Chapter 246

"Marc!"

The moment Chase saw him, his eyes lit up instantly. He immediately stood up, "You're done with everything?"

"Yeah."

Marc walked over to him, his gaze lingering for a moment on Chase's arm in the sling. A barely perceptible flash of heartache crossed his eyes before he looked toward Victoria and Alexander. "Victoria, Mr. Garcia, thank you for coming to see my father."

He paused, then continued, "I've booked a restaurant. Let's have dinner together tonight. Consider it a farewell dinner for you all."

His voice was calm, but the word "farewell" made the atmosphere in the room freeze slightly.

The smile on Chase's face stiffened a bit. He asked somewhat unnaturally, "Farewell? Marc, aren't you coming back home with us?"

Marc pushed up his glasses, concealing the complex emotions in his eyes. His tone carried a hint of helplessness and determination. "Things here at home—although we've cleared out most of the traitors, the follow-up stabilization and power transition still need time. My father's health also needs recovery. I have to stay. As for when I can return to Novaria..."

He paused, his voice dropping a few notes, "That's still unknown."

This news was like a stone thrown into Chase's heart.

Though he had anticipated it, hearing it directly still filled him with an indescribable sense of loss and pain.

The days of fighting side by side at the esports club, studying tactics together until late at night, and the life-and-death experiences they'd shared during this Avalonia trip—was all of this really going to come to a temporary end?

Chase looked at Marc's slightly weary but determined profile, knowing this was his responsibility, something he couldn't escape.

He tried hard to suppress the bitterness in his heart, forced out a smile, and used his uninjured left hand to heavily pat Marc's shoulder. He tried to maintain his usual cheerfulness in his tone: "It's fine! You handle your business first! Family matters are important! I'll keep the AW team vice-captain position for you! Whenever you're done dealing with everything, come back anytime! We'll win championships together again!"

Chase's words carried the characteristic loyalty and certainty of youth, as if making a promise was enough to guarantee it would come true.

Marc looked at him—at his forced smile that couldn't hide his disappointment. His heart warmed, mixed with threads of guilt and reluctance. In the end, he just nodded solemnly: "Okay."

Evening, as the lights began to glow.

Marc had reserved a restaurant on the top floor—elegant and private, with huge floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the brilliant night view of Avalonia's capital.

The four of them took their seats as exquisite dishes and red wine were served one after another.

Compared to their usual lively gatherings, tonight's atmosphere seemed somewhat quiet and subtle.

The approaching separation hung like a thin veil over everyone's hearts, especially between Chase and Marc.

After several rounds of drinks, Marc picked up his wine glass and stood up.

His gaze swept over Victoria and Alexander before finally settling deeply on Chase, who sat beside him. His eyes were full of sincere gratitude.

"Victoria, Mr. Garcia, Chase."

Marc's voice was particularly clear and solemn in the quiet private room. "This drink is for you all."

"This trip to Avalonia took an unexpected turn. If it weren't for you—especially you, Victoria, for keenly noticing something wrong with the assassin and waiter and acting decisively to save us; if it weren't for Chase taking that bullet for me; if it weren't for Mr. Garcia and Victoria's strong support, lending me people, helping me stabilize the situation, and bringing in experts to treat my father..."

Marc paused, his voice carrying a barely perceptible catch, but he quickly suppressed it, his tone becoming even more resolute: "I'm afraid my father would have already met with foul play, and I might not have escaped unscathed from Nash's relentless pressure. It was you who saved my father's life and saved me too. This debt of gratitude—I, Marc, will remember it in my heart and never forget it!"

With that, Marc tilted his head back and drained the amber liquid in his glass in one gulp.

The motion was decisive, carrying his characteristic resolve and loyalty.

Victoria looked at him, raised her glass slightly in acknowledgment, and took a sip.

She didn't need Marc's repayment, but she accepted this recognition and friendship.

Alexander also raised his glass, his expression calm: "It was nothing, don't worry about it."

Chase seemed a bit excited. He wanted to drink it all in one gulp too, but was stopped by Alexander's look. He could only pick up his juice and say loudly, "Marc! You're being too formal saying all this! We're friends! When a friend's in trouble, isn't it natural to help with all your heart? You focus on handling things at home, we'll wait for you in Novaria!"

He looked at Marc, his eyes bright and determined. That word "friends" was spoken with absolute conviction.

Marc looked at Chase—at his arm in the sling, at the pure trust and support in his eyes. His chest filled with a burning emotion.

He nodded heavily. A thousand words ultimately transformed into just one determined look.

Outside the window was a foreign land's brilliant starry sky; inside was the gathering of friends about to part.

This farewell dinner didn't have much laughter, but it was full of unspoken friendship, gratitude, and promises for the future. Tomorrow's flight would take Victoria, Alexander, and Chase away, while Marc would remain in Avalonia to continue facing his responsibilities and storms.

But some bonds don't fade with distance—instead, they become deeper through the tempering of time.

The next morning, Avalonia's sky was crystal clear, sunlight filtering through thin clouds, carrying a hint of parting's chill.

Marc arrived early at the hotel where Victoria and the others were staying.

He had changed out of his formal wear into simple dark casual clothes, yet still couldn't hide the maturity beyond his years in his features, along with a barely perceptible loneliness.

Marc didn't say much, just silently helped load the modest luggage into the car, then personally drove, smoothly taking Victoria, Alexander, and Chase toward the airport.

The atmosphere in the car was somewhat quiet.

Chase sat in the passenger seat, watching the foreign streets rapidly receding outside the window. His lips moved as if wanting to say something to lighten the mood, but ultimately it just turned into an almost inaudible sigh.

He stealthily glanced sideways at Marc, who was focused on driving, looking at his smooth profile and tightly pressed lips. His heart felt blocked by something, uncomfortably stuffy.

Victoria and Alexander sat in the back seat, taking in the silent, heavy atmosphere of parting between the two in front.

Alexander held Victoria's hand, his fingertips gently caressing the back of her hand. His gaze occasionally caught the complex, indecipherable look that flashed behind Marc's glasses when he looked at Chase.

The car finally stopped in front of the private jet terminal.

Marc got out first and opened the door for them.

"We'll say goodbye here." Alexander patted Marc's shoulder. "Be careful with things at home. Contact us anytime if you need anything."

Marc nodded: "I will. Thank you again for everything, Mr. Garcia."

Victoria also nodded slightly at him: "Take care."