The Year I Was the Other Woman To Myself novel Chapter 567

Theodore knew exactly what his mother was implying.

"If you want Hubert back, you have to give Julian to Penelope."

Mrs. Stapleton quickly protested, "Absolutely not! Julian is our first grandson!"

"So, you can't bear to part with Julian, but you still want Hubert back. Do you really think Penelope would agree to that?"

Seeing the uncompromising look on her son's face, Mrs. Stapleton knew he was still protecting Penelope, unwilling to let her be disadvantaged in any way.

"If you haven't moved on from Penelope, is it fair to Ms. Austin?"

"I have moved on from her."

"Theodore, I won't force you to marry anyone, but I will not allow you to get back together with Penelope!"

"I told you, I've moved on. I'll handle my own affairs, so please don't interfere."

With that, Theodore got up and went upstairs.

Watching her son's retreating back, Mrs. Stapleton sighed.

Blood ties aside, she was genuinely fond of Hubert. His presence had brought life and laughter back into a house that had been silent for far too long.

She glanced up at a particular spot on the wall and froze. "Jenny!"

The housekeeper, Jenny, hurried over. Seeing the look on Mrs. Stapleton's face, she immediately felt a sense of panic.

Mrs. Stapleton had only recently returned to the country. Although years of treatment had nearly cured her illness, she couldn't handle any emotional distress, as there was always a risk of relapse.

"Where is the family portrait?" Mrs. Stapleton asked, pointing to the empty space where the frame used to hang.

"But you didn't like..." Jenny stopped herself, realizing she'd said too much.

"Did you put it away? Get it and hang it back up," Mrs. Stapleton urged.

Natalie knew she had to quell this storm as quickly as possible, turn public opinion around, and convince everyone that she and Dylan were innocent.

One day, a friend from the industry called her. After chatting for a bit, Natalie decided to visit her on set.

Natalie still had many friends in the business. While some avoided her because of the bullying scandal, others believed in her and stood firmly by her side.

Joyce was one of those friends. Even after Natalie left the industry, Joyce had stayed in touch and had even visited her in the small town.

"Natalie!"

Joyce was thrilled to see her, running over to give her an excited hug.

"I was mad at you! You came back to the city and didn't even call me!"

Natalie looked apologetic. "You know how it is... so much has been happening around me lately."

Joyce nodded in understanding and pulled Natalie into a corner. "Maria has been taking a lot of days off recently. I thought she wouldn't be here today, but she is. You should probably stay away from her."