Chapter 64
1 had just reunited with Shirley, and I wasn’t ready to spill everything to her just yet
Right now, I wasn’t planning to share Benedict’s identity with anyone, not until I was sure I could get custody of him. There was still a lot to figure
But York? He was like a ticking time bomb, always setting off my nerves. I knew he didn’t want me back in the Smith family, but at this point, what was he hoping for!
Shirley noticed something was off and raised an eyebrow “What’s going on?” she asked, clearly a little confused
I paused, the words about my son–who had passed away–almost dipping out, but I pushed them back.
York flashed a smile, as if nothing was wrong. “Don’t misunderstand, Natalia. I just heard you and Dr. Stuart are getting along well, so I might’ve spoken too quickly
With one sentence, he managed to save his position and throw in a late jab at me. I frowned even more. Looking at York, I still couldn’t figure out what was going on in his head.
Shirley, clearly intrigued, leaned in. “Dr. Stuart? Is that the childhood friend of yours! I’ve heard he’s a great guy, always looking out for you”
I snapped back into the conversation and said. “Yeah, Aiden and I are just childhood friends.”
Shirley looked like she wasn’t totally convinced, but she didn’t push it when she saw the look on my
After lunch with Mary, York headed back to the office, and Shirley dragged me to the mall.
my face
We ended up at a fancy home store, and she started browsing through the tumiture. She looked at the with a unile. So, what kind of furniture do you like? I picked the biggest bedroom for you, with a bakony facing the garden.
In the fall, the smell of osmanthus will fill the air. Now we just need to pick out the furniture. I want you to choose it.”
Her smile was warm, and as I looked into her eyes, I felt that deep, comforting mother’s love I hadn’t e experienced in years,
Seeing that I wasn’t saying anything. Shirley blinked in surprise. “Do you not like anything here! Want to try another store! If not, I can get a designer to make something just for you.”
I snapped back to reality and smiled. “No need for all that. I’m not picky about furniture. Honestly, your taste is great. Just decorate it however you
Shirley’s smule softened even more. She put her arm around my shoulder and rested her head against mine. “It really hasn’t been easy getting you back. As your mom. I just want to give you the best.”
It had been so long since anyone called themselves my mom, but in that moment, I felt truly blessed to be showered with her love.
I pressed my lips together, trying to hold back my feelings, and whispered, “Thank you, Mom”
ure until she pointed
Shurley frove for a second, then excitedly grabbed my arm and pulled me through the store. We walked past all kinds of furniture
anexpensive–looking dressing table. This onel Perfect for your roun,” she said to the salesperson with a grin.
I glanced at the price tag–30 thousand dollars. My biological mother really was living in a whole other league
After we finished shopping: Shirley tried to convince me to come back to the Smith family’s house with ber
I polurly refused. I’d signed a divorce agreement with Quinn, and I still had three years to work at Madden Group. The apartment I was in now was just more practical for me.
Shurley huffed. The Madden family is way out of line. 10 million dollars to buy my daughter’s freedom? If they think they can get away with it. they’ll be sorely mistaken. I’ll have someone deliver it to Quinn tontorrow.
I jurumuded, trying to car hire worry. “Mom, even if the Smith family has money, you can’t use that to push people around. I’m fine, really. Working at Madden Group will at drast let me learn something?
Shurley gently ran her fingers through any hair, letting out a sigh. “Alright, it’s your choice. As long as you’re happy. But I’m not on board with you slaying in your omni for tus long.
move lack.
your dad’s birthday is next month, and we’ve already talked it over. I’ll antrelace you to everyone at the party, and after that, you can move
Enchester would know I was the Smith family’s fong lost daughter. I nodded and unded, agreeing to it,
1/2
day, Laliowed up for work at Madden Coop. Not long after I got there, I got a call from Finn. “Ms. Hinton, Mr. Madden wants to see you
12:08 PM c
Chapter 64
in his office.”
When I walked into the CEO’s office, Quinn was sitting there, wearing a simple white shirt that made him look like he’d stepped out of a fashion magazine. His fine hair fell over his forehead, probably to hide the wound that still hadn’t fully healed.
I couldn’t help but glance at it and blurt out, “You’re out of the hospital already!”
I remembered that last time we were at the hospital, they had stitched him up three times. He was in rough shape, so I figured he needed at least a
week of rest.
Quinn’s expression went cold, and his eyes locked onto mine. “Why did you leave without saying anything that day?”
“Huh?” I was confused for a second, then I remembered. Last time we saw each other. Diana had been all over him. I didn’t want to stick around, so I just slipped out without saying a word. *
“You had someone there to take care of you. No reason for me to stay. I replied, keeping it light.
Quinn clearly didn’t like my y answer. His face darkened, and he let our a sharp breath.
“Diana is back in Nordia,” he said, out of nowhere. Was that the real reason he called me to his office? To tell me that?
Honestly, I didn’t care about him and Diana. But hearing she wouldn’t be causing trouble for me was at least some good news.
I was completely taken aback, not sure how to respond. All I could manage was a casual, “Oh
Tve confirmed that she didn’t have anything to do with what happened that day. His voice was ice–cold as he added, “When I find out who did, I’ll make their life miserable.
Was he really tryingdo get revenge for me? It reminded me of how he showed up that day, risking everything to save me. I still had no clue why he
did that.
After a few moments of silence, I finally spoke up, trying to brush it off. “You don’t need to worry about it. I’m fine–still in one piece. If I need to find out who did it. I’ll let the cops handle it”
“Natalia.” Quinn’s voice was low as he got up and moved closer to me. Tll protect you”
My heart skipped a beat. For a second, I thought I misheard him.
I looked up at him, his face serious, and I started to wonder if he was joking. But Quinn never joked about stuff like this.
Before I could figure it out, he leaned in a little, his fingers gently lifting
know
I was totally confused now. “I don’t get it, what are you saying. Mr. Madden?” I asked, still trying to make sense of it all.
lifting my chin. In a quiet but firm tone, he said, “If you need anything, just let me
He lowered his head, his face inches from mine. His fi want you to keep being my lady.
fingers gripped my chin a little more firmly as he said, “I want you to move back in with me.
