Chapter 250: I Will Decide To Ignore You

"I’m going to live with you too! If that stuck-up assistant gets to be right next to you, then so will I!"

April slowly set down her teacup, the delicate ring of china against saucer echoing sharply across the sunlit breakfast table.

She let out a long, heavy sigh, resting her forehead against her hand for a brief second.

How on earth did things get here?

The morning had started out peacefully enough. Sunlight poured through the tall windows of the dining hall, the table laden with fresh pastries, warm tea, and fruit. But the tranquil atmosphere had been shattered the moment Nat barged in, having somehow caught wind of Samuel’s permanent placement at the fortress.

It had happened just last night so how in the world did he find out so fast? Unless Samuel had gone around announcing it, she didn’t see how.

Nat stood by the edge of the table, his broad arms crossed over his tactical vest, his eyes blazing with unhinged, possessive determination.

"Collins," Xavier’s quiet, sharp voice cut across the room.

Sitting at the head of the table in a tailored charcoal suit, Xavier casually set his newspaper down, his dark eyes fixed on the warlord with absolute, freezing disdain. "This is a private residence, not your dockyard command post. Lower your voice."

"Shut it, Reed!" Nat barked back, not taking his eyes off April. "I don’t hear you complaining about the assistant getting a golden ticket into her personal haven!"

Standing immaculately near the sideboard, Samuel adjusted the bridge of his glasses with a single, calm finger. He poured a fresh splash of warm water into April’s cup, his expression completely blank, though a faint, insufferable glint of superiority flickered in his eyes.

"Mr. Collins," Samuel said evenly, his tone dripping with professional mockery. "My presence at the fortress is strictly administrative. As the High Steward, managing Miss April’s realm and operational logistics requires my physical oversight. A... Villain, on the other hand, is far more effective operating out in the field."

Nat’s jaw clenched so hard a muscle twitched violently in his cheek. "You smug little bastard—"

"Enough," April murmured coolly, her voice cutting through the rising storm like a steel blade.

The entire room went still. Nat grumbled under his breath but held his tongue, while Xavier took a slow sip of his coffee, watching her closely. He wasn’t exactly satisfied, but he knew better than to make a scene like Nat was doing right now.

April looked between Xavier, Alexander—who was currently glaring at Nat from across the table while aggressively buttering a piece of toast—Nat and Samuel.

Four extraordinary men, each bound to her by absolute trust and some weird cosmic titles, now squabbling over space in a fortress built for her total isolation.

"None of you are moving into my fortress," April stated firmly, her eyes sweeping over them with unyielding authority. "The apocalypse hasn’t started yet, and I’m too busy thinking about the competition that will span from today till Friday. If any of you causes a disruption at the venue..."

She paused, letting her cold gaze lock onto Nat, then Alexander, and finally Xavier.

"...I will decide to ignore you."

Nat let out a low, vibrant chuckle, his aggressive posture softening into that familiar, dangerous smirk as he leaned down over her chair. "Feisty this morning, sweetheart. Fine. But don’t think this conversation is over."

April simply shook her head, taking another sip of her tea as Emily walked into the dining room, completely oblivious to the silent war of wills, holding her matching plush slippers and smiling brightly.

"Morning, everyone!" Emily chimed in, but she immediately sensed the thick, suffocating tension hanging in the air. Her bright expression faltered, turning into an awkward, hesitant smile as her eyes darted between the glaring men.

"Good morning, Emily. Come, have a seat," April said softly, gesturing to the chair beside her.

Emily quickly walked over and handed the slippers directly to April. "Look! The matching pair I ordered came in early this morning, so I brought yours down for you!"

"They’re very pretty, Emily," April said, a gentle curve softening her lips as she took the plush slippers from her sister’s hands.

Emily sat down, but she couldn’t suppress her curiosity. She leaned in close to April, whispering under her breath, "Did... something happen?"

"Don’t worry," April murmured back smoothly, placing a reassuring hand over her twin’s. "It’s just something I can take care of. Focus on your breakfast first."

April then turned her gaze toward the broad-shouldered mafialord still hovering near her chair. "You too, Nat. Sit down and eat. Don’t go around causing trouble on an empty stomach."

"Hmph," Nat grunted, a sudden, arrogant grin breaking across his sharp features. "I’ll take it that you care about me, sweetheart."

As he pulled out a chair and slouched into it, his eyes flicked downward, landing directly on her collarbone. There, resting against her skin, was the delicate silver necklace he had gifted her on the cliff.

A quiet, smug smirk spread across Nat’s face, his chest swelling with unspoken triumph as he crossed his arms. She keeps it on even now. She definitely treasures it.

Alexander’s eyes narrowed dangerously as he caught Nat’s self-satisfied look, while Xavier merely set his teacup down with a quiet clink. Across from them, Samuel remained standing in stoic perfection, silently refilling Emily’s orange juice as if the silent warfare at the table were beneath his concern.

April caught Nat’s triumphant smirk and subtly rolled her eyes, taking a calm bite of her toast.

"Samuel," April called out coolly, breaking the heavy silence. "Is the car ready for the convention center?"

"It is waiting in the courtyard, Miss April," Samuel replied instantly, bowing his head. "Whenever you and Miss Emily are ready to depart."

"Good," April said, wiping her hands with a linen napkin and rising smoothly from the table. "Then let’s head out. It’s time to collect our harvest."

Xavier nodded approvingly, while Alexander stood up to pull her chair back, and Nat slouched back with a crooked, knowing smirk.

Emily quickly jumped up, tucking her new slippers safely under her arm as she walked alongside April toward the grand entrance of the estate.