Chapter 1279

Two days later, everything was prepared.

Avery, leading a large group of people, made their way towards the dock.

The sun was shining brightly that day, its rays particularly dazzling.

Neera kept that date in mind and arrived early to see them off.

Finnley had already arrived, leisurely strolling on the deck with his hands clasped behind his back, taking in his surroundings.

The way he carried himself didn’t suggest that he was embarking on a dangerous mission, but rather that he was off to enjoy a day at sea.

Upon spotting her, he waved her over and immediately started giving her advice. “Neera, don’t think you can slack off just because I’m not around. If you want to reach the level of the flying needle, you must practice diligently. When I return, I will definitely assess your progress during this period. If you don’t pass… Hmph! You’ll have to live in the fighting arts center, where I can keep an eye on you twenty-four hours a day!”

Neera was taken aback.

She initially learned the skill just to survive in the ruthless Phison. Unexpectedly, Finnley took quite a liking to her.

However, even though her current situation wasn’t as perilous anymore, she didn’t want to give up halfway. Who knows when it might come in handy again in the future?

s With that thought in mind, she obediently agreed. “Mr. Weaver, rest assured. I will practice diligently.

When you return, I will show you my progress.”

Only then was Finnley satisfied.

*

a As the two conversed, a convoy of cars pulled up at the dock. Avery stepped out, followed by a large crowd of people. They boarded the ship in a grand, imposing manner, exuding an air of impressive force.

First, he glanced at the annoying presence beside Neera before indifferently shifting his gaze. When he looked at Neera, the look in his eyes became gentle. “You’re here, Neera.”

Neera nodded with a smile. “Yes. I’ll leave Finnley in your care. These few people are among the top experts in the Gordon family. I hope they can be of help to you.”

As she spoke, she gestured for the people standing behind her to step forward. Raising her voice, she commanded, “On this journey, you will represent the Gordon family. Do your utmost to assist the Cox family. No matter what happens, you must ensure the safety of the head of the Cox family.”

The group of people nodded in agreement. “Yes!”

First, Avery expressed his gratitude to Finnley. Then he turned to Neera and said, “I’m sorry for making you worry about me. Actually, you didn’t have to come today. You could’ve asked them to come.”

Neera shook her head. “I had to come here myself to feel at ease. Take care on your journey. I’ll wait for your safe return.”

Even though he knew very well that her feelings for him were not romantic but merely friendly, Avery couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction when he heard her say she would wait for his return.

He smiled gently. “All right. I’ll return safely.”

His words sounded like a promise, solemn and meaningful.

Since it was about time, Neera didn’t want to hold them up.

“Go ahead and set sail. Jean and I will take our leave first.”

After she finished speaking, she reiterated, “Safe journey.”

Avery kept his gaze on her, his eyes deep and intense. He watched until her figure disappeared at the stern of the ship. Only after her figure became an indistinct dot on the dock did he reluctantly look away.

It wasn’t until Irwin reminded him it was time to leave that he finally looked deeply at that figure. It was as if he wanted to etch the image of Neera into the depths of his heart. Finally, he withdrew his gaze.

“Set sail.” He faced the vast and serene sea, his gaze reaching into the distance, his words clear and resonant.

Before long, the massive ship, propelled by the turbines, changed its course and glided gently across the surface of the sea.

Avery had more matters to attend to, so he turned around to enter the cabin.

A beam of light caught his attention.

He lowered his gaze, only to find a pearl earring, quietly forgotten. Its smooth, delicate surface reflected the brilliant sunlight.

1 He recognized it as Neera’s earring that had accidentally fallen there.

His dark eyes seemed to light up with that dazzling light, revealing a hint of color. He picked up the earring and held it tightly in his palm. Let’s consider this as the lucky charm she gave me.

Down at the pier, Neera and Jean hadn’t left yet, watching as the ship sailed away.

Watching the massive object recede further and further from the shoreline, becoming a diminishing dot on the horizon, Neera finally breathed a sigh of relief.

“All right. Let’s head back,” she said, giving Jean’s hand a gentle shake.

The latter raised an eyebrow, walking side by side with her, and said with a smirk, “Waiting for your safe return?”

Neera was taken aback for a moment, not catching his main point. “What’s the matter?”

Jean hummed lightly. “If it weren’t for the fact that you need to repay a favor, I might have lost my temper on the spot.”

Seeing his sullen expression, Neera finally came to a belated realization. “Hmm… Are you jealous?”

Jean’s expression was somber. “The way he looks at you is so passionate, it’s impossible to ignore. His intentions are clear as day from the way he wears his heart on his sleeve.”

He spoke through gritted teeth, showing just how much he detested Avery.

Neera gently touched his nose, pulled out her trump card, and coaxed him in a soft and gentle voice, “No matter what he thinks, my heart will always be with you. Apart from you, no one else can have a place in my heart. Isn’t that enough?”

Sure enough, her simple sentence swept away the gloom in Jean’s heart.

He felt a surge of invigoration throughout his entire body.