The Enigmatic Return (Neera and Jean)

Neera was taken aback by Colin's politeness, and she quickly waved her hand. "Mr. Wiley, you're being too polite. You've done so much for the Gordon family and arranged everything so meticulously. It's the Gordon family who should be thanking you. If you say it like this, I really don't know how to express my gratitude."

Colin gave a slight smile. "It seems Ms. Neera has forgotten again. We agreed the last time we met. There's no need for formalities. Why are you still acting so distant with me?"

Neera blinked, noticing that he had no pretense about him. She relaxed, no longer holding herself back, and let out a hearty laugh. "All right. I won't stand on ceremony, then. As long as you understand my gratitude, that's all that matters."

Afterward, something came to her mind, and she asked curiously, "By the way, Mr. Wiley, do you know where Darcel is now?"

Right after she mentioned Darcel, the first to react was Jean.

It seemed he hadn't expected that, after all this time, Neera would still be thinking about Darcel.

The corner of his mouth twitched almost imperceptibly, his expression momentarily odd. But it was fleeting, and he quickly returned to his usual self.

Colin was clearly taken aback for a moment.

If Neera hadn't brought it up, he would have completely forgotten about Darcel's existence.

Colin then cleared his throat, subconsciously glancing at Jean. Seeing the latter's nonchalant expression as if nothing mattered to him, Colin pursed his lips and had no choice but to cover for Jean. "D-Darcel is not here right now."

Suspecting nothing, Neera continued to ask, "Where is he now? May I know? Ever since the selection of district president, I haven't seen him, nor have I heard from him. I haven't even had the chance to thank him properly."

Colin vaguely said, "H-He's been assigned to a task. Yes, he's off on a mission."

"Oh, I see..." Neera understood, her expression somewhat regretful. "I finally made it here, hoping to seize an opportunity to properly thank him, but what unfortunate timing..."

Then she turned to Colin and said, "If he returns at any time, Mr. Wiley, could you please let me know? Also, could you pass on a message? Tell him that I've come here and would like to thank him in person. I hope he can honor me with his presence."

"Sure, I will," Colin agreed outwardly, but inwardly, he was grumbling. Honor you with his presence? Darcel is right by your side, isn't he? Is there really a need for such behavior? I wonder what kind of expression Neera would have when she finds out Darcel's true identity.

In the following days, Neera chose to rest and recuperate at home.

As for the matters of the Gordon family, Chad and Shane took it all upon themselves.

During this time, Avery made a visit.

When Neera saw him, she was quite surprised. "Mr. Cox, you're here. I appreciate you coming all this way to see me."

Avery smiled. "It's not far. District Ten is right next to District One. It's only a two-hour drive. I've been wanting to come for a while, but I figured you guys just moved in and must have a lot of things to take care of, so I delayed my visit for a few days."

As he spoke, he carefully sized up Neera from head to toe. "It seems like your injury has almost healed, which puts my mind at ease."

Neera smiled. "Yes. I'm feeling much better now. Thank you for your concern.'

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Nearby, Jean heard these words. He didn't say anything, but he felt slightly annoyed inside. Why is he worried? Does she need another man to care for her?

The mere thought of Avery and his intentions toward Neera made Jean feel even more displeased.

However, Avery came specifically to see Neera, so Jean couldn't show any reaction. All he could do was silently swallow his jealousy.

However, Neera always felt that the Avery he met this time around differed from before.

Avery remained as courteous and refined as ever, but there was a certain urgency that was somewhat diminished.

It was as if they had returned to the first time they met.

After some thought, it seemed as if she understood something. She quietly breathed a sigh of relief in her heart, and then a sincere smile appeared on her face. "Mr. Cox, since you've made the effort to come, why not stay for dinne before you leave?"

"Thank you, but no," Avery declined with a smile. "I can't stay. There are still matters that need my attention at home. I just managed to squeeze in some time to come and see you. I'm relieved to see that you're all okay."

After speaking, he lowered his gaze to scan the various gift boxes piled on the side table and floor, his eyebrows raising slightly. "Moreover, looking at your side, it seems quite busy. There must be quite a few people coming to see you, right?"

Neera felt a bit embarrassed and somewhat helpless all at once.

Lordsworth Estate's strong support and protection for the Gordon family instantly made the Gordon family a highly sought-after, prestigious household in Lordsworth Estate.

Over the past few days, numerous forces had been coming forward, each bearing gifts to show their loyalty, all hoping to align themselves with the Gordon family.

Neera was initially reluctant to accept it, but considering that the Gordon family had just moved there, it seemed somewhat inappropriate to appear too aloof.

At that moment, the Gordon family needed to blend in with those forces, at least to bring the relationships closer and more harmonious.

Chad and Shane thought the same, so they didn't refuse.

Therefore, over the past few days, the threshold of the Gordon family's door had been nearly worn away by all the foot traffic.

When Avery arrived, she had just sent off a member of a family. The gifts the visitor had brought were still not put away.

"This is quite good. When others come to curry favor, the Gordon family is saved from the trouble of actively seeking closer ties with other families. Moreover, it's beneficial for the growth and development of the Gordon family. It's a good thing. In the future, the Cox family will have to rely on the Gordon family," Avery said, half-jokingly, half-seriously.

Beside him, Chad patted his shoulder, his expression somewhat disapproving. "Avery, stop talking nonsense. The relationship between the Cox and Gordon families is unlike any other. We, the two families, should not speak in such a manner."

Avery also spoke casually, immediately laughing and nodding. "All right, Mr. Gordon. I was just joking."

Not long after, Avery left with Violet.

Before getting into the car, he took one last look at Neera. His amber eyes were unfathomably deep, harboring a trace of complex and indiscernible emotions.

Only when the car had driven far away did he retract his gaze, silently closing his eyes.

Violet held back for a moment and couldn't help but ask, "Satan, are you still unable to let go of Neenie?"

Avery remained silent, his eyes still closed, showing no reaction as if he were asleep.

Just when Violet thought he wouldn't respond, he slowly opened his eyes. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly, forming an expression that was hard to define. It wasn't quite a smile but something else entirely. "There's nothing I can't let go of. As long as she's happy, that's all that matters."

Violet tilted her head, tapping her chin, unsure if she had understood correctly.