Just as Avery had anticipated, representatives from the Bartitsu Association indeed came knocking on their door that very night.
This time, it wasn't a large crowd that appeared but a single old man.
At first glance, there didn't seem to be anything particularly remarkable about the old man, as he appeared quite ordinary.
However, his eyes were like those of a hawk, with a gaze so sharp it was startling.
A single glance from him was enough to instill fear in anyone.
Upon seeing him, Avery, showing a rare level of respect, greeted him warmly, “Mr. Pierce.”
The old man nodded, his voice raspy and deep. “Mr. Cox, it's been a while since we last met.”
Avery chuckled. “Indeed, despite not seeing you for a while, you look as energetic as ever.”
After exchanging pleasantries, he turned to Neera and introduced, “Neera, this is someone close to the president.”
Close to the president? He must be some sort of assistant.
Neera formed a rough idea in her mind and greeted politely, “Hello, Mr. Pierce, it's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Neera.”
Naturally, Herbert knew who she was. He scrutinized her from head to toe, his expression inscrutable.
“Well, you're quite a pretty little girl.”
Neera responded modestly yet confidently. “You flatter me.”
However, Herbert's attitude soon took a drastic turn. His tone suddenly became serious, and he began to interrogate her.
“I heard that there was a bit of a hiccup during the inauguration of the new family head today. Mr. McClure personally intervened, openly supporting your ascension. May I ask, what is your relationship with Lordsworth Estate?”
Here it comes!
Neera felt alarm bells ringing in her head. The unprecedented sense of pressure triggered a chill down her spine.
The old man gave off an extremely threatening aura, like a venomous snake ready to strike at any moment. It felt as if one could lose their life in an instant, a clear indication that he was not someone to be trifled with.
Nevertheless, Neera steeled herself, maintaining a strong front and keeping her composure.
She had prepared an explanation ahead of time, and now, she explained it with an apparent calmness.
“The truth is, there's no real connection. It's only today that I've fully understood the situation. I'm a doctor, and I once inadvertently saved the Lord of Phison. However, he didn't reveal his identity at the time.”
To lighten the tense atmosphere, she let out a soft laugh, her tone easing slightly.
“To be honest, I was quite startled when Mr. McClure showed up today. I thought he was here to cause trouble. If he hadn't clarified, I'd probably still be in the dark.”
Herbert seemed skeptical. “Is this really true? I find it quite puzzling. What are the odds that you would save the Lord of Phison out of so many people? Do you know the consequences of lying? If we find out that you're not telling the truth, the three hundred members of the Gordon family will pay the price for your mistake and be killed alongside with you.”
As he spoke, he tightened his grip on the coffee cup he was holding, crushing it into pieces.
He then tossed the broken porcelain pieces onto the coffee table with a nonchalant air. Despite his unchanging expression, his gaze subsequently sharpened.
Startled by the turn of events, Neera's heart skipped a beat.
At that moment, Avery stepped forward to speak up for her.
“Mr. Pierce, there's something you're not aware of. Neera is actually my fiancée. As her fiancé, I can vouch for her. Apart from the incidental rescue of the Lord of Phison, she indeed has no connection with Lordsworth Estate. I can guarantee this on the Cox family's name.”
As soon as those words were spoken, Neera couldn't help but give Avery a complex look.
Invoking the name of the entire Cox family as a guarantee was a heavy burden to bear.
However, at the moment, she couldn't say a thing.
If she refuted him, her credibility in front of Herbert would be completely lost.
When that happens, the Gordon family would be put in danger.
Nonetheless, Herbert wasn't easily fooled. Upon hearing that, he sniggered in response, still not entirely convinced.
“Is that so? As far as I know, although the Gordon and Cox families have a marriage alliance, it's merely a verbal agreement. It doesn't really count.”
“You're overthinking it. I've already planned to propose to Neera. In fact, I left Phison with the intention of asking for her hand in marriage. Look, I even brought her back with me.”
Avery spoke with conviction as if he was stating a fact. Then, he threw the question back at Herbert. “Mr. Pierce, you wouldn't doubt the Cox family's loyalty to the guild, would you?”
Herbert squinted his eyes, staring at Avery for a long while as if to confirm whether his words were true.
Finally, he said, “It had better be that way. The president has ordered that the Gordon family must be elected as the district president. No mishaps are allowed. You understand what I mean, right?”
Avery laughed and said, “Rest assured this is the truth. During the engagement banquet, I hope you can honor us with your presence and join Neera and me for the celebration.”
Herbert seemed satisfied. “Of course. I will definitely attend your engagement ceremony.”
After saying what needed to be said, he didn't wait long before getting up and leaving.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Enigmatic Return (Neera and Jean)
What kind of stupid confusion is this, how come she didn't know that the my bourvart they are talking about is Jean?...
Author uses too many words to describe useless things and then don't clarify others, who is this aunts friend. Neere went to play golf with who?...
Why is she keeping so many secrets from Jean?...
is it too much to ask, when are they going to know that Jean is the father of her triplets???? the man that night 6yrs ago is Jean???!!!!!!...
Chapter 328, did Alfonso not meet Jeann before, how does he not recognise him huh...
I'm a bit confused, does Roxanna not know that her sister is married..this chapter makes it look like she doesn't know but they already went to Jean for money huh...
Too many words to explain somethings, it's a waste.......
Good Day Dear Author! i just want to ask, why it cant read in normal format? the sentences for every chapter is cut, almost half of the sentence is cut thats why cant read it as whole. Thankyou....