Shattered Then Healed By His Love (by Haley Blanton) novel Chapter 53

Chapter 53 Whispers and Confrontation

Shock flashed in Stella’s eyes, growing stronger by the second.

“They already looked into it, but nothing turned up–except that the child lives in Oakridge

Estates.”

Jackson’s face darkened, his aura turning oppressive.

“Oakridge Estates? Isn’t that where Natalie lives? How could your uncle’s daughter possibly be living there?” Stella’s brows knitted tightly. “Don’t tell me your uncle and Natalic…”

“That’s impossible!” Jackson immediately denied his mother’s suspicion. “That child must be from another woman. There’s no way it’s Natalie.”

“I know the child can’t be theirs,” Stella said sharply. “What I’m saying is, Natalie taking care of her for your uncle–couldn’t that mean they have some shady arrangement? Why else would she look after his child?”

Stella’s expression sank even further.

Hearing this, Natalie could no longer hold back.

This was exactly how rumors began.

Marcus had been right–he must have predicted this would happen sooner or later. That was why he had prepared her with a cover story just moments earlier.

She strode inside without hesitation. “Don’t talk nonsense behind people’s backs when you don’t know the truth.”

The two figures on the sofa whipped their heads around, eyes landing on Natalie.

“Why are you suddenly here?”

There was guilt all over Stella’s face. Her eyes darted about, unable to meet Natalie’s directly.

“I came to check on Grandpa’s health, but instead I hear you gossiping behind me.” Natalie curved her lips into a cold smile. “If you’re curious, or if you have questions, then ask me directly.”

“Natalie, we were only talking about your uncle’s daughter. No one was speaking about you…”

Stella straightened her posture with the dignity of a mother–in–law, her gaze filled with

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displeasure as she looked at Natalie.

Jackson strode over and seized Natalie’s wrist, dragging her toward the back garden. “Come with me. I have something to ask you.”

Once outside, Natalie yanked her hand free. “Don’t touch me.”

Her tone was calm, but her voice carried nothing but ice.

Jackson lifted his gaze to her, his voice low. “Why is Lily living in Oakridge Estates?”

At those words, Natalie’s lips curved into a mocking smile.

So Marcus had indeed anticipated this. Jackson had gone to investigate Lily but found little- only her basic details and where she lived.

With things as they were, Natalie could only follow Marcus’s lead and keep the cover intact. “I knew her mother. And with your uncle being so busy, how would he have time to care for her every day?”

“You knew her mother?” Jackson’s eyes flashed with surprise. “Then who is she?”

“What does that have to do with you? Why are you prying so much?”

“You’re my wife, yet you’re helping my uncle raise a child?” His lips curved into a scornful smile. “Don’t you think that’s highly inappropriate? If word gets out, aren’t you afraid of causing trouble?”

“If your uncle isn’t afraid of causing trouble, then what are you afraid of?” Natalie’s tone was cold. “Besides, I’ve already given you the divorce agreement. Why haven’t you signed it yet? What are you playing at?”

“What am I playing at? Don’t you know Grandpa’s condition? You think I’m the one dragging this out?”

“I told you last time—there’s a way. We can get the divorce certificate first-”

She didn’t finish before he cut her off. “I don’t have the time or energy to play–act with you.”

“So you plan to drag this out with me forever?”

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