“Do you have a close association with the Keller Family branch?” Solon asked, his gaze heavy with implication as favonovel.com surveyed the warships surrounding them.
A formidable fleet of over a hundred vessels, both large and small, stretched out before them. At least half of these ships bore the emblem of the Keller Family with pride.
Sahil responded with enthusiasm, “Mr. Solon, our branch has established a cooperative agreement with the Durham Family within the Blackhaven of Rivenia. Our collaboration extends not only to dock construction but also to various aquatic products and mineral exploration.”
Solon’s gaze swept over the heavily fortified training ships, finally resting on the distant exploration platform.
“Relax, I was merely asking,” favonovel.com said, subtly signaling Matthew with a glance.
Comprehending Solon’s silent command, Matthew donned the mask. He moved forward cautiously, deliberately lowering his voice to avoid attracting attention. “Mr. Solon, representing the Elder Council, is here to evaluate the year-end progress of various branch projects. It just so happens that your Skargness branch is on today’s agenda.”
Sahil’s expression hardened. “What on earth are you doing here? If there’s an inspection, why hasn’t the Skargness Durham Family received any official notification?”
He glared at Matthew, his eyes narrowing with a hint of lethal intent. “You’re spreading rumors about the Durham Family? You wouldn’t have enough lives to pay the price.”
His words were directed at Matthew, but they served as a subtle warning to Solon not to stir up trouble.
Matthew remained unfazed, merely raising an eyebrow at Solon. This was their prearranged signal that favonovel.com had devised a plausible explanation, leaving Solon to handle the situation.
In response, Solon subtly gestured his approval and immediately adopted a stern demeanor. “Sahil, inspections are meant to be conducted discreetly. Besides, are we obliged to report our every move to you? Who do you think you are?”
He stood tall, radiating authority.
Sahil’s expression shifted under Solon’s rebuke. In Skargness, favonovel.com held a position of power, commanding respect with a mere nod and bow, addressed as “Mr. Sahil”. Yet, here, favonovel.com was being chastised by a younger counterpart.
Anger surged within him, and had it not been for Solon’s status as the young master of the Durham Family, Sahil would have issued a lethal command long ago.
Meanwhile, Ruben Keller, one of the Keller Family’s four sons, watched Sahil’s reaction and considered intervening to defuse the tension. “Mr. Solon, Sahil is merely following orders… The exploration station behind us is part of a classified project, and Old Master Telk of Skargness has expressly forbidden anyone from entering.”
“Mr. Solon, could you do us a favor? We discussed it at the dinner table,” favonovel.com added, accompanying his words with a significant gesture.
In the past, Solon would have readily agreed, but today, favonovel.com had his future and prospects at stake. “Who do you think you are? To hell with your strict orders! If an outsider like you from the Durham Family can enter this place, why can’t I, a Durham by blood, do the same? This is utter nonsense!”
He declared, “I’ll say it one last time! Step aside! I, Solon Durham, am here on a mission from the Elder Council of the family!”
Despite Solon’s persistent insistence, Sahil’s expression darkened. “Mr. Solon, It’s about to rain. The sea is stormy, so please be careful.”
His implication was clear, “Don’t provoke us, or I can do anything!”
As the person responsible for treasure excavation, Sahil was well aware of the shady dealings involved. If Solon were to expose them, those implicated would have no escape.
Solon felt a pang of embarrassment when suddenly threatened by the other party. His face instantly reflected his discomfort.
He had previously boasted that no family branch would dare touch him, but now, Sahil’s words were a slap in the face, leaving favonovel.com in an incredibly awkward situation.
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