Shattered Then Healed By His Love (by Haley Blanton) novel Chapter 41

Chapter 41 One Call And She Runs

+5 Free Coins

When the phone rang for the fourth time, Natalie almost reflexively reached to hang up; but the moment her gaze landed on the caller ID, her body froze. The name flashing on the screen was Marcus. Her grip on the phone faltered for an instant.

It was the first time Marcus had ever called her directly. If it weren’t something important, they wouldn’t have tried over and over.

After a brief hesitation, Natalie pressed the answer button. “Mr. Collins…”

“Mr. Gabriel is having trouble breathing again. Can you come over?”

Natalie didn’t even think; she shot up from her chair. “Yes. I’ll be right there.”

She hung up, hurried to the cabinet, pulled out her meridian tools, and headed straight for the door.

As she walked, she called out to Lucy. “I’ve got an emergency and might not be back tonight. Lily’s in your hands.”

“What happened?” Lucy quickly followed, curiosity creasing her brow. “Is Gabriel in another crisis?”

“Yes.” Natalie gave her a quick look over her shoulder. “I have to go.”

“Alright, be careful on the road.”

The heavy door shut behind her, cutting off both her figure and Lucy’s voice.

By the time Natalie arrived at the old estate by taxi, it was already eight in the evening.

The entire manor blazed with light; everyone inside was waiting for her.

“Ms. Foster, you’re finally here.”

The butler, spotting the medical kit in Natalie’s hand, rushed forward in relief.

“How is he now?” Natalie asked as she followed him inside. Her voice was low, but steady.

“He’s been struggling to breathe since dinner. We wanted to take him to the hospital, but Mr. Gabriel insisted it would only make things worse; he demanded you come instead.”

Natalie nodded, saying nothing.

1/3

10:57 Sat, Sep 27

Chapter 41 One Call And She Runs

79

+5 Free Coins

Crossing the long corridor into the living room, she found Jackson and Stella sitting tensely on the sofa, their faces etched with worry.

When Jackson saw her, he shot to his feet. The resentment in his eyes didn’t escape her notice.

Guided by the butler, Natalie entered Gabriel’s room.

The tall, lean figure by the bedside instantly caught her сус.

Marcus was sitting there, one hand pressed gently to Gabriel’s chest, trying to ease his breathing.

The moment he saw Natalie, he stood and gave her a small nod.

Natalie went straight to the window seat and began checking Gabriel’s condition.

The man beside her never looked away.

And all of this was caught by Jackson standing behind them.

He had called Natalie all day, and she hadn’t answered once. But Marcus had made a single call, and she came running…

When had they gotten so close?

“Leave one person here to help hold him up. Everyone else, out,” Natalie said quietly, her expression calm and detached.

“I’ll stay and help,” Jackson said quickly, stepping forward.

But before he could reach the bed, Marcus blocked his way.

His voice was deep, firm. “You go. I’ll stay.”

The tone was cool, edged with quiet authority; no one in the room doubted it.

“Uncle Marcus, Natalie is my wife. It makes the most sense for me to stay and help her-”

“Jackson, get out.”

The words cut him off before he could finish.

Natalie lifted her head at the sound; Stella had appeared without her noticing, tugging Jackson out of the room.

2/3

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify