Even though he had long suspected it, he was still shell-shocked when he saw the results with his very own eyes.
Anthony stared at the results on the screen blankly for a long time. He did not know what to do.
He did not know what to feel either. Do I feel happy or sad about this? I have no idea.
Meanwhile, Kyle was teasing him in the chat: Who are you trying to do a DNA test with? Have you fathered an illegitimate child outside, and you’re scared that your wife is going to find out about this?
Anthony was still in a daze.
Kyle sent another message: Oh, right. I’ve forgotten to tell you that Thalia has gone to Glenport City.
Still, Anthony did not respond.
Kyle: Anthony?
He noticed that Anthony was still online but did not respond to him. Hence, he tried to make their chat interface move. Only then did Anthony snap out of his daze.
Anthony: I’m here.
Kyle: What’s the matter with you?
Anthony: Nothing, just thinking about some things.
Kyle: Are you thinking about the results of the DNA test?
Anthony: Yes.
Kyle smiled and replied: So, is the result within your expectation?
Anthony: Yes.
Kyle: Then, what are you thinking about?
“It’s complicated,” Anthony murmured. He knew that the results would dictate the way he would treat Kenneth in the future.
Kyle: Fine. Even if it’s your illegitimate child, you should talk to your wife. You can’t keep this from her for a long time anyway. So you should just be upfront with her about it.
Anthony: I… don’t have a wife.
Kyle: You don’t have a wife, and yet you have a child? So, what are you worrying about? Just reconnect with the child.
Anthony was rendered speechless.
He could not care to explain to Kyle.
Anthony: Did you say that Thalia is heading to Glenport City? He decided to change the topic of conversation.
Kyle: Yes. She should have arrived by now. Do you guys want to meet up?
Anthony: I can’t.
Kyle: Anthony, you’re the most mysterious among us. We know nothing about you, but we still trust you unconditionally. Do you know what it feels like to be spied on?
Anthony: So?
Kyle: So, we need to meet, and you need to show yourself.
Anthony: I can’t.
Kyle: D*mn it. Do you have anything else to say other than “I can’t?”
Anthony thought for a moment and replied: No.
Kyle was infuriated.
Right then, Thalia came online and entered the chat room.
Thalia: What’s up? Are you guys talking about me? She seemed quite jubilant.
Kyle: You’re going to gain nothing from your Glenport City trip this time.
Thalia: Is Anthony not going to meet me?
Kyle: He can’t.
Thalia: Anthony, are you refusing to meet me because you feel ashamed about yourself?
Anthony: Whatever floats your boat. Then, he sent a smiling emoji.
Thalia: It’s okay even if you’re ugly. You are one capable man. I’m not going to mind. Then, she proceeded to send a sexy photo of herself.
Kyle: That’s right. Thalia is one of the top three prettiest ladies in the underground circle. You’re missing out if you don’t meet her.
Anthony: I’ve… met her.
Thalia: What? When?
Anthony: I hacked into your phone.
Thalia: F*ck! Anthony, that’s really rude of you!
Anthony: I take it back then. Just pretend you never knew this.
Thalia did not know how to reply to that.
This is even more terrifying. There is not a single trace of me being hacked.
Likewise, Kyle was overcome by a deep sense of fear.
They were thanking their luck that Anthony was on their side. Otherwise, the presence of someone like him would make them unable to sleep soundly at night.
Thalia: So, are you saying that I’m not pretty enough for you to make the effort?
Anthony: No. You’re quite good-looking, and you rank number two on the ones that I’ve seen.
Thalia: Who’s number one?
Anthony: My… mommy.
Thalia could find no words to refute him.
Thalia: Then, why do you refuse to meet me?
Anthony thought for a moment before he replied: I’m afraid that I’ll startle you guys.
Thalia: We won’t be startled even if you look like a pile of poo.
Seeing that reply, Anthony couldn’t help but think to himself. She’s such a sweet-looking girl. So how could she be so crude?
Anthony: Give me some time to think it over.
It was his first time opening up to them.
Kyle and Thalia finally saw a glimmer of hope.
Thalia: I’ll wait for your news then.
Anthony: Where are you staying?
Thalia: Right around Hamilton Corporation.
Anthony: Why do you stay there?
Thalia: I’ve long heard about the reputation of the CEO of Hamilton Corporation, and I’d like to meet him and see if he is as legendary as rumored.
Anthony was stumped. He did not know how he should deter the woman from trying to get any ideas about Kenneth.
While he was still thinking, Thalia sent a new message: But I don’t think I will be able to meet him.
Anthony: Why?
Thalia: When I was at the Hamilton Corporation parking lot today, I saw someone doing something to a Rolls-Royce Phantom, and I reckon it’s Kenneth’s car. I think Kenneth Hamilton might just be on the news tomorrow.
Anthony felt his heart skip a beat and replied: What did you say?
Thalia: Why? What’s the matter?
Anthony: Are you sure it’s a Phantom?
Thalia: Yes. Even though there were many other cars in the parking lot, I think only Kenneth could drive a limited-edition car like Phantom.
Anthony felt a wave of apprehension wash over him as he got up from his seat and headed to the living room.
Denise was watching TV on the couch.
“Denise, is Nat at Hamilton Corporation?”
“Yeah.” Denise nodded.
“Did Nat drive to work today?”
“Yeah.” She nodded again.
Benjamin noticed the odd look on Anthony’s face and asked, “What’s the matter?”
Anthony said nothing. He immediately took out his phone and called Natasha.
However, the call could not seem to get through.
He tried multiple times but to no avail.
Anthony panicked, and Benjamin approached him right then. “What’s the matter?”
“Try and call Nat until she picks up,” Anthony said.
Benjamin dared not question further and picked up a phone to start calling Natasha. After all, he had never seen Anthony losing his composure like that.
Then, Anthony walked back to the computer and noticed that Thalia was still on the line. He sent her a message: Do you still remember the Phantom’s car plate number?
Having an eidetic memory was a basic skill that they had. Hence, Thalia replied: Of course. It’s LX600.
Anthony: The car is red color, right?
Thalia: Oh, you know about it?
Anthony then typed his message with shaky hands: Are you sure you saw someone sabotaging the car?
Even though they were only messaging each other, Thalia could feel that Anthony was anxious. Hence, she replied: Yes, I am sure.
Anthony said nothing as his eyes turned bloodshot.
Thalia: Do you need any help?
At the thought that Thalia was just around Hamilton Corporation, Anthony hurriedly texted: I need you to help me stop the car, and don’t let anyone drive the Phantom! Please!
Thalia did not ask further questions as she knew how dire the situation was. She merely replied: I’ll go check it out right now.
Then, Anthony turned around and asked Benjamin, “Have the calls gone through?”
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