?Chapter 1173:


    The man, dressed in ck, had a cold, fierce gaze and a long scar running from his forehead down to his neck, making his already menacing presence even more chilling. Cedric stood upright, the cigarette stillzily hanging between his fingers.


    A gust of wind rushed through the alley as the man lunged at Cedric. Minutester, Cedric stepped out of the alley, the cigarette still untouched in his hand.


    Meanwhile, Dani stepped into the elevator. Niks caught up just as the doors closed, and it began to descend.


    Dani’s voice was cold. “If Cedric is hurt even slightly, you’ll live to regret it for the rest of your life.”


    Just before the doors opened and they could step out, Dani twisted Niks’ arm. His screams echoed through the halls of the Elite Lux building. Dani strode out of the elevator, unmoved by the chaos behind her.


    A security guard hurried over and peeked inside. “Mr. McCoy?”


    Hearing themotion, the secretary rushed over immediately. Niks copsed to the floor, his face pale, sweat streaming down his forehead and soaking his white shirt.


    “Help me!” he cried.


    Dani ignored his pleas and kept walking. After a few steps, she spotted Cedric across the street, purchasing flowers from an elderly woman.


    In that moment, her restless, cold heart seemed to be soothed, and she calmed down.


    The sunset painted the sky in gold as Cedric walked toward her, lilies in hand, unharmed, the spring breeze ruffling his hair.


    “Why are you out here?” Cedric asked, offering Dani the flowers. Before she could answer, he buttoned up her coat. “It’s cold.” A wave of relief washed over Dani, and she smiled softly.


    The crushing weight in her chest dissolved, and she felt rxed. “I thought you didn’t smoke,” Dani remarked, her gaze drifting to the cigarette between Cedric’s fingers.


    Cedric flicked it into a trash can and smirked. “I don’t. Just holding it for fun. Let’s go inside. How about I make steak for dinner?”


    Dani answered casually, “Okay.” Then, after a pause, she asked, “Why did you go out?”


    Cedric took the flowers from her hands. “To get you these. Aren’t lilies your favorite?”


    Dani nodded, scanning the street.


    The familiar watchful eyes, like a predator stalking its prey, were nowhere to be found.


    “Don’t go out alone again,” Dani warned.


    Cedric was about to answer when he spotted Niks being carried out of the elevator, pale and trembling, supported by his secretary.


    “What happened to him?”


    Dani approached Niks, raised her hand, and a sharp snap echoed. Niks’ screams gradually faded into silence.


    “Let’s go upstairs,” Dani said to Cedric, ignoring Niks entirely. “I’m hungry.”


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