"Cedric, even if you kill me, I won't tell you where the documents are," the man spat, his voice defiant as he struggled to sit upright despite his battered body.
Cedric leaned back in his chair, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Do you think… I can't find it without you?"
The man glared at him, his breathing hard. "Then go ahead-find it! Leave me alone!" he shouted.
Cedric's smirk deepened, and he tilted his head. "I heard you have a daughter," he said, his voice calm.
The man froze, his defiance crumbling as his eyes widened in fear.
"I have quite a few men," Cedric continued, his voice turning cold, "men who've been starving for some… entertainment. Perhaps they could pay her a little visit."
"Cedric, if you so much as lay a finger on her, I swear—" the man roared, his voice breaking with desperation.
Cedric leaned forward, his piercing gaze locking onto the man's trembling form. "What will you do?" he asked softly.
The man's lips trembled, words failing him. He knew there was no stopping Cedric, no retaliation that could touch someone as powerful as him. But the thought of his daughter –his sweet girl—suffering at Cedric's hands was unbearable. Yet, if he revealed the location of the documents, his entire family would be in jeopardy once Cedric was done with him.
He swallowed hard. "Cedric, you're putting me in an impossible situation," he said, his voice cracking. "She's my everything. If you harm her, I—"
"I hate pointless talk," Cedric interrupted sharply, his tone icy. "Here are your options: tell me where the documents are, or watch your family suffer, starting with your precious daughter." he glanced at his watch, "I'll give you ten minutes to decide. Choose wisely—me or Ronald."
The man's heart sank as Cedric leaned back, unbothered.
Meanwhile, Moira was sprawled on Ivy's couch, a glass of sparkling water in hand. "Why did you drop by today? I thought you were at a party," Ivy asked, raising a brow.
Moira gave a half-smile. "Let's hit the club tonight. I need to let off some steam."
Ivy smirked, leaning against the counter. "What kind of steam are we talking about? A man's arms, or just good music and drinks?"
Moira bit her lips, her gaze playful. "How about—-"
Ivy's phone buzzed, cutting her off. She picked it up and grinned at the screen. "It's my dad," she said, answering cheerfully. "Hi, best dad in the world!"
Moira watched as Ivy's grin widened. " Yeah. I love you too. Dad, I'm with Moira right now—want to say hi to her?"
Before Ivy could hand the phone over, the line went dead. "Dad?" Ivy frowned, glancing at the screen. "Hello? Are you there?"
She stared at the phone, confusion flickering in her eyes. "That was… weird."
"Maybe he's busy with something important," Moira offered with a shrug.
Ivy nodded thoughtfully. "You're probably right." Then, as if flipping a switch, her cheerful demeanor returned."So, what's the verdict? Dancing, drinking, or maybe finding someone cute?"
Moira gave a faint smile. "Just dancing. I had an argument with my dad."
"Want to talk about it?" Ivy asked, her tone gentle.
Moira shakes her head firmly. "I hate dwelling on unhappy things. But… I've always envied the relationship you have with your dad."
"There's nothing to envy," Ivy said, with a slight scoff. "Don't you remember? Your dad was just like mine. It all changed after she came into the picture."
Moira sighed, her voice filled with bitterness. "I know. He used to be so loving and attentive. I was his favorite…" her words faltered, her voice cracking. "But now, he's like a stranger. He changed so much that even my mom—"
Tears slid down her cheeks before she could finish.
Ivy moved closer, wrapping her arms around Moira in a tight embrace. "Everyone thinks you're so strong, but I see the pain you carry. You don't have to hold it all in."
Moira wiped her tears away and straightened her posture. "I almost forgot to tell you—I'm getting married to Cedric."
"WHAT?!" Ivy's voice rang out, her eyes wide with disbelief.
Moira sighed and began recounting everything that had transpired at the party. Ivy listened intently, her shock deepening with every word.
"Why would you agree to marry him of all people?" Ivy asked, her tone filled with worry. "Cedric is the most dangerous man. This is more than a risk—it's practically suicide!"
"I know," Moira said with a firm nod. "But I need him. He's the only one who can investigate my mother's death."
Ivy crossed her arms and shook her head, frustration written all over her face. "You've been in the UK for so long, Moira. You don't understand how things work here anymore. No one can get close to Cedric without paying the price. And for him to approach you with a marriage proposal? That's not random—he has an agenda."
"I know," Moira admitted, her gaze steady. "That's exactly why I'm going to take advantage of it."
Ivy does not want Moira to take that risk. Who doesn't know what Cedric is capable of?
Her expression softened into one of pleading concern. "Moira, please rethink this. Getting entangled with someone like Cedric is dangerous. Once you're in his world, there's no easy way out."
Moira reached out, taking Ivy's hands in her own. "I know you're worried about me, and I love you for that. But don't you trust me? Do you really think I'd let anyone, even Cedric, take advantage of me?"
Ivy hesitated. "It's not that I don't trust you, Moira. I just don't trust him."
Moira's lips curved into a faint smile. "Good. Neither do I. That's what makes this game so interesting."