?Chapter 1354:


    Roughly thirty minutes passed before Niks showed up. Without saying much, he handed Dani a nk check.


    “What’s this supposed to mean?” Dani raised an eyebrow, confused by the gesture.


    “I’ll cover whatever expenses you’ve got. Any damages, all of it. Consider it handled.”


    That only made her more skeptical. She studied his face but couldn’t read his intent.


    Niks’ voice didn’t waver. “My father won’t let this go. You need to leave Oiscoll now. I know why you came—to dig into the explosion and the person behind it. Give me a little time. I’ll find out who’s responsible and deal with them myself. But you have to walk away. Today. And don’te back.”


    Dani’s gaze fell to the check again. She let out a soft, amusedugh. “Let me guess. You’re scared Cedric might change his mind? Worried he’lle back and take his ce in the McCoy family? That your im to the throne isn’t so solid after all?”


    The wordsnded harder than Niks expected. There was a time when he had already written off the chance of inheriting McCoy Group. Cedric had given him a shot by stepping down. And if that chance existed, then he’d have to fight to protect it.


    “You’re not wrong,” Niks said atst. There was no use pretending. Dani would see through it anyway. “I’m not like Cedric. I’m not easygoing, and I’m not willing to step aside. I spent everything I have trying to secure that future. People are supporting me—people who’ve put their trust in me. I can’t afford to lose this. But I give you my word—I’ll find whoever’s behind the explosion. I’ll make sure justice is served.”


    For a moment, Dani believed him. There was something different in his eyes. A fire that hadn’t been there before. But instead of epting, she shook her head.


    “What’s that supposed to mean?” Niks asked, tension rising. “You’re staying? You’ve got another n? Or are you hiding some angle with the McCoy family I don’t know about?”


    Dani met his eyes with a calm, almost amused smile. “I’ve got no interest in the McCoy family’s inheritance. What I question is whether you have what it takes.”


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    That hit harder than expected. Niks looked thrown. “What’s that supposed to mean?”


    “Let’s just say your recent behavior hasn’t exactly earned you Hamilton’s confidence. If anything, it casts doubt on whether he still supports you at all. And if by some miracle you do end up with the title, would you even have the guts to go after the real culprit?”


    Niks opened his mouth, likely to offer some promise or reassurance. But she shut it down before he could speak. “What if the person behind it all is your father? You still willing to y hero then?”


    Niks’s expression turned cold. “There’s no way it’s him.”


    “Nothing’s off the table. You know that. And I doubt you’d have the spine to face that truth. Believe this or don’t—it makes no difference to me. Cedric and I have no desire for your family’s wealth or power. I’ve said this before, but this will be thest time I exin myself. Don’t show up offering terms you aren’t qualified to make. I always settle my debts.”


    Whatever confidence Niks had walked in with had vanished. He turned away, shoulders heavier than when he arrived.


    Carol shook her head andmented, “That guy? All ambition, no skill. He’ll never get the McCoy fortune.”


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