Malibu, Dumé Cape Manor.
Early morning.
It's already November, yet Los Angeles still doesn't give any sense of winter.
Veronica Johnston, dressed in a black tracksuit, jogged along the private beach on the west side of Dumé Cape Manor until sunrise. As she climbed the wooden stairs along the cliff to return to the hill where the Shell Villa stood, she noticed a small figure sitting by a small artificial pond near the garden on the north side of the estate. The child was watching two mallard ducks play in the water, his expression somewhat melancholic.
She walked over.
After dismissing a short-haired female attendant guarding the child, Veronica sat next to Melbourne, stroked his head, and followed his gaze to the two ducks.
Though Melbourne's face still showed concern, he greeted her politely, "Good morning, NaNa."
The child was used to this form of address, and over the years, Veronica, whose appearance had barely changed, was too. She greeted him in return, "Good morning, Mel. Did something happen?"
Melbourne raised his hand and pointed at the two mallard ducks, which, after three months, had already grown to nearly adult size. "Last night, Dad told me that when Jack and Emma are 100 days old, we'll have to send them away."
Veronica had been in Los Angeles for over a month now due to the annual report audit for Daenerys Entertainment. However, she hadn't stayed in the Shell Villa, instead residing in an apartment on the west side of the estate. Outside of work, she would come over for meals with the family. Hearing Melbourne's words, she asked, "Why do you have to do that?"
Melbourne looked at Veronica with hope in his eyes. "Dad said the ducks have grown up and need to leave the estate to live independently. He also said that when I turn 18, I'll have to do the same."
Veronica gently stroked his head again. "Do you think your dad is right?"
Melbourne hesitated for a moment, then nodded, but quickly added, "But I don't want Jack and Emma to leave."
Veronica thought for a moment and said, "Mel, I think your dad is right. The ducks have grown up. They should return to their natural environment and live freely."
Seeing that Veronica didn't support him either, Melbourne shook his head. "No, that's not it."
Veronica quickly pulled him close to comfort him. "Alright, don't rush. Tell NaNa slowly."
Leaning against Veronica, Melbourne looked up and said, "I know Dad's not wrong. But I saw on TV that in the wild, hunters could hurt Jack and Emma. It's dangerous."
"Ah, that's what's worrying you. Don't worry, Mel. Dad will make sure to choose a place where hunters aren't allowed to harm the ducks, like a wildlife reserve. Remember when we went to one in Australia?"
"Yes," the little boy nodded, then added, "But there are still crocodiles and leopards. They could hurt the ducks too."
Veronica patiently explained, "Dad will also pick a place where there are no crocodiles or leopards, Mel. You need to trust him."
The little boy still wasn't convinced. "NaNa, even if Dad chooses a safe place, Jack and Emma could still fly off, just like last time when they almost flew out of the estate and got lost. What if they run into bad people?"
This time, Veronica fell silent.
She knew well the dangers the ducks could face outdoors. In much of California, hunting wasn't prohibited, and mallards were one of the most hunted species every year.
Seeing that Veronica didn't respond, Melbourne continued, "NaNa, I know Dad wants to use the ducks to teach me that I'll have to live independently one day. But even when I grow up, if I encounter danger, Dad, Mom, Aunt Janet, you, and Grandpa and Grandma will protect me, right?"
Veronica nodded without hesitation, gently pressing her cheek to the little boy's head. "Of course."
"Then," the little boy paused for a moment, organizing his thoughts, "even when Jack and Emma grow up, I can protect them, too, right?"
"Yes."
"So, I want to keep them here, NaNa. Our home is so big, and Jack and Emma are very well-behaved. They won't cause any trouble. I want to protect them forever."
As he spoke, Melbourne's eyes flickered slightly, clearly recalling the time the ducks nearly ran off, causing a lot of trouble when everyone had to search for them. He seemed a bit guilty.
Veronica didn't notice his guilt. Instead, something else came to her mind, and she suddenly felt emotional. Her eyes reddened. She lowered her head, kissed the little boy on the forehead, and stood up, pulling him along. "Let's go talk to your dad together, and ask him not to send the ducks away."
Melbourne followed Veronica, holding her hand, and added, "And Mom."
"Hmm?"
"Last time the ducks ran away, she got mad and said she wanted to roast them."
Veronica reassured him as they walked toward the villa, "She was just saying that. Don't worry."
"She wasn't just saying it," the boy insisted, "but as long as she doesn't eat Jack and Emma, I'll be fine. I just want to protect them. It's like, there are so many people in the world, but when I grow up, I won't be able to protect everyone. I'll only protect my family and friends."
"That's exactly how it should be," Veronica's voice softened even more. She suddenly stopped and asked, "Want NaNa to carry you? You used to love it when NaNa carried you when you were little."
The little boy looked a bit hopeful but shook his head. "I've grown up now. Besides, Dad will get mad if he sees."
Inheriting his parents' excellent genes, Melbourne, though not yet four years old, already stood at 112 centimeters and was much stronger than other kids his age.
Veronica didn't heed his worries this time. Seeing his hopeful eyes, she picked him up and said, "We'll be careful. We won't let your dad see."
The boy nestled his head against Veronica's shoulder, feeling the familiar warmth, and whispered, "Dad should be in the dining room. NaNa, I'll get down before we go in."
"Alright."
As they talked, they entered the villa's main hall. Veronica immediately spotted Simon, arm-in-arm with Janet, walking toward the dining room.
Children are always sensitive. Noticing Veronica's slight pause, Melbourne immediately realized something and tried to wriggle out of her arms, knowing that his dad didn't like seeing NaNa carry him. But this time, Veronica held him tighter, gently patting his back. "This will be the last time. Dad won't be mad."
