Shattered Then Healed By His Love (by Haley Blanton) novel Chapter 50

Chapter 50 Marcus Playing Hero Again

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“She doesn’t have psychological problems; her situation is just… a little unique. So, watch your words. If you say something reckless that tarnishes your reputation–or the Collins family’s- and it spreads, that would be far worse than me ‘parading‘ around with her.”

Natalie’s voice was icy, her eyes burning with anger.

“Mom, how can you talk to Dad like that? That girl looks timid already; Dad isn’t wrong about what he said!”

Aiden jumped in, his voice sharp and indignant.

It was the first time Lily had ever seen so many people ganging up on Natalie; her small hands trembled with nerves.

She wanted to defend her, but she was terrified of conflict and had no idea what to say.

Then, out of the corner of her eye, she spotted a familiar figure in the distance.

A man was walking past, someone she recognized, someone who had crossed paths with her mother before; they’d met more than once.

Her grip on Natalie’s hand tightened.

And then, suddenly, she shouted at the top of her lungs, “Daddy!”

The unexpected cry drew startled looks from everyone nearby—including Marcus.

When his gaze fell on Natalie holding Lily’s hand, his brows drew together ever so slightly.

Natalie froze at the sound of Lily’s voice.

She blinked, stunned, lowering her gaze to the little girl at her side before glancing up at Marcus as he approached. What’s going on? Did Lily know Marcus?

Then, like a spark, a memory flickered to life–Marcus and Cindy meeting at the prison.

That day, Lucy had come to visit, and Marcus hadn’t seen her; but on her way past the visitation room, she’d glimpsed him there.

If Cindy knew Marcus, then of course Lily would too.

Jackson, watching Marcus stride toward them, felt a jolt of confusion twist in his chest. Had that

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Chapter 50 Marcus Playing Hero Again

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little girl just called my uncle daddy? Uncle Marcus had never married; where on earth had this child come from? Could she could she be an illegitimate daughter?

The thought looped in his head, questions swirling without answers.

“What’s going on here?”

Marcus‘ voice was cool, but there was an undercurrent of steel in it. He immediately picked up on the tension; when his gaze landed on Lily’s tear–bright eyes, his expression iced over.

His sharp gaze flicked to Jackson, brow furrowing slightly.

“Uncle, since when do you have a daughter this old? And why am I only hearing about it now?” Jackson asked, disbelief lacing his tone. He jerked his chin toward Natalie. “And why is Natalie the one bringing her to school?”

Natalie’s hand tightened instinctively around Lily’s.

She hadn’t expected this, Lily suddenly calling Marcus “Daddy,” throwing the whole situation

into chaos.

But before she could even think of how to handle it, Marcus spoke, his tone steady and unhurried. “Lily is my daughter. Today’s her first day at school. I didn’t have time to drop her off this morning, so I asked Ms. Foster to take her for me.”

Daughter. The word made Natalie blink in stunned silence.

Of course, that had to be Marcus‘ cover.

There was no way Lily was really his daughter.

“But today is Aiden’s graduation,” Victoria interjected, her tone deceptively mild but her words barbed. “Natalie couldn’t be bothered to attend, yet she had time to bring Mr. Collins‘ daughter-”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Marcus‘ voice sharpened, his brows knitting as his gaze locked on her. “Do you have a problem with that, Ms. Victoria?”

“No, of course not–how could I?” Victoria’s bravado faltered instantly; her eyes darted away, unable to hold his steady stare.

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