Chapter 82
Chapter 82: Like Neal
Like Neal.
“I’m just happy,” Nathaniel explained.
When Alisa tilted her head in confusion, Nathaniel couldn’t help but smile.
Alisa, his daughter, was such a beautiful little girl. He cupped her cheek, fought the urge to kiss it, and simply embraced her again.
“Thank you, Ali, for hugging me,” he said, gulping down the last urge to cry.
Alisa and Bastin were now three years old. Nathaniel had already missed so much of their early years, years that should have been joyful, but were gone and could never be reclaimed.
Sadly, he could only blame himself.
Just then, someone cleared her throat. Nathaniel looked up and was stunned to see an older version of Serena.
His mouth hung open as he stood, his eyes fixed on the same woman.
“This is my mom, Celine,” Serena introduced.
Unlike Silas and Sterling Vander, Celine smiled at Nathaniel. She opened her mouth as if to say something, then closed it again. Her expression shifted into something more controlled.
Nathaniel offered his hand and said, “Mrs. Vander, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Nathaniel Thorne p>
Celine took his hand and studied him closely before saying, “You grew up well. Too bad you hurt my daughter p>
Guilt engulfed him, but at the same time, Nathaniel was perplexed at her words. Before he could ask what she meant, Celine said, “I should go now. Milo is waiting for me.” 1
She hugged Serena and then kissed Alisa’s cheek. “Grandma will be back tonight. I love you p>
Ali only smiled.
“Goodbye, Mr. Thorne. I suppose we’ll see each other in a few days, when the whole family can sit down together,” Celine said, and Nathaniel nodded.
After Celine left, Serena gave Nathaniel a look, the one that said it was time for him to leave.
“Can I-” he gulped, taking a chance. “Can I hug you too p>
When Serena made a face, he groaned and scratched the back of his head. Then his gaze fell on Alisa.
“Serena,” he asked, “why is Ali very careful with her words p>
Serena swallowed.
Honestly, she was afraid of what Nathaniel might think of Alisa, but she knew she had to tell him.
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Chapter 82. Like Neal
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“Alisa has Autism,” Serena said, then added softly, “and speech delay p>
She braced herself for a frown or hesitation. Instead, Nathaniel smiled.
“I thought so,” he said. “She reminds me of my dad p>
“Neal?” Serena asked, stunned.
“My dad was also on the spectrum. He was very particular about order,” Nathaniel explained. He glanced at Alisa again, his expression gentle. “Patterns. Rules. The way things should be p>
He paused, then smiled. “But Ali’s aware. She understands more than she says. That tells me she’s on the mild end p>
He looked back at Serena, steady and certain. “With early support, she’ll be just fine. Is order and symmetry her only fixation? If she has other deep interests we can help her with, we should hone them p>
“My dad was very good at math,” Nathaniel added. “Ali could be a genius with numbers, too p>
Serena paused, then thought back. She still couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Neal Collins had autism? From what she knew, Nathaniel’s father had been extraordinarily intelligent. That was how he came up with such a brilliant patent.
“Now that you mention it, Ali does seem to be very good at math,” Serena said.
“I can test her,” Nathaniel offered. Then he paused, studying Serena. “But maybe later. You should get some rest first p>
For the first time since meeting Nathaniel again, Serena allowed herself a
meaningful smile. If he truly meant what he said, she appreciated any help extended to Ali.
“I’d better go, then,” Nathaniel said.
He was about to turn when Serena stopped him.
“Wait. Nathan, are you serious about cutting ties with Vanessa?” she asked. “The Holts have supported you over the years. Aren’t you worried you’ll lose political backing p>
“I’ve gained more political allies over the years, especially after putting Victor behind bars,” Nathaniel replied. The Holts aren’t the only ones I can rely on. And whatever help they gave me, I’ve already repaid p>
Serena still wasn’t sure if she should tell Nathaniel about Alice’s suspicions regarding the Holts. At best, she wanted to reassign Alice to Rexam first. Still, she decided to give him a clue,
“Nathan, I’ve always wondered why my father chose Vanessa as the company’s brand ambassador,” Serena said. “Yes, she may be a well-known actress in the city, but you have to admit, she wasn’t the best choice. If it were up to me, I’d choose someone with a medical background. I have a feeling she’s targeting me for a much deeper reason.” (1
Nathaniel thought deeply, his brows meeting. After a second, he answered, “I’m already looking into Vanessa’s past transactions. Especially four years ago. If there’s anything more, I promise I won’t let her off p>
“But be careful,” Serena added.
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Nathaniel smiled again, handsome even in restraint. “I will. I’ll see you at the hospital tomorrow p>
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Meanwhile, at Bianca’s mansion, Vanessa stood at the gates.
“Bianca! Bianca! I have something to tell you. Serena is back, and she’s seducing your Nathan!” Vanessa cried.” Nathan wouldn’t listen. He’s completely forgotten who Serena is!” (1
As she waited for a response, Vanessa clung to the belief that Bianca was still the key. It had worked before. It would work again. Bianca’s hatred for Victor, her distrust of Serena, those were levers Vanessa knew how to pull.
What she didn’t account for was this: the person she relied on was no longer listening the same way.
The gates opened. Bianca stood before her and said, “You p>
LiLhyz Author
December 28, 2025. Thank you for patiently waiting. Guys, my family and I are going on vacation. I won’t be able to update for a few days, including tomorrow, but I promised to publish on December 30. After that, I will publish next on January 2. Thank you for understanding. Hope everyone is excited to celebrate the New Year.
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Joseph King is an editor and storyteller who ensures every chapter is clear, polished, and engaging for readers.