Chapter 69

Cedric had initially intended to drive Daniela home.

Work, however, demanded his attention, and he stayed behind. When he finally wrapped up, a text from Ryan awaited him.

It was a simple text.

"You're too slow."

Exiting a meeting, Cedric saw the message and replied with a question mark.

His secretary was updating him on office affairs at the time.

By the fourth point, the secretary noticed Cedric's unusual inattentiveness-his typically diligent boss was distracted by his phone.

Pausing, the secretary doubted Cedric's focus and skipped an item on the list. Without looking up, Cedric pointed out, "You skipped one."

Taken aback, the secretary apologized and readied to proceed, but Cedric, phone in hand, stood abruptly.

The secretary, accustomed to Cedric's steady presence, noted a rare unease in his demeanor.

Cedric appeared restless, bordering onanxious.

Such descriptors were foreign when it came to Cedric.

The secretary halted, anticipating Cedric's next move.

Yet, Cedric dismissed him with a gesture. As the door shut, the secretary overheard Cedric's low query into the phone. "Ryan, what exactly are you implying?"

On the other end, Ryan, weary from a night without sleep, was perched on a rooftop, nursing a drink. "They mean exactly what you think. I just spotted Alexander's car tailing Daniela home. Cedric, what on earth are you up to? It's been forever, and you still haven't told her how you feel. Are you frightened or what?"

The secretary, poised to knock, halted abruptly. Frightened? Who? Cedric? That couldn't be!

Then, Cedric said, "A bit."

The secretary's mouth hung open in shock.

Ryan, caught off guard, pressed, "Cedric, what scares you? You have it all-wealth, looks. What's there to fear? I just can't wrap my head around it."

Cedric slumped into his chair, his head lowered, his tone somber. "You don't get it."

Ryan was flabbergasted. "I don't get it? Or is it you who's missing the point?"

Cedric exhaled deeply. "She told me she's not ready for a relationship. Being away from her makes me restless, but getting too close... I worry it might push her away. I'm walking on eggshells here. You don't understand her like I do. Push too hard, and she'll close off entirely."①

Ryan burst into laughter. "Who would have imagined? The great Cedric Phillips, now so cautious and humble."

Cedric appeared unfazed by the comment, shifting the topic. "What was Alexander's business with Daniela?"

Ryan snorted dismissively, "What do you think? He wants her cooperation. He's angling for that North District project, but the way he clung to her in the footage-it looked off. Just a heads-up, Cedric. You should keep an eye out."

Cedric's expression hardened, his response resolute. "Understood."

The following morning, Cedric postponed an early appointment to visit Daniela for breakfast.

Daniela descended the stairs to find Cedric contemplatively resting his chin on his hand at the dining table.

She eyed him curiously, then whispered to Josie, "What's wth him today?"

Josie shrugged, clearly bemused. "Beats me. He arrived early, took a seat, and hasn't uttered a single word."

Daniela laughed, then shouted for Lillian to come down. Lillian appeared, yawning and complaining about her late night, her appetite absent.

As Daniela settled at the table, Cedric preemptively served her some side dishes.

She ate in measured silence, Cedric attentively topping up her plate with each bite she took.

Daniela smiled, her amusement nearly breaking through her poised demeanor as she continued to eat quietly.

After finishing, Daniela dabbed her mouth with a napkin, then faced Cedric.

Cedric, visibly uncomfortable underher scrutiny, looked away and muttered, "What?"

Daniela smiled, probing, "You don't usually come over early to play host. Anything you're trying to say?"

Cedric cleared his throat awkwardly. "Not at all."

Daniela gave a slight nod. "Alright then, I'm off."

At Daniela's suggestion of departure, Cedric quickly shed his guise of indifference, blurting out, "Wait!"

Daniela chuckled and resumed her seat.

Cedric propped his chin on his hand, gazing earnestly at her. "Let's have a conversation."

Daniela settled comfortably. "Alright,let's talk."

Cedric began tentatively, "This year's economy hasn't been kind."

Daniela met his gaze. "True, yet Phillips Group has just secured a significant deal. You're managing'to expand, even amidst these challenges."

Cedric paused briefly, then confessed, "However, collecting payments has been particularly tough lately."

Daniela nodded, her expression reflective. "That's understandable. Yet, your company maintains robust cash flow. It's one of the few not dependent on borrowing."

Elite Lux was the other exception.

Cedric exhaled heavily. "It's a tough season for business. Big deals are scarce, and the competition is fierce.My team is under so much pressure, they're turning to liquor to cope with the demands of networking."

Daniela tilted her head, intuiting his implication, yet she simply smiled and began to respond, "True,however-"

"Don't 'however' me," Cedric cut in, raising his hand. "If we continue this line of discussion..."

He'd find himself without a leg to stand on.

Resolving to be forthright, he stated, "I'm considering cuting corners. Phillips Group also specializes in architectural and renovation ventures. Why didn't Elite Lux consider us for the North District project? You shouldn't treat me differently just because we were classmates."

Cedric maintained eye contact, his tone softening. "I'm just asking for a fair chance."