"Dane!"
I quickly grabbed him by the shoulder and flashed Darwin an awkward smile. "Excuse me for a moment."
I pulled Dane out of the office and crouched down to his level.
"Dane, what are you saying? You can't just lay down conditions like that."
Dane crossed his arms firmly. "Mom, you're worried. I can tell. You're thinking about what your position would be if we stayed here, aren't you?"
"How did you…?"
"Mom, I might be nine, but I'm not naive. And besides, right now, we're still commoners. Once I officially become Father's heir, what happens to you? You can't be his mistress, my nanny, or a maid. That's why I thought of this condition. If you have a noble title, land, and a house, you'll stand equal to me. You can stay here without issue. Tell me, am I wrong?" He gazed at me, concern softening his eyes.
I let out a soft sigh and patted his head. "No, you're right. I was worried about exactly that." I smiled and pulled him into a hug. "Thank you, Dane. You always protect me and think about me first."
"I'm your son, after all," he replied, hugging me back.
We returned to the office, and I cleared my throat. Darwin stood by the window, casting a glance in our direction. "Have you made your decision?"
"Yes, I agree to my son's condition," I said firmly.
Darwin smirked. "The boy is sharp—just like me."
"No, he gets that from me. He only inherited your good looks," I countered, folding my arms.
Darwin mirrored my stance, crossing his arms and looking at me with a faintly amused expression. "Well, it seems you're also one of my admirers, Lady Adeline."
"I'm simply stating facts. But don't worry—I'm sure he won't inherit your bad personality."
Darwin's lips twitched, barely holding back a grin. "You do realize you're the only person I allow to speak to me this way."
"Then I'm honored. I'll make sure to speak to you like this even more often," I replied smoothly, flashing him a confident smile.
Once again, the two of us locked eyes, the air between us crackling as we exchanged sharp glares.
Darwin then glanced away and turned to James. "James, prepare the necessary documents and process Lady Adeline's noble title, along with everything else my son requested," he instructed. James nodded and swiftly left the office.
Darwin then shifted his gaze to Dane. "And as for you, your education and training start tomorrow. I don't want to hear any complaints."
Dane simply nodded, then turned to me.
"Mom, how about we go into town and enjoy ourselves today?"
I smiled at him and replied, "That's a good idea—"
"No."
Both Dane and I turned toward Darwin. He approached us with a firm expression.
"As my heir, it's too dangerous for you to roam around town. If you're set on going, I'll have some knights accompany you."
"No!" Dane shot back sharply. "I want to go with just my mom. No guards. They'll only attract unnecessary attention, and I can't stand being followed everywhere."
I gently patted Dane's shoulder, hoping to calm him. "Um, Your Grace, the town is safe. There are guards stationed at every corner."
"Safe?" He arched a brow. "Was you being stabbed in the street just a few days ago considered safe?"
"Well… that was an unfortunate and rare incident. It was a lapse in security," I admitted carefully.
"A no is still a no," he insisted firmly.
"Oh, come on! The child just wants to enjoy a little fun," I argued, placing my hands on my hips. "If something does happen again, I swear there won't be a next time. You have my word."
Darwin considered my words carefully. He paced back and forth for a moment, then finally stopped and loosened his necktie with a sigh. "If you're that determined, then I'll go with you."
Dane and I both stared at him, wide-eyed. "What!?"