You're Out, Daddy novel (Natasha and Kenneth)
Chapter 457

Dave stared at the two kids before him and saw the resolve flashing in their clear eyes. They were much more direct than he had expected.

He pursed his lips and scrutinized them. "Do you guys not trust me?"

Anthony replied, "No, that's not it. It's precisely because we trust you that we decided to be direct with you."

Benjamin nodded, agreeing with his brother's words.

The two kids stared at Dave, looking as though they would keep pestering him if he failed to give them an answer.

Dave smiled. "Okay, since it has come to this, I'll tell you guys the truth. I did indeed hide something from you."

The two kids continued staring at him, waiting for him to continue.

However, Dave did not continue. Instead, he took out his phone, searched for a text message, and showed it to the kids. "Here, look at this. You'll understand everything once you've read this."

Curiously, the two kids approached Dave. When they saw that the message was from Kenneth, frowns marred their brows.

"It's a message from Daddy?"

Dave nodded before taking his phone back. Looking at the message on the screen, he pressed it a few times and explained, "That day, after we split up to replace the car, I did end up replaceing it. However, just wher I was about to call to notify you guys, I received a message from your daddy asking me to take you away."

Anthony was surprised. "Daddy knew?"

Dave nodded. "Yes."

"But, how?"

Dave said, "I was surprised by this as well."

Anthony and Benjamin gazed at him. Now that he's shown us that text message, there's no more reason for us to doubt him. Besides, his explanation makes sense.

Anthony asked, "So, the reason he didn't show up today is that he knew about the plan?"

Dave replied, "I don't think he knew about the plan. What he did know was that we were behind it. That's why he didn't show up."

Anthony pursed his lips, looking to be deep in thought.

Just then, Dave added, "I also know that you guys won't give up so easily, so I brought you here to see if there's any other way."

Hearing that, Anthony met his gaze and said, "Mr. Dave, I know we shouldn't have doubted you, but if we don't make things clear, the doubt we have will only fester. That's why I think it's a good thing that we've made everything clear. That being said, I still have one more thing to say."

Dave looked at them and uttered, "Feel free to speak your mind."

"Well, you were the one who agreed to work with us, and yet you've been treating us as kids. You haven't been honest with us at all. Although the car incident was but a trivial matter, the smallest detail can sometimes hide the biggest clue."

Dave couldn't deny that, so he nodded and mused, "You're right, and for that, I'm sorry."

Anthony shook his head. "Mr. Dave, what I want isn't your apology."

Benjamin chimed in, "What we want is for us to have mutual trust and honesty."

Dave lowered his eyes and pursed his lips. After a moment, he nodded and said, "All I can say is that some of the decisions that I'll make will be selective." Benjamin started, "Mr. Dave-"

Before he could finish his sentence, Anthony cut in, "Okay, we get it."

Benjamin whipped his head to look at his brother but Anthony continued saying, "In that case, we shan't disturb your rest any longer. Good night, Mr. Dave."

Dave nodded at them. "Good night."

The two brothers exchanged glances and headed out of the room.

Meanwhile, Thalia was leaning against the wall outside. A cigarette was clipped between her slender fingers, and she had a dazed look on her face, looking as though she was lost in thoughts. Anthony called out, "Thalia."

Thalia snapped back to her senses and looked toward the brothers. She proceeded to stub out the cigarette before walking over to them.

She asked, "You guys finished your talk?"

Anthony nodded.

Thalia added, "Dave is not a trustworthy person."

Benjamin stared at her. "Was this the suspicion you were talking about when we went there today?"

"More or less."

Anthony asked, "Is that why you looked for him earlier? To settle the scores?"

Thalia snorted. "Of course. Why else would I look for him? I didn't look for him to talk about our hopes and dreams, that's for sure. Regardless, Dave is far more cunning than you thought. The plan only failed because I underestimated him."

Anthony gazed at her and flashed her a comforting smile. "Sure enough, we can only trust one of our own."

Thalia scoffed. "Well, duh. I can bully you, but I won't ever allow someone to use you."

It was at that moment Anthony knew there would always be a gap between those who did not share the same mindset.

Only those who did would have absolute trust between them. Thalia was the best example of that.

With that thought in mind, Anthony looked at her and said, “Although Mr. Dave did hide something from us, he's not a bad guy. He's just loyal toward Daddy."

Thalia nodded. "You're right. I can tell that he's not a bad guy as well. Otherwise, I would have made sure that either he or I ended up dead tonight."

The two kids gaped at Thalia when they heard that.

S-She actually risked her life? And she's risking it for us!

The kids couldn't help but be touched by Thalia's actions. However, they were never great at expressing their feelings. They could only keep their gratitude to themselves. Anthony said, "Please don't act so recklessly next time. You should discuss with us first if there's anything. Who knows, there might be a better solution."

Thalia rolled her eyes at them. "I was just worried your young souls wouldn't be able to take it."

Anthony replied, "Do we look that weak to you?"

Thalia shrugged. "You're not weak. It's just that no matter how strong a person is, they wouldn't be able to accept being betrayed by someone they trust so easily."

The kids could tell that she was speaking from personal experience from the grim tone she was using.

Anthony looked at her. "Have you... been betrayed before?"

Thalia raised her head and looked at them. She then forced out a lighthearted chuckle before saying, "Of course not. With my high intellect, I doubt anyone would be able to use and betray me." Unbeknownst to her, the more she tried to deny it, the more suspicious she seemed.

Nonetheless, Anthony and Benjamin were well aware that they shouldn't force her to tell them if she didn't feel like sharing. As such, they didn't push the topic further.

Anthony walked over and leaned against her side. "Don't worry. We'll be your best support from now on. If anyone dares to hurt you, we'll end their lives!"

Benjamin stepped forward and nodded fervently. "That's right! We'll be your biggest support from now on!"

Thalia was touched to hear that. Aww... Benjamin is such a sweet child! As for Anthony...

She gave Anthony a strange look before turning her head to look outside, a frown marring her brows.

Seeing that, Anthony asked, "What's the matter?"

With a surprised look, Thalia replied, "I was just trying to see if the world has undergone any changes, or if the sun has risen from the west today. After all, the words you're saying actually sound as though they came from a decent human being!"

Anthony was rendered speechless upon hearing that.

Hmph! I guess it's true that one can never be too kind!

With that thought in mind, he flashed her a grim smile.

Thalia questioned, "What? Was I wrong?"

Anthony shook his head. "No, you're absolutely right."

Thalia raised her brow. "Oh? I see that you've finally realized your own shortcomings, huh?"

"What I realized is that I've been too kind to you!"

Confusion spread across Thalia's face, and she was at a loss for words.

"Don't worry. I'll definitely treat you better from now on!" With that, Anthony got to his feet and walked away.

Staring at the boy's departing figure, Thalia glanced at Benjamin, who was beside her. "What does he mean by that?"

"You'll... understand in time." Upon saying that, Benjamin smiled and walked away as well.

Staring at the two kids' departing figure, Thalia narrowed her eyes.

There he goes again, saying something that he doesn't mean.

When she thought back to their previous conversation, a smile formed on her lips.

I guess I didn't spoil them in vain!