<h4>Chapter 42: Ethan’s Teachings</h4>


    At just five years old, Freya was more intelligent than most children her age. But unlike others who spent their time ying with toys or chasing butterflies in parks, her brilliance was channeled toward programming, puzzles, and academics. She could already solve algebra and geometry problems, grasp basic calculus concepts, and breeze through logic puzzles designed for adults. She knew how to code in multiplenguages, develop simple video games, and create basic apps. On top of that, she could use image editing, video editing, and even sound mixing software with surprising ease... and often beat adults in online strategy games.


    Her memory andprehension skills were exceptional, allowing her to retain and apply vast amounts of information quickly. Eleanor believed it was a rare talent inherited through her bloodline. To nurture and monitor her growth, Eleanor had developed a personalized AI assistant for Freya. This AI acted as a digital mentor, suggesting which games she should y, whatnguages to explore, which puzzles would challenge her, and which books would help her grow.


    Since Eleanor’s work demanded most of her time, the AI became essential in ensuring that Freya’s learning process remained steady and age-appropriate. It gave Eleanor peace of mind knowing her daughter was constantly engaged in meaningful learning, even when she couldn’t be physically present.


    However, there was one area where Freya was undeniablycking... human interaction.


    Back in the U.S., Freya’s only consistentpanion had been a nanny. Because of the risks involved in Eleanor’s life, she kept household staff to a bare minimum for security reasons. Freya was homeschooled, so she didn’t attend any school or have regr ymates. Her closest rtionship... outside of Eleanor... was with her AI.


    Now, watching Freya interact with Isabe, Eleanor felt a quiet ache in her heart. To Isabe, Freya might have seemed like a regr, adorable child. But Eleanor knew better. Her daughter’s mind was abyrinth of intelligence, curiosity, and istion.


    "I hope going to school will help her learn to connect with others... to experience joy with people, not just machines," Eleanor thought, ncing toward the girl with concern.


    "Okay, hug is over," Freya dered, stepping back from Isabe’s warm embrace.


    Isabeughed gently. "Can I give you a kiss then?"


    Freya shook her head, her expression sincere but firm. "No. Daddy said I can only get kisses from Mommy and Daddy. I can also kiss them back. And you just came from outside. There might be germs in your kisses, and I could get sick."


    Eleanor raised an eyebrow and turned toward Ethan, who was quietly standing at the doorway.


    "What exactly are you teaching my daughter?" she asked pointedly.


    Before Ethan could defend himself, Freya chimed in innocently, "Yes, Mommy! Daddy said I have to wait until you wash your face and hands before I get your kisses. It’s hygiene."


    Eleanor gave Ethan a long look, clearly unimpressed.


    Realizing the interrogation that was about toe, Ethan quickly nodded to Isabe. "Aunt, I’ll see youter. I have some urgent work to attend to."


    Then, like a man fleeing a battlefield, he disappeared out of view.


    Isabe chuckled. "Is he your husband?"


    Eleanor blushed. "No... We’re not married. But he’s Freya’s father."


    A smart woman who understood when not to press, Isabe smiled knowingly and smoothly changed the topic. "Then let’s head inside. I could really use a warm bath right now."


    Eleanor took Freya’s hand and led them both into the house. Once inside, she turned to the waiting butler. "This is my aunt. Please take her to the guest room next to Freya’s. She’ll be staying here for a few days. Also, contact Teresa and have her send over the items I asked her to buy for Aunt Be."


    The butler gave a polite bow. "Yes, Madam."


    Eleanor then handed Freya over to the nanny and retreated to her own room. After a long shower and a change intofortable loungewear, she made her way to Freya’s room. There, she saw Isabe sitting cross-legged on the carpet as Freya proudly disyed her collection of toys. Laughter echoed off the walls. Isabe’s experience with children allowed her to bond with Freya effortlessly, drawing smiles and giggles from the girl.


    Seeing that moment of joy, Eleanor smiled and quietly backed away, heading to her study.


    She opened herptop and spent the next thirty minutes reviewing documents from her office. After sorting everything out and issuing her digital instructions, she closed theptop and gazed outside of her study.


    "Call Ophelia," she said, already sensing the shadow guards stationed around her home.


    But instead of Ophelia, Sebastian stepped out from the shadows. "Mydy, Ophelia went to retrieve some documents you requested. She didn’t specify what they were."


    Eleanor immediately understood... it was the DNA report.


    "That’s fine. Call the others. We have work to do."


    Within moments, five shadow guards appeared silently in her study.


    "Thank you for your hard work," Eleanor began. "Any new additions to your team today?"


    Sebastian shook his head. "No new recruits."


    Eleanor grabbed her phone and called the n’smand center. "I asked the n Head to send reinforcements. Have you received any updates?"


    "Yes, Madam," came the voice from the other end. "Three new shadow guards from Sussex are en route. They’ll report to you tomorrow. Their mission will be to protect Young Miss, especially since she’ll be attending school soon."


    "Good," Eleanor replied, ending the call.


    She turned back to the guards. "I want a full report on Mayor Grant, her office staff, and the current MP. The IT team is standing by to assist. Sebastian, save this number."


    She sent a secure U.S. number to his phone.


    "In future, if you need to breach someone’s system, call that number. My team will assist remotely. Just ce the device I gave you near theirputer and activate it. I’m also giving you a second device... this is all I have. They’re crafted from satellite-grade material, so don’t lose them."


    Sebastian nodded and epted the new device with care.


    "One more thing," Eleanor continued. "You don’t need to stay in the house when I’m here. Just do your jobs or rest. If you must report something urgent, female guards may enter my bedroom."


    Sebastian frowned. "I don’t agree. If no guards are nearby and someone attacks, you’ll be vulnerable. I insist on keeping one guard close."


    Eleanor sighed. "Fine. Do what you must. Just be safe while you go for an operation. Someone might set up a thermal defense. Don’t underestimate humans."


    "We’ll be cautious," Sebastian assured.


    "Oh, and recruitment... did your n Head act on our ns?"


    "Yes," Sebastian replied. "Word has spread. Some have already shown interest. You’ll meet a few candidates at your office tomorrow morning."


    "What about Juliette nc?"


    Raphael, another guard, spoke up. "The n Head contacted Mom. She said she’s enjoying retirement. If she gets bored, she’ll reconsider."


    "A pity," Eleanor muttered. "We really need someone with political experience. Keep an eye out. Let me know if you find anyone trustworthy."


    Sebastian nodded. "Understood. We’ll continue the investigation now. Elias will remain on duty here."


    Eleanor gave a small nod. "Good. Call me if anything urgentes up."


    As the guards vanished into the shadows, Eleanor sat back down and picked up her phone once again.


    "Lily," she said when the call connected, "I want to establish apany to counter Chen Group’s new investments and imports from China. Reach out to the Nigerian government. I want a personal SEZ near Lekki Deep Sea Port. We’ll go into production within six months. Make the investmentrge... but split into different stages. The first part will target Chen Group. If Nigeria can’t help, find another country that has a trade agreement with the Kingdom."