Chapter 106

*Can we?*

It was the second time Cedric had asked for her opinion, and Liliana knew it meant trouble. She bit her lip, her brows drawing together.

"You can wait here," Cedric said, gesturing to the bright orange sofa in the center of his office. "I promise we will talk about the divorce today."

With that assurance, Liliana turned and sat down. She would wait. She would see exactly what game he was playing.

The minutes ticked by. Timothy brought in a cup of coffee and left, closing the door behind him. The massive office was so quiet she could have heard a pin drop. Liliana could feel her own heart pounding, the rhythm accelerating with each passing moment as a powerful sense of dread began to wash over her.

In contrast, the man at the window seemed perfectly at ease, slowly drawing on a thin cigarette. His long, elegant fingers held the cigarette as smoke curled upwards in lazy wisps. The scene should have been calm, but every glance at him only heightened her anxiety.

*Knock, knock.*

The office door opened, and Timothy stepped inside. "Mr. Forrest, Mr. Preston is here."

Chuck Preston followed him in, a fawning smile plastered on his face. "Cedric! Oh, Liliana, you're here too."

Seeing Liliana, Chuck's smile faltered for a fraction of a second.

Liliana's breath caught in her throat. She instinctively looked at Cedric. *This* was the person he was waiting to see? Was he planning to discuss their divorce in front of her father?

"Have a seat," Cedric said, ignoring her gaze as he settled behind his desk. He steepled his fingers, elbows resting on the polished surface, his expression calm and his every movement exuding an air of aristocratic grace.

Chuck took the seat across from him, his posture deferential, his tone sycophantic. "I came today specifically to thank you. Without you, Liliana would never have been able to get Hale out so easily."

Cedric's eyebrow twitched, a flicker of amusement in his narrow eyes as he looked over at Liliana.

Hearing her father's words, Liliana finally understood Cedric's true purpose. She bit her lower lip, the color draining from her face.

"I also need to apologize," Chuck continued. "I was out of my mind with worry over Hale, and I said some things I shouldn't have. Please don't hold it against me. We're all family, right?"

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In Chuck's mind, this was a strategic retreat, a demonstration of his ability to be flexible. He didn't realize he was just debasing himself. Did Cedric need his apology? Not in the slightest. He wouldn't have even given Chuck the chance to offer one.

But this opportunity was the perfect way to teach Liliana a lesson. His gaze on her grew heavy with meaning. The paler her face

became the more he knew

she

understood her family's precarious position.

A smart woman would know what to do.

"Cedric?" Chuck prompted nervously when the silence stretched on.

Cedric leaned back in his chair, his relaxed posture making him seem approachable. "An apology isn't necessary. Was there anything else?"

He didn't say he forgave him, but asking if there was anything else implied he was willing to let it go.

Chuck breathed a sigh of relief, though his expression quickly turned troubled again.

"I've neglected the business lately because of Hale, and now Preston Group is struggling. Cedric, I was wondering if you could... help us out?"

"I'll do whatever Liliana says." Cedric's voice was laced with a smile as he turned to her. "You tell me. Should I help, or not?"