Chapter 766
“I never expected something like this to happen,” one of the Devereux family elders said heavily.
Ever since the sudden meeting had begun, the atmosphere had remained strained and heated. Even though Cale had already explained the situation and most of them had been present at the scene themselves, it still involved Naomi’s safety.
The only heir who had finally returned after disappearing more than a decade ago.
“No one ever expected this, Mr. Adam.”
Several of them let out weary sighs almost at the same time.
“Our side will continue investigating whoever was behind tonight’s attack. Even though Master Kai erased most of the traces, I’m certain there are still clues left behind.”
“I agree with you.”
“I’ll send my men to cooperate with yours, Mr. Liam.”
The discussion continued, moving from one possibility to another as they tried to identify everyone involved in the incident. The tension in the room never eased, and every face remained grim and serious. Not a single person showed signs of exhaustion even though the night had grown late. Servants came and went in steady succession, bringing food and drinks while making sure every guest attending tonight’s gathering remained comfortable.
Those had been Mr. Kai’s orders.
The current head of the Devereux family.
As the night deepened, most parts of the Devereux residence’s main hall gradually emptied. Only a handful of guards remained stationed along the corridors, their expressions sharp with vigilance. Outside, the rain still had not completely stopped. Cold air from the surrounding forest slipped into the mansion, making the atmosphere feel even heavier, especially now that some of the guests had already chosen to return to their own residences.
But apparently, not everyone intended to end the long night by going to sleep.
In one corner of the room, several of the Devereux family’s senior leaders still sat around a round table, their expressions solemn. The ashtray had begun to overflow with cigarette butts, and the bitter scent of tea lingered thickly in the air.
“Kai handled tonight’s situation far too recklessly.”
One of the older men finally spoke after spending most of the evening silently listening to the others. His sharp gaze carried unmistakable dissatisfaction. He had already made sure none of Kai Devereux’s men were guarding the area around them. There was no chance this conversation would reach Kai’s ears.
“He killed every last one of them without leaving a single person alive for interrogation,” he continued irritably, “ Honestly, I’m still not satisfied with the explanation he gave earlier.”
“You’re right, Mr. Liam. We could’ve obtained important information,” another man chimed in.
“And now we don’t even know who’s truly moving behind all of this.”
“The Devereux family has never lacked enemies.”
Several people immediately nodded in agreement. Silence settled over the room once more before one of the men, who had been quietly observing the entire discussion from the start, slowly leaned back against his chair.
1/2
+25 Bonus
“That’s not the only problem,” he said quietly. “Kai has started making decisions that are far too risky ever since he began involving outsiders.”
That statement immediately made several people exchange glances.
“You mean… because he introduced his wife as well?”
The man gave a small shrug. “Who knows. I haven’t said much tonight myself. It’s not because I didn’t want to. I’m still processing everything that happened.” He straightened in his seat, his gaze moving slowly from one elder to another, studying the men who still showed no intention of leaving.
They claimed they wanted to stay behind to protect the heir in case another unexpected incident occurred. But deep down, he knew they all had their own interests tied to the name Naomi Devereux.
The man, Silas Evermont, let out a heavy sigh. “For years, the Devereux family has handled matters involving multiple parties behind closed doors. But now, too many outsiders are being allowed into the inner circle.”
“Have you all forgotten how close the Devereux family came to collapsing back then?” someone responded coldly. “One small mistake could have destroyed everything. It was only because of Kai that things became stable again.”
“Yes, but that doesn’t mean everything is fine now. Especially when the person he introduced is the only remaining heir of the Devereux family. And look at what happened tonight.”
“You’re right. Kai should never have let his guard down.”
Cale’s name still carried enormous influence within the Devereux family. No one could deny how capable the man had been in maintaining power all these years. But tonight, for the first time, doubt had begun surfacing more clearly among them.
And Silas Evermont knew exactly how to take advantage of that crack.
He sat calmly at the edge of the table, slowly turning the teacup in his hand. His expression appeared relaxed, yet the corner of his lips subtly lifted as he watched the atmosphere shift exactly the way he wanted it to.
“I’m only worried,” Silas said quietly, his tone careful and thoughtful, “that Kai has started becoming too emotional when it comes to Naomi.”
ENJOYING THE BOOK?
