?Chapter 1346:


    Something about Cedric’s energy caught the secretary’s attention right away. Although confused by his reaction, the secretary still offered an apologetic smile.


    In his mind, this sort of opportunity was the kind people dreamed about. From his perspective, there was no reason for Cedric to hesitate, let alone reject it. A public acknowledgment from Hamilton came with more than just status. It secured a legacy. It should have been cause for celebration.


    Still, as he studied Cedric’s expression, the secretary couldn’t shake the feeling that excitement was thest thing on his mind.


    “Did I say something wrong?” the secretary asked, uncertain now.


    “No,” Cedric replied with a shake of his head, offering no further exnation as he left to find Dani instead.


    The secretary assumed Cedric had stepped away to change clothes.


    Given the weight of the asion—Hamilton formally acknowledging Cedric as his son—it made sense to treat it with at least some degree of formality.


    While Cedric was gone, the secretary took out his phone and typed a message to Hamilton. “Sir, everything’s progressing well. Cedric’s getting changed now. I’ll bring him over shortly.” A few moments passed.


    The secretary’s screen lit up with a reply.


    Reading it, the secretary could practically hear Hamilton’s smug voice in his mind. “There’s no need for all that. This is a private moment. He can save the suit for tomorrow’s press conference. Make sure he’s introduced as Cedric McCoy.”


    Short and simple as the message was, it still carried Hamilton’s unmistakable pride.


    Without dy, the secretary sent back a quick response. “Understood.”


    Just as he hit send, footsteps approached. Niks entered through the door, face drawn with tension. Meeting the secretary’s eyes, he muttered grimly, “So, he’s finally going to recognize Cedric as his son.”


    There was no need to confirm it. The secretary said nothing.


    gα?ησν???s is your story source


    Whatever fragile hope Niks had clung to seemed to crumble in that moment.


    Meanwhile, across the street in the cafe, thewyer nced up from his seat. Spotting Niks through the window, he leaned closer to Hamilton and murmured, “Sir, don’t you think this is a bit cruel to Niks?”


    Calmly lifting his cup, Hamilton took a slow sip of his coffee before answering, “I never said Cedric would be the heir. That decision wille down to who proves themselves more capable.”


    Thewyer gave a thoughtful nod, but his gaze drifted back to Niks, clearly worried.


    Even though Cedric tended to keep quiet and stayed close to Dani’s side, thewyer had noticed something most people missed—there was a sharp mind behind that silence.


    People were already forming opinions. Quiet as it was, thepetition had begun.


    After speaking with the secretary, Cedric made his way back to Dani to ry everything he had just learned.


    Dani stopped reviewing thetest design draft and asked, “So, what’s your take? Are you sure you don’t want to rejoin the McCoy family?”


    Without hesitation, Cedric gave a firm shake of his head. “My grandmother raised me. She’s my only family.”


    .


    .


    .