Shattered Then Healed By His Love (by Haley Blanton) novel Chapter 52

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Chapter 52 The Secret Arrangement

A sharp chill spread across the man’s features.

“I only knew her husband was addicted to gambling, but I’d never heard he was abusive.”

“I heard it from the head of the orphanage. They say he hit Lily constantly, every few days.” She let out a soft sigh. “That poor child’s life is far too bitter.”

Hearing her sigh, Marcus turned to look at her profile.

The way she ached for others was so genuine that it sank deep into his eyes.

Natalie seemed to sense his gaze and turned her head

away.

Marcus quickly shifted his own eyes back toward the front.

“From what I know, Cindy will be executed soon…” He deliberately skipped over the words and then said sternly, “Do you plan to take Lily in long–term?”

“Yes. Her father abandoned her long ago. I adopted her from the orphanage. Once I get a divorce and leave the Collins family, she’ll officially become my foster daughter.”

Foster daughter.

When she spoke those words, she emphasized them deliberately.

Marcus hadn’t expected that. He thought she was only housing the child temporarily. Instead, she intended to adopt her outright.

“Most likely, Jackson will send someone to investigate the child. I’ve already tried to seal off any leads, but I can’t guarantee everything will stay hidden. When he asks, just insist the child is mine.”

Natalie froze. “Mr. Collins, you’re…”

She couldn’t bring herself to finish the thought.

“If you admit to adopting her now, it will hurt your divorce proceedings. It’ll only create more problems for you.”

His voice was calm, his face unreadable.

“But Jackson’s been sending people to keep watch around Oakridge Estates. If he really digs

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Chapter 52 The Secret Arrangement

into this, he’ll find out I’ve been bringing the child home. How am I supposed to explain that?”

“I don’t have time to care for her. You’re looking after her for me.” His expression was stern. “That’s all you need to tell him.”

Natalic’s eyes widened in shock.

In an instant, every burden she should have had to face was taken onto his shoulders instead.

A restless tide welled up in her chest.

She gazed at him full of gratitude. “Mr. Collins, thank you for helping me again and again. I really don’t know how I could ever repay you.”

When their eyes met, Natalie thought she saw something complicated flicker in his gaze.

His eyes slid down from hers, almost unconsciously, to her lips.

His lashes trembled suddenly.

“Mr. Collins, what’s wrong?”

Seeing him staring without speaking, Natalie’s eyes held a trace of curiosity.

“Don’t drink again.”

He quickly turned his gaze away and refused to look back.

At the mention of that, Natalie’s heart jumped.

The memory of that night suddenly flashed vividly before her eyes, impossible to shake away.

“Alright.”

She didn’t dare continue the conversation. Besides, she had matters to handle at the medical clinic. After a quick farewell, she hurriedly got out of the car.

Marcus’s gaze followed her retreating figure, his eyes growing darker.

He lifted his hand and brushed his fingers against his lips.

To this day, no one knew they had already kissed.

Not even Natalie…

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Chapter 52 The Secret Arrangement

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