The Mercenary Queen Strikes Back (Lily Hastings) novel Chapter 68

Chapter 68

Chapter 68

Charles’ voice carried unmistakable worry. “And that young genius is pushing hard to break into the top 2090.

“If he succeeds, his international status will soar, and the main family’s dominance in the domestic security industry will be unshakable”

His tone held both admiration and awe for that youth, mixed with regret.

Charles thought, ‘I lack martial talent. Perhaps my children could never reach such heights.

“We have no regrets,” Hannah said firmly. “Not only that, Max, Nova, and I will prove it to you. We’ll show the main family we’re not weaklings”

She softened her tone to reassure Charles, “Dad, you’re not useless at all. You just excel in different areas. Look, if it weren’t for your business skills, how could we live so well in Ravenport?”

Hannah’s hot temper was always directed outward. With family, even her restless nature settled.

Though she couldn’t yet call Nova as affectionately as Maxwell, Charles, or Fiona did, she could at least calmly include her as “family” now.

Nova noticed Hannah’s subtle shift and listened quietly, finding it all pretty interesting.

She thought, ‘The main family’s strongest genius, ranked 2099th on the mercenary leaderboard? That is a ‘terrifying ranking indeed.’

Ghost-Hammer had been in a daze since arriving in this peaceful country. Now he was internally screaming, Rank 2099? Terrifying? Am I hallucinating? That’s practically disabled by our/standards. And they’re proud of that?’

Despite his confusion, the considerate Ghost-Hammer stayed/silent to avoid causing trouble for Nova.

Maxwell patted Nova’s shoulder as he assured Charles, “Dad, just leave it to the three of us.”

Fiona wheeled over to Charles, gently tugging his sleeve. “The kids have grown up and have their own ideas. Since they’ve decided, let them go. After all these years, it’s time for them to meet the main family.”

Her words comforted Charles deeply. He finally made up his mind. “Alright. I’ll take you all back to the main family. You may not be their equal in martial arts, but you’re certainly not weak.”

Nova saw Fiona smiling and waving them over. “See? Your father agreed. Hurry upstairs and pack. It a long way from Ravenport to Fergus, and you need to dress up to meet the main family tomorrow. You’ll set off tonight.”

Maxwell and Hannah immediately ran upstairs to pack toiletries and some decent clothes.

Only Nova stayed where she was.

“Nova, aren’t you going to pack?” Fiona asked warmly.

“Mom, aren’t you going with us?” Nova said pointedly.

Fiona froze at the question. Since becoming paralyzed, she had stopped attending all high-society events-balls, ladies’ parties, family gatherings… She had grown used to staying home year after year.

“I’ll pack some food for the road so you don’t go hungry.” Fiona avoided the question and turned her wheelchair toward the kitchen. Her flickering gaze betrayed deep insecurity.

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Chapter 68

But the next second. Nova’s cool but firm voice sounded behind her. “Mom, I’ll heal your legs. I haven’t forgotten. Trust me.

You’ll walk out of this villa with pride.

Fiona’s hands stilled abruptly as if something had gently touched her heart, spreading warmth. It was her daughter’s care, pure and simple.

Her nose tingled, and she fought back tears as she replied, “I believe you.”

“As for the food,” Nova continued, slapping Ghost-Hammer’s shoulder heavily and pretending not to notice Fiona’s discomfort, “leave it to Gust. He’s a five-star chef.”

Nova chuckled inwardly, ‘A five-star field chef on the battlefield, that is. Self-proclaimed, of course.

Five minutes later, Ghost-Hammer was tied into an apron, patiently making fragrant food and even thoughtfully preparing fruit for dessert. Everyone got their own lunch box.

Thirty minutes later, Nova, Maxwell, Hannah, Ghost-Hammer, and Charles were seated in the BMW X5 SUV, heading toward Fergus.

*****

The highway from Ravenport to Fergus stretched about 217 miles.

As Nova ate the meal Ghost-Hammer had prepared, the familiar taste brought back memories of racing to eat amid life- and-death battles-when a hot meal was a rare luxury.

Even Hannah and Maxwell had hearty appetites.

“This is really good. Bro, sorry for the trouble. Because of our family emergency, we couldn’t host you properly. Yet you helped cook and even came along with us.” Maxwell apologized.

“Not at all. Wherever boss goes, I go.” Ghost-Hammer couldn’t break his habit of calling Nova “boss.”

Hearing the word “boss,” Charles was stunned. His hands jerked on the steering wheel.

Maxwell quickly explained, “Dad, it’s just what Gust calls her. Nova was really looked after by him out there.”

Nova thought, ‘It seems he has no intention of telling my parents about my battlefield past to spare their feelings. She understood and wouldn’t bring it up either.

C “I see.” Charles’ mind was completely preoccupied with the main family, leaving no room for details. He nodded and focused back on driving.

*****

Blake Manor stood at the foot of a hill in the downtown of Fergus, the provincial capital of Morales.

The manor consisted of four villas arranged around a courtyard-separate yet connected, blending classical architecture with modern luxury.

Charles said, “Hudson is a good guy. Before I left the main family, he always had my back. I asked him to arrange accommodation. We’ll stay at the manor tonight and prepare for my father’s 80th birthday tomorrow.”

It was already 10 p.m. when they arrived in Fergus after the four-hour drive.

Charles briefed them as he led Nova, Maxwell, and Hannah toward Blake Manor’s main gate.

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Chapter 68

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Knowing the main family kept early hours, Charles had asked Hudson to arrange lodging in advance to avoid disturbing

anyone

As Nova followed Charles to the imposing gate, her eyes suddenly sharpened.

A large group of people was emerging from inside. At the center was a vigorous white haired old man. Though eighty years old, he showed no signs of frailty, clearly the leader guiding the main family.

The moment he saw the old man, Charles trembled and called out, “Dad?”

The old man was Alfred Blake-current president of Blake Security Group, head of the main family, and Charles’ father. Alfred was Nova’s grandfather-the man who had expelled her father from the family years ago.

Nova’s gaze turned icy.

Behind Alfred were other family members-Charles’ closest relatives.

“You’re here. Come inside first.” Alfred’s eyes swept over Nova, Maxwell, and Hannah one by one, as if relieved, before he turned to lead the way.

But those beside Alfred weren’t about to let Charles and his children enter so easily.

A middle-aged man in a suit stood on the steps with his arms crossed, looking down at Nova and the others. He said to Charles, “As your older brother, I should welcome you home. But…”

He dragged out his tone mockingly, his gaze settling pointedly on Nova. “Let’s be honest. We’ve looked into your children’s background. You only have two kids. So where did this extra one come from?”

He sneered, “Don’t feed us some story about a long-lost child finally found. We all know the truth, useless trash like her has no right to enter our family. Why did you bring her here?”

(‘

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