Chapter 105

While it had been a series of coincidences that led to Sylvia staying in the house, Cedric knew it was unconventional. If word got out, he would undoubtedly be at fault.

But for Liliana to use this as leverage, as a threat?

So, she was dead set on this divorce.

Cedric finally saw it clearly. But what Liliana hadn't yet realized was that she was in

no position to be the one demanding it.

Without a word, he ended the call, his eyes dark with resentment.

Just then, Timothy knocked and entered the office. "Mr. Forrest, this document needs your signature."

Cedric signed the file, asking casually, "How are the Prestons doing?"

"Your wife's father doesn't have the best reputation in our circles. Without your backing, the family's business is going downhill fast. On top of that, the situation with Hale has taken up most of Mr. Preston's energy. I'm afraid... the Prestons won't last much longer."

Chuck Preston had neglected his work trying to get his son out of trouble, offending several influential people he'd only met through his connection to Cedric. Now that Hale was finally out, Chuck would likely try to refocus on his business, but it was too late.

Timothy sighed. "Mr. Preston must have realized it. He's been trying to contact me constantly for the past two days, hoping to get a meeting with you."

A smirk touched Cedric's lips. So, without him, what was her family?

His knuckles whitened as he quickly signed the document and pushed it back across the desk.

"Fine. I'll see him."

Timothy paused, clutching the file. "When?"

Cedric considered for a moment, a brow arching slightly. "We'll see."

See what? Timothy didn't understand, but he knew his job was simply to wait for the order.

***

Without a car, getting around was a hassle. It took Liliana a full two hours to get from Expo Manor to Zephyr Group.

It was ten-thirty when she stepped out of the ride-share.

She expected another difficult encounter just to see Cedric, but to her surprise, the receptionist told her to go right up. The moment she was in the@levator, the receptionist called Timothy to report her arrival. Timothy immediately informed Cedric, who then instructed him to call Chuck Preston and tell him to be at Zephyr Group within the half hour.

Everything was going too smoothly. As the elevator ascended to the top floor, Liliana's eyelid began to twitch She pressed her fingers against it, but a sense of foreboding crept over her as she stared at the door to the president's office.

*I've done what he asked,* she told herself. *This time... the divorce has to go through.*

The thought eased her anxiety slightly. She walked to Cedric's office and knocked twice.

"Come in." The man's deep, resonant voice carried through the door, rich with an alluring quality.

Liliana took a steadying breath and pushed the door open.

tall,

It was almost noon, and the sun was bright. The man standing before the floor-to-ceiling windows cut a imposing figure. The crisp white crowerful shirt accentuated his powerful build, and the short, artfully messy hair framing his handsome face only made him more striking.

He turned slightly as she entered.

"Vice President Woods has agreed to return to work, starting today," Liliana said, closing the door behind her and walking toward him. She stopped a few feet away. "You promised. She comes back, you sign the divorce papers."

Cedric turned to face her fully, his back to the light, casting his sharp features in shadow. He said nothing, simply staring at her.

His gaze was so intense it made her heart race. "Cedric, you're not going to back out, are you?"

"Of course not," he said, adjusting the cuff of his shirt. "But I have someone else I need to see first. Can we discuss the divorce after my meeting?"