Chapter 237

"You're absolutely right," Lilah said, her tone calm but cutting. "But I don't particularly like people who are too clever for their own good. All I need from you is a result." She tapped her fingers impatiently against the table, the rhythm sharp and deliberate. Cedric nodded immediately. "Ms. Black, there's no need to overthink this. Of course, I'll help you." His voice carried a hint of eagerness. "I've had enough of them anyway. "And let's be honest. The Black family affairs should be yours to handle. But Samuel keeps stalling, refusing to give you a definitive answer. "That's just his way of rejecting you without saying it outright." He was about to go on when Lilah raised her wine glass, cutting him off. "You've said enough. I understand your stance." Cedric severed all contact with Joe that very night. It was as if he had vanished from Ashbourne entirely. … Leroy began his routine hospital rounds the next morning. When he reached Yvonne's room, he found it strangely