Chapter 697

Nikolas and Kohen had spent a long time searching,but the handwriting's source still escaped them.

When they stepped inside, they spotted Cedric sitting in the pavilion.

Kohen turned to Nikolas. "Why don't we go talk to him? He's an adult. He shouldn't just follow everything Daniela says. If we give him the right offer,he might reconsider."

Nikolas responded, "But if we try anything and Dad finds out, it'll backfire. How much we get later depends on his mood. If he's upset, even getting rid of Cedric won't help us. We might end up empty-handed."

Kohen retorted, "Unlike you, l'vegot three kids to raise, Nikolas. If I don't fight for a bigger share, they'll suffer for it later."

Nikolas pulled out a cigarette. "Cedric's not as mild as he looks. He's got a short fuse."

Kohen shook his head. "He seems kind enough around Daniela. We're offering money and a friendly conversation. What reason does he have to refuse?"

Nikolas took a slow drag. "Put yourself in his shoes.Would you take the deal? Our father is the richest man in the world. What could we offer that compares? A million? Ten? It's still nothing compared to what he stands to gain."

Most outsiders thought the McCoy family lived lavish lives. But the truth was, every major expense needed Hamilton's signature.

There was a real chance Cedric had more access to money than they did.

If Hamilton wasn't on board, giving Cedric a large payout would be next to impossible.

Moreover, Cedric's wife was Daniela, the former

richest person in the world.

"Who told you it's okay to smoke here?" Cedric said,his tone clipped. "Put it out. Smoking isn't allowed."

Nikolas grumbled. "Daniela didn't say anything.You're being too rigid."

Cedric stood across from them, his face firm.

In that moment, he looked just like Hamilton.

Kohen recalled what Nikolas had said before-Cedric wasn't as simple as he seemed.

Nikolas stubbed out the cigarette.

"Don't do it again," said Cedric. His voice held no warmth. "Daniela can't stand the smell."

Nikolas felt a sting. As the eldest son of the world's richest man, he expected at least a little respect.

"Fine." With Cedric staring him down, Nikolas had no choice but to give in.

Cedric didn't even glance back at them. He turned away,ready to leave.

Kohen hurried over and blocked his path. "Cedric,why are you rushing off? It's rare that the three of us are here together. Let's sit and talk for a bit."

Cedric pressed his lips together. He dropped his gaze and looked down at Kohen's hand gripping his arm.

Kohen let go without a word.

"I've got nothing to say to you," Cedric muttered.Then he turned to walk away.

Kohen quickly followed, not ready to give up."Sooner or later, we'll need to talk this through."

They went to the pavilion.

"So that's it? You're really going to ignore everything between us and fight for the family inheritance?"Nikolas asked Cedric.

Cedric sat back in the shadows, his expression unreadable. "I've never accepted the idea that we're a'brothers."

Nikolas stared at him, stunned.

Kohen perked up. "So you're not trying to compete with us?"

He rushed to add more. "If you're willing to cooperate, we won't treat you unfairly. Just tell us what you need. We'll make sure you're compensated."

Cedric's tone didn't change. "I don't want anything. If you're serious about helping, then assist my wife in finding out who wrote that note."

Nikolas, who had been in the villa a few days longer,could already tell Cedric was in a foul mood.

Kohen slapped his leg. "No problem! As long as you're not going after the inheritance, I'l leave right now. Doesn't matter how long it takes. I'll figure out who did it-even if it takes a decade!"

Cedric had no interest in dragging the conversation out. He stood and gave a small nod. Once he was gone, Kohen turned to Nikolas, looking pleased."That went better than I expected. I thougnt we'd have a much harder time."

Nikolas stayed cautious. "Don't celebrate too early.What happens next depends on what Daniela decides."

The one who holds the power makes the final call.

If Daniela were anyone else, Cedric wouldn't even matter.But she wasn't ordinary.

She had made her name in the mercenary world.She could face down hundreds without flinching.

She also led the global intelligence network at the highest rank.

Even after lying in a coma for three years, she could still shift the tide of a situation in a matter of hours.Even Hamilton, who rarely praised anyone, spoke highly of her.

Being the richest woman on record was barely worth mentioning compared to her real influence Some things didn't hinge on what Cedric wanted.Even if he refused, others would force him to play his part.

Nikolas believed Hamilton wouldn't pass up a chance to make the McCoy family even stronger.