Chapter 57: Amie’s request.

"That was hilarious," Chris said as they drove out of the store. "It’s been a while since I had such a good laugh."

June was smiling too. "Yeah, it was funny. But then again, that was serious. If you didn’t know me, I would have been embarrassed there. It’s really disappointing for those without powers."

"It’s a good thing, then, that they would be punished for what they had done," Chris commented.

Satisfied that he had concluded in the same way she had, June relaxed on the seat.

The ride to the mansion was peaceful, and June had no idea when she finally relaxed her head on the chair and dozed off.

Chris didn’t wake her up until he parked the car in the garage of the mansion.

The sun was gone, and the sky was starting to be replaced by the moon and stars when Chris finally woke June up.

She let out a yawn and stretched. "Are we finally home?"

Calling this place home was strange to her, but that was what it was to her now. And she was trying to get used to it.

"Yes. Come on."

Finally, she got down from the car, holding the bags containing the gift they had bought for Serena.

She didn’t know what Chris had later bought, but he had been very happy about it. And when he had volunteered to pay for her goods, she had refused until he gave up.

And she made the payment herself, smiling as she collected the gift.

"Are we giving this to her tonight?" June asked, lifting up the gift as they walked into the mansion.

"It depends on her mood. If she’s in a good mood, I say we give it to her."

"Okay."

As they got to the first living room, Amie was seated with a glass of wine in her hand. She tilted the wine and took a slow sip as if she had no care in the world.

When her eyes landed on them, she sighed. "Finally, you guys are back. Mother has been so worried. We have been waiting for you."

Chris sighed. "Thank you for waiting for us. I’ll let Mother know we are back."

And with that, he left their presence.

Amie’s gaze moved to the bag in June’s hand, and her eyes widened. "What’s in the bag?"

June shrugged. "None of your business."

But Amie refused to let it go. "First, you’re driving my family’s expensive car. And now, you’re collecting gifts from my brother. I bet it suddenly makes you important."

It was already late, and listening to Amie’s talk only hurt her ears, so June moved past her with the plan of dropping the gift in her room. She could always pick it up from the room when they were ready to give it to Serena.

But before she could go further, Amie held onto her clothes and pulled her back. "Where do you think you’re going when I am talking to you?"

June sighed. "Look, Amie. I’m tired and just want to rest."

Amie sneered. "If you truly want to rest, it will be best for you to leave my family. If you remain here, you’ll know no rest."

June planned on giving her a comeback, but it was at that moment Chris came back with Serena right beside him. Her hand was tucked in his, and a rather pleasing smile was on her lips.

It seemed whatever she was discussing with Chris inside or on her way out had made her very happy.

Immediately, Amie wiped the sneer off her lips and replaced it with a smile. She moved past June, hitting her slightly on the shoulder as she joined Chris and placed her hand on the other side of Serena as if to pass a message across to her.

"Amie," Serena called in a calm voice.

"Yes, Mother," she responded, her lips curling up in a smirk at June.

"What about June?"

June rushed towards her. She wanted to call her mother, but a glance at Amie made her decide it wasn’t the right time.

"Yes, ma’am. I’m here."

"Good." She nodded. "Now that everyone’s here, we can finally have dinner."

"Mother, you know you could have had dinner before we came back. There’s no need starving yourself."

The face Chris didn’t want to see while eating was Serena’s.

Serena’s hand hit him lightly. "What rubbish? One of the sacred moments that bring family together is eating together. And that’s why we eat together in this family. I thought you knew that, Chris."

He nodded. "I know, Mother. Sorry."

But she shrugged it off like it was no big deal.

The kitchen was informed to bring in the dinner. And just as always, the table was soon filled with different mouthwatering dishes.

But for the first time in a long time, June wasn’t tempted by any of the food in front of her. Not even the chicken.

She was tired and just wanted to sleep. Yet, she forced herself to scoop some food and swallow it.

They weren’t that deep into eating yet when Amie suddenly cleared her throat.

"Is there something wrong, baby?" Serena asked, directing all her attention to Amie.

Amie nodded while speaking. "Not really! But I have a request, Mother."

Without hesitation, Serena continued. "What’s that?"

Amie made a show of dropping her spoon with a loud sound. "Mother, you know how powerful you are. It gets me thinking really hard. And I think I need a personal bodyguard."

June saw Chris hold onto his spoon tighter. If the spoon wasn’t strong, it would have snapped in two.

"A bodyguard." Serena tasted the word in her mouth. "That’s actually not a bad idea."

"Mother," Chris countered. "I don’t think Amie needs a bodyguard. She’s well secured here. There are guards everywhere in the mansion."

Amie turned to him. Even though she wanted to glare at Chris, she gave him a well-calculated smile. "What if I want to go out? That’s where the real danger actually is." She continued.

Her eyes moved from Chris to Serena as if trying to capture every one of their reactions.

It didn’t settle on June once. It was as if she wasn’t in the room with them.

"One of the guards can also be asked to follow you wherever you want to go."

That seemed to settle the matter with Chris, as he continued eating.

Amie shook her head, then held Serena’s hand. "Mother, I know Chris is trying to watch out for me. But I’d prefer my own personal guard. I’m sure once you introduce me to the public, different people will want to approach me. That might be dangerous, Mother."

Serena sighed. "She’s right, Chris."

Memories of her getting kidnapped flashed through Serena’s mind. It was a memory she didn’t want to relive. And it was one of the reasons she had hidden her identity from Samir.

Chris had no way of refusing her anymore. Even though something about the whole situation was off, he said, "Fine. You can have a personal guard, then."

Amie almost did a celebratory dance, but had to force herself to remain in her seat. "Thank you, Mother, and you too, Brother."

"There’s no need to thank me. It’s what you deserve," Serena responded to her. "And if there are more things you want, you just have to say it."

She continued smiling.

"Okay, Mother. Once I get the guard, I’ll let you know."

Again, Chris cut into their conversation. "What guard?"

Amie’s brows furrowed together. "Didn’t you just say I can get myself a personal guard? That’s what I am talking about."

"Oh, you misinterpreted me," Chris said with a smirk. "I meant I’ll give you one of the men working as a guard to become your personal guard. He is one of the best men here."

The smile wiped off Amie’s face. "No!" She almost screamed. "I don’t want one of the guards here. I already have someone in mind. If you just agreed, I’ll ask him to resume as soon as possible."

Chris clicked his tongue. "There’s no point in employing more men. We have more than enough capable men here."

"Brother, a personal guard should be someone I can trust. And since he will be working directly with me, I want someone I can easily communicate with," Amie said, trying to persuade Chris.

This time, Serena assisted her without Amie calling her attention.

"She’s right, Chris. A personal guard should match what the boss wants. And I think Amie deserves to pick whoever she wants to guard her. She needs someone she can trust."

Chris knew Serena was right. But he didn’t want Amie bringing a stranger to the mansion.

Yet, he knew he had no more valid reasons to stop her from bringing someone. So, he accepted defeat and nodded.

"Fine. You can let the person know he’s welcome."

For a brief moment, Chris cast a worried glance at June. And then it was gone.

Amie smiled broadly. When her father had suggested she use this method to bring in their spy, she had doubted it would work. But now, her mind was at rest.

With her spy in the house, June’s days were numbered at the mansion.