Chapter 786 There Was Always Something To Learn
Breakfast passed in an incredibly lively atmosphere.
Denise was as happy as a clam wearing the bracelet given by Kenneth. Benjamin loved studying such things, so the two of them went someplace to do so after eating.
Meanwhile, Kenneth stared at Anthony, his gaze dimming a shade. “When are you leaving?”
“Tonight.”
Kenneth inclined his head in acknowledgment, stating, “I'll have someone go with you all. He can back you up if anything happens during the journey.”
Naturally, Anthony could not decline his father's offer, especially when the person to do so had been decided upon. He could only shift his gaze to Natasha.
Natasha belatedly turned to Kenneth. “Who do you have in mind?”
“Luke. You've seen him before,” Kenneth answered.
Natasha nodded. “I remember him.”
“He's skilled in combat, so he can likely back them up if he tags along.”
Natasha did not nix it at once but mulled it over for some time. “He'd been to Vermillion Base previously. Although he didn't meet Boss face to face, it doesn't mean Boss has no idea about him. Would he put Anthony and the others in a dangerous situation if he were to go with them?”
Upon hearing that, Kenneth knew that she had someone else in mind. He casually rested his hand on the back of her chair. “What do you suggest, then?”
Natasha propped a hand against her cheek in a contemplative gesture. A moment later, she held the man's gaze. “There's someone else who's suited for the task.”
At her reply, Kenneth lifted his eyes and stole a look at Anthony before surreptitiously withdrawing his gaze. “Who is it?”
“The apprentice Anthony took in, Miguel. What do you think?” Natasha ventured.
At her proposal, Kenneth lowered his eyes slightly and bobbed his head after a brief while of pondering. “I heard from Dave that he's also well-versed in computers and combat. He's quite skilled at fighting.”
“So, do you approve?” Natasha confirmed.
“I have no problems with it. But... are you the one who thinks he's good, or does someone else think so?” As Kenneth spoke, his gaze landed on Anthony.
It went without saying that Natasha knew there was no fooling him. Hence, she divulged, “Your son thinks so.”
Dumbstruck, Anthony grumbled, “Don't you think you sold me out too quickly, Nat?”
Natasha merely leaned back against the chair languidly. “If I said I thought so, your daddy would've been jealous again. As you know, he's scary when he's green with envy!”
She shot a look at Kenneth as she said that. However, the latter evidently had no intention of refuting that.
On second thought, Anthony felt that it made sense.
That's true. Besides, when he's jealous... Oh well, I don't even dare imagine what would happen!
At that thought, Anthony admitted, “It was my idea. I'm already familiar with Miguel. That aside, it's only natural that I take him out to train since I'm his mentor. Furthermore, Mr. Dave has agreed!”
“You, taking him out to train?” When Kenneth heard that, his lips curved into a smirk.
“Daddy, while I'm young and lack a certain amount of experience, everyone has his own strengths. He doesn't necessarily know more just because he's older than me. Moreover, there are always things I can teach him. Otherwise, why would he acknowledge me as his mentor?” Anthony quirked a brow at his father.
Undeniably, his words were true to an extent.
Ultimately, there was always something to learn from others.
Thus, Kenneth nodded in agreement. “You're right. I was too shallow.”
“Then, I can bring Miguel along, yes?” Anthony pressed, seizing that golden opportunity.
“Of course. Dave has agreed, so I've got no objections either!” Kenneth replied.
As soon as Anthony heard that, the corners of his mouth turned up. “I'll go and tell Miguel about this right away!”
Kenneth nodded.
Getting to his feet, Anthony walked away.
“Wait!” Natasha piped up without warning.
Anthony glanced over his shoulder at her.
“I'll go with you,” Natasha offered.
“Why?” Anthony questioned.
“I've got something to say to Miguel,” Natasha murmured.
Again, Anthony's lips curved upward. “Oh, don't worry, Nat. You don't have to remind him to protect me. He'll make sure to do that either way.”
“That's not what I want to say to him.”
“What do you want to say to him, then?”
“Well... it's a secret.” Natasha flashed him a mysterious smile.
Seeing that, Anthony did not give it much thought, for he was convinced that his mother was messing with him.
“I'll be back shortly,” Natasha said to Kenneth.
“Okay.” Kenneth inclined his head a fraction.
In no time, no one else except Thalia and Kenneth was left in the dining room. Without saying anything, Kenneth got up to leave.
“Wait!” Thalia suddenly spoke.
Startled, Kenneth turned and fixed his eyes on her. “You're talking to me?”
“Is there anyone else here?” Thalia retorted.
“What is it?” Kenneth cut straight to the chase. Their dislike for each other was blatantly written all over their faces.
Thalia hesitated briefly. “I gave Natasha the antidote.”
Hearing that, Kenneth was stunned for a moment. He gaped at her, not quite believing his ears. “What did you just say?”
“I personally watched her swallow it. Keep an eye on her and see whether there are any adverse effects,” Thalia urged.
In the brief second while the man was distracted, she had already stood up and left.
By the time Kenneth gathered his wits about him, all he saw was her figure disappearing into the distance.
He narrowed his eyes, fully aware that the woman would never joke about such a thing. However, he also understood Natasha all too well. She wouldn't have given in just like that. Following that thought, he spun on his heels and headed out.
When Natasha stepped out of the hidden room, Kenneth was waiting for her right outside.
Clocking his solemn expression, she frowned and walked toward him.
“Kenneth,” she called out.
Kenneth jerked his head back. The instant he caught sight of her, he strode toward her.
“Nat...” He stared at her, his eyes narrowed slightly, looking as though he had something to say yet was hesitant to speak.
“What's wrong? What do you want to say to me?” Natasha asked, gazing up at him.
Kenneth inhaled deeply. “Thalia told me... she gave you the antidote. Is that true?” he ventured.
Surmising Thalia's purpose in telling Kenneth that, Natasha dipped her eyes. Subsequently, she met his gaze and gave a nod. “Yes. It's true.”
“So, you really—”
“No,” Natasha interrupted before he had finished speaking.
She knew what he wanted to ask, but she had to negate it.
Kenneth bore his eyes into her unblinkingly.
Pursing her lips, Natasha continued, “Indeed, she gave it to me. But I fed it to her while she was unaware. This time, there's no room for regret and dilemma.”
Kenneth's gaze gradually dimmed.
At that, Natasha chuckled. “Why, are you disappointed?”
“Yeah, a bit.”
Stepping closer to him, Natasha looked up at him. “You knew I'd never take it, no?”
Kenneth lowered his eyes. A long while passed before he admitted in a mere whisper, “Yeah, but I was still hoping that you might have done something unexpected.”
Taking his hand, Natasha declared smilingly, “Indeed, I've done something unexpected. Do you want to hear it?”
“What is it?” Kenneth asked.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Not twins novel (Natasha and Kenneth)
Why are these novels always stopping halfway...