Chapter 557

Hackett and the other association members had retreated to the seclusion of the mountains, finding solace in the natural hot springs.

Their choice of refuge was strategic, aimedat dodging any accusations of plotting against Daniela and Cedric.

Bruno, reveling in the comforting warmth, narrowed his eyes contentedly. "Ah, this is the life we deserve!"he exclaimed, contentedly slapping his stomach.

A grin spread across Huey's face as he relaxed."Cedric won't get away so easily this time! I'm eager to see him grovel and lose that smug arrogance."

Farley laughed heartily, reminiscing about a recent encounter. "Last time I bumped into Cedric at Elite Lux,I was so tempted to smack him. His arrogance is unbearable! He thinks he's some kind of business prodigy, but he's nothing compared to us who have weathered many storms."

Marcus, nursing a glass of wine, brooded over his recent losses in their conflict with Daniela. His gaze was cold, his intentions dark. "We should eliminate them both, if you ask me! And for Daniela, let's find a group of men to rape her. No one will want her after we're done. That'll wipe the allure right off her face!"

Winslow was absorbed in his phone.

Hackett looked over at the preoccupied Winslow and chuckled."You won't find any reception here,Winslow.Relax, we're here to have a good time. Besides,Cedric has been caught with his hand in the cookie jar. No matter what Daniela tries, she won't be able to extricate him. Once we're back, we'll simply seize control of his business."

Everyone around him roared with laughter, though Winslow kept his eyes glued to his phone. "I can't shake this feeling of discomfort."

Bruno burst out laughing. "What's there to worry about, Winslow? Daniela hasn't even made a move against your business yet, so why the nerves?"

"Yeah, you're overthinking it, Winslow," Farley chimed in. "This time, Cedric doesn't stand a chance against us!"

Marcus looked at Winslow, hesitated, and then said,"Winslow, why hasn't Daniela targeted you yet?"

At ease, Winslow continued to stare at his device."Who knows? Maybe she's too busy. My firm is hardly on her radar; it's the smallest fish in the pond." A thought struck Hackett, an image flashing through his mind of a figure resembling Winslow when he went to see Daniela. "You haven't gone behind our backs to strike a deal with Daniela,have you,Winslow?"

Silence suddenly enveloped the hot springs. All eyes in the group fixed on Winslow.

Setting his phone aside, Winslow looked up slowly."What nonsense is this? Me,make a deal with Daniela?Come on, Hackett. You know as well as I do that l couldn't offer her anything substantial. What's mere pocket change to you is my entire operation. If she's willing to go after you, why would she let me off the hook?"

Everyone paused to reflect after hearing this.

Bruno nodded slowly. "That makes sense."

Winslow shrugged off the comments lightly, saying,"Perhaps Daniela just overlooked my company, or maybe she was too busy. You guys really expect me to join your financial misery?"

Huey chuckled and patted Winslow on the back."Come on, we're in this together. Remember, it was your plan to deal with Brylee. Daniela won't forget that." It was meant to ease the tension while also serving as a warning to Winslow. Winslow's gaze was cold as he stared off into the distance, a smirk playing on his lips. "Afraid of Daniela?That day will never come."

Laughter erupted around him as the others nodded in hearty agreement.

They lingered in the comforting warmth of the hot springs for several hours, basking in relaxation.

Once they emerged from the water, their phones,now within signal range, buzzed relentlessly with a flood of notifications.

As they gazed at their screens, the unfolding drama rivaled any prime-time soap opera.

By the stroke of midnight, headlines screamed with scandalous revelations like "Shameless Commerce Association!" and "Apology Demanded from Commerce Association!"

Their own schemes against Cedric had spectacularly rebounded on them.

In a state of panic, Hackett barely took the time to dry off before he was rushing to get dressed and out the door.

Huey, in his haste, slipped and tumbled over.

Though they claimed there was no rush, their voices quivered with a palpable sense of urgency.

Racing down the mountain, they were glued to their phone screens, absorbing the latest updates.

Bruno said, "Who had the bright idea to retreat to these remote hot springs? We're cut off from everything!"

Farley retorted, "It doesn't matter now. We're already too late."

Huey said, "Whoever's backing Cedric is a genius! How did they flip the script so completely, even with such damning evidence against him?"

Marc yelled from the back seat, "Enough chatter! Just speed up!"

Winslow peered out the window, his expression unreadable.

Olisvine was going to change a lot.