Sebastian nodded in Holden's direction and said emotionlessly, "It's good to have you leading the way. After all, I'm not as familiar with your Payne Manor as you are."
Holden said, "This way, please!”
Sabrina was stunned. She was impressed. How could Holden still remain so calm at a time like this?
Sabrina did not move. Aino did not move either.
Holden turned and looked sadly at the mother and daughter pair, then smiled, "Why? The two of you weren't afraid to be here at all yesterday. Now that your husband has rounded up my manor, is this when you start fearing me?"
Sabrina bit her lip and was about to say something, but the little girl whose hand she held in hers, cut her t o it.
"Uncle Holden," Aino called out to him.
Sabrina was silent.
Sebastian was silent too.
However, the one who was the most shocked was Holden. The expression on his face switched from surprise to touched gratitude. He looked at Aino and asked softly, "Aino, you...what did you just call me?"
Aino looked at him solemnly. She then said in her sweet, slightly whiny, childish tone of voice, "Uncle Payne, you’re not a baddie. You’re very nice to me. You let me ride on your shoulders like a horse. You're a great Uncle. From now on, I won't call you baddie anymore."
Holden fell silent.
He felt something wet accumulating at the corners of his eyes. He raised his head to the sky and laughed coldly. He then lowered his head again and looked at Aino, "Aino, you're a good girl! If there’s a chance, I'll still let you ride on my shoulders like a horse. In my eyes, you're the second most beautiful girl in the world."
Aino laughed at his words, "If I’m the second most beautiful girl in the world, then who's the most beautiful girl in the world?"
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