Chapter 779: Child’s play

"Let’s start. Don’t worry about him. He doesn’t bite... unless I tell him to."

William and Karina snorted at Zoren, but neither could say anything. Meanwhile, those from other families with significant authority in the Pierson family wore mixed expressions at Zoren’s remarks. Still, all they could do was watch as Zoren took a seat, their eyes falling on the cat that had earned a place at the table just like that.

As for Renny, everyone had grown wary of it. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that most people kept half of their attention on Renny to ensure it wouldn’t pounce on them... or just have the time to make a run for it.

The moment Zoren sat down, he gazed up at everyone and raised his brows. "Let’s eat."

"It’s good to see you, Master," Lloyd spoke politely before sitting down carefully, followed by the others joining Zoren. "You look... better."

"Were you expecting me to come here in a wheelchair, Lloyd?"

"No, of course not." Lloyd chuckled airily. "I’m simply stating what I’ve noticed. It seems the rumors that you’re getting better are true."

Zoren smiled, but the expression didn’t reach his eyes. "I didn’t know there was a rumor."

"There are always rumors about your health," said the woman next to Lloyd. "Some say it’s declining, while others say otherwise. Of course, such rumors wouldn’t reach your ears, as they’re insignificant details."

"Was it?" Zoren asked.

"Yes."

"I guess you’re right." Zoren rocked his head in understanding, humming a long tune.

Meanwhile, William scowled at the duo who had been antagonizing him but were now currying favor with Zoren.

’Did they think a few words would make everyone forget that they were supporting that brat Dean?’ he sneered, disgusted at the hypocrisy. His daughter, however, had a different approach.

"I’m glad to hear the rumors about your recovery are true, Uncle," Karina expressed with a beautiful smile. "We’re all happy to know that you’re doing well despite your busy schedule."

Zoren shifted his eyes to Karina and nodded. "I’m glad too."

"Master, we’re also glad to know that you’re doing well! Now, we’re all at ease knowing our family is protected by you."

"Not to mention the business. After all, no one else could make our Pierson family greater than it is, except you."

One after another, everyone chipped in their flattery to conceal the fact that they had been shifting their support to other branches of the family. After all, they were doing so because they all believed Zoren’s days were numbered.

"Thank you," Zoren replied nonchalantly, reaching out to pet Chunchun on the seat next to him. "That’s nice to hear, considering some of you were sizing me up for any injuries."

He smiled casually as he faced everyone. "I didn’t have an accident, so there’s no need to examine me."

Some of the older men sitting farther along William’s line cleared their throats and looked away. Zoren, on the other hand, maintained his smile and didn’t press the situation further. From what he had heard, there were a few things that could have happened to Zoren if not for his first line of defense, which had worked overtime to ensure Zoren’s travel to the family meeting ran smoothly.

"Haha. Surely, you’re very lenient and generous, Zoren," William said with a laugh, looking around the room. Someone was definitely missing, but he didn’t dwell on it for too long.

"How can you be so kind to those who were obviously challenging the authority of the main branch?" he continued, casting a vicious glare at the people Zoren had been staring at. "Someone’s mercy is a terrible thing to waste on those who don’t see it that way but rather take it as an opportunity to correct their mistakes."

"Then I’d gladly give them the opportunity to correct and perfect their... talent," Zoren returned kindly, nodding approvingly. "I like challenges, and I find it amusing when you try."

This time, he emphasized his remarks while staring at William. The smile on William’s face twisted, knowing those words were meant for him.

"Haha..." William chuckled, but the curl of his lips didn’t reach his eyes. ’This bastard.’

Zoren didn’t pay him any mind, instead scanning the long table. He could feel the gazes of everyone—both wary and nervous. It was a feeling he was used to. They might call themselves family, sitting at the same table, but they were more divided than they cared to admit.

"Hmm?" Zoren hummed a short tone, using the time to study the people in the room while the servers began serving the appetizers. "I don’t see Dean Pierson here."

Deep lines appeared between William’s brows upon hearing this. He looked at Zoren in disbelief, narrowing his eyes suspiciously. Zoren was staring directly at Lloyd, who was sitting in the same line as Dean.

"Where is he, Lloyd?" Zoren asked out of pure curiosity. "I was hoping to see him tonight."

Lloyd forced a smile and twisted his body to face Zoren’s direction. "The young master of the First Branch was just here earlier. He probably had to answer an emergency call to step out."

"Is that so?"

"He wouldn’t leave unless it was important," Lloyd reassured politely, hoping Zoren would let this slide for now. After all, Zoren had calmed down since Dean’s earlier display of indifference to power and had shifted his attention to William.

Zoren had no reason to nitpick on Dean.

"I guess there’s much more important to him than this family meeting," Zoren remarked vaguely in the same casual tone, leaving Lloyd and the First Branch supporters confused. Ignoring their confusion, Zoren shifted his attention back to William. "William, did you hear that?"

"Huh?"

Zoren smiled subtly at William. "I thought you were just holding back from bringing it up, so I asked about Dean Pierson’s whereabouts," he explained, confusing William even further until he added his following remarks. "You seem like you’re looking for someone — or waiting for someone. I assumed it was Dean. Was I wrong?"