What do you think? Is it a test?
"Dad? Why—" Frank raised a finger. Emily spontaneously stopped talking. That caused greater anxiety in her heart. "Why did Dad brought that terrifying creature here?" Emily thought. "Did he want to test Cayden? Could it be ...." Emily gasped. She remembered how her great-grandfather finished people who knew about their family's weaknesses. Would Frank also do the same? But Frank was not a violent person. "Dad—" "Sorry, Sir. Why are you serving this menu? Isn't Emily allergic to shrimp?" A huge explosion shook Emily's heart. Her cold sweat rushed out, panic clogging her throat. Meanwhile, Frank smiled crookedly. "You know about my daughter's allergy?" Cayden nodded carefree. "When we were on the plane, Emily panicked because she ate something that looked like shrimp. That's how I knew that she was allergic. Luckily, it was just a vegan food, a fake shrimp." "Did you know it was a secret?" One of Frank's eyebrows rose. Emily subconsciously held her breath. Her nerves
"You can't beat me, huh?" Frank whispered, trying to sway his opponent. Instead of being intimidated, Cayden smiled slightly. "My goal is not to defeat you, Sir, but to show you my strength." Frank laughed lightly. "I won't approve of your relationship if you lose." Cayden nodded. "I know." Suddenly, Frank mustered all his strength. Cayden's hand pushed back. Emily screeched in panic in her seat. "Cayden!" But then, their hands returned to their previous position. Emily was now holding her breath. She hoped Cayden would keep pushing, but he didn't. He just counterbalanced Frank's strength. "Cayden, I said don't give in. Quickly finish the game!" Emily exclaimed loudly. Frank's emotions flared up even more. He tried to increase his strength, but he had already reached his limit. "Exhausted, Sir?" Cayden whispered, looking more relaxed. Frank couldn't answer. He was too focused on catching his breath. Unexpectedly, Cayden began to reduce his strength. Little by lit
"Do you agree with me? Do you also think that my daughter is stupid?" Frank looked at Cayden closely. Cayden shook his head. "No, I don't think Emily is stupid. She's just confused. I've noticed several times that she can't think rationally whenever she worries about the people she loves." "Do you mean Emily loves you?" Cayden nodded with a faint smile. "Yeah, one of them." Frank tilted his head. His eyes narrowed slightly. "Emily is a genius girl. She is good at solving problems and formulating strategic moves. However, every time she is faced with a problem that concerns the safety of the people closest to her, her mind doesn't seem to be working well. She becomes confused, scared, and panicked." As he returned to arranging the chess pieces, Frank laughed sadly. His head shook in disbelief. "Do you know what causes it?" Cayden froze. "What?" "She relies on Louis too often, especially in critical situations. Did you know that they were kidnapped twice when they were l
Before Emily's worries poisoned his mind, Cayden shook his head quickly. He held both of her hands, trying to calm her down. "No, Emily. You're thinking too far. I'm definitely different from a caterpillar. Killing a caterpillar is also different from killing a human. How could they be the same? The sins are different. The burden and pressure are too. Besides ...." Cayden leaned forward a little. Their eyes were closer now. "You're not a plant. How could you possibly compare yourself to a living creature that doesn't have blood or bones?" "That's just an analogy, Cay." "Still, the two things can't be compared. Now don't make it too much of a burden, hmm? I believe your father is not an arbitrary person. He won't kill anyone." Instead of listening, Emily still stuck to her opinion. "But, Cay, we have to prepare for the worst. Anticipation is important." "Princess, have you heard of Stoicism mindset?" Emily's head moved back. "That philosophy of happiness? What do we hav
Emily nodded. Her eyes were still teary. Cayden noticed that. "What is it?" He came over and rubbed her shoulder. The girl took a deep breath. "I just didn't think that Louis secretly cared so much about me. I knew he cared, but ... I thought he didn't care that much." Cayden smiled faintly. "Are you moved?" Emily's chin rose to press against her lips. Her nod looked cute. "I suddenly miss our childhood days." "Then, quickly go back to your room and sleep. Maybe you will return to those days through your dreams." Emily's lips curled up again. "Will you also come to my dreams?" Cayden nodded. "Yes, if you don't mind. But I think Louis will be jealous of me again." Emily's laugh was faint. "He shouldn't call me a kid, while he still acts like a kid himself." Then, she approached Cayden and gave him a hug. "Good night, My Prince. I'll wait for you in my dreams." "Hmm .... Have a good night's sleep, Princess." Cayden stroked her back. After that, Emily walked towards
Louis frowned. "You dreamed of my sister?" "Yeah, how could I dream of another girl? She's the one I love," Cayden muttered as if he was grumbling. "But don't worry. Only this blanket is dirty. The bed and bedcover are safe. Now go. I'll take care of this." Louis glanced at the blanket that Cayden was patting. After shuddering, he turned back to the door. Right at that moment, Frank and Kara appeared. Their faces were worried. Cayden now didn't dare to breathe. "Louis, what a coincidence, you're here. Have you seen your sister?" Kara asked quietly. "Emily? Isn't she still sleeping?" Kara shook her head. "Her room is empty." Meanwhile, Frank glanced at Cayden. "Is she in there?" His gaze was sharp. Understanding the meaning behind his father's expression, Louis looked back. "Have you seen my sister?" he inquired with narrowed eyes. Cayden shook his head naturally. "No." Nevertheless, Frank came in. He looked at all sides of the room. His gaze stopped when he reached
After one blink, Emily shook her head stiffly. Those flashes of memory must be dismissed immediately. It could be serious if someone read her mind. "It's nothing, Dad. He was my bodyguard at that time," Emily nodded reassuringly. "Is that so?" Frank folded his arms across his chest. His chin was raised slightly, just like the arch of his eyebrows. "Where were you staying when you arrived in France?" "At your friend's hotel." Frank shifted his gaze towards Cayden. The man had been as stiff as a statue ever since. "Where were you staying at that time?" Receiving a different answer, Frank fell silent for a moment. He seemed to be matching something in his mind. "What about next night?" Emily and Cayden held their breath. They glanced at each other, not daring to say the truth. "Princess?" Emily blinked. She realized that lying would only make things worse. "I was chased by the bad guy on that night," she admitted. "The night you were drugged?" Kara inquired. Emily
"So, you guys did sleep together," Frank sighed with eyes full of resentment and disappointment. "We did sleep in the same bed, but Cayden didn't do anything, Dad," Emily emphasized. She was getting tired of being accused of lying all the time. However, Frank still laughed wryly. "You still defend him?" "I'm not defending, but telling the truth. Cayden just hugged me in a proper way. Only our upper bodies touched. I know he had difficulty holding back. But apparently, he was able to suppress his ego to protect me." Suddenly, Emily stepped back. She returned to Cayden's side, slipping her hand into his. Everyone watching spontaneously froze. They didn't expect Emily to be that brave. "Now, it's up to you to believe it or not. That's the reality. Cayden really loves me that much. I will always be with him even if you forbid me." Frank pensively absorbed those statements. His eyes locked on Emily's reddish eyes. He finally saw her honesty and sincerity. That's what he had bee