Chapter 769

Leaning forward slightly, the secretary spoke in a lowered voice. "The buyer of that property-surname's Harper."

Hamilton narrowed his eyes. "Are you talking about Daniela Harper?"

Still cautious, the secretary replied, "That's likely, sir,but all we were told was the surname. No full name was provided."

That was all Hamilton needed to hear. A bitter chuckle escaped him.

"There's no way that's her. Come on, what would she want with a crumbling old building like that? You think she's suddenly planning to launch some kind of empire in Oiscoll? On my turf? That's just ridiculous."

Brushing the matter aside with a scoff, Hamilton waved a hand dismissively. "Forget it. Go take care of dinner for tonight. I've been a bit too harsh with both Daniela and Cedric lately. They're probably holding a grudge.Make something they like and smooth it over."

To him, that was more generosity than he'd ever offered before

Still rooted in place, the secretary didn't budge

Hamilton gave him a pointed look "What are you waiting for?"

Instead of answering right away, the secretary glanced at his phone, checking something. A moment later,he said carefully, "Daniela declined the dinner invitation"

Hamilton blinked, surprised. "Alright, if they can't come here, I'll go see them myself."

Hamilton had just taken a step forward when the secretary quickly added, "She also mentioned that she won't be available to see you."

Everything about Hamilton's demeanor shifted in an instant.

"Oh, now they're just being childish," he snapped. The words were right at the edge of his tongue-he would cancel everything and let them stew in their own pride.

But the secretary wasn't done. "We just confirmed-the one who bought the property across from McCoy Group is Daniela. Without a doubt."

Hamilton's breath caught. His jaw dropped as the words sank in. "What did you say?"

The secretary knew Hamilton had heard him and was well aware of the anger he felt at the moment. He bowed his head and braced himself

"Are you telling me Daniela bought that building?"Hamilton's voice dropped, dark and furious."What the hell does she want with real estate?"

Rather than make assumptions, the secretary stayed quiet, lips pressed together tightly.

That silence didn't sit well with Hamilton. His stare turned cold."I said-speak."

A nervous shudder ran through the secretary as he forced out the words. "People think Daniela intends to expand Elite Lux here. Start her own enterprise in Oiscoll,"

Hamilton's face tightened, the color draining from it.His mood soured instantly.

In his eyes, fury danced just below the surface.

"So now she's declaring war on me?" he yelled "That's what you're saying?"

Shoulders hunched,the secretary gave a reluctant nod."That's how it looks."

Without warning, Hamilton slammed his cane against the edge of the table, sending crystal glasses crashing to the floor. "This is madness! Go find out whether Daniela's really pulling out of Cedric's inheritance battle. Are they walking away from everything the McCoy family built?"

Before the secretary could move, Hamilton shouted with a swift kick, "Go! Now!"

Scrambling out the door, the secretary rushed to Daniela's villa.

Once inside, he delivered the question as carefully as he could. "Mr. McCoy asked why you purchased the building across from McCoy Group. Is this the start of something permanent here in Oiscoll?"

His tone was cautious, but Daniela caught the meaning immediately.

With no hesitation, she replied, "Tell Hamilton this-if anyone wants the McCoy fortune, they can have it.But if he expects Cedric to sit quietly and swallow his pride, then I'll be the first toraise hell."

That answer hit harder than the secretary expected.His head lifted, and for the first time, he truly looked at Daniela.

Living under Hamilton's control had crushed his pride for longer than he cared to admit. But now, watching someone stand up to Hamilton so boldly, it stirred something in him It thrilled him.

"Should I relay that to Mr. McCoy as it is?" the secretary asked, still a bit hesitant. "Does that mean you plan to bring Elite Lux to Oiscoll?"

With the brand already established globally, it would have been the obvious move for someone like Daniela.

A small,confident smile played on her lips. "No. That would be too easy. I want to beat Hamilton in the one place he thinks he's unbeatable."

Every word she spoke was meant to remind Hamilton that Cedric had more than just potential-he had her supporting him.

Before walking away, the secretary stole one last look at Daniela. There she was-composed, fearless, the kind of woman people dreamed of becoming.

But if envy had a name, it would've been Cedric's.

Seriously, what kind of divine luck did he cash in on to end up with someone like her?

Once the secretary was gone, Cedric looked over with a gentle smile meant only for her

He leaned in and rested his head against her shoulder.

"You really spoil me,you know that?"

Daniela gave him a sideways glance,half-exasperated "Stop talking and eat your breakfast." Cedric considered teasing her, but the thought of getting kicked out sobered him up fast.

Instead,he dipped his head and let out a quiet laugh

That's when Carol walked in, catching sight of his amused expression. "Cedric, what's with that creepy little grin? You look like you're up to no good!"

Cedric's grin only grew wider.

Daniela turned to him, catching the light in his eyes.

She didn't have to say anything to know it.

She loved seeing Cedric's smile.