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.

circumstances, he wouldn’t reveal his emotions.

sudden appearance at such a critical juncture evoked a

why he momentarily lost

stifling with

report from a housekeeper, came out and finally broke

just stand there. Come in and have some coffee.”

“Good morning, Mr. Gordon. I’m here to see Neera.”

smiled. “She’s probably still sleeping. Stay and have breakfast with us.”

a run? If not, go and wake Neera up. Breakfast is

and entered the mansion first.

retreating figure, his gaze

during breakfast was quite strange.

seeing Avery, recalling how Jean had spoken about him

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

stole a glance at Jean as

expression. He responded calmly, “I didn’t have much to do anyway, so I thought I’d come and

Jean responded lukewarmly, “I heard 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 need

Not wanting to waste words, he simply said, “Mr. Beauvort, you worry too much. I know how to manage my time.”

hope that

interject herself into the conversation,

tension in their conversation, focusing