CHAPTER 128: CLAIRE’S BIG ADVENTURE

Saturday finally comes, the day they’re going to the amusement park.

Zeke is getting ready at his villa. He and Cassidy agreed to take Claire to the amusement park around ten in the morning.

Everything for today has been carefully arranged, down to the smallest detail. From the car they’ll be using, the security team, the amusement park staff assigned for the day, the shops that will be open, and the specific rides that will operate.

After getting ready, Zeke, Nolan, and the driver headed to Cassidy’s apartment. The security team assigned to protect them that day followed closely behind.

Meanwhile, at the amusement park they had rented for the entire day, a middle-aged manager stood at the center of the gathering area, holding a small megaphone to his mouth. His voice echoed across the open space, reaching every corner of the area where the staff had assembled.

"Listen up!" he said through the megaphone. "Today, our park is fully booked by a VVIP guest. Do your jobs well. Treat them with the highest level of service. No mistakes. I want everything to run perfectly."

Tension rippled through the group. Some straightened their backs. Others exchanged nervous glances.

"Understood?" the manager called again.

"Yes, sir!" the staff replied in unison.

"Good. Dismissed."

As the group began to disperse, whispers quickly took over.

"Who do you think the VVIP is?" a young woman with short, neatly cropped hair asked, lowering her voice as she walked with three coworkers.

"Probably some billionaire proposing to his girlfriend," one of the girls beside her said with a small grin.

"In the morning?" another staff member remarked, raising an eyebrow. "That’s odd. Proposals usually happen at night. You know, with lights and fireworks."

A young guy in the park uniform cap frowned. "Yeah, kind of weird to do it in the morning. People usually book the park at night for that stuff. It’s more romantic."

"Exactly," someone else agreed. "Maybe it’s not a proposal. Could just be a private event. A rich family celebration or something."

One of them clicked their tongue. "I’m jealous of the shops here. The souvenir stores, food stands, drink stalls, every one of them got five grand just to stay open while the whole park is closed to the public."

"Yeah, I mean... we’re getting a bonus too, even if it’s not as much as theirs," another staff member added with a shrug. "And honestly, our job’s pretty easy today. Just stand around and smile."

"Man, now I’m really curious who this VVIP is."

one of them said, eyes scanning the main entrance.

"Either way, they must be loaded," the first girl muttered, tugging at her uniform collar. "Let’s just make sure we don’t mess anything up today."

The air buzzed with speculation and a mix of nerves and curiosity as the staff returned to their posts.

***

In the car, Claire can’t stop swinging her legs in excitement. She’s been looking forward to the amusement park for a few days now.

This time, they’re bringing Clara along. Clara sits in the front seat, while Nolan is behind the wheel. Their regular driver follows in a separate car.

Zeke turns to Claire with a small smile. "Are you really this excited about the amusement park?"

Claire grins wide. "Yes. I never went to one before. I only heard stories from Freya and Jonah."

Zeke gently strokes Claire’s head, his gaze full of affection. "Today, you can play as much as you want. But be careful, alright? And if you get tired, make sure to rest. Okay, princess?"

"Okay, Daddy." Claire nods eagerly, her smile stretching from ear to ear.

When they arrived at the amusement park, Claire was a little surprised to see the bodyguards stepping out of the cars and quickly getting into position. Some stood nearby, a few were already stationed at the front gate, and others had gone inside ahead of them.

Claire looked around curiously, her eyes full of questions. "Who are they, Daddy? Are they coming to the amusement park too?"

Zeke smiled gently. "They’re friends of Uncle Nolan. They’re here to protect you, Mommy, and Daddy while we’re at the park."

"Protect us?" Claire blinked.

Zeke nodded. "Yes, sweetheart. Just to make sure nothing bad happens."

Claire nods, understanding. Then she grabs Zeke’s hand and gently pulls him toward Cassidy. Once she reaches her, Claire takes Cassidy’s hand too.

Now holding both their hands, she beams up at them. "Let’s go together!"

With Clara, Nolan, and two bodyguards following behind, the three of them walk into the amusement park, hand in hand.

Claire’s eyes lit up as she looked around. The moment she saw the colorful shops and rides across the amusement park, she let go of both Zeke and Cassidy’s hands. Her little feet moved fast as she ran toward one of the souvenir shops.

One of the bodyguards immediately rushed after her, keeping a close distance to make sure she stayed safe.

"Sweetheart, Don’t run, you might fall," Cassidy called out, walking side by side with Zeke and Clara.

Claire turned her head, waving excitedly. "Hurry, Daddy, Mommy! Can I go inside?" she asked, pointing at the souvenir shop in front of her.

Through the glass window, Claire’s eyes sparkled at the sight of plush toys and rows of funny, colorful hats. Everything looked magical to her.

Zeke chuckled and said, "Wait for us, princess. We’ll go in together."

Claire didn’t answer, her face was already nearly pressed to the window, her little hands cupped around her eyes as she peered in.

"Let’s go inside," said Cass once they reached the front of the store. She held out her hand toward Claire, and Claire eagerly took it.

They stepped inside together.

"Woah..." Claire gasped the moment she saw the store’s interior. Her eyes widened, her face lit up with excitement. "Look at all this!" she exclaimed, pointing at the rows of plushies, colorful keychains, and a rack of hats with cute animal ears.

"Daddy, Mommy, everything’s so cute!" Claire spun around once in place, clearly overwhelmed by all the choices.

Zeke smiled and gently patted the top of Claire’s head. "Do you like them, princess?"

Claire nodded fast, her smile growing even bigger. "I like all of it! Can I have some, please?"

"Of course. Pick anything you like. Daddy will buy it for you."

"Yay! Thank you, Daddy!" Claire cheered, bouncing on her toes with a big grin.

***