Chapter 468

The employees in the administration department looked utterly deflated.

They turned to Cedric with pleading eyes.

The marketing manager,holding up the afternoon's results with a wide grin, turned to Daniela. "Your insights are priceless. You've saved me years of hard work. Now it makes sense why you're the world's wealthiest person. You truly deserve it. Are you free this evening? My team and I would like to treat you to dinner."

Everyone looked at Daniela with anticipation.

The administration manager blinked in surprise before offering a smile. "Our department would also love to host you for dinner."

Their faces brightened with genuine enthusiasm.

Daniela placed her pen down, her fingers brushing against the thermos that had sat forgotten beside her all afternoon.

Her gaze swept over the crowd, pausing briefly on Cedric.

She flashed him a radiant smile. "Cedric, would you be able to join us?"

Immediately, all eyes turned to Cedric.

He gave a subtle nod, and Daniela was promptly surrounded by the eager group, guided towards the restaurant across the street.

Cedric, hands casually tucked into his pockets.lingered at the back.

Inside the restaurant, he approached the reception desk and tapped it lightly. The receptionist stood up with practiced politeness. "Good evening,Mr.Phillips."

Cedric gestured to the private room where the group had entered. I'll cover their expenses tonight. If anyone inquires, just tell them my wife has already taken care of it."

Daniela was more than generous,especially when it came to the key players of Phillips Group.

She wouldn't let them be burdened wvith the cost.

Inside the private room, Daniela smiled."Tonight,everything's on me."

As she stepped out to give instructions to the front desk, ensuring no one else would pick up thetab,she overheard Cedric's considerate words.

Leaning on the railing, she looked down at Cedric below, her lips curving into a soft smile. ltenbi relaxed.

Cedric sat beside Daniela, sipping on the oatmeal while the others dug into their meals.

One of the employees, noticing this, asked,"Mr Phillips, why aren't you eating these delicious dishes?

Cedric shot them a sharp, pointed look.

The employee shifted uncomfortably, glancing at Cedric's secretary who sat nearby.

The secretary let out a small laugh. "You don't get it.do you? The oatmeal was made by his wife. It was brought in this morning but delayed by all of you.Even though it's cold now, it's still just as delicious."

Laughter rippled around the table at the comment.

Cedric,lowering his head,quietly resumed eating,the playful banter not quite reaching his focused demeanor.

When the meal came to a close, Daniela and Cedric were the last to leave.

Daniela could feel the weight of Cedric's unspoken words.

If they didn't resolve whatever it was today, he wouldn't go home.

They made their way to a cafe downstairs.

Cedric ordered himself a coffee, and Daniela, an orange juice.

"What do you want to say?" Cedric asked, his tone unusually self-assured.

Daniela sat up straight,her expression turning serious "I'm here to take you home."

Cedric glanced at her, his gaze lingering on her bright eyes which shimmered even in the dim light of the cafe.

He took a slow sip of his coffee,then,in rhythm with the soft background music, drawled, "Do you plan to Keep things from me until I'm upset, only to coax me into letting it go each time?"

Daniela's response was firm. "No."

Cedric's gaze sharpened. "So, you're planning to be honest with me?"

Daniela's answer was equally resolute. "No, not that either."

Frustration flickered in Cedric's eyes. "I don't understand why you're unwilling to tell me your ultimate goal. Daniela, you can't expect me to live in constant fear that someone I love might vanish."

His voice was strained, as if he were battling with something deeper. "Am I truly so untrustworthy in your eyes?"

"I have my reasons." Daniela paused, letting the weight of her words hang in the air before continuing "Can you wait a little longer?"

Cedric's lips twisted into a self-deprecating smile, a mix of sarcasm and resignation. "Do I dare say no? 1f I say no,will you just walk away again?"

Daniela fell silent.

A bitter laugh escaped Cedric,his frustration bubbling to the surface. "So why did you come to me today?To offer me oatmeal and think that's enough? Daniela.do you really think I'm some child who can be soothed by food?"

Daniela paused, the tension between them thickening

After a long silence, Cedric waited with bated breath.every second stretching between them. Finally.Daniela's voice broke the quiet. "Doesn't it work?"

Cedic exhaled sharply.

He opened his hand, revealing a palm slickwith sweat.

His words were harsh, but there was an unmistakable tremor in his voice, betraying his fear that Daniela might truly give up on them.

But Cedric knew he had no choice.

If he didn't stand firm now, Daniela would never lean on him,never trust him fully.

For now,though,he chose to let it go. His heart felt heavy, as though it couldn't take much more of this.

He finished his coffee in silence. "When you finally tell me what you're up to, I'll come home."

With that,Cedric rose to his feet.

Daniela watched as his figure slowly receded through the door,her heart tightening with each step he took.

She stayed in the cafe a moment longer, collecting herself before finally leaving.

Jackie Gray, Cedric's driver, honked lightly and greeted her cheerfully. "Mr. Phillips sent me to take you home."

Daniela climbed into the car, the familiar scent of leather and cedar surrounding her.

As they drove, she stared out the window, her thoughts swirling.

Jackie glanced at her quiet profile a few times before speaking up. "Why isn't Mr. Phillips coming home with you?"

"He had work to finish and went back to the office."

Jackie nodded thoughtfully. "He's loved you for years.Even before your divorce, he was always watching over you. I never thought he'd smile-until the day he found out about your divorce. That was the first time I saw him genuinely smile." At his words, Daniela looked away from the window "Really? I thought Cedric had a cheerful disposition."