Chapter 845

Hamilton intended to reveal to the world that day that Cedric was his son, offering him formal recognition.

That way, Cedric might find some balance against the ache of losing Daniela.

For a man with status, wealth, and power, finding company was seldom a struggle.

Hamilton held firmn belief in the power he had built through the years.

Alexander wasn't sure how Hamilton planned to keep Cedric busy, but he knew Daniela's weakness wasn't a fear of heights.

But if Hamilton's scheme truly unfolded as planned...

Alexander's eyes dimmed as he turned to his secretary."Get me a bag of fresh blood. I'll need it this weekend."

The secretary answered, "It's tricky to get fresh blood past the security."

The McCoy family sat at the pinnacle of Oiscoll's elite,their influence stretching far and wide. For Hamilton's birthday, the city's most powerful and prestigious would gather under one roof

Entry involved a full search, and carrying something as obvious as fresh blood would draw immediate suspicion.

Alexander paused briefly, then told the secretary,"Bring me a small fruit knife-something discreet and easy to hide."

The secretary looked confused. "Didn't Mr. McCoy say Daniela feared heights? You could simply take her to the rooftop. Why would you need a knife?"

Alexander offered no explanation. "Just do it."

Hamilton fretted over whether Daniela and Cedric would even bother showing up to his birthday banquet.

He cornered Nikolas and Damon. "If Daniela and Cedric don't show up on my birthday and make me look like a fool, you two will pay for it!"

He added dismissively, "It's just a party. What's there to fear? I'm not going to bite their heads off."

Nikolas and Damon still hesitated, a flicker of doubt in their eyes.

But Hamilton stood firm, exuding his usual air of command and unshakable authority. "Cut the crap and bring them here!" Nikolas and Damon returned and stood before Daniela,relaying Hamilton's message in hushed, cautious tones.

"All right. What time should we be there?" Daniela asked calmly

Damon shifted uncomfortably, worry flickering in his eyes. "Maybe you shouldn't go."

Daniela looked up with a teasing smile. "What's this?You're not scared of your father anymore?"

Damon gave a half-hearted shrug. "He's always angry anyway.One more reason won't make a difference."

Daniela offered a gentle reassurance. "It's fine." She had intended to face Hamilton sooner or later. She needed to confirm the real culprit for her mother's death and the explosion; she didn't want to go after the wrong person.

When Hamilton's birthday arrived, the group made their appearance at the lavish celebration.

Hamilton looked visibly pleased. "Daniela,you must try this red wine l just uncorked-it's absolutely divine." As he spoke, he exchanged a glance with Alexander,then his gaze settled on Cedric. He gave a slow nod,clearly pleased with what he saw. Cedric struck him as a mirror of his younger self-calm under pressure, razor-sharp, and unmistakably gifted in business.

Lately, Cedric's name had been buzzing through Oiscoll's business circles with praise-and that filled Hamilton with a quiet pride.

Kohen stood off to the side, finding Hamilton's satisfied smile somewhat sting.

"Cedric," Hamilton said with a faint smile, "I'd like a word with you in private. Join me in my study later."

Kohen tensed at once. "Father!" he blurted out,alarmed.

Hamilton didn't spare Kohen a glance. His gaze stayed fixed on Cedric. "You're my son. It's my birthday. You wouldn't turn me down, would you?"

Cedric didn't care much for birthdays-least of all Hamilton's. The only reason he'd come was because Daniela had her plans, and he didn't want her going alone.

"The place is crawling with reporters. You wouldn't let your old man lose face, would you, Cedric? Don't worry, I've got no tricks up my sleeve. I'm seventy,you're my son What harm could I possibly mean?Besides, it's my birthday. What harm could I possibly bring you today? Believe me, as your father, all I want

is what's best for you."

Cedric said flatly, "No need for the study. If you've got something to say,say it here."

He had no intention of making things easy for Hamilton.

Hamilton didn't take offense. He smiled instead."That temper-just like mine when I was your age. Fine. I'll bring the lawyer later, and we'll find somewhere nearby to talk in peace."

The meaning was unmistakable-Hamilton intended to formally acknowledge Cedric as his son.

Kohen stared at Cedric, jealousy brewing. Their father had never used such a soft tone with any of them.

Why was Cedric the exception?

Fury burned in Kohen's chest.

The banquet soon kicked off in full swing.

As the hall buzzed with chatter,Hamilton's secretary appeared to escort Cedric. Cedric turned to Daniela."Come with me." He wasn't comfortable leaving her by herself.

Just then, someone accidentally spilled red wine on Carol's dress, leaving a vivid stain across the fabric. Daniela said, "You go on ahead. I'll help Carol change,then I'll come find you."

Cedric was just about to follow when Hamilton's secretary gave a courteous smile. "It's not quite appropriate for you to accompany a lady while she's changing. Why don't you head on ahead? Mr. McCoy is waiting. We're all here at the banquet. Nothing's going to happen."

Damon and Nikolas nodded. "Go on, Cedric. We're here with her."

Cedric gave Daniela a lingering look. "Once you're done,come find me."

Daniela gave a small nod.

The secretary chuckled. "You two are quite the couple."Then he led Cedric off.

Meanwhile,as Carol stepped into a room to change,Nikolas and Damon were stopped at the door. A female attendant smiled politely. "Only ladies inside,sirs. I'm afraid it wouldn't be proper for you to go in."