Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Something wasn't right. The oldest and the second-heck, even the two brothers

-were never affectionate, not even with each other. Aside from Charles, they

never cozied up to anyone. Even the housekeepers who'd fed them for years

never got so much as a head bump.

But Clara? She hadn't done a thing. So why were the dogs drawn to her?

Charles shot a questioning look at the doctor beside him.

The doctor thought for a second. "Maybe it's the medication."

That was probably it. Those two dogs grew up in the research facility-their sense

of smell was almost supernatural, sometimes even beyond what science could

explain.

Charles breathed out in relief. If Clara could get along with the two dogs, that was

the best possible outcome.

He was still lost in thought when Clara suddenly piped up, "Hey, big brother, can I

give my doll to the dogs? I want to put it by their bed."

The doll was just a cheap prize she'd won at the arcade the kind that probablynoveldrama

cost less than ten bucks. Meanwhile, the blanket the dogs slept on was worth

thousands. Charles never skimped on them, and besides, these dogs were fierce

and intimidating. That soft, pastel pink doll just didn't fit with their vibe.

People had tried to win him over before by giving gifts to the dogs, hoping to get

in good with the Chester brothers. But every single gift got shredded to pieces.

Charles was about to come up with an excuse to stop Clara-if the dogs tore up

her doll, she'd definitely be upset.

But the oldest dog seemed to understand her. He walked right over, picked up the

doll, and set it carefully by the bed.

The second dog joined in, and the two of them gently placed the doll right next to

their blanket.

Charles was stunned.

He stared at Clara for a long moment. "You, you, you-"

But he just couldn't finish the sentence.

Clara didn't notice anything unusual. She spun around, face lit up with excitement,

and grabbed his hand. "Big brother, they really like it, right? Should we go to the

night market tomorrow and try to win more? You're so good at basketball games,

and you're amazing at all the other ones, too. You're the best big brother in the

world!"

No matter how smart or mature a ten-year-old is, when they admire someone, it

shows.

Charles's cheeks turned bright red. He even started doubting himself a little. "R-

really? Am I really that great?"

The doctor could see Charles was about to melt into a puddle. He opened his

mouth to say something, but Clara just nodded, solemn as could be.

"Of course! You're the best in the whole world!"

Charles caught the doctor trying to speak and immediately shot him a look. "You

-out. I need to talk to my sister."

The doctor hesitated, worry written all over his face. He wanted to remind Charles

that Clara wasn't really his sister, and not to get too carried away.

But Charles was too caught up in the moment to hear a thing.

After the doctor left the room, he couldn't help but pull out his phone and call

overseas.

The person who answered was Charles's mysterious older brother.

There was worry in the doctor's

voice. "Sir, the young master has

um, sort of adopted a sister here.

It's Surprising. He's being really

sweet to her."

The man had a coffee cup by his hand and was typing away at his laptop. He

didn't even blink at the news.

"He's never had friends. It's good for

him to spend time with someone his

age. Just keep an eye on things-if

she has any ulterior motives, take

care of it."

The doctor paused, thinking. "I don't think she does. After what she's been

through, her mind's like a child's about ten years old."

The man's fingers paused on the

keyboard. For a moment, he almost

smiled. "That's perfect, then. Charles

has always been a bit immature.

He's never been close to anyone

outside the family. Maybe only a real

kid can actually get along with him."

The adult world was just too dull and no one would ever spoil Charles

unconditionally.

Even he himself only saw Charles as a cold, emotionless weapon.

Most of the time, he couldn't even relate to the boy's feelings.

In a lot of ways, Charles really was just a kid. Even at twenty-five, his mind wasn't

much different from a child's.

Once the doctor realized the eldest brother wasn't worried, he relaxed a little.

"As long as you're not concerned, sir. I just didn't want to mess up your plans."

The man's tone was as light as ever, as if none of this mattered. "Just watch

Charles. Don't let anyone take advantage of him."

"Yes, sir."