Bringing up the past, Natalie thought she would lose control—that she might become hysterical, or even break down in tears. But as she reached the end of her confession, she realized she was entirely calm.
In that moment, she knew for a fact that she truly didn't love Hamilton anymore. There wasn't a single trace of affection left in her heart.
Perhaps sensing this profound detachment, a flicker of panic crossed Hamilton's face.
He gripped Natalie's arm, his fingers tightening incrementally.
"Do you honestly think you look innocent here? Once this blows up, do you really believe the public is going to take your side?"
Natalie shook her head. "If I dared to say it out loud, it means I'm fully prepared to leave the industry again."
"Natalie!" Hamilton ground his teeth. "Even six years ago, when I caught you in bed with another man, when I saw that fake paternity test, I wanted to kill you—but I never once thought about leaking this to the press and destroying you completely."
"But you've used it to blackmail me over and over again, haven't you?"
Hamilton stared intensely at Natalie, desperately searching her eyes for any glimmer of care. But there was nothing. No concern for her career, and certainly no concern for him. Nothing at all.
She was completely at peace with whatever consequences came her way.
"Natalie, you did the dirty work yourself, and now you're trying to drag me down with you! What fake paternity test? I never tampered with anything!" Maria frantically tried to deny the accusations.
Natalie only offered a cold, dismissive smile. Since everything was already out in the open, she would let the public be the judge.
"This is all your fault! You stole what was mine first, I—"
Before Maria could spew more venom, Hamilton snapped at her to shut up, shoved her into the car, and ordered the driver to haul her away.
Natalie took the opportunity to get into her own car. She knew exactly the kind of media storm she was about to face, but it was infinitely better than living with a blade perpetually hanging over her head.
Just as she settled into the seat, her door was violently yanked open.
Hamilton, his face dark with fury, dragged her out of the driver's seat. Ignoring her struggles, he shoved her into the back, climbed into the driver's seat himself, and sped off.
"Hamilton, what the hell are you doing?!" Natalie demanded in shock.
"You..." Natalie balled her hands into tight fists. "You're despicable!"
At Natalie's house, Kristin was sprawled over her desk, working on her homework. Hearing the door open, she knew her mother was home and ran out of her room, beaming with excitement.
"Mom, I was so good today! My teacher even gave me a certificate!"
The little girl stopped dead in her tracks, finally noticing the man standing behind her mother. It was a man she recognized and thoroughly despised.
She immediately pouted, planting her hands firmly on her hips. "Queena's dad, why are you at our house? You aren't welcome here!"
Kristin's words were like a punch to Hamilton's gut. A wave of immense guilt washed over his face. "Kristin, I'm not Queena's dad. I'm your dad."
Kristin scoffed. "You are not my dad!"
"Kristin, I really am your dad. Can you just call me 'Dad'? Please?"
"Hamilton!" Natalie pulled her daughter behind her, thoroughly exhausted by his antics. "I'm home now. You can leave."

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