Chapter 102

Chapter 102

“I’ve had it up to here with the rumors swirling outside. I’m giving you one more month?

The paparazzi had already snapped pictures of Madelyn coming and going from the Majestic Meadows Manor. Nestled in the city center, where real estate was worth its weight in gold, the manor was home to a select few households, each dripping with wealth. The gossip about him and Madelyn had become grating to his ears,

Nate was growing up fast, becoming more perceptive by the day. Even if Natalie refused to acknowledge them as family, he couldn’t let Nate grow up thinking some other woman was his mother.

Brian carefully wiped the blood from Nate’s shin, cleaned his face, and was about to clean his little hands when he noticed Nate’s right hand was firmly pocketing something.

He glanced at Nate’s bulging pocket, which seemed to hide a secret treasure,

“What’s that, son? Can I see it?” he asked softly, looking into Nate’s eyes,

Nate pursed his lips. With a thoughtful frown, he finally pulled out a flat, little velvet box and handed it to Brian. “It’s from Natalie.” he said.

Brian paused, opening the muddy box to reveal a Black Diamond Pendant with a lucky knot tied around it.

A bright yellow note was also inside that read, “Wish little Nate all the best and a safe year ahead.”

It was Natalie’s handwriting, somewhat rushed but beautifully penned.

Brian was suddenly reminded of the night before when he’d torn Natalie’s dress, and she had pleaded with him, explaining that she’d sent the gift to Nate.

He’d thought she was making excuses, but she was telling the truth. He had misjudged her.

“Daddy, but why was Natalie’s gift in the flowerbed?” Nate asked, holding the delicate charm the size of his little finger.

“I don’t know, boy,” Brian said absently, looking up at his child. “But… I made a big mistake.”

Nate thought about it and replied, “If you know it’s wrong, just fix it. Isn’t that what you taught me, Daddy?”

But Natalie might never forgive him in this lifetime for the grave mistake he had made and the hurt he had caused her.

Gavin rushed over when he heard from Rosie that Natalie had been hospitalized.

Natalie’s bleeding had stopped, and she was about to discharge herself from the hospital

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12-13 C

Chap 182

forcefully when Gavin walked in. Seeing her trying to get out of bed, he immediately strode over and grabbed her.

“It it’s about returning to the set, there’s no need. I’ve already had Sofia replaced. The new supporting actress just joined the crew and is catching up, so they won’t need you yet.”

He inadvertently gripped Natalie’s wrist right where it was wounded, making her wince in pain.

Gavin let go only to notice the marks of a belt on Natalie’s wrist. His heart skipped a beat, and he rolled up her sleeve to reveal more bruises.

“What happened to you…” Gavin paused, his mind racing. “Who would do such a thing?”

Natalie quickly withdrew her hand, letting her sleeve fall back into place, and replied calmly. “Don’t tell King.”

“Brian was the culprit,” she thought.

“Thanks for handling the situation with Sofia the other night, and sorry for the trouble,” she changed the subject, addressing Gavin.

“It was nothing. Given our relationship, do you need to use the word ‘trouble“?” Gavin replied irritably. “I’ve told you before I’d do anything for you.”

The patriarch of the James family treated Natalie like a daughter, and the James family never hesitated to act on her behalf. Gavin had long considered Natalie as his little sister. She was even younger than Rosie and should have been cherished and protected by her family.