?Chapter 113:


    His silent stance broadcast a stark warning—challenge her, and face the consequences.


    Although Cedric’smitment to safeguard Dani was public knowledge, witnessing his assertive protection firsthand was quite the spectacle. It radiated a fierce protectivenessced with unshakable dominance—unyielding and dangerous.


    A palpable tension choked the air, causing everyone in his line of sight to gulp with apprehension.


    Caiden felt a surge of panic. When the hell would Cedric stop clinging to Dani like a damn parasite? His constant vignce over her was throwing a wrench into their ns.


    Katrina stepped back too. She was all too familiar with Cedric’s persona—an untouchable tyrant with an ego to match, and absolutely no room forpromise.


    Cedric stood his ground, a picture of tranquility yet undeniablymanding, his gaze downcast, his face a mask of inscrutability. The dark circles under his eyes hinted at ack of sleep, lending a sharpness to his features.


    Breaking the tense quiet, he finally spoke.


    “You’ve got something to say? Well, I’m right here—spit it out already.”


    His voice was smooth, almost deceptively soft, as if he were consciously tempering his words to keep the peace.


    Yet, beneath his calm exterior, signs of fatigue and underlying irritation were palpable, straining the nerves of everyone present.


    Your imagination takes flight on g?lnσν???s


    The group opposite him paused, their anxious nces flickering from one face to another, none daring to break the silence.


    Feeling the tension build, Katrina leaned closer to Caiden and discreetly nudged his arm, her gesture a silent plea for him to speak up. Caiden cleared his throat nervously.


    “Mr. Phillips, I noticed that today is Monday, and the financial news mentioned you’re to finalize next year’s contract with one of the world’s top multinational corporations.


    You…”


    What he really meant to ask—but couldn’t muster the boldness to state outright—was if Cedric was supposed to be on his way already.


    Instead, he framed it as an evasive, roundabout inquiry, hoping Cedric would pick up on the subtle cue.


    “You’re not on a tight schedule, by any chance?”


    Cedric, with his hands ced in the pockets of his sharp, tailored ck suit, slightly tilted his head. His consistent choice of dark attire only served to deepen the formidable aura that clung to him.


    Even the slightest flicker of a smirk was enough to snuff out any semnce of defiance.


    When he finally spoke, his voice was deep and coarse, cutting through the thick air.


    “Your concern is noted, Mr. Harper.” His answer was concise—courteous, yet nomittal.


    Caiden suppressed his irritation, not daring to contest it.


    The air in the room thickened with tension, the silence so heavy it felt almost suffocating. Eventually, Dani shattered the quiet, addressing Cedric in a poised yet assertive tone.


    “Everything’s fine here. If you’ve got other matters to deal with, don’t worry about this—I’ve got it covered.”


    Cedric drew his hands from his pockets, his voice now soft and soothing, contrasting sharply with his earlier domineering presence.


    .


    .


    .