Chapter 94: History With the Klines
History With the Klines.
The truth was, Serena and her family had quietly conducted their own investigation. And everything they uncovered pointed to one thing: Nathaniel hadn’t lied.
First, he hadn’t returned to live with his mother after Serena disappeared. On a few occasions, he stayed at Bianca’s place, but never for more than a night at a time. So, for the past four years, he had truly lived in their marital home.
Second, while the partnership between the Thorne and Holt families used to be strong, Nathaniel had been noticeably avoiding Vanessa. Only Bianca continued to see Vanessa personally, despite her uncle’s failed diagnosis.
It was also said that Nathaniel had stopped attending the Holts’ private gatherings altogether. The only functions he appeared at were strictly business-related. Other times, he doesn’t even show up.
Recently, word had begun circulating within the inner circle: Nathaniel had fired Vanessa, and tensions between the two families were quietly simmering. The Holts were furious that Nathaniel had canceled their opportunity to buy shares in Kline BioSolutions.
Lastly, of course, Serena had taken into account how Nathaniel had protected Alice all this time.
So, after giving it much thought, Serena said to him, “Do you want to have coffee?”
Nathaniel’s face lit up. Hope flashed in his eyes. He cleared his throat and said, “Any time.”
“This doesn’t change anything between us,” Serena drew the line. “I just want to share with you what I know.”
“But, if you betray me, Nathan,” she warned. “You will never see the children again.”
1
Nathaniel looked Serena in the eye. His voice laced with conviction as he claimed it, “I will never betray you.”
Serena brewed coffee for both of them. At the dining table, she began showing Nathaniel the pieces of evidence in her hand. She started with the past. “Remember how Alice and I were looking into my birth parents?”
“I believe Alice was harmed because she was trying to help me find out the truth,” Serena said. “Aside from Dianna telling me about her suspicions, Alice managed to retrieve Roselind Kline’s birth records from Velmon Prime Medical Center.”
Serena sipped from her mug and said, “In that medical record, it says that Roselind gave birth to a baby with an A+ blood type.”
She showed Nathaniel her birth certificate as Serena Kline. Pointing it out, she said, “Victor registered this birth certificate almost two years after Roselind gave birth. According to Velmon Prime Medical Center, birth parents may opt to register their baby late.”
Serena pulled out more pieces of evidence, showing Victor’s illegal dealings in the past. “We were able to collect these documents four years ago because we were hoping to charge Victor and Jack Spell for my kidnapping.”
“During that time, after Roselind gave birth, Victor had crossed many people. There were claims of stolen medical formulas and illegal acquisition of properties. About a year after Roselind gave birth, I was also taken from my family’s home. Given that Victor had something to gain by having me kidnapped, we fully suspect him of doing the job,” Serena sighed. “Let’s just say
Victor was the scum of the earth.”
“He was,” Nathaniel said, gritting his teeth. “I can’t imagine how you, as a baby, were taken from your family. I can’t imagine how Celine and your dad managed.”
Once again, Serena recalled the emotions of meeting her family. Along with the happiness came the pain of knowing she had been separated from them for many years resurfaced. Her eyes quickly grew teary as she shared, “My family was hurt. And I… I endured Victor’s humiliation and abuse.”
“Serena.” At that moment, Nathaniel reached for her hand. His eyes pleaded with her. “I know what that must have felt like. I hated Victor to the core, so much that I didn’t see right. I hope that in time, you would also see where I stood back then…”
His voice trailed off. “When I hurt you.”
Chapter 94 History With the kiness
+25 Bonus
“Again, I’m sorry. I was wrong. And I’ve regretted it every day sind you disappeared from my life,” Nathaniel added. “I want you to know that I love you and I still do.”
Serena stilled, meeting his gaze while his hand tightened around hers. She gulped and pulled her hand away, lifting her coffee to steady herself. “We are not talking about that now.”
“I’m sorry,” Nathaniel said softly after a few seconds. “Go on, please.”
“Anyway,” Serena resumed, her voice faint. “As I said, Victor had many illegal dealings at that time. There were many lawsuits against him, and I assume he had threats too.”
There were police records showing residential visits to Victor’s home following reports of harassment or invasion of property. All of these were pieces of evidence collected by the Vanders.
“Then the police reports started to slow down. Complaints against Victor were quietly hushed,” Serena said. “This is all based on police filings and court records, lawsuits were settled or withdrawn, and complainants who pulled back their reports.”
“Something changed,” Serena suggested. “It’s like all of a sudden, Victor’s problems were slowly going away.”
“I didn’t see the connection then, but after my return, my father’s contacts were able to dig up some old court filings.” Serena showed them to Nathaniel. “The judge who handled the complaints against Victor back then… was a friend of Councilor Mathew Holt.”
VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Lies Behind Her Marriage