Chapter 2270

Of course, Robert wasn’t about to admit it.

“What are you talking about? What money? Why don’t I know anything about this?”

Wren looked confused as well. He turned to Nathaniel and Cecilia.

“Nathaniel, what are you talking about?”

Nathaniel raised a brow slightly. “It’s nothing serious. Yesterday, Miranda came to see Ceci privately about the ancestral graveyard land. She asked us to return the money to you.”

“What? That happened?” Robert put on a look of surprise. “How come I don’t know anything about it? There must be some misunderstanding.”

“Yeah, that’s what I thought too, so I didn’t agree,” Nathaniel said smoothly, playing along. “Besides, Uncle, you taught us yourself that even between brothers, accounts should be clear. Since the contract’s already signed, there’s no way we can return the money. Otherwise, what kind of deal would that be?”

His tone was calm, almost casual—but it made things even harder to sit through.

What could Robert possibly say?

Those were his own words, after all.

“You’re right,” Robert said stiffly. “That foolish girl Miranda must’ve gone to you because I’m in the hospital and she was worried about me. When I get back, I’ll make sure to set her straight.”

“If that’s the case, there’s no need,” Nathaniel replied. “We’re family—no need to make things sound so formal. She was just concerned about your health. We won’t hold it against her.”

At that moment, Robert wanted nothing more than for them to leave.

But he didn’t dare show it.

After all, he might still need their help someday.

“Right… right, you’re absolutely right…”

He forced the words out.

Nathaniel and the others stayed a little longer, exchanged a few more polite remarks, and then finally left.

Once they were outside, Wren let out a long sigh.

“Nathaniel, you and Cecilia were saying all that just now for his benefit, weren’t you?”

He had seen through it—he simply hadn’t stopped them.

He knew why.

This whole situation had started because of his own mistake.

He shouldn’t have trusted Robert or let his son buy that land from Mr. Chandler at such a high price.

In the end, he had walked straight into Robert’s trap.

Fortunately, Nathaniel had been prepared and hadn’t gone any further.

Otherwise, Wren wouldn’t have escaped the fallout.

“Dad, how come you didn’t speak up for Uncle this time?” Nathaniel asked instead of answering.

Wren coughed lightly, then spoke in the tone of a family elder.

“Well… this time, your uncle was in the wrong. It’s only right he learns a lesson.”

Hearing that, Nathaniel’s expression softened slightly.

“Dad, the truth is, as long as Uncle focuses on his own business and we stay out of each other’s way, the two families can still get along.”

“But if he keeps stirring up trouble for no reason, that’s not going to work.”

Nathaniel opened the car door and let Wren get in first.

As Wren settled into the seat, he turned back to Nathaniel.

“From now on, I won’t interfere too much in his affairs. Handle things however you see fit. But remember one thing—he’s your uncle. No matter what happens, leave him a way out.”

Nathaniel nodded.

He stood there, watching his father’s car drive off.

Even after it disappeared, something heavy lingered in his chest.

Wren had no idea—if Nathaniel had truly decided to act against Robert, Robert wouldn’t still be out here causing trouble.

If Robert weren’t his uncle, and Adrian weren’t his cousin, they would’ve disappeared long ago.

Cecilia looked at him, noticing how he stood there in silence, staring into the distance.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

“Nothing,” Nathaniel said gently. “Let’s head back and get some real rest.”

Cecilia nodded. “Okay.”

She needed it too.

Otherwise, she’d be nodding off at work again the next day.