He could only maintain the current status through controlling and fighting each other.
Though Ernest could have killed Theodore and his men and taken over as Master of the Turner by force, this wasn’t the best solution and would cause a slew of problems in the future.
Despite the fact that they had no love for each other, Ernest was not the type of person who would murder his own grandfather.
Furthermore, the Turner family was powerful and influential on a global scale, so acting recklessly was not prudent. He might be able to keep the Master position for a short time if he killed Theodore, but he could easily be deposed by others and end up in a worse situation than now.
At the moment, the best solution was to keep each other in check.
After Stanford and his men had left, Ernest turned to Finley and said, “The Master needs rest; take good care of him.”
“Yes,” Finley replied politely.
Take care? Theodore snorted, his face stiffening. Ernest assigned Finley to keep an eye on him in order to delay or prevent his attack on Stanford. And Ernest thought buying them time will help them get out of here safely? In his dreams!
Theodore’s intent to kill was written all over his face as he thought on this.
Ernest ignored him, turned around, and walked away, leaving him behind.
It was time to go. Theodore was aware that he had gone in search of Florence.
He had Florence locked up with the intention of using her as leverage to control Ernest, but she escaped and was still on the run. Florence was his only way of having Ernest under control, and he had lost it.
“Oh, darn it!” Thinking about his failures today, Theodore cursed angrily.
Ernest picked up the pace when he smelled something fishy. When he stepped out of the vault, he immediately thought of Florence and went to look for her in her room, but she had escaped.
His lover was a wise woman; she managed to free herself from Theodore.
Ernest then proceeded to the garden before disappearing down a small alley.
Theodore stood there watching him disappear before he walked away with a scowl on his face.
The bodyguards dispersed as well, leaving only the bloodstains on the floor.
Ernest walked until he arrived in front of the bushes, then he stopped and softly called out, “Come on out.”
A delicate figure rushed out of the bushes and straight into Ernest’s arms.
Florence hugged Ernest tightly, allowing her tears to soak his shirt.
“You’re finally here. I was terrified,” she sobbed.
“I’m sorry for being late,” Ernest said as he embraced her, exhaling a long sigh of relief at knowing and seeing her safe and sound. His empty heart was filled once more.
“It’s okay, I’m here, and you’re safe now; no one will ever hurt you again,” he reassured her as he stroked her hair repeatedly.
Florence wept even harder as a result of his gentleness; she thought she was going to die right then.
She was nearly suffocated as she watched Stanford and the others being surrounded and attacked just now, and she almost lost control and joined them in that bloody fight.
Fortunately, Ernest arrived just in time; he was like a savior, saving Stanford and bringing the situation under control.
Florence was relieved to see Ernest; she could only be at ease in his presence.
“Do you think Timothy has a first aid kit with them?” she asked, sobbing. “Stanford’s injuries, like the rest of them, must be treated right away.”
She was well aware that Theodore would not give up, and that he would strike again in no time.
It would be extremely detrimental if their injuries were not treated and they did not have enough time to rest and recover.
Ernest’s eyes darkened, “There isn’t enough time,” he said worriedly.
He came straight to the garden from the vault when he couldn’t find Florence; everything that happened today surprised him; he had not predicted any of it.
It was merely good luck that he arrived in time to save Stanford.
Florence turned nervous and worried hearing that, “But Stanford is severely injured…”
“Don’t worry, they will have their way in getting treatment when they are safe, you should have faith in Stanford, he is a warrior that knows how to take care of himself.” Ernest paused and continued, “A man will try his hardest to stay alive for the woman he loves, so Stanford will live for Phoebe.”
Florence stared at Ernest, agreeing with his words. She felt much better now.
At this moment, they heard some noises behind. Elder Kevin walked out of the bushes.
Florence turned at once and saw him. “Mr. Hawkins,” he greeted Ernest.
“Thank you,” Ernest said, looking at him, nodding.
“It’s my duty,” Kevin replied while smiling.
Florence looked at them, assuming that Ernest was thanking Kevin for saving and protecting her.
She asked in confusion, “Ernest, how did you know I’m here and came right away?”
Theodore searched this place a few rounds and failed to locate her. Ernest couldn’t have known because Kevin kept her hiding in a very secure and covert location.
Ernest glanced at Kevin and said, “Elder Kevin sent me a message saying that he keeps you hidden here so I can deal with the situation without worries.”
That was why he didn’t keep looking for Florence.
Florence nodded knowingly and looked at Kevin admiringly, ‘He is thorough, he let Ernest deal with Theodore and save Sanford by keeping me safe.’
“Thank you, Elder Kevin ,” Florence showed her gratitude genuinely.
Kevin was the main reason for their victory today; he kept Florence from being captured by Theodore, causing him to lose leverage over Ernest. Things would have been much more difficult if he hadn’t stepped in.
Kevin replied immediately, “You are most welcome, Ms. Fraser, it is my duty to protect the future Mrs. Hawkins.”
He paused and looked worriedly at both Florence and Ernest, “You’ve offended the Master and shown your stance against him, you’ll be facing a tough situation from now on. What is your plan?”