After Hansel left, uneasiness filled the room. Only Nathan remained a calm composure.
Hesitantly, Penny approached Nathan. “Hubby,” she whispered uncertainly. “There... there have been some rumors going around...”
“Oh?” replied Nathan. “What rumors?”
Penny hesitated. How much should she reveal? “I heard... I heard the people saying that the Davier family is no longer tolerating you. Clifford has been talking about dealing with you...”
Fidgeting anxiously, she continued, “According to the rumors, Clifford has even gone to visit the President and Chief Military Governor, and both have promised to remain neutral and not interfere.”
“And now,” Penny added. “Clifford is holding a feast, inviting all those in power and every one of their followers and men... Hubby, are they going to harm you?” she swallowed in fear.
Kylie, Queenie, and everyone in the room stared at Nathan, tensed, awaiting his response.
To their amazement, Nathan smiled easily. “Don't worry,” he reassured Penny and the rest of the crowd. “Things aren't as bad as it seems. Besides, even if the Daviers don't come looking for trouble, I will still have scores to settle with that family.”
“It'll be fine, I promise,” Nathan declared confidently.
Those words did nothing to calm Penny's nerves but rather enhanced them. But... it's Clifford himself this time that's coming after you... Wasn't he the one who stripped you off your previous title? And now, with neither the President's nor the Chief Military Governor's support, how are you going to overcome this, hubby?
Kylie was furious. “This is absolutely preposterous! The Davier family has gone too far. Not to mention all those power-leeching, pretentious upper echelons! Before this, none of them dared to disrespect you. Now all of them are sucking up to the Daviers, even on your birthday! How outrageous!” she huffed.
Grinning, Nathan remarked, “To be fair, I asked Colin to invite all those prominent families and directors out of basic etiquette.”
“If they choose not to come... that's even better! We have the whole room—and the whole night —to ourselves! That way, we can party to our heart's content!” Nathan announced, grinning widely.
Penny took a deep breath, breaking into a smile. “That's right,” she agreed. “With no guests, it'll be just family celebrating Nathan's birthday. We'll have a more relaxed atmosphere with everyone at ease with themselves!”
With that being said, Penny gestured at the table, inviting Colin, Ava, the Elite Eight, and everyone else to sit.
At that moment, a thundering voice boomed out from the door. “Who said none of the General's friends are coming? I'm here!”
A middle-aged man of great stature and majestic features appeared at the doorway, accompanied by two subordinates. He strode into the room with his chest puffed up and head held high.
Although he was dressed casually, Penny's sharp eyes recognized him immediately upon the first glace. It was none other than the Commander-In-Chief of the South, Zach Hill!
“Admiral Hill, you came!” exclaimed Penny in shock.
Zach laughed heartily at her reaction. “Of course I did!” Zach and Nathan exchanged knowing glances. “Nathan and I are brothers in arms, how could I have missed his birthday party?”
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