Chapter 397 Good Son-in-law
Norman had just finished brushing his teeth and was holding a washbasin, looking a bit stunned. It was clear he was surprised that someone had come to visit him in prison. The only family he had left in the world were his two daughters.
Aurelia had clearly distanced herself from him, so he thought the only one who might visit him was Chelsea. He had earned a phone call for good behavior during labor and found out that his daughter Chelsea had returned home safely.
Thinking of this, Norman eagerly put down his toiletries and followed the guard outside. In the short two-minute walk, he had already prepared countless heartfelt words to say to his precious daughter.
Outside the visiting room, Nathaniel stood there in a dark suit, tall and imposing, with an air of cold nobility.
When Norman came out full of joy, his eyes met Nathaniel's through the glass.
Nathaniel's gaze was cold and probing, and the powerful aura of someone in a high position made Norman's heart tighten."Why is it you?"
Nathaniel narrowed his long eyes, "Norman, how many times in your life have you actually told the truth?"
Caught off guard by the question, Norman nervously licked his chapped lower lip, "When have I ever lied to you? I cherish our relationship so much, I wish I could show you my heart."
Nathaniel looked at Norman with a hint of sarcasm in his eyes.
"Norman, tell me the truth, is Aurelia really your biological daughter?"
Norman's face turned red, and after a few seconds of silence, he became somewhat agitated.
"What kind of question is that? If Aurelia weren't my daughter, would I have raised her so carefully, sent her to expensive private schools, and spent so much money on her art classes?"
Norman wanted to say he had been good to Aurelia, but all he could think of were these things. Little did he know that these were just the basic conditions any ordinary family would provide for their children. In his eyes, those were the proofs of his fatherly love for Aurelia.
Nathaniel couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow. The person he cared so much about had grown up in such a miserable childhood. When her mother was alive, her life had a glimmer of light. He couldn't imagine how she had managed after her mother passed away.
"Norman, you can lie, and I can investigate, but please spare Aurelia your so-called fatherly love. She doesn't need it."
Norman panicked. Aurelia might not need his fatherly love, but he needed this son-in-law. He was still hoping to behave well in prison, get a reduced sentence, and have Nathaniel help him out in the future.
Life wasn't without possibilities.
"Nathaniel, don't say that. Our twenty-plus years of father-daughter relationship isn't something that can be dismissed with a few words. My daughter's been sensitive and delicate since she was little. I hope you can understand and support each other. If you can live well, I, as a father, will feel comforted even in prison."
"When you reach my age, you'll understand that a man works hard all his life to give his children a good future. I didn't do well and disappointed Aurelia. Please apologize to her for me. In the next life, if we are still father and daughter, I will do everything to love and cherish her."
Norman wiped away a tear, playing the emotional card. If one didn't know him well, they might not see any insincerity. Every word seemed to express a failed father's guilt towards his daughter.
Nathaniel felt a wave of disgust when he heard him say, "In the next life, if we are still father and daughter." He knew everything about Aurelia and Norman. Norman had never treated Aurelia as his daughter.
At least in Nathaniel's eyes, Norman didn't deserve to be called a father.
To Nathaniel, Norman's tearful plea was nothing but crocodile tears. Having been in the business world for so many years, he had seen too many people like this.
He knew exactly what Norman was up to.
He just felt sad for Aurelia. Even at this point, Norman still wanted to use her. His words made Nathaniel feel sick.
Seeing Nathaniel remain silent, Norman thought his plea had moved him and pressed on, "I've fallen to this point. Aurelia depends on you to take care of her. I'm begging you, please take good care of her, love her, protect her for a lifetime. Please promise me."
Norman's kneeling even surprised the guard beside him. Even though he had seen many strange things, he was still shocked. A father-in-law kneeling to his son-in-law? That was unheard of.
Nathaniel's eyes showed no sympathy as he watched Norman being taken away by the guard until he disappeared from sight.
As he left the visiting room, a police officer followed him out, holding a transparent sealed bag, "Mr. Heilbronn, this is the hair collected from Norman's pillow."
Nathaniel took the bag, "Thank you, officer."
The officer chuckled, "It's nothing, just a small favor. We should be thanking you for your generous donations, giving hundreds of orphans a place to call home. There aren't many businessmen like you who give back to society so generously. You're like a second father to them!"
Nathaniel had met this officer by chance. During one of his regular charity events, he had donated money to build an orphanage. The officer had been the one to coordinate the project, and they had exchanged contact information to discuss follow-up arrangements.
Nathaniel put away the bag, "Take care."
"Take care, Mr. Heilbronn."
It was late at night when Nathaniel drove back to his suburban villa.
The house was so quiet it felt suffocating.
The place had been cleaned by the housekeeper, but it couldn't erase the traces of her and the children living there.
Just a few days ago, it had been a lively home for a family of four. Now, he was all alone.
He found a clean bag and divided the collected items into two parts. He also found a long hair that Aurelia had shed and collected it.
After finishing these tasks, he quickly took a shower and lay down in the room where Aurelia used to sleep.
Turning off the bedside lamp, her scent was everywhere.
Even with his eyes closed, all he could see was her.
Nathaniel couldn't help but wonder if she was already asleep at this hour and if she was thinking of him.
At that moment, Aurelia lay in a comfortable bed, gradually regaining consciousness.
Opening her eyes, she saw luxurious decor but felt no warmth, like a presidential suite in a hotel.
Aurelia rubbed her groggy head and tried to turn over. The bedroom door opened, and from her angle, the first thing she saw was a pair of long legs wrapped in suit pants.
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