Ewan couldn’t get annoyed at his daughter, not with that cute pouty gesture her mouth was making, while she blinked at him innocently.
Instead, he chuckled, thoroughly amused. "You have a sharp mouth on you, Kathleen. I’m pleased."
He laughed, delighted when Kathleen joined in, her giggle infectious.
The little girl had expected a sharp retort, a rebuke of sorts, just as was customary from elders. But this man here, who seemed genuinely interested in them, was laughing instead.
Worse still, his laughter was surprisingly contagious—a laughter that was similar to hers and Nathaniel’s.
"You are pleased that she has a sharp mouth? Mother doesn’t think so," Nathaniel interjected, cutting the laughter short. Yet, the barely concealed tug at the corners of his lips revealed that he, too, was entertained by their banter.
"I doubt it," Ewan replied, his eyes widening comically as if the very thought was a revelation. "Your mother has a sharp mouth too. Have you seen her in action?"
Nathaniel smiled, thinly but genuinely. "I think so. And yes, I get your point."
The three of them shared smiles again, a brief moment of unity. But then, almost immediately, Nathaniel’s expression changed. A frown creased his brow as he was suddenly overtaken by a cloud of contemplation.
He realized with a pang that he was actually relaxing in the presence of this man, the very man who had hurt his mother so deeply. While he could allow Kathleen this moment of levity, Nathaniel felt he shouldn’t permit himself the same. After all, he was her protector; he couldn’t be swayed too easily.
Who was to say this man wouldn’t hurt them again?
Ewan, sensitive to his son’s shifting moods, caught Nathaniel’s eye and winked at him, eliciting a surprised look from the boy, followed by confusion.
Nathaniel darted a glance at Kathleen, who appeared oblivious to their exchange, blissfully okay with her newfound rapport with their father.
"Mr. Ewan, you are quite funny. I’ll have to admit that," Nathaniel finally spoke, folding his arms across his chest, his demeanor still guarded.
Ewan chuckled softly, enjoying the playful banter. "Sandro will be shocked to hear that," he mused, a glint of amusement dancing in his eyes.
Understanding flashed through the eyes of the twins.
"Back to our discussion..." Ewan continued, his tone shifting slightly. "I have to support your statement, Kathleen. You both got your brains from your mother. But your looks? Those come from yours truly." He smirked, placing his hand on his chest, feigning pride. "Don’t you think that counts for something? No one really fancies an ugly person."
Kathleen giggled, her approval evident as she gave him a thumbs-up. At that moment, Ewan felt as though he had been gifted the treasures of the world.
Nathaniel huffed in mock disapproval. "Mother says that what matters is inner beauty..."
"That is true," Ewan interjected, his voice light, "but one can have both. Or do you wish to trade your physical beauty for something else? Would you prefer to be ugly?"
Nathaniel grunted in response, his arms remaining crossed defiantly. Kathleen, however, giggled again, earning herself a glare from her brother. Yet, Kathleen’s amusement wouldn’t be so easily punctured.
"Nathaniel is rarely put speechless," She mentioned brightly, nudging her shoulder against her brother’s, as if to encourage him to loosen up.
Nathaniel huffed but didn’t glare or shift away from her touch, and Ewan noted this with a smile; his children valued each other.
"Speaking of your computer skills," Ewan transitioned, trying to keep the mood light, "you know hacking and all. Have you put those skills into action before? Antonio mentioned something earlier along those lines..."
Ewan stopped short when he saw the first notable smile break across Nathaniel’s lips. Yet it wasn’t just the smile that took him aback; it was the slyness accompanied by a mischievous glint that sent a shiver through him.
Without Nathaniel even saying a word, he could already tell that whatever was coming next wouldn’t be pleasing to his ears.
His gaze flicked to Kathleen, who seemed to share in the conspiratorial glee, her eyes sparkling with mischief. It became clear that both of them were in on something.
"Well, it seems I have my answer," Ewan said, his curiosity piqued. "Can I have the details, then? Please..." He added the last word when he noticed Nathaniel raising an incredulous brow at him.
Kathleen clapped her hands, eager to share their tale. "We were the ones behind the raid on your company’s software some months ago, and a year ago."
Ewan chuckled and shook his head in disbelief. "That’s impossible. You are pushing it too far. There’s no way that—"
His words dried up in his mouth when he noticed the twins exchanging glances, both of them crossing their legs simultaneously, obviously relishing his astonishment.
But how could they be serious?
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