Venedict turned his attention to the person calling his name. As he looked toward the voice, he saw Venice with a broad smile, waving at him. She was accompanied by someone he assumed to be her nanny.
Denise noticed Venice and glanced at Venedict.
"Do you know her, Venedict?" Denise asked.
However, he chose to avoid making eye contact with Venice and just remained silent.
"N-nope, I didn't know her, Aunt Denise," Venedict stammered, his grip tightening on Denise's hand as he briskly walked away.
Denise cast a puzzled glance at his abrupt departure, sensing his discomfort around the young girl.
Meanwhile, Venice couldn't shake off her bewilderment. Not only did Venedict fail to acknowledge her presence earlier, but now, as she approached him, he remained distant. Undeterred, she hastened her steps until she reached him.
