Chapter 705: Magnificent and Splendid

Steven was a bit taken aback by the Nelson family's invitation.

He didn't really know the Nelsons that well. He'd only been to the Nelson Manor once before, and that was because Miles had invited him.

Now that Miles had died in battle, Steven figured Gerald would be too devastated to think about anything else.

Who would've thought Gerald would invite him over for lunch?

After some thought, Steven realized Gerald's invitation probably had something to do with Miles' death.

The Nelson family was a big deal in the Silvercrest District, and an invite from the head of the family wasn't something Steven could just brush off.

He looked at the two bodyguards and smiled. "Mind if I bring a couple of friends?"

The bodyguards glanced at Cindy and Lily and nodded.

"Sure, no problem."

Their job was just to bring Steven over. Whether he brought others along wouldn't change the conversation ahead.

"Alright, thanks."

The two bodyguards bowed and stepped aside. "This way, please!"

Steven and his friends followed them to a car, which drove along familiar roads toward the Nelson Manor.

The black limo was spacious in the back, not only warm and luxurious but also stocked with a fridge full of drinks.

Steven glanced at the driver and bodyguards in the front and quietly took out his satellite phone.

He gave Lily and Cindy a look, and they immediately got the message.

They'd communicate through text.

Steven: "The Nelson family invited me for lunch. What do you think? Are they being friendly, or is there something else going on?"

Lily frowned, thinking for a while before saying, "I can't really tell."

Fluffy, the cat on Steven's lap, curiously jumped onto his shoulder. Although it couldn't read, it seemed eager to be part of the conversation.

Cindy smiled and quickly typed on her phone.

"Recruitment."

Steven glanced at Cindy and continued typing. "What makes you say that?"

Cindy's lips curled into a mysterious smile.

"Based on the current intel, Blizzard City doesn't have many top-tier fighters. The known ones are the six investigation team captains, Combat Department Head Clark, and Ian's bodyguard Asher."

"Given Blizzard City's management style, it's unlikely there are hidden strong fighters. Even if there are, they wouldn't be many."

"The Nelson family heavily relied on Miles, a top-tier fighter, to maintain their status."

"But now, with Miles gone, it will severely impact the Nelson family."

"Plus, Otha's death earlier has already disrupted the balance in Blizzard City. A new power structure might be emerging."

"The Nelson family inviting you over can't be to target you. That would be pointless for them."

"The only possibility is that they want to recruit you to their side."

Cindy's analysis made a lot of sense, and Steven felt a bit more at ease.

In the future, top-tier fighters would determine the strength of a faction.

Ordinary soldiers and even firearms were gradually losing their dominance on the battlefield.

If that weren't the case, how could the Eroding Moon's thirteen members be so arrogant in the Silvercrest District?

"So, they want to recruit me?"

Steven frowned.

He typed, "But I don't want to get involved in Blizzard City's power struggles."

He was never one to crave power.

If he had wanted to, he could have sought credit from Ian after dealing with Natasha.

Cindy thought for a moment and said, "You can feel them out first. But it's clear the Nelson family isn't looking for a fight right now. Even if you want to turn them down, leave them with a bit of hope."

Steven nodded, understanding.

He knew how these social games worked.

But thinking about it, it was kind of funny. Even in a post-apocalyptic world, where social structures still existed, these things still mattered.

After more than half an hour, the car arrived at the Nelson Manor.

It was still a familiar place, but Steven felt a sense of desolation and tension.

Even the expressions of the Nelson family's guards seemed more severe.

The defeat of the Heavenly Team and Miles' death had cast a heavy shadow over the family.

This mood had lingered and was hard to shake off.

Upon arriving at the Nelson Manor, they were greeted by a well-dressed, elegant man.

He looked to be around forty, with handsome features and a gentlemanly demeanor.

This was Nash, the Nelson family's butler.

"Mr. Rogers, ladies, welcome to the Nelson Manor! Our master has prepared a sumptuous lunch and invites you to join."

Fluffy, held in Cindy's arms, let out a dissatisfied meow, seemingly unhappy that Nash had ignored it.

Nash was surprised and quickly smiled. "My apologies for the oversight. I'll have some cat food prepared right away!"

Fluffy, satisfied, closed its eyes and continued to curl up in Cindy's arms.

It spent most of the day sleeping, too lazy to do anything else.

Steven and his friends followed Nash.

It was Steven's first time visiting Gerald's residence.

Entering the living room, they saw dozens of beautiful women in cheongsams standing on either side, respectfully greeting them.

"Welcome, Mr. Rogers, Ms. Yoder, and Ms. Evans!"

The room was lavishly decorated, seemingly endless, and the space was unimaginable.

Combined with the presence of these beautiful women, Steven felt Gerald's sincerity.

Cindy, however, frowned slightly, not liking the Nelson family's way of welcoming guests.

Nash walked beside Steven, smiling. "Mr. Rogers, do you find this environment satisfactory?"

Steven thought to himself: I'm more than satisfied!

But in front of Cindy and Lily, he had to suppress his smile and nodded coolly.

"Not bad."

Nash was a bit surprised by Steven's composure, thinking: As expected of someone Gerald values, such strong self-control! I underestimated him because he was just a warehouse manager. That was my mistake.

Soon, they passed through a luxurious corridor and arrived at the dining area.

The dining room was decorated in red, very lively, even a bit festive.

This struck Steven as odd.

Miles' body wasn't even cold yet, and they were making such a fuss. Was it really appropriate?

But perhaps the old man liked lively scenes. It was understandable.

After the Ice Age began, many people started to favor the fiery color red.

Seeing it brought a psychological warmth.

Gerald, dressed in red, sat smiling at the large round table.

Nash announced, "Mr. Nelson, Mr. Rogers and his companions have arrived!"

Steven walked over and politely said, "Mr. Nelson, hello! Sorry to intrude."

Cindy and Lily also greeted, "Hello, Mr. Nelson."