In just one morning, public opinion shifted dramatically.
Everyone was condemning Bartitsu Guild, and the Cox family had turned into the unfortunate ones forced to leave their homeland, gaining tremendous support.
The label of betrayal has successfully been removed from the Cox family's reputation.
Not only that, but some families under Bartitsu Guild now have an even worse opinion of the guild, growing wary one by one.
Bartitsu Guild's actions can only be described as a loss outweighing the gains.
Matthew, upon seeing these discussions, was furious to the point of exploding.
“Hurry up and have people delete those online comments for me! What kind of image are we presenting?”
However, his assistant, Darren, stood there looking hesitant, unmoving.
“Mr. Lozano, even if we silence them, it won't make any sense. It will only make people think that Bartitsu Guild is trying to silence others and create the impression that the guild has something to hide.”
“What other options do we have? Are we going to allow public opinion to keep escalating like this?” Matthew stroked his beard, his expression more disgruntled than if he had eaten a fly.
Darren responded with a strained expression, “Currently, the paramount concern isn't public opinion but the unity of the guild. The Cox family has already severed ties with the guild and joined Lordsworth Estate. Now, our focus should be on whether Lordsworth Estate will leverage the Cox family against us. We need to prepare in advance.”
Matthew sneered. “I don't believe Lordsworth Estate would dare to make a move for real against the guild. Even if they are powerful, the guild is not to be trifled with!”
Darren wiped the sweat off his forehead and continued to advise, “That may be true, but we still need to be prepared in advance. Moreover, even though the Cox family has gone to Lordsworth Estate, their grievances with families like the Watson family and the Laker family still exist. Given Avery's temperament, he won't quietly accept this loss. There will be revenge for any wrongs, and in that case, his stance against the guild will only become more hostile.”
Pausing, he carefully added in a hushed tone, “And, the secret hidden in that arsenal, once exposed... If Avery finds out about what happened back then...”
“Shut up!” Before he could finish his sentence, Matthew suddenly glared at him fiercely. “Who gave you the right to spout nonsense?”
Darren's voice abruptly ceased, and he lowered his head, reluctant to utter another word.
The atmosphere grew eerily still. After a moment, Matthew squinted and inquired, “So, what do you suggest we do now?”
Darren hesitated for a moment before stating, “Given the current circumstances, our best course of action is to seek support from influential families. Despite the significance of the Watson family and the Laker family, their power has considerably waned in recent conflicts with the Cox family. The skirmish yesterday also unveiled that these two families are not operating at their peak. It appears we'll need to depend on the Gordon family.”
Upon hearing this, Matthew furrowed his brow.
“The Gordon family? Have you lost your mind? The Gordon family has a favorable relationship with the Cox family. With the Cox family's departure and all the upheaval, why would the Gordon family still align themselves with Bartitsu Guild?”
“The Gordon family indeed has a close relationship with the Cox family, but Bartitsu Guild has more than just the Gordon family as allies with the Cox family. The outcome remains within Bartitsu Guild, right? Whether a relationship is good or not boils down to interests. If the guild wants to win over the Gordon family, we need to appeal to their interests and find a way to lift the Gordon family's spirits.”
Matthew paused his pacing, turned, and sat on the sofa, sinking into deep thought.
If it were in the past, he would have scorned the Gordon family.
However, things had changed. The head of the Gordon family held influence from District Twenty-One to District Twenty-Five, and Chad had recently revealed the hidden strength of the Gordon family.
In the current situation, there might not be any family in Bartitsu Guild with a greater influence than the Gordon family.
Reflecting on this, he took a deep breath and commanded, “Reach out to the Gordon family. Inform them that I extend a personal invitation for tea. Let's engage in a face-to-face discussion.”
Darren nodded in acknowledgment. “Yes, sir.”
Not long after, Neera received the message.
She consulted with Chad, “Uncle Chad, do you think I should go?”
Chad set aside the newspaper and leisurely replied, “Go ahead, see what tricks Matthew and the others have up their sleeves, and what they plan to use to win over our Gordon family.”
Neera smirked. “Most likely, it's all about using personal gains. Bartitsu Guild has no scruples, and for their goals, they'll use any means necessary. They're not afraid to make empty promises. Who knows what grandiose claims they'll make this time?”
As expected, when she attended the meeting at the café, Matthew indeed intended to persuade her with personal gains.
“Ms. Garcia, you are the head of the Gordon family and also the ninth elder of Bartitsu Guild. The responsibilities on your shoulders are quite substantial.”
Savoring the coffee, Neera casually smiled and straightforwardly said, “If you have something to say, feel free to speak directly. I believe there's no need to waste time beating around the bush. After all, everyone's time is precious.”
Matthew reclined in his chair, a slight twitch at the corner of his eye as he controlled his temper, all the while maintaining a smiling demeanor.
“Ms. Garcia, you're a direct individual, and I appreciate that. It's easy to converse with someone like you. Since you've laid it out so plainly, I'll get straight to the point. The guild hopes that the Gordon family can offer full support, stand in solidarity, and aid in resisting external threats. In return, the guild will promote you to the second elder seat...”
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....