Curtis found himself speechless, recognizing the futility of reasoning with a woman. Women were quite difficult to deal with.Unable to win the argument, he wrapped her in his large embrace, a place where she couldn't escape and could freely express herself. For Margot, Curtis' arms were the safest and most comforting place in the world. It was a place where she felt utterly content whenever she was held by him.Due to their child being taken to the Crosby residence, Margot decided to stay in the hospital with Curtis. They did not leave the hospital for two days, waiting until the doctor confirmed Curtis' stable condition before planning to return to the Crosby residence to pick up Lilac on the third day.Just as they stepped out of the hospital, Margot's phone rang. It was Natalie's urgent voice on the other end. "Margot, are you busy right now?""Not at all, what's up, Natalie?" "Can you ask Curtis to check with Gabriel if he has taken Benjamin away? Benjamin is missing,
Margot said, "Natalie told me she doesn't love Gabriel anymore; she likes Calvin.""Did she tell you this herself?" Curtis tilted his head, looking at her. If Natalie was clear about her feelings, then it was likely a lost cause for Gabriel. This time, by taking the child away secretly, wasn't he just making matters worse?"I think even if they got together, there would be a gap between them. Gabriel lost a daughter, and Natalie felt deceived. What's the point of them being together under such circumstances?" She might not be able to interfere in others' affairs, but she felt sympathy for Natalie. She believed Natalie deserved a better man.Curtis sighed. "That's true, but they grew up together and have a child. It's not easy to just cut ties." "If our views differ this much, does it mean we are incompatible in fundamental values?" Ye Shengsheng suddenly asked.Curtis quickly realized the sensitivity of the topic and sided with her. "No, I was just speaking thoughtlessly. I t
Gabriel believed he wielded control over Natalie using their child as leverage. He gestured toward the agreement on the coffee table, "Sign this, and I'll arrange for you to see your son." He aimed to secure his victory without pushing her too far.Natalie's gaze fixated on the document before her. It laid out stringent terms, binding her to a lifetime of celibacy and prohibiting any romantic or ambiguous relationships with other men. Should she violate this agreement, she would forfeit custody of her son, forever barred from seeing him.As she read, Natalie's fingers clenched the paper so tightly that her nails pierced through her skin, sending a wave of pain coursing through her. Memories flooded back, reminding her of the humiliations from her marriage to Gabriel and the terrible moment he imprisoned their son to harvest his bone marrow for another woman's child.How come Gabriel could have a daughter with another woman, yet she was denied her own freedom and love? Back then, she
Natalie's gaze bore into Gabriel, her typically fair face now cold as ice. Gabriel pursed his lips, meeting her eyes once more."Is there no room for negotiation?" he asked."Gabriel, I haven't called the police over you taking my son. That's the greatest mercy I've shown you. If you don't return him, don't blame me for being ruthless," Natalie retorted."But he's my son too. He's been with you all these years. Can't I have him over so my parents can see him?""Did you even ask Benjamin if he wanted to go with you? Don't you realize how much he resents you and your parents?"Frustration made Natalie raise her voice, her emotions spiraling out of control. "Do you even understand the psychological trauma you inflicted on him? Do you know how terrified he becomes every time he needs an injection at the hospital, recalling how you once planned to harvest his bone marrow for your other child? And you dare claim you're fit to be his father?"Without wasting more words, she shoved him a
After breakfast, Margot and Curtis left Lilac at the Crosby residence and went out together. Since Curtis's health was stable, they didn't need to visit the hospital that day. Instead, Margot treated Curtis to her pizzeria. However, on the way, they had to make a detour to Curtis' company to handle some urgent business, with plans to meet up with Margot later in the afternoon.Despite being busy at her pizzeria, Margot couldn't shake off thoughts about Natalie's predicament and decided to call her. Natalie answered with a weary voice, "Margot?""Natalie, have you managed to contact Gabriel? Is Benjamin alright?" she asked."I'm back in Amberville, currently discussing legal actions with my lawyer," Natalie replied."What? He won't return Benjamin to you? Where are you? I'll come to you."After getting the address of the law firm, Margot hurriedly left. Coincidentally, she bumped into Calvin. He approached her, hoping to mend fences. "Margot, are you busy? If not, can we talk?"He
Calvin's expression shifted as he processed the news of Natalie taking legal action against Gabriel for her son. It seemed she chose to confront the situation in court rather than compromise herself further just to be near her child. A surge of determination welled within Calvin, not just to stand by her side but also a profound sense of fulfillment in knowing she relied on him."Thank you, Margot," he expressed his gratitude sincerely, though Margot couldn't fathom why he was thanking her. She looked at him and sternly said, "You assured me you wouldn't disappoint me and would make Natalie happy. If you ever break your word, I won't forgive you."Raising his hand, Calvin vowed, "I swear to you, I won't break my promise or let you down."Satisfied with his earnest demeanor, Margot said no more. Upon reaching the law firm, she chose to remain in the car. She urged, "Go ahead, inform them I had to leave due to urgent matters."She knew very well that her presence wouldn't significan
Calvin was ecstatic when he heard Natalie call out his name in his arms. He knew that Natalie held him in her heart; she needed him. Embracing her even tighter, he assured, "I will, Natalie. Just give me one day. By tomorrow, I'll have your son back with us."Cupping her tear-stained face in his hands, Calvin gently added, "Don't worry, leave everything to me. I won't let him get away with it."Natalie couldn't help but feel somewhat incredulous about Calvin's confidence. She moved away from his embrace, her eyes brimming with tears as she looked at him.After all, Gabriel, much like Curtis, was a powerful figure in Amberville. Even though Calvin was impressive, he wasn't native to Amberville. Could he truly bring Benjamin back unscathed?"Do you trust me?" Calvin implored, holding Natalie's delicate face in his hands, gazing deeply into her eyes.Natalie finally relented when she saw the determination in Calvin's eyes. She didn't want to fight the battle with Gabriel on her own a
"What are you going to do? I don't agree. She wasn't born by my mom. So, she's not my sister. Let me go, I want to see my mom."Upon seeing Benjamin's intense reaction, Gordon and Marianne quickly backed off, trying to soothe him from a distance."Benjamin, you got it wrong. Grandpa and Grandma won't make you save Camilla anymore. She's gone, she won't come back."Don't worry, Benjamin. We won't harm you," Gordon and Marianne reassured him."You are all liars, tricking me and my mom. I don't want to see any of you," Benjamin yelled, pushing past them and running toward the door.Standing nearby, Gabriel grabbed his hand. "Benjamin, we are all your family. Do you even want to abandon Dad too?"Benjamin halted, turned back, and glared at Gabriel.Benjamin's impression of this supposed dad ran deep.He recalled numerous occasions when Gabriel went to Cordonia to visit him, trying to win his favor, buying him all sorts of cool stuff.But did Gabriel believe those could make Benjam