Even when they reached the second floor, Denise would turn around from time to time and peep downstairs.
When the living room was finally out of sight, she said unhappily, “Nat, why were you in such a hurry to leave?”
“Why? Do you have anything left to do there?”
“No, but aren't they Daddy's friends? We can just chat with them.”
“Were you really hoping to chat with them, or did you want to stay there to keep on taunting someone?” Natasha probed.
Denise stopped in her tracks and peeked at Natasha. “Nat, you... noticed?”
“You and Kenneth were being so obvious. How could I not notice?” Natasha gazed down at the girl and added, “Darling, huh? Don't you find it cheesy?”
Denise giggled at that. “Why? Am I not your darling?”
“Stop it. I'm cringing,” Natasha said as she walked forward.
Knowing that Natasha hated cheesy stuff, Denise grinned. “Nat, isn't it nice of Daddy to cooperate with me? Are you happy?”
Natasha did not answer her questions.
“I'm sure Daddy played along because he sensed something too.” Denise continued to mutter. She raised her head to look at Natasha and reminded, “Nat, I hope you don't mind me saying this, but you should be careful. It's nice that Daddy is self-aware, but you have to put up your guard as well. She even came all the way here, yet you still look like you don't care.”
Hearing that, Natasha glanced at her. “How should I put up my guard?”
“Um... You should at least teach her a lesson, shouldn't you?” Denise said.
“How do I do that when she didn't even do anything?”
“What do you mean she didn't do anything? Mr. Mike and Mr. Luke both treated you with respect, but she didn't. She's blatantly provoking you!” Denise claimed.
In response, Natasha chuckled and pushed the door open before walking into the room.
At the sight of Natasha's unbothered attitude, Denise ran forward and stood in her way. “Nat!”
Left with no choice, Natasha told her, “All right, I got it.”
“Really?”
“Yes.” Natasha nodded.
“Then what should you do next time?” Denise prompted.
“Kill her?”
“Nat!” Denise exclaimed in frustration when she realized Natasha still wasn't taking this matter seriously.
Natasha laughed at her reaction and assured her, “Okay, I got it. Don't worry. I know what to do.”
“That better be the case,” Denise grumbled with a worried pout.
“All right, that's enough. Go and play with Thalia for a while. I'm going to take a bath and nap.”
Denise knew that Natasha had a weak body. Not wanting to tire her mother out, she turned around and walked to the door without any complaints.
“Rest well,” she voiced.
“Okay,” replied Natasha without even turning to look at her.
Denise stood by the door, gazing at Natasha's back helplessly.
Nat has never cared much about things like this, so it's unlikely she'll listen to me. Good thing they have a clever daughter like me! I guess I should just take things into my own hands.
At that thought, Denise spun on her heels and walked away.
The conversation downstairs lasted for more than an hour.
When it was time for the trio to leave, Mike expressed, “Dave, Boss, we'll head back to prepare what's needed. As for the other matters, we'll wait for your updates.”
Kenneth bobbed his head in return.
“We'll visit again another day.”
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