Chapter 849

A restless fog hung over Daniela,her thoughts tangled and her sleep fitful.

When she finally blinked her eyes open, she found Cedric planted at her bedside, watching her with unwavering attention.

Night had already fallen, wrapping the room in darkness.

Turning to the nightstand, Daniela squinted at the clock-it was just past one in the morning.

For more than four hours, Cedric hadn't left her side.

Fatigue painted his eyes red, the toll of sleeplessness written across his face.

Today's ordeal hadn't left Daniela shaken so much as on edge; in truth, it was Cedric whose fear ran deepest

Pulling the blanket back, Daniela gave a quiet signal,inviting him. "Come here."

Cedric hesitated, blinking as he read the meaning in her gesture. "Usually when you're this unsettled, you prefer to be alone, don't you? I'll stay here and keep watch instead."

Daniela regarded him-handsome in the dim light,worry etched into every line of his face.

Right then, Daniela was simply a girl lost to the night,vulnerable and spooked by the storm. To Cedric, she seemed heartbreakingly fragile, as if she could crumble with the slightest touch.

Sympathy welled up in his chest.

"You're not just anybody," Daniela whispered,voice soft and earnest. "Please, come lie with me."

Only after hearing those words did Cedric rise and join her.

The moment he realized he hadn't showered, he darted into the bathroom for a rapid rinse. Clean and refreshed, he slid into bed beside her.

In the thick darkness, her voice was soft but certain."Hold me."

Cedric's arms found their way around her, pulling her gently into his embrace.

Daniela's lashes fluttered closed, her breath warm against his skin.

She drew closer, pressing her lips to his in a tender Cedric froze, unsure whether to respond. On any other night, her affection would have sent his heart soaring.

Tonight, caution ruled him. The events of the day lingered,and he worried she might still be fragile.

He couldn't help but fear that the trauma might haunt her.

Sensing his hesitation, Daniela whispered, "I won't let it get to me."

Cedric's hold became firmer, wrapping her securely in his arms. Gradually, his breathing slowed, matching hers.

The hours stretched on, silent and deep.

Cedric's resolve was clear-he would do everything in his power to erase Alexander's shadow from her memory.

He wanted no trace of Alexander's repulsive cruelty remaining.

His devotion poured out without restraint.

Eventually,exhaustion claimed Daniela.

Cedric made sure to gently clean her up, tending to every detail so she could rest in comfort.

Sleep slowly overtook Daniela. Her hand slipped limply onto Cedric's chest, her voice barely a whisper as she murmured, "Let there be no hatred left here.I just want you to always be happy."

The words struck Cedric straight in the heart,nearly undoing him.

Even now, her first thought was for his happiness.

Yet those cold-blooded people had dared to harm her.

He silently promised they would pay for every wound they inflicted.

Meanwhile, downstairs, Neither Nikolas nor Damon managed a moment's rest.

Panic pushed Damon to pace the living room. "This is a nightmare! Daniela's okay, isn't she? Please tell me nothing happened."

From her spot on the sofa, Carol shot him a glare. "If nothing had happened, would Cedric be mad? No matter what Daniela decides, your family isn't getting off the hook!"

Frustration colored Damon's face. "That's not fair-it had nothing to do with us. Don't punish the innocent!" But Carol wouldn't be swayed. Her anger lashed out at him. "And yet your last name is still McCoy, isn't it?"

Damon could only stare, words failing him

Nikolas, once proud of his flourishing business, now found himself drowning in shame, unable to imagine facing Daniela after what had happened.

Both men spent the long night downstairs, trapped under the weight of Carol's cold glare.

Carol,meanwhile, worked her phone relentlessly,rallying allies and sounding alarms.

Worry gnawed at Nikolas and Damon.

Throughout the night, Carol made call after call-by sunrise, she'd spoken to at least a hundred people,spreading word of the outrage.

They openly declared that they wanted Alexander's and Hamilton's lives.

Nikolas couldn't forget Daniela's formidable reputation -she was a legend among mercenaries. If her people were truly unleashed now...

That would mean going to war with his own family.

By morning, Nikolas' nerves had frayed to the breaking point, prompting him to dial Cedric in desperation Cedric answered coldly, "Wait."

He hadn't slept all night. Once Daniela slipped into a deep rest, he left her side and made his way down.

Nikolas rushed to intercept him. "I know Dad's to blame, but he's still our father. I'm begging you for mercy."

As the plea left his lips, Nikolas couldn't help but notice the love bites scattered across Cedric's open collar.

Cedric tugged his collar higher and fastened the top button, his face shadowed and unreadable as midnight.

He reached for Carol's phone and addressed the anxious group, saying, "No need for reinforcements."

A wave of relief passed over Nikolas and Damon,their tense shoulders finally relaxing.

But Cedric's next words shattered their calm. "I'll handle this myself."

The realization hit Nikolas like a bolt of lightning-Cedric wasn't just anyone; he was the Lone Wolf's leader.

A chill ran through him.

This was bad. His father had provoked the wrong couple.

Rain struck the windows that day,heavy and relentless.

In his room, Cedric swapped out his clothes for a black ensemble, blending into the stormy gloom.

Pulling the hood over his head, he paused just long enough to tell Carol, "I'll only be gone an hour. Make sure nothing happens here."

Without a backward glance, he slipped out into the raging night, leaving only the retreating glow of his car's taillights to pierce the darkness