Kenneth frowned at her. “Nat...”
“Please.” Natasha looked up at him and pleaded, “I miss Grandpa and Old Mr. Hamilton. I want to go home.”
With her pleading gaze and tone, Kenneth would've given in if her request was for anything else. Instead, he tightened his balled-up fists when the thought of that video flashed across his mind.
He couldn't let it go.
Most importantly, it wasn't just that incident, as there were others.
“Nat, you know I would've agreed to your request if it was for anything else, but only this I can't,” Kenneth rejected.
Natasha's brows furrowed as she looked at him. “Kenneth, I wasn't disadvantaged, nor did I suffer any loss in this incident.”
“That is not the whole point, Nat! With numbers on their side, they wanted your demise. I can't just let this matter slide!” Kenneth raised his voice.
“Kenneth!” Natasha gazed at him in disbelief.
Yet Kenneth was adamant.
Natasha inhaled deeply, dropped her smile, and kept her gaze on Kenneth. “What are you planning to do then?”
“I'll kill him!”
“Okay!” Natasha nodded with agreement.
Kenneth narrowed his eyes at her in suspicion. “We'll do it together,” Natasha said.
“Nat!” Kenneth looked at her with resignation in his eyes.
“I should avenge myself. Even you can't stop me,” Natasha replied.
“Do you know how dangerous it is, Nat?” Kenneth asked with a solemn look.
“Then do you think it won't be as dangerous if you went instead?” Natasha questioned. “Kenneth, have you thought about what would happen to me if something happened to you? Have you thought about the kids or Old Mr. Hamilton?”
She paused briefly before continuing, “I already told you I didn't suffer any loss in this matter, so why can't we just let it slide?”
Kenneth stared at her, worried she would find out his reason for doing so if he persisted with his decision.
At that thought, he said, “I just felt bad for you.”
Natasha looked at him with sincerity. “Kenneth, I understand your intention. I promise to tell you if I was wronged in any way, but I wasn't.”
His dark gaze searched her eyes and face for any sign that she was lying. After a while, he finally nodded and compromised. “Fine.”
Natasha was taken aback by his sudden agreement. Surprise filled her impassive eyes. “Does that mean you agree?”
Kenneth looked at her with resignation. “Do I have any other choice but to agree?”
Natasha laughed at his answer, then tipped her toes, lifting herself to embrace him by wrapping her arms around his neck. “Kenneth, I know you want to do it for me, but please trust my decision. This is the best outcome possible.”
Kenneth wrapped his arms around her and muttered an acknowledgment.
With a smile, Natasha asked, “When can I return?”
“It's up to you.”
“Perfect! I'll make the arrangement immediately.”
“Okay.”
Meanwhile, the three kids were gathered together in a close huddle.
“What was the situation today?” Benjamin asked.
“My plan failed,” Denise said straightforwardly.
“Does Nat know about it?” Benjamin questioned.
“She not only found out, but she even cussed them out. Have you seen the largest mega screen in the city center today? That's Nat's doing,” Denise explained.
Benjamin scrunched his brows at Denise's explanation. “What's going on? Nat exposed herself?”
“Nat didn't use hers nor Tony's account. She used Miguel's, but she definitely revealed her identity as a hacker,” Denise clarified.
Benjamin was still confused. “What went down today exactly?”
Anthony sighed. “What went down wasn't the crucial part. All in all, Nat found out about our motive and plan and asked me to put it on halt.”
The crease on Benjamin's forehead deepened. “And then?”
“There's no then!”
“Did you agree?”
“I didn't want to, but Nat used the carrot and stick approach to persuade me.” Anthony's eyebrows drew together.
“So, are we giving up?” Benjamin asked.
After contemplating it shortly, Anthony answered, “Vermillion Base repeatedly target Nat, so I think even if we give up, they won't. This matter won't just slip away.”
“Your promise won't be significant when that time comes. If we let them take the lead, we won't be going against Nat's instruction. Is that what you're saying?” Benjamin asked.
Anthony nodded. “You're right on point.”
Benjamin laughed. “As I expect, you're not the type who gives up easily.”
Anthony turned to Benjamin. “What about you? How was it today?”
Benjamin let out a sigh and flopped onto the couch. “Everything went smoothly at first. I went to Mr. Dave's armory and saw so much stuff!” Excitement filled his eyes as he recalled his memories. “Mr. Dave even has many prized collections. It was a feast for my eyes. Also, Daddy taught me how to shoot!”
Hearing Benjamin relayed his experience, Denise shot an envious look at him. “You got the long straw among us. You learned something new and got to spend time with Daddy. He even taught you how to use a gun himself. Unlike me... Nat managed to trick me into spilling the beans readily,” Denise grumbled.
“The person who had it worst was me. I was fighting at the frontline,” Anthony chipped in.
Hearing the two's complaints, Benjamin continued, “That's because you haven't heard about what happened after.” The excited glow in his eyes slowly dimmed. “When we saw the words on the mega screen on our way back, the vibe turned tense. Moreover, Mr. Dave received a call. If my guess is correct, the call should be from the hidden room because he beelined for the hidden room once he came back. I'm sure they've found something.”
Benjamin turned his gaze to Anthony. “Oh right, have you told Daddy the truth?”
Anthony shook his head.
“You're still keeping it from him!” Benjamin stared at him in shock. “It's hard on me to keep the secret on your behalf.”
Anthony frowned. “I haven't found a good time to come forward. I can't exactly go up and tell him about it casually.”
“During your last confrontation with Vermillion Base, Mr. Dave saw your actions. Even though you covered it up, claiming you were Anonymous' disciple, Mr. Dave should've told Daddy about it, yet I still don't see Daddy asking you about it!” Benjamin said.
“Or maybe Mr. Dave thought Daddy already knew about it, so he didn't say anything?” Anthony guessed.
“Is that so?” Benjamin wondered. “That kind of possibility is one in a thousand.”
Anthony kept silent.
Denise piped up, “Anthony, I think you should find a chance to come forward with Daddy. Otherwise, if Daddy finds out by himself... We don't know how he'll act.”
Benjamin nodded with agreement.
Anthony pondered about it but couldn't picture what would follow if that were to happen.
However, staring into their eyes, Anthony knew they were worried about him. He understood following their advice would be beneficial for him. “Got it. I'll find a chance.”
Benjamin and Denise nodded.
Suddenly, Anthony's phone rang.
Miguel's number flashed across his phone. Anthony frowned before answering the call.
“Hello?”
“Master, I'm calling to give you a heads up. Dave already knew about the incident earlier.”
The crease between Anthony's brows deepened.
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