Chapter 56

Cedric's heart clenched with pain.

Daniela rested against his shoulder, her exhaustion finally overcoming her as she drifted into a deep sleep.

Cedric carefully lifted her into the office's lounge.Outside, Lillian, sensing the quiet that had settled in,hesitated before quietly peeking through the door.

Her voice was soft and cautious as she asked, "ls she doing any better?"

Cedric gently tucked a blanket around Daniela before quietly stepping out of the room.

As soon as they were outside the office, Lillian couldn't contain her anger any longer and exploded in the hallway.

"I'll kill Caiden! I'll make him pay! What kind of monster does that? He's her father! How could he hurt her like that? And now these rumors online,saying she's not Caiden's daughter? Otherwise,why would he treat her like this? I want answers too,damn it!"

As she trailed behind Cedric, she couldn't hold back her frustration and shot him a barrage of questions."Where are you going?"

With a grim look, Cedric didn't respond and made his way upstairs.

Once there, he asked Josie for some ice cubes,then wrapped them carefully in a towel before heading back downstairs.

Lillian slowly picked up on the dangerous vibe coming from Cedric.

It hit her in that moment. While her words about killing Caiden were just heated talk, Cedric was a man of quiet action.

He stepped into Daniela's lounge, carefully pressing the ice against her swollen cheek.

His brow tightened in sympathy, as though he were the one who had been hurt.

Lillian stood there and was about to speak when the secretary quietly entered the room.

He took a quick look at Daniela, who was asleep,before turning his attention to Lillian. "Alexander Bennett wants to discuss something with Ms.Harper."

Lillian furrowed her brow in response. What could that bastard possibly want to talk about now, of all times? Was he trying to take advantage of Daniela's vulnerability?

Seething, Lillian turned and snapped, "Did he say what he wants?"

The secretary noticed Cedric's stern expression and hesitated, unsure if speaking would provoke a harsh glare from him.

He paused,trying to gather his thoughts. Cedric, sensing the delay, turned his head sharply and demanded, "What does he want to discuss?"

The secretary stuttered, "He said...he came to settle Joyce's store rent, and then..."

Before the secretary could continue, a sudden chill swept through the air, affecting both Lillian and him.

As they pieced it together, Cedric had already stormed out.

His departing figure exuded a chilling, threatening energy, like someone consumed by rage.

Alexander was taken aback as Cedric appeared from Daniela's office.

Cedric advanced, his expression dark and full of menace."What do you want?"

Alexander hesitated and briefly looked towards Daniela's office, but Cedric moved to block his line of sight.

"I have some matters to discuss with Daniela. Didn't the secretary inform you?"

Cedric's voice was icy. "She's not available right now."

Despite his many grievances and doubts, Alexander hesitated under Cedric's intense stare. "Then I'll wait for her."

Cedric's eyes narrowed as he spoke, his tone laden with authority. "She isn't meeting with anyone today."

Alexander was aware of why she was unavailable and responded calmly, "I understand. That's why my father has invited her to dinner at our house today.I'll wait outside until she's free." He glanced at the time and added, "There's still two hours left in the workday,so no need to rush."

Cedric's secretary knew that in these situations,Cedric typically didn't say much. But today, things were different.

In a low, commanding tone, Cedric repeated,"I told you, Daniela isn't seeing anyone today!"

Alexander's expression tightened, and he squared his shoulders, meeting Cedric's gaze with a defiant stance. "Do you think Daniela is your property?How can you make decisions for her without even consulting her? Sure, you might have influence now,but that doesn't mean everyone has to bow to your will. Daniela deserves the freedom to make her own choices. And just so you know, I'm not here with any ulterior motives. I'm just trying to offer some kindness. Her family dynamics aren't great, so I'm doing what I can to help. I'llpay for Joyce's rent.Daniela's upset, and I've even had my family prepare a meal for her. What's wrong with that?"

His words rang with a sense of self-righteousness.

Just as Lillian was about to respond, a flash of cold fury crossed Cedric's face, followed by the sharp crack of a fist striking something hard. The impact was deafening.

Alexander stumbled backward, losing his balance before crashing to the floor in a clumsy heap.

The entire room stood frozen in shock.

Even Alexander seemed dazed by what had just happened. Wiping blood from the corner of his mouth, he rose to his feet, preparing to confront Cedric.

At that moment, Ryan stepped out of the elevator,deliberately tripping Alexander, sending him crashing to the floor again, this time face down.

Determined, Alexander tried to get up once more,but Cedric quickly stepped in front of Ryan, blocking his path.

With a pointed finger aimed at Alexander, Cedric growled, "Try it, and you'll regret it!"

Alexander's hand curled into a tight fist at his side,his fury evident.