Anthony looked at him and fell silent for a moment.
Benjamin is right. I would do the same. I just have a more important task at hand right now.
Arriving at that thought, he nodded. “You're right.” Then, he met his brother's gaze. “Take good care of yourself no matter what happens. Don't cause us to worry.”
Benjamin did not expect him to agree so readily. “You too,” he said, nodding.
“I'm masterminding from the shadows. It's much safer than where you are,” Anthony said.
Benjamin gazed at him. “It's safe, but you bear a greater responsibility.”
The brothers gazed at each other, the anger from their argument dissipating. Instead, they shared a sense of mutual understanding and sympathy.
Dave noticed something when he swept his gaze over them, but did not elaborate. Instead, he turned his attention to Anthony. “All right, it's about time. You should get going, Anthony.”
Anthony turned his gaze to Dave and nodded.
“I'm going, then. Take care, Daddy, Benjamin. See you tomorrow,” Anthony said.
Kenneth nodded at him. “Mmm. See you tomorrow.”
Benjamin gazed at him. “I'll be waiting for the good news, Tony.”
Anthony nodded.
After one last glance at them, Anthony shifted his gaze up the stairs.
“Why don't you go upstairs and let Nat know?” Dave asked bluntly.
Anthony shook his head and withdrew his gaze. “That's not necessary. It'll only take a few hours. We'll see each other again soon.”
Dave nodded his assent.
“I'm leaving, then,” said Anthony, and he left without another word.
Observing the situation, Mike bid Dave and Kenneth farewell, then promptly followed Anthony.
As they watched Anthony's retreating figure, it felt as if he was leading the charge.
Kenneth looked on, his deep black eyes revealing an indescribable complexity.
...
When night fell, everyone else had left.
Thalia's journey could only begin at the very end when the boss entered, which was when she could enter the base.
Thus, she had the most time to kill.
Thalia prepared to get in the car when it was time to leave.
“Hold on.” Suddenly, she heard a voice behind her.
Thalia turned around and found Spencer standing not far away.
Thalia narrowed her eyes when she saw him. “You haven't left yet?”
Under the pitch-black night, Spencer gazed at her. By the next second, he strode up to her and pulled her directly into his embrace.
Thalia was slightly taken aback.
Spencer held her close. His hand cradled the back of her head, as he embraced her tightly.
Though he did not say a word, Thalia could feel his concern and fear for her.
A subtle smile crept up at the corner of her lips.
“What's wrong?” Thalia asked, feigning ignorance.
Spencer held her tightly as he took a deep breath. “Promise me you will come back safely. Take care of yourself. Don't fall prey to any mishaps.”
Thalia gave him a smile and nodded. “Mmm. I won't get hurt, and there won't be any accidents. You, too.”
And so, Spencer held her, refusing to let go.
Though Thalia was happy to savor his concern, she was aware of the current situation.
Just about to get into the car, Thalia froze.
“Magus? How did you get here?” she asked.
At that moment, Magus had arrived beside her. “Thankfully, I caught you just in time.”
Thalia's brows furrowed slightly.
Without another word, he handed her the item in his hands. “This is for you.”
Thalia frowned slightly. “What is this?”
“This is a hyper-realistic mask that Mr. Anthony asked me to make for you,” said Magus.
Anthony sent him.
When she heard where it was from, Thalia reached out to accept it. “Who is this?” she asked.
“I'm not sure who it is, but Mr. Anthony said this could save your life should you need it,” Magus explained.
“Who could be that is so formidable?” Thalia asked.
“I'm not entirely sure, but it should be someone who's no longer with us,” said Magus.
Thalia was even more confused by the response. She could neither make head or tail of it.
Spencer sensed something. “No matter what it is, Anthony must have his reasons for doing this. Take it, Thalia. Protect yourself.”
Thalia was a person who was extremely receptive to advice, especially when it came from somebody she liked.
She nodded at his advice. “Mmm. You're right,” she said and promptly accepted the item.
Turning to Magus, she said, “Thank you.”
Magus gazed at them both thoughtfully before saying, “No problem. I'll leave you two alone, then. Please, carry on.” Without another word, he tactfully took his leave.
Thalia and Spencer exchanged a puzzled gaze, momentarily at a loss for words.
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