CHAPTER 105

The following morning, Natalie was already waiting at the entrance of Majestic Meadow Manor, eager

to pick up Nate for the sports day event.

Nate was nowhere to be seen, but Madelyn emerged, dragging a suitcase behind her. The bodyguard

swiftly loaded her luggage into the trunk of a sleek black car. Just as Madelyn was about to slide into

the back seat, she turned her head and caught sight of Nable’s ca paties

nearby,

Their eyes locked through the car windows momentarily before Madelyn walked to fade with a hint of holds © this.

disdain in her stride,

“Are you taking Nate to the field day today?” Madelyn tapped on Natalie’s window, and her voice was

icy.

“Yes.” Natalie’s response was curt and indifferent.

With a sneer curving her lips, Madelyn retorted, “Just because you’ve hustled to snatch something

away doesn’t make it rightfully yours.”

Natalie wasn’t in the mood for a spat with Madelyn. She had no interest in stealing Madelyn’s son and

was stepping in only to fulfill a parental duty Madelyn and Brian had neglected. If it weren’t for the

thought of the innocent child left out, she wouldn’t have bothered.

After a brief silence, Natalie asked quietly, “As a mother, did you ever consider how he’d feel sitting

there alone, watching the other kids play games with their parents?”

Madelyn let out a scornful laugh, her teeth clenched. “Oh, the hornewrecker always has her excuses,

right?”

“You go then. I don’t need this.” Natalie took a deep breath, fixing her gaze on Madelyn.

Madelyn paused. “Sorry, I’ve got a business trip with Brian. No time for chit–chat.” With that. she turned

and returned to her car.

Natalie couldn’t fathom what she had done in a past life to deserve the scorn, while the child’s parents

couldn’t care less. Frowning, she watched Madelyn’s retreating figure.

Just then, Nate bounded out of the house, his backpack swinging. Madelyn called out to him through

the window, “Nate, sweetie, I’m leaving.”

But Nate didn’t even glance her way, hopping excitedly toward Natalie’s car. It was field day, and he

wore long–sleeve sportswear, shorts, tube socks, and sneakers.

Spotting the bandage peeking out from Nate’s socks, Natalie’s eyes narrowed with concern. Once Nate

was in the car, she turned and asked sternly, “Let me see your leg!”

Nate stuck out his tongue and presented his shin to Natalie. She pulled back his sock and winced at

the faint yellow stains on the bandage. The wound hadn’t fully healed.

“You shouldn’t be in a sports day with an injury,” she said, furrowing her brow.

“It’s fine!” Nate brushed it off. “Dad says a true man can handle a little hurt!”

Besides, he’d endure anything to see Natalie.

“What did your teacher say?” Natalie pressed, not convinced.

“The teacher said everyone must be present,” Nate replied, tilting his head earnestly.

“Could a fancy preschool be this insensitive?” Thinking so, Natalie’s frown deepened.

“We’re going to be late, Natalie!” Nate saw Natalie’s hesitation and urged her on.

Natalie was at a loss. She’d have to ask the teachers herself. If they insisted Nate shouldn’t participate,

she wouldn’t allow it.

As they arrived at the preschool, the teacher at the gate was surprised to see Natalie accompanying

Nate.

“Good morning, Miss Natalie,” she greeted, her eyebrows raised in question. “You are with Nate

today?”