Ch. 1041..1050
Chapter 1041 Separated For The Time Being
Hearing that, Natalie suddenly deflated like a balloon as her gaze dimmed. “Then, what should I do?” she asked uncertainly. Samuel told her, “Stay here. Master, Luna, and I will go to Mount Draghide to ask Mr. Jorden Yablon to get rid of the poison.”
They were about to separate, and Samuel wasn’t faring any better than Natalie. However, he was better at putting up a calm front, as he was a man. “But I…” Natalie trailed off and bit her lip.
She knew why he had to leave, but her heart refused to accept it. She was worried the poison might spread all over Samuel’s body, but she was also afraid it would remain in his body and shorten their time together.
Samuel stared at her intently and instantly understood her dilemma. He told her firmly, “No buts. I’m important in your life, but I’m not everything in your life. Besides Dream, you need to take on both parents’ roles and care for the children. If you’re not around, unwanted accidents may happen. It will be too late for you to travel here from the mountain. If something irrevocable happens, you’ll regret your decision for the rest of your life.”
Natalie’s eyes turned red. She felt such a visceral pang of dismay that tears welled up in her eyes. Anguish threatened to overwhelm her heart.
Her heart felt empty as she was torn between following her emotions or rationality. Instinctively, she wrapped her arms around Samuel.
Samuel would usually be the one to initiate a hug. His hugs were so tight, as though he wanted to merge into one with her. However, it was Natalie who hugged him first today. She didn’t want to let him go.
“Silly girl.” Samuel sighed helplessly. He knew Natalie was reluctant to see him leave. In fact, he couldn’t bear to leave her, too.
However, after what they had been through, Samuel didn’t want to make her stay with him selfishly. Instead of being a canary in a cage, she should be an eagle soaring in the sky.
He had to set her free.
“Nat, I understand if you’re worried about me. But don’t you trust Master?” Samuel held her at an arm’s distance and gazed at her adoringly. “We’re going to be separated for the time being so I can ask Mr. Yablon to get rid of my poison. Once the poison is completely gone from my body, I’ll return to you at once.”
When he held her jaw and lifted her face, he belatedly realized she was sobbing so hard that her eyes had gone red. Tears were streaming down her cheeks.
After she learned that Thomas wasn’t her biological father, this was the second time Samuel had seen her sobbing this hard.
A lump formed in his throat when he saw how upset she was.
He couldn’t stop himself from leaning down and kissing away the tears in the corner of her eyes.
“Samuel, I can stay. But you need to promise me that you’ll return safely. Is that okay?”
Natalie’s heart ached so badly. She was afraid that they wouldn’t get to see each other again after he left to seek treatment.
Samuel held her tear-stained cheeks and said solemnly, “I promise I’ll come back safe and sound.”
“Samuel, remember your promise.” Natalie’s eyes were swollen as she choked out, “If you lie to me, I-I…”
Her mind was blank, and she couldn’t come up with any threats.
“I’ll keep my word.” Samuel covered her lips with his and kissed her passionately. In between kisses, he mumbled, “Stop crying. My heart aches whenever I see you cry. It feels worse than when the poison attacks me…”
Natalie forced a smile, but she couldn’t stop the tears from trickling down her cheeks, as they were going to be separated soon.
This time, it wasn’t Samuel who kissed her first.
Natalie wrapped her arms around Samuel’s waist and raised her head to kiss him.
Samuel froze. He preferred being in control, so he quickly took over by deepening the kiss.
Chapter 1042 Let Me Stay
The following morning, Jesper placed Samuel’s luggage in the trunk of the car. Malcolm caressed his beard and shook his head. “I won’t be staying to watch your… What do you call that?”
He couldn’t recall the term, so Luna reminded him, “Public display of affection, PDA.”
“Yes, that’s right! PDA!” Malcolm slapped his head and burst into laughter. “Oh, young people are creative. How did you come up with that term? Come on, Luna. Let’s get into the car. We don’t want to watch their PDA!”