The boy buried his head in Veronica's shoulder, too nervous to look up. He quietly muttered, "He definitely will."
"Then after breakfast, NaNa will take you out, and we'll come back once Dad isn't mad anymore."
The little boy thought this was a good plan and softly agreed.
After entering the dining room, Veronica saw Simon and Janet ahead. Simon's cold glance and Janet's amused smile didn't faze her as she walked straight in.
They joined the others at the table, where Jennifer was serving breakfast and tending to the younger children, Seattle and little Nick. Veronica, holding Melbourne, greeted Jennifer, who smiled at them and set Nick back in his chair.
Even though Melbourne wasn't as clever as his sister Seattle, he had always admired his father. From a young age, everyone around him had hinted, intentionally or not, just how remarkable his father was. This had fostered a natural affection in the boy.
Yet, at times, he also feared his father—like now, when he was caught being carried by NaNa. Normally, he would sit beside his father during meals, but today, he stayed close to Veronica.
Once everyone was seated, Veronica spoke first. "Mel just told me he hopes the ducks can stay and not be sent away. I think it's a good idea."
Simon, cutting into his breakfast, replied casually, "Why?"
Before Veronica could respond, Simon added, "Let him explain himself."
Feeling the little body beside her tense up, Veronica pulled Melbourne onto her lap and ignored Simon's comment. She insisted, "Mel said he understands you want to teach him about independence by releasing Jack and Emma. But he hopes to keep them and protect them, just like he'll protect his family when he grows up."
Sitting on Veronica's lap, Melbourne realized NaNa hadn't repeated his exact words but thought her version might convince his dad more easily. He cautiously peeked at Simon but quickly looked away before gauging his father's reaction.
After a brief silence at the table, Simon finally spoke. "Alright."
The tension eased.
Veronica whispered something to Melbourne, who then looked up at his father. "Thank you, Dad."
Seeing his father nod slightly, the boy suddenly slid off Veronica's lap and said, "NaNa, I can sit by myself now."
Veronica smiled and ruffled his hair before saying, "I'm planning to take Mel out for a bit."
"No."
"..."
As the atmosphere cooled again, Janet, ever the playful spectator, wore an amused expression. Jennifer, noticing the tension, quickly tried to mediate. "Mel hasn't been out for a while. It'd be good for him to relax a bit."
Simon remained firm.
Veronica didn't back down this time, holding Simon's gaze for a moment. She persisted, "
I've already made plans with Mel. I'm just informing you."
Crack.
The sudden sound of shattering interrupted them. Everyone looked over to see Simon's expensive porcelain plate split in two, though he still held his knife poised over his breakfast.
Seeing this, Janet quickly moved closer to Simon, wrapping her arms around him. "Alright, alright. Let the little guy go have some fun. He's grown up now, and hey, you can go have some fun too—there's the Victoria's Secret show. You'll be surrounded by all those models." She turned to the Indian woman nearby. "Aria, go tell A to prepare the flight. Simon will head to New York after breakfast."
Seeing no objections from anyone, Aria nodded and quietly left.
Jennifer stood up and swiftly replaced Simon's broken plate, casting a disapproving look at Janet before sitting down beside Simon again, as if worried he might snap.
Across the table, Veronica, seeing Simon break his plate, regretted pushing too hard. She softened her tone and tried to ease the tension. "I'll make sure Mel keeps up with his homework. He won't fall behind."
Breakfast ended in a somewhat chilly atmosphere.
After breakfast, Janet personally dragged Simon out of the villa, putting him into the car and sending him off to the airport to fly to the East Coast.
Today was November 11th.
A Saturday.
The fourth annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was being held in New York that night.
Simon hadn't originally planned to attend, intending instead to spend the weekend with his family at Dumé Cape Manor. But after breakfast, Janet decided it was best to send him far away for now.
Once Simon's car left the estate, Janet returned to the villa. She collapsed onto a couch in the east living room, watching Jennifer and the maids care for the four children. When Veronica came over with Melbourne, who was now dressed and carrying a small backpack, to say goodbye, Janet lazily waved her off, too worn out to move.
After tending to the twins, Snow and Greenwich, and ensuring little Nick wasn't putting any toys in his mouth, Jennifer kissed her daughter, who was quietly reading a large encyclopedia by the window. Then she joined Janet on the couch.
Relaxing on the floor in front of the couch, Jennifer leaned over to brush her cheek against Janet's and whispered with a smile, "I still don't fully understand."
With the maids still around, Janet whispered back, "Jealousy."
Jennifer chuckled softly. "Feels like a childish tantrum."
"Exactly."
Jennifer couldn't help but laugh. "Looks like I'm the only adult in this house. It's exhausting."
Janet didn't argue, instead wrapping her arms around Jennifer's neck and playfully mimicking a child's voice. "Mommy, mommy, I want apple juice. Freshly squeezed."
Jennifer, amused, pushed her away gently. "Let me rest for a bit. Alright, I'll have Zoe make it for you."
After calling Zoe over and giving her instructions, Jennifer leaned back, smiling. "Only a week at home, and you've already sent him off again."
"I had to. If anything happened, it'd be an even bigger hassle."
Janet's words were vague, but Jennifer understood. She shook her head. "I don't think anything would've happened. It's impossible."
Janet thought of something, an old memory from years ago, but it wasn't the time to discuss it. She simply tightened her grip on Jennifer's arm and smiled. "Anyway, the two of us are enough. We'll sleep together tonight."
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