CHAPTER 70: TOUCH WHAT’S MINE AGAIN...

[Penthouse]

Allen and the twins moved to the living area to wait for Atlas and Lola. The children’s faces were clouded with concern, making Allen feel a little defeated.

"I don’t think you need to worry so much," Allen said, watching their adorable faces look up at him. "Your father is an amazing guy! I’m sure he won’t screw it up."

The twins’ expressions were filled with nothing but bitterness at the assistant’s remark. Allen sighed heavily and threw up his hands.

"Well—" The rest of his words died on his tongue as they heard the main door unlock.

Allen quickly rose to his feet while the twins straightened their backs. The duo even stood on the couch, staring at the entrance until they finally saw Atlas and Lola walking out of the entryway.

"Mommy~!" Second and Chacha chimed, causing Lola to stop for a second.

"Chacha, Second," she called with a smile, rushing toward them. But as she got closer, her steps slowed, and her gaze veered to Allen. Her brows were knitted, curiosity clear in her eyes.

"Ah." Allen cleared his throat, discreetly studying Lola. He couldn’t help but question the Lancasters’ eyesight. While he had seen her photo, he had to admit she looked ten times better in person.

"That’s Allen," Atlas spoke, stopping an arm’s length away from her. "My assistant."

"Oh."

"Allen King, but you can just call me Allen," Allen said, extending his hand with a polite smile. "It’s an honor to finally meet you."

Smiling back, she reached out and briefly shook his hand.

"Mommy, did you like the dinner~?" Second asked curiously as Lola let go of Allen’s hand. Both twins’ round eyes swirled with intrigue, making her smile.

"It was the best," she said, mildly pinching their cheeks. "I’ll just wash up, okay?"

"Okay..." The twins watched her glance at Allen, then barely look in Atlas’s direction before she left. Her steps were quick and short, like a penguin’s, as if she were tempted to sprint away.

Once she was out of sight, the smiles on the twins’ faces vanished. Allen’s smile was gone as well. Slowly, the three of them turned their eyes to Atlas.

"..."

*

*

*

Before Atlas could even defend himself, he found himself cornered in the family room. The twins sat on either side of him on the couch, while Allen stood by the closed door as a lookout.

"Father Sir, does she hate us now?" was Chacha’s first concern, clutching her father’s shoulder. "Why did Mommy run away?"

Second, carrying the same deep frown, looked up at his father as if all hope were lost. "Father Sir, didn’t you follow the script we gave you?"

"Second and I worked hard to give you all the right things to say to her," Chacha quickly added. "Did you do something wrong?"

In their eyes, Lola’s urgency to wash up meant the date had gone horribly wrong. They were worried, of course. While the worst-case scenario was that they would stay with Lola, they still wished for a complete family.

Atlas studied their pitiful faces carefully, keeping his mouth shut. His children had handed him a script—detailed instructions on how to attract Lola—but he was guilty of not following it, as it hurt his pride as a human being. He would never, in a million years, tell anyone he’d be their slave.

"Sir." Allen, who had just checked outside, turned to them. "Did Miss Young say anything negative?" Asking Atlas if he said something hurtful was useless, as the man wasn’t even aware that some things needed to be worded gently.

Atlas glanced at Allen, catching the worry and conflict on his face.

"She said she had a good time," Atlas finally spoke, reaching out to ruffle his children’s hair.

Yet, the twins and Allen remained doubtful.

"Don’t you trust me?" he asked, this time directing his question to his children.

Chacha and Second pursed their lips, staring at their father. After a second, they jumped at him and hugged his neck.

"Daddy," Chacha whispered. "Please be good to Mommy."

Second nodded, burying his face in his father’s shoulder. "Don’t make her leave us again."

Hearing their muffled voices, which were usually full of energy, tugged Allen’s heart painfully. He looked at the children hugging their father with pity.

Meanwhile, Atlas placed his hands on their backs, patting them mildly. His jaw clenched slightly as he glanced at them, his heart heavy because he knew this time around, they were being genuine.

****

Hours later...

The twins decided to sleep in their father’s room, using their remaining time before bed to ensure he didn’t hurt Lola in any way. Once they fell asleep, Atlas walked out of the bedroom and joined Allen on the balcony connected to the kitchen.

"Sir." Allen stood to the side as soon as the sliding door opened. He watched his boss enter before speaking. "Miss Young was looking for the twins earlier, but I told her they would be sleeping with you tonight."

"Mhm." Atlas hummed, pressing his spread hands on the railing.

Ahead of him were only the buildings of the city. There wasn’t much to enjoy. Allen stared at his boss’s back, noting the change in their routine. It was never in their plan to stay in Novera, after all.

"Sir..."

"Allen," Atlas called, making Allen trail off. "Send a word to Chairman Lancaster."

Allen’s brows rose, knowing Atlas had already met with the chairman earlier today. It was rare for his boss to ask him to send another message.

"Let him know... that if his grandson touches what’s mine again, it’ll be the last time he’ll be able to use his limbs."

Hearing this, Allen’s breath hitched. "Are you telling me this so I can stop you?"

"No," Atlas said, glancing over his shoulder. "It’s an order."

Allen studied his boss’s sharp eyes and lowered his head. "I’ll make sure he understands the consequences." He sighed, knowing this was not a joke. Derek’s hands... he had better keep them to himself. Next time, they wouldn’t be attached.

"And about the investments..."

"Keep it," Atlas said, slowly moving his eyes ahead, reminded of his observation of Lola tonight. All those little habits of hers that stemmed from horrible experiences were just too obvious.

"I’ll give them wings to fly," he whispered, his eyes drooping as a dangerous glint flickered across them. "So she has time perfecting laying her traps on the ground... the very ground they’d fall on once I chip away those wings."