Luna flashed a smile and nodded readily. She bade goodbye to Natalie before helping Malcolm into the car. Samuel was about to depart.
Besides Natalie, the children came to send him off as well. The boys were more mature. They were reluctant to part with him but managed to stay calm.
On the other hand, Sophia and Yumi, their hair all braided up, flung their arms around Samuel’s legs and wailed sadly. “Daddy, can you stay?”
“Yeah! Daddy, can you stay with us?”
Samuel gazed at the adorable girls, his face devoid of expression, but deep down, he felt conflicted. He couldn’t bear to part with Natalie and his adorable daughters, and his strong and determined front was crushed into pieces as they sobbed before him.
Natalie glanced at Samuel and shook her head, feeling both helpless and amused. Samuel is known for being ruthless in the corporate world. No one knows he is rendered helpless before his daughters.
Natalie crouched down and pried Sophia and Yumi away from Samuel’s legs. “Daddy has to leave to get something important done.”
“Can’t he ask someone else to do it?” Sophia asked tearfully.
“No. It’s important, so he has to do it personally. I believe he’ll come back home as soon as he is done,” Natalie replied patiently.
Sophia sniffled. “So you’re not getting a divorce?”
Natalie didn’t know whether to laugh or cry at her question.
“Of course not! I want Daddy to come back to us as soon as possible, too!”
“Oh…”
Her comforting words successfully calmed Sophia and Yumi down. Slowly, they stopped crying.
As the kids were around, Natalie didn’t feel that upset anymore.
She got to her feet and gazed at Samuel lovingly. “Samuel, the children and I will wait for your safe return.”
“Of course,” came Samuel’s curt answer.
Before leaving, Samuel wanted to give Natalie a proper kiss. But as the kids were staring at them, he only gave her a light peck on her forehead.
Noticing the displeasure in his gaze, Natalie stood on her tiptoes and pulled him down to whisper in his ear, “I’ll make it up to you when you come back.”
Samuel’s Adam’s apple bobbed as a doting smile spread across his lips.
“Okay. Wait for me.”
He then bade goodbye to the kids.
“Daddy, come back soon!”
“Daddy, we’ll be waiting for you!”
“Daddy, we’ll listen to Mommy! We’ll be good!”
“Daddy…”
The kids waved at him eagerly.
Jesper started the engine and drove away.
The girls had already cried their hearts out a while ago. Right now, it was the boys’ turn to feel downcast as tears threatened to spill from their eyes.
Natalie patted their heads as her lips curved into a grin. “What are you all doing? Your daddy has left. Let’s go home.”
The kids nodded obediently and trotted into the house after Emma.
Natalie glanced at Billy, who was standing beside her. “Why didn’t you leave with Samuel?”
“Mrs. Bowers, Mr. Bowers was worried about your safety, as you will be alone. He told me to stay behind and protect you,” Billy said with a straight face.
Knowing it was Samuel’s way of showing his love, Natalie didn’t reject his gesture.
“Thank you, Billy.”
“Mrs. Bowers, I’m just doing my job,” came Billy’s reply. “Even if I have to risk my life, I must keep you safe when Mr. Bowers gets treated.”
Chapter 1043 Dream Will Not Let You Down
A few days went by since Samuel left. Mount Draghide was a remote mountain that remained relatively untouched by commercial development. Anyone who entered the mountain wouldn’t get to communicate with the outside world.
Before entering Mount Draghide, Samuel gave Natalie a call to check in with her. He then departed on his journey to pay Jorden a visit.
When Samuel wasn’t around, Natalie missed him very, very much. She had no choice but to throw herself into work, as she couldn’t be with Samuel.
Fortunately, Natalie and Anna worked in sync and completed the production of the jewelry for Helma five days before the official event.
This time, Natalie went to the Leitz residence to pay her a visit personally.
When she arrived, Helma was enjoying afternoon tea in the garden, surrounded by crimson red roses.
