LOGINNATHALIE’S POV š
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He fixed his stare on the sofa where Brianna was stretched out. “I intend to know your genuine motives where my daughter is concerned,” then his eyes bore into mine. “Do you deserve my trust, or do you deserve to be behind bars?”
The right side of my mouth arched upwards.
“At that time, my real reason for entering a business partnership with Calix was to gain proximity to him, in order to meet my child—o
NATHALIE’S POV š-I opened my eyes with a throbbing headache and a heavy feeling.I abruptly felt a hand wrap around mine. I turned my gaze and saw it was Calix.He was asleep on top of comforter, lying straight lengthwise with his feet at the bottom.I’m on the bed? Was I asleep?What happened before I lost consciousness came flooding back into my memory.I lifted my wrist to break free of his hold, and that jolted him awake.“Nathalie...” He got up. He sat on the other side of the bed.He faced me, with the intention of getting onto the bed.“Keep your distance,” I warned him.He froze and sat down again, his back to me.“You passed out last night,” he murmured gently. “You had a fever. According to the doctor, your sudden sickness came from fatigue and stress. You must take some rest first.”So that’s it… this is wha
NATHALIE’S POV š-My thoughts froze.After listening those to my mom, I could no longer make sense of the decision I’d taken.I only saw myself earlier stepping into Calix’s penthouse.I can’t face my mother either, so I still went with him.I’m in the bathroom right now. I plan to take a shower to freshenāÆup, clear my head, and figure out what I need to do.I untied the strap of the bathrobe I was wearing when I suddenly felt a tingling sensation as Tyler came to my mind again.When Tyler finds out that Brianna—his daughter, had been dead the entire time, he will be shattered.“Ty,” .... I’m sorry.I need to talk to him right away.“Nathalie,”That deep and cold voice of Calix.I turned to him. He had clothes with him.His eyes dropped down toward my body, and it dawned on me my naked frame was laid bare to him.
š»-Nathalie’s lips were slightly agape, shaking from the fury building inside her.She felt a twinge behind her eyes, tears pooling at each corner.Fury overwhelmed her at the realization of what Veronica had done to Margaret, but an even fiercer anger burned knowing her mother had been Veronica’s accomplice.“Mom… that explains… that’s why you were willing to sell the house and land—the only memories Daddy left behind for such a cheap price and in such a hurry?”Margaret nodded, trying to hold back tears.Nathalie clenched her fist. “Of all people!” she blurted, her shout caught in her throat.Eventually, she lost control and raised her voice, “You know how I mourned my daughter for so many years! I blame myself for the death of my daughter, especially when I found out that Calix was her father! I wish... if I had listened to him... Sapphire was still alive.
š»-As soon as Harrison hung up, he saw Beatrice just exiting the hallway from the powder room.“Madame…” Harrison called gently, worried, and walked over to her.He took the handkerchief from his trouser pocket and gave it to Beatrice.Unhesitatingly, Beatrice took the handkerchief and wiped her eyes and cheeks with quiet refinement.Harrison saw that people walking by were looking at Beatrice.Using his broad shoulders and strong build, he positioned in front of her, blocking her from their sight.“Thank you, young man... H-Harrison,”Beatrice said, then left Harrison there.Although Harrison was taken aback the first time he saw Beatrice crying, he decided not to dwell on it.Harrison cast a look down the straight path to the bathroom. “Ma’am Margaret seems to be taking
š»-“On Brianna’s seventh birthday, I saw Veronica... That’s when I found out that Brianna was Sapphire.” Margaret answered her daughter.....• •• • • { FLASHBACK : 5 YEARS AGO . . . } • • •• •....“Harrison, where is the bathroom here?”“I’ll walk you over there, Miss Margaret.”“That’s probably for the best. I might get lost otherwise,” Margaret joked, and Harrison laughed along.Harrison was escorting Margaret to the powder room when his phone started ringing.“I’ll wait here
š»-“My granddaughter...?” Margaret asked in shock and confusion. “Why my grandchild? What is it you’re after from her?”“I’ll replace your grandchild with my late sister’s child,” the woman stated plainly, without any hesitation. “They were both newborns. The only difference is… my niece didn’t make it.”“What... happened?”“My sister was coming here to deliver her baby, but she was in an accident, and my unborn niece passed away. She doesn’t know about her daughter’s death yet... and it looks like your daughter hasn’t woken up from the surgery yet. That’s why—”“We’re going to swap the two children?” Margaret’s chest tightened.“You’re not that stupid to understand what I want to happen. Yes—we
VERONICAāS POV-āHi, Mrs. Beatrice.ā I greeted her warmly as I approached. āYou look even more beautiful.ā I flattered her just to show I'm happy to see her. āThank you, Veronica. Youāre beautiful too. By the way, congratulations. I heard youāre a candidate for The Edison Achievement Award.āI smi
NATHALIEāS POV-We got to L.A. fast because we flew in a private jet, which Sir Calix told me his cousin lent him. Furthermore, the airport at which we landed is owned by said cousin, ensuring a seamless and VIP-esque departure.I was taken aback to discover that his cousin actually owns one of th
NATHALIEāS POV-It was already night when we got back from the rest house so we decided to go back to L.A. tomorrow afternoonHarrison carefully gathered Brianna into his arms, her small body limp with sleep. He carried her to our room, our steps soft, and laid her down with infinite gentleness.ā
NATHALIEāS POV-I carried a quiet smile as we slipped out of Briannaās room and Sir Calix and I walked down the hall to the guest room.There was always a quiet satisfaction in leaving Briannaās room, knowing she was safe and asleep. But tonight, that feeling was different, richer. I was happier t







