Chapter 350: Must Not Show Mercy
“Sure,” the young couple agreed in unison. Following this, the family of three joyfully shared a meal together. Madelyn was well-behaved, eating in small bites while stealing occasional glances at Sebastian. Derek watched from the corner of his eye and smiled silently.
At that moment, Madelyn remembered something and asked, “By the way, Dad, has Eunice been home recently?”
The cheerful look on Derek’s face instantly vanished, replaced by gloom. A pang of distress struck Madelyn at the change in her father’s demeanor, but she understood. After all, Eunice was Derek’s beloved daughter; blood was thicker than water, and he was heartbroken by her betrayal.
Despite this, Madelyn felt compelled to caution him. “Dad, I know you love Eunice, but she’s been led astray. You can’t see her as the same person anymore. Of course, it would be great if she stayed out of trouble, and I wouldn't interfere unnecessarily. However, if she acts inappropriately after being influenced by others, you absolutely mustn’t go easy on her. Otherwise, you’ll be enabling her bad behavior. Do you understand?”
Derek’s irritation grew. Eunice’s situation was the last thing he wanted to discuss. Regina and Eunice were the biggest mistakes of his life. He sighed. “I understand. Just take care of your own affairs. Don’t worry about me anymore.”
Upset by his response, Madelyn pursed her lips but remained silent. After finishing their meal, the couple headed home. On the way, Madelyn was lost in thought. She was determined to investigate her rebellious stepsister, Eunice, who had recently disappeared mysteriously. Of course, there was also Regina, vanished since the divorce. The duo weren't easy to deal with, and their inactivity made Madelyn suspicious. Simultaneously, worry gnawed at her. What if they held a grudge against her father and were plotting something? He was unguarded, and she feared the consequences if he fell into their trap.
“That's a dangerous place, so get some rest. Stop overthinking.”
Madelyn nodded. “I am indeed tired.” She stopped dwelling on those thoughts and nestled against Sebastian, asking, “Sebastian, have you missed me?”
Sebastian remained silent. Displeased, she teased, “Why aren’t you saying anything? I don’t care. I’ll take that as a yes. You missed me.”
A faint smile touched Sebastian’s lips. He asked, “What exactly did those people want with you?”
It was Madelyn’s turn to fall silent. Sebastian grew even more puzzled. Madelyn thought, I can’t tell him they needed me for my superpowers. She laughed it off. “It’s nothing. They just asked me to help handle a few things.”
Her explanation only increased his curiosity. Why does the Oceanic Empire need a girl like her? She's just a wealthy heiress with no power or influence.
Sebastian asked, “What exactly do they need your help for?”
“Um…” Madelyn appeared troubled. This was the Oceanic Empire’s secret, and she couldn’t disclose it. Morgana had explicitly instructed her to keep it confidential, even from those closest to her. She worried about dragging Sebastian into the danger and potentially harming her family. That was what held her back. She didn’t mind suffering, but she couldn’t bear her loved ones facing danger with her. She smiled and downplayed it. “It’s nothing really, just some minor tasks.” She kissed him softly. “Let’s not dwell on this, okay? How about we talk about something else?”
However, Sebastian wasn’t a fool. The more she avoided the issue, the more it seemed she was hiding something—something related to the Oceanic Empire, placing her in a perilous situation. He didn’t want to be oblivious if Madelyn ended up in danger.
“Why exactly did they seek you out?” he pressed, his penetrating gaze fixed on her. His intense stare seemed to pierce her thoughts.
Madelyn felt a chill run down her spine as she avoided his eyes. How am I supposed to explain? Telling him won’t help; it might bring him misfortune. I don’t want to endanger him or my family.
Madelyn devised an excuse. “I swear it’s nothing important, Sebastian. Trust me. Why would they have let me go so easily if it was crucial?”
However, Sebastian clearly didn’t believe her. He saw her unease in her flickering gaze, and his expression turned grim.