Give it a rating to show your support!
P
U
Comments
Support
Share
2/2
+25 Bonus
Chapter 767
No one immediately argued back. After all, every person in that room had witnessed firsthand how completely Cale had lost control earlier that night.
“And that’s dangerous,” Silas continued slowly. “Especially for the last heir of the Devereux family.”
One of the older men finally gave a faint nod. “Naomi is far too important to remain in a situation like this.”
“And if our enemies discover Kai’s weakness…” Silas deliberately left the sentence hanging before calmly taking another sip of tea, “then Naomi will continue to be their target.”
Those words immediately made several people grow even more uneasy. Quiet discussions began breaking out around the table, low murmurs overlapping one another as the direction of the conversation gradually became clearer and clearer.
“For the time being,” one of the senior leaders finally said in a heavy voice, “perhaps Naomi really shouldn’t remain under Kai’s protection anymore.”
The room fell silent instantly.
The decision was far too risky, yet not a single person openly rejected it. In their minds, they had just as much right as Cale when it came to protecting Naomi. Silas slowly lowered his gaze, hiding the satisfaction flickering in his eyes.
Success.
Little by little, cracks had begun to form. Distrust toward Cale Miller was finally starting to surface.
And this was only the beginning of how he intended to slip his plans deeper into the Devereux family.
“I think…” Silas spoke again after a pause, his tone calm and measured, “we should discuss this matter with Mr. Kai first. We can’t possibly make a move without his approval. No matter what, he’s still our leader.”
“You’re right, Mr. Silas,” one of them replied with a quiet sigh.
“But if Kai refuses… what do you all think we should do?”
***
Several hours later, Silas Evermont was once again seated inside his black car, now parked near the private harbor rented by Falcon. The rain had finally begun to ease, leaving behind a thin layer of mist drifting across the dark docks.
Falcon stood near a wooden table, lighting a cigar when Silas stepped inside. Smoke curled upward into the air, blending with the lingering fog around the harbor. The cold night breeze didn’t seem enough to make the man return to the warmth indoors.
“I heard you’ve been quite busy tonight,” Falcon said with his eyes half-closed as he took a slow drag from his cigar before exhaling a stream of smoke into the cold air.
Silas let out a low chuckle. “And the results were rather satisfying.”
Falcon narrowed his eyes slightly. “Don’t tell me those old men are actually starting to doubt Kai.”
“They’re doing more than doubting him.” Silas sat back leisurely before slowly removing his gloves. “They’ve started thinking Naomi is no longer safe under his protection.”
1/3
+25 Bonus
Falcon’s expression immediately shifted with interest. “You’re joking.”
Silas gave a faint, knowing smirk. “Kai has stayed at the top for far too long. And people like him usually forget something.” His gaze sharpened, turning sly. “Fear is much easier to unite people with than loyalty.”
Falcon let out a low laugh.
For the first time that night, the large man looked genuinely entertained by their conversation. “You really are a cunning snake.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
Falcon shifted slightly in his seat, leaning closer until he was directly facing him. “So what happens next?”
“If Naomi is removed from Kai’s protection, then the way she’s being watched will change.” Silas looked straight at Falcon. “And that will be your opportunity.”
Interest immediately darkened Falcon’s gaze. “I’m guessing brute force isn’t an option anymore, huh?”
Silas chuckled softly. “What do you think?”
A subtle smile curved Falcon’s lips. “A girl like Naomi would only run farther away if she’s pressured.”
“Good. You’re finally starting to understand her rhythm.” Silas leaned back calmly in his chair. “Use a gentler approach. Don’t make her feel suspicious. If necessary, make her depend on you.’
Falcon smiled faintly. “I know exactly how to make a woman depend on me.”
But Silas showed no interest in that remark at all. To him, Naomi was nothing more than a small piece in a much larger game.
“There’s a reason why you need to get close to Naomi,” Silas said slowly. “And to me, it’s extremely important.”
Falcon frowned slightly. “Because she’s the last heir of the Devereux family?”
“That’s part of it.”
“You mean there’s something else?”
For several seconds, Silas remained silent, his eyes fixed on the drizzle beyond the warehouse windows. Gradually, his gaze darkened.
“There’s one final will.”
The words immediately made Falcon narrow his eyes.
