You're Out, Daddy novel (Natasha and Kenneth)
Chapter 476

Anthony was still wondering how to salvage the conversation when he noticed Thalia's inquisitive eyes boring into him.

"Did you just say you know Shadow Seeker's identity?" she asked, enunciating each word carefully.

"I..." Anthony trailed off. Argh! Me and my big mouth! Why on earth did I blurt that out?

"What?" Thalia fumed. "You know, don't you?"

"Maybe a little?"

"Why are you asking me that?"

"Well then, I do know a little!" Anthony replied with a grin.

Thalia took a deep breath to calm herself down. Oh, please! Who's going to believe that? "When did you replace out about it?"

"Uh, not too long ago..."

"Okay, and how long ago was that?"

"It was pretty early on. I don't remember the exact moment..."

Thalia took another deep breath as she paced around the room and tried her best to hold her temper.

Seconds later, she finally opened her eyes and glared at Anthony. "You knew my mission in Glenport City was to look for Shadow Seeker, so why didn't you tell me?"

"It's not that I didn't want to," Anthony mumbled, pretending to be in a dilemma. "But it was a matter of morality. Since I've promised to keep it a secret, wouldn't I be betraying my morals if I divulged it?"

"Morals? What about the morals between us?" Thalia retorted.

"I-It's not like I've betrayed you!"

"What about your conscience, then? Can you live with it?"

A smile tugged at Anthony's lips. "Well, from what I know, Shadow Seeker hasn't done anything. I guess my conscience is clear!"

"Y-You-" Thalia sputtered with rage. "Fine! You've got some guts, Anthony Watson! To think I've been so open and genuine with you!"

"I know you want to persuade Shadow Seeker into joining Darknetz," Anthony hastily said when he saw how angry Thalia was. "But didn't I tell you before that Shadow Seeker won't agree to it? I even checked and confirmed it for you! Long story short, there's no way Shadow Seeker would join any organizations. Not now, not ever!"

Alas, that wasn't enough to quell Thalia's rage, and Benjamin had long since shrunk into a corner.

After all, given the tense situation, one would be wise to stay away from it as much as possible. When Anthony realized it and gestured for his brother to return, the latter shook his head defiantly.

Oh, hell no! Going out now would be asking for trouble, and I'm no fool!

Exasperated at Benjamin's lack of loyalty, Anthony shot him a helpless look before turning back to Thalia. "I know you're mad, Thalia, but Shadow Seeker has a hold on me too. If I revealed their identity, they'd undoubtedly leak my information. Wouldn't everyone just end up suffering heavy losses?"

"Do you think I'd betray you if you told me?" Thalia asked.

"But how can you be sure that Shadow Seeker's information is accurate? What if it's fake, and they get alerted when you try tracking them down?"

For a moment, Thalia was rendered speechless. "Oh, please. Do you honestly think everyone's as petty as you?"

"That's a common tactic, isn't it? When you don't know someone well enough, it's only normal to resort to that to protect yourself."

"Even so, that doesn't change the fact that you hid the truth from me!"

"All right, tell me, what must I do to resolve this matter?"

To Anthony's surprise, Thalia said nothing.

"Shall I admit my mistake and apologize?" he added with raised eyebrows.

"No. I'm sick of hearing apologies."

"Then what do you suggest?"

Thalia turned to look at him with a twinkle in her eyes. "Will you do anything I say?"

"Of course! As long as it's within my power!"

"Easy! Tell me Shadow Seeker's identity!"

"You can continue being angry, then."

"Anthony Watson!"

"Thalia, I really can't do that," Anthony muttered helplessly. "But I'll fulfill any other requests of yours!"

"Are you closer to Shadow Seeker or me?"

"That's not the issue here. This matter concerns Shadow Seeker's safety, so I have to keep it on the down low. I'd do the same for you too!"

Miraculously, Thalia's fury dissipated when she heard what Anthony said. "Really?"

"Of course!"

Thalia began pondering the boy's words. Well, it's not like I have to force him to spill the truth. I was just taken aback by the sudden news. Besides, I was angry that he kept it from me, especially since I though we were on good terms. Then again, I'm not an unreasonable person. I can live with this as long as we've cleared everything up.

"At least you aren't completely heartless," she quipped as she glanced at Anthony.

Seeing that Thalia was no longer angry, Anthony quirked an eyebrow. "That goes without saying. How can I forget your kindness to me? When I grow up, I won't neglect my filial duties to you!" Ha! I'm pretty good at coaxing people too!

Even though Anthony's honeyed words had successfully cooled Thalia's raging fire, the latter refused to admit it.

"Hmph, who knows if you're telling the truth or not?"

"I'll swear on it!" Anthony exclaimed.

"All right, all right, let's see if you'll stick to your word!" Thalia grumbled. Deep down, however, she had absolute faith in the boy.

After all, no matter how clever and extraordinarily gifted Anthony was, Thalia would never doubt the goodness of his heart. "Are you still mad at me?" Anthony asked.

"Of course I am!" Thalia retorted although her expression and tone had visibly softened. "Do you know how long I've been looking for Shadow Seeker? Shadow Seeker broke my mission record, for goodness' sake!"

After giving it some thought, Anthony finally answered, "How about this? I'll run your request past Shadow Seeker, and if Shadow Seeker's keen, I'll set up a meeting for the two of you."

Upon hearing that, Thalia turned around. "I do contact Shadow Seeker occasionally, but it's all been online. I've never met Shadow Seeker in person!"

"Ah, I see. That's pretty sad..." Anthony said, his gaze filled with sympathy.

"What? Have you met Shadow Seeker before?"

Anthony nodded. "Yes!"

Oh, we meet often, and in the past, we got to meet every day!

Needless to say, Thalia was green with envy.

Anthony is undoubtedly a blessed child, but why does it feel like everything good happens to him? How can he easily meet people that others can only dream of meeting? It's so annoying! Despite her frustration, Thalia knew there was nothing she could do.

"How confident are you?" she asked.

"I'm not sure, but I'll try my best!"

Thalia nodded. Fine. That's better than nothing. I'm sure Shadow Seeker has no intention of meeting me at all, but perhaps with Anthony's help, things might change.

"Okay. I'll wait for it, then. It's time to prove yourself, Anthony. I have high hopes for you!"

"Uh, maybe you should just ignore everything I've said!"

Thalia glared at him as she arched her brow and flexed her fingers. "Anthony Watson, are you asking for a beating?"

Right there and then, Anthony knew it was time to flee.

If I don't run now, I won't get another chance! All right, time to go!

Amidst their joyful bantering, however, Kenneth suddenly walked past the door with a solemn expression.