A Second Chance at Forever (Eleanor and Bernard) novel Chapter 1414

Barrett's gaze lifted nonchalantly, a flicker of nothingness in his eyes, "I didn't inform you."

Lingering in the shadows, Evan spoke with a subdued voice, "Caleb and the others were my brothers too. To avenge them is my duty."

Barrett's indifferent gaze drifted past Evan, settling on the door that Aidyn had just shut, "You might as well go back with him, hear his side of the story."

A scornful smirk played on Evan's lips, "He took me in, kept secrets from me. How is that different from grooming you, using you? The so-called truth is just honing two sharp blades."

Both men were sharpened by Xavier to be blades; Barrett's edge was turned against his own kin, while Evan's was used to solidify Mr. Penrod's influence and secure loyalty.

The realization soured Evan's thoughts, "In the end, Caleb, the members who died in the biozone, and the others, they were just pawns in Mr. Penrod's revenge. And yet we served him loyally."

These members, though they also used the hidden force of the Siren Organization to remove familial obstacles, still held true to their belief in purging the business world of its cancers, not merely being used.

Thinking of his brothers-in-arms deceived, Evan felt an indignant pang, "Once this is over, I'll turn against Mr. Penrod. When I do, you keep out of it."

Barrett spared him a glance, his voice as cool and deep as ever, "What you need to do, after it's all finished, is to disband the members, then use Yates as a proxy to fight Penrod, not take him on yourself."

They'd been used enough; now, let Yates and Xavier duke it out. But before that, Barrett's task was to use this as a bargaining chip to bring Eleanor home.

Barrett exuded a chill Evan lacked, "I thought you'd be upset knowing the truth, but you're as calm as ever."

A cold smirk appeared in Barrett's eyes. If Evan had been through what he had, he'd know the phrase 'being used' was trivial.

Whatever Mr. Penrod gave was never truly theirs. Taking it away was only natural. There might be a moment's disappointment, but it would fade.

In his life, Barrett sought not familial affection, nor anyone's pity or sympathy. He yearned only for Eleanor; beyond her, he desired nothing else.

Feeling empathy for Barrett, Evan stepped out of the shadows, striding into the sunlight where Barrett stood.

"I once resented you for Xavier's favoritism. From now on, I, Evan, will follow Mr. Law's lead without question."

His voice rang clear, with newfound conviction. Barrett arched an eyebrow at Evan's sincere facade.

"After avenging Caleb and the others, I'm done with Siren. You don't need to follow me."

"As long as you lead Siren, I'll follow," Evan affirmed, steadfast.

Barrett's lashes fluttered faintly.

"Are you committed to this?"