“A will?”
“Only a handful of people know about it.” Silas turned to look at him again. “And if that will ever come to light…” The corner of his lips slowly lifted. “Then the entire structure of the Devereux family could change.”
A slight smile appeared on Falcon’s face. “And you don’t want to tell me?”
2/3
+25 Bonus
Chapter 768
By morning, the rain had finally stopped.
A thin layer of mist still lingered around the forest surrounding the Devereux family’s second residence. Pale sunlight filtered through the towering trees, reflecting softly against the mansion’s enormous windows. After a long night filled with tension, the morning should have felt peaceful.
Instead, the calmness felt strangely unfamiliar.
Naomi woke only after her alarm had gone off several times. Even her two assistants had already tried waking her earlier, but she had ignored them both. She was definitely late this morning, yet it felt as though she had only just fallen asleep.
Her head still felt heavy from everything that had happened the night before.
For several quiet seconds, she simply stared at the ceiling, trying to convince herself that she was truly safe now.
No terrifying sounds of chaos.
No screams echoing around her.
No hurried footsteps from intruders trying to drag her away.
There was only silence inside the bedroom and the faint sound of servants moving back and forth beyond the corridor outside.
Naomi let out a slow breath before finally pushing herself out of bed. After washing up and changing clothes, she eventually gathered enough courage to leave her room. But she had barely taken a few steps along the stone corridor when she abruptly stopped.
“Morning.”
The man’s voice sounded casual and relaxed.
Naomi turned quickly, her eyes widening at the figure now standing beside her. She flinched slightly from the surprise. “Chris?”
The man stood there comfortably with a cup of coffee in his hand. The black shirt and dark trousers he wore made him look far more polished than the first time Naomi had met him at Cale’s house.
“You look like you just saw a ghost,” Chris teased with a quiet laugh.
Naomi blinked several times before slowly walking closer. “I just didn’t expect you to actually come.”
“My brother-in-law already told me to come last night.”
Naomi rolled her eyes in annoyance. Apparently, the Miller brothers shared the exact same hobby: irritating other people.
When they had first met, Chris had mostly stayed around Josh and Grace. The two of them barely had any real chance to talk.
“Or…” Chris tilted his head slightly. “Are you unhappy that I came here?”
“What are you even talking about?” Naomi clicked her tongue irritably before walking ahead of him toward the dining room located on the right side of the mansion.
11/3
Every now and then, she returned greetings from servants passing by in the hallway.
+25 Bonus
“Geez, I was just asking.” Chris grinned broadly as he quickened his pace to catch up beside her. “Hey, wait for me.”
“Why should I wait for you?” Naomi shot him an annoyed glance. “Watch your steps. You’re carrying coffee. If you spill it, I’m not asking the servants to mop the floor.” She pointed directly at him. “You’re the one cleaning it up.”
Chris burst into laughter. Apparently, teasing Naomi was far more entertaining than he had expected.
“Good Lord,” Chris said between laughs. “I didn’t realize you were this annoying.”
Naomi merely shrugged.
“Oh, about last night…”
The moment Chris said that, Naomi’s steps slowed. She turned to look at him, her gaze instantly sharpening with dislike.
Before the black-haired girl could protest, Chris spoke again first. “Lydia said you were pretty shaken up last night,” he continued, studying Naomi’s face carefully. “How are you feeling now?”
Naomi frowned deeply. Why was Chris even asking about this? Still, she had no interest in dragging out a
conversation with him.
“I’m fine.”
“That’s good then.” Chris smiled faintly. “Because honestly, this house is creepy enough already without someone crying in it too.”
Naomi stared at him in disbelief. “You think I’m a ghost?”
Chris only laughed softly at her reaction.
“Come on,” he said casually. “Breakfast’s ready. And we should probably get to the dining room soon. Lydia’s starting to get annoyed because nobody’s downstairs yet.”
Naomi let out an irritated groan.
“You’ve never been yelled at by her for making her wait forever, have you?”
The main dining room felt far calmer than it had the night before. The long table that had once been filled with tension was now surrounded by the comforting aroma of warm food and morning tea.
Still, the atmosphere remained slightly awkward.
Lydia sat beside Cale, occasionally glancing at him to make sure he was eating properly. The wound on Cale’s hand had been re-bandaged earlier that morning, but his face still looked tense and exhausted. His eyes were faintly red, dark circles more visible beneath them now.
