The Billionaire Twins Need A New Mommy!-Chapter 782: Last Meeting Agenda

"Shall we begin our last council meeting?"

Silence settled over the room so thickly that everyone could almost hear each other’s breathing. Except for the Cardinal and Iris, grim expressions marked every face at the table.

"For fuck’s sake..." Draken suddenly reached up to his head. "That boy didn’t have to..."

As he pushed himself upright, the cuffs around his ankle rattled. He squinted at the sound and realized one of his feet was shackled to the floor. A metal fixture had been bolted there, as if designed for this exact purpose.

"What the—" he shifted, only to freeze as awareness returned.

His hazy gaze landed on Marceline, slumped unconscious over the table.

"Mars—" He stopped when Atlas entered his peripheral vision. The moment Atlas’s face came into focus, Draken’s expression twisted. "This son of a bitch... I knew you were bad news the second I saw you."

Draken lunged forward, about to slam Atlas’s skull against the table, when a voice echoed.

"Mr. Draken." An elderly voice cut through the air. "Please, calm yourself."

He halted mid-motion and turned his head. The two council chairpersons were present, but bound. Iris Bellemonte, on the other hand, looked at him with a subtle smile.

When his gaze finally settled on the Cardinal, Draken leaned back and let out a sharp, disbelieving laugh.

"Haha... Hahhaha! Don’t tell me..."

"It is exactly what you think it is," the elderly male chairperson said quietly, head lowered in resignation.

"Cardinal," the elderly woman addressed him, turning her gaze to the man at the head of the table. "I will no longer ask what is happening. However, I will tell you this—this is not what the Church would want. This is not something the Pope would want, not even the heavens."

The Cardinal chuckled softly, studying her. "And what makes you so certain of that when... you have already relinquished your place within the Church to serve as mediators of the Secret Society?"

"Hahaha!" Draken laughed again, slumping deeper into his seat as though trying to process the absurdity unfolding before him.

But most importantly...

"Those two are old folks," he scoffed. "Tying up elders like that... and leaving me with just one cuff? Aren’t you a little lacking in security?"

He tapped a finger against his bleeding temple. "Do you really think... this cuff will stop me?"

"Yes," the Cardinal answered without hesitation. "Draken, Chief of the Tribe of Talmaru, born a natural leader. A man of brute strength honed through years of training and meditation for the greater good of your tribe."

"And yet," he continued evenly, as though reciting a verdict, "despite the blessings passed down from your predecessors, your greatest sin is your tolerance—no, indulgence—of violence across your territories."

He smiled faintly. "With your naturally imposing build, you are indeed one of the strongest men in this room. That is precisely why I did not need to bind you completely."

He glanced at the single cuff.

"That one shackle is sufficient, given your current condition. It was designed specifically to restrain someone like you."

Draken’s face twitched as he tugged at his ankle, only to wince sharply. His leg throbbed in agony—thanks to Baby.

"First and foremost," the Cardinal went on, shifting his attention to the rest, "I would like to apologize that it has come to this. I did attempt to avoid this outcome, but my efforts proved futile."

He folded his hands calmly.

"I understand this may sound absurd at first, but the Church has decided that we no longer require the Secret Society."

"Huh?" Draken sneered. "Who the fuck do you think you are to decide that?"

"The founding families once played a critical role in stabilizing nations across the globe during turbulent times," the Cardinal continued, ignoring him entirely. "However, in recent years, these nations have grown capable of governing themselves. International unions and alliances were established long before many of you assumed power."

He paused deliberately.

"Therefore, I have called this meeting with a single agenda: to abolish the Secret Society and request that all founding families relinquish control over the territories under their authority."

A heavy silence followed his remarks, although no one looked shocked, only conflicted.

"I hope you understand," the Cardinal added. "This is for the freedom of the world. For its betterment. Many nations that were never under your influence have flourished just the same."

Iris smiled gently and nodded.

"I believe in the Church’s mission," she spoke softly. "In recent years, the founding families have prioritized self-interest. Every council meeting teetered on the brink of war. The Secret Society has become nothing but a liability."

She placed a hand over her chest.

"I, Iris Bellemonte, Matriarch of the House of Bellemonte, will comply with the Church’s directive. We will relinquish our hold over the territories under our name and instead support the Church in building a world where nations stand freely."

Draken let out a derisive snort, eyes flicking between them.

"You crazy bitch. If Henrik hears the shit you’re spewing, he’ll hang you. He’d be thrilled to finally have an excuse."

"I understand your resistance," Iris replied calmly. "The Tribe of Talmaru worships a different god and practices a different faith. But that is not the true reason for your opposition."

Her gaze sharpened. "You find this proposal ridiculous because you thrive on violence. You crave the thrill of cruelty. The idea of a peaceful world shatters that illusion."

Draken’s jaw clenched as he yanked at his ankle again. If he weren’t restrained, he would have torn her apart where she stood just to shut her mouth from spewing ridiculous things.

"The House of Monreal claims to offer guidance and enlightenment to the nations under its protection," Iris continued. "But in truth, it is merely a façade for personal gain. The nations under her control monopolize diamond mines and rare resources. They serve as channels for illegal trade, particularly in ancient and priceless works of art."

She tilted her head slightly. "Is that truly service to the world?"

"Miss Iris," the elderly woman interjected, "I believe you misunderstand—"

"It may be my first and last council session," Iris cut in, raising a hand. "But I conducted my own research. I assure you—I do not misunderstand."

She turned her gaze toward Atlas. Before she could speak, Atlas shifted his eyes to the Cardinal.

"Do what you must," he said flatly. "I am here for my wife. I have no interest in listening to this woman’s wasted breath."

His eyes locked onto the Cardinal’s. "Hand over Lola and everyone else... or let’s call off this meeting abruptly and see who here will come out alive."