Chapter 465: Familiar Faces, Changing Tides!!

Star Harbor Port.

The morning breeze carried the unmistakable scent of the sea.

A black car pulled into the private parking area near the harbor. Two Secret Service agents stepped out first, briefly surveying their surroundings before opening the passenger doors.

Nicholas Abbott emerged, adjusting his sleeves.

Evelyn followed him.

The moment she stepped outside, her attention went straight toward the ocean.

The sunlight reflected beautifully across the water, while several ships and smaller boats rested near the docks.

Evelyn walked toward the railings.

"Look at the sea!"

Nick glanced at her.

Then at the wind blowing through her hair.

"Hey, it’s cold."

Evelyn barely heard him.

Nick sighed, took a jacket from the car and approached her.

"Here. Wear this."

Evelyn turned.

She looked at the jacket and then at her brother.

A smile appeared.

"Thanks, Brother."

She accepted it.

Then narrowed her eyes playfully.

"What’s gotten into you?"

Nick looked offended.

"What do you mean?"

"Since when did you become this considerate?"

Nick scoffed.

"If you catch a cold here, I’ll be the one getting scolded."

Evelyn laughed.

"Oh?"

She deliberately lowered the jacket.

"Then perhaps I shouldn’t wear it."

Nick stared.

"Come on!"

She burst into laughter.

"Alright, alright."

She finally put it on.

Nick shook his head.

"Seriously. You’re becoming more annoying every day."

"Learned from the best."

"Very funny."

Before he could argue further, a familiar voice came from behind.

"Well, look who’s here."

Nick turned.

His expression immediately changed.

A smirk appeared.

"Well, well."

Standing a short distance away was Dion.

Beside him stood Flora, holding his arm as they walked toward the harbor.

Her pregnancy was now clearly visible beneath her comfortable maternity dress.

Nick smiled.

"Isn’t it Dion?"

Dion looked equally amused.

"Nicholas Abbott."

Nick signaled toward the Secret Service agents, indicating that everything was fine.

The agents relaxed and remained near the car.

Nick looked toward Flora.

Then back at Dion.

"So this is your wife?"

Dion raised an eyebrow.

Nick continued, "I’m surprised you’re actually living a normal life."

Dion scoffed.

"And I’m surprised you’re walking around the streets normally."

Nick narrowed his eyes.

Dion smiled.

"You didn’t have the guts back then."

"Hey."

Flora immediately sighed.

"Come on, you two."

Both looked toward her.

"Please let go of the past."

Dion scoffed.

Nick did the same.

For a moment, the two stared at each other.

Then Nick smiled and looked toward Flora.

"Anyway, congratulations, Flora."

Flora smiled warmly.

"Thank you, Nick."

Dion immediately looked offended.

"What about me?"

Nick glanced at him.

"Oh, right."

He nodded casually.

"Congratulations on becoming a dad soon."

Dion stared.

"What’s with that reaction?"

"What reaction?"

"You sounded like someone congratulating me on passing an exam."

Nick shrugged.

"Isn’t becoming a father harder than passing an exam?"

Flora laughed.

Dion shook his head.

Before their argument could continue, Evelyn cleared her throat.

"Excuse me?"

Everyone turned.

She stood beside Nick, looking completely confused.

Nick suddenly remembered.

"Oh, right."

He gestured toward the couple.

"Evie, meet the sweet and bitter couple."

Dion frowned.

"Who are you calling bitter?"

Nick ignored him.

"Flora and Dion. Miles’ childhood buddies."

Then he leaned toward Evelyn and lowered his voice.

"Or you could say his camping partners."

Evelyn looked at Dion again.

This time, recognition appeared in her eyes.

She knows enough about Miles’ past to understand what Nick was suggesting.

Flora chuckled.

"What’s with the whispering?"

Nick straightened.

"Nothing."

Dion gave him a suspicious look.

Evelyn smiled politely.

"Hello. I’m Evelyn Abbott."

Flora immediately returned her smile.

"Nice to meet you, Evelyn."

Dion nodded.

"Hello."

Then he looked toward Nick.

"Learn something from your sister."

Nick replied instantly, "You learn something from your wife."

Dion opened his mouth.

Flora sighed.

He immediately turned toward her.

"What happened?"

"Nothing."

"Do you need water?"

"No, Dion."

"Are you tired?"

Flora gave him a look.

"I’m fine."

Nick quietly smiled.

Evelyn noticed a seating area nearby.

"Why don’t we sit there while we wait for Brother Miles?"

Flora looked relieved.

