Leopold's eyes were full of intensity, like the depths of an ancient well, seemingly bottomless.
"Since Tanya brought him along, he's bound to get his hands dirty. We need to keep our eyes peeled and play it by ear." "Right." Aurelia nodded, "And keep an eye on Lana too. Megan's got it in for her something fierce." She paused, a thought striking her, and covered her mouth, whispering, "He wouldn't be planning to hypnotize one of us into doing something wicked, would he?" Leopold's expression turned stern, "Wherever you go, make sure Yuna's with you. Don't go off on your own." He would stay close and protect her.
Sweat beaded on Aurelia's forehead, "Are you worried he'll hypnotize me? I've been practicing anti-hypnosis techniques with you every day. Shouldn't that count for something? Besides, no guts, no glory." A mischievous glint appeared on her face, and catching her drift, Leopold ruffled her hair, "Always play it safe." Aurelia shrugged off his hand and settled onto the couch, "I've got to hand it to Tanya's acting skills. She deserves an Oscar for her performance. No wonder none of the Heninger family have a clue about her doings. If | told Hanson about her mistreating Skyler, poisoning him, he'd think | was slandering her." Leopold's lips curled into a mocking smile, "A woman with ambition can be a good thing, but latch onto something that isn't yours - that could land you in hot water." Aurelia agreed with that, and not everyone was cut out to be a queen.
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After lunch, Aurelia took William and Skyler to her room to clue them in on Thomas and to stay vigilant.
William and Skyler exchanged a look, a spark of excitement in their eyes. The game was afoot.
"Mummy, we got it. We'll be careful, so don't worry," William cooed.
Aurelia patted his head, not too worried about William. Children under six were immune to hypnosis.
Her concern lay with Skyler, unsure if he had any anti-hypnosis training.
"We'll play dumb about Thomas' secret and see what he's up to." "Okay," William and Skyler nodded in unison.
"Mummy, I'm gonna nap in Skyler's room." "Alright, off you go." William hopped away with Skyler. Once in the room, he grinned slyly, "Skyler, we finally have a worthy opponent.
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Time for me to hone my skills." Skyler chuckled, "Pick a discreet prop." William wasn't yet skilled enough to hypnotize without a prop, a feat reserved for the most elite hypnotists, something only he and Geoffrey could do. But he believed William's talent would soon surpass them both.
"I know." William nodded. No one suspected a three-year-old, which gave him the perfect opportunity.
Arnold dropped by Aurelia’s room, asking, "Where's William?" "With Skyler, said they're going to nap together," Aurelia replied.
Arnold smiled, "Never would have guessed those two would hit it off." Aurelia shrugged, "It's not weird. Skyler's emotionally eight, and he considers himself a kid." Arnold pondered, "Despite his immaturity, he's not dim. He picks up games instantly." Aurelia whispered, "Don't underestimate him. He's got four PhDs and three Masters. Sometimes | think he understands everything, despite acting like a child. He knows right from wrong." As she spoke, she got him a cup of coffee.
Arnold settled onto the sofa, saying, "Leopold's set on divorcing Megan. She must be scampering like an ant on a hot pan, cooking up schemes to save her marriage."