The Enigmatic Return (Neera and Jean) novel Chapter 1438

Phoebe couldn't accept this explanation and immediately, with a stern face, corrected him.

Phoebe found his explanation unacceptable and immediately corrected him with a stern expression. “My cousin doesn't like that woman at all. The only reason they interact is due to arranged marriage between the Gordon and Cox families. Otherwise, he wouldn't even spare her a glance. She's just a woman who has given birth to three children. What's there to like about her? Stop spouting nonsense here!”

After hearing her words, Howard couldn't resist a chuckle, his gaze playful as he fixed it on her. “Hey, are you still defending Avery even now? Haven't you forgotten that he personally ousted you from the Gordon family? Or could it be that you're still hung up on him?”

Phoebe's face twitched slightly, her expression complex.

Observing her reaction, Howard clicked his tongue twice. “I never expected this. You hold a grudge against this woman, but not against your cousin who banished you from home. Avery was ruthless to you, disregarding familial ties, yet you still defend him. Do you really believe that by ruining this woman, Avery will start to have feelings for you?”

He continued, “Listen, I advise you to stop being naive. Have you ever considered that if Avery found out about what you're doing now, could he still forgive you? The reality is harsh, but it's the truth. You'll never be able to stand on the same side as him. Instead of dwelling on this, why not close your heart to love and devote yourself to the Bartitsu Guild? You did an excellent job this time by informing the guild about this secret passage. It's clear that they highly appreciate your help. Once this matter is settled, they will surely treat you fairly. When you rise again, strong enough to stand on your own, what kind of man won't you be able to get?”

At this point, he narrowed his eyes, casually making a proposal. “If it really comes down to it, it wouldn't be the end of the world if you got with me instead. Compared to Avery, I'm not any less, right? You're quite attractive yourself, and I'd say we're a good match. If we support each other from here on out, there will come a day when we'll rise above the rest in Bartitsu Guild.”

Upon hearing this, Phoebe felt nauseated deep inside and responded with a cold, sarcastic laugh. “Howard, where did you get your confidence? Comparing yourself to Avery, aren't you just asking for humiliation?”

The grin on Howard's face turned into a sudden freeze, his eyes squinted but emanating a clear warning. “Phoebe, I'm showing you respect here; don't test your luck!”

Phoebe didn't want to engage in unnecessary conversation, urging impatiently, “Fine, spare me the talk. Heart-to-heart discussions aren't really our style. Time is ticking away. If we don't act quickly, they might wake up. I'm taking Neera with me. As for the other two, do what you will. If you're not interested, just leave them. They're useless anyway; having them in our hands won't make a difference.”

Howard cast a casual glance at the individuals on the ground and chuckled nonchalantly. “Just let those two be. Someone will undoubtedly inform the Gordon family. Let them savor a bit of heartbreak from the Gordon clan.”

Once he finished speaking, he subtly signaled his subordinates to move forward and transport Neera.

Unexpectedly, as someone reached out to touch the still-unconscious Neera, she suddenly seized the person's hand and bit down forcefully.

“Argh!”

The man assumed Neera had already fainted, caught completely off guard when she suddenly bit him, and he cried out in pain.

At that moment, Howard snapped to attention and delivered a fierce kick to Neera's stomach.

Weak and already drained, she felt an intense pain surging through her abdomen, causing her to convulse in agony. The force of the kick lifted her body off the ground, only to crash down heavily.

The pain was so overwhelming that stars danced before her eyes, and cold sweat streamed down her body.

Simultaneously, just at that agonizing moment, Zephyr, who was expected to be unconscious, unexpectedly propped himself up, attempting to stand.

Shaking his head in an effort to stay alert, his body staggered. With sheer determination, he reached for Howard's leg, using every ounce of strength to pull him down.

As Zephyr was under the influence of the stupefying drug, his efforts proved futile in bringing Howard down.

Nevertheless, he clung on, refusing to let go.

Out of nowhere, Zephyr produced a fruit knife and forcefully slashed at Howard's leg.

Discovering Zephyr was still conscious, Howard was caught off guard as the knife struck him, and his pants were immediately soaked with blood.

“D*mn it!” he cursed through gritted teeth, his immediate reaction being to grab Zephyr and unleash his frustration with a physical beating.

Even Zephyr himself was unsure of the source of his newfound strength. Half propped up from the floor, he headbutted Howard, sending him stumbling several steps backward, nearly causing him to lose balance.

Undeterred, Zephyr then crawled toward Neera, all the while uttering from his mouth, “Ms. Garcia...”

Neera, initially poised to speak, was rendered speechless upon seeing the figure advancing behind Zephyr. Her expression transformed into one of sheer terror.

“No... Don't...” she attempted to scream, but her voice faded into a faint, choked whisper, fragmented and broken.

Zephyr, fueled by the desire to protect Neera, struggled against his current physical limitations, but it proved impossible.

Phoebe, perceptive to his intentions, emitted a cold laugh. “Overestimating your abilities!”

She turned her head to address the few onlookers standing there in bewilderment, issuing a reminder, “What are you all standing around for? Hurry up and get this w*nch into the car. If anything goes wrong, you'll be the ones to pay the price!”

Her words instantly snapped them out of their daze.

Two individuals reacted promptly, rushing over to Neera. They lifted her from the ground and began to drag her toward the entrance.

Neera struggled, but facing two opponents in her weakened state, resistance was futile. Helplessly, she could only watch as they pulled her away, utterly powerless to fight back.

As he witnessed the distressing scene, Zephyr's anxiety reached a boiling point. The veins on his forehead bulged, his entire body trembling. He strained with all his might to crawl toward her, but the distance remained insurmountable.

Left with no alternative, he grabbed at the feet of those around him, desperately attempting to impede their progress.

Yet, every effort seemed as futile as throwing straws against the wind.

It was then Neera understood the grim reality, realizing there was no escape from the unfolding situation.

In her current state, Neera's mind was solely occupied with concern for Zephyr and Adriana.

At this critical juncture, she wished for Zephyr to cease resisting or struggling. She silently hoped he would lie on the ground, feigning unconsciousness until the Gordon family's rescue arrived.

“No, don't...” whispered words once again escaped from her lips.

She desired to intervene, but before she could utter a word, her eyes widened in the next instant.

Howard advanced toward Zephyr, his expression dark. He callously stepped on the man's hand, grinding it beneath his foot. In the blink of an eye, Howard seized the fruit knife from his opponent's grasp.

Suddenly, a fierce stab was aimed at Zephyr's back!

Blood immediately gushed out, staining the surroundings. The crimson fluid splattered across Zephyr's clothes, also dyeing Neera's eyes red.

Her breath seemed to freeze, as if her heart had stopped beating in an instant, leaving her mind utterly blank.

A heart-wrenching scream erupted from the depths of her throat, “No!”