You don't understand."

Carol replied, "When I first met Cedric, I didn't like him.I thought he lacked ambition. But now I see he's responsible-a real man. He cares for you deeply. He was so happy yesterday. Can you bear to see him sad?" Daniela didn't want to continue this conversation. But Carol pressed on. She believed Cedric was a good man. It was only when Cedric was near that Daniela seemed less distant, her coldness softening with a touch of warmth.

Daniela sighed and looked at Carol. "If we could truly protect him, how did he end up with an injured leg?"

Carol pouted. "That was an accident."

Daniela retorted, "One accident almost took his life.People are fragile and can't handle too many accidents. He's lame now. I lost a child. We'd been bedridden for three years. Do you get it now?"

Carol was left speechless for a moment.

Daniela gazed into the distance. "There's a destined connection between people. When it's over, it's time to part ways."

Carol wanted to speak more but couldn't find the words.

Cedric was organizing the assets of Phillips Group, preparing to hand over control of the company to a professional manager.

His secretary sighed helplessly. "Boss, I can't believe it. You're the only CEO I've ever seen who's always looking to retire. You're the CEO, the founder. If you leave,what will happen to us?"

Other companies feared that poor performance would result in layoffs.

While Phillips Group was thriving, the CEO was unreliable, constantly thinking of running away.

It made them fear that the CEO might disappear one day.

The secretary said, "Boss, you need more ambition.We need to lift our spirits! What will you even do at home? Your wife has her own matters, right?"

The secretary felt drained, as if he'd aged years overnight.

Cedric remained unfazed. He packed the documents into a box. "I'll transfer everything to the professional manager. You'll stay as chief secretary, and the company's structure will remain the same. Your salary will increase by ten percent every year. Don't you want a house in Olisvine? Consider it a gift for your loyalty over the years."

The secretary wasn't sure whether to feel grateful or heartbroken. "Boss, are you truly leaving?"

Cedric nodded. "Yes. It'll be in the next few days.Have someone clear out what I won't be taking."

The secretary struggled to accept it, but Cedric walked away with an easygoing demeanor.

While Daniela was going over the new quarterly reports, the villa door creaked open.

Cedric stepped inside, carrying a box, and with a cheerful grin, announced to Daniela, "Everything's settled. When do we leave?"