?Chapter 984:


    He let out a long sigh and nced at Neil with a weary smile.


    “Neil, why don’t you head back and get some rest? I have to prepare for the Nash…”


    family’s banquetter this afternoon.”


    Neil sensed that his remarks about Chloe had clearly unsettled Aelfric, so he concealed a sly smile, politely excused himself, and started to leave.


    But just as he was about to turn the corner, something came to mind. He pivoted back and said, “Aelfric, there’s one more thing I wanted to ask you.”


    Aelfric’s brows furrowed as he replied tersely, “What is it?”


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    Neil continued, “Last time, you mentioned reaching out to Amiri’s brother, Lambert, hoping he’d join us to take on Connor. Any luck on that front?”


    Hearing that, Aelfric’s irritation red. He let out a bitterugh and said, “Lambert? He’s more spineless than Amiri ever was! The man’s all about keeping his head down, clinging to his little empire, and basking in his wealth. He’d rather stayfortable than rock the boat, let alone go after someone like Connor. Even if he suspects Connor killed Amiri, he’d never avenge his brother—he’s terrified he’ll end up just like him. I regret wasting time on such a coward.”


    Neil felt a wave of dismay. He had pinned his hopes on Aelfric’s talks with Lambert, hoping they might unite against Connor. But now, it seemed that n was dead in the water. Relying on Aelfric was no longer an option.


    Initially, it had been an alliance between Neil, the Warren family, and the Brocks, all determined to go after Connor. But after Everett’s return, the Brock family had withdrawn from the arrangement, and Aelfric had been ousted from Doomsday Base, leaving their coalition in ruins.


    Although Neil’s frustration simmered, he forced a smile and said, “It’s okay if Lambert doesn’t join us. We’lle up with a more solid game n. Don’t let it weigh on you, Aelfric.”


    Aelfric nodded, his thoughts still spiraling around Chloe. Distracted, he barely noticed Neil’s emotions and kept his gaze fixed on the floor even as Neil exited the room.


    Once Neil was out of the ward, the forced smile slipped from his face, reced by a dark and brooding expression. Inwardly, he cursed Aelfric several times over, bitterness and resentment roiling just below the surface.


    Had he foreseen Aelfric’s expulsion from Doomsday Base and his fruitless attempts to sway Lambert, he never would have entertained the idea of joining forces with him. After all, Aelfric, on his own, was no match for Connor’s might.


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