From a distance, Amandaâs gaze fell on Nathanâs tall silhouette, and a rush of familiarity overwhelmed her.
Her heart raced, and her steps hastened.
As she drew closer and saw Nathanâs face clearly, tears streamed down her cheeks uncontrollably.
âMy son, my son is really alive!â she cried out, rushing towards Nathan, her voice choked with sobs and the pain of long-held grief.
Nathan steadied her, allowing her to cling to him and sob openly.
The butler intervened gently, âMadam, please remember, this is not Nathaniel, but Lucindaâs husband, Mr.
Payne.
â
Still weeping on Nathanâs chest, Amanda persisted, âMy son is Lucindaâs husband.
If Lucindaâs husband is here, then he must be my son.
â
Lucinda and Nathan exchanged a look of mild surprise, bewildered by her reaction.
When had Amanda realized?
How had she connected the dots so quickly?
Vivien, arriving moments later, stepped forward in alarm to intervene.
âMom, what are you doing? My brother and Lucinda divorced.
The man youâre embracing is Lucindaâs current husband, the head of the Payne family, and reportedly, he also leads the National Security Bureau.
His reputation for decisive, swift action is well-known across Cadiered.
Be careful not to offend Mr.
Payne, or you might find yourself detained.
â
Her warning snapped Amanda back to reality.
She raised her head, studying Nathanâs face again before turning to Lucinda.
The letter from a year and a half ago was still cherished and kept safe.
Her biological son was gone, and the adopted son who had filled his role had also passed awayâ¦
How could the head of the Payne family be her son?
Realizing her error, Amandaâs fingers reluctantly loosened their grip on Nathan.
âMr.
Payne, I apologize for the misunderstanding, Iâ¦â
Nathan gently grasped her weathered wrist, offering a reassuring smile.
âMom, itâs me, Iâm back.
â
His declaration silenced the room, leaving everyone stunned.
Tears trembled on Amandaâs cheeks as she struggled to grasp his words.
âYou⦠You called me Mom?â
She looked to Lucinda for validation.
Lucinda nodded, affirming Nathanâs claim.