Chapter 320 320 Forced To Accept

Chapter 320 320 Forced To Accept

Madeline, however, maintained her composure, masking the fire within. As the guests celebrated what they perceived as a triumph over the Russel family, Madeline's mind churned with a quiet determination.

In the aftermath of the contentious negotiations, the hall simmered with an uneasy tension. Madeline, though seemingly composed, harbored a storm of emotions within. The atmosphere crackled with suppressed animosity, each head wearing a mask of civility while concealing their true intentions.

As the thoughts of the assembly shifted towards the decision, Mary Kay, a formidable head with an air of calculated danger, fixed her eyes on Nexus. A sly smile curled on her lips, laden with a provocative allure. Nexus, not entirely comprehending the nuances of the situation, returned the smile with polite confusion.

"Who is the young handsome man you have with you, Madeline?" Mary Kay purred, her eyes dancing with mischief. "I must say it has been a while since I saw such a handsome, youthful man." Her gaze lingered on Nexus with a deliberate, suggestive intensity.

Madeline, sensing Mary Kay's deliberate provocation, maintained a veneer of composure. "Well, that is my able butler, Nexus," she responded, her voice steady. "He has been a great addition to the Russel family."

Madeline, maintaining her calm exterior, felt the boiling anger within her as Mary Kay deliberately provoked her with a suggestive smile aimed at Nexus. Mary's sly remarks about Nexus being a handsome man infuriated Madeline, but she masked her emotions with a polite smile.

Mary Kay's response dripped with sarcasm. "Oh, I am sure he has been a great addition," she retorted, licking her lips as she continued to stare at Nexus, her intent clear.

Internally seething, Madeline concealed her fury behind a smile. "Who does she think she is?" Madeline thought, determination flickering in her eyes. "I know what to do."

Unbeknownst to the onlookers, Madeline discreetly cast an illusion on the viper coiled around Mary Kay's shoulders. The illusion painted a gruesome and terrifying image, causing the snake to recoil and fall to the ground in a seemingly lifeless state. Gasps erupted from the assembled heads as they struggled to comprehend the sudden turn of events.

"My dear!" Mary Kay shrieked, her composure shattered as she cradled her fallen companion. She turned to Madeline, rage burning in her eyes. "What have you done to my serpent? What have you done?"

Madeline, wearing a mask of feigned innocence, responded calmly, "What do you mean? I have done nothing." She took satisfaction in the chaos she had subtly unleashed.

"I know what you did, you vile witch!" Mary Kay bellowed, her anger on full display. She raised her hands, ready to unleash her powers on Madeline. The room buzzed with trepidation as guests, sensing the impending conflict, began to retreat from their seats.

Reaves, sensing the escalating tension, rose to his feet. "Quiet, everyone!" he commanded, his authoritative voice cutting through the chaos. "Mary, put your hands down. We are not fighting here."

Madeline maintained an air of nonchalance. "What did you do to the snake?" Reaves inquired, addressing Madeline directly.

"I have done nothing," Madeline replied, her tone a blend of feigned innocence and false concern. "The poor snake must have been overwhelmed by all the noise and movements. Is it alright?" She gestured towards Mary, pretending to show sympathy for the unconscious serpent.

Mary, though seething with anger, heeded Reaves' order to stand down. "Let's all relax," Reaves urged the group, attempting to diffuse the tension. "We are not here to fight one another. I'm sure the snake will be fine," he assured Mary.

Selina observed the entire spectacle with a smug smile. Her pride for Madeline swelled; she recognized the shrewdness behind her friend's actions. "That is my girl," Selina thought, reveling in the subtle victory Madeline had secured.

"Well, I think it is time we say our goodbyes," Madeline announced, her voice carrying across the opulent space. The gathered heads, their attention now refocused, settled back into their seats. Reaves, the enigmatic host, met Madeline's gaze and nodded in acknowledgment.

"Sure, it was a pleasure having you here," Reaves responded, his charismatic smile belying the complexities beneath. "We hope we all become close once again and keep the past in the past."

Madeline reciprocated the smile, a facade of diplomacy veiling the shrewd strategist beneath. "Of course, Reaves. We are glad to be welcomed back to such a gathering of opulence." Her words held an air of formality, yet her eyes betrayed a flicker of uncertainty.

Nexus and Selina rose in unison, their movements synchronized. With a graceful bow, Nexus addressed the assembled heads, "Thanks for hosting us." The guests, caught between the remnants of tension and the veneer of civility, offered nods and returned salutes.

As the trio turned to depart, Reaves couldn't help but watch Madeline closely. There was a spark in her eyes, a glimmer of something he hadn't fully anticipated. "There's more to Madeline," he mused internally, a hint of concern creasing his usually composed demeanor. "I might have underestimated her."

The hall's ornate doors swung open, ushering them out of the hall and into the corridor adorned with rich tapestries and dimly lit sconces. Madeline led the way, her stride confident yet betraying a trace of the turmoil within. Selina and Nexus followed, the trio making their way through the labyrinthine passages of the grand estate.

Reaves, still seated at the luxurious table, contemplated the recent events. "I know she did something to the snake," he acknowledged to himself, a self-admonishing furrow appearing on his brow. "I am just surprised I did not sense it in advance."

The rest of the guests, seemingly absorbed in their conversations and elaborate dishes, remained unaware of the subtle currents beneath Reave's surface. Reaves, however, knew he needed to recalibrate his perception of the Russell family. His contemplative gaze followed Madeline until she disappeared from view.

"Well, I know what to do," Reaves concluded, his decision crystallizing in the recesses of his thoughts. "I will keep watching t Selina's eyes flared with anger at the woman's audacious remark. he Russell family for now before choosing whether to draw them in or alienate them." His gaze lingered on the now-empty doorway, the weight of uncertainty settling over the lavish hall.

-----------------------

The night settled over the Russell family's castle, casting a quietude that belied the challenges lurking in the shadows. Nexus, opting to stay within the castle walls, prepared to address the intricate tasks that awaited him. while his loyal companion Crystal had showed up to assist him in navigating the labyrinth of Howard family possessions and data.n(-0velbIn

Nexus, his mind focused on the responsibilities that accompanied his role, greeted Crystal with a nod. "We have a lot to go through tonight. The inventory needs to be thorough," he remarked, his tone a blend of determination and anticipation.

Crystal, ever diligent, responded with a resolute expression. "I'm ready. Let's get started. The sooner we finish, the better."

As they delved into the process of cataloging the vast array of Howard family assets, a silence settled between them. The occasional rustle of parchment and the soft glow of candles provided a muted backdrop to their collaborative efforts.