Chapter 774: "Don't worry! I've been keeping a close eye on everything happening with the Collaborative Research and Development Department," Derek assured, his tone respectful.
"Glad to hear that," Aelfric responded, nodding with satisfaction. "Just remember, everything I ask of you is crucial and is part of our plan to take Connor down. Stay sharp." "Of course," Derek agreed, maintaining a facade of loyalty.
On the surface, he appeared to hold Aelfric in high regard. In reality, his respect for him had dwindled, replaced by a growing resentment. His focus had shifted towards currying favor with Black Mallow, the formidable chief instructor at Doomsday Base. Since Aelfric's dismissal, Derek's disdain had only deepened, even leading him to reconsider his engagement to Melinda. He despised being treated like a mere tool by Aelfric, who summoned him at whim, disregarding his dignity.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtHowever, Derek knew that openly defying Aelfric at this moment would be futile. So, he continued to play the part of the loyal subordinate, biding his tuntil he could align himself with Black Mallow.
Unaware of Derek's shifting loyalties, Aelfric was satisfied with the respect shown to him. After issuing his commands, he closed his eyes, ready for a brief rest.
gvlnov som opens doors to fiction Neil then left the room with Derek and Foley.
Once they were gone, Dennis inquired, "About the training arrangement you set up for Derek andat the Blebert branch of Doomsday Base, will we still be able to go there?" Aelfric opened his eyes slowly, his look conveying his disbelief at Dennis's naivete. "Listen, I've been ousted from Doomsday Base. As my brother and brother-in-law, do you think you and Derek still have a chance to achieve anything there?" Dennis looked down, disappointment shadowing his features. He had been eagerly anticipating training at Doomsday Base, especially as he'd recently developed an interest in martial arts. The swift collapse of his plans was unexpected.
Noticing Dennis's dejection, Aelfric offered a comforting alternative. “Even if you can't go to Doomsday Base, I can teach you at home. If you're serious about martial arts, I'm here to help." "Okay," Dennis replied, nodding. "Aelfric, I've noticed Neil seems a bit distant since you lost your deputy chief instructor title at Doomsday Base. Do you think Melinda will be sidelined if she marries Derek?" Aelfric had sensed something similar. He turned to Melinda and said, “What do you think? If you don't want to marry him, then don't. I never wanted you to marry Derek in the first place. It always seemed like a sacrifice." But Melinda was firm. "I do want to marry him." Dennis, surprised, interjected, "Wait, but you don't actually like Derek, do you? Didn't you argue with Grandpa about being set up with him?" "Yeah, I wasn't into him back then," Melinda said. “But after spending twith him, I've grown to like Derek, and I'm totally okay with marrying him now." Dennis fell silent, understanding the possibility of emotions transforming from disdain to affection. He related deeply to Melinda's experience. There was a the thought Tiffany was unbearably annoying and had wanted to end their engagement. Yet, after she revealed herself as the renowned artist Only, his feelings had tically shifted, leaving him regretful about their breakup. Now, the thought of Tiffany married to Connor stirred a deep sadness within him.
Aelfric, oblivious to Dennis's thoughts, noticed only the sparkle in Melinda's eyes as she spoke of Derek. However, he remained uncertain if marrying her to Derek was indeed the right decision.
After a moment of silence, Aelfric's voice broke through the tension, his tone resolute. "Hey, don't lose heart.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmO Even though I'm no longer the deputy NO chief instructor at Doomsday Base, I still have the skills to elevate the Warren family's status in Blebert. If the Daniels think they can mistreat Melinda, they're in for a rude awakening!" The Warren family had been disheartened since the announcement of Aelfric's dismissal from Doomsday Base.
His confident words, however, provided a much-needed boost to their spirits.
Outside the hospital room, Neil let his guard down and his smile faded.
Turning to his two sons, h he spoke gravely. The balance of power among the top four families in Blebert has shifted. We need a solid strategy moving forward. Here's what you should do."