Chapter 25: Tables Turned
Bright sat on the left couch, his whole body screaming awkwardness.
The living room was ridiculously extravagant.
Velvet couches, golden accents, and a chandelier that probably cost more than everything he owned in his entire life.
Emily sat across from him on the right couch, eyes fixed on the floor—her usual confidence completely missing.
What happened to the bossy lady who always gave him hell?
In the middle of the room, Mr. Carter lounged on the four-seater couch, arms draped lazily on the backrest.
The man looked completely unbothered.
On his left, Elijah sat upright, practically vibrating with excitement.
On his right, Mrs. Carter sat stiff as a board—her sharp eyes fixed on Bright like a hawk sizing up its prey.
"So, Mr. Brooks…"
Her voice was smooth—almost polite.
But Bright could feel the venom hidden underneath.
"On what occasion do you grace us with your presence?"
A sharp glance toward Emily silenced her before she could speak.
Bright's brain scrambled for an answer.
He knew this woman already hated his guts.
Then—
Eureka.
Bright leaned back casually, forcing a grin onto his face.
"Sorry, ma'am. I don't know what you mean."
He glanced at Emily.
"Clearly… my boss called me over."
Mrs. Carter's face twitched.
If looks could kill, Bright would have been a pile of ashes by now.
Emily's head snapped toward him, eyes wide in disbelief.
You idiot, don't drag me into this!
Elijah snorted, barely holding back laughter.
Mrs. Carter's lips curled into something that might have been a smile—if you ignored the fact that she looked ready to stab Bright with a butter knife.
"Mother," Emily cut in quickly, trying to regain control.
"Bright is my driver. When you called, I was in a rush and didn't both—"
"Silence."
Emily clamped her mouth shut.
Mrs. Carter's gaze locked onto Bright like a laser sight.
"Do you think I'm an idiot, Mr. Brooks?"
Bright's smirk wavered.
Okay… so she definitely saw the kiss.
He opened his mouth, but before he could answer, Elijah piped up.
"Mother, not only is Mr. Brooks suspicious, but he also seems very close to sister Emily."
Bright's heart sank.
You little traitor.
Emily's head snapped toward her brother.
"You—"
Bright cut in quickly, leaning forward.
"Is it not normal for my boss to ask for emotional support in times like this?"
Mrs. Carter's eyes narrowed dangerously.
"And besides…" Bright's smirk returned.
"If Emily likes me, do you have a problem with that?"
The whole room froze.
Emily's jaw dropped.
Elijah's eyes practically popped out of his skull.
Mrs. Carter looked like she was about to explode.
Bright pressed on.
"Also… aren't you going to ask me why I kissed her?"
Emily's head whipped toward him, face turning bright red.
"You idiot, what are you doing—"
Mr. Carter let out a low chuckle.
Everyone turned toward him in shock.
Even Mrs. Carter's mouth clamped shut.
Bright took the chance to shift the conversation.
He locked eyes with Mr. Carter.
"How much do you know about the portals?"
Mrs. Carter's head snapped toward her husband, but Mr. Carter's calm gaze never wavered.
"What do you want to say?" he asked evenly.
Bright leaned forward.
"It's been five days since the portals appeared. You seem like an influential man… don't you know what's happening behind the scenes?"
Mrs. Carter's eyes narrowed, but her husband remained silent.
Bright could feel it—
The man knew something.
"Mr. Carter…" Bright's voice lowered.
"When the military teams went in… they came back, didn't they?"
Mr. Carter's fingers twitched—just a little.
Bullseye.
Mrs. Carter's sharp gaze flicked between them.
"What are you talking about?"
Bright ignored her, eyes locked on Mr. Carter.
"You know about the monsters. The powers. The system interface."
Mr. Carter's calm mask flickered—just for a second.
Bright's heart pounded.
Got you.
"And how exactly do you know about that?" Mr. Carter asked quietly.
Bright leaned back, crossing his arms.
"Because I went inside one of the portals."
Another silence.
Elijah's mouth hung open.
Mrs. Carter blinked, clearly not believing him.
Emily just stared at him, lips slightly parted.
"I killed the boss."
Mr. Carter's posture straightened slightly.
"And?"
Bright's eyes narrowed.
He really knows.
"Seems you haven't heard everything," Bright said slowly.
"Either they're keeping the information buried… or I was the first one to clear a dungeon. Globally."
A pin drop.
No, seriously—
There was literally a pin drop sound from somewhere in the house.
Everyone turned toward the noise.
Bright blinked.
"…Okay, the writer definitely did that intentionally."
Elijah burst out laughing.
Mrs. Carter looked like she was about to faint.
Emily buried her face in her hands.
Mr. Carter's neutral expression finally cracked into the slightest smile.
"Alright, Mr. Brooks."
He leaned forward, eyes glinting.
"You have my attention."