The Mafia Heiress's Comeback: She's More Than You Think novel Chapter 205

Chapter 205 Popularity

Taking a gentle sip from her cup, Maren nodded. “We can’t confirm if Father has left Echucan, but he’s not in the Kalman Jungle anymore.”

“That’s reassuring. Knowing Nikolas is safe is a relief.” Stormclaw exhaled, releasing tension he’d carried for

days.

Even though Nikolas was still out of reach, as long as he remained alive, their paths would inevitably cross again.

“Keep monitoring any developments on him closely.”

There weren’t any clear leads yet, so Maren had to hold off and wait for new information before making her

move.

“Got it. One more thing. Voutsas feels completely different from Baimsa. I haven’t come across any gangs operating here,” Stormclaw said, massaging his temple.

The city was undeniably under tight control. Influential families with deep historical roots wielded significant power, no less formidable than those back in Baimsa. Initially, he had hoped to rely on their usual tactics, leveraging underground contacts for security and alliances.

Fairness wasn’t something the law could promise to everyone. Without power, trouble had a way of finding you sooner or later.

But despite exhaustive searches, he hadn’t uncovered a single trace of underground activity.

“After digging deeper, I discovered something interesting. There used to be gangs here, but an influential local family–the Marshalls–wiped them all out decades ago. They hold considerable sway politically and militarily. I’ve been debating whether we should introduce ourselves, but given our background, I’ve hesitated to take any direct steps. Any thoughts, Maren?” Stormclaw looked at her for direction.

Historically, the Marshall family had always maintained hostility toward people from their side of the law. Any misstep could provoke unnecessary conflict.

“Yes. Since we’re in their place, we should visit them,” Maren responded thoughtfully after a short pause.

She mulled it over carefully. Given how long she’d have to stay in Voutsas because of the military academy events and Isla’s new school arrangements, forming an alliance with local powers would certainly smooth things over.

“No need to rush into anything. Keep a close eye on the Marshalls for now. I’ll step in when the time’s right,” she added.

“In fact, I’ve learned today’s actually the birthday of Lucien Marshall. He’s hosting a grand celebration at the Harborstone Hotel.”

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Ever since they’d arrived, Stormclaw had made monitoring the Marshalls his top priority.

Maren raised an eyebrow. Harborstone Hotel? Interesting coincidence.

“Conveniently enough, there’s a social event planned for the military academies at that same hotel. This seems like the perfect opportunity to greet the Marshall family’s heir,” Maren remarked with quiet confidence, placing

her empty cup down.

“Is that really the smart move?” asked Stormclaw, curiosity flickering in his eyes. She didn’t seem the least bit

shaken by the risks.

Given their standing, approaching the Marshalls openly was risky–hostility was almost guaranteed.

Frankly, they’d be lucky if the Marshalls didn’t see their approach as a provocation, let alone offer assistance.

“I’m fairly certain,” Maren replied vaguely, though internally she was already formulating a strategy.

Lucien Marshall?

Come to think of it, Maren realized she’d already encountered him recently.

As evening descended, Maren, Stormclaw, and Isla arrived punctually at the grand entrance of the Harborstone

Hotel.

Rows of gleaming luxury vehicles crowded the curbside.

Pulling up in that cab made them hard to miss, especially with Maren’s striking looks.

“Remember to buy a car,” Maren said to Stormclaw, catching the curious stares. Confidence or not, the attention felt suffocating.

“Yeah, sorry. That’s entirely my fault.”

Stormclaw had never been comfortable behind, the wheel, and since Daniel had personally driven them to

Voutsas, buying a car had slipped his mind completely.

They entered the hotel just moments before an extravagant sports car smoothly pulled up outside.

A fashionably dressed man in a bright pink suit stepped out of the car.

Peering over his sunglasses, Lucien traced Maren’s graceful figure entering the hotel lobby, his lips curling into a leisurely smile.

“What an absolute beauty,” he murmured appreciatively under his breath.

“Will you ever stop behaving like an immature playboy?” A tall, sharp–featured young man stepped out after

Lucien, standing straight beside the car, clearly annoyed by his brother’s obsession with women.

“Ernest, relax a little. You’ve spent way too long in uniform. Maybe someday I’ll show you-”

“Enough, Lucien,” Ernest said sternly, visibly displeased. “Listen carefully–Grandfather’s health is declining. Continue acting irresponsibly, and control of the Marshall family will slip right through your fingers. Mark my

words.”

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Lucien merely shrugged, unfazed. “Honestly? Let them take it if they want. We’re all family; fighting over power

isn’t worth the trouble.”

“You’re hopeless,” Ernest said in disgust.

He opened his mouth to continue scolding, but Lucien had already ambled to the hotel’s entrance.

“All that Grandpa and Dad hoped for–gone to waste. He’s just a spoiled waste of space,” Ernest muttered, barely loud enough to hear.

He then entered the hotel.

Upstairs, Maren, Isla, and Stormclaw stepped into the lavish seventh–floor banquet hall, already buzzing with

excitement.

The gathering perfectly matched expectations for an elite event jointly sponsored by the top five military academies.

Despite this, the heavy presence of high–ranking military officials lent the atmosphere a stiff formality.

Even the background music felt overly, patriotic, oddly ill–suited for mingling and relaxation.

“Here she is our champion!”

Maren’s arrival sparked immediate applause and cheers, catching her slightly off–guard.

After witnessing her stunning performance earlier, students from rival academies crowded eagerly around her.

“Hey Maren, Claude Perkins here, from Silverbrook Military Academy-huge admirer.”

“Maren! Ayden Acosta from Westbridge, pleased to meet you.”

“I’m Brady Brown, representing Ironpeak Military Academy.

“Wait! Let me introduce myself too…”

12. 12.

Suddenly surrounded, Maren found herself momentarily overwhelmed by the surge of enthusiastic introductions.