The Enigmatic Return (Nancy’s And Roxanne )

Compared to Avery’s astonishment, Jean remained much calmer, his face expressionless as he said, “Since Neera is here, naturally, I have to come and keep her company.”

Avery’s lips curled into a half-smile, carrying a hint of mockery.

“Neera has been here for a while. Yet, you come here now and say such things. Don’t you think it’s a bit too late?”

Jean was unfazed. “As long as our hearts are together, it doesn’t matter whether I come early or late. What’s important is that I’m here and she wants me to be here.”

Avery was clearly annoyed.

“You certainly are bursting with confidence, but your timing is off. I suppose Neera has told you about the recent events. This is Phison. No matter how powerful you are outside, you’re nothing here. Your status alone can’t protect Neera, so you should have some self-awareness.”

Jean not only didn’t get angry, but instead, he laughed.

“Perhaps you’re right. You have the right to be arrogant as the third elder of the Bartitsu Guild. However, even you, with your high status, couldn’t protect Neera, could you, Mr. Cox? From what I understand, during the trip to Mount Cloud, you didn’t seem to be of much help. In the end, it was the Lordsworth Estate that protected Neera, wasn’t it?”

As soon as those words were uttered, Avery’s face darkened considerably.

“Does it matter? At least I can have someone around to protect her at all times, but what about you? What can you do? You probably can’t even enter Phison without someone else’s help, right?”

Jean raised an eyebrow. “What? Are you getting angry out of embarrassment, Mr. Cox? That won’t do. You must maintain your dignity even if my words hit where it hurts. Losing your temper like this is unbecoming of a family head, let alone a guild elder.”

Avery’s brows furrowed tightly, his expression becoming even stonier.

normal circumstances, he wouldn’t reveal

after another on Neera’s side, and Jean’s sudden appearance

he momentarily

stifling with tension.

report from a housekeeper, came out and

just stand there. Come in

morning, Mr. Gordon. I’m

sleeping. Stay and have breakfast with us.”

Jean after that. “Jean, are you still going for a run?

slightly and entered the mansion first.

his retreating figure,

during breakfast

seeing Avery, recalling how Jean

Cox, thank you for taking the trouble to visit me. I’m feeling

cautiously stole a glance at

caught the subtle movement, but his face was devoid of expression. He responded calmly, “I didn’t have much to do anyway, so I

that the Bartitsu Guild is about to hold a Council of Elders. I’m sure you have plenty to prepare as one of the elders, Mr. Cox. You don’t

glanced at him. Not wanting to waste words, he simply said, “Mr. Beauvort, you worry too

“I hope that

didn’t know how to interject herself into the conversation,

of the underlying tension in their