Chapter 1720: Anyway, should we start?

"I know where Nathalie was."

Silence quickly followed Zoren’s remark, and everyone knit their brows at him. Penny, especially, turned to him with a flicker of surprise. The couple had already talked about this before they met with everyone for the meeting—but this, he hadn’t told her.

"Renren," she whispered, holding his hand.

Zoren sighed faintly as he met his wife’s eyes. "I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier."

"But like I said, I think... everyone should stay out of it," he added. "Especially since they already crossed the Bennet Family off their list. There’s no reason for you to get back on their radar. The Piersons, on the other hand, are still deeply involved in this case."

"As the head of the family..." he trailed off, the corners of his eyes sharpening. "I have an obligation to put everything in place."

Again, silence fell as everyone kept their eyes on Zoren.

"If anything, Jonathan already sent out a hit on Nina. So, it’s better if Second Brother focuses on that," he continued, giving Hugo and Slater a glance. He didn’t mention Slater by name since Charles was listening in—and that was likely the reason Slater had remained quiet despite clearly wanting to say something.

"Then, Dad should focus on Chairman Bennet and Stephen. For some reason, they’re still using Stephen. It might not implicate the Bennet Family if he gets caught since they’re only using him as a pawn. They’ll dispose of him when they no longer need him," Zoren said. "Still, it’s best if we seal off any cracks they could slither through and drag the Bennet Family back in."

Zoren drew a deep breath as other thoughts crossed his mind. "As for me... I’ll coordinate with Mint regarding Nathalie. After all, she can arrange a meeting with Interpol. We’ll need their help to deal with an organization of this scale."

"I think that’s what’s best for everyone." He looked up at the room, studying the expressions on their faces.

"Renren," Penny whispered again after a few seconds of quiet. "I’m a Pierson too, you know? And since it’s your business, it’s my business too. You’re the head of the family... and I’m your wife."

"Penny—"

"And Penny’s business is mine," Atlas said in his usual flat tone, though a sharp glint lit up his eyes. "You may still carry the Pierson family name, but don’t forget you’re also part of the Bennet Family. And I don’t recall you marrying someone older than me."

He casually pointed a finger at Zoren. "You’re the little brother."

"First Brother is right. How can you say that to your big brothers?" Hugo nodded, looking at Zoren with mild disappointment. "Even if Mint can coordinate with Interpol, do you really think I can’t do the same? They’ll reach out to us anyway. A syndicate this large will require multi-departmental collaboration to apprehend."

Slater nodded quietly, while Zoren raised his brows slightly.

"Listen to your brothers, Zoren," Charles breathed over the call, his tone solemn. "If we’re staying out of this, then so should you. But if you are going to step in, then expect chaperones. I, for one, won’t allow you to throw yourself into danger alone."

"I’m not letting my children go to war on their own," he added.

At that, Hugo blinked and glanced down at the phone on the table. Just as he pointed at himself and opened his mouth—

"Hugo doesn’t count. I don’t know him," Charles said dryly.

"Dad... aren’t you being a little harsh?" Hugo frowned.

"Zoren." Finally, Haines spoke. "Listen to your father and your brothers. This war... it’s not just yours to face. We’re family—and that means this is our burden too. Let us help you carry it."

Penny pursed her lips and nodded, squeezing her husband’s arm. "It’s not just you now, Renren. It’s... we."

Zoren turned to her, taking in her soft but determined smile. Then he looked around the room. All of them wore the same determined expression in their eyes.

And in that moment, nothing he said would change their minds.

Watching them, Finn couldn’t help but smile subtly. His gaze lingered on Zoren’s side profile, and he nearly chuckled to himself as a memory stirred—of the Zoren Pierson he knew in their previous life.

Back then, Zoren had been alone.

Even with help, it was always his call. He decided what information could be known. No one dared question him, no one could bend his will. But now... Finn didn’t think Zoren could keep being that stubborn—not when faced with people who were twice as stubborn as he was.

’And for some reason... it really feels like we might not end up the way we did before,’ Finn thought, eyes softening. ’That this time, things might actually be different.’

Despite the looming threat ahead of them, knowing there were people willing to carry the weight with him made it feel less crushing. It didn’t shrink the danger—but it made the burden more bearable.

Meanwhile, Dean silently observed the entire exchange, his eyes scanning each face. They weren’t even smiling... and yet, he could feel the sincerity they all had for Zoren.

"..." Dean kept his mouth shut, sighing quietly in defeat.

As for Zoren, he didn’t answer right away. He simply looked at them, one by one.

And then, after a long moment, a weary sigh escaped him... followed by a soft, defeated smile.

"I understand," he whispered. "And I’m sorry for not including you in my plans. Bad habits."

"Heh." Penny giggled, scooting closer. She hooked her arm around his, beaming at him. "It’s alright. As long as you include me, everything’s okay—even if you forget everyone else."

Zoren chuckled quietly. But before they could move on, a quiet knock interrupted the moment.

Knock... knock...

Everyone turned to the door, watching as it slowly creaked open.

Mint peeked her head in, scanning the room. She didn’t need long—her eyes quickly found the group gathered on the couches.

"Oh!" she beamed, stepping inside. "Sorry! Had way more paperwork than expected. Anyway—should we start?"

Everyone just stared at her with a deadpan expression while she raised her brows... looking almost too innocent.