Chapter 379

As Cedric turned his head, Natalie couldn't miss the shadow of disappointment that flickered across his face.

It was clear he'd been expecting Daniela to walk through the door.

Natalie decided to let it slide. She gave him a polite smile, handed him a cup of coffee,and said,"Good morning, Mr. Phillips. I'm Ms. Harper's new personal assistant."

After speaking, Natalie gave Cedric a polite nod.

Without wasting a moment, she turned her attention to tidying up Daniela's desk.

Shortly after, she exited the office without uttering another word.

Meanwhile,Elyse lingered by the doorway,her brows drawn together in quiet concern as she observed the scene.

"Do you really think Cedric will notice you if you keep hiding your true self?" Elyse asked. Gazing through the office door at the man inside,Natalie replied, "Mom, you just don't get it. Most men don't value what comes to them too easily. They take for granted anything that falls into their laps."

Elyse nodded thoughtfully. "It seems you're sure about your plan. I'll take Nina home later so I don't get in your way."

"It's fine," Natalie replied with a calm air as she applied lipstick in front of the mirror. "That fool being around only makes me shine brighter."

With that, Natalie gathered the files from the table and strode back into Daniela's office.

Cedric remained by the floor-to-ceiling window,prompting her to cast him a quick, indifferent glance.

"Mr.Phillips, I hope you don't mind me asking, but are you a fan of the renowned painter Monica Miller?"Natalie asked with a warm, easygoing smile.

Cedric's expression shifted to one of surprise. "How could you possibly know that?"

Monica was undeniably a celebrated artist, and Cedric hadnever shared his admiration for her with anyone.

Natalie's lips curved into a knowing smile as she gestured to the handkerchief in Cedric's breast pocket. "The pattern and style are so reminiscent of her work. I used to admire her, too, but I was quite disappointed when I heard she retired."

Cedric was on the verge of replying when the office door swung open.

Daniela stepped into the doorway, fully aware Cedric had been waiting for her but surprised to see Natalie there as well.

Trusting her instincts, Natalie quickly briefed Daniela on her work progress before stepping out and closing the door behind her.

At that moment, she epitomized the role of a capable and efficient secretary.

Outside, Nina had caught sight of the brief exchange between Cedric and Natalie. Her face twisted with jealousy.

Natalie noticed Nina's envious glare and responded with a faint, disdainful sneer. "Idiot," she muttered under her breath before walking away.

But Nina wasn't done. She hurried after Natalie."Would you dare show Cedric the real you? You're just hiding behind a mask!"

Natalie didn't even bother to dignify her with a response.

With her gaze lowered, she slipped her hand into her purse,retrieving a small wallet adorned with an oil-painting motif. A gentle smile graced her lips.

In the office, Cedric remained by the window,unmoving, as if rooted to the spot where he had stood all night.

Daniela lingered by the door,hesitant, uncertain about how to take the first step forward.

There were countless explanations she owed him,yet faced with Cedric's presence, the words seemed to evaporate from her mind.

Perhaps, she thought, an apology could serve as a starting point.

But she knew Cedric would probably say, "It's all right."

And then she would have to admit, "I still can't make our relationship public. Can you understand?"

But what could Cedric say in response to that?

She could feel it in her gut-no matter what she said,Cedric's spirit would remain bruised.

Daniela had done everything to shield him from the burdens that were hers to bear, yet in the end,he had carried them for her instead.

She couldn't bear to see the once-proud man seem diminished in her presence. Daniela's hands curled into tight fists.

Should she declare their relationship over? The words refused to form.

Daniela stood in silence for what felt like forever before finally speaking. "I'm giving you the right to choose."

Cedric's gaze turned stormy in an instant.

He attempted a nod and a faint smile.

But it came off more like he was on the verge of breaking down.

"What do you mean?" Cedric asked sharply, his eyes locked on Daniela. Despite the calm he had tried to cultivate in recent days, his voice betrayed his tension."What are you talking about? A breakup? Or a divorce?Make it clear!"

At that moment, a cold ache spread through Daniela's chest.

Her fists tightened until her nails pressed painfully into her palms, forcing her to cling to rationality.

"Either one. The choice is yours," she said, her voice void of emotion.

The silence that followed weighed heavy in the air, pressing down on them both.

Cedric gave a slow nod, though a bitter smile ghosted across his lips. "Should I be grateful you've allowed me this final shred of dignity?"

He had returned, weary and worn, only to be greeted by these icy words.

"I'd have preferred your lies. At least then I could believe you felt something for me instead of forcing me to choose between two cruel options."

His voice faded into silence.

Cedric said nothing more. He swung the door open and walked out.

Lillian stood frozen by the door, stunned. "What happened?" she asked Daniela.

Daniela stepped further into the office, with Lillian following close behind. "Daniela, there's no need for this standoff. Even if Elyse has support, you can manage it."

Daniela didn't reply. Instead, she handed Lillian a folder.

Lillian glanced down at the folder. "Where did this come from? Cedric's background? Wasn't he raised in an orphanage? How..." As her eyes skimmed over the words, Lillian froze in place.

Moments later, she burst out, "What on earth is this?It's unbelievable!"