The triplets stayed in Natasha's room for the most of the day.
Conversation and laughter filled the room, making the atmosphere lively beyond words.
It was not until Kenneth kicked them out by saying that Natasha needed rest did they leave reluctantly.
In the corridor, Denise and Benjamin chattered about something or other.
Conversely, Anthony walked ahead of them with his head hung low and eyes focused on the ground. His brows were creased deeply. On the whole, he looked as though something was weighing on him.
All of a sudden, Denise called out to him, “What's wrong with you today, Tony?”
Anthony did not turn back but continued trudging forward with his head lowered and his mind a jumbled mess.
“Tony?” Denise repeated, jolting him out of his thoughts at long last.
Slightly startled, Anthony glanced over his shoulder with a blank expression on his face. “You called me?”
Frowning, Denise hurried up to him. “I already called you several times, Tony. What's wrong with you today?”
Anthony shook his head. “Nothing. I was merely thinking about something earlier.”
By then, Benjamin likewise had walked over and asked, “You've been looking moody today. What's wrong? Is something troubling you?”
Anthony merely shook his head once more. “No.”
Denise heaved a sigh of exasperation. “Putting aside the issue of whether there's a telepathic connection between us, Tony, thanks to the fact that we grew up together, we understand each other exceedingly well. Do you think we'll believe that?”
It went without saying that Anthony knew they would never believe him.
But at the thought that Natasha had endured such agonizing pain staunchly for no other reason than to keep them in the dark, he could not bring himself to tell them the truth after learning about it.
When it comes to such a matter, one will only suffer to know the truth.
Following that thought, he forced a smile. “Truly, I was thinking about something.”
“What is it?” Benjamin asked, studying his brother with his ebony eyes. I'm no fool.
Narrowing his eyes, Anthony stared at him. “Do you still remember the plan I told you about back then?”
Benjamin gave a brief nod. “Yeah, I do.”
“I don't want to wait anymore. I want to start executing it now,” Anthony said.
“Why so sudden?” A frown marred Benjamin's countenance.
“Since it's only a matter of time, why shouldn't I start making preparations earlier?”
As Benjamin brooded over it, his gaze remained trained on his brother worriedly. “While that's true... I still want to know why you made such a decision out of the blue.”
Anthony looked him straight in the eyes. “Benjamin, we must grow stronger. It's only then that we'll be able to protect Nat and everyone else we want to keep safe.”
“Is it because of the incident this time?”
“You can say that.”
After pondering for a while, Benjamin said, “Okay, got it. What do you want to do, then?”
“Let's pick our members first. If we want a strong team, manpower comes first!”
“But that's often the most difficult to find.” As Benjamin spoke, something abruptly occurred to him. “Oh yes, didn't you create a group to go up against Vermillion Base back then? Is there no one suitable in there?”
Anthony shook his head. “The most capable person in there is only above average, whereas the ones I want are the cream of the crop, the select few.”
“Are you serious, Tony?” Denise looked at Anthony.
“I must have an organization myself that I can mobilize anytime,” Anthony said.
“Are you sure there's nothing more to this, Tony?”
Denise found Anthony's attitude at present all too abnormal.
Gazing into Denise's and Benjamin's eyes, Anthony hesitated for a moment. Subsequently, he calmed down and elaborated, “I was speaking about the worst outcome. You both know the grievances between Daddy and Darknetz. No one knows what will happen in the future. If this matter can't be resolved, it might be good for us to withdraw from Darknetz.”
“Is that truly the reason?” Benjamin asked.
Anthony gave a nod. “What else could it be? You're both well aware of the grudges between Daddy and Darknetz. Take Vermillion Base, for example. Even if we want to help right now, we're powerless to do so. Do you think Kyle will agree to help? To them, they might think that they'd be helping Daddy, not us.”
“While that's true—”
“So I need a team in which I have full authority to mobilize!”
If that were the reason and excuse, Anthony had succeeded in convincing Benjamin.
Benjamin bobbed his head. “Got it. Don't worry. I'll definitely take your side unconditionally as your biological brother.”
“That's not all, Benjamin. You've also got to improve yourself. I've done some research and found that a talent like yours is indeed in demand. Your existence can even change the world. I may need your help in the future!”
When Benjamin heard that, his eyes narrowed slightly. “As long as you need me, I'll always be here and do my utmost best at that.”
Holding his gaze, Anthony grinned and inclined his head a fraction in acknowledgment.
At that sight, Denise stepped forward as well. “Me, too! Although I can't be of help presently, I'll always be here if you need me, Tony.”
Anthony and Benjamin shifted their gazes at her. At that moment, a bright smile adorned her face.
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