Not twins novel (Natasha and Kenneth) novel Chapter 420

Chapter 420

Following Anthony's appearance, Benjamin breathed a sigh of relief.

At the same time, he wanted to roll his eyes at his brother.

What a timely appearance! But then, he'll indeed save me much trouble since he's facing off the man now.

Sure enough, Kenneth's gaze shifted to Anthony as soon as the latter appeared. He scrutinized his son through narrowed eyes. “You both found leads? What kind of leads?”

Anthony walked over and sat down across from the man. At that moment, the housekeeper brought another set of breakfast over and placed it before him.

Anthony was in no hurry to eat. Instead, his gaze remained on Kenneth. “I don't mind telling you, but I've got a stipulation.”

Kenneth narrowed his eyes a fraction. Without Anthony having to voice it, he knew what the boy was planning.

“Spit it out!”

“Does it mean that you've agreed, then?” Anthony asked.

Kenneth swept a gaze over him. “That depends on whether your information is worthy of such an exchange!”

“If that's your answer, I don't dare tell you,” Anthony threatened.

In response, Kenneth frowned. “Are you bargaining with me?”

“I'm fighting to share a community of interests with you, Daddy. Only then can the benefits of our collaboration be maximized. Your actions are only an exercise in futility!”

Upon hearing that, Kenneth chortled lightly. “You know the meaning of a community of interests?”

“I know a little bit. Of course, it's nothing compared to you, Daddy,” Anthony replied, his voice tinged with a hint of flattery.

After all, he still needed to curry favor with the man if he wanted to stay there.

At that, Kenneth snorted.

“So? Do we have a deal?” Anthony inquired, his eyes twinkling.

Kenneth deliberated for a while before he quirked an eyebrow. “Deal.”

When Anthony saw his decisiveness, he grinned from ear to ear. “You said that, so you can't go back on your word!”

“Of course!” Kenneth nodded.

Anthony contemplated for a moment before he started, “This is what happened. When Thalia came here on a mission a few years back...”

After briefly telling the man everything, he looked straight at him. “That's all to it, and we only learned about it two days ago.”

By then, Kenneth's eyes had been narrowed into slits. “So, your grandfather was really a member of Vermillion Base?”

“Yes, that has been confirmed now. But it's uncertain whether the truth of his demise has anything to do with Vermillion Base,” Anthony answered.

“According to what you both said, Vermillion Base is callous and cold-blooded. How could they possibly allow someone so talented to leave so easily?” Kenneth muttered.

“Thus, you share our sentiments as well, Daddy?” Anthony queried.

“Isn't that obvious?” Kenneth chuckled softly.

“That's what Benjamin and I think, too. We only lack a witness right now!” Anthony stated.

“Don't tell Nat about this first,” Kenneth urged.

“Uh...” Anthony faltered.

Noticing that his expression seemed off, Kenneth frowned slightly. “You told her?”

Speaking of that, Anthony stammered in a whisper, “After learning about it that day, I was worried that Nat would be duped, so I panicked and told her about it.”

Words eluded Kenneth.

“I was worried that those people from Vermillion Base would lie to her, so I told her about it for her to better guard against them!” Anthony defended.

“Judging from her personality, she would only risk herself all the more to find out the truth after learning about that.” Kenneth had no doubts about it.

Likewise, that possibility occurred to Anthony. “Therefore, we've got to find her even faster and stop her!”

Kenneth nodded firmly.

Anthony leaned forward and trained his eyes on the man. “So, do you have news of her now, Daddy?”

When that came up, Kenneth lifted his gaze and eyeballed him. “Don't worry about that anymore!”

The instant Anthony heard that, he sat upright. “What do you mean by that, Daddy?”

“What do you think?”

“Hey, are you going back against your word, Daddy?”

“What do you mean?”

“You promised not to send us back!”

“Yeah, I didn't say I'm sending you both back.”

“Then, what are you trying to say?”

“Just stay here and don't go anywhere,” Kenneth ordered.

“And that means?”

“It's best that you both stay within this castle before we find Nat.”

“This is illegal confinement, Daddy!” Anthony exclaimed.

“There are no delicious foods and drinks if it's illegal confinement,” Kenneth countered, his eyes fixated on him.

“Daddy!”

“Either go back or stay here and don't go anywhere. It's your choice!” Kenneth asserted, holding his gaze.

Anthony was promptly left without a retort.

He stared at the man wordlessly.

Well, a wise man adapts to the circumstances, so we'll stay and see how it goes.

No longer saying anything, he lowered his head and buried his head in the food.

Just then, Kenneth turned and looked at Benjamin at the side. “What about you?”

Benjamin couldn't say anything else when even Anthony had gone silent. He could only relent as well.

Dipping his head, he ate docilely.

Relief suffused Kenneth as neither of the children argued further.

The three of them sat and ate together.

Sometime later, Kenneth abruptly asked, “Are you two acquainted with Anonymous?”

Cough! Cough!

Anthony suddenly started coughing while eating.

Benjamin similarly stilled for a second.

Narrowing his eyes, Kenneth studied Anthony.

“What's wrong?” he questioned.

Anthony hurriedly shook his head. “Nothing!” As he said that, he picked up a napkin and hastily wiped his mouth.

When he had done so, he turned his gaze to Kenneth and pretended to clear his throat.

“Judging from your reaction, you do know him,” Kenneth noted, sweeping a glance over him.

Anthony pondered for a moment.

Should I just tell him the truth? Perhaps I'll then have a valid reason to stay here.

At that thought, Anthony started, “Actually, Daddy—”

“Was it he who helped you both infiltrate Miguel's computer and conceal your information?” Kenneth demanded.

Uh...

Anthony eyed him thoughtfully. What is he trying to say?

“What exactly are you trying to say, Daddy?” he queried.

Inhaling deeply, Kenneth thought for a long time before venturing, “I heard that he's... pretty familiar with Nat?”

Huh? What?

As Anthony scrutinized the man's expression, realization dawned upon him in a flash.

“Who... did you hear that from, Daddy?” he inquired smilingly.

“Is that important?” Kenneth retorted.

“Um... no.” Anthony shook his head.

“So, you're both acquainted with him?” Kenneth eyed them both.

While Anthony was deciding how to answer that, Benjamin announced resolutely, “Yes!”

Kenneth looked at them, his ebony eyes turning unfathomable.

“Why have I never heard you mentioning him?” Kenneth probed.

“Because there was no reason to do so!”

“I also heard... that he has been willing to remain under Nat and is exceedingly fond of her. Is that true?” Kenneth asked, looking all calm and unruffled.

However, Anthony and Benjamin could sense intense jealousy lingering in the air.

“Don't tell me you're jealous, Daddy?” Benjamin blurted.

Kenneth's eyes narrowed, but still, he fibbed with a nonchalant expression, “No, I merely want to have an understanding of my enemy. As the saying goes, knowing the enemy and yourself will get you unscathed through a hundred battles.”

“In that case, you overthought things, Daddy. He isn't your enemy at all!” Benjamin declared.

“Why?”

“Because—”