“Natalie, you’re here?” Helma placed her cup of tea down when she spotted Natalie.
Natalie shot her a smile and nodded. “It’s done. I wanted to show it to you as soon as possible. That way, if you’re not satisfied and need me to change anything, I can have more time to make the changes.”
“Thank you.”
Helma got her housekeeper to take the black velvet box from Natalie. The housekeeper then returned to her side with the box.
The box was opened to reveal a set of sparkling jewelry comprising a necklace, bracelet, and a pair of earrings. The design was magnificent and gorgeous.
The jewelry might be gorgeous, but Helma, born into an aristocratic family, had seen plenty of jewelry. Thus, she didn’t seem impressed.
She gestured for the housekeeper to shut the lid of the box as her smile faded. “Natalie, did I expect too much from Muse? These pieces of jewelry look exquisite, but I think they are too ordinary.”
It was evident that Helma disapproved of Anna’s designs.
She wasn’t making things difficult for them, but she made her displeasure clear.
Natalie remained unfazed. She flashed a smile and said, “Ms. Helma, is there a room with dimmer lighting around? Let’s go there, shall we?”
Helma did not know what Natalie had in mind, but she told her housekeeper to make the arrangements.
Shortly after, Helma and Natalie were brought to the private cinema in the Leitz residence.
The only light source in the room came from a dim night lamp.
“Natalie, what on earth are you up to?” Helma furrowed her brows in curiosity.
“Ms. Helma, open the box and take another look,” Natalie said.
“Sure.”
Helma opened the box as told.
When the box snapped open, she was surprised by the sight that greeted her.
Nestled on the black velvet cloth, the smaller diamonds on the necklace that initially looked ordinary glittered like the stars in the night sky. The necklace wasn’t conspicuous but looked so pretty that no one could tear their eyes away from it.
The necklace had looked ordinary under the sunlight.
But now that they were in a dimly lit place, the designer’s ingenuity and creativity could finally be shown to all.
“Oh, how stunning…” Helma couldn’t help but lavish praises on it. She held the bracelet up, fastened it on her wrist, and swung it around. “It feels like I’m wearing the entire Milky Way on my hand!”
“Yes.” Natalie beamed and nodded in agreement.
“During Prince Jonathan’s birthday party, the lights will dim for you to dance. When Prince Jonathan invites you to dance, he will notice your jewelry. It will leave a deep impression on him. Perhaps fate will bring you together after that.”
Her words managed to hit Helma’s spot.
Helma exclaimed, “Natalie, I’m pleased with the jewelry you and Muse created for me. No edits are required. I’ll get my butler to deposit the remaining payment into Dream’s account later. From today onward, Dream shall be in charge of customizing all of my jewelry!”
Helma was helping Natalie’s business, so the latter was naturally delighted.
“Don’t worry, Ms. Helma. Dream won’t let you down.”
Chapter 1044 Meeting Geert For The First Time
Turning over her shoulder, Helma instructed her housekeeper, “Keep the jewelry safe until the day of the banquet.” “Understood!”
Helma was extremely satisfied with the jewelry Natalie had customized for her. Back to her enthusiastic self, she held Natalie’s arm and said, “Natalie, it’s almost time for dinner. Stay and have dinner with me.”
Natalie wasn’t interested in food, but she had to accept Helma’s invitation, as the latter was too welcoming.
“Sure.” “I’ll have to ask my housekeeper to prepare her signature dishes!” Helma beamed, leading Natalie out of the private cinema and into the brightly lit hall.
Both ladies chatted for a bit. Soon, an immaculately dressed middle-aged man walked into the hall. He was no longer young and wasn’t that handsome, but his rich experience gave him an imperious air. It was clear that he was the head of the family.
Seeing him, Helma stood up and greeted, “Father.” Geert gave Helma a curt nod before his gaze landed on the young lady beside his daughter. His first impression was that the young lady was a beauty.
