Chapter 1171
Julian smiled warmly. “No need to be so polite with your brother p>
Serena turned her gaze back to her family. “I’m planning to head back to the backcountry tomorrow to visit my grandmother’s grave p>
Catherine, who was just walking back into the room with a tray of food, immediately spoke up. “I’ll go with you p>
“If it weren’t for Old Mrs. Wynn raising you all those years, we wouldn’t have you today. I need to pay my respects and thank her personally for taking care of my daughter p>
Serena shook her head. “It’s not the right time yet. I need to go alone tomorrow p>
Her expression shifted, turning deeply serious. “There are some things I need to take care of p>
Seeing the shift in her demeanor, the family immediately dropped their relaxed smiles, giving her their full attention.
“There’s something I need to tell you all,” Serena said, looking at them. “Arthur Doyle is dead p>
The living room fell completely silent for a few seconds.
The Lancasters were visibly taken aback.
They couldn’t understand why the conversation had suddenly pivoted to the Doyle family.
Julian was the first to process it, his expression hardening.
“I received the briefing p>
“Right after the Doyle family’s human experimentation was exposed on the global broadcast, their entire estate, the abandoned factory on the outskirts, and the underground lab were completely leveled by explosives p>
“Every single piece of core data and hard evidence regarding the experiments you exposed was incinerated p>
Serena nodded. “My main goal in entering the Final Gauntlet Phase on that island was to draw out the masterminds backing the Doyle family p>
“Now, the transnational syndicate behind them has finally surfaced p>
“And… this syndicate might be connected to what happened to my grandmother p>
The entire family’s expressions shifted drastically.
Catherine tightened her grip on Serena’s hand. “Are you saying p>
Serena squeezed her mother’s hand back reassuringly. “Nothing is confirmed yet, which is why I want to go back alone tomorrow to investigate. Once this is all truly over, we can all go visit her together p>
Hearing this, the Lancasters fell into a heavy silence.
A deep, undeniable wave of worry washed through their eyes.
A transnational syndicate.
Human experimentation.
Assassinations.
Stringing those words together painted a horrifying picture. Having navigated the cutthroat corporate world for decades, the Lancasters knew exactly how deep and dangerous these waters were.
By getting involved, Serena was placing herself directly in the line of fire.
It was just like the last time, when
she had moved out of the estate to face Kurobara Shroudratone, terrified of dragging her family into the crossfire of a ruthless syndicate.
The fear from that incident was still fresh in their minds.
Catherine choked up, her eyes shining with unshed tears.
But the Lancasters also knew that the precious daughter they had finally found was fiercely capable.
Someone with her abilities was never destined for an ordinary life.
With great power came great responsibility.
They couldn’t—and wouldn’t-allow themselves to become a burden that held her back.
Old Mr. Lancaster sat in silence for a moment before striking his cane firmly against the marble floor.
“Go p>
He looked at Serena, his eyes carrying both deep affection and absolute resolve. “Just remember one thing, Serena. No matter what you choose to do, the Lancaster family will always be your most unbreakable shield p>
Julian adjusted his glasses, a refined, supportive smile touching his lips. “If you need anything, just say the word. The entire family is on standby for you.” Catherine, eyes still red, didn’t speak, but she held Serena’s hand a little tighter. Edward simply nodded. “Stay safe. We’ll be waiting for you to come home.” Serena looked at her family, her heart swelling with an overwhelming sense of belonging.
She slowly broke into a radiant smile. “I know. I won’t hold back if I need you p>