Chapter 11
“She’s still unconscious. We’re unsure of the severity On the other end of the phone, Nathan’s grandfather, David, sounded so distressed that his voice trembled. He had watched Meredith grow up since her childhood and spoiled this lovable child. The news of her heart attack had sent David into a frenzy of worry, making him the first person at the hospital
Nathan frowned, “A heart attack?”
“She’s not up… The doctor said her condition was stable, and she hadn’t had an attack for a long time. But now, the hospital suddenly called, informing us she was admitted after suffering a heart attack and collapsing. David continued.
“Got it,” Nathan replied.
“Got it? Then hurry over already!” David almost shouted when he heard Nathan’s cursory tone. “Where are you? How long will it take to get here?”
“I have something to do. I’m busy, Nathan answered.
“Meredith is ill. What could possibly occupy you? Just come over! She’ll find solace in seeing you when she wakes up,” David urged.
“You love her so much. It’s good she has you by her side,” said Nathan.
David was seething. “You bastard, I’ll give you half an hour. Get to the hospital by then, or else
“Alright, Nathan answered casually, hung up the phone, and turned it off. He looked up and saw Cassidy standing at the table holding a bowl of pasta.
“Meredith is in the hospital?” she asked.
“Yeah, Nathan responded
“Hurry up aher you’re done? Cassidy plunked the bowl down in front of Nathan. She used so much force that some of the sauce splattered from it.
Nathan remained unruffled. He raised his hand and said, Tm too tired to eat
Cassidy glared at him angrily. “Do you want me to feed you?”
He replied confidently, “Yes.”
Cassidy paused and turned around abruptly. “Nathan, are you doing this on purpose?”
“Feed me,” Nathan’s captivating eyes locked onto hers, intense and alluring.
“Eat it yourself. If you don’t like it, get out Cassidy snorted coldly as she took out the medicine box and grabbed some painkillers, stomach meds she had just gotten from the pharmacy, and antiseptic for his wound, tossing them in front of him. “Take the medicine after eating, then leave. I’m in a hurry
Nathan glanced at the packed suitcase by her feet, but his voice was calm. “You’re moving?
“Yeah,” Cassidy answered.
“To Spenledge Residential?” he questioned.
Cassidy was silent. She turned around with a grim face and narrowed her eyes. “You looked into my assets?”
“I did.” Nathan picked up his fork gracefully and ate the pasta quietly. Years of rigorous etiquette training from his childhood made him exude the air of a refined gentleman.
Cassidy looked at the suitcase beside her feet and then at Nathan. Realizing she couldn’t shake him off, she moved the suitcase out of the way and took a seat across from him, arms crossed. “Well, Nathan. Let’s talk.”
Nathan looked up at her with raised eyebrows. “Hm?”
I’m going to be engaged to Josiah.” Cassidy raised her chin and looked at him expressionlessly. “So, enough is enough. Josiah and I have been together for three years. Our relationship is stable, and we’ll be engaged soon. I don’t want you to affect it.”
12:19 PM c
Chapter II
“Hmm.” Nathan muttered nonchalantly.
“Hmm? What do you mean by “Hmm? Noticing his silence, Cassidy continued, “It’s been over between us for a long time. What happened yesterday… Her face stiffened for a moment. “I’ll just pretend nothing happened.”
“Paisley,” Nathan suddenly uttered a name.
Cassidy eyed him nervously, her complexion draining momentarily before regaining composure. “Paisley is my and Josiah’s daughter.
“Really?” Nathan was still calm. T’ll take care of her.”
“What?” Cassidy was baffled.
Tll support her,” Nathan repeated.
“You don’t need to. Paisley is my daughter. She has nothing to do with you. Don’t bother Cassidy exclaimed.
You’re mine,” said Nathan.
Cassidy looked at him, puzzled.
In a cold tone, Nathan declared, “This is my limit, Cassidy, Whomever you marry, whether it’s Josiah or another man, I’ll destroy him. With that, he lifted his gaze, his eyes icy and menacing
“Nathan, you… Cassidy began.
“I don’t care what happened between you and Josiah,” Nathan said slowly. “But I won’t let anyone take you away” In his mind, Cassidy was his. The mere thought of another man laying a hand on her would seethe him.
“Take me away? Mr. Howell, what use do I have to you? Meredith was infertile because of her heart disease. You used me as a reproductive tool, and Jayden was born. Now, you have a happy family with a wife and children. What more do you want from me?” Each word Cassidy uttered struck a chord with brutal honesty.
Nathan’s knuckles tightened until they turned white,
“I acknowledge that there was a time when I relied on you, and you were my world. But that Cassidy died in the car accident five years ago! I am a different woman now, and I hope you realize that soon. You may destroy Saunders Group and anyone who seeks my hand,” Cassidy declared.
“You won’t be engaged to him, insisted Nathan.
ir concern.
Cassidy appeared to find this amusing. “Who I choose to marry is none of your
Nathan warned, “Unless you want to lose Paisley forever.”
Cassidy was stunned. She looked at him and snorted coldly. “Are you attempting to threaten me with Paisley?”
“I can take custody of Paisley at any time,” Nathan said.
Cassidy sneered, “She is my and Josiah’s child. Who are you to take custody?”
Nathan said, “If I wanted to, you wouldn’t even protect Saunders Group, let alone child custody.”
Cassidy was utterly stunned. After a long silence, she laughed and said, “Nathan, you’ve used me for so many years, and it’s still not enough? he Howell family exploited me as a mere instrument. Do they still seek to manipulate me? I am not the same Cassidy as five years ago. She died then.”
“It was an accident,” Nathan tried to explain.
“An impressive excuse,” Cassidy shot back.
Nathan suddenly said, “In the future, there will be a child belonging to us,
Cassidy.”
Cassidy fell silent, clenching her fists as she trembled uncontrollably. Her mind was a mess. Our child? Should I be grateful? She felt an urge to laugh out loud but couldn’t. Gritting her teeth, she retorted, “Dream on!”
All she wanted now was to distance herself from this man. Josiah had said he couldn’t be sure if Jayden was her biological child, but Paisley was hers and Nathan’s. However, she couldn’t let Nathan know, or it would be difficult if this man fought for
12:20 PM c
Chapter 11
custody of Paisley.
She suddenly remembered the handsome boy at the kindergarten who looked like a miniature version of Nathan. His facial features and demeanor mirrored Nathan’s exactly. If the other child hadn’t died, he would have been the boy’s age. Thinking of the stillborn baby filled Cassidy with overwhelming sorrow.
After taking the medicine, Nathan suddenly got up. Cassidy came to her senses and glanced at him. “Finally leaving?”
“Mmhm, Nathan responded.
“Going to see Meredith in the hospital?” asked Cassidy.
Nathan, who had just donned his suit, turned around upon hearing her question, momentarily surprised. ‘How does she know Meredith is in the hospital
“Heard she had a heart attack and felt nervous to rush over?” Cassidy sneered.
Nathan walked up
to Cassidy and gently held her chin. “Do you want me to stay?”
Cassidy said nothing.
“If you want me to stay, I will,” Nathan assured.
曲
