Chapter 1249

“The other families who had used firearms against the Gordon family were also punished by a neutral party, and their influence is no longer as strong as before.”

Upon hearing that, Chad’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Did the neutral party make the judgment, or was it a request from Lordsworth Estate?”

Avery shook his head. “I’m not quite sure about that. Although the Jennings family was at fault, Stella has already lost her life, and the Jennings family has been expelled from the Bartitsu Guild. Actually, it didn’t have to come to this. It must have been requested by Lordsworth Estate. After all, Judgement Island is a neutral territory, and those imprisoned there are wicked and evil. The Jennings family hasn’t gone that far.”

Chad chuckled lightly. “To have persuaded even the neutral faction, Lordsworth Estate really surprises me. Could it be that the lord is clearing all obstacles for Neera out of gratitude toward her?”

Avery thought the same, but nothing was certain at the moment, so it was hard to say.

“Mr. Gordon, all of these matters have already been settled, so there’s really nothing to worry about. It’s just…”

Chad knew what he wanted to say and immediately nodded in agreement.

“I understand. Bartitsu Guild has specially created the ninth elder seat for the Gordon family. This is an unprecedented event. If Neera wishes to take that position smoothly, I’m afraid it won’t be that easy.

Who knows what kind of trouble might arise.”

Avery hummed in agreement, his expression serious.

“The competition for a seat among the Eight Elders has always been fierce. Everyone wants to climb higher to improve their position. Now, there’s suddenly an extra seat, and it’s taken by the Gordon family, whose power is much weaker than theirs. They will definitely be dissatisfied and might even raise objections.”

Chad understood the point. “Their opposition is not without reason. Although Matthew has spread the word that Neera would take the ninth elder’s seat, things might change after the ceremony is held. The guild might consider her control over the five districts and her status as the district president before elevating her position. When the time comes, the positions of the other eight elders might also undergo changes.”

“Yes, and it’s not just the eight elders, but also other families who are probably watching us closely.

Being an outsider who has become district president after making her first appearance, Neera has attracted the jealousy of many families. Now, aiming for a seat as an elder in the Bartitsu Guild will attract even more attention. They definitely won’t want to see this happen, and who knows what they might do to bring down the Gordon family. That said, you should rest assured that I’ll keep an eye on this matter.”

Chad nodded. “Mmm-hmm. Thank you for your hard work.”

Once the important matters had been discussed, he remembered the scene when Neera and Avery met earlier. Clearing his throat, he couldn’t help but probe, “How are things between you and Neera now?”

The mention of the topic elicited a subtle change in Avery’s expression, while a myriad of emotions flickered in his eyes. After a few seconds, he finally responded, “She still treats me like a stranger, polite yet distant.”

Chad had anticipated it and wasn’t surprised.

“She’s like that. Once she’s made up her mind, it’s hard to change it. Even though she’s had a falling out with Jean, she won’t easily let anyone else into her heart.”

Avery said, “No matter what, I won’t give up.”

Chad looked at him, silent for a moment, then advised, “I understand that you like Neera and want to marry her. But I’ll repeat what I’ve said before. You should respect Neera’s feelings. No matter what, don’t put her in a difficult position. Whether or not this marriage happens, I hope it won’t cause a rift between you and the Gordon family. You’re like a child I’ve watched grow up, not blood-related but just as close. If you can’t be husband and wife, you can still be like siblings.”

The meaning of his words was very clear; he was offering his unconditional support to Neera.

Avery’s eyes were half-lowered as he nodded slightly. “I know.”

“As for your engagement, it’s the talk of the town right now. If it doesn’t work out in the future, you should consider how you’ll deal with the aftermath. You… should plan for it.”

Avery didn’t respond immediately. After a long pause, he repeated, “I know.”

Downstairs, Neera and Adriana were strolling around the manor with the three little ones.

Their eyes sparkled brightly as they were particularly curious about the place.

“Wow, this place is even more luxurious than the manor in Essley! It’s really beautiful!”

“It’s beautiful indeed, but I still prefer our manor in Essley. That’s our home. It’s truly one of a kind.”

“Right! I prefer our home over this place…”

Listening to their incessant chatter, Neera found it both comforting and relaxing.

She linked arms with Adriana, baring her soul.

“Aunt Adriana, it’s so nice that you could come to keep me company. Ever since I arrived here, I haven’t had a single day where I could relax. My heart is always on edge, fearing that I might make a mistake and give the Gordon family something to hold against me, or that something might go wrong…