Chapter 884

Nikolas watched the mist creep in through the air vent. He said quickly into the phone, "Are you free right now? Can you come to Saint Sea Resort and get me out of here?"

Daniela's tone sharpened in an instant. "What's going on?"

Nikolas swayed a little. "I'm not feeling great," he muttered.

Right after that, the phone slipped from his fingers and hit the floor with a soft thud.

Daniela's voice came through faintly from the speaker. "Saint Sea Resort. I'll be there in five. If you start feeling worse, head to the restroom and splash cold water on your face. Try to stay awake."

Nikolas managed a weak "okay" before the line went dead.

He didn't know why he felt the way he did.

Still, hearing Daniela's voice settled something inside him. Nikolas gave a small, bitter smile.

He never imagined he'd fall into his father's trap this easily.

A voice called out from outside the door."Mr. McCoy, Damon and Nikolas aren't cooperating, but the others are waiting in their rooms. You can bring the princess in now."

Footsteps followed.

Nikolas assumed it was Hamilton. He forced himself to lift his head, pale and shaky, just in time to see the door swing open with a violent kick.

Daniela stormed in. Carol came in right behind her.

Nikolas stared at them, frozen in shock.

Carol crouched beside him, supporting his arm. "Are you okay?" she asked gently. Nikolas wanted to shake his head. Before he could answer, the secretary's shrill voice rang from the hallway."Who gave you permission to come in?"

He saw Daniela shove someone aside-probably the secretary-but his vision was already dimming.

Everything went dark after that.

By the time Hamilton came with the princess, Nikolas had already been taken away. Hamilton clenched his jaw but kept his expression preasant. "This way, please."

She didn't move. "Why did you even ask me to come? I told you last time I only wanted to meet Cedric.Why is it always you who greets me?"

Hamilton let out a dry laugh and opened the nearest door.

Inside, Russell was seated quietly. The princess looked around, then flicked the switch on the wall. Light poured into the room. She narrowed her eyes. "Is there someone else in here? If Cedric isn't, I'm leaving.Don't waste my time."

Hamilton had no choice but to lead the princess to the third room.

The princess peeked in, spotted someone who wasn't Cedric, and her expression turned cold."What exactly are you trying to pull?"

She stopped walking altogether. Damon remained seated in the room while Duran was escorted out. The princess turned to Hamilton, eyes narrowing. "I want an explanation."

Hamilton let out a nervous laugh. "I'm only asking if it has to be Cedric. Couldn't you consider one of my other sons? Duran's an excellent choice, if I may say so."

The princess frowned. "Are you serious right now?"

The chill in her voice made it clear she wasn't amused.

Hamilton kept his smile, though it wavered. "I'm just trying to give you more to think about. Marriage is a big decision. It shouldn't be rushed. You might regret..." He launched into a long, winding speech.

The princess didn't flinch. "l've already met your sons. I've already told you I'm not interested. I'm giving you three days. If I don't meet Ceddric by then, I'll talk to my father. He'll take it from there."

Without waiting for his response, she turned and got in her car.

Hamilton stood frozen, fists clenched by his sides.

"Damn.Is Daniela really trying to get in my way? Nikolas is not that different from Cedric."

Fueled by frustration, Hamilton stormed into Daniela's office.

"You always say Cedric belongs to you and that you're married. Fine. I'll give you that!" Hamilton's glare was sharp. "But Nikolas doesn't. He's my son. Who gave you the right to take him from me? I want answers,Daniela. And I want them now!"

Daniela looked up, calm and steady.11|Nikolas truly still part of your family?"

Hamilton opened his mouth to respond, but she was already holding up her phone. "Nikolas called me.He asked for help. And if I recall, you disowned him publicly not long ago. So what kind of claim do you really have over him now?"

Hamilton's jaw tightened. "Fine. I won't argue about Nikolas. Let's talk about Cedric. What will it take for you to leave him? Name your price."

Unfazed, Daniela replied, "There's no price. I'm not interested."

Hamilton's glare darkened. "So now you're against me? You really want to start a fight? If you keep pushing,don't expect a happy ending."

Daniela didn't even look his way."Is that so? Then I guess we'll both find out."

Hamilton's expression turned to ice. "Ungrateful, aren't you? I held back before. Let you grow your business right under my nose. But I've had enough. Now I'll show you what real power looks like. I'll remind you who controls Oiscoll."