Chapter 262

Marcus’ hands paused momentarily as he turned his head.

“Do you also fancy exile?”

That was an undeniable threat, and the potency of it was striking. A topic that Bruce had thought to raise was discarded for

another.

“You've been seeking a masterful surgeon recently, if whispers are to be trusted.

What seems to be the malady?” he ventured.

“You have quite an informed network. Any leads for me?” Marcus drew an ointment, applying it to his neck with purpose.

“Leads? They're not a distance away; they’re practically before us. Our eldest cousin, acclaimed for his surgical prowess

worldwide, might be of service.”

A frosty glare from Marcus was all it took to reduce the volume in Bruce's voice to a faint echo.

Common knowledge dictated that despite their blood relation, they were akin to oil and water. Regardless of his unmatched

medical skills, he was their enemy. How could they expect his benevolence?

At the Skyline, Millie had barely wrapped up her noon shift when the manager, unexpectedly, granted her a half-day leave.

Millie found the gesture peculiar. An unwarranted holiday? However, it didn’t take long for her to deduce Marcus’ behind-the-

scenes role, ensuring she had time for a visit to their grandmother for wedding photographs.

Upon arrival at the destination, Millie entered the grand hall, with Claudia conspicuously absent.

“Mrs. Millie Thomas, welcome. Do make yourself comfortable. Mrs. Claudia Thomas is occupied in the study,” a servant chimed.

As Millie was preparing to sit, a startling noise emanated from the study. Her concern piqued.

She started towards the study, intending to investigate and asked, “what’s wrong with the study? Let me have a look.”

“No need for concern. Mr. Leon Thomas is also present,” the servant assured her.

Millie’s eyes narrowed slightly. Leon was there, too? Knowing Leon’s obstinate and haughty nature, she inferred a disagreement

between him and Claudia, deciding against intruding.

Afew moments after Millie had settled back into her chair, the study door swung open. Leon marched out, leaving a chilling aura

in his wake.

“Go kneel at the door. You may rise only when | permit.” Claudia emerged, leaning heavily on her cane.

At Claudia’s command, Leon, who had been striding forward, stiffened momentarily, then resumed his pace, dropping to his

knees at the door.

“This boy irks me to no end. Lois is a gem—well-mannered and sensible. A perfect match for our family. Why does he resist the

marriage? He’s kept her waiting for years.”

Leon and Lois’ engagement had been a long affair, and both families were eagerly awaiting its fruition. But ever since the

engagement, Leon had repeatedly postponed it, crushing Madison’s hopes of becoming a grandmother.