Donald sat up straight, looking a little embarrassed. Whatever pain he'd felt a moment ago had vanished, replaced by a gentle warmth in his eyes as he looked at Charlotte.

He opened his mouth to say something, but Charlotte's phone suddenly rang.

She glanced at the screen, raised her eyebrows, and answered with a respectful, "Grandpa."

"Lottie, have you seen Donald yet?" Robert's voice was so loud it practically echoed through the speaker. Age had dulled his hearing, but definitely not his volume.

"Yes, I've seen him," Charlotte replied sweetly.

"That's good," Robert said, sounding pleased. "Since your training is happening on Donald's turf this time, you've got him watching your back. No one's giving you a hard time, right?"

Charlotte shot Donald a quick look, her eyes curving into a smile. "No, everything's great. You don't have to worry, Grandpa."

"Good. That makes me feel better." Robert laughed, deep and hearty. "Now that the whole family's together, we'll have a proper get-together after you finish your training."

"Okay,” Charlotte said, holding her phone close and quietly listening to Robert's caring reminders. Just before the call ended, she added softly, "With Donald here, I'll be fine."

Donald couldn't help but grin. He'd half-expected Charlotte to complain about him, but she hadn't. Lottie had forgiven him. He actually had a sister now.

After the call, Charlotte spoke quietly. "Training's not done yet. I should get going."

"Lottie..."

"Lottie..."

Anthony and Donald said her name at the exact same time.

Their eyes met, tension crackling between them. For a second, it felt like the air might catch fire.

Finally, Anthony gave in and stepped back. "Donald, you go first."

Thinking about how Charlotte had just stood up for him, Donald flashed a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Thanks."

Anthony smiled right back. "No problem."

Donald walked over to Charlotte,

ve

leaned down a little, and lowered his voice. "The next part of the training is going to be rough. Do you think you can handle it?" They'd be heading into the mountains.soon, and the forecast called for rain t was going to be at least ten times harder than anything they'd done on flat land.

Charlotte looked up at him, a small, determined smile on her lips. "I'm L's sister, aren't I? I can't back down now."

She really had grit. Definitely a Gates through and through.

"Oh, by the way, Lottie, where'd you learn to fight like that?" Donald asked as they started walking out. Histone was a little curious, a little

Cautious: "Have you ever heard of Reaver?"

Reaver?

A hint of amusement flashed in Charlotte's eyes. "Nope. Who's that? Is he really that good?"

"He's a legend among special

forces. The best there is." Donald replied his tone honest. "Hyoute

interested, I can try to introduce you "

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Charlotte stopped and looked up at him, her big eyes shining with playful innocence.

“He sounds incredible. Do you think he'd actually teach me?"

Donald nodded. "I've got my ways. There's something he wants from me. He'll agree."

Charlotte had to remind herself not to get annoyed.