Barzel laughed. “Two lives just for your protection?”
Diarmuid raised a brow, unhappy about his tone and suddenly wanted him out of his hair permanently. “What do you want?”
“Money,” Barzel replied. “I know you’re very rich.”
Diarmuid stared at Barzel in turn, unsure if he was threatened or just greedy.
However, Diarmuid did not care and certainly did not want to stay involved with a greedy person.
“How much do you want?” Diarmuid asked, almost impatient.
“Fifteen million,” Barzel said.
He was certainly bold, and even Zachary was stunned by his demand.
Diarmuid certainly could afford that much money, since it was not that much for him.
However, it was shocking that a boy less than twenty would ask for so much, and Diarmuid had to suspect if Barzel was told to do this.
“Why would you want so much money?” Zachary asked.
“You don’t have to worry,” Barzel replied. “Aren’t two lives at least worth that much?”
“That’s still a lot of money,” Zachary retorted. “And the lives of average Joes aren’t worth that much.”
Barzel turned grumpy right then. “He’s the reason my parents are dead. Shouldn’t he give me some money in compensation?”
“Some money? Is fifteen million a small sum of money?” Zachary asked in return.
Barzel was stumped for a moment. “Fine. I can take less money.”
Zachary frowned. “1.5 million.”
Barzel was furious and turned to leave right then. “This isn’t over.”
When he was gone, Zachary whispered to Diarmuid, “Is he being used?”
Diarmuid had no idea, nor did he understand Barzel’s temper since he had never met Barzel before.
However, there was every chance that someone was controlling him, especially with that attitude…
“Have someone keep an eye on him. See who he’s contacting, but if there’s no one forcing him, pay him off.”
Diarmuid was obviously not keen on having anything to do with someone like that boy.
“Okay. I’ll get it done right now,” Zachary replied, worried that Barzel could give him the slip.
As Diarmuid returned into the castle, Abigail asked, “Who was it?” Diarmuid told her everything, adding, “He was asking for money.” “Give it to him. His parents did save you,” Abigail said.
She was grateful toward Barzel’s parents and there was no question that Diarmuid was safe because of their help-the gratitude must be considered.
“I know,” Diarmuid replied.
He would not miss the money because he could earn it again, and Barzel was not asking forthat much.
However, he was too young, and Diarmuid was worried he was being used.
Abigail did not dwell on it, since she trusted Diarmuid’s judgment.
She left to help pack up the children’s luggage, since they would need a lot of stuff when they traveled, unlike adults who could go without.
After two days of preparing, they spent their time with their children.
It was soon a week later and time to leave.
Meanwhile, Zachary’s people were tracking Barzel to see who he was in touch with, but Zachary was attending James’s wedding too, considering their friendship.
They were bringing three children along, with Jean being a few months old.
While Tommy was less of a concern, both Baby and Jean needed constant attention.
They brought Mrs. Watson along, since Sheryl had been constantly babysitting, and they could let her have the rest.
Zachary had gotten good with Jean too-he learned how to prepare infant formula and change Jean’s diapers, and he was certainly a dutiful dad.
Abigail almost could give him a thumbs up as she watched him work.
“Do you need my help?” she asked.
Zachary shook his head. “No, I can handle it.”
Abigail sat down and scooped Baby up in her arms, watching Zachary as she said, “You’re different now.”
“How so?” Zachary asked.
Abigail thought about it and said, “You look like a father now.”
“I’ve always been one,” Zachary said proudly. “A qualified one.”
Abigail pursed his lips-he really was the type who should not be praised.
One word, and he was full of himself.
James and Erin were waiting for them when their flight landed.
They were a large group, and they would not be this relaxed if not for Diarmuid’s private jet.
James had mostly recovered now, but he still limped a little.
He would heal from that too, but it would take time since it was bone and tendons.
Erin took Baby off Abigail’s hands and stared at Zachary weirdly when she saw that he had a baby too.
“You’re marrying James,” Zachary said. “What’s the issue with me having a child?”
Erin smiled. “Nothing. It’s normal.”
She did not ask about the mother.
If Zachary was married, he would definitely bring the mother overas well.
He only brought the baby, however, and it made sense that the baby was born out of wedlock.
Maybe it was from some cheap fling?
Zachary seemed to read Erin’s thoughts and said, “My baby was born under perfectly normal circumstances. Do not let your imagination run wild.”
Erin blinked her large eyes at him. “What about the mother?”
Everyone was left speechless, since most of them knew about Zachary and Lulu.
Zachary was at a loss too, but he insisted, “My baby was born unto me and someone I loved. You don’t have to question that.”
He was not lying-he and Lulu were definitely in love with each other, and that could never be refuted even if they did not end up together.
However, Erin was clearly doubtful, convinced that Zachary was a playboy.
Abigail quickly changed the subject. “Erin, where’s everyone staying?”
Erin smiled. “We’ve already arranged for a place.”
“Thanks for going through the trouble-you and James.” Abigail smiled.
Still, Erin pulled Abigail just then, whispering, “James has been restless. He wants to get back to work, and I know that he’s worried about how things are over there. However, my father told us that we’re not exactly young-he wants us to get married soon and for me to move abroad with James. That’s why the wedding is a little rushed.”
“That’s good,” Abigail replied. “We wanted to do it before, but it was delayed. It’s fortunate that your bond with James is strong and you’re now going to stay with him forever. I’m happy for you, and you can tell James not to worry about work-he should recover first, and Diarmuid still has Stan for now.”
Erin sighed. “There’s no helping it. James is just a workaholic, so he’s really restless and uncomfortable when he’s told not to do anything.”
“It’s a habit.” Abigail smiled. “There’s no helping it.”
They got into the convoy of cars arranged for them and headed to the duplex where they were arranged to stay.
It was owned by Mick Gooding, and staying at a private property was more convenient since they had too many people to keep an eye on at the hotel. Moreover, they had everything prepared for them.
“You can rest here for now,” Erin said. “My dad has already reserved a place for dinner. Take a break and settle down, and then we’ll come to get you later.”
“Okay,” Abigail replied.
“Aren’t you staying with us, Aunt Erin?” Tommy asked, pressing himself against the door.
He still loved Erin, who always played with him.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
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