Kelly's words eased Charlie's anxiety. "How terrifying?" he whispered, a touch of petulance mixing with pride now that he knew Claire's breakup wasn't fueled by hatred. Kelly remained silent; Hayden wisely held back.

"How terrifying could it be? Do I look easily scared?" Charlie challenged, defiantly.

Kelly smiled wryly. "My grandpa had a wife and numerous lovers, twelve children. Only my dad survived. He did the same, nine children—none survived. I… was a fling in Zentiscape before his marriage. Since all the Jones children died, they got me."

"My mom officially became his wife when I returned. His first wife was divorced, no objections. Chuck, the Jones family… it's tainted. It doesn't suit you," she sighed.

Charlie was speechless. Hayden was equally shocked. "Do you have to be their heir?" Charlie asked, frustration laced with pain.

Kelly looked at him, her expression grave. "My mom's here. She loves my dad. Hopelessly. She won't leave. I can't abandon her. My dad… he's dark, and he uses my fear for her to control me. If I leave, he'll torment her… worse. They're capable of murder. Everyone in the Jones family—blood or not—twisted desires. That's why I'll never marry or have children. I can't risk them suffering like the others."

Charlie was aghast. "But I like you," he insisted. "What if we just… don't have children?"

Kelly stared, stunned. Charlie continued, "The Carters have plenty. We don't need more."

"No," Kelly said sharply. "You shouldn't sacrifice that because of me. Leave. Don't look for me again."

Hayden spoke up. "Kelly, if you think distancing yourself helps Charlie, consider this: without you, he might never marry, never have children. He could be alone forever."

Kelly looked at Charlie, who met her gaze. "Exchange numbers," Hayden suggested.

Charlie, seizing the opportunity, pulled out his phone. "What's your number?"

Kelly, swayed by Hayden's words, gave him her number, saving his in return. It was almost time to leave. They couldn't linger, lest the watchful relatives grow suspicious. Kelly gently urged them out, needing time to process everything.

Back at the hotel, Charlie's anxiety bubbled over. "Hayden, what if Claire rejects me?"

Hayden considered. "Focus on your marksmanship, combat, and medical skills. The Jones Group is dangerous. If you're with Kelly, expect assassination attempts, ambushes, poisonings."

Charlie frowned. "Maybe I should run away with Claire. And her mom." Hayden remained silent. Charlie fell silent, too, until dinner.

"She's not cut out for this," Charlie murmured, gazing off. "Claire used to be so simple, joyful…"

Hayden, knowing nothing of Kelly's past, knew of the Jones Group's brutal power struggles. "Let's eat," he said.

Charlie nodded. After dinner, "Hayden, how did you win Becky's heart?" Charlie asked.