Chapter 1794:

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Hamilton lifted his chin with quiet satisfaction. “You don’t understand. My grandsons are extraordinary. Everyone wants to be near them.”

Nikolas gave a small nod. He couldn’t really argue.

Cedric’s business had only grown stronger in recent months. Elite Lux had reclaimed its position at the top of the global fashion world. The new elite everywhere wanted an audience with Cedric and Daniela — and through them, a glimpse of the twins. Hamilton had poured everything into raising those two boys. With all they carried, it was hardly surprising that people were drawn to them.

By the time Daniela arrived home that afternoon, Hamilton had already taken the children out to the pool.

Cedric was in the living room, quietly reviewing footage from the princess’s visit. When the video reached the moment where the twins greeted the unborn babies, something in his expression shifted. The easy grin he’d been wearing faded almost imperceptibly.

Daniela noticed. “What’s wrong?”

Cedric hit rewind and offered a half-smile. “Nothing serious. A mosquito, probably.”

𝗗o𝗐𝗇𝘭𝘰a𝘥𝘢𝘣𝗹е 𝖯𝗗𝘍𝗌 𝗈𝗇 𝗴а𝗅𝗻𝘰𝘃e𝗅𝘴.со𝘮

She didn’t press him and headed upstairs to get some repellent. The moment she was gone, Cedric leaned forward and paused the clip. He played it again, slowly this time.

On screen, the room was full of laughter. But in the upper corner of the frame, just beyond the fence line, a figure in black stood completely still — hunched slightly, barely visible, watching the scene inside with quiet, unmoving attention. He didn’t gesture or speak. He simply observed, almost indistinguishable from the shadow he’d chosen to stand in.

By the time Daniela came back downstairs with the spray, Cedric was already gone.

The housekeeper approached her. “Mr. Phillips said something urgent came up at the office. He asked me to let you know he’ll be back shortly, and that you should please finish the meal he prepared for you.”

Out at the pool, Hamilton kept a watchful eye on the boys as they splashed in their float rings. Neither of them could swim yet, so the rings were non-negotiable — though that hadn’t dampened their enthusiasm in the slightest. They kicked and bobbed and laughed at each other, delighted by the noise they were making.

A small gathering of girls nearby had pulled out their phones to capture the scene.

When Cedric walked up a short while later, several heads turned. A few of the bolder ones considered approaching him.

Someone in the group spoke before they could. “Are you serious? That’s Cedric. He’s married to Daniela. Come back when you look like her.” The idea was abandoned, and attention returned to the toddlers.

Hamilton glanced over as Cedric approached. “What brings you here?”

Cedric scooped one of the boys up in one arm. “Just passing by.”

Hamilton nodded once and said nothing more.

They got into the car together. In the back seat, the twins immediately climbed onto Cedric, wrapping their arms around his neck, demanding kisses and laughing at nothing in particular. He couldn’t help but laugh with them.

As the car rolled past the gates, his eyes caught a flicker of movement outside. His expression cooled for just a moment — then he was laughing again, bouncing one of the boys on his knee.

“You’re not even out of diapers,” he said lightly, “and someone’s already keeping an eye on you.”

Hamilton looked over. “What does that mean?”

Cedric kept his smile in place. “Nothing to worry about. Just make sure you have extra security whenever you take them out. Olisvine has been making headlines lately — there’s been a rise in child abductions.”

Hamilton stiffened immediately. “Child abductions? Those people deserve the harshest punishment possible.”

Cedric’s voice dropped quiet and even. “They do.”

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