Chapter 211

“T'll take a solemn oath not to endure another gathering of such a kind. Next time, T’ll feel the urge to muzzle the meeting’s

moderator. His voice drones on like some tedious religious recitation, giving me a throbbing ache.”

Bruce commandeered a chair and slumped into it. “Speaking of which, what’s brewing with the Dayen Group? They seem quite

audacious.”

“What rumors have reached your ears?” Marcus inquired, casting a penetrating gaze Bruce’s way.

“Are you still in the dark? The grapevine has it that failure to ink an agreement with the Dayen Group would invite fatal harm to

your family. You’d do well to attend to this matter swiftly. | shudder to think whether they'd include me in this retribution.”

“Threatened... my entire family?” Marcus spoke in a controlled tone, a sneer curling the comers of his mouth.

“Do the Dayen Group dare broadcast such threats?” Derek questioned, his fists balling up in instant fury and seriousness

overtaking his visage.

“| happened to overhear such whispers at a tavern,” Bruce confessed. “Apparently, the puppeteer behind the Dayen Group

wields considerable influence. He’s reputed to be ruthless.”

As Bruce delved deeper, his seriousness amplified. Years of navigating the murky waters of business had honed his instincts. He

was convinced the puppeteer behind Dayen was no ordinary player.

“Externally, they extend an amiable invitation, but behind closed doors, they hatch plots against our lives. Mr. Thomas, | propose

we snub them this time. Decimate their influence,” Derek suggested.

Marcus responded with a composed tap of his knee. “On the contrary, why should we not entertain them?”

Bruce, thumping his chest, grinned at Marcus’ bravado. “That’s my cousin, as cool as a cucumber.”

Asudden peal of thunder reverberated. Bruce’s memory jogged back to the vision of Millie standing alone amidst the pouring

rain.

“By the way, | noticed Millie braving the deluge earlier. | beckoned her to seek shelter, but she rejected my offer. What's the

matter?”

At the mention of Millie, Marcus ignited a cigarette, his gaze wandering up to the ceiling.

Marcus remained tight-lipped, prompting Bruce to turn to Derek, who had his gaze fixed on the floor.

“She and Mrs. Thomas engaged in a verbal duel, resulting in her punishment.”

“Aunt Thomas commanded her to bear the brunt of the storm as punishment? Her cruelty knows no bounds. How can Millie’s

delicate frame endure such torment?”

Bruce questioned, his shock escalating into anger.

Derek remained silent. He yearned to advise Marcus, yet he knew better than to intrude upon Marcus’ affairs.

“Such obstinacy in a woman is a rare sight indeed,” Marcus scoffed.

Bruce shivered at the coldness of Marcus’ words, but then a wicked grin spread across his face.

“| suspect it isn't Aunt Thomas imposing the punishment. You must be the culprit.