Caught Him Cheating My Life Restarted (Natalie) novel Chapter 17

Marie stroked Hanley's head affectionately, her eyes shooting a triumphant look at Natalie. "Hanley is the best to me. With Hanley, I’ve everything I need in this life."

Just then, Natalie placed a piece of yam on Hanley's plate. "Hanley, eat some more rib. It’s good for you."

Hanley immediately recoiled in disgust. "Who wants to eat that? It has a weird taste. It’s disgusting."

Darren’s face hardened. "Hanley, she is your mother. You were born seven months premature and were very weak. It was your mother who painstakingly cared for you. Otherwise, do you think you’d be strong enough to be playing soccer today?"

Hanley froze. He was a preemie? He never knew.

All the other kids said he was built like a bull.

Victoria interjected nervously, "Hush, don't mention such unlucky things. Our Hanley is blessed by god. He's naturally strong and healthy. What does his mother have to do with it? It was Marie who went to St. Christopher's Shrine and prayed for hours on her knees to get a protective charm for Hanley. That's why our Hanley is so safe and healthy. Hanley, thank your auntie."

Hanley said sweetly, "Thank you, Auntie."

Darren’s brow furrowed, as if something had just occurred to him that he didn't like.

"Hanley, have you thanked your mother for taking care of you?"

Darren's expression was terrifyingly grim. It was the first time Hanley had ever seen his father look so fierce.

Under the weight of his father's authority, he reluctantly mumbled a 'thank you'.

That single, forced 'thank you' was a mix of emotions for Natalie.

This was the child she had nearly died to bring into the world, and even a simple thank you was given with such reluctance.

Although everyone could hear the strain in Hanley's voice, Darren's act of forcing him to thank Natalie ignited a fire in Marie’s gut.

"Darren, Hanley is the future heir of the Cross Group. He should be raised with the ambition to conquer, not be stifled and forced to do things against his will."

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