Chapter 46
Marcus’ expression shifted slightly as he observed the scene outside the car window. Robert, sitting beside him, subtly motioned for him to look.
There, in the middle of the street, stood his little lady—Cordelia—stunned and waiting. Pedestrians passed by without giving her much attention, and in the background, the Hamerton Group’s headquarters loomed.
Cordelia had her phone pressed to her ear, patiently waiting for a response.
Marcus sighed, his lips curving into a faint smile as he spoke softly, “I… stirred up some trouble in Centrolis before, so I had to stay there for a while.”
Cordelia paused, then immediately shifted the conversation elsewhere.
Robert had been observing the exchange, though he had no idea what Marcus was saying on the phone. All he noticed was the uncharacteristic gentleness Marcus displayed, a side he had rarely seen.
Once Marcus hung up, Robert, noticing Cordelia walking away with a colleague, quietly asked, “Sir, should we clear the places you mentioned to Ms. Jenner?”
“No need. Let her be at ease,” Marcus replied, his usual cold demeanor returning. “Send more people to protect her in the coming days. Keep it discreet. I don’t want her to know.”
“Understood.”
“Also,” Marcus added, squinting, “unless I’m there, make sure no one from the Hamertons gets close to her.”
Meanwhile, at the Hamerton Manor on Splendor Mountain, south of Centrolis…
The mansion was built along the mountain, an imposing structure that looked like a kingdom of its own. As the head of the four families, the Hamertons controlled nearly half of the country’s economy.
Zephyr Hamerton descended the stairs slowly. The once lively living room fell into sudden silence as he entered. His tailored suit hugged his tall, muscular frame, and his chiseled face was set with a firm resolve. His cold, deep eyes set a guard around him, as though he was in control of everything and everyone.
Zephyr briefly scanned the room, acknowledging those who had gathered with a nod of courtesy before signaling for his men to clear the space.
Since his return to Centrolis two days ago, visitors had flocked to him. There had been rumors that Zephyr had died in an air crash. Infighting had consumed the Hamerton family, with many coveting the heir’s position. But not only had Zephyr survived, he had come back to claim his place.
Now, both the Hamertons and other families wanted answers, eager to uncover the truth.
“Master,” Robert whispered, walking over to Zephyr. “Your second uncle has sent his men here multiple times.”
Zephyr’s fists clenched at his sides, his posture rigid.
Before the news of his death reached Centrolis, his second uncle, Matthew Hamerton, had been the most agitated. It was said that Matthew prayed every day, eager to show how much he loved his nephew. But Zephyr knew better. He knew Matthew had been playing a role for their grandfather, and the more guilty a person was, the harder they worked to prove themselves innocent.
“He even held a welcome dinner for you tomorrow night at the Splendor Dynasty,” Robert continued with a chuckle. “They’re spreading the word that the dinner is a wife search for you. Not only will ladies from Centrolis be there, but many will come from other places as well.”
Zephyr scoffed. “Hah. My second uncle is putting so much effort into my marriage. I bet he’s been picking girlfriends for me since university.”
Matthew had introduced Zephyr to over ten women over the years. Each of them had been chosen under his uncle’s orders, but Zephyr had seen through every one of them and had them swiftly sent away. He couldn’t help but wonder what kind of game his uncle was playing with this dinner.
“Are Josiah and Fredric back?” Zephyr casually asked as he fiddled with the plants on the balcony.
“They are,” Robert answered. “They’ll be at the dinner tomorrow.”
“Okay, have them keep an eye on things, especially Josiah. He tends to say all sorts of nonsense when he drinks too much.”
With that, Zephyr made his way upstairs, but as he climbed the stairs, he suddenly felt the distance stretch out, as though the journey was much longer than it had been before.