Chapter 63
shattered. Her eyes led with tears, her hips trembling as she shook her head. “No… I don’t believe it. You’re lying to me. You’re
let out a heavy sigh, looking utterly drained. “I thought you were juu headstrong” he said, his voice low. “But I never thought you’d cross a
che reached for him, her volve ring IN
ig in pank. “Quinn, not I didn’t do anything like that? Sure. I’ve tried to make things one, but I id never go that far. You have to believe me“”
1 folded my arms, skeptical. “Yet here you are, showing up the second Quim ends up in the hospital. How did you know to rush over? Did someone call you when things didn’t go as planned”
Dana snapped her head toward me, glaring “No one called me? Then, almost in desperation, she turned back to Quinn. “T. I have location
phone.” she admined ma
sion stimennt. I stared at her caught off guard by the confession.
Quinn glanced at his phone, then at Diana. She fumbled with her own phone, quickly opening an app and holding it out to him. “See” she said, her
mbling. 1 can) ick where you are, that’s all.”
Sure enough, the app tracked Quinn’s phone in real time. It all clicked into place. That was why she always seemed to show up uninvited, causing chaos wherever Quin and I were together.
Good the
rong.” Diana said, her voice breaking. “But please don’t shut me out. I only did it because I care about you.”
sprevion didn’t soften. If anything, he looked colder, his frown cutting deep lines across his face.
watching the scene unfold feeling detached. Quinn’s love life wasn’t my business anymore. We were divorced. Whatever mess he had
his problem to untangle.
Without a word. I turned and walked out of the room. I was halfway to the boxpital’s main entrance, hoping to clear my head, when I ran straight
en we talk?” Aiden’s voice was firm as he gestured for me to follow him into his office.
The memory of his confession lingered in the back of my mind, making the situation feel awkward. I tried to keep my composure as he closed the
serious, and I forced a calm tone. “Aiden, what’s wrong?”
You need to stop getting caught up with Quinn,” he said, his brows furrowed. “Have you already forgotten everything he put you through. Naralia?”
The bluntnew of his words hit me, making my chest tighten. “Quinn saved me today.” I said, keeping my voice even. “Aiden, I get that you’re womed, but I can handle my own life”
siders slumped slightly, and he looked at me with an expression I couldn’t quite read. “Do you feel I’m bothering you too much!”
sok my brad, feeling a twinge of guilt. “No, of course not
Auden lured into a bittersweet smile. “I shouldn’t have said what I did last time. I think I just made everything harder“
“Aude “I started, unsure of how to respond, but he quickly changed the subject.
“Forget the und brushing it off “Anyway, I’ve made progress with Ud. I’ve contacted a local middleman and arranged for some shipments. Once I gen tar top deal for Eracheiter. I’ll have access to the full under list.”
I froor Aarden was putting himself at risk, trying to sneak U3 to uncover the truth behind Jenna’s poisoning
“No.” I sad sharply. “It i too dangerous Jenna’s gone. Aiden. This isn’t your fight. Let the police deal with it.”
He pair aird calin and unbothered “1 mude a promise, Natalia.”
No matter lave much argued, be wouldn’t budge.
Finew Aiden meant well, but has determination left me conflicted. He wasn’t doing this for himself he was doing at for me. And that realization
My phone rang—it was Shirley 1 picked up, and she imunediately asked, “Natalia, where are you?”
“At PrimeCor Hospital” I said, almost wideout thinking
1/2
12:08 PM c
Chapter 63
Her next words hit me like a wave. The paternity test results were in, and everything confirmed that I was
Ben and
nd Shirley’s biological daugh
I froze for a second. Even though I knew this was coming, hearing it out loud still took me by surprise,
Somehow, I had stumbled upon my biological parents after more than 20 years apart–and not just anyone. I was the daughter of the Smith family. one of the most well–known names in the media.
“I already told your grandmother!” Shirley said, her voice full of smiles. “She can’t wait to meet you. I’m coming to pick you up right now
“Okay,” I replied, my mind still racing
True to her word, Shirley showed up pretty quickly. She hugged me tight as soon as she saw me, and I could feel all the love and warmth pouring
from her.
It had been so long since I felt anything like that. I wasn’t sure whether to feel happy, overwhelmed, or a bit of both.
She handed me the DNA report, and I saw the ’99.99% genetic match. I still couldn’t believe it; this was really happening.
anymore–she was my grandmother now.
At the sanatorium, I met Mary. She wasn’t just a stranger anym
“Natalia, so you’re my granddaughter,” she said, holding my hands and studying me with such kindness. “I knew it the moment I saw you–you belong with us.
“Wait, you’ve met before?” Shirley asked, clearly curious. I smiled and told her about the first time I’d run into Mary
Shirley grinned widely. “Mom, you’re really good at matchmaking. You actually want Natalia and York to end
Mary sighed. “I just like Natalia, okay! But it’s a shame York’s also a Smith. They can’t be together.
Shirley quickly cut in, looking a linle concerned. “Mom!“,
up together!”
Just then, York’s voice came from the doorway. “Grandma, what’s going on in here? You’re all laughing without me.”
I glanced up and saw York standing there, giving me a smile and raising an eyebrow. “Hey, Natalia”
My heart skipped a beat. York was here, too. I couldn’t help but think of Benedict upstairs started to feel uneasy, wondering if York had comTHE less than pure intentions.
Shirley, ever the tease, rolled her eyes. “We’re just talking about how you’re still single at your age. Grandma says if you don’t find someone soon and give her a great–grandson, she’ll send you off to become a priest
York
casually placed the fruit he brought on the counter, glancing at me as he said, “Guess I’m not the on can always rely on Natalia for that.”
the one to count on for a grandson, huh? Bat
My mind went blank, and I felt a rush of heat in my chest. I frowned, trying to keep
my voice steady. “What do you mean by that?”
Chapter 64
