Caught Him Cheating My Life Restarted (Natalie) novel Chapter 41

Darren said with a tight frown, "This was all about landing the deal for the Cross Group. Now that it's done, let's not stir up any more trouble."

"Darren, she stole my painting and made me a laughingstock in front of everyone, and you want me to just drop it? My father was right—a widow like me will eventually have no place in the Cross family. I should have remarried long ago to secure my future!"

Hearing Marie's words, Victoria stormed up to Natalie Verdan, furious. "Natalie, how dare you scheme against Marie? You think you're so clever, winning the deal with such despicable tactics? We all look down on you. If it weren't for your meddling, Marie would have been the one to secure the deal!"

"Mommy, how could you steal Auntie's things and bully her like this? I hate you, you're a bad person!"

Hanley's words stabbed Natalie's heart like a knife.

Between her and Marie, her son defended Marie without a moment's hesitation.

She had gone through so much to give birth to him and had cared for him meticulously, only to be branded a villain in his eyes.

Seeing Natalie's wounded expression, Darren suddenly grabbed Hanley by the collar and lifted him right up.

"Hanley, she's your mother. How could you speak to her like that? Apologize to your mommy right now."

When Victoria saw Darren lift Hanley, she cried out anxiously, "Darren, put Hanley down! What do you think you're doing?"

"The way this boy is talking to his mother is unacceptable. I'm teaching him some respect!"

Watching Darren, Natalie felt no gratitude, only bitterness. Now he finally decides Hanley should respect her?

Hanley had never been disciplined before. Startled by Darren's shout, he quickly bowed his head to Natalie. "I'm sorry, Mommy. I shouldn't have said I hate you. Daddy told me you almost died giving birth to me, so I shouldn't make you angry."

Hanley's words sent a wave of sorrow through Natalie, a lump forming in her throat.

If her son showed even a glimmer of turning back, she really didn't want to give up on him.

He was her own flesh and blood, the child she carried for ten months.

Marie quickly swept Hanley into her arms, comforting him. Then she turned to Darren defiantly. "Darren, Hanley was just standing up for me. Are you slapping me in the face by punishing him?"

"You are the lady of this family, and we all respect you. I'm just teaching my son. Don't overthink it."