?Chapter 132:


    Cedric exhaled heavily.


    “It’s a tough season for business. Big deals are scarce, and thepetition is fierce. My team is under so much pressure, they’re turning to liquor to cope with the demands ofworking.”


    Dani tilted her head, intuiting his implication, yet she simply smiled and began to respond, “True, however—”


    “Don’t ‘however’ me,” Cedric cut in, raising his hand.


    “If we continue this line of discussion…”


    He paused, realizing where this might lead.


    “I’d find myself without a leg to stand on.”


    Resolving to be forthright, he stated, “I’m considering cutting corners. Phillips Group also specializes in architectural and renovation ventures. Why didn’t Elite Lux consider us for the North District project? You shouldn’t treat me differently just because we were ssmates.”


    Cedric maintained eye contact, his tone softening.


    “I’m just asking for a fair chance.”


    Cedric’s voice carried a gentle undertone as he spoke. Even Josie, engrossed in her kitchen tasks, paused to nce over at him. She let out a soft chuckle and silently cheered for him.


    A surge of nervousness washed over Cedric immediately after his words left his mouth. He found himself unable to look Dani in the eye. His hand clenched around his fork, the grip so tight that it whitened.


    Latest stories on FindNovel


    Dani remained silent for a long moment, a palpable tension hanging heavily in the air, muting all other sounds.


    Cedric moistened his lips, and his voice was a whisper when he spoke again.


    “Phillips Group stands at the forefront of the renovation sector. If you give me the chance to lead this project, I assure you it will be executed exquisitely.”


    The silence stretched on, during which Cedric had an epiphany. Dani was offering him a way out, an opportunity to preserve his dignity with grace.


    Yet, Cedric rejected her silent offer of mercy. He was beyond caring about appearances or pride at this point. All he desired, the only thing he yearned for, was a straightforward response from Dani.


    “I sincerely want to partner with Elite Lux on this project. It means more to me than any previous venture.” Dani had yet to respond. Consequently, Cedric alsopsed into silence.


    In the kitchen, the soup simmered quietly on the stove. Dani pursed her lips, wrestling with her thoughts, uncertain of her next words. It took a lengthy pause before she could speak, her tone serene yetden with weight.


    “I’ve always been the kind of person who dedicates their entire being to someone else. Entrusting all my hopes to one individual never gave me any stability—it always felt like standing on the edge of a cliff, ready to crumble. Cedric, you’re wonderful, truly. However, that’s precisely why I can’t entrust this project to you.”


    With those words, she rose, opened the door, and departed for her job. Cedric remained frozen at the table, lost in his contemtion. Josie peeked from the kitchen, observed his still form, and sighed softly.


    The day’s sunlight was gentle, casting mellow, golden hues throughout the room. Cedric’s hands were tightly sped, his lips drawn into a narrow line, as if navigating through abyrinth of thoughts.


    Josie approached, bearing a bowl of warm soup, and ced it before him, hoping to lift his spirits.


    .


    .


    .