Chapter 687 - 686

687 Chapter 686

After exchanging a look, James couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

As “Keera’s” older cousin, it was his responsibility to stand up for her!

Sure, her actions might’ve been a bit over the top, but she had her reasons. Besides, “Keera” was the only girl in the family—how could he just stand by and do nothing?

James made up his mind then and there. Even if it meant risking getting an earful from Uncle Olsen, he’d protect his cousin today!

He stepped forward and stood in front of Uncle Olsen, squaring his shoulders. “Uncle, if you’ve got something to say, take it out on me!”

Charles quickly added, “Yeah, count me in!”

But right after they spoke, Uncle Olsen said to “Keera,” “You want me to publicly announce that we’ve cut ties? Let me tell you, I’m giving you four days. Four days from now, no matter what’s happening on your end, I’ll make sure you’re back home, and I’ll do it in style!”

James and Charles blinked in confusion. What?

James turned to look at “Keera,” still puzzled.

She gave a resigned shrug. “Okay, Dad. I understand.”

James’s mind raced. Wait. “Keera” asked Uncle Olsen to kick her out of the house?

His mouth twitched as he looked back at Uncle Olsen, unable to resist asking, “Uncle, aren’t you known for being super patriotic?”

Uncle Olsen’s reputation in Clance was built on the respect everyone had for his principles. Being the leader of the five major families, the Olsen Group was always the first to answer national calls, never hesitating to contribute whenever they could.

The Olsen Group’s strong sense of patriotism made them widely loved by the public. If this scandal had involved any other family, their business would’ve collapsed by now.

The Olsen Group held strong through this crisis largely thanks to Uncle Olsen’s leadership, which was why he was held in such high regard in the business world.

Uncle Olsen glanced at James and asked, “Is there a problem?”

“No, no problem at all. I was just curious—what exactly did Keera do that made you decide to punish her?” James asked cautiously.

Uncle Olsen gave him a sidelong look and scoffed. “Punish her? She didn’t commit murder or arson, so why would I punish her?”

James nearly choked. “Seriously? For the rest of us, the slightest mistake gets us lectured or punished, but for Keera, she practically has to break the law before there’s any talk of consequences?”

The favoritism was unbelievable!

Of course, James didn’t dare say that out loud. He just let out a deep sigh of relief, glad that Uncle wasn’t truly at odds with “Keera.”

After all, she was the only girl in the family!

With that settled, Uncle Olsen handed Keira a bank card. “There’s a few million in here. Use it as you need. If you’re staying at someone else’s place, don’t rely on their money.”

He said it as casually as if he were giving her pocket change.

James was speechless.

Keira took the card and was about to say something, but Uncle Olsen waved her off, held up four fingers, and got into his car before driving away.

She could only tuck the card into her pocket, her lips twitching.

James leaned in. “If you don’t want it, you could always pass it to me.”

Keira immediately pocketed the card more securely.

Charles gave James a disapproving look. “Really, James? You’re asking your cousin for money? Have some shame!”

James was quick to defend himself. “I wasn’t serious. I was just saying.”

As they were talking, another car suddenly pulled up. James immediately straightened up. “The Sect Leader is here!”

It was rare for the Sect Leader to leave his place. If he was here, was it also because of “Keera”?

James couldn’t help but glance over at “Keera.”

The car stopped in front of them, and the window rolled down to reveal the Sect Leader’s face. He didn’t even bother getting out, looking thoroughly displeased.

Seeing his expression, James thought this time, the Sect Leader was definitely here to reprimand “Keera.” After all, the backlash online had been intense, and the Sect Leader was even more patriotic than Uncle Olsen!

But then, to everyone’s surprise, the Sect Leader snapped, “I have no idea what you’re playing at, but I’m telling you, four days! You’ve got four days, and then you better be back at the sect! Or else I’ll… I’ll…”

He trailed off, clearly struggling to come up with a threat. Seeing Keira’s indifferent expression, he finally spat out, “I’ll cry if you don’t!”

Keira looked exasperated.

James felt even more at a loss.

“Seriously, Sect Leader, where’s your patriotic duty?”

The Freeman Sect’s first rule was literally, “Never betray your country!”

Just as that thought crossed his mind, the Sect Leader turned to him. “What are you standing around for? Listen up—take Keera as an example of what not to do. Don’t engage in anything that could harm the country, and don’t make any statements that damage our national dignity. Understood?”

James was dumbfounded. “Am I and Keera really under the same Sect Leader?”

He was deep in doubt.

After the Sect Leader left, James turned to “Keera,” his lips twitching. “Sis, I’m starting to think we don’t even live in the same world.”

Keira patted his shoulder. “Don’t doubt yourself. You’re on the right track.”

James sighed, then spoke seriously. “But you really did mess up this time. I think you should apologize to the public…”