Time seemed to stretch on forever. I was almost certain Dad would explode.
Instead, he suddenly laughed.
"Hah. 'I learned it from books.' That's a pretty good answer."
He stepped forward and pulled me to my feet.
"I'm Marcus Ashford, and my son finished every business book in my study before he turned five. You kept your talents hidden for five years, and the moment you finally spoke, you removed the two biggest threats to the board. That's not something to apologize for."
"It's the best thing you could've done."
He brushed the dust from my shoulder.
The force of it made me sway slightly.
He nodded with satisfaction when I didn't flinch.
"As for why you hid your abilities... The tallest tree catches the strongest wind. You're only five, yet you already understand how to protect yo
