Cedric had silently observed the entire heated exchange between Francesca and Simon. He said nothing until Francesca stormed off in anger, leaving him to fix Simon with a stern glare before finally speaking.

"Simon, why do you insist on tormenting yourself over Fran?" Cedric asked, his voice calm but firm.

Simon's face flushed with both embarrassment and rage. "Mr. Aicker, it's not that I want to bother her! She lied to me—she made me think she was with Andrew when she wasn't. How is that not a direct insult to me?"

Cedric let out a cold snort. "You're my top apprentice, Simon. If you have nothing to hide, why would someone's words be enough to humiliate you?"

Simon gritted his teeth. "It's not just that! I'll inherit everything from you one day, and the Aickers don't have any male heirs to carry on the legacy. If you promise Fran to me, the Aickers will have a secure future—and so will she!"

Cedric was so furious he actually chuckled. "You ungrateful fool! Do you even hear y