Chapter 6 Back to the Lavette Family

• As he stood there, he heard someone in the distance seemingly utter his name, prompting him to turn around and glance back.
• At that moment, Connor's pupils constricted slightly, and he came to a halt, instructing his secretary, "Give me these; you may leave now."
• "Of course! Mr. Connor..." The secretary hesitated momentarily, then dutifully handed Connor the water bottle and briefcase in succession.
• Connor accepted the items, remaining stationary as he awaited the secretary's exit while also anticipating Lilian's arrival.
• "Lilian, why didn't you inform me of your return to Aldovia?"
• As Lilian and Noreen approached, Connor took the initiative to speak, his gaze fixed on Lilian.
• "Just arrived!" Although Connor's demeanor unsettled her, Lilian masked her discomfort, responding lightly before sidestepping him and continuing on her path.
• Noticing her disregard, Connor felt a flicker of annoyance but maintained his smile, stepping closer. "I'm now the district director of Stonea; I've traveled to Soutindale numerous times for meetings. I intended to pay you a visit, but my schedule was too tight!"
• "Mr. Connor, professional obligations are paramount, so there's no necessity for your visit; there's truly nothing to discuss!" Lilian openly expressed her disdain for Connor, offering him no regard.
• This insufferable hypocrite was particularly loathsome. After Timothy's incident, he had incessantly pressured members of the Lavette Family to persuade her dad to annul the engagement and replace it with his own!
• "Well..." Connor felt a surge of frustration, yet he bottled up his emotions, forcing a grin. "Are you planning to stay for an extended period, or just visiting the Steele Family? I have my ride waiting outside; would you like me to give you a lift?"
• He intentionally avoided mentioning Timothy's return, presuming that only the Lavette Family knew of it.
• "I have my own transportation, and I'm off to see my husband!" Lilian replied frostily, deliberately positioning herself to Noreen's left to distance herself from Connor, eager to escape his incessant dialogue.
• Connor's expression soured upon hearing her words again.
• Even after years of political maneuvering that had trained him to mask his feelings, his countenance betrayed his inner turmoil at that moment!
• He genuinely could not comprehend why he had been eclipsed by that criminal Timothy, why Lilian remained so steadfastly devoted to him, and why Kevin's affections were exclusively directed toward Timothy.
• Connor had consistently excelled throughout his life. By the age of ten, he had accrued his first fortune, earning accolades from his entire family. By 20, he was celebrated as a prodigy in business, and at 23, he shifted from commerce to governance. In a mere four years, he secured a prominent position as a district director in Stonea; not many could rival him.
• On the other hand, Timothy had always been a notorious troublemaker; after joining the military, he stirred up such a scandal that it brought humiliation to the Lavette Family!
• In Connor's perspective, Timothy's family was a bane to the Lavette Family, particularly Timothy himself—someone like him deserved a lifetime of incarceration.
• At that moment, Lilian quickened her steps, not out of a desire to escape Connor, but due to a sudden realization.
• Connor's presence signaled that the entire Lavette Family was now aware of Timothy's return, and they would likely mobilize against him. What was meant to be a family gathering would inevitably devolve into a public trial, potentially escalating to more severe consequences.
• When Timothy was at his most vulnerable, she had failed to be there for him; this time, she vowed to stand by his side and confront whatever lay ahead together.
• ...
• Upon entering Lavette Residence for the second time that day, Timothy sensed a marked shift in the atmosphere.
• A variety of vehicles were parked outside—luxury sedans, official cars, and even military transports!
• The security presence had intensified, and several elders from the Lavette Family, along with some younger members, had returned. The elders were gathered in the main hall, engrossed in a fervent discussion.
• Meanwhile, the younger generation occupied the outer hall, adhering to the Lavette Family's rule of "not intruding upon the elders' matters".
• Timothy entered alone, without any companions.
• "I heard from my dad that Timmy is back. Where is he?" In the outer hall, a young woman clad in a floral dress inquired.
• She was Margot Lavette, the youngest daughter of Timothy's third uncle, recently turned eighteen and currently enrolled in university.
• "Ugh! He's just a criminal. Should we really roll out the red carpet for him?" scoffed a young man roughly the same age as Timothy, his disdain evident.
• "You're being ridiculous! Timmy could never be a criminal. He served in the military; he's a hero who defends our nation!"
• Margot had not been present when the incident occurred, but upon returning home and learning of Timothy's troubles, she had wept for a long time. However, no one seemed willing to discuss it now, leaving her somewhat bewildered.
• "So what if he served in the military? Margot, have you heard the phrase, 'A leopard can't change its spots'? He was always getting into trouble, so it's hardly surprising he became a criminal!"
• The speaker was Quinton Lavette, the eldest son of Hubert Lavette, the second son of the Lavette Family.
• Most of the younger members of the Lavette Family, aside from Margot, were aligned with Connor and looked down on Timothy.
• "Quinton, don't forget that Timmy was a major at one point!"
• "Considering today's technological advancements, is it really plausible for someone without proper qualifications to attain the rank of major? That sounds highly exaggerated!" Quinton replied, dripping with contempt.
• "You're simply envious!" Margot, though the youngest, had been raised in a privileged environment and possessed considerable insight. She would never question the validity of Timothy's rank; she understood it was something he had earned through dedication and courage.