The Enigmatic Return (Neera and Jean)

The underlying message of those final two sentences was a reminder to Albert that Avery was the head of the family. Albert didn't have the right to lecture him.

And his address for Albert had also changed, instantly making the atmosphere tense, as if the air itself were pulled taut.

Ronald initially wanted to mediate, but seeing Albert's relentless provocation toward Avery, he, too, became irritated. He chose to remain silent, observing the situation with a cold gaze.

Albert stiffened his neck, wanting to retort, but he couldn't utter a single word.

"Mr. Albert, in the Cox family, you can't afford to question others. I don't want to hear even the slightest about Phoebe's matter. Also, the head of the Gordon family is not for you to discuss. From now on, if I hear it again, don't blame me for disregarding our relationship. I will handle it as it should be handled," Avery said in a calm tone, but the words' meaning was incredibly profound.

Albert was completely shocked, standing there with his eyes wide and mouth agape, looking utterly incredulous. "Avery, are y-you actually treating me, your elder, like this for the sake of an outsider?"

At this moment, Ronald sternly shouted, "Albert!" His expression was extremely serious, his eyes full of warning. "Have you not caused enough trouble?"

Albert gritted his teeth, unable to contain his anger. Yet, he was wary of Avery, so he had to find another way to stir up trouble. "Me? Causing trouble? I just don't understand why everyone is protecting the Gordon family, protecting that outsider! Avery, even if you're dissatisfied with me, you can ignore me, but you can't ignore the entire Cox family, can you? Ever since our family moved to Lordsworth Estate, although we've received quite a bit of care from Lordsworth Estate, it's nothing compared to what the Gordon family gets! The difference is worlds apart! Look at what's happening! Ever since the Gordon family arrived at Lordsworth Estate, they were directly arranged to live in District One! They were even personally fetched by the Medicina family. Even the renowned branch leader, Colin, paid a personal visit. Lordsworth Estate has publicly declared that they will provide comprehensive protection to the Gordon family. With all this commotion, the Gordon family has become a hot commodity, the object of pursuit by numerous powerful families in Lordsworth Estate. These days, I've been hearing rumors. Many families are flocking to pledge their allegiance. Now, the reputation and power of the Gordon family far surpasses our family! But back in Bartitsu Guild, the Gordon family was nothing more than a third-rate family, far inferior to our family. But now, they've transformed and are surpassing us! Who can bear such a gap?"

Ronald's brows furrowed tightly, yet he couldn't think of a rebuttal.

Frankly, that matter did make Ronald feel a bit uneasy. It wasn't to the point of jealousy, but there was a certain lump in his throat.

Albert glanced at his face, then, with a tense expression, turned to look at Avery, huffing in annoyance. "Initially, it was the Gordon family who insisted that our family leave Bartitsu Guild to join Lordsworth Estate. But now, after we've come over, we're being treated coldly by Lordsworth Estate. On the other hand, the Gordon family is doing well. When one person succeeds, the whole family benefits. They've all become highly favored, their status skyrocketing. Yet, they've turned a blind eye to our family-"

"Have you said enough?" At this moment, Avery suddenly spoke, interrupting him coldly.

Albert was taken aback. Looking at Avery's calm and unruffled face, he suddenly felt very uncertain.

He thought that at least mentioning this matter could cause some wavering in Avery's resolve. But unexpectedly, Avery still maintained his nonchalant demeanor.

"Who Lordsworth Estate favor or value is their business. What does it have to do with the Gordon family? And what does it have to do with the head of the Gordon family? In the end, it's because the head of the Gordon family is capable of saving that person from Lordsworth Estate. You just said it yourself. When one person succeeds, the whole family benefits. So, what's the problem? Are you envious? If you're so bitter, why don't you contribute something to the Cox family? You could show your face in front of the lord, win his favor, and get him to take care of the Cox family because of you. If that day comes, I will definitely see you in a new light. Even Phoebe, if you want to bring her back to the Cox family, it's not impossible. After all, in this family, the strong ones have the say. If you can't, just stay put and shut your useless mouth," Avery said.

Albert's face paled and flushed.

Avery gave him a final, icy glance. His tone instantly became serious, laden with a weighty warning. "Mr. Albert, there are some things I only say once. However, out of respect for you being my uncle, I've been patient with you. But this doesn't mean you can walk all over me, act recklessly, or defy my orders. I'll say it one last time. If you dare to criticize the Gordon family again, you'll be punished according to our family disciplinary rules. Also, Bartitsu Guild is now an enemy of the Cox family. If you dare to secretly contact anyone from Bartitsu Guild, there will be no place for you in the Cox family."

After saying that, he turned around and went upstairs.

Albert was inexplicably intimidated by Avery's final glance, his body breaking out in a cold sweat. An unconscious fear rose from the soles of his feet to the top of his head.

For some reason, he always felt that the glance he just received from Avery seemed to carry a hint of something else.

So much so that, for a moment, he forgot his fury and instead felt an overwhelming sense of guilt.

Beside him, Ronald was frowning at Albert. “Mr. Avery has always been a man of his word. Whatever he says, he does. He has been tolerating you out of respect for your seniority for many days now. If you continue to act recklessly and truly anger him, even Rio and I won't be able to help you when he decides to deal with you. You'd better hope for the best. If you still want to stay in this house, you should behave yourself and stop causing trouble!"

Albert wanted to argue further, but after Ronald finished his piece, he turned and walked away, not paying any attention.

He stood alone in the lobby, and his expression was extremely gloomy.

Cold sweat filled the palms of his hands hanging by his side. He clenched his fists tightly, a flash of malice suddenly crossing his eyes.