Chapter 1025

Nikolas blinked, looking frustrated.

He figured Daniela had picked up a few of Cedric's bad habits. Wasn't the issue obvious? Still,she acted as if she had no clue.

Nikolas muttered, "Carol refuses to talk to me. Can you give me some advice?"

Daniela paused to take another bite of her fruit before glancing at him. "You can't even handle one young woman and you're asking for help? That's pathetic.When Cedric came after me, he didn't need anyone's help. He's miles ahead of you."

Nikolas gave a strained laugh."So you're just trying to brag now,huh?"

Daniela nodded. "Obviously, yes."

Nikolas sighed. "Alright, fine. I'm not as smooth as Cedric. But seriously, what am I supposed to do? No matter what I say, she ignores me. Yesterday, she even went out with someone else, like I'm invisible. And I can't yell at her or get angry. How am I supposed to live like this?"

Daniela tilted her head slightly. "I think I asked you about this before, and now I don't see any reason to bring it up again." Seeing how miserable Nikolas looked, she realized there was no point in pressing further.

She had once questioned if he was truly serious and if this was what he really wanted, but back then, he had said he needed time to think.

Now, seeing how desperate he was, she knew he had thought it through.

"Hey, don't dismiss me like that! I regret it so much now," Nikolas said. "I've thought about it. I mean it.Please,just help me."

Daniela had no patience for long-winded speeches.She simply smiled and noddedd. "Carol might act cold,but she's soft at heart. Pestering her won't work. Use your brain,alright?"

Nikolas blinked at her, confused."What do you mean...using my brain?"

Daniela sighed. "You're not even using it right now. Do I really have to spell it out? You just don't get it."

At that moment, Cedric walked downstairs and spotted Daniela in the dining room. He strolled over.

Nikolas shot him a desperate look. "What does she mean by pestering won't work and I need to use my brain?"

Daniela rose from her seat and carried her empty plate into the kitchen. Now only Cedric and Nikolas were left in the room.

Cedric had no interest in this conversation. He had only come down to be near Daniela.

Before he could leave, Nikolas grabbed his arm."Come on, we're family. Look at me-I'm pathetic.Don't you feel sorry for me?"

Cedric's expression didn't change.

Nikolas drew in a deep breath. "Fine. I'm begging you.Will you help me?"

Cedric lowered his gaze.

Nikolas, now curious, pressed on. "Daniela must've had plenty of men chasing her. How did you manage to win her? Share your secret!"

Cedric paused, lost in thought.

Nikolas' patience ran thin. "Don't leave me hanging.Just tell me-how did you win her over?"

Cedric finally spoke. "There's one thing you need first."Nikolas stared at him.

"She has to be interested in you," Cedric said. "If she likes you, she'll give you a chance. If not,you won't even get close."

With someone like Daniela, if she had no interest, a man wouldn't stand a chance. But if she thought he was worth knowing, she'd allow him the chance to speak with her.

Cedric believed Carol was the same. Both Daniela and Carol only opened doors for those they genuinely cared about.

Cedric glanced at Nikolas. "Daniela's right. Pestering Carol won't work."

Nikolas nodded slightly, though confusion lingered."But I feel like she's actually letting me get closer."

"Then what's stopping you? Go get her and marry her,"Cedric said plainly.

Nikolas blinked. "Is that really how it works?"

Cedric gave a casual shrug. "Worked for me."

By the time Daniela returned from the kitchen,Nikolas was gone. She stared at Cedric, disbelief all over her face. "That's not what I meant."

Cedric looked calm. "That's what I was thinking back then. Whether or not I stood a chance, I figured I'd marry you the moment | could-just so you wouldn't regret it later."

Daniela was caught off guard

"You just didn't say yes right away," Cedric added.

Daniela was left speechless.

Nikolas grabbed Carol and pulled her outside. She had just finished peeling an apple when he dragged her away.

The apple tumbled to the floor, rolling a few feet.

"Marry me!" Nikolas blurted.

Five minutes passed. Nikolas came back in. His face was bruised, his steps slow.

Cedric stared at him, stunned.

Nikolas shuffled toward Daniela, looking absolutely defeated. "Carol gave me a beating."

Daniela tried not to laugh, but it was no use. She burst out, unable to stop herself.

Nikolas looked crushed. His eyes shifted toward Carol,who strolled in with her hands tucked into her pockets and a face cold as ice.