You're Out, Daddy novel (Natasha and Kenneth)

Chapter 656

Anthony had intended to repair Miguel's phone but upon second thought, he decided not to. He tossed the phone back to Miguel. “If he comes looking for you again, tell him how to reach me.”

Miguel frowned. “Why?”

“Just do as I say.”

Miguel felt uneasy. “Are you going to take another apprentice, Master?” I am concerned about where I stand.

Anthony rolled his eyes at his words. “He's more skilled than I am. Who am I to teach him things?”

“Then what are you...”

Anthony pondered for a moment and said, “I know what I'm doing.”

“You wouldn't cast me aside, would you, Master?” Miguel asked meekly, a sorrowful look dampening his usual cheeriness.

Anthony stared at him. “If you're going to keep making assumptions, don't ever mention that you are my apprentice. I can't bear the embarrassment.”

“I won't. I promise you I won't,” Miguel said hastily.

Anthony sighed. He was about to leave when Miguel grabbed his shirt.

Anthony turned around to glance at him. “What is it?”

Miguel grinned. “Are you finally going to admit that you are—”

Before he could finish his sentence, Anthony placed a finger to his own lips to hush him.

Upon coming to his senses, Miguel glanced around furtively. The others were so used to his daily proximity to Anthony that none of them looked over.

Aside from me, nobody else in the house knows about his true identity.

Turning back to Anthony, Miguel lowered his voice and amended himself. “You've finally admitted your identity, so when are you going to acknowledge me?”

“Acknowledge you? As what?”

“As your apprentice!”

Anthony glared at him in annoyance. “Is my silence not a tacit agreement?”

“You have agreed tacitly, but the world doesn't know!”

“What are you getting at?”

“Aren't you going to announce to the world that you have taken on a charming apprentice?” Miguel gave an ingratiating smile.

Anthony grimaced. “Is that necessary?”

Miguel nodded. “Of course. It pertains to my identity, which is the first among any other apprentices you may have in the future.” As he spoke, Miguel laughed at the pleasantness of the prospect.

Anthony was rendered speechless.

Aside from a glare, he did not deign to respond but rose to leave instead.

“Master!” Miguel hastened to block him before regarding him with a confused expression. “You should at least say something.”

Anthony shut his eyes in resignation. “You want me to acknowledge you, is that it?”

Miguel nodded eagerly.

“We'll see about that after you brush up on your techniques. If you don't do something about your abysmal typing speed, I will disown you!” Anthony threatened.

Without waiting for a response, he turned and left Miguel rooted at the spot.

What does that mean? Did I shoot myself in the foot? Instead of getting the recognition I deserve, I now face the possibility of being disowned!

Miguel came back to his senses at that alarming realization.

No! I cannot allow that to happen!

Upon making up his mind, he strode purposefully to his computer and got to work. I must work on my speed and technique!

The triplets were having a stroll outside when Denise broached the subject. “Are you really going to accept Miguel as your apprentice, Tony?”

“Since I can't get rid of him, I might as well keep him around,” Anthony replied after considering the question momentarily.

“That doesn't seem like your style.”

“What is my style?”

“Hmm... You work better alone.”

Anthony chuckled.

“I must say, this fellow, Miguel, is rather handsome. He's a burst of sunshine, though lacking in some brains,” Denise added.

“He's rather accomplished for his age, but that will change in time,” Anthony said.

“Hey, are you defending your apprentice?” Denise teased.

“I'm just stating facts.”

“Facts they may be, you're commenting on your apprentice's tender age despite being younger than him,” Denise pointed out. Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

Anthony raised his brows, and a hint of pride flashed across them. “This isn't the same.”

“How is it not the same?”

“I am the chosen one. How can you compare him with me?”

Denise cast him a scathing glare. “You should work on your modesty, Tony. Be more down-to-earth and humble like Ben.”

Anthony glanced at Benjamin beside him. “Him? Humble?”

“Mm-hmm!”

“We all shared a womb. How are you that clueless about him?” Anthony asked.

“How am I clueless?” Denise asked.

“How is he down-to-earth and humble? He's just introverted.”

Denise was struck dumb.

Benjamin gazed at him, exasperated. “Am I involved in your little argument now?”

“Apparently so,” Anthony replied. “This is what happens if you stay out of fights.”

Benjamin glanced at him helplessly.

Denise piped up, “Stop picking on Ben, Tony. Look at yourself. You're just like Daddy when you start to toot your own horn.”

“And looking good doing it, do we not?” Anthony asked.

“Could you stop being so narcissistic?”

“I must correct you there. It's called confidence.”

Denise sighed helplessly. “You're beyond hope.”

Without another word, she strode ahead and left them behind.

Anthony chuckled at Denise's back before trudging alongside Benjamin, who turned to him. “What are you planning to do?”

“What am I planning to do?” Anthony asked, confused.

“Stop playing games. Do you think I don't know what you're thinking? You left him your means of contact because you wanted him to come to you. What are you planning?”

Anthony looked Benjamin up and down before he gave in. “How terrifying. Nothing gets past you! It is fortunate that you are my brother, or I would have gotten rid of you for knowing me so well.”

Benjamin gazed at him. “So?”

Anthony thought for a moment. “I thought about the few formidable participants I have met besides Nat, and he is one of them. I have indeed gotten a narrow victory under Nat's instruction that day. I'm curious to ascertain the true difference in our skills.”

“Is that it?” Benjamin probed.

“Of course. There is one more thing, which is out of a little selfishness on my part. I'm curious to learn about his relationship with Vermillion Base. I feel he's not like one of those hackers they have trained. It would be advantageous if we could take this opportunity to break them up, don't you think?”

Benjamin chuckled at the plan. “That's it?”

“Yes, that's it.” Anthony nodded earnestly.

“All right, then. If that is so, I wish you success in your endeavor.” Without another word, Benjamin cocked an eyebrow and left.

Anthony frowned as he gazed at his brother's silhouette and ran up to him. “Wait a minute. What's that expression about?”