A Second Chance at Forever (Eleanor and Bernard) novel Chapter 1417

Evan's words hung in the air, a mix of reason and temptation that even Sheldon's men, clad in black, couldn't ignore.

"Mr. Pine," they began, their loyalty wavering, "we're sent out here like lambs to the slaughter, and for what? They didn't even give us enough backup."

"Yeah, why should we keep risking our necks for them?"

Once one spoke up, the rest followed suit, a chorus of dissent.

Sheldon looked down at the gun in his hand, his furrowed brow a clear sign of his internal struggle.

"Uncle," Robin stepped forward, unable to fully accept Bernard as his cousin, but recognizing the gravity of the situation. "I know you're loyal to Area Opaca, but this is a no-win for you. Just watch from the sidelines this time."

"As for the Pine family's beef with the Sirens, let's settle that score later. Don't let your brothers die for nothing."

Sheldon's hesitant gaze flicked to Robin, then to Bernard, who hadn't yet spoken.

"What do you think?"

Bernard's voice was deep and commanding, resonating through the crackling fires of the forest.

"If you want to fight, I'm with you to the end, but..."

His eyes, cold and deadly, swept over Sheldon and fixed on the uncertain gunmen.

"I won't spare a single one of your men."

His chilling words weighed heavy on the air, leaving Sheldon's men struggling to breathe.

"Mr. Quartus..." Sheldon's second-in-command, fearful and reminding, called out to him once more.

Bernard's decisive nature was evident; he would fight, kinship or not.

Sheldon admired that spirit in his nephew. He slowly lowered his gun and, with a wave of his hand, gave the command.

"Fall back!"

At the control center, Yates watched Sheldon's retreat, his eyes frosting over with the chill of betrayal.

He had thought Bernard, cut off from Area Opaca's resources, wouldn't be much of a threat, especially with Sheldon as the wildcard.

But Bernard was Sheldon's nephew, and that bond had turned the tide.