?Chapter 974:


    Derek lowered his head, his face flushing with embarrassment. Continuing, Aelfric exined, “Brian has been separated from his wife and daughter for twenty-two years and is undoubtedly eager to reconnect with them. Family means more to him than the Nash family’s reputation. By exposing Marissa’s true identity, we facilitate a timely reunion between Brian and his biological daughter, which will naturally make him grateful to us.”


    Neil tapped Derek on the head and scolded him, “Do you understand now? In the future, try to speak and act more like Aelfric. With such a wise brother-inw to guide you, you should be focusing on learning and gaining experience.”


    “Got it,” Derek replied obediently. Although he verbally agreed, he harbored deep resentment in his heart, having cursed his biological father countless times and cursed the arrogant Aelfric even more.


    Meanwhile, he fantasized about how magnificent and empowering it would be to align with ck Mallow, the chief instructor at Doomsday Base. In that scenario, he wouldn’t have to be timid or constantly vignt of Aelfric’s every move and expression.


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    No one was aware of the dreams stirring in Derek’s heart. After scolding him, Aelfric paid him no further attention.


    Neil’s scolding was merely an act to curry favor with Aelfric, and once it waspleted, he too ignored Derek.


    Only Foley, standing off to the side, gave Derek a meaningful look and quietly spoke to him.


    “Derek, it must be tough having to put up with your future brother-inw’s sour face every day, huh?” Foley taunted with a smug grin.


    Derek’s pride took a serious blow, and he shot Foley a cutting re.


    Undeterred, Foley kept that same cheerful expression as he leaned in and whispered, “I bet you think marrying a Warren would be your golden ticket, with Aelfric backing you up. But what you didn’t seeing was that while you’ve got someone in your corner, you’re living like ackey.”


    With that, Foley let out a low, mocking chuckle.


    Derek’s face tightened, his frustration building.


    In the past, Foley had at least kept up appearances. Even though he schemed against Derek behind the scenes, he yed the role of the doting older brother whenever they were in front of their parents or in public.


    To outsiders, Foley appeared to show genuine concern for Derek, putting on a front of brotherly affection while masking his true intentions.


    However, since Aelfric was expelled from Doomsday Base, Foley had dropped all pretenses. He no longer bothered with the fa?ade of brotherly care, instead seizing every opportunity to mock and belittle Derek.


    Wherever and whenever he could, Foley made sure to do everything in his power to make Derek’s life miserable.


    As Derek stared at Foley’s gloating face, his teeth ground together in frustration.


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