Chapter 776: Zoren’s POV II

Since Renny was big, a change of vehicle was necessary. However, this also meant that the vehicle needed a thorough inspection. As a result, Zoren had to wait over two hours before Angel gave the green light that it was safe for Zoren to ride in.

Zoren couldn’t deny that he was impressed. It might have been a hassle, but the meticulousness put everyone’s mind at ease. It also made Zoren think twice about changing vehicles or routes unless absolutely necessary.

Once the van was ready, Zoren carried Chunchun in his arms, with the pet carrier placed on the seat beside him. Renny, meanwhile, found a comfortable spot in the empty back area.

"Sir, are you sure you’re taking Renny with you tonight?" Benjamin asked from the front passenger seat, not entirely comfortable sharing a ride with Renny.

Who would be?

Although this van had been set up to give the black panther some space, Benjamin was still uneasy around Renny. The panther could be moody. Even after years of working for Zoren, Benjamin had never been in the same car as Renny before. He wasn’t even sure when or why the van had been modified like this.

The other seats had been removed to give Renny more room, leaving only two separate seats inside: the one Zoren was sitting on and the one with the pet carrier. The front row, where the driver and Benjamin sat, remained unchanged.

"Don’t worry about Renny," Zoren replied. "You told me the venue has a large lot. Renny can play outside."

Benjamin’s face twitched as he looked at his boss in disbelief. "Sir, I’m afraid it’s too dangerous to let Renny roam around the venue."

"Is it?" Zoren furrowed his brows and glanced at Angel, who was in the driver’s seat. "Should I reconsider, Angel?"

Benjamin gasped and turned to the driver, hoping Angel would take his side. Over time, Benjamin had grown quite comfortable working with Angel, especially since Angel had been assigned to Zoren full-time.

"We have it under control," Angel replied confidently after a moment. "Don’t worry. No one will dare open fire at the boss’s ’children.’"

"Are you out of your mind?!" Benjamin gasped. "That family meeting has everyone in it!"

"And the head of the family is the person in this vehicle." Angel cast Benjamin a sidelong glance. "What are they going to do about it?"

Zoren smiled, pleased with Angel’s attitude and assertiveness. While Mark was similar, Angel was more vocal and never hesitated to explain his decisions as Zoren’s head of security.

"Benjamin, if Angel says it’s fine, then it’s fine," Zoren reassured, aware of Benjamin’s wary glare. "Trust him. He’s the head of my security. Besides, Penny sent him to me; she wouldn’t have done that if she didn’t trust his judgment and skills."

"Boss, are you using Miss Penny to make me agree?"

Yes, but Zoren simply offered Benjamin a small smile.

"Just... calm down, Ben," Zoren advised. "I can’t go back now, or I’ll be even late."

Benjamin’s face soured as he glanced at the cat on Zoren’s lap. He sighed deeply, shaking his head and dropping the subject. Since Zoren had opted to go home to prepare, they were already behind schedule. Even if nothing went wrong, Zoren would still be late.

Not that it mattered, anyway.

Who would dare to reprimand the head of the Pierson family?

—

Normally, Zoren would have encountered—or narrowly avoided—an accident on the way to the venue. But this time, nothing happened. Their journey was smooth, with no traffic, though Zoren was still ten minutes late for the scheduled dinner.

Thus, he had no idea what was unfolding at the family gathering.

Meanwhile, Penny was already in the kitchen, having carried out her evil plan with the "vitamins" Mark had given her when he dropped her off. Now, she was idling in the garden with Belle, while William Pierson had just arrived.

In the family hall, where everyone was gathered...

The live, soothing music softened as William Pierson entered. He held his chin high, his shoulders squared, and his back straight with pride. Glancing around as some relatives hurried to curry favor with him, he sneered.

"Zoren still isn’t here?" he snorted, casting a look at the man beside him. "Let’s start. If we wait for him, it’ll take all night. Who has the time?"

Those around William exchanged glances, reluctant but silent. They were finally swayed when Dean’s voice came from nearby.

"Uncle William is right." Dean smiled, his voice loud enough to capture everyone’s attention. "We should start. I’m sure the head will appreciate that we didn’t waste time waiting for him. Who knows? He might have had an... emergency."

Dean’s eyes narrowed as he looked at William. "Right, Uncle?"

"Hah!" William snorted, noting how everyone’s expressions shifted when Dean spoke. Dean, on the other hand, smiled broadly, his eyes nearly closing.

It was a brief, seemingly innocent exchange, but for William and Dean, it marked the first round of their ongoing rivalry. This round clearly went to Dean, who stole the spotlight with his persuasive words.

With that, the decision to begin dinner spread, and everyone gathered at the long central table. Other tables around the room were set for other distant family members.

"Good work," William murmured as he stopped beside Dean, sneering. "But this is far from over."

Dean smirked, giving his uncle an unfazed look as William stormed off to take his seat. As he scanned the room, Dean noticed that Belle was still absent.

"She’s not here yet," Dean whispered, thinking of Belle. ’Don’t tell me she left?’

Though tempted to ignore it, Dean found himself concerned about his cousin. He went to check for her, only to spot Belle just as he opened the exit. After a brief exchange, he offered her his arm, escorting her to join the family for dinner.

But just as everyone was seated and Dean helped Belle into her chair, he recalled the person who had been with her.

’She looked familiar,’ Dean thought, his brows knitting. ’I don’t like this feeling.’

"Belle, I just need to check something," Dean whispered, prompting Belle to furrow her brows. "I’ll be back. Don’t do anything until then."

With that, Dean walked away before Belle could respond. As soon as he was out of sight, someone announced Zoren’s arrival.