The Billionaire Twins Need A New Mommy!-Chapter 517: Let’s Begin

The next day...

"Eh?"

"Eh?"

Allen and Haji were both mortified upon seeing the person in the room with them. Just yesterday, they had talked about how Atlas would never allow Lola to be part of this mission. That it was too dangerous for her. They dropped the topic because it wasn’t even worth considering.

But what the heck was going on?

Allen and Haji weren’t the only ones stupefied. Every single person in the room stared at Lola with a mixture of confusion and disbelief. Even Scarlet, who stood in the corner with her arms crossed, watched with intrigue flickering in her eyes.

Standing at the end of the long table, Lola’s smile stretched until her eyes squinted. Slowly, she shifted her gaze to the corner where Atlas stood. Atlas narrowed his eyes at her as if he’d been scammed in some way. But he had given his word — and if there was something he loathed more than anything, it was breaking what he had already spoken.

"Let’s begin," Atlas said, finally tearing his gaze from his wife.

But before they could start, an issue had already arisen.

"Master, I hate to interrupt, but what is she doing here?"

"Is that a question?" Atlas returned. "Lola will be part of this mission.

The others frowned upon hearing that, one of them adding, "This mission is important for both the Order and especially for the Bellemonte."

"We are not against the Madam," another said. "We know that, sooner or later, she’ll need to get involved in the family’s affairs. But having this mission be her debut... Master, please reconsider."

One after another, they lowered their heads, showing respect and sincerity in their opposition.

Scarlet arched a brow, eyes sweeping over the men before locking on Lola. The corners of her lips curled into a smirk — which Lola immediately caught — then Scarlet snapped her gaze toward Atlas.

"Master, like everyone said... please reconsider," she echoed. "We trust the Madam because you trust her. But with all due respect, this mission isn’t a small matter for her to be involved in. It’s already dangerous, and we can’t have our men worrying about anything else — or anyone else."

Lola frowned, almost glaring at her husband.

You said I could trust this woman? How can I trust her when she’s making it impossible?

Atlas remained calm as he studied everyone’s demeanor.

"Lola and Haji have been in the Ravah Territory before," he explained. "Our main issue was the lack of inside information. Considering the severity and priority of this mission, it’s best to have people familiar with the place."

He paused, raising his chin — expression unchanged, yet the air around him turned commanding.

"If you disapprove of having them on the team, then vacate your seats," Atlas said sternly. "Leaving now will not result in consequences. But I’m not changing my mind."

Silence consumed the room. They exchanged looks, clearly reconsidering. They were just waiting for someone else to move first.

Atlas had given his word: leave now, no consequences. But the reward for this mission was too big.

Why bring Lola into this?

"If no one is leaving—" Atlas paused, brow lifting as one man stood.

All eyes shifted toward him.

"I’m sorry, Master," the man said. "I want to go on this mission, but I don’t think it’s practical to bring the Madam or... this other man with us."

Haji, who had been quiet this whole time, frowned as a bitter feeling crawled up his chest. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

"Even if they know the territory, they can help without going," the man continued. "I say this not out of disrespect. I understand they want to help the Order... but doing this feels like Master doesn’t trust his own men to handle the mission."

With that, another man rose. "We can do the mission on our own, Master."

Allen scratched his temple, looking between the two. He understood their intentions, but he also knew Atlas was not someone who bent for anyone. Only one person in this room could make him bend... and she was already here.

But instead of addressing the objections directly, Atlas asked, "Are you the only ones who are backing out?"

The two men frowned. They didn’t want to abandon the mission. They just didn’t want Lola there. They were convinced she’d be a liability who would hold them back.

"I—" A meek man seated nearby hesitantly raised his hand.

Before he could complete the gesture, Haji grabbed his fingers and gently lowered his arm. The meek guy gasped, startled, as Haji offered a grin.

"Don’t leave this team, four-eyes," Haji warned with a sly smile. "Don’t even think about it."

The poor man — Pika — stared at Haji with a pale expression. He hadn’t even slept the night before because he had been told he was joining the mission. So, he wanted out, and this was the chance!

"But —"

"Shh."

Scarlet noticed this, scoffing quietly. She wondered what on earth Allen was thinking, choosing a pushover like Pika for such a mission.

Sighing, she shook her head and approached the table.

"I’ll fill his seat," she announced, stopping near where one of the men was standing. "Move."

Everyone turned to her. The two men who stood frowned, clearly realizing she was taking one of their spots.

Scarlet wiggled her brows smugly. "Since I was demoted, I guess it’s time I did something meaningful." Then, she pushed one of the men aside as she dragged the chair and sat down in it.

No. No. No. No.

Lola shot her husband a pleading look. She did not want to go on a mission with Scarlet.

Much to her dismay, Atlas nodded without hesitation. Then, his gaze returned to the two men still standing.

"Leave."

Having said that, the men’s faces soured as they stared at their boss. But in the end, they lowered their heads and quietly walked away. The others watched as the two men — who were supposed to be key members of this mission — exited the room.

Both men were ranked higher than most. Their skills alone increased the team’s survival rate by several percent. That was why they were confident Atlas would reconsider. Even so, those two were from the same faction and held high standing in the Inner Circle. So, the ones who stayed — though tempted earlier — secretly sneered.

Now, the opportunity to rise in rank and position was theirs. They might be unhappy at the idea of taking orders from Lola, but their own ambition was bigger.

As for the only person who wanted to leave with them — Pika — he could only mentally weep as he glanced at Haji, who refused to let him go, no matter what.

Once the doors shut, Atlas snapped his eyes back to everyone.

"Anyone else having second thoughts?" he said, pausing briefly as if giving one final chance for anyone to step out. When no one moved or made a sound, he shifted his attention to Lola and gave a curt nod.

"Let’s begin."