However, he couldn’t hide his shock when he realized how much she resembled the woman in the painting.
Geert couldn’t help but wonder if the woman in the painting was back as if they were two peas in a pod. However, he soon realized that the woman in the painting should be around his age. This young lady wasn’t the person he thought she was. Why is this happening?
Geert couldn’t keep his eyes off Natalie the moment he spotted her. Naturally, Natalie sensed his smoldering gaze that was directed at her. Feeling uncomfortable, she furrowed her brows.
I never heard that Geert was a lascivious man. He’s an aristocrat in Loang but only has two daughters—Helma and Heidi. That’s rare enough. Was my intel wrong?
Natalie’s hands were tied. She wasn’t alone, for Helma, too, felt uncomfortable with how her father was staring at Natalie.
As far as Helma was concerned, her father wasn’t a lecherous man who would stare at pretty women. Seeing his reaction, she covered her lips and coughed lightly.
“Ahem!” Her deliberate cough snapped Geert out of his reverie.
He knew Helma had misunderstood him.
Geert gave a dry chuckle and returned to his usual self. “Helma, who is this?”
Seemingly upset, Helma said, “Father, this is Natalie Nichols. I hired her to design my jewelry.”
“Natalie Nichols?” Geert muttered her name under his breath.
Natalie gave Geert a polite but distant nod. “Mr. Leitz, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Deep down, Geert couldn’t help but be amazed at how much she resembled the woman in the painting. However, as Helma was around, he had to tamp down his excitement and pretend to be calm. “Mm.”
An awkward silence ensued.
Natalie racked her brains to come up with a reason to excuse herself.
But before she could say anything, Geert beat her to it. “Now that you’re here, why don’t you show me the jewelry you designed for my daughter?”
He wanted her to stay so he could observe her more.
Both Helma and Natalie were stunned by his request.
“Father, there’s no need to trouble Natalie. I can—”
“Helma, you don’t have to. She’s here. Isn’t it easier if I ask her to show me the jewelry?”
Helma scrunched up her brows. She didn’t understand why Geert did that.
“Father—”
“Do you want me to repeat myself?” Geert’s voice grew stern. “You must be thinking about wearing the customized jewelry for Bastien’s birthday banquet. Is it wrong for me to show my concern about it?”
Chapter 1045 Something Strange In His Gaze
Helma couldn’t refute his words. Her smile instantly slipped away. She had no idea that her father was so interested in Natalie. Natalie was confused, too.
This is the first time I met Geert, but he’s looking at me intently. It doesn’t seem like he wants to avenge Heidi. Instead, he looks delighted as though he has found his prey.
Natalie followed Geert and Helma back to the private cinema to show how unique Starry Sky was yet again. Geert took one look at Starry Sky before turning to Natalie, a flash of admiration in his gaze.
He had been worried that his daughter would resort to extreme means to steal the limelight at the banquet and end up dressing luxuriously. However, doing that would merely attract Bastien’s suspicion.
Nevertheless, the Starry Sky jewelry collection was perfect. The jewelry looked elegant under the light but dazzled like stars in the sky when the light was dim. Despite its sparkle, it wasn’t too glaring. It was just right.
After they walked out of the private cinema, Geert clapped his hands and praised, “Good job.”
Natalie replied in a low voice, “All the credit should go to Dream’s designer, Muse. She’s very creative.”
Geert shot her a thoughtful look. “If the sparkle is too glaring, it will look too flashy. If the sparkle is too weak, it will look too ordinary. The sparkle is just right, so I don’t think the designer is solely responsible for that.”
Natalie did not expect Geert to get it right.
It was Anna who completed the design, but she was the one in charge of adjusting the direction of the jewelry’s sparkle.
Not knowing how to answer his question, Natalie merely smiled and remained silent.
Helma stood aside and watched their interaction. Father didn’t cross the line, but he’s obviously interested in Natalie. I don’t get it. I really don’t.
