Chapter 879

Cedric was nearly hoisted into the car. It wasn't that he couldn't resist; he simply gave in after Nikolas

earnest pleas

"The least you can do is join me for a meal,right?I heard you cook for Daniela every day. She's rich but can't afford a chef?" Hamilton said mockingly."Today's my birthday. Don't you think you should keep me company?"

Nikolas frowned, confused. "Dad, you just had your birthday Did you forget?"

Hamilton's face remained firm. "That was a self-assigned birthday. Today's the real one."

The car rolled on toward the McCoy family's estate

Hamilton's voice softened with sincerity "Success demands time and sacrifice.You all say I'm harsh,but do any of you realize l've never celebrated my birthday on the actual day? Have I ever once complained? No one finds success without cost in this world. It's only fair to pay the price."

As he spoke, Hamilton glanced at Cedric through the rearview mirror, searching for even a flicker of feeing Instead,Cedric was lost in his phone, typing away

Frustrated and disappointed, Hamilton turned his gaze away but couldn't resist sneaking another look at Cedric's screen.

There, the contact name blinked on Cedric's phone."Honey."

Hamilton shut his eyes with a sigh of irritation. That hopeless romantic

"Cedric," Hamilton snapped, unable to hide his irritation. "We're right outside the McCoy family's estate. Aren't you going to look? It's far more interesting than your phone."

The secretary driving chimed in eagerly, "Mr. Phillips,you have to see this. The estate stretches over two hundred acres, with basketball, soccer, golf,horseback riding, archery, and a range of luxury sports facilities. It even has the longest running track in Oiscoll We're cruising along the scenic coastline,and at the highest point sits the main villa-the crown jewel of luxury homes. Priceless and unmatched. The view ahead is breathtaking. From up here, you can see the whole Oiscoll spread out below."

Cedric wrapped up his message to Daniela,promising to come home later, then casually slipped his phone back into his pocket. He turned his gaze toward the window.

The sunset was flawless-like a golden sash draped across the sky casting its glow onto the vast sea,turning the waves into shimmering golden scales. The view was breathtaking

Hamilton's chest swelled with pride. "What do you think? Not bad, huh? This is the kind of place fit for living."

The secretary gestured toward a crooked tree outside "See that? That's the Love Tree. Local legend says couples who make wishes beneath it are blessed with eternal love."

Intrigued, Cedric turned to examine the tree.

The tree's branches were draped with fluttering red silk ribbons.

The secretary smiled warmly. "This tree is special Every Valentine's Day, the McCoy family opens it to the public, and countless couples come to wish for lasting love. It's well-known-featured even in Oiscoll's news."

Cedric's eyes sparkled with interest.

Hamilton imagined that if Cedric and the princess dated beneath this tree, their love would be eternal.

He quickly sent a message to the princess. The car kept climbing higher.

After over an hour, they reached the summit at last.

Cedric had already made up his mind-when he bought a house, it would never be a mansion so far from the city center. The commute was just too mnuch hassle.

Hamilton, clearly proud, said to Cedric, "What do you think? The estate is pretty vast, right? You didn't get a proper tour last time. Make sure you take it all in today."

The secretary chimed in. "The mansion is a true display of Oiscoll's heritage and luxury. With our dedicated guide,you can fully immerse yourself in its grandeur today."

Hamilton headed upstairs to change into fresh clothes.

As the guide started the tour, Cedric's disinterest showed clearly. He leaned toward Nikolas and whispered. "Why is your father suddenly flaunting all this stuff to me?"

Nikolas looked puzzled.

Cedric frowned. "Does he think I've never seen the world? Is he trying to put me down by showing off?

Nikolas shook his head. "I don't think that's it. You've never cared much about this stuff,have you?"

He recalled an auction where he'd bought an elegant,pricey antique vase. Since he was staying at Daniela's place, he figured he shouldn't mooch off her, so he gifted her the vase.

The vase was worth more than fifty million at the time.It was definitely expensive.

Daniela barely looked at it, thanked him quietly, then went off to eat Carol's sandwiches.

The following day, Nikolas caught sight of Cedric using that fifty-million-dollar vase to hold a bouquet of roses.

He was completely stunned. He figured Cedric didn't grasp how valuable it was.

But Cedric shrugged and explained, "It's just a vase. If it's not holding flowers, what else can it really do?"

Nikolas stood there, completely at a loss for words.

Deep down, he had to admit Cedric made sense