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."

"Marie, you've been the one raising Hanley all these years. He already carries himself like an heir at such a young age. It's all thanks to your guidance. Eat more."

Marie’s face remained grim. "A child's upbringing should be the responsibility of the parents. I wouldn't dare overstep my bounds. All I can do is manage the Cross Group well and strive to make our family one of Eldoria City's new elite, so that one day Hanley can become the head of a great house."

Finishing her speech, Marie stroked Hanley's head and smiled. "Hanley, I will always be your rock. I will give you the best of everything in this world."

Hanley nodded firmly. "Auntie is the most amazing. I admire Auntie the most."

Natalie felt a sharp prick in her heart. Marie, thoroughly satisfied, said, "Hanley, you eat up. Auntie needs to go take care of something."

Victoria looked puzzled. "What's so urgent? Why not finish your meal first?"

"I just remembered there's a charity auction tomorrow. The founder is Old Mr. Fairchild, so he’s certain to attend. I need to go back to the Ward family estate now to prepare an item for the auction. Old Mr. Fairchild loves paintings. I need to play to his interests."