"That would be lovely. Thank you."

The group moved toward the benches overlooking the harbor.

Dion stayed beside Flora, helping her settle comfortably before sitting down himself.

Nick watched him.

Then smiled.

Dion noticed.

"What?"

"Nothing."

"That smile doesn’t look like nothing."

Nick laughed.

Evelyn shook her head.

She was beginning to understand why Flora had asked them to stop bringing up the past.

...

Meanwhile, somewhere in Star Harbor.

Miles was driving toward the port.

His phone was connected to the car’s audio system, and Charles was speaking from the Security Base.

"They got inside, Boss."

Miles’ expression became serious.

"Both of them?"

"Yes. Aerin and Ren."

Miles nodded.

"What about Bjorn?"

"Still hasn’t appeared."

"Vivienne?"

"Nothing from her either."

Miles frowned.

"What game are they playing?"

Charles remained quiet for a moment.

Miles continued, "Make sure Aerin and Ren get out safely. There’s a good chance Bjorn suspects something."

"Because of Winslow Estate."

Miles kept his eyes on the road.

"After losing his people there, he might have started questioning Thea’s loyalty. We can’t assume their disguises will protect them forever."

Charles replied, "We’re tracking their movements continuously."

"Good."

"And even though those two probably don’t need rescuing, I’ve prepared an extraction team nearby."

Miles smiled faintly.

"Better to have one and never use it."

"Exactly."

Charles paused.

"Boss, there’s something else."

"Tell me."

"I forgot to mention earlier. We got some leads from the Secret Service agents captured last night."

Miles immediately became attentive.

"Really?"

"Yes. JK will explain everything when you reach the island."

Miles frowned.

"Wait."

Charles paused.

"Why is she on the island again?"

"She’s interrogating the WEB operatives we captured at the airport."

Miles sighed.

"Of course she is."

Charles continued, "And our new recruit is there too."

"Derek?"

"Yes."

Miles looked surprised.

"Why?"

"He’s examining the equipment and upgrading some of our systems."

Charles sounded amused.

"He’s already finished the work at the Security Base and your offices."

Miles chuckled.

"He’s working hard."

"Very."

Charles laughed.

"Honestly, Boss, it looks like you handed a toy car to a kid who has a screwdriver."

Miles stared ahead for a moment.

Then laughed.

"That’s a weird comparison."

"I know."

Charles sighed.

"My wife said the same thing."

Miles smiled.

"Well, let him enjoy himself."

"He certainly is."

Miles checked the time.

Then sighed.

"Looks like the island visit might take longer than expected."

Charles waited.

"Cancel the lunch reservation at The Atelier."

"Understood."

"Arrange lunch on the island instead."

Miles thought for a moment.

"And bring Great Aunt Nora there directly."

Charles became attentive.

"Arrange her pickup from the Convention Center."

Miles continued, "We can have lunch together on the island. It’ll be easier than trying to rush back and forth."

"I’ll handle it."

Charles paused.

"Sorry, Boss."

Miles smiled faintly.

"It’s fine. Better this way."

He slowed as traffic approached an intersection.

"Tell me about Grandpa’s arrival."

Charles immediately responded.

"Everything is arranged."

"Grandpa Timothy and Silvey?"

"Yes. They’ll arrive privately. We’re keeping the arrangements discreet."

Miles nodded.

"Great."

He was quiet for a few seconds before asking,

"Anything else?"

Charles checked his reports.

"Right. We received a message from Darius."

Miles became attentive.

"How’s the situation?"

"One hundred percent under control."

Charles continued, "The warriors have also dealt with the dead soldiers who weren’t present at the mountain base during the takeover."

Miles smiled.

"Excellent."

Charles paused.

"Except one."

Miles’ smile faded.

"Another?"

"Yes."

"Who?"

"Ella Stroud."

Miles repeated the name.

"Ella Stroud?"

"Apparently, she’s close to Vivienne."

Miles thought for a moment.

Then nodded.

"Show her photograph to JK."

Charles understood.

Miles continued, "If Ella worked closely with Vivienne or regularly appeared around the President’s family, JK might recognize her."

"Understood. I’ll have her check."

Miles smiled.

"Great work, Charles."

"Thank you, Boss."

"Everything seems to be going well."

His expression became thoughtful.

"Now it’s time we settle Great Grandpa’s matters too."

Charles didn’t interrupt.

The call ended shortly afterward as Miles approached the port.

...

Star Harbor Port.

Miles parked his car and stepped outside.

The sea breeze immediately greeted him.

