Is this destiny?

Hande didn\'t think that waiting is a big deal. She wouldn\'t know what to do with the money anyway. What would she buy? She has everything she needs in the house. Food, clothes, even sweets! And Sarah said that she will take her shopping so that she can pick her own clothes and accessories and toys! Hande always wanted a doll, one with a long silky hair so that she can give her different hairstyles.

Hande thought about how all this money talk is interesting. "Can you give us an example of using money wisely?"

Aiden was happy that Hande asked this question. "One example would be that you have a promising business idea. Or you want to invest in something specific. As long as we see that you have a plan, and you convince us that you are not throwing your money away, we will agree to give you access to your assets. Maybe now you don\'t have ideas, but in time, you will take business classes with Jeff and you will see how money can be used in different ways..."

Hande smiled and bobbed her head while Aiden was talking. Ade was looking at happy Hande and he forgot about the unreachable comic book heaven.

By the time Aiden finished his explanation, both Hande and Ade were happy, but more for the fact that they got something than for the actual amounts. They are just kids, and they don\'t understand the value of money.

Both Ade and Hande were eager to hear about the other part.

"Uhm… How does Disneyland fit into this?" Ade asked when he saw that Sarah and Aiden are not bringing it up.

Aiden gestured to Sarah to go ahead, and she happily announced: "The two of you acted well while facing Miss Payne\'s bullying. Hande, you didn\'t fall apart, and you stood your ground. Ade, you protected Hande perfectly while being respectful and not losing your cool. We want to reward you. Are you willing to go to Disneyland?"

"Yes!" Ade and Hande exclaimed in unison.

Sarah smiled. "I see that the two of you are doing most of the things together. Is it safe to assume that you will go to Disneyland together and that you don\'t need additional tickets?" Sarah had to ask because she thought that maybe Hande would like to go with Merve.

Automatically, Hande looked at Ade.

Ade glanced at Hande and took her hand into his. "We will go together, as a couple."

Aiden\'s eyebrows shoot up in surprise. This rascal! He is only eleven years old and dating already!

Aiden saw that Hande is blushing fiercely and he didn\'t want to say anything to make it more awkward for her. He will have a word with Ade later, in private.

\'Aww, puppy love…\', Sarah was melting on the inside.

"Talk to others and agree on the day you want to go to Disneyland. Even if you don\'t move through the park together, it will be good to have everyone close in case something happens. I know that you are capable, but you are little and the bigger kids might get an idea to bully you and that will spoil your mood. Check out the rides online and decide which ones you want to take. Print out the map of the park and create a path for yourself in advance, otherwise, you will spend a lot of time walking around…" Sarah advised Ade and Hande before they left.

"You are OK with this?" Aiden asked when it was just he and Sarah in the study.

Sarah understood that he is asking about Ade and Hande and their \'couple\' thing. "What is there not to be OK with? They like each other\'s company and are holding hands. Based on Hande\'s reaction, holding hands is not something they normally do."

"They are little kids. They should be studying and playing." Aiden reminded Sarah. At the same time, he could not believe that he is the one saying this. It seems that he and Sarah swapped roles. She was always the one full of warnings when two kids get close to each other.

Sarah laughed. "They ARE little kids. And they are studying and playing, together. How I see it, this friendship is great for both of them. Hande is more confident with Ade by her side, and she is coming out of her shell, while Ade is more responsible. He is acting like a role model and a protector. And if in time their friendship blooms into a romance and they end up together, wouldn\'t that be great?"

Sarah moved to sit on Aiden\'s lap. "Think about it. Because they are this young, they will get a chance to get to know each other very well before they start an actual relationship. And they will experience many firsts together. The first kiss, the first hug, the first…"

"OK. OK." Aiden interrupted Sarah. "I see that you believe how they are adorable. But don\'t come complaining to me when you see that they are progressing faster than you thought they should."

Sarah exhaled. "That… I will think about that when it happens. But as long as they are honest and respectful toward each other, I believe that they will be fine."

Sarah decided to change the topic. They have so many things to talk about.

"You are letting Ron and Zula go by themselves to Minnesota?"

Aiden confirmed. It\'s not that they are by themselves, but no one more senior (aka grownup) will go and Ron will be in charge. "Ron has a plan and he wants to do it on his own. They agreed to wear lenses and to reach out if anything comes up that they can\'t handle. Sophia is aware of the situation, and she will advise them on any legal issues while Jeff will help with any business decisions. Jeff assured me that Ron and Zula gained a lot of relevant business knowledge during their internship at the White corp. Allen and Julius will go with them for extra security…"

Aiden explained the plan to Sarah, and she thought that it might work.

Sarah approved. "If all goes well, in three years, Ron will have his own business."

"But?" Aiden noticed the reservation in Sarah\'s voice.

"Ron will meet people who hurt him. His body seems fine, but his mental scars run deep. I hope that he does not snap."

Aiden knows what Sarah is talking about. "He is going to face his demons. And he is doing it with Zula by his side. That is his choice. Only by doing this, he will be truly free."

Sarah gazed at Aiden and a warm smile spread across her face. Facing his demons in order to achieve freedom. That is what they need to do.

"Let\'s look at the latest reports from scouting Voronin bases and come up with a strategy. We should start fighting our demons soon." Sarah reminded him.

Aiden was not happy about this. It\'s not that he does not want to fight against Voronin\'s, but Sarah\'s plan is reckless, as usually. "Can we think of another way?"

"You know that it makes sense. Eve produced three different simulations that might work. We need to pick one. I will go in with the attacking team and for the first few missions, we will leave relevant security cameras on. When Voronins see that the attacker is using moves specific to Lebedevs they will naturally assume that the Lebedev family made a move and they will attack them. Lebedevs will be forced to defend themselves and they will go in offensive soon after. We will use the commotion to clean up their supplies and gather additional data. They will weaken each other while we increase in strength."

Aiden frowned. "I don\'t like the part of you being in the middle of it."

"There is no one else other than me who can do this. And this is my fight, I can\'t push it on someone else. You will be right there, making sure everything goes according to the plan." Sarah saw that her words are not working on improving Aiden\'s mood. She thought of something. "How about on the way down to the computer room we stop by and wish goodnight to Hero, Luna, and Bella? You know that they sleep better when their daddy wishes them sweet dreams."

Aiden smiled. "You are bribing me with pups."

Sarah looked at him expectantly. "Is it working?"

Aiden exhaled. "It\'s working to get me to review Eve\'s simulations. But I don\'t agree that you should be the one attacking when we can use drones. And if there is interference, we have many army members who are capable. There is no need for you to go. Not without me. Surrounded by enemies. Reckless. No."

"I will wear a mask; they will not know that it\'s me."

Aiden pinched Sarah\'s nose. "I am not worried about your face."

"Looooveeee…" Sarah called in a singing voice.

"I agreed to review the simulations." Aiden interrupted Sarah. He knows that she is about to butter him up. And usually, she is successful. But he will not give in easily, not this time! "Let\'s go before I change my mind."

"Are we going to stop and see our fur-babies?" Sarah asked when they exited the study.

Aiden pulled Sarah closer to him and responded with a straight face: "Of course…"

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