Victoria had naturally listened when Natalia analyzed what had happened with her.
So she knew that she had to go back to Julio this time.
Only, she could go, but the child couldn't come with her.
First, the child had only just recovered from a serious illness. He was far too young to bring along in case anything else happened with his body.
Second, Brandon hadn't allowed the child into his doorstep, after all. Any arguments or friction could put the kid in the line of fire.
Hearing Victoria's concerns, Natalia agreed.
She nodded and said, "Don't worry. I'll take care of Joy. Go back and deal with what you need dealt with for now. I promise, when you return, he won't be missing a single hair on his head."
Victoria smiled gratefully.
"I trust you, of course."
She paused, looked longingly one last time at the child, then handed him over to Helen and rose. "It's getting late. I need to get back. Have Helen stay here to look after him with you for this time, all right? She's brought him up until now. She knows his temper and has the experience."
Natalia nodded, agreed, and had Mrs. Dottie get Helen and Joy settled in before getting up and escorting Victoria out.
"What time's your flight tomorrow?"
"Eight in the morning."
"Want me to take you?"
"No Need."
Victoria hesitated, then sighed.
"I hope it goes well this time. I'm tired of this year-long grudge, but I won't back down over the child. I don't hope for my father to forgive me, but I wish he'd let go and let me walk my own path."
Hearing her words, Natalia felt heavy as well.
But she still hugged her encouragingly.
"It'll go well. I believe in you."
After seeing Victoria off, Natalia went back to the rooms and checked in on Mrs. Dottie.
Mrs. Dottie had already taken Helen and the kid to the guest room and was sorting out their accommodations.
Thankfully, Anne came by often, so there was plenty of things for children in the house.
Besides, Victoria had had Helen bring all the daily necessities over, so they weren't pressed at the moment.
With everything settled in, Natalia checked on Joy.
The kid was sleeping well. Even now, it didn't seem like he would wake.
The little bundle curled up in the cradle like a cute, tiny angel.
She felt her heart warm as she tucked him in and said, "I'll be troubling you to look after him alone tonight, Helen. I'll find someone with the experience taking care of children and have them come over to give you a hand tomorrow. This way, you can take turns."
Helen smiled hurriedly. "No, no, it's fine. I've taken care of Joy for this long and I'm used to it. I'll be fine even if I went at it alone."
Natalia smiled and didn't reply.
After arranging everything, she went upstairs to look for Archie.
Archie was in his writing room. Seeing her come in, he asked, "It's done?"
"Yeah."
Natalia thought about it. "It'll be two days until the holidays. Victoria might not be back until after the festivities. Since there's not too much going on right now, I want to have Anne come over and keep Joy company."
Archie didn't have an opinion on that suggestion.
"Sure. I'll leave it up to you."
The following day, Natalia went and visited the old household.
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