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

Observing his guarded expression and evasive behavior, Anthony sensed that something was off.

He shut the door, retraced his steps, and positioned himself in front of Spencer. Placing both hands on the table, he leaned forward and spoke with determination. "Spencer, there's something you're not telling me, isn't there?"

Spencer lowered his gaze. "No."

"There is," Anthony stated firmly, his conviction unwavering. The way Spencer avoided his gaze was confirmation enough.

Spencer remained silent, his lips pressed together.

"What's really going on, Spencer?" Anthony probed.

Nevertheless, the man remained silent. For the first time in his life, he was at a loss for words, stumped by a question from a child.

"You're not planning to tell me, are you?" Anthony inquired, his tone a mix of frustration and determination. "Fine, then. I'll go find Thalia. She should know what's going on." With that, Anthony turned and swiftly exited the room.

"She doesn't know." Spencer suddenly spoke, watching Anthony's retreating figure.

Anthony halted and turned back, locking eyes with Spencer.

The latter took a deep breath before continuing, "I can share the truth with you, but I must clarify that this matter has nothing to do with Thalia."

Anthony's expression grew more serious, his intuition telling him that this matter might not sit well with him.

Spencer's lips tightened as he continued, "The reason Thalia hasn't had a relapse is because her poison has been cured."

As soon as the man's words reached Anthony's ears, his eyes immediately narrowed. "Cured? How was it cured?"

"With the antidote."

"Where did you get the antidote?" Anthony asked, disbelief filling his eyes.

Spencer met Anthony's gaze, the words hovering on his lips, but finding the right way to express them was proving difficult. "Speak up!" The boy's stare intensified.

"Last time, your dad brought it back while he was on the move," Spencer finally revealed.

"Last time?"

"The time when Nat left."

Narrowing his gaze, Anthony recollected that moment. "So, you're saying that my dad actually brought back the antidote back then?" Spencer nodded.

"You gave to Thalia?"

"I confess, I entertained some selfish thoughts, but ultimately, I'm not the one who decided in this matter," Spencer admitted.

"What do you mean?" Anthony asked, finding it all too hard to believe.

"It was Nat." Spencer looked at him.

Anthony was slightly caught off guard. To claim that he wasn't surprised would be insincere, yet stating that he was entirely taken aback would also be inaccurate. This action was undeniably characteristic of Natasha's style.

Subsequently, Spencer detailed the exchange of antidotes to Anthony. As he concluded his explanation, he turned his gaze toward Anthony and added, "Up until this point, Thalia remains unaware of the actual situation. She has consistently believed that the medicine she took before departing was the one I provided to slow down the onset of the poison."

Having listened to the detailed explanation, Anthony found himself at a loss for how to react. He regarded Spencer for a prolonged moment before posing a question, "Given that there exists an antidote, why not work on creating another one to take? Wouldn't that sever the other person's lifeline?"

"Do you really think I'm that stupid?" The instant I obtained the antidote, I wasted no time in confirming its legitimacy. I attempted to replicate its formula, yet..." Spencer's head shook slightly, a combination of frustration and irritation lacing his words. "Every component except one could be identified. There's a particular ingredient that still eludes me. Despite having the rest, I can't ascertain that one missing element." His voice carried a mixture of emotions, including frustration and helplessness he had seldom experienced in his medical career.

Anthony looked at him, momentarily at a loss for words.

Certainly, whatever I could think of, they, being adults, would likely not overlook. Spencer must have possessed considerable confidence to allow Thalia to ingest the antidote...

The mere thought of Natasha, picturing her emaciated and fragile compared to her previous self, was almost unbearable for Anthony. After a brief pause, he muttered, “That's just how Nat is... She never prioritizes herself, always clinging to what she calls 'principles."

"There's more to it," Spencer began, prompting the boy to look up at him.

"I've known your mom for many years, and she's not exactly the selfless type. In fact, she tends to steer clear of getting caught up in these intricate matters. That said, her actions aren't solely driven by a sense of doing what's right..." He fixed his gaze on Anthony and elaborated, "She views Thalia as a friend. If Thalia can go to such lengths for your sake, your mom can undoubtedly extend the same level of dedication to her."

Upon hearing these words, Anthony was momentarily taken aback. The statement held so much depth. In that instant, a flood of memories involving Thalia surged through his mind.

Time and again, regardless of the circumstances, Thalia had consistently stood in staunch defense before him, acting as a barrier against whatever challenges they faced.

Although he and Thalia lacked a blood relation, he felt an overwhelming indebtedness for the life-saving favor she had done for him. If an antidote were to be presented before him now, demanding that he choose between Natasha and Thalia to administer it to, he believed the decision would drive him to madness.

Natasha was his closest family, while Thalia was his cherished friend.

If he put himself in their shoes, he could imagine the internal turmoil they must have experienced during that choice.

Therefore, there was no one to blame for this, and no one to hate.

Anthony pursed his lips, then nodded. "I understand."

Having said that, he turned around and slowly walked away.

"Anthony," Spencer suddenly called out to him.

Anthony paused, not turning around; he simply spoke in a low voice, "Don't worry, I won't tell Thalia... Since this is Nat's choice, I will respect it."

"I just want to tell you, if there's anyone to blame, it should be me. Thalia truly had no knowledge of this matter," Spencer explained.

"I'm still counting on you to cure Nat of her poison. I won't, and dare not, hold any grudges against you. All I ask is that you try your best to cure Nat..." After saying this, Anthony walked out of the room, leaving Spencer behind.

Spencer watched Anthony's retreating figure, his heart heavy with the weight of their conversation.

The image of Anthony's earnest expression and his words echoed in his mind, refusing to fade.

He sighed softly, then glanced down at the documents in his hand and clenched them into a tight ball.

As Anthony departed, Thalia emerged from her room. Spotting him, she called out cheerfully, "Anthony."

Moving toward him, Thalia appeared rejuvenated and full of energy. However, as she drew closer and noticed his red eyes, her expression shifted with concern. She questioned, "What's the matter? Why are your eyes red?"

As she spoke, she noted that he had exited Spencer's room. Her eyebrows knitted in concern, and she inquired, "Did Spencer give you a hard time?"

"No," Anthony said indifferently, deliberately averting her gaze, refusing to meet her eyes.

"No? Then what's the matter with you?"

Anthony was grappling with complex emotions at the moment, leaving him unsure of how to face Thalia. "I'm fine..." he managed to say, his words lacking conviction. Without waiting for her to reply, he turned on his heel and walked away.

"What's wrong with you? Where are you going?" she called out after him.

Nevertheless, the boy didn't say a word and quickly left.

Observing his departing form, Thalia furrowed her brow in puzzlement. "How odd." With those words, she shifted her gaze toward the adjacent laboratory, narrowing her eyes slightly. Ultimately, she pressed open the door and stepped inside.

She was determined to find out who had been bothering her beloved Anthony.