Chapter 775

Hamilton's hand struck Nikolas across the face again

"This is what you've learned from me after all these years? Pathetic,childish tricks! Nikolas, you've become nothing but an embarrassment."

Nikolas clenched his jaw. "It's not my fault-it's Daniela. She's too cunning!"

"Is that your excuse? Why not just admit you're completely outmatched?" Hamilton looked disgusted."She flipped your trap into an advantage. And you're still standing here, trying to defend yourself? If this is your idea of leadership, I fear McCoy Group will be doomed under your lead."

Nikolas opened his mouth, ready to explain, but Hamilton had already lost patience and refused to listen to another word.

He watched helplessly as Hamilton headed to the building across the street.

Hamilton wasn't alone. Behind him walked a team of design consultants.

Daniela stood by the entrance. Hamilton gave her a

polite smile. "Mind giving me a tour?"

Before she could speak, Carol stepped in fast. "The place isn't done. There's nothing to show you. Your games didn't work, so now you show up trying to act friendly?"

No one else had ever dared to speak to Hamilton like that. His face darkened. But he didn't snap. He kept his temper in check.

He was still curious. How did Daniela manage all of this using just a domestic team? Frankly, he didn't buy it.

The building looked incomplete to him. It didn't make sense. Hamilton gave a small nod toward the experts trailing him.

They understood and began moving through the site.

Daniela let them roam freely while she kept her focus on the documents in her hands.

After a short inspection, Hamilton asked, "What's your take?"

The experts traded looks. Then one spoke. "Hard to say. It's too early. The structure's too bare. Without the design drafts, we can't make a real assessment."

The rest nodded in agreement. Hamilton pressed his lips together and turned to Daniela.

She looked thinner than usual. Fully absorbed in her work, she didn't even seem to notice them. She gave off the impression that their presence didn't matter.

Hamilton glanced to the side and asked someone nearby,"Where's Cedric?"

They pointed to an upper floor.

Hamilton looked up and saw Cedric standing near the stairwell, wearing a safety helmet, a white shirt,and dark trousers. He was giving clear instructions, calmly managing the crew.

His commands were sharp,his team assignments made sense, and he spoke with steady confidence.

The people around him followed without hesitation.

Hamilton watched in silence before walking over to Daniela.

His shadow stretched across her desk. She glanced up,slightly curious.

"Did you need something?" Her voice was even, but there was a trace of interest in her tone.

Hamilton studied the scene. "Not bad. It takes skill to coordinate a group like that."

Daniela pointed to Cedric. "They're here because of him,not me."

Hamilton didn't buy it.

Daniela didn't bother to explain further

He figured she was just trying to build up Cedric's image.

Then he walked away.

After that, he returned daily. No experts followed him anymore. His hands were always behind his back,his steps unhurried. He didn't speak much.

At first, he was just curious-wondering what a man with a limp could really do. But the more he saw, the clearer it became. Cedric was a man who built his own future. He was clever, capable, and dependable.

He wore button-down shirts or work gear, depending on the day. It didn't matter-he blended right in. But when it counted,he took charge.

Eventually, Hamilton started to believe Daniela's words. The team wasn't here for her. They were here because of Cedric.

He gave Cedric one last look, then turned to Daniela."If you're free, come home for dinner." She looked up and gave a soft laugh. "That offer came too late. When Cedric needed you, you weren't there. You see what he's become now. He's not the president of Phillips Group. He's not my husband. But that doesn't stop him from shining. He didn't need favors or shortcuts. He built himself from scratch. You don't need him, and truthfully, he doesn't need you."

Daniela knew-Hamilton wanted a decisive, ruthless heir. But that wasn't Cedric. Cedric wasn't cold or ruthless. He was full of warmth and feeling.

Hamilton narrowed his eyes. "Didn't you once say you lost your memories? Strange, because the way you stand up for Cedric-it feels like you've known him forever."

Daniela didn't hide it. "When children don't get love from their parents, they'll always find someone who loves them."

Hamilton went quiet for a moment. Then he said,"Feelings are precious. But without money,they fade fast. You and Cedric are both capable. But no one ever minds having more. If you're willing to work with McCoy Group, I'll make sure you both have what you want."

Daniela lowered her eyes. She chose not to reply.

To her, someone like Hamilton would never understand what she truly meant-no matter how much she explained

And yet, Hamilton stood there thinking the same thing -Daniela didn't understand him at all