Chapter 852

"Guilt?" Hamilton's brow furrowed in confusion. "Why should I be burdened by that? The winners decide what's written in the history books. Since when does the victor owe anyone regret? That's absurd."

Nikolas kept his composure. After taking in Hamilton's attitude, he realized further conversation was pointless. "We're not here to congratulate you. Cedric wanted us to make it clear-he's not letting this go.You'd be wise to stay on your guard. Maybe you haven't heard, but Alexander's now paralyzed. If you want to avoid things spiraling out of control, an apology is in order."

Hamilton faltered, surprise flickering across his face."Alexander,paralyzed?"

Damon stepped in to confirm. "That's right-Cedric did it himself. You might know Daniela only as Clarinda, but remember, Cedric is the Lone Wolf's leader. He's always watched out for her from the shadows,ensuring no one dared to touch her. But you crossed the line. Alexander's fate should serve as your warning."

Shock flickered briefly before Hamilton recovered, a sneer twisting his lips. "And what of it? This is my turf.If they're upset, let them stew. Daniela might have had some luck lately, but let's get one thing straight-here,I call the shots. Do they really think a bit of newfound success will shake me? You guys are still naive!"

Contempt colored every word as Hamilton spoke.

Meanwhile, storm clouds pressed low over the city,the sky outside almost suffocating.

Just then, Kohen stepped into the room, grinning."Look at you two, Damon, Nikolas-braving this storm just to return home, yet you don't even try to lift Father's spirits. Why waste time with all these warnings? Cedric and Daniela are outsiders, and yet you're scolding your own father on their behalf? I just don't get it. Nikolas, weren't you always Father's loyal son? Now, just because Daniela tossed a few crumbs your way, you're suddenly on her side?"

Fury lit Damon's eyes. "You can drop the manipulative act! Father and Alexander set a trap for an innocent woman-how can you defend that? If you're really so bold, prove yourself in business, not with underhanded schemes. This kind of stunt only makes you repulsive!"

Hamilton didn't hesitate. He strode over and struck Damon across the face. Without pause, he spun and landed a blow on Nikolas as well. "If your only reason for coming home is to stir up trouble, then don't bother staying-get out!" Kohen tried to soothe their father. "Don't let it get to you, Father. Nikolas and Damon just aren't thinking clearly."

Hamilton's anger flared hotter, his face mottled with rage. "Both of you, out of my sight! Nikolas, you're not family anymore. Why are you even here? Go!"

Nikolas offered no argument, simply turning on his heel and heading for the door.

Damon fell in step behind his brother.

From behind, Kohen called out, "Damon, Father didn't mean you! Why are you leaving too? This will only push him further!"

As their car tore away from the house, a satisfied smirk appeared on Kohen's lips.

Hamilton settled heavily onto the living room couch,already dialing the hospital on his phone.

The hospital's findings aligned perfectly with Nikolas 'account.

A calculating glint entered Hamilton's eyes.

He hadn't expected Cedric to make a move in Oiscoll.

This defiance was something new.

If Daniela's greatest vulnerability was her terror of heights,then Cedric's, without question, was Daniela herself.

Though Hamilton still schemed to use Daniela's phobia against her, he realized she and her circle would now be wary,especially with Alexander already rendered powerless.

He needed new pawns-people who could earn Daniela's confidence, blend in unnoticed, and strike only when the timing was perfect.

His thoughts replayed Nikolas and Damon's earlier outrage, their loyalty to Daniela clear as day.

Daniela seemed to have won their allegiance, and by all signs, she looked after them in return.

Hamilton knew his sons better than anyone.

A single command from him, and neither would dare defy him.

There was no sense searching outside the family-his answer was right in front of him.

If he joined forces with his two sons, there was no doubt they could overpower Daniela in the end.

Everyone had weaknesses.

For Nikolas, it was his ambition, that unyielding hunger for status and control. Damon, on the other hand, could never resist something new and bristled at the thought of limits.

Yet neither of these tendencies posed the greatest danger to them.

The true weakness in their armor was the memory of their late mother.

A sly grin played at Hamilton's mouth, his gaze shimmering with the promise of devious plans to come.