Evan and Emmett definitely yearned for a father figure, but it seemed Tarquin was not the one they had in mind. Emmett was simpler in his desires; as long as their mom was happy, any dad would do. Evan, on the other hand, was a tough nut to crack. He had a strong resistance towards Tarquin. Even if their mom grew fond of Tarquin and Evan epted him as a father, deep down, he couldn''t shake off the repulsion. He couldn''t forget the hurt Tarquin had once caused their mom. Despite their mom moving past it, Evan couldn''t let it go.


    But Elliot had his own thoughts. Influenced by his peers at preschool and his understanding of what a ''dad'' should be, he found himself wanting a father too. Unlike Evan and Emmett, he secretly wished for Tarquin to be that dad. Perhaps it was the ties of blood speaking. Or maybe because of Elijah! Or it could be, in some ways, he acknowledged Tarquin''s worth. If one could overlook the harm done to their mom six years ago, Tarquin was an ideal ''dad candidate.''


    He was handsome and fit, someone who would make their mom proud in public, a man of stature and intellect unmatched in wealth and status. Not only was he a money-maker, but he also excelled in household chores, equally adept in the boardroom and the kitchen. With a stroke of his pen, he could sign off on billion-dor deals. With an apron tied around his waist, he could whip up a delicious meal in no time. In hispany, their mom would never face any disdain, either out in the world or at home. His demeanor might be a bit aloof, but he was a gentleman at heart. His affection for Elijah was proof enough of his good nature. Moreover, Elliot found a unique connection with him; they clicked, solving problems with ease andmunicating effortlessly.


    So, putting all these factors together, Elliot''s heart naturally leaned towards Tarquin. If they were to choose a dad, he hoped it would be Tarquin. Of course, this was contingent on their mom growing fond of him! If she remained indifferent, Tarquin''s name would be erased from the ''potential dad'' list, and they''d look for another candidate!


    Tarquin, unaware of Elliot''s inner turmoil, mistook his furrowed brows for sadness over the mention of their deceased father, and promptly apologized. "Sorry, I didn''t mean to bring up your dad," Tarquin said, trying to console him.


    Elliot snapped out of his reverie, avoiding Tarquin''s gaze, his face scrunched up in difort. Tarquin, convinced Elliot was missing his own dad, tenderly touched his head, trying to change the subject. "So, what do you think about the ambush?" he asked, gently.


    Elliot blushed at the touch, moving away to avoid further contact. Regaining hisposure, he analyzed, "That mysterious person is smart. He''ll anticipate that teaming up to check the surveince would lead us back to him. If we find out, you''ll definitely go after him."


    Tarquin''s eyes narrowed, "So, you''re worried he''s set a trap waiting for me?"


    "Yeah."


    "Don''t fret. First, he might not connect me with checking the surveince. And even if he hasid a trap, it doesn''t matter. At worst, I''ll get injured, but I''ll survive."


    Elliot frowned, "Mom always said our bodies are a gift from our parents. Getting hurt carelessly is disrespectful; taking care of ourselves is the first step in showing respect to them. You''re not treating your safety seriously, and that''s wrong."


    Tarquin''s eyes softened, "I understand. As long as Elijah is safe, I''ll make sure to stay safe too. I''m Elijah''s shield; I won''t let myself get hurt easily." In that moment, Elliot felt a pang of envy towards Elijah. Tarquin really did care a lot for him.