Chapter 531

Daniela and Cedric arrived, only to find that Hackett's group had already made themselves comfortable.

Pretending not to notice Daniela, they remained clustered together, murmnuring in hushed, secretive tones.

Daniela's lips curved into a mocking smile.

Only then did Hackett act as if he had just noticed Daniela.With exaggerated surprise,he exclaimed, "Ms.Harper! What a rare sight! It's been ages. I've been trying to invite you to dinner,but you keep turning me down."

He wasted no time in delivering a lighthearted reprimand.

Daniela held her smile, unbothered by Hackett's remarks. But Hackett barely acknowledged her reaction,turning his attention to Cedric with a sudden change in attitude.

His tone turned deferential. "Mr. Phillips, it's been too long."

Hackett's companions exchanged glances, eyeing Cedric before briefly glancing at Daniela's small frame. Chuckling, they stood up, offering Cedric warm and polite greetings.

It was clear they saw Cedric as the true power behind the scenes.

To them, Daniela, with her youthful appearance,hardly seemed capable of making waves in the business world.

Paying no heed to their flattery, Cedric pulled out a chair for Daniela, his voice soft as he said, "Have a seat."

Daniela took her seat.

The eight men chuckled,exchanging knowing glances."Mr. Phillips, you truly dote on your wife."

Hackett joined in, laughing. "That's how it should be!A happy wife means a happy life, after all."

Marc added with a smirk, "No wonder your company thrive in business. We should take notes from you, Mr.Phillips."

While they talked, Hackett politely gestured for Cedric to take a seat. ①

Cedric settled into his chair, prompting the eight men across from him to do the same.

Cedric sat with a straight posture, while Daniela's chair was slightly askew,making it appear as though Cedric alone faced the eight men.

With her petite frame almost swallowed by the oversized chair,Daniela faded into the background,easily ignored by the eight men.

Cedric poured a glass of water for Daniela, but she shook her head. "I'm not thirsty."

Setting the glass in front of himself, Cedric offered,"Want to go for a walk later? There's a new shopping plaza, and I heard they have great snacks. You've been craving something sour lately, haven't you?"

Daniela gave a small nod. "Let's go once this is done."

The eight individuals on the other side observed their conversation,exchanging glances as if they weren't even present.

Cedric was known for being difficult to deal with,yet his attentiveness towards Daniela was undeniable.

If Cedric stayed firm, their backup plan was to target Daniela instead.

In the end, women could always be won over with jewelry,designer clothes,and lavish gifts.

Modern women were all gold diggers anyway. Daniela couldn't possibly resist the temptation of wealth. That assumption put them at ease, making them believe the night wouldn't be a total loss.

They could only hope this business feud would end soon, or the entire association might fall apart.

Unable to hold back any longer, Farley spoke up first."Mr. Phillips, we're here not only to reconnect but also to discuss some pressing business matters."

Sitting upright with an unreadable gaze, Cedric asked evenly, "What business matters?"

Once again, the eight of them exchanged uncertain glances.

Huey let out a small chuckle, took a sip of water, and said, "We've met before, haven't we? At the last charity auction, we both had our eyes on a piece of jewelry,and you eventually..."

Clearly,Huey was attempting to butter Cedric up.

Cedric lifted a hand to cut him off. "Apologies, but l have plans to take my wife for a walk later. I'll give you fifteen minutes. Will that be sufficient?"

The eight men across the table froze in disbelief.

"Fifteen minutes?" Hackett choked out. That wasn't even enough time for introductions. They had prepared extensive arguments and even planned to invite the couple to a private club later. But faced with Cedric's detached demeanor, Hackett swallowed his frustration. "Fifteen minutes it is!"

Cedric gave a slight nod of acknowledgment. Even in casual attire,he carried himself with an air of authority that commanded respect.

Hackett's grin stretched wider, becoming even more obsequious. "There was a minor misunderstanding recenty, Mr. Phillips," he said, pulling a pre-filled check from his pocket. "I acted too rashly, and for that,I take full responsibility. The eight of us are here today to see if we can settle this matter amicably."

Cedric's gaze flickered briefly towards the check resting on the table. His lips curled into a smirk. "Do you take me for a beggar?"

Bruno, ever the one to obsess over money, widened his eyes in disbelief. "Mr.Phillips,did you look closely?That's two hundred million! Since when does a beggar receive that kind of sum?"

Bruno had spent the entire night agonizing over the exact amount to offer.

Cedric, a veteran in the business world, lounged back in his chair,tilting his chin slightly as he regarded them.

His posture was casual, but the sharp glint in his eyes carried a silent challenge . "This money isn't for me," Cedric said smoothly. "My wife has a kind heart. There are countless homeless children in impoverished regions, and she hopes to unite charitable businesses to fund schools worldwide -working toward a world where poverty no longer exists."

Cedric's statement sent a chill through the eight men,leaving them uneasy.

A world without poverty?

Marc let out an awkward chuckle, clapping hesitantly."Eliminating poverty worldwide sounds a bit ambitious.Perhaps we should start on a smaller scale? Maybe in Olisvine first? And your wife's vision is quite idealistic.Mr. Phillips, don't you think it would be wiser to take things step by step?"

All eight pairs of eyes turned to Cedric, waiting for his response.

Cedric shook his head effortlessly. "That won't do.Kindness shouldn't have borders. And considering that you all are at the helm of the domestic business world,don't you think two hundred million is a little underwhelming for such an ambitious project?"

A heavy silence settled over the room.

Hackett's thoughts raced as he hesitated before asking, "Then, what would be an appropriate amount?"