Adriana was preoccupied with Chad in her mind, which affected her appetite. After a few bites, she found herself unable to eat any more.
The vast mansion suddenly became eerily empty.
Neera had a vague sense of unease.
As the night deepened, she found herself unable to find peace for a long time.
When Avery's call came through, she had just reminded Zephyr again, instructing the subordinates to be on guard at all times.
“Neera, I heard something happened at your end. What's going on? Was it Bartitsu Guild's doing?” On the phone, Avery's voice was anxious and full of worry.
Neera responded with a hum and said, “Yes, but we don't have any evidence. The situation in those districts is chaotic right now. The Gordon family has already sent people to handle it.”
Upon hearing those words, Avery furrowed his brows tightly. His eyes held a mix of anger and regret. “I'm sorry. I've dragged you into this.”
“It's not your fault.” Neera sat at the head of the bed while hugging her knees. No lights were on. Only the faintly cool moonlight streamed through the window, casting a serene chill throughout the room. “Even without the Cox family, the Gordon family has long been a thorn in the side of Bartitsu Guild. From the moment I took the seat as the district president, Bartitsu Guild must have started plotting. This day would come sooner or later, regardless of whether the Cox family left Bartitsu Guild. The Gordon family would eventually face this calamity.”
Even so, Avery still felt deeply sorry in his heart. “You've sent people out, so who's left in the Gordon residence now?” he asked.
“It's just me and my aunt.” Neera sighed. “There's no other way. This matter is too significant. I can't rest easy without sending someone trustworthy. It has to be this way.”
Upon hearing that, Avery furrowed his brows even tighter. “In that case, there will be no one left at the Gordon residence. That's too risky.”
As he spoke, he became restless and could no longer sit still. “No. I'm coming over right now.”
“No need,” Neera quickly intervened. “I'm fine. Zephyr is with me, and the Gordon residence is not unattended. I've already made arrangements, so you don't need to worry.”
Avery couldn't help but worry. “I know how cunning Bartitsu Guild can be. They will definitely figure out the current situation of the Gordon family. What if—”
He hadn't finished speaking when Neera interrupted him.
“Then you shouldn't come either. No matter what happens, it's all the Gordon family's business. You've finally made it to Lordsworth Estate and settled down. You must not risk your life again. Otherwise, if Bartitsu Guild finds out you've come here, they will definitely try every means to block and hunt you down. So, you can't come,” she urged.
Of course, Avery knew what kind of peril he would face if he ventured into the territory of Bartitsu Guild.
Yet, he couldn't bear it, watching her over there, constantly facing dangers.
In a clear and calm voice, Neera added, “Avery, I appreciate your good intentions, but it's better if you don't get involved in this murky situation. Rest assured, the Gordon family isn't easy to deal with. Bartitsu Guild may want to bite off more than they can chew, but it remains to be seen if they have the appetite for it.”
On the other end, Avery's face was stern. His grip on the phone was so tight he almost crushed it.
In the end, he heeded the advice, took a deep breath, and said in a hoarse voice, “All right. I agree. But you must promise me something. Don't get into trouble. I'll be waiting for you at Lordsworth Estate.”
Neera's gaze subtly shifted, and she responded with a soft hum. “Okay.”
After hanging up the phone, Avery stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window. His amber eyes stared at the night scene outside the window, their depths unfathomable.
Violet walked over, tilting her head to look at him. “Is Neenie in danger?”
Avery's throat bobbed up and down, his voice tense. “She might be.”
Violet asked again, “Are you very worried about her?”
Although it was a question, her tone was decidedly confident.
Avery remained silent.
Violet, with her hands behind her back, stood with him for a while before suddenly saying in all seriousness, “Satan, I know this may sound cruel to you, but you're not the one Neenie needs. In her heart, no one can replace that man. Even if she needs someone now, that person wouldn't be you.”
Avery's breath hitched slightly. He paused for a moment, then calmly said, “I know.”
“Neenie is a very clear-headed person. She doesn't like to drag something out, nor does she like lingering feelings. Her feelings of love and hate are simple and steadfast. Love is love, and dislike is dislike. If she doesn't love, she maintains a distance. It's not appropriate for you to go. She doesn't want you to take risks for her, nor does she want to owe you anything.”
“I know.”
Violet looked up at him, her eyes suddenly moist, her thick lashes flickering. Her voice was somewhat muffled as she said, “Satan, you're worried and upset. I don't like seeing you like this. Ever since you met Neenie, you've changed a lot. Anything related to her seems to shake you. You always seem burdened. Haven't you let go of her yet? It's painful this way...”
For the first time since she had grown up, Violet revealed the sadness of a young lady in front of him.
She was a smart girl, able to see through everything, yet she said nothing.
Between her and Avery, it was like they were siblings. They understood each other so well that there was no need for words.
But this time around, she just couldn't hold back from speaking.
Witnessing his transformation, his unrequited love, and his worries truly made her feel upset.
For every ounce of his sorrow, she would feel an equal measure of it.
Avery glanced at her, his thoughts unreadable.
After a long while, a deep sigh echoed.
He lifted his hand to gently tousle her hair and whispered, “Although I'm reluctant to admit it, I must acknowledge that Jean is indeed the man destined for her. After all their twists and turns, they still ended up together. I knew then I stood no chance. Now, I don't want to fight for anything anymore. You don't need to worry about me.”
Violet's eyes sparkled. “Really?”
“Yes,” he said, pinching her nose gently. “Why are you crying? It's not a big deal.”
After speaking, he let out a bitter laugh, his eyes cast downward. “Nevertheless, I simply can't bear to see her in even the slightest bit of danger...”
Meanwhile, at the Gordon residence, Neera was waiting impatiently, until finally, she received news from Jean.
He texted: Everything is under control. I'm fine, so you shouldn't worry. I have things to take care of, so I won't keep you on the phone. You should get some sleep early, okay?
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....