Chapter 906

A flash of recognition crossed Hamilton's face when he spotted Daniela's car.

Jumping to conclusions, he decided Daniela had tossed Nikolas and Damon aside to save her own skin.

Years of surviving among the McCoy famnily had shown him nothing but backstabbing and ruthless ambition.

In his mind, Daniela wouldn't hesitate for a second to cast Nikolas and Damon aside if it meant saving herself.

Maybe, he thought, she even orchestrated this,leaving them behind to make the McCoy family turn on each other.

The idea alone sent his temper soaring. He stormed toward the vehicle, every step brimming with anger. Deep furrows lined his face, twisting into a mask of pure fury.

Tight fists shaking, Hamilton shouted at the closed car door, "Daniela! You're nothing but a schemér-hiding behind my sons like they're shields! Get out of here! I won't spare you!"

As his words fell, the door creaked open.

"Only someone like you would leap to that conclusion," the driver scoffed, his voice dripping with contempt. "Ms. Harper doesn't stoop to your level. Not even close."

The driver turned to Nikolas and Damon, not bothering to mask his indifference. "Step out now."

Nikolas and Damon exited the car, shame etched into every line of their faces. The vehicle pulled away immediately after. The driver had no intention of lingering or seeking help.

Hamilton could barely process what he was seeing.He finally asked, "So Daniela sent you back? Where's Cedric?"

"Cedric isn't coming," Nikolas answered with a chill in his voice. "He would rather die than leave Daniela's side. Neither of them would ever betray the people they care about."

A sneer curled Hamilton's lip. "And you really think any of that is true? They sent you away because you refused to stay put. And don't forget-the only reason you're treated this well is the McCoy name and what it stands for. Don't ever forget what this family's done for you. The McCoy family made you who you are. Don't start thinking you're anything without us."

Insults poured out as Hamilton lectured, never missing a beat.

"That's your story?" Nikolas shot back. "You think Daniela fears your power, and that's why we're here?"

A hard edge returned to Hamilton's glare. "Isn't that obvious?" A humorless laugh escaped Nikolas. "You've got it all wrong.Damon and I offered to stay behind-we wanted to protect them. Daniela worried that we would get killed. That's why she insisted we leave.Both of us argued to stay, but they refused. Can't you see? They didn't want us as shields. Uncle Josh didn't give a damn about our lives, while Daniela actually did everything to keep us safe. So ask yourself, Dad-who's the real family? You've spent so many years locked in your narrow world,you can't even believe that someone might care about us without caring about our name or status. Daniela doesn't care about the McCoy family. She just wanted us to live. That's why I'm going back. If I have to die, then so be it-l'd rather be with them than hide behind your pride."

Passion burned in Nikolas' voice, wild and raw-a side of him that rarely surfaced. For once, he felt like his own person, not some shadow of the McCoy family.

A furious bellow burst from Hamilton. "You dare?After barely escaping, you'd march right back into the middle of chaos? The place is a warzone, and Daniela may already be gone! What do you hope to accomplish? Don't forget, we're the ones who raised you. Daniela gave you some petty cash for that company, but the McCoy family are your true family!"

A cold smile flickered on Nikolas' face. "Sure, you raised us. But it always felt like charity-like we were supposed to grovel for scraps of self-respect.We're not just burdens waiting for handouts, Dad. We're human beings. We deserve better than that."

Resolute, Nikolas turned on his heel and strode away.

Hamilton's rage boiled over, his face turning the color of brick. "You come back here! Take another step and I'll break your legs myself!"

Unmoved, Nikolas called back, "Then I'll crawl if I have to."

Hamilton teetered on the edge of losing his composure. He swung around to face Damon,who had stood quietly off to the side, and jabbed a finger toward Nikolas as he walked away. "Look at that. Nikolas has completely lost his senses because of Daniela. People ought to remember what it means to be grateful. Without me, you'd still be aimless boys with nothing to your names. Every decision l've made, every plan l've put in place, has always been for your sake. Do not end up like Nikolas-so incorrigibly stupid!"

Waving the butler over, Hamilton yelled, "Let Nikolas ruin himself if he wants. We're going inside."

He strode toward the villa, expecting the others to follow.

But after several paces, he glanced back to find he was alone.

Turning,he stared in disbelief at Damon, who hadn't moved an inch. "Well? Why are you just standing there? Come inside."