บท 263: Good to see you

"An alliance, huh?"

One of the men at the table scoffed.

"Why the hell would we want to do that?"

Elaine stood up and walked over to John. She placed her hand on his shoulder and smiled.

"I think an alliance would be a wonderful idea," she said as she stroked his hair.

John stayed quiet, observing the reactions of the other people at the table.

"I don't know, Elaine. I just don't trust him," one of the other women said.

"Look, I understand that you may have some reservations about this, but we need to do something. We can't keep living like this."

Elaine sat down next to John and took his hand.

"I'm sorry about all of this, John. I really am. They just need some time to get used to the idea."

John nodded and smiled at her.

"It's alright. I understand."

He turned to look at the others. Elaine was, of course, the most suspicious person here, but he would use her if she offered herself.