Chapter 61

Looking at Natalie's delicate, rosy cheeks and hearing her kind words, James felt a wave of guilt and tenderness washing over him. He wondered how he had ended up with such a sweet and considerate little sister. He thought for a moment and said, "I'm planning to go on a cookout trip with some friends in a few days. How about I secretly take you along?" Natalie, with an innocent expression, asked, "Are we taking Phoebe along too?" James scratched his head, looking a bit embarrassed. "Just… don't mention it to Phoebe. I only want to bring you." Natalie sensed something was off and probed delicately, with veiled words, "But I share a room with Phoebe every day. If just the two of us go, she'll definitely notice. Won't she misunderstand?" Natalie recalled and realized that over the past few days, James hadn't talked to Phoebe as much. It was different from the warm and familiar way he had acted when he first promised to look after them. James pondered Natalie's words and looked tro