Chapter 593

Confusion swept through the employees of Phillips Group like a sudden storm when they received notice of an unexpected three-day off.

The calendar showed no holidaysor notable events-it was an ordinary week turned extraordinary without explanation.

And Cedric was generously handing out five-thousand-dollar vouchers for a luxury hotel buffet to every staff member.

Cedric's secretary asked, "Lillian, could it be that Mr. Phillips is on the brink of closing down the company?Are these vouchers just a lavish parting gift?"

Lillian raised her eyebrows. "Why on earth would you jump to that conclusion?"

The secretary's shoulders slumped, his face etched with the resignation of a man already envisioning unemployment. "What other explanation fits? Since our boss got romantically involved with your boss, his passion for the business has halved. It feels like he's gearing up to abandon ship."

A soft chuckle escaped Lillian. Indeed, the secretary wasn't entirely off base.

She had lost track of how many times she had overheard Cedric planning out loud about retiring to a picturesque spot to concentrate on their family life with Daniela.

Daniela was always in agreement, supportive as ever.

After all, merging their personal fortunes had made them extraordinarily wealthy, capable of affording extravagant whims like owning a small nation. Financial concerns were a thing of the past for them.

"But seriously, what's really going on with this break? And these vouchers? Come on, Lillian, you've got to shed some light on this, or none of us will be able to enjoy that extravagant buffet."

Lillian offered a sly grin, leaving him in suspense. The secretary remained poised, his curiosity burning fiercely within him, as if he were literally digging his fingers into his scalp in frustration.

Descending the stairs, he drifted past the break room, where a whimsical tune floated through theair.

Intrigued, he peeked inside and came to astunned halt.

Could it really be Cedric? The formidable CEO whose mere whispers could upheave the market?

Was he actually singing?

And not merely humming along, but belting out a kids' tune?

The secretary's features twisted in astonishment. He nearly retreated when Cedric whirled around. With a glass of vibrant orange juice in hand, Cedric's eyes locked onto his.

The secretary snapped to rigid attention and exclaimed with vigor, "Hey, Mr. Phillips!"

With a wave of his hand and an easy smile, Cedric replied, "Hello."

With his juice, Cedric sauntered away, leaving the secretary petrified and drenched in sweat.

After enduring countless years in the trenches with Cedric, this was the first glimpse he had caught of Cedric shedding his armor, showing a carefree side reserved only for Daniela.

And that gentle greeting-was this really the same Cedric?

The secretary was absolutely certain he was losing his grip on reality.

The situation was downright unsettling.

For some time, it appeared as though the entire world was in agreement that Cedric had become the kindest soul around.

Eager to spread the word, Cedric was itching to make an announcement, but Daniela firmly placed her hand on his arm, signaling to keep the news private.

What was the harm in it? The reason was clear: ruthless adversaries were skulking in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

Therefore, only Ryan, Lillian, Cedric, and Daniela knew the secret. In the privacy of their home, Cedric would beam with joy, regularly exclaiming, "I'm about to become a father! Daniela and I are expecting a baby! Can you believe it? I'm going to have a child!"

In the beginning, Ryan and Lillian matched his enthusiasm.

To celebrate, they orchestrated a cozy, intimate gathering just for the four of themn in their basement.

But as the weeks slipped by, the novelty began to fade for Ryan and Lillian, though Cedric's enthusiasm never waned, as if the revelation were perpetually fresh.

Ryan and Lillian couldn't fathom his persistent excitement.

It was only a child, wasn't it? What was the reason for such a commotion?

Cedric would retort with fervent conviction, "Indeed it is!"

Daniela cherished watching Cedric radiate such unstoppable joy.

Alexander's presence would have delighted her more if he hadn't been so persistent in lingering around.

"Daniela, have you made your choice yet? When will you leave him and be with me? I bring much more to the table than Cedric does at the moment. I'm at the helm of the commerce association, commanding the support of thousands of companiesthat could benefit you."

Alexander gazed at Daniela with unabashed adoration, utterly captivated by her.

Just as he inched closer, intent on making his point, Hackett stormed in, flanked by his entourage,and headed straight for Daniela.

Stepping protectively in front of her, Alexander shielded Daniela with his body.

"Stay behind me," he murmured to her. "These men are from the association, and I'll handle them."

But before he could elaborate. Hackett seized Alexander, dragged him aside forcefully, and tossed him out of the way. "Daniela! Your hands are stained with blood. You're responsible for Marcus' death, aren't you?" Hackett accused, his eyes burning with a fierce intensity as if he could strike her down on the spot.

Reeling from Hackett's furious accusation, Alexander stood to one side, shocked.

Daniela began to step forward, only for someone to grasp her hand and pull her back.

Daniela turned sharply, her senses heightened by the familiar scent of cologne that filled the air.