The Enigmatic Return (Neera and Jean) novel Chapter 1111

Despite that, Neera was still reluctant.

“In that case, wouldn't it feel like I'm taking advantage of you, Mr. Cox? I don't want that. I think our relationship should remain pure and distinct. Besides, Uncle Chad will also have people following me. If anything happens, Charles and Zephyr will also protect me. If all else fails, I'll just adapt to the situation. That's better than pretending.”

Her reasoning was sound, but Avery was unwilling to give up just like that. He still wanted to persuade her.

Neera made a “stop” gesture, effectively silencing his next words.

“Mr. Cox, there's no need for further discussion. My mind is made up. Whatever happens, I'll bear the responsibility. I don't want to take advantage of you, nor do I want to trouble you. Let's leave it at that.”

This time, she spoke in a very blunt manner, making it clear that she was determined not to accept his suggestion.

When Avery saw this, his brows slightly furrowed as he realized her deep-seated resistance. He pursed his lips.

Given the circumstances, if he continued to speak, it might come off as insensitive. There was even a chance it could backfire on him.

Since that was the case, he might as well just go with the flow.

Either way, he believed that once they reached Phison, the plan to act as an engaged couple would still happen.

Hence, he didn't persist any further, respecting her thoughts instead.

“All right, let's just go with the flow and adapt as necessary when the time comes.”

Neera nodded, feeling a sense of relief in her heart.

Even though she and Jean were currently entangled in unresolved conflicts, she didn't want to become Avery's fiancée, not even a pretend one.

In her heart, she was simply Jean's fiancée.

Even if there were conflicts between the two, that didn't change that fact.

If she were to go along with Avery's plan, wouldn't that be a betrayal to Jean?

With these thoughts, she sighed, gazing blankly at the sea's horizon.

A melancholic voice echoed within her mind.

Admit it, Neera, you've already chosen him. Deep down, you love only him. No matter what happens, this is something that can't be changed.

If that's the case, why make things so difficult? It's only going to torture yourself and that person...

Nearby, Elmer had pricked his ears as he listened to the conversation between the two. His face remained expressionless, though he snorted in his mind.

I know full well what this youngster from the Cox family is up to.

He simply wants to take advantage of the discord between Neera and Jean.

Acting under the guise of an engaged couple is but a load of nonsense. It's nothing more than a ploy to solidify this status and make sure everyone knows about it.

What a malevolent young man!

Does this brat think he can mess with our Neera? In his dreams!

Even Jean didn't impress Elmer much, let alone Avery!

Luckily, Neera was a sensible woman and didn't fall for his tricks.

At that moment, Adriana and the others returned from their diving.

Aside from Chad and Shane, everyone else was a novice, so they couldn't stay in the water for too long.

The little ones still had energy to spare, showing no signs of fatigue. They ran over to Neera and began to chatter excitedly, eager to share their joy.

“Mommy, Mommy! The sea is so beautiful! It's such a pity that you didn't go in the water and see it for yourself!”

“Yeah, we got to see a bunch of beautiful corals and all sorts of little fish swimming around us. Some even darted into the corals. It was absolutely stunning!”

Penny, as if presenting a treasure, held out something to her mother with both hands.

“Mommy, I found a super beautiful seashell. I'm giving it to you. Do you think it's pretty?”

Neera took it and laughed, saying, “It's really beautiful. The gifts from our Penny are always the best. How about I make it into a wind chime and hang it in your room?”

“Sure! I'll do it with you!” Penny said, her eyes curving into crescents as she laughed with delight.

After playing for several hours, everyone started to feel a bit hungry.

After changing clothes, Chad suggested, “Let's have lunch at the seaside restaurant. In the afternoon, we can drive around the island for sightseeing.”

Everyone agreed without objections, but Neera was somewhat worried about her grandparents.

Elmer waved his hand. “No need to worry about us. We're not tired, so let's go together.”

Mariah was also full of energy. She held Neera's arm and said with a beaming smile, “Indeed. It's not often that I get to go out and have fun with you. I'm not tired; I just want to be with you.”

Hence, Neera chose not to say anything further and spent the afternoon having fun with them.

By the time they returned to their villa, everyone was worn out from exhaustion. The little ones had played the hardest, to the point where they could barely lift their legs.