Natalie wanted to leave after introducing the Starry Sky jewelry set. However, Geert asked her to stay for dinner.
And so, Natalie, Helma, and Geert went to the dining room for dinner.
Dinner at the Leitz residence was a splendid affair.
Natalie stared at the spread before her, but she felt as though she was chewing on wax.
Geert was still scrutinizing her as he ate, which made her feel extremely edgy.
Right then, Heidi came back home.
Assuming only Geert and Helma were around, she parted her lips and hollered, “Dad, Helma, I’m…”
She trailed off when she realized there was a visitor at home. The sight of Natalie in her house caused her eyes to narrow in shock and her blood to turn cold.
Natalie Nichols! I’ll never forget how she was the reason I got raped for the entire night!
Hatred flashed across her face, but she couldn’t expose herself, as Helma and Geert were around. Thus, she had to tamp down her anger.
“Heidi, come. Let’s have dinner together.”
“Yes, Father.”
Heidi took the seat next to Geert. She regarded Natalie with mixed feelings before tucking into her meal.
Initially, Heidi didn’t notice anything. A while later, she finally realized there was something off between her father and Natalie.
After dinner, Natalie refused to stay anymore. She bade goodbye to Geert and the others and left.
She felt as if a load had been lifted from her chest when she stepped out of the Leitz residence.
The Leitzes and I are ill-matched. Heidi hates me because of Samuel, and now her father treats me in a strange manner. It’s apparent that Helma noticed the way Geert stared at me. I’ll have to keep a distance from the Leitzes even though I want them to be our biggest clients. Yandel and Lia can handle our future collaborations.
Chapter 1046 Father Wants To Get Us A Stepmother
After Natalie’s departure, Geert returned to his study. The young lady looks exactly like the woman in the painting. Judging from her age, I think she must be the woman’s daughter. I can use her to find her mother’s whereabouts.
Geert couldn’t help but grow excited when he realized how useful Natalie was. To me, it’s just a painting of a woman. However, the woman in the painting is extremely important to the man. The Leitz family and I stand to lose nothing. I must help him find the woman!
Heidi and Helma noticed how overjoyed he was. Helma wrung her hands nervously. I’m already upset that Heidi suddenly moved into the house. I can’t accept Natalie if Father takes a liking to her when she is around my age!
Heidi took one look at Helma’s frown as the corner of her mouth quirked up. “Helma, did you see Father’s stare?”
Without waiting for Helma’s reply, she continued, “Father is usually reserved and polite, but he couldn’t keep his eyes off Ms. Nichols. Do you think Father is thinking of getting us a stepmother?”
Anger crossed Helma’s face. “Heidi, what are you talking about?”
“Helma, calm down! You know I’m not talking nonsense. I don’t think we should blame Father. It’s all Ms. Nichols’ fault.” Unlike Helma, Heidi didn’t give a hoot about Geert’s private life.
She said that on purpose so Helma would grow to despise Natalie. The more Helma hated Natalie, the better.
Heidi rested her chin on her palm and kept feeding the flames. “Helma, Father might not have a royal title, but he is treated like one in the royal family. If he’s a womanizer, we won’t be his only offspring. Besides, if my mother hadn’t saved him when he was exiled, she wouldn’t have given birth to me. Didn’t you notice how dazed he was? I’ve never seen him act that way. Ms. Nichols must be a vixen full of tricks as she managed to make Father fall for her easily.”
“Heidi!” Helma stopped her hastily.
“Did I say anything wrong, Helma?” Heidi sighed and shook her head. “Forget it. If you don’t like hearing this, I won’t mention it anymore. I’m full; I’m going to head upstairs now.”
Heidi stood up and sauntered away. Her words left a deep impression on Helma. Natalie is a vixen. After leaving the Leitz residence, Natalie headed to a shopping mall instead of going home.
It would be Yumi’s birthday soon.
Yumi wasn’t her biological child, but she had already adopted her and she treated her the same way she treated the other kids.
