Chapter 22 We Are Family
The words “come home” stirred a deeper sorrow within Natalie.
Finished
Because of her impulsiveness, she had hurt her family’s hearts. Yet, when she was the one in pain, it was still her family who ultimately embraced her.
“I’m sorry… I apologize for my selfishness, for making you worry…”
“You silly girl, we’re family. There’s no such thing as “sorry” between us. Just remember that no matter what happens, we’ll always have your back.” Arnold said, his embrace warm and reassuring.
“From now on, if anything happens, don’t carry it all alone in silence, got it? If it weren’t for Benson, I wouldn’t have even known you were being mistreated by the Lawson family.” Arnold lightly tapped Natalie’s delicate nose and led her into the living room.
“Exactly! We’re family. If anything happens, don’t hesitate to speak up. Whatever it is, Arnold will take care of it for us. Who hasn’t fallen for a scmbag in their youth?”
Arnold shot Benson a sharp glare.
Benson immediately clamped his mouth shut. Of all people, he feared Arnold the most. He quickly put on a flattering smile, “Arnold, come on, try the food Nat made. It smells amazing!”
“Alright,” Amold replied, casually removing his suit jacket and sitting at the dining table. “Just got off the plane, and I’m starving
When Benson called to ask if he had seen the news online, Arnold had been overseas negotiating a business contract. Upon hearing the news, he abandoned everything, boarded a private jet, and rushed back home without a moment’s delay.
“Is this apartment yours, or?” Arnold asked as he cut the steak into small pieces and placed them on Natalie’s plate.
Natalie smiled, understanding that Arnold was concerned about her staying in a Lawson family property where Hubert might harass her.
“It’s mine. After the pastor passed away, I didn’t want to leave Tornham, so I bought this apartment downtown.”
At that time, she hadn’t yet reunited with the Gray family.
“The Gray Villa in Tornbarn is already being cleaned up,” Arnold said. “Dad and I both agree that since you grew up here and don’t want to leave, we’ll just move the whole family to Tornham.”
Seeing Natalie’s eyes reddened, Benson quickly added, “Tve got a big project here anyway, so I’ll be working between. Rondaville and Turnham for at least a year or two. Honestly, it’s exhausting running back and forth. Moving here makes things easier for everyone.”
Rondaville and Tornham, while not the capital of Cathay, were two of its major economic hubs.
The Gray family and the Lawson family were the top elite in Rondaville and Tornham, respectively.
Natalie knew her family was making these sacrifices for her.
“Arnold, that’s too much trouble. I can just move to Rondaville”
It’s not trouble. Dad is focused on expanding overseas markets, and Mom is busy filming abroad. They’re preoccupied with their couple’s world and rarely return here. Dominic trains and competes overseas year–round and only comes back for holidays. Ethan is essentially dedicated to the state, spending all his time in Denton’s research institute. He’s probably forgotten about us by now. This guy next to you is constantly touring around the world, practically impossible to catch. Sally’s staying with Grandma right now. So, the only ones at home on a regular basis are you and me.”
Natalie knew Arnold was telling the truth. The Gray family’s business was entirely on his shoulders now.
But the more this was the case, the less she wanted to burden him.
10.42 PM
Chapter 22 We Are Family
Before Natalie could finish, Arnold’s phone rang. He walked over to the window to take the call.
“Alright, I’ve already discussed it with Nat. Yes.”
Turning back, Arnold waved Natalie over. “Nat, it’s Dad on the phone.”
Natalie stood up and walked to the window, taking the phone from Arnold.
“Dad…”
