The Queen Who Fights Back (by Lily Hastings) novel Chapter 68

Chapter 68

Charles’ voice was heavy with unmistakable concern, his words tinged with a mix of admiration and unease. “That young prodigy is pushing hard to break into the top 2090 on the mercenary leaderboard,” he said, the weight of the statement hanging in the air.

“If he manages to succeed,” Charles continued, “his international reputation will skyrocket, and the main family’s hold over the domestic security industry will become absolutely unshakable.”

There was a hint of regret beneath his tone, as if he admired the youth’s talent but also felt a pang of personal inadequacy. Charles silently thought to himself, *I lack the martial prowess needed. Maybe my children will never reach such heights.*

Hannah, however, was resolute. “We have no regrets,” she declared firmly, her voice steady and unwavering. “Not only that, Max, Nova, and I will prove to you—and to everyone—that the main family shouldn’t underestimate us. We’re far from weak.”

Her voice softened as she sought to reassure Charles. “Dad, you’re far from useless. You excel in other areas. Honestly, without your business acumen, how would we have managed to live so comfortably here in Ravenport?”

Hannah’s fiery temper was usually directed outward, toward the world, but around her family, even her restless spirit seemed to calm. Though she still didn’t address Nova with the same warmth as Maxwell, Charles, or Fiona, she had at least begun to accept her quietly as part of the family.

Nova noticed this subtle change in Hannah’s demeanor and listened attentively, intrigued by the dynamics unfolding. She thought to herself, *The main family’s strongest genius ranks 2099th on the mercenary leaderboard? That’s a ‘terrifying’ position indeed.*

Meanwhile, Ghost-Hammer had been in a state of quiet shock ever since arriving in this peaceful country. Internally, he was screaming in disbelief. *Rank 2099? Terrifying? Am I dreaming? By our standards, that’s practically useless. And yet, they’re proud of it?*

Despite his confusion, the ever-considerate Ghost-Hammer kept his silence, careful not to cause any trouble for Nova.

Maxwell gave Nova’s shoulder a reassuring pat as he spoke to Charles, “Dad, just leave it to the three of us.”

Fiona rolled over to Charles, gently tugging at his sleeve. “The kids have grown up and have their own ideas now. Since they’ve made their decision, let them go. After all these years, it’s time for them to meet the main family.”

Her words brought a deep comfort to Charles. He finally made up his mind. “Alright. I’ll take you all back to the main family. You may not match them in martial arts, but you’re certainly not weak.”

Nova caught sight of Fiona smiling warmly and beckoning them forward. “See? Your father agreed. Hurry upstairs and pack your things. It’s a long journey from Ravenport to Fergus, and you’ll need to dress properly to meet the main family tomorrow. We’re leaving tonight.”

Without hesitation, Maxwell and Hannah dashed upstairs to gather toiletries and some decent clothes. Only Nova remained seated, quiet and still.

“Nova, aren’t you going to pack?” Fiona asked softly.

“Mom, aren’t you coming with us?” Nova asked pointedly.

Fiona paused, the question catching her off guard. Since becoming paralyzed, she had withdrawn from all high-society events—balls, ladies’ gatherings, family functions. Year after year, she had grown accustomed to staying home alone.

“I’ll pack some food for the road so you won’t go hungry,” Fiona replied, avoiding the question as she turned her wheelchair toward the kitchen. Her eyes flickered with uncertainty and vulnerability.

But then, Nova’s calm yet resolute voice sounded behind her. “Mom, I’ll heal your legs. I haven’t forgotten. Trust me. You’ll walk out of this villa with pride.”

Fiona’s hands stilled as if a gentle warmth had touched her heart. It was her daughter’s care—pure, genuine, and unwavering.

Her nose tingled with emotion, and she fought back tears. “I believe you,” she whispered.

“As for the food,” Nova added, slapping Ghost-Hammer’s shoulder with a playful grin, ignoring Fiona’s slight discomfort, “leave it to Gust. He’s a five-star chef.”

Nova chuckled inwardly. *A five-star field chef on the battlefield, that is. Self-proclaimed, of course!*

Five minutes later, Ghost-Hammer was tied into an apron, patiently preparing fragrant dishes and even thoughtfully slicing fruit for dessert. Everyone received their own lunchbox, packed with care.

Half an hour later, Nova, Maxwell, Hannah, Ghost-Hammer, and Charles were seated inside a sleek BMW X5 SUV, heading toward Fergus.

The highway stretching between Ravenport and Fergus covered roughly 217 miles.

As Nova approached the imposing gate, her eyes suddenly sharpened.

Emerging from inside was a large group of people. At the center stood a vigorous white-haired old man. Though he was eighty years old, there was no sign of frailty in his posture or expression. He was clearly the leader, the head of the main family.

The moment Charles saw the old man, his body trembled slightly as he called out, “Dad?”

The old man was Alfred Blake—the current president of Blake Security Group, head of the main family, and Charles’ father.

Alfred was also Nova’s grandfather—the very man who had expelled her father from the family years ago.

Nova’s gaze turned icy, her emotions tightening like a steel trap.

Behind Alfred stood other family members—Charles’ closest relatives.

“You’re here. Come inside first,” Alfred said, his eyes scanning Nova, Maxwell, and Hannah one by one. Relief flickered across his face before he turned to lead the way.

But those standing beside Alfred weren’t about to let Charles and his children enter without resistance.

A middle-aged man in a sharp suit stood on the steps, arms crossed, his gaze cold and dismissive as he looked down at Nova and the others.

“As your older brother, I should welcome you home,” he said with a mocking tone, dragging out the words. His eyes locked pointedly on Nova. “But…”

He sneered, “Let’s be honest. We’ve looked into your children’s background. You only have two kids. So where did this extra one come from?”

“Don’t feed us some story about a long-lost child finally found. We all know the truth. Useless trash like her has no right to enter our family. Why did you bring her here?”