He looked around, searching for the others.

Several private boats were docked nearby. Harbor employees moved equipment along the piers, while a few visitors enjoyed the view from the waterfront.

Then he spotted a familiar group sitting near the railings.

Miles smiled.

"Hello, everyone!"

Dion turned first.

"There he is!"

Miles approached.

Dion stood and greeted him with a hug.

"Took you long enough."

Miles laughed.

"Had some work."

"Of course you did."

They stepped apart.

Miles turned toward Flora and hugged her gently.

"Doing good, Flora?"

She smiled.

"Yes. Much better now."

Miles looked at her for a moment.

Then smiled mischievously.

"You look..."

Flora raised an eyebrow.

"What?"

"Fat."

She immediately laughed.

"Miles!"

Dion burst into laughter.

Flora gave them both a look.

"Stop joking. That’s rude."

Miles chuckled.

"Sorry, sorry."

He looked toward her belly.

"So..."

He smiled.

"Can you tell me whether I’m getting a nephew or a niece?"

Dion shook his head.

"Still a secret for us too."

Miles looked surprised.

"Really?"

Flora nodded.

"We’re planning the gender reveal soon."

Miles smiled.

"I’m excited."

Dion nodded.

"Thanks for inviting us."

He glanced toward Flora.

"She was getting a bit grumpy staying at home."

Flora immediately turned toward him.

"Excuse me?"

Dion froze.

Miles started laughing.

Nick looked away, trying to hide his smile.

Even Evelyn covered her mouth.

Dion quickly corrected himself.

"I mean, you wanted to go out."

Flora narrowed her eyes.

"That’s not what you said."

"That’s what I meant."

Miles shook his head.

"Good luck, buddy."

Dion sighed.

Then he noticed the paper bags in Miles’ hand.

"What’s in those?"

Miles lifted them.

"Oh, these."

He passed them toward Flora.

"Early winter mandarins."

Flora looked surprised.

"Mandarins?"

Miles nodded.

"Mom asked me to buy some for you."

Flora accepted the bags.

Her expression softened immediately.

"That’s so sweet."

She smiled warmly.

"Please thank Aunt Elena for me."

Miles nodded.

"Of course."

Flora looked inside one of the bags.

"She always remembers these little things."

Miles smiled.

Then noticed Nick watching him.

"What?"

Nick blinked.

Miles lifted an eyebrow.

"Do you want some too?"

Evelyn chuckled.

Nick shook his head.

"No."

He looked toward Flora’s bags again.

"I was just thinking..."

Miles waited.

"Aunt Elena is really considerate."

Nick smiled faintly.

"She works so hard, yet somehow she still finds time to think about everyone."

Miles’ expression softened.

Then he nodded.

"That’s her superpower."

Nick looked toward him.

Miles continued, "One we probably can’t acquire."

Flora laughed.

"Exactly."

Dion nodded.

"She’s always been like that."

Before the conversation could continue, a uniformed captain approached.

"Boss."

Miles turned.

"Yes?"

"We’re ready to sail."

Miles nodded.

"Alright."

He looked toward the others.

"Let’s go, then."

Evelyn stood and looked toward the dock.

Her eyes widened slightly.

"Wait."

She pointed toward the vessel.

"Is that a yacht?"

Nick followed her gaze.

Then stopped.

A beautiful private yacht waited alongside the pier, its white exterior reflecting the sunlight.

Nick stared for a moment.

Then turned toward Miles.

"Buddy."

Miles looked at him.

"What?"

"You have a yacht?"

Miles nodded casually.

"Yes."

Nick looked back toward the vessel.

Then grinned.

"Let’s go!"

Without another word, he hurried toward the dock.

Evelyn watched her brother rush ahead.

She sighed.

"Is he a kid or what?"

Dion chuckled.

"Always a kid."

Miles smiled.

"He’s changed a lot, though."

Dion looked toward Nick.

Then nodded thoughtfully.

"I agree."

He paused.

"I don’t really get that bullied schoolboy feeling from him anymore."

Evelyn immediately turned.

"Bullying?"

Dion looked at her.

Then smiled.

"Don’t worry about it, little sister."

He waved one hand.

"Nothing that serious."

Evelyn looked curious but nodded.

"Okay."

From farther ahead, Nick turned around.

"Hey!"

Everyone looked toward him.

He waved impatiently.

"Can you guys come faster?"

Evelyn closed her eyes.

"No manners at all."

Dion shook his head.

"Some things are still the same."

And this time...

Even Evelyn laughed.