The Unexpected Game-Changer

When the family was discussing herring cans, Monica walked over with a smile.

"You all get along so well. I’m really envious."

Helena’s smile faded, while Evelyn teased her, "You and Emily have a great relationship too."

Emily giggled and ran over, hugging Monica’s leg and rubbing against it. "Of course! Sister Monica loves me the most!"

Monica sighed helplessly and patted Emily’s little head. "Be good and go play. The adults are talking about something important."

Emily’s face fell, her expression turning dejected.

Helena felt a sense of déjà vu at the scene...

"Even though Uncle Joe pardoned the younger generation’s crimes..." Monica tried to gauge Evelyn’s opinion, "Laney and Lairs are the real problem. Those two won’t let things go easily."

"The current Meizi is the future Laney and Lairs," Evelyn sneered. "Honestly, it’d be best if they died in Thornflower Castle tonight. That would end the problem for good."

Monica nodded. "I agree. The twins harbor hatred for the family. They’ll never submit to us."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow, detecting something else in her words.

"Oh, future Duchess of Thornflower, don’t expect me to be your right-hand woman," Evelyn said with a smile. "I’m not part of the Abraham family anymore."

"No," Monica looked at her deeply. "Evelyn, I truly hope you’ll return to the family. Even when we were young, I always admired you. Your departure was a huge loss for us."

"Too late for that now~"

Evelyn took Luo Wei’s hand, her eyes sparkling with affection. "I’m happier than ever these days. Once tonight’s over, I’m never coming back to this gloomy place!"

Monica silently glanced at their intertwined hands, feeling like she’d just been force-fed a mouthful of dog food.

"Enough chatting," Joe suddenly approached, his gaze fixed on Monica. "The banquet hall is in chaos. Someone needs to take charge—it’s your time to step up. Danton and I will hold down the control room. Oh, Evelyn, you should go too."

"Wait... what about Meizi?" Evelyn cautiously eyed the magical projections.

"Don’t worry, just go!" Danton waved cheerfully. "With me here, you’re always safe. Everything’s under control!"

"That’s a relief," Monica nodded. Following Joe’s instructions, a portal whisked her away to the banquet hall.

Next were Luo Wei and the others. Before leaving, Luo Wei hesitated and approached Headmaster Danton.

"How much longer can the castle’s magic energy last?"

Danton checked the energy reserves. "Plenty. The castle’s underground is hollowed out for Magic Crystal Stone storage. The Duke prepared for this for ten years."

"Good..."

Just as Luo Wei turned to leave, Danton suddenly shouted in alarm.

"What the—? It was at half just now, but now it’s down to a fifth?!"

Luo Wei and Evelyn rushed over, watching as the energy indicator flickered wildly.

At the same time, everyone in the castle felt the mountain tremble slightly.

"W-was that an earthquake?" Emily looked up in shock as the control room shook violently, as if on the verge of collapse.

"What’s happening?" Joe’s expression darkened as he glared at Danton.

"No, not an earthquake!" Danton realized something was wrong and frantically checked the equipment.

His face paled. "This... this can’t be!"

He turned to Joe. "The magic barrier was breached from the outside just now! It shares energy with the castle’s systems—now it’s nearly drained! What in the world is going on?"

"What?!" Even the usually composed Joe looked horrified.

"Luo Wei!" Evelyn grabbed his hand amid the shaking. "What is this?"

Luo Wei watched as the magical projections glitched and disappeared one after another.

So, as expected, the unexpected had happened.

No doubt about it—Miss Tilis had shattered the castle’s magic barrier.

Everyone knew what that meant.

Among the vanishing projections, Luo Wei saw Meizi, laughing maniacally, alongside an ancient vampire lord.

He also saw Monica’s stunned face in the banquet hall, and lurking in the shadows, Laney and Lairs with sinister grins...

Chaos. Absolute chaos.

In this grand scheme, the Duke’s carefully laid countermeasures had been undone by Tilis, who had no idea what she’d done.

The orchestrators—the Church, the rebellious vampires—and even the Duke himself would never have anticipated such a powerful third party appearing now...

Luo Wei almost laughed. This was too perfect.

He wouldn’t blame Miss Tilis for acting recklessly. She’d been worried about him—and, ironically, her blunder had given him a huge advantage.

In this turmoil, whichever heir could turn the tide would rightfully become the family’s true successor.

At this moment, Luo Wei hadn’t yet realized he and Ophelia were thinking the same thing.

The empire’s encirclement was already in place, and war loomed on the horizon. But in this chaos lay opportunity—and Luo Wei only wished he had more cards to play.

After a brief pause, he turned to Danton. "The castle’s energy is almost gone. Headmaster, send us back to the hall now—and come with us!"

"But... but..." Danton hesitated, eyeing his beloved machinery. "What about this place? I think it can hold a little longer..."

"Forget it! You can build another one later!" Luo Wei dragged him toward the portal. "If the control room collapses, you’ll be trapped!"

As if on cue, another violent tremor shook the room. Whatever magic Tilis was using, it felt like she was bringing the whole mountain down.

"Alright, alright!" Danton yelped as a brick nearly hit him, abandoning all resistance.

With Luo Wei urging them on, the group rushed toward the portal.

At the last second before teleporting, Luo Wei glanced at Evelyn. She looked utterly bewildered, completely unaware of his plans.

But soon, she wouldn’t have a choice.

Well, to make it up to her, he could always let her punish him later...