Part 25

Abigail glanced at Claire. "She always gets mad at us if we sit too close together," she said innocently.

"Why?" Antony asked again, intrigued.

"Because they're noisy," Claire replied flatly, as if she was used to sitting apart from the two teenagers.

Claire walked ahead of Abigail and Flavia, then turned right toward her seat, while Abigail and Flavia sat in the left section.

The film on the big screen was about a father and child struggling to escape from a zombie attack. However, Antony couldn't enjoy it at all because his nose was distracted by the sweet scent of Claire's body sitting next to him.

Antony's hands were clenched tight as a self-defense reaction to keep himself from holding Claire's hand, which was very close to his own. Occasionally, the hair on his forearm accidentally brushed against Claire's smooth skin as they reached for the popcorn he had placed between them.

For some reason, his head suddenly felt heavy on one side, and he always wanted to lean on Claire's shoulder. Antony was sure that shoulder would be comfortable and would make him fall asleep quickly.

Is this what they call a second puberty?

Antony smiled to himself, feeling embarrassed.

Meanwhile, Claire was aware that Antony had been watching her. However, she tried to keep a neutral expression and pretended not to notice. She didn't want to get a big head, thinking that Antony liked her and was trying to get closer. God, even though that thought had crossed her mind, she quickly dismissed it.

It wasn't that she lacked confidence. Claire was someone who truly believed in her own worth.

She had a beautiful face, and although her body wasn't as slender as a model's—meaning she had a curvy figure—she considered herself attractive. She was also a successful woman, even if her wealth was still far below that of American divas. But all her hard work had certainly yielded great returns.

And about her character? Although most people say she's a harsh woman and have negative opinions about her, not many people actually hate Claire. She isn't someone who knows how to butter people up. She's a girl who always acts like herself. She doesn't enjoy putting others down and tends to steer clear of people she doesn't like.

So yes, Claire has many positive traits.

She isn't the type of woman who easily gives herself to men. She's not a woman who satisfies desires. So if Antony thinks Claire would be as easily influenced as Anastasia or any other woman who has been close to him, then he's mistaken.

After less than two hours, the movie finally ended. Claire stood up, taking the empty popcorn and soda cup toward the exit. The two teenage girls immediately dashed out of the studio, and Claire could already guess where they were headed.

Yes, the bathroom.

While the two girls ran off without informing their guardian, Antony could only watch them leave in confusion.

"They're hunting for a toilet," Claire replied flatly, choosing to sit on one of the plush benches in the hallway. "How long do you plan to stay in Kansas, Sir?" Claire finally spoke up.

"Why?"

"Just curious. As far as I know, your parents are going to Italy for only two weeks. After they return, do you plan to go back to Manhattan?"

"I don't know yet. As you know, I'm still trying to get close to Flavia."

"Do you want to hear my observations?" Claire leaned slightly toward Antony. He nodded in response. "From what I've observed, both you and Flavia feel shy and uncertain. You both share a fear of rejection," Claire stated, which Antony acknowledged with a nod. "In Flavia's eyes, you remain a stranger, even though her spirit is eager to get close to you. She's happy you're here, even if she feels awkward around you, and you feel the same way." Antony nodded again. "And do you know what happened this morning?" Claire asked, which was met with a shake of Antony's head. "She felt sad when she thought you cared more about your girlfriend than her."

"That's not true. Anastasia and I—" Antony stopped speaking when he saw Claire raise her right hand. Her demeanor and expression were eerily similar to Abigail's just a few hours earlier.

"I don't care and I don't want to know about your relationship with your girlfriend. I just want to explain that what Flavia felt earlier was a kind of jealousy. Not the jealousy of a lover, but the jealousy of a child who feels left out.

"I didn't know Anastasia was so bold as to take my call," Antony complained, his emotions restrained. Yes, because of Anastasia's actions, Antony had nearly lost the chance to get close to Flavia.

"Someone usually acts bold for two reasons. The first reason is that they believe you won't get angry because 'in their opinion' your relationship has reached a point where you can share your privacy with each other. The second reason is that the woman you're dating has no shame and lacks boundaries," she continued, showing no emotion. "So here, I urge you to choose between that woman or your daughter."

Did Claire sound jealous? The thought crossed Antony's mind for a moment. But looking at her otherwise calm expression, he knew he was mistaken, especially as she continued her statement.

"If you choose that woman, then perhaps in the future you should frequently introduce Flavia to her so that there's no conflict between them that ends up hurting each other's feelings.

"At the age of Abigail and Flavia, this is the time for them to find their identities and shape their own characters.

"I know how Abigail is. I realize that she looks up to me because in our family, I'm the only woman close to her besides her mother and my own mother. As for Flavia, even though she's been close to her grandmother, she doesn't exhibit any of your mother's traits.

"Honestly, Flavia has low self-confidence. She's very shy. And that behavior arises from the experiences she's had up until now."

"I apologize if I come off as condescending. You know the saying, 'a daughter's first love is her father'?" Antony frowned. "Daughters love their fathers deeply, often competing with their mothers for their father's attention. They may argue with their mothers but will usually be obedient to their fathers. At least, that's what I experienced and did when my father was still around.

"As for Flavia, she can't rebel or discuss things with her mother, and at the same time, it seems like she has also been rejected by her father. That's why she has developed low self-esteem, and that's not a good thing.

"As a leader, you must know the risks of having such characteristics. I'm afraid it will affect Flavia's future.

"And that's why I'm saying this. I apologize if I'm being forward, but you were the one who asked for my help in the first place. I'm not one to hesitate to express my opinions.

"From what I've observed, Flavia, who has been lacking your attention, doesn't feel sufficient with what she receives from her grandmother and grandfather. Although I often notice her interactions with Mr. Altezza, it's clear that what she truly needs is you—your attention and your love. She can only feel that love and attention if it's expressed openly.

"You must show it, and perhaps now and then, you should express your feelings to her. Silent love won't yield any results. People can't read the feelings or thoughts of others, and if left unexpressed, misunderstandings can arise.

"And a clear example of the situation you're in now is the presence of another woman occupying your thoughts. That makes Flavia doubt whether your presence here is really for her or for another woman you're pursuing."

Antony could only watch Claire and listen carefully to her words. Everything she said was true, both about Anastasia's boldness and about Flavia. She was also right about Antony sharing his thoughts between his daughter and another woman, who was none other than Claire herself.

"Shall we continue to dinner?" Abigail asked suddenly.

Claire and Antony got up and looked at each other.

"What do you want to eat?" Antony asked Flavia, who shyly glanced back at her father.

"I want to eat steak. Is that okay?" she asked hesitantly. Antony simply nodded in response.

"Just tell me where it is, and you can eat as much as you want," he said as he wrapped his arm around Flavia's shoulders.