Chapter 184

Chapter 184

Madelyn was dazed for a few seconds, feeling a warm rush from her nostrils. When she touched it with her finger, she saw the crimson of fresh blood coating her fingertip.

“What are you all gawking at? Get her out of here!” Seeing Natalle standing before her, ready to strike again, Madelyn, in a panic, shrieked toward Sadie and the housekeeper.

She had heard about Natalie sending Gracia to the hospital last time and knew Natalie had been trained in self–defense since she was a kid, personally taught by Brian!

But no one moved. No one stepped forward to stop Natalie.

Sadie and the housekeeper never liked how Madelyn lorded over them, commanding them and Nate as if she were the lady of the house. However, everyone knew the real lady of the house was Natalie.

Madelyn was scared, trying to get up from the floor. But Natalie, without a word, crouched before her, gently grabbing her collar.

Sadie glanced a few times, then silently covered Nate’s eyes, carrying him to the study and closing the door.

“The first slap is me returning the favor,” Natalie said softly, “The second is for Nate. You’re unfit to be a mother.”

Natalie grabbed Madelyn’s hair and delivered another fierce slap.

Reid came home to pack his things and found the front door ajar and no one in sight.

He entered silently and was startled to see Natalie straddling Madelyn.

They locked eyes, and Natalie let go, standing up.

Neither spoke. Natalie turned and went to the bathroom to meticulously wash off the blood from her hands, coming out with her palms still flushed.

Reid glanced at her hands, then at Madelyn, who was struggling to rise.

Natalie should have dealt with Madelyn long ago, and this was mild by comparison. Reid pretended not to see, continuing to his room to pack.

He exited with his luggage and saw Natalie was still there, seemingly waiting for him.

“What’s up?” Reid asked, closing the front door behind him.

Natalie met his gaze and asked, “Could I ask you a favor?”

“Sure,” Reid nodded.

Natalie’s expression was complex, and she hesitated before continuing, “When you report back to the base, let Herbert know the Howard family is planning to send Nate away.”

Chapter 184

Nate had mentioned something about it when she was tucking him in at Majestic Meadows Manor, and though he wasn’t clear, Natalie understood.

“Or better yet, take him to the Morales family. I’ll take the heat for anything that happens. Just blame it on me.”

Without Reid, Nate would be unprotected from Madelyn’s tyranny.

For Reid, taking Nate to the Morales family could be a way to atone, and Herbert might retain him out of old loyalty.

Herbert was known for his explosive temper after decades in the military, but Natalie knew he had a soft heart. He wouldn’t stand sending Nate to a harsh place like that. After all, Nate was Brian’s son.

It was no small task. If mishandled, Reid could face severe repercussions.

Reid met Natalie’s gaze calmly, and after a moment, he nodded, “Okay, I’ll take him.”

Deep into the night, the Maybach sped down the road.

Brian was listening to the other end of an international video conference, discussing the revised plans of a cooperative company when his phone buzzed.

It was Madelyn calling.

He glanced at the screen, pressed the mute button, and tossed the phone aside.