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

Chapter 812 It Is Not Just Your Problem

Thalia's gaze turned gloomy, but she kept mum and looked at Anthony.

As Thalia remained silent, Denise began to feel that something was off. “Come on, Thalia. Tell us!”

Thalia narrowed her eyes, took a deep breath, and said softly, “Because anyone who wishes to quit Darknetz will have to swallow a pill...”

“Poison?”

“Something similar,” Thalia said. “If one abides by Darknetz's rules, the antidote will be delivered on time. Or else...” She did not finish her sentence, but it was clear what she meant.

Upon hearing that, Denise knitted her brows. “That's so twisted. That demand is too unreasonable!”

“Rules are there for a reason, and this is just one of Darknetz's. If we start breaking rules, it will only lead to chaos within the organization. Don't you think so?” Thalia countered.

What she said was not wrong, but Denise had a different opinion. “I always believed that Darknetz was a humane organization. I never expected them to resort to such dirty tactics. What if Kyle is in our shoes? Would the same thing happen to him if he wants to leave the organization?”

“Darknetz was founded by a few people, so to ensure fairness, each of them added a unique ingredient to the medicine. Anyone can leave the organization, but they must obtain approval from everyone before coming up with the antidote. Otherwise, even Kyle himself will not be able to leave Darknetz unscathed,” Thalia explained.

Upon hearing that, Denise froze for a moment, somehow understanding what Thalia had implied. “So, does that mean Anthony could still have a chance if they agree to let him go?”

“I supposed you can say so.” Thalia nodded.

“So there's still hope!” Denise exclaimed. She tilted her head to look at Anthony, “Tony, we might be able to get their approval. We just need to talk to them nicely!”

Anthony glanced at her calmly and spoke in a deep voice. “Denise, this is not a child's play. Leaving the organization is not an easy matter. Besides, they would see me as a traitor, as it will undermine their benefits and safety. What makes you think they'll agree to my request so easily?”

“What should we do, then?” Denise asked.

Anthony lowered his eyes. “Leave it to me, don't worry. I'll figure something out.”

“But what good plans can you come up with?” Denise knew Anthony was merely saying that to console her. What else can we do under such circumstances? It's either we give up or die.

That being said, Thalia was aware that Anthony would not give up easily once he set his mind on something.

At that moment, Anthony lowered his eyes as if something had popped into his mind.

Thalia glanced at him. “Anthony, I think we still can make this work. Go and talk to Kyle nicely. We don't have to burn bridges with him.”

“I've never thought of burning bridges with him,” Anthony uttered.

“But you also didn't tell him about your thoughts. If Kyle knows you're doing it for your mom, I'm sure he can understand. We might not figure out a solution right away, but you can at least ease the tension with him,” Thalia said.

Denise nodded in agreement. “That's right. What Thalia said made sense.”

Benjamin, too, chimed in. “Tony, I know you have your own perspective on things, but I could tell Kyle is a decent guy, even though I've only met him for a short time. Maybe you should try talking to him.”

“What if Kyle finds out about Dad? The tension between us is just going to escalate!” Anthony voiced his concern.

“As long as we keep it a secret and don't mention it, it's unlikely he'll find out within a short period. However, if he does eventually find out, we'll have to deal with it then. What do you think about that?” Benjamin said while looking at Thalia.

Thalia bobbed her head in agreement. “Benjamin's suggestion is also a solution. We can handle it when he finds out about it. And when that happens, it will be treated as a separate matter. At least from their perspective, you didn't betray the organization.”

Denise nodded upon hearing that. “Exactly!”

Anthony pressed his lips and said nothing.

“All right, let's go with that plan,” Thalia said while glancing at them. “I'll go out and take a look.” She got up and left the group.

Denise, Benjamin, and Miguel got up to Anthony and continued persuading him.

Anthony remained seated in an upright position, his gaze fixated and pitch black, as if lost in deep contemplation and not uttering a single word.

A few minutes later, Kyle came in with Thalia.

Kyle looked at Anthony before walking over and sat in front of him.

Just when Anthony was about to speak, Kyle suddenly looked at him seriously and said, “Why didn't you tell me earlier?”

Anthony was stunned for a moment. He did not expect to hear that from Kyle.

Kyle's question instantly disrupted the emotions that were brewing inside him.

“W-What?” Anthony asked.

Kyle took a deep breath before speaking. “Your problem is not just yours, but also Darknetz's problem. The same goes for your mom. Do you really plan on bearing this burden alone?

Anthony turned to Thalia.

Thalia said, “I told him.”

Her words rendered Anthony speechless.

“You're just going to make yourself an enemy of Vermillion Base, or even Darknetz. Don't you know that?” Kyle continued questioning him.

Anthony responded, “I know you guys won't!”

“You can't be sure about that,” Kyle said.

“Even if I do leave the organization, the most that would happen is we'd simply not interact again. I won't see you as enemies, and you won't think of me as one either,” Anthony said softly.

Upon hearing that, Kyle said, “What gave you the confidence to say so?”

“Perhaps it's because I know you guys well?” Anthony arched his brows.

“You're wrong. We'll always defend our interests and not let emotions get in the way!” Kyle said frankly, rejecting the idea of placing a high value on friendship and loyalty. This belongs to NôvelDrama.Org.

“Is that so?” Anthony gazed at him. A corner of his lips quirked up. I don't believe it.

After giving Anthony a stare, Kyle regained his composure. He inched closer and looked into Anthony's eyes. “Anthony, I know you're a capable person, but you're only capable when you're on the internet. Once you're away from that virtual world, you're no different from any other kids. No matter how smart you are, you can never defeat those who hold absolute power. If you want to fight against Vermillion Base, you need to be as powerful as them.”

Anthony was aware of the situation. He said, “That's why I wanted to form my own team!”

Upon hearing that, Kyle inched closer as if he was going to lecture Anthony. “Anthony, I know you don't want to drag us with you, but since you're a member of Darknetz, do you think we'll abandon you just like that? I repeat, your problem is not just yours, but also Darknetz's problem. If they harm your family, they're basically harming ours too!” Kyle emphasized each word clearly while narrowing his eyes. A steely glint flashed across his eyes, and he continued, “It's just Vermillion Base, an outdated organization that still engages in all sorts of wrongdoing. I've grown weary of them for quite some time now. Let's seize this opportunity to eradicate them and do the citizens a favor!”

He then tilted his head to look at Anthony. “I'll send our men over tomorrow. Your mom will be fine, don't worry!”