Natalie strolled around a shop and decided to buy a music box.
There was a purple bunny in the middle of the crystal ball inside the music box.
When the handle was turned, the crystal ball in the music box would turn. Snowflakes would fall on the little bunny as a Loang song about snow was played.
Yumi might be adopted in Chanaea, but she was a Loang national by blood.
Thinking that Yumi would love this music box, Natalie decided to buy it.
“Hello, please wrap this up for me.” Something occurred to Natalie, and she added, “I need a card to write my wishes, too.”
“Sure.”
Soon, Natalie took the wrapped present with her card and left the shopping mall.
She had barely taken a few steps when she heard two gunshots ringing in the air. Bang! Bang!
Chapter 1047 One For Two
The mall dissolved into chaos after the two loud gunshots. A middle-aged man covered in blood ran toward the outside as he screamed, “Run! There’s a robbery! Run, or you’re going to die!”
The defenseless people began fleeing upon hearing that. Natalie’s first response was to leave the place as well, but she saw a boy about eleven or twelve stumbling toward the outside, having been shot in the stomach earlier.
She went to him and said, “Don’t move. You’ve been shot, but I don’t think it hit the vitals, so it’s not life-threatening.”
However, the boy shoved her hand away and uttered determinedly, “I want to save my mommy and my sister. They’ve been taken by those bad guys. They’re going to die if I don’t get the cops to save them!”
The boy was not crying, but he sounded as though he was on the verge of tears.
“You’ve bled a lot. If you don’t stop bleeding soon, you’re going to die before you even find the cops.” Natalie grabbed the boy’s arm and carried him to a remote corner.
“Let go of me! Let go of me right now!”
Natalie ignored the boy’s struggles as she studied his wound again. Once she was certain that it was not a fatal shot, she took out her menstrual pad and pressed it against his wound.
“You’ll still have to get the bullet out through surgery, but things are not going well here. Stay right here, and once the situation is less chaotic, stand up and get help from someone. Got it?”
The boy knew that Natalie was doing it for his sake, but he could not stay calm when he thought about how his mother and his sister had been taken away by the criminals.
“I can’t! My mommy and sister aren’t safe yet. I have to save them!”
Natalie held him down by his shoulders and said to him solemnly, “Stay here. I’ll go save your mommy and sister.”
“Really?” the boy asked with uncertainty.
“Yes.” Natalie nodded. “I’m more experienced in life than you, and I’m not hurt. I’ll look for those bad guys and think of a way to rescue your mommy and sister from them.”
The boy glanced at his stomach injury and muttered, “Thank you. Thank you…”
Natalie ruffled his hair before running in the opposite direction the people were fleeing in.
Most of the people were gone by then.
Natalie scanned the area before spotting a robber holding a pregnant woman hostage with a sharp knife pressed to her neck.
The pregnant woman was pale from fright, but she was still shielding her stomach with her hands protectively—she was still trying to protect the new life in her as much as she could.
It was then Natalie realized that the boy shared similar features to the pregnant woman.
Mommy? Sister? It seems that the mommy and sister he’s talking about is this pregnant woman in front of me.
The kidnapper with sunglasses kept the pregnant woman still with his arm as he threatened, “It’s best for you to do as we say. We don’t want to kill you. But if you keep moving around and end up dying…”
The pregnant woman did not dare to move. She was even breathing with caution, fearing that the sharp knife would slit her throat.
Nevertheless, pregnant women were no ordinary people. Any massive fluctuations in their mood would affect them and the babies in them. If things continued, even if the robber did nothing to the pregnant woman, the pregnant woman might have a miscarriage and end up dying with her baby.
The promise she made to the boy rang in her head. It seemed that the only option she had at that moment was to give herself up in exchange for the pregnant woman’s and her baby’s lives.
I’ll find a way to escape after swapping places with the boy’s mother.
Once she made up her mind, Natalie walked to the robber and gave him a small smile. “I need to talk to you. I’ll swap places with her. Is that okay?”
