Chapter 858

Nikolas' offhand comment caught Carol off guard.making her turn to stare at him in disbelreff

Frustration was written all over Nikolas' face as he snapped back. What? Did I say anything that's not true? Everyone in Oiscoll knows Cedric just does whatever Daniela tells him! Hes got zero business sense Honestly. I'd have better luck figuring this out myself

Cedric didn't react He simply turned around and walked away

Seeing how rattled and exhausted Nikolas looked.Carol decided to step in. Wart Cednic, this is Darvela's investment we re talking about."

Cednic paused and gllanced back at her

Carol continued. She purt up all the money for this.Hf things go sideways. she's the one taking the hit You know. she never backs a losing venture We camn't rislk Nikolas dragging her name through the maud"

Nikolas. growing more uncomfortable, interjected."Hey! What are you talking about? This business is still afloat,isn't it? Daniela doesn't lose!

Carol shot Nikolas a look. completely at a loss for words

After a moment. Nikolas seemed to realize her point."Alright, fine-this deal matters. Cedric, quit stalling and get Daniela down here.

Cedric, unfazed, took the folder from Nikolas quietly.

Nikolas protested. Seriously, it you can't even understand the details. then-”

"I want you to lay out the basics of your project. Give me the big picture, the long-term return on investment. conversion rates, what your balance sheets look like. future market share targets, and what's most important in your current proposal."

Nikolas was stunned. "What?"

Cedric met his eyes, unbothered."Why? Don't tell me you haven't figured that out.

Nikolas hurried to cover. "Of course I know all that."

Without another word. Cedric settled into a chair and grabbed a sheet of paper. "Great. Let's get started then."

Nikolas stared at him, completely thrown for several minutes, then finally pulled up a chair of his own. In his eyes, Cedric was just bluffing Even if he laid everything out would Cednic actually help? As if

Despite any hesitation, he followed through, taking a seat opposite Cedric and carefully addressing every question as it came

By the time Nikolas firushed explawning. Cedric had filled in the proposal's blank spaces with notes

Cedric handed the pages back The framework you've got is solid There's nothing wrong with the fundamentals Right now. you only have two main problems

Nikolas leaned in and eagerly looked at Cednc What problems?

Standing up. Cednc repled. Take a look at what l wrote Study them break them down and work through the details on your own"

Without another word he left the room

Nikolas stared at the notes Cedinc had jotted in the mangin, then asked Wart didn't you mention AmO problems? What about the second one?

Already halfway up the stairs. Cedric repled. "Figure out what I wrote, and I'l tell you then."

"What's with all the secrecy? Nikolas grumbled to himself. He then sat down, grabbed a pen, and began working through the points

While Carol was in the middle of a mobile game.she glanced up during a break and noticed Nikolas surrounded by staff. everyone deep in a heated debate at the dining room

The arguments continued well into the night. and by the time Carol set her phone aside. the place had emptied out

Though Nikolas had heavy shadows under his eyes.he looked surprisingly lively

Carol tilted her head and asked. "Did you finally sort things out?

A grin broke across Nikolas face "I have to admit-Cedric actually knows his stuff I always thought he was just coasting off Daniela's success."

Carol laughed quietlly 'He prefers to stay out of the spotlight Love's a mystery neither of us cam claim to understand."

Moming arrived,and Daniela made her way down the stairs to find Nikolas sitting rigidly on the sofa legs pressed tightly together. posture inmaculate

Nikolas gave her a quick nod, his eyes immediatelly darting behind her.

When he saw she was alone. he frowned and asked."Where's Cedric?

Daniela answered. "He's busy making the bed.

Nikolas simply nodded. accepting the answer without protest. "Alright

Over in the dining room. Daniela poured herself some coffee and leaned over to Carol What's up with him today? I thought he and Cedric never got along Did he wake up a new man?

Before Carol could answer. Cedric appeared at the top of the stairs. The moment he entered. Nikolas jumped to his feat "We spent all night going through your questions. Here's what I came up with.”

Cedric gave the plan a quick scan, offered an approving nod. and handed the papers back "Looks solid to me

Nikolas finally let out a breath he'd been holding "So.about that second problem you mentioned yesterday What is it?

Cedric lifted his head locking eyes with Nikolas

A flicker of anxiety crossed Nikolas' face as he waited for Cedric to speak

After a brief silence, Cedric said just one word."Faith." The response took Nikolas by surprise. leaving him speechless

Cedric continued, You already know how to size up a situation and keep things under contral Your judgment is spot on. All I did yesterday was point out a few details-you'te already heading in the rright direction. What you've been mussing isn't skil. but faith in yourself

Nikolas sat frozen in place. trying to take it all in

As sunlight streamed through the window. tears began to form in his eyew