Caught Him Cheating My Life Restarted (Natalie) novel Chapter 414

"Mom, why would you say that in front of a child? Why are you slandering Natalie like this? Do you have any idea that a year ago, when Marie claimed she lost the necklace her brother gave her, and you two forced her to kneel in front of the villa, it was all orchestrated by—"

Before Darren could finish, Victoria cut him off with a frantic shout. "Shut up! If you want the Cross family to go bankrupt, then keep talking! Keep defending that woman! When we're broke, let's see if that woman will even give you a second glance!"

Victoria's words silenced Darren.

If the Cross family went bankrupt, he would truly lose any standing to compete with Terence.

And Natalie would never look his way again.

Victoria gripped Hanley's shoulders, her voice persuasive. "Hanley, you know that Terence attacked our family's business a while ago. The Cross Group was already in a precarious position. We only managed to survive with the support of the Ward Group, thanks to your auntie.

"Now that your auntie has been sent to jail, she can no longer support your daddy, and the Cross Group is on the verge of collapse. You are the only one who can save our family now."

"Grandma, what should Hanley do?"

Hanley, who had been raised as the family heir, couldn't just stand by and watch them go bankrupt.

A calculating glint appeared in Victoria's eyes. She looked at Hanley and said, "Go to your mommy. Ask her to show some mercy. Ask her to let your auntie go, and to let the Cross family go. Can you do that?"

"Grandma, will that work? Can I convince my mommy?"

Hanley wasn't confident. Besides, the thought of going to the Lockwood estate made him uneasy.

"Hanley, if even you can't convince her, she definitely won't listen to me or your daddy. Hanley, you are your auntie's—and our family's—only hope now."

His grandmother's words gave Hanley a surge of confidence.

He nodded. "Grandma, I'll convince Mommy to let go of her anger, to release Auntie, and to spare our family."

Hanley didn't know how he would persuade his mother yet, but he believed there had to be a way.

Victoria was overjoyed.

What was all this for? Was it a special occasion?

Catherine Lockwood, Lucas, and Liana suddenly jumped out.

"Congratulations on your triumphant return!"

Lucas and Liana, led by Catherine, were having a wonderful time setting off the poppers.

*A triumphant return?* Natalie thought.

It kind of was, but celebrating it like this... was it a little... perfect?

Mrs. Lockwood certainly knew her best friend well.

She ran over to Natalie's side. "Natalie, you have no idea how satisfying it was to watch the live stream from home! I always thought those wealthy families were so stuffy and formal, but seeing them get so excited over giving gifts totally shattered that stereotype."