On the other side of the table, Naomi sat across from Chris, quietly trying to adjust to the unfamiliar atmosphere.
2/3
+25 Bonus
Chapter 769
“Grace is definitely going to complain when she finds out I had breakfast without her,” Chris muttered casually as he picked up a piece of toast.
Lydia smiled faintly. “Especially because you’re having breakfast with me.”
“That’s true too.”
Naomi stayed quiet, occasionally watching the people around her. Somehow, a scene like this felt strange and warm at the same time.
Her thoughts drifted back to the day Althea’s family had visited with all of her children. The way they interacted with one another. The noisy arguments that somehow still felt lively and comforting. The warmth Naomi had felt while sitting in the middle of that family.
The Miller family really was different.
Somehow, they could still speak so casually and naturally even in the middle of a terrible situation like this.
Not long after, Cale finally set his coffee cup down slowly. “We’re going back to Sun City tonight.”
The atmosphere around the dining table immediately shifted.
Chris lifted an eyebrow slightly. “You made that decision pretty fast. I already told you Dad’s condition wa—”
“I need to see it for myself,” Cale cut in sharply. His gaze turned cold and piercing. “And if you came here to hide his condition from me, I won’t forgive you.’
Chris clicked his tongue in annoyance. “You think I enjoy seeing Dad lying in a hospital bed?”
“Then nothing is stopping me from going back. Besides, I won’t stay long.” Cale’s voice remained steady, but the tension underneath it was impossible to miss. “I have no intention of leaving this city for good, especially after what happened last night.”
His gaze then shifted toward Naomi.
“And you’re coming with us.”
Naomi looked startled by his words. She fell silent for a moment before finally nodding slowly. “Alright.”
There was no refusal, nor did she question why she had to go to Sun City with them. After what had happened the previous night, Naomi understood this was the wisest decision. There was no way she could stay alone in this city now, could she? Maybe she could remain with Vincent or Daniel, but the only people she truly knew here were Lydia and Cale.
Lydia watched Naomi quietly for a few seconds before speaking in a gentle tone. “The private flight has already been prepared. We’ll leave tonight. It’ll be safer that way.”
Chris let out a quiet chuckle. “I’m honestly starting to feel like I’ve been dragged into some secret organization.”
Cale shot him a cold glance. “If you’re scared, you can still go home.”
“It’s not that easy to walk away from a drama this entertaining, my beloved brother.”
Cale clicked his tongue in irritation. “You’d be better off stuffing your mouth with food instead of saying useless things.”
1.3
+25 Bonus
That only made Chris burst out laughing.
Without realizing it, Naomi found herself smiling faintly at their exchange. For the first time since last night, some of the tension on her face finally eased.
After breakfast ended, Cale and Lydia became busy once again handling preparations before their departure that evening. Daniel repeatedly entered and left the room carrying documents and security reports, while Vincent had been answering calls nonstop since morning.
In the end, Naomi chose to head back upstairs with Chris. The house felt far busier this morning than she had expected.
Just as Naomi was about to return to her room, Chris, who had been casually walking beside her the entire time suddenly spoke.
“To be honest…”
Naomi turned to look at him.
Chris slipped both hands into his pockets, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “I’ve always known the world my brother lives in was never simple.”
Naomi stayed quiet, listening.
“TnC’s business, the Miller Group that he also manages, the Devereux family connections, all the dangerous people around him…” Chris let out a short sigh. “I know enough about all of that. But this time…” He shook his head slightly. “This really was beyond anything I expected.”
Naomi immediately lowered her gaze.
For some reason, those words pierced deeper than they should have. A dull ache spread quietly through her chest, one she couldn’t easily explain.
“So?” she asked softly without looking at him. “Are you trying to say you regret knowing me? Regret letting your brother get dragged into all of this because of me?”
Chris stopped walking instantly.
Naomi halted as well before slowly turning toward him. He stared at her for several seconds, then suddenly laughed softly as if her question genuinely amused him.
“Why would I regret it?”
Naomi frowned slightly.
Chris stepped closer, then said casually, “Isn’t it kind of entertaining watching my brother struggle to handle two women at his side at the same time?”