Chapter 106
Nathaniel’s Promise.
“Because we live in a different city, but I promise. I’ll come see you. Daddy just needs to fix a few things, and then I’ll go to Rexam City,” Nathaniel explained.
“When, Daddy?” Sebastian asked, frowning.
Nathaniel ruffled Sebastian’s hair and said, “Very soon. But don’t worry. Even if I’m far away, you can always talk to me p>
Serena’s family stood on the tarmac, waiting. They all watched as Nathaniel turned to his assistant. Gavin handed Nathaniel two boxes of Apple Watches.
Nathaniel took the watches and started putting them on the children.
“It’s a little too big for them, Nathan,” Serena commented.
“I know.” Nathaniel laughed at himself. “But I wanted them to be able to contact me whenever they want. I already had their bands custom-made to fit their wrists, so it shouldn’t be a problem p>
“That’s thoughtful,” Celine remarked.
Sebastian had a black band, while Alisa’s was pink. Nathaniel then showed the kids how the watches worked.
“If you want to call me, press this.” Nathaniel pressed the button and opened ‘Favorites p>
“See this?” he continued, pointing at the screen. “Click Daddy’s face, and you’ll call me. I’ll answer right away p>
He tapped another icon. “Mommy’s here too. You can call her the same way p>
“Do you guys want to give it a try?” Nathaniel asked, and the kids nodded.
Alisa was the first to dial Nathaniel. She beamed as he pulled his phone from his pocket. He turned the screen toward her. It showed a picture of Ali, with her name saved as ‘My Princess p>
Nathaniel answered the call and said, “Hello, my princess. How are you p>
Alisa giggled. “Hi, Daddy p>
Serena and Celine looked at each other, still amazed by how naturally Nathaniel encouraged Alisa to speak. That was three words and counting.
“My turn!” Sebastian declared. “Go somewhere far, Daddy p>
“Oh boy. This is going to take a while,” Silas said, shaking his head, while Sterling laughed. Finally, the men from her family reacted.
“Okay,” Nathaniel said, amused. “Where do you want me to go p>
“Go far, far, Daddy,” Sebastian insisted, and Nathaniel played along. After calling his father three times, he was satisfied.
“I love it, Daddy!” Sebastian announced.
Nathaniel returned to the children and kissed both their cheeks. “I mean it. Call me anytime you want, and I’ll answer p>
“Even when you’re sleeping?” Sebastian asked.
“Even when I’m sleeping. I’ll wake up for Bastin and Ali,” Nathaniel said.
“Even—” Alisa struggled, then managed, “when Daddy working p>
“Even if Daddy is working,” Nathaniel promised. “You’re more important to me than anyone else p>
“Kids, it’s time to say goodbye,” Sterling said. He checked his watch, then reminded Serena, “The Hartleys will land at four in Rexam. We should arrive before them p>
Serena nodded. She turned to the kids. “Guys, say goodbye to your dad. You’ll see him next week p>
“Bye, Daddy,” Sebastian said.
But Alisa stayed rooted in place, biting her lip. Her brows drew together as she turned to Nathaniel. Suddenly, she grabbed his hand.
“Daddy, come p>
Serena: p>
‘Five words,’ Serena counted.
“Daddy, come,” Alisa repeated.
Celine gasped.
Silas unwittingly paid more attention, while Sterling’s mouth parted, though no words
came out.
“Daddy, come!” Alisa said again, more demanding this time.
Nathaniel picked her up and held her close. He smiled and kissed her cheek, then whispered something in her ear.
He said many things-whatever it was, it convinced her. In the end, Alisa smiled faintly. “I can’t wait p>
Serena: p>
“Bye, Sweetie,” Nathaniel gave Alisa one last kiss on the cheek. “I’ll miss you so much p>
Alisa and Sebastian eventually followed Celine onto the private jet. Before leaving, Serena asked, “What did you say to her to make her agree p>
Nathaniel casually answered, “I promised her I’d buy her a house with a huge playground. That’s why I need time to go and visit her p>
Serena didn’t think much of it and said, “I’ll see you, Nathan p>
“You definitely will,” he replied, a faint
smile tugging at his lips, one that lingered a second too long. Serena tookit as reassurance assuming he meant because of the children, never imagining how literally he intended it.
The Vanders were in a rush after arriving in Rexam. After settling in, they drove to
the Hartleys’ new home.
The house Sterling arranged was located within their community. While the neighborhood was home to many wealthy families, it also had modest houses owned by older couples who preferred quieter, simpler lives.
One of the nearby two-story villas had been on the market for nearly a year. Sterling purchased it for the Hartleys. He called it a courtesy for being@mong the few who had been there for Serena when she needed someone to turn to her hardest times.
in
The Hartleys were still under protective service, so local police officers were assigned to monitor their new home. Two detectives were already waiting when Serena’s family arrived at the residence.
“They should be here any minute now,” one officer said with a smile.
Sterling and Celine entered the house first. After all, they had the key. The maids brought food and drinks to welcome Alice and her family.
While the children played on the lawn, Serena paced back and forth, anxious.
Silas made business calls now and then.
“They’re here,” the other officer said, pointing toward a van. A transport truck followed behind it.
When the van stopped, Alice’s brother, Landon, stepped out first. He beamed as he took in the surroundings.
“Wow,” Landon remarked as he retrieved Alice’s walking cane and helped her out of the vehicle.
For a moment, Serena thought of
the Holts, anger surging in her chest.
Alice still couldn’t walk properly ill
because of her injuries. She had
nearly been killed. She and her
family had lived in hiding for four
years. And even after recovering, Alice had chosen silence to protect Serena.
Alice had sacrificed so much for her.
Serena knew she owed Alice more than she could ever repay. It was all the more
reason she craved justice for her best friend.
Don’t worry, Alice, she vowed. This time, it’s my turn to protect you. I won’t stop until
the Holts pay.
“Serena,” Alice called, tears welling in her eyes. She glanced around and spotted
the children. “Are these the kids p>
Serena nodded, tears spilling over. “Yes p>
She called them over. “Bastin, Ali. Meet your Aunt Alice p>
“Another one?” Bastin exclaimed, eyes widening dramatically. “We just met our dad,
another grandma, and uncles—and now we have an aunt p>
Despite the emotion of the moment, Serena couldn’t help but laugh.
“Yes,” she said, nodding. “Another one. And another uncle, and a grandma, and a
grandpa p>
“Whoa!” Sebastian exclaimed, turning to his sister. “Did you hear that, Ali p>