Chapter 52
Natalie Watson never saw the slap coming.
Her head snapped to the side from the force of the blow.
“Mom! What are you doing?” Alexander Ramirez cried out, immediately pulling Natalie behind him, his expression dangerously cold.
“What am I doing?” Savannah Davis pointed a trembling finger at Natalie. “Three years ago, she left without a word and demanded a divorce. What is she doing back here now? Does she think she can come and go as she pleases? That our family’s door is a revolving one p>
Savannah’s voice rose with indignation. “It was bad enough that she couldn’t give us an heir, but to have the audacity to demand a divorce? The Ramirez family never wronged you! Alexander spent an entire year searching the world for you, and now you just show up again? For what p>
Savannah had been informed the previous night that Natalie was back and would be coming to the estate. The news had stunned her. But remembering the divorce papers Natalie had left behind, a blatant disregard for the Ramirez family, filled her with a simmering rage.
Her anger was compounded by her fervent wish for Camila White to marry into the family, a match that even Charlotte Roberts, the family matriarch, had yet to approve. Natalie’s sudden reappearance felt like a deliberate attempt to sabotage everything.
The more Savannah thought about it, the angrier she became, and she unleashed all her frustration on Natalie.
“I’m sorry,” Natalie said, stepping forward. A faint red handprint was already forming on her pale cheek. “My actions back then were reckless p>
She admitted to herself that she had been impulsive three years ago. Even if her relationship with Alexander was broken, she shouldn’t have left without a word to the family elders.
Savannah sneered. “So, you finally regret it and want to come back? I thought you had more pride than that p>
“No, I don’t regret my decision,” Natalie stated, her voice steady. Alexander glanced at her, his expression unreadable, but she held her chin high, her eyes firm.
“Then what are you doing here? Get out!” Savannah shrieked, her face contorted with fury.
“I’m the one who told Alexander to bring her back p>
A stern voice cut through the tension. Charlotte Roberts, supported by her attendant Hazel, appeared at the doorway, her face set in a grim line as she spoke.
She walked over, leaning on her cane. When she saw the mark on Natalie’s face, her eyes filled with pain and anger.
“Mother, she has no respect for us! Why are you still siding with her?” Savannah protested, her voice shrill. “It’s a miracle their marriage wasn’t widely known, otherwise we would have been the laughingstock of the city three years ago p>
Savannah was furious that Charlotte seemed to be losing her senses, prioritizing Natalie over the family’s reputation.
Charlotte turned on her
daughter-in-law, her voice sharp. “I’m
not so senile that I need you to remind me of my duties. You’re quick to blame Natalie but what kind of mother-in-law have you been? Enough. Do as you please, but you will leave Natalie alone p>
With that, Charlotte took Natalie’s hand and led her into her private room.
Alexander moved to follow, but Charlotte stopped him at the door.
“Grandma, you’re not disowning your favorite grandson, are you?” he asked, attempting a lighthearted tone.
“You failed to protect her, and you expect to come in? You stay out, too p>
Without another word, Charlotte had Hazel shut the door in his face. Left standing in the hallway, Alexander could only shake his head and send someone to fetch a first- aid kit.
Inside, Charlotte gently sat Natalie down, studying her cheek. “Does it hurt p>
Natalie managed a small smile and shook her head. “Not at all p>
“Alexander’s mother is impulsive,” Charlotte explained softly. “Seeing you so suddenly, she lost control. But she doesn’t have a malicious heart. Her entire world revolves around her son.” Thɪs chapter is updated by.net
Hazel brought them some tea. “Natalie, we’ve missed you so much these past few years. Even if you couldn’t tell anyone else, you should have at least told Mrs. Roberts p>
Hazel had been Charlotte’s personal attendant for decades and was like family to Natalie.
Charlotte shot Hazel a disapproving look. “Don’t you dare blame Natalie p>
“Yes, yes, of course. Natalie is your most precious treasure,” Hazel said with a knowing smile before discreetly fading into the background.
“Grandma, I’m so sorry,” Natalie said, her voice thick with genuine remorse. hurt you and let you down.” Of everyone in the Ramirez the
family charlotte pad beeprez
kindest to her, and the quilt heavy weight.
Charlotte patted her hand, her expression full of affection. “My dear child, don’t blame you You must have had your reasons for asking Alexander for a divorce. I’m sure he did something to wrong you p>
Thinking of Alexander and Camila White, Natalie didn’t know what to say. It wasn’t
her place to reveal their story. Besides, it was no longer her concern.
“Grandma, I p>
“My child,” Charlotte interrupted gently, “I truly hope you and Alexander can work things out. Can you find it in your heart to give him another chance p>