Chapter 644 Daughter
Natalie’s eyes widened in shock; her mind momentarily went blank. The figures within the car moved, pulling her back to her senses. She quickly took refuge behind a column. Her breathing was heavy, and her heart was racing in her chest.
During her high school years, she had met Anthony. He was stern, brooding, and domineering. Even then, he had shown abilities beyond ordinary people. As Jane’s bodyguard, he was often overbearing and controlling. However, Natalie could never imagine him kissing Jane in such a manner.
At that instant, Natalie's shock was overtaken by worry that Jane had spotted her. She knew Jane was prideful and would not want anyone to see her in such a vulnerable moment, especially because Anthony was now engaged to another.
Pressing her back against the pillar, Natalie debated leaving immediately with her eyes closed, but the sound of high heels approached.
Jane emerged from behind and stood in front of Natalie. A hint of annoyance could be seen on her face. She asked, “You saw it, didn’t you?”
Natalie affirmed with a nod.
Jane laughed self-mockingly. “Were you going to leave unnoticed?”
After a brief pause, Natalie nodded once more. Then, she moved forward to hug Jane but was stopped by Jane.
“Don’t hug me. I feel disgusted with this dress after he touched me,” Jane said, glancing at her watch expressionlessly, “Tina is asleep in the backseat. Flora won’t be done so soon. Should I bring Tina home first? I really need to shower.”
"I’ll take her," Natalie proposed, sensing Jane was not in the right mood to care for a child at this moment. Moreover, Jane was not particularly experienced with childcare.
Jane agreed. She was also worried that Anthony might show up at her apartment later.
Natalie, having not driven herself, messaged Charles, asking for a ride.
He responded affirmatively without delay.
…
In just a short moment, a Bentley unfamiliar to Natalie arrived.
Charles alighted to usher Natalie inside. She entered, Tina cradled in her arms, and said, “You came so quickly.”
Oliver was in the back. His expression was slightly solemn until he saw the slumbering child in Natalie's embrace. Although he was not displeased, his impatience was palpable. He was rather fond of his niece, but in Natalie’s presence, Tina's importance diminished, especially since it was clear that Tina would be monopolizing Natalie’s time.
"Flora is busy, so I suggested Tina come home with me,” Natalie explained, feeling inexplicably guilty.
"Doesn’t she still have her father?” Oliver looked at the adorable Tina, feeling a hint of annoyance. Even if she was adorable, she was ultimately not his daughter.
Natalie internally debated the impracticality of entrusting Tina to Arthur, especially following the exposure of Flora and Arthur's relationship. How could she possibly leave Tina in Arthur's care?
"Tina is Arthur's child; she’s your niece. It is only fitting that we care for her," Natalie cautiously replied, sidestepping the reason for not leaving Tina with Arthur. Her allegiance to Flora was unwavering, and she was not sure if Oliver would stand by his brother.
"Why are you looking at me like that?” Oliver caught Natalie's wary and somewhat protective glance, amused.
“If I were going to help Arthur, do you think I’d let you bring her into the car?”
At this time, Tina made a soft noise, nestling comfortably in Natalie’s arms.
Natalie swiftly covered Oliver's mouth with a free hand, aiming to prevent him from disturbing Tina's sleep.
However, Tina’s eyes suddenly fluttered open.
"Natalie?"
Tina, having not seen Natalie for a considerable time and still drowsy from her nap, took a moment to recognize Natalie.
After calling her name, Tina propped her small head up and surveyed her surroundings. Upon noticing Oliver, she greeted him obediently. When she saw that she was in a car, she asked, “Where are we going? Where’s Mommy and Daddy?”
Instead of answering the question, Natalie asked as Tina made herself comfortable on her lap, “How about spending the night with your godmother tonight? Your mommy will come for you tomorrow. She’s busy tonight.”
Tina thought about it for a moment before she asked, “What about Daddy?”
"Daddy is busy as well."
Oliver seized the opportunity. He held Tina’s tender hand to draw her attention before he said, “However, your daddy’s business isn’t that important. He can come and get you.”
Natalie discreetly nudged Oliver with her foot and whispered a warning, "Be quiet, or you'll find yourself banned from my home tonight!"
"Natalie?" Tina asked Natalie, looking at Natalie for confirmation. She evidently placed greater trust in her godmother.
"What do you think, Tina?" Natalie countered with her own question.
Tina thought about it earnestly. She furrowed her brows and pouted her lips, lost in her thoughts.
Oliver, supporting his chin with his hand, observed his niece. He was confident that his niece would choose to go back with her father. After all, Tina would definitely prefer to spend the night wither her father.
"I shouldn't disturb Mommy and Daddy," Tina said sweetly, puffing her chest out pridefully at her own thoughtfulness.
Natalie and Oliver exchanged a look, and she saw his expression darken. She almost laughed with a sense of schadenfreude.
"Natalie!" Tina suddenly beckoned for Natalie to come closer.
"Hmm?" Natalie leaned in to listen.
Children's whispers were seldom quiet, and this one was no exception.
She asked in an innocent voice, clearly excited, “Is Mommy and Daddy going to give me a little brother?”
Oliver scoffed and said mercilessly, “Keep dreaming.”
Natalie wondered why Tina would ask such a thing. It was surprising that a child would ask this question.
Tina continued to say seriously, “Daddy said that he and Mommy would give me a little brother. I’d like to have a little brother!”
Natalie mused internally, ‘Your father is dreaming!’
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