The Enigmatic Return (Neera and Jean) novel Chapter 1331

In the week following the issuance of the mobilization order by the Cox family, Neera frequently heard sounds of chaos from outside.

“Have you heard? It seems that several elders from the Hoffman family have been kidnapped!”

“I've known about it for a while now. It's old news from the day before yesterday. You're really out of the loop, aren't you? It's not just the Hoffman family, but also the Quigley family. Both family heads are gone!”

“D*mn, what's going on? Could something big be about to happen? As a casual observer, I'm really worried.”

“Why do I feel like the guild has been in chaos recently? The Hoffman and Quigley family heads are important figures. With both families encountering issues one after another, what on earth is going on?”

“Not only the Quigley family and the Hoffman family, but also the Watson family. I heard that a couple of days ago, two of their clubs were raided, apparently for some illegal transactions...”

Inside a cafe, Neera was poking at the ice cubes in her cup, frowning.

“Why does it feel like everyone's discussions lately are so violent? Has the guild been so unsettled lately?”

These past few days, aside from her regular visits to the Cox residence, she spent her remaining time either resting at home or being taken out by Jean to various places to relax both physically and mentally.

As a result, her body relaxed, but there was no way for her mind to relax as she listened to the remarks.

The Bartitsu Guild was in a state of unrest, and how could the Gordon family, being in the midst of it all, possibly remain unscathed?

At this moment, she was still unaware of what the Watson family, the Hoffman family, and the Quigley family had done to the Cox family, so naturally, she didn't associate it with the Cox family.

However, Jean knew everything crystal clear.

But he had no intention of telling her, not wanting her to worry about these trivial matters anymore. He made up an excuse to brush it off.

“The Bartitsu Guild has always been like this, never a moment of peace. You've been here for quite some time, so you should understand by now. Conflict is the norm. Don't take it to heart.”

Neera pinched the straw, sipping the last bit of iced coffee, and let out a long sigh.

“Staying here is really draining. I'm living in constant fear every day. I truly don't know how the people here manage to keep going. I really miss my life back in Kingsview...”

Jean raised an eyebrow. “You want to go back?”

Neera fell silent for a moment, blinked, and said, “Yeah, but things here are not settled yet. Let's wait a bit longer.”

Jean knew that the young woman still didn't want to go back and face her parents. He understood her feelings and flashed a faint smile.

“No rush. We'll go back whenever you feel like going back. If you don't want to, we can explore other places. Wherever you take a fancy to, we can make our life there.”

Neera chuckled. “You talk as if the whole world is your territory.”

Jean's eyebrows lifted slightly, and he casually said, “If you like it, I don't mind doing this. I just need to put in a bit more effort.”

This statement carried a hint of arrogance, yet when it came from his mouth, it was hard to doubt whether he could really pull it off.

Neera felt warmth in her heart. She asked, “Have your parents called again to urge you to go home? They must be eager to see the three little ones, right?”

This was the first time she had brought up Wrenn and Frederic since she came here.

It was not that she avoided discussing it. She just didn't really want to talk about it.

For her, the harm inflicted by the two of them still existed, but she no longer cared.

What truly worried her were the three children.

Jean looked into her eyes, not hiding anything.

“They've called a few times. They really want to see the kids, and they've been asking about you too.”

“Me?” This indeed took Neera by surprise.

“They're asking about your current situation and if you're still holding a grudge against them and unwilling to forgive them. They hope to reconcile with you and resolve any lingering resentment. I don't intend to speak on their behalf, but they truly realize their mistakes. They said they're just concerned and won't interfere with your life. They told me not to tell you if you don't want to hear it. All that matters is that you and the children are well.”

Neera bit her straw and fell into a long silence.

“What are you thinking about?” After waiting for a moment, Jean gently reached out and held her hand.

Neera lifted her eyelids, looking at him with a complex expression in her eyes. After a pause of two seconds, she hesitantly asked, “Do you think I'm being a bit too selfish?”

Jean was taken aback. “Why do you ask?”

Neera revealed her feelings with a sense of defeat and guilt.

“I suddenly realized that in this matter, it seems I've only been concerned with my own feelings, never considering the feelings of the children or your feelings. I never considered how difficult it could be for you to get caught between me and your parents. I also didn't think about the little ones' longing for their grandparents' love. They are your closest kin and also the children's. Yet, I only thought of myself.”

Jean didn't expect her to think this way. He pursed his lips in silence, rose from his seat, walked around the table, and sat down next to her, looking at her intently.

“Don't think like that. You're not selfish at all. Remember? It was because you cared about my feelings, didn't want me to be caught between you and my parents, and feared that I would be put in a difficult position, that you endured so much. It was because of this that you ended up getting hurt. I completely understand if you don't want to see them or get in touch with them. I'm on your side. They were the ones who made a mistake in this situation. I also failed to mediate properly and couldn't be a good bridge between you two. You're not to blame.”