Chapter 501 Sweet Guidance

Chapter 501 Sweet Guidance

"It ain't for that reason," Parker chuckled softly. "I've met Atticus before, and the guy I saw back then ain't the same as the one standing in front of me now. And hey, I distinctly remember Atticus wielding a dagger, so why's today's Atticus swinging a sword like a pro?"

He paused, aiming to sow doubt in Karena's mind. "I'm starting to think... maybe this ain't the real Atticus."

The drowsiness in Karena's eyes faded a bit, replaced by a touch of alertness. "Not Atticus? Then who in the world could it be... especially since Dustin publicly vouched for her as Atticus, and my people confirmed it. You know Dustin ain't the type to pull a fast one, especially when it comes to Johnny."

"It's precisely 'cause it involves Johnny that we gotta get to the bottom of this."

Parker's voice hinted as he gazed down at Karena's still captivating face, planting a kiss on her forehead. "Maybe Johnny had someone pose as him?"

"Why would he have someone pretend to be Atticus?"

"Maybe Johnny's up to something shady behind the scenes, or maybe a sneaky rat is infiltrating the house, using Atticus' name for some nefarious deeds?"

Parker subtly guided Karena's thoughts, steering the conversation towards her suspicions of Johnny and the need to stay vigilant against a possible traitor. 

Even if they later found out it was indeed Atticus, Parker wouldn't lose anything.

He was just nudging the situation, not calling the shots.

"Are you suggesting..."

Karena furrowed her brows slightly, sitting up. Her silky robe slid off her shoulders, revealing a graceful collarbone, but neither of their minds was on romance at that moment. Parker's hand lightly rested on Karena's shoulder, his tone still gentle and coaxing.

"I'm just a bit concerned, you know. Even fools like Oliver could turn into rivals for the Carter family's inheritance. If someone's really aiming to harm the Carters or exploiting internal conflicts within our family... You know, things in Kiliath ain't as peaceful as they seem, especially with the recent resurgence of debates between the dovish and hawkish factions in Zotburg."

He paused for a moment. "You're aware that the Carter family is one of the big four in Kiliath, but for some reason, Father willingly handed over control of the auction house due to Johnny's actions... in this scenario, the Carters are already in a vulnerable spot, and if someone's targeting or manipulating them in secret, the family could be in serious trouble."

"Then it won't just be about wealth; even survival could be on the line. I don't want you to face that kind of situation, my dear."

Karena's expression started to show a hint of worry, which pleased Parker, who had been observing her closely.

"What should I do then?" Karena inquired.

Finally hearing the question he'd been waiting for all night, Parker revealed his ultimate goal with satisfaction.

"Why don't you find a way to meet Johnny?"

Parker's fingertips lightly traced Karena's shoulder, his voice a mix of concern and provocation. "He won't turn you away."

But Karena frowned. "Don't forget, I'm currently stuck in the house under Johnny's orders."

"But you could visit him under the guise of a worried mother. Everyone knows Johnny's health isn't the best..."

Parker's words trailed off, but they struck a chord with Karena.

She suddenly looked up. "You're right, Johnny saw a doctor when he was young, who predicted he wouldn't make it past eighteen. But here he is in his twenties. If he falls ill, the heir position..."

"Exactly. You could also look into Atticus's situation, see if the woman behind the Atticus facade today, with her impressive skills, was sent by him. If so, why the need for a new 'Atticus'? If not..."

"It gets more intriguing. We need to uncover who's pretending to be Atticus and what their motives are at The Carter Manor. It's about the safety and... future of the Carter family."

Karena fell silent.

In the moonlight, her gaze shifted, not fully trusting Parker's words, but acknowledging their validity. If there truly was a traitor threatening the Carter family, as a member, she'd be impacted too.

She reached out, gently grasping Parker's wrist. "You're right, Parker. I should go 'check in' on my son."

"Of course, if it's under that guise, even if Johnny objects, the Carter family members will support you."

"Yes, those folks who usually look down on me, but if I approach Johnny, they'll all back me... just because they believe, as a mother, I can help rein in Johnny, so he doesn't run the Carter family without their input."

A steely glint flashed in Karena's eyes. "And I can verify the identity of that 'Atticus.' If there's truly a rat sneaking in, I'll handle it swiftly."

Parker smiled contentedly, pulling Karena back into his embrace. His hands slowly moved down her waist, then along her smooth thighs, but behind Karena's view, a cold smile played on Parker's lips.

The Martinez Estate.

Despite James's reservations, the Martinez family's ball proceeded as planned. Despite the Martinez family's title being reduced to a viscountcy, the ball still drew many upper-class nobles, including the wives of two marquises.

Marquises naturally had marriageable daughters, but whether they were willing to attend the Martinez family's ball and consider marrying into the Martinez family was a different matter. 

So, despite Mia's warm smile, the daughters of the two marquises stayed close to their mothers, showing no interest in engaging with Mia.