?Chapter 282:


    Hearing Neil’s question, Derek pursed his lips. Hecked the courage to respond, fearing Neil might criticize him for crossing someone as influential as Remy and possibly uncovering his connection to Marissa.


    Noticing Derek’s hesitation, Aelfric intervened. “Don’t be scared, Derek. You are a Daniels and soon to be my brother-inw. Who in Blebert would dare harm you? No matter who it was that attacked you, I will seek retribution for you!”


    Encouraged by Aelfric’s words, Derek felt a spark of hope. He had been ready to ept that he was beaten for nothing and to bear the resentment alone, which was proving difficult. Yet Aelfric’s words thrilled him as he wanted revenge.


    After wrestling with his thoughts for a while, Derek finally said, “Charles Acosta ordered his men to attack me.”


    “Charles?” Aelfric frowned. “The Daniels and the Warrens usually steer clear of the underworld. Why would Charles risk assaulting you?”


    Read the newest chapters g?lnσν???s?c?m


    “Perhaps he didn’t recognize me. I only recently rejoined the Daniels family, after all,” Derek replied anxiously.


    “Tell me the details, Derek. What led to your conflict with him?” asked Neil.


    Derek blinked his eyes and decided to lie, saying, “Here’s what happened: I ran into Tiffany in front of the Brando Hotel, so I approached her to say hello. I didn’t anticipate she’d have an issue with me because of what happened between Melinda and her at my engagement party, and she ended up beating me right there in public. You know how skilled she is in fighting. We caused quite a scene, which drew the attention of the hotel staff. Charles came out with his team and concluded that ourmotion outside his hotel was bad for his business. Perhaps they recognized Tiffany since she’s Connor’s wife, so they didn’t confront her. They didn’t know me, though, so I ended up getting roughed up.”


    “How dare they!” Neil mmed the table in anger. “Even if they didn’t recognize you, we can’t just stand by and let them get away with treating you like that!”


    After that, Neil turned his attention to Aelfric. Derek also fixed his gaze on Aelfric, both expecting him to suggest a direct confrontation with Charles right away.


    However, Aelfric cast his gaze downward and said indifferently, “It looks like we’ll have to keep our grievances to ourselves this time.” This response puzzled both Neil and Derek. Why would the deputy chief instructor of Doomsday Base opt for such a passive approach now?


    Aelfric continued, “You both know that Remy Sugden, a major figure in the underworld, backs Charles. Even Connor, who leads the most powerful family around here, avoids offending Remy.”


    “I know that,” Neil nodded. “It’s true that the top families prefer not to provoke Remy, but that doesn’t mean we fear him. We can’t just let him push us around! Remy’s guys hurt my son, and if I just ept that, wouldn’t I be aughingstock?”


    “Let me exin,” Aelfric interjected calmly. “If it were just Remy alone, I wouldn’t hesitate to confront him and ensure he understands that the deputy chief instructor of Doomsday Base won’t stand for such disrespect!” But then his tone shifted as he looked up at Neil and said, “What concerns me is who’s backing him.”


    Neil looked shocked. “Remy has a backer?”


    “Yes,” Aelfric nodded. “It’smonly believed that Remy climbed to power on his own, but that’s not the case. He’s supported by the organization known as the Peridot Consortium, so terrifying that most choose to steer clear of it.”


    “The Peridot Consortium?” Neil’s eyes widened in rm.


    “Exactly,” Aelfric confirmed. “Many know it’s a fearsome organization, but do you understand how it operates and why it’s considered so formidable?”


    .


    .


    .