Ned's throat tightened slightly. "Alex, you and Hale…"
"Daddy, Alex and I are both doing this willingly," Hale said firmly. "Being a white-hat hacker is pretty cool, isn't it? From now on, the miniature weapons I make will have official backing. That's not bad at all!"
Ned was so exasperated by his words that he almost laughed.
Sophie had caught most of the conversation and roughly understood the situation. She took the phone from Ned, her voice gentle but firm as she spoke to the children: "We're going to move immediately. You two must stay safe as well. Whatever you do, don't tell Grandma or Emily about this."
"Yes, Mommy!" Alex and Hale replied in unison from the room, both saluting.
The call ended.
Sophie handed the phone back to Ned. They exchanged a glance—no extra words needed. They immediately began packing their luggage.
Twenty minutes later, carrying two small suitcases and wearing thick down jackets, they quietly left the glass-domed cabin.
