Chapter 712

Daniela's brows pulled together in a tight knot. "What in the world does Lone Wolf wantwith Winslow?"

Carol looked just as baffled. "I don't know. I asked Mose, and he said it's his boss's wife who's after him."

Daniela's eyes widened in disbelief. "Wait-Lone Wolf's leader has a wife?"

Carol mirrored the shock in her voice. "Yeah, Mose wouldn't shut up about it. I can't wrap my head around it either.Why would she want Winslow? None of it adds up."

Daniela spoke calmly. "No need to burn bridges. We've worked with them before. Tell them to hand him over -we'll talk to him and send him back after."

Carol nodded in agreement. "Exactly. They can deal with Winslow after we're through. Less mess for us."

She walked out, phone in hand, ready to place the call.

Cedric stood at the sink, rinsing a cup, when his phone vibrated on the counter. He set the clean cup aside before picking up his phone.

Mose had texted, "Boss, Clarinda says they need Winslow first. She promises he'll be returned once they're done."

Cedric replied, "What exactly are they planning to do with him? He needs to stay breathing."

Mose probably checked before replying, taking a short pause. "They said he'll be kept alive."

Cedric agreed. "Alright."

Carol came back to Daniela. "They're okay with it, but they're in a hurry. Will a week do?"

Daniela nodded. "A week should be enough. But why the rush for Winslow? He's got nothing left to give.What could he possibly offer?"

Cedric stepped into the room, a crease in his forehead. "What's happening?" Carol walked away, leaving his question hanging in the air.

Daniela kept quiet, knowing Cedric never liked digging into her affairs.

When Carol came back, she asked, "Should we grill him tonight or wait until tomnorrow?"

Daniela glanced at the clock-it had ticked past eleven. She gave Cedric a quick look, then leaned in and whispered to Carol, "Let's do it at one."

Carol caught on immediately-Daniela was waiting for Cedric to be out cold.

Whether it was three years ago or now, Daniela had always kept Cedric out of her messy business.

Meanwhile,Alexander rushed into the hospital, where Richard lay in the bed, too weak to speak.

The three McCoy brothers lay pale and exhausted in their beds.

"Dad, are you alright?" Alexander asked.

Richard's eyes fluttered shut as he fainted.

An hour later, with the medication flowing through their IVs, their eyes slowly fluttered open.

Richard nearly cried out in alarm. "Alexander! Daniela's trying to kill me!"

Alexander's face grew grim.

Richard's eyes burned red with exhaustion and hurt. "I'm an old man now. Maybe I made mistakes, but did she really have to be that cold? Daniela doesn't care about you or the Bennett family. And you're still planning to spare her? All we did was invite her for a simple meal, and she went and laced the food with drugs. Alexander, a woman that ruthless has no place in our family. She doesn't belong with us..."

Richard's voice quivered, his face drained of color.

Nikolas, his body frail, slowly opened his eyes. After a long silence, he said weakly, "Alexander, she's hurt your father, and you're just standing by? All we wanted was a calm, honest conversation with Daniela. How could she be so heartless as to drug us? I just don't get it. Weren't you two close for years? How could she treat your father like this?" Alexander, I feel sorry for you. Daniela doesn't care about you at all, yet you're still considering her? It's ridiculous!"

Richard grabbed Alexander's sleeve, his voice thick with emotion. "Alexander, are you really going to wait until I'm gone? Daniela is heartless!"

Nikolas nodded quickly, his tone sharp. "Alexander, if you're a man, you'll defend your father's honor!"

Alexander clenched his teeth in anger. He shot a furious glare at Nikolas. "If it weren't for you, my father would've never crossed Daniela! You knew she was dangerous, so why didn't you think twice before pushing her?"

Kohen, overhearing this, couldn't hide his displeasure. He propped himself up with effort, his voice laced with frustration. "Alexander, that's not fair. Your family has gained so much from us lately. You've become the richest in the country. Don't you think you owe us something in return? We're not obligated to make you our ally. Our family's resources aren't just for you. You can't expect benefits without offering anything in return!"

Kohen's voice turned icy. "We can make you the wealthiest, or we could elevate someone else to that position. Do you believe that?"

The tension in the hospital room grew unbearable.

Sensing.the escalating tension, Richard quickly intervened. "Come on now! What are we doing? Let's not get worked up."

Richard turned his gaze to Alexander, his tone bitter. "Alexander, whether we provoked Daniela or not,she never planned on sparing me. She doesn't care about the Bennett family. How much more are you willing to lose for her?"

Richard's eyes were bloodshot, his voice trembling. "Alexander, you can't keep letting your past with Daniela keep you stuck. She's long moved on, leaving you behind. Are you really going to stay where you are?"