Chapter 1048 Swap Places
Natalie knew that her plan was a little foolish, but it was an urgent situation, and there was nothing else she could think of. Hence, she had no choice but to steel herself and try it out.
Barnaby Lenock was holding a pregnant woman hostage when a young woman abruptly barged into his line of sight and requested to swap places with the pregnant woman.
“Strange words from you!” Barnaby tightened his grip on his knife. “What makes you think you can swap places with her?”
“Don’t you only want a hostage as a bargaining chip?” Natalie asked Barnaby. “A pregnant woman can’t move around easily. Also, look at her. She’s going to pass out before you can even kill her. Since all you want is a hostage, won’t I do as well?”
Every word Natalie uttered challenged Barnaby’s determination.
He had only wanted to hold a random woman hostage. Yet little did he expect to end up grabbing a pregnant woman instead.
Barnaby scanned Natalie from head to toe and asked dubiously, “You’re not a spy from the special forces, are you?”
“Which part of me looks like that?” Natalie chuckled. “Can you not make things more complicated than they actually are? I don’t have any weapons on me. I just don’t want to see two lives ending, so I’m volunteering to take her place.”
Just as Barnaby was hesitating, the sounds of steady footsteps came closer to them.
Barnaby’s ears perked up, and immediately he became alert.
Natalie knew that the people who had come to arrest him had arrived, so it was the best time for her to pressure him into letting her swap places with the pregnant woman.
It was an opportunity she could not let slip away.
“Time’s ticking. Why don’t you consider my suggestion?” Natalie asked, a sly smile growing on her lips.
When Barnaby saw her smiling despite the situation, he snapped his brows together.
Everyone around him had been frightened out of their wits the moment the shooting began, afraid that the chaos would affect them. Yet, the young woman in front of him had been calm the entire time. It was as if everything was within her control.
She had spoken with such confidence that made her seem as though she was in full control of the situation.
Seeing that the man was still hesitating, she pointed behind him and cried out, “Watch out! There’s someone behind you!”
Barnaby turned around. Spotting the look Natalie gave her, the pregnant woman took the chance to bite down hard on the man’s arm.
Barnaby did not see that coming. As he loosened his grip on the pregnant woman, the thought of murdering her formed in his head.
How dare you try to escape?
Just as Barnaby was about to slash his knife at the pregnant woman, Natalie walked over to him and offered him her neck.
Barnaby was shocked again. “You—”
“I told you I was going to be your hostage,” Natalie uttered coldly. “Let the pregnant woman go.”
Barnaby used to be a mercenary.
He had encountered many talented individuals on battlefields and the black market but had never thought that he would be stunned by the young woman’s demeanor. Nevertheless, he wanted to leave the place safely, so he had to have a hostage. Without hesitation, he pressed the knife against Natalie’s neck.
Meanwhile, the pregnant woman ran a little before soldiers caught and supported her.
The pregnant woman even cast a tearful look at Natalie after getting rescued.
Natalie gave the pregnant woman a reassuring smile.
As a mother, she could understand what the pregnant woman felt. Agreeing to the swap was not a selfish decision for the pregnant woman—she had to protect the baby in her.
The pregnant woman was soon led away by soldiers.
Barnaby, on the other hand, was retreating with Natalie as his hostage.
Natalie was very cooperative. She wanted to make sure that she got out of the situation alive.
She had already carried out the promise she made to the boy, so the imminent fight between the robber and the law enforcement officers was no longer any of her business. All she could do was ensure her own safety.
However, Natalie could not help but freeze when she saw the person leading the operation.
Jerome?
Similarly, when Jerome realized that the hostage was Natalie, he froze.
Chapter 1049 Cautious
Why… Why is she here? Just as he was about to call out to her, he was stopped by the look she gave him. They could not let anyone know that they knew each other.
If the robber were to find out that Natalie knew Jerome—and knew him well, in fact—she might no longer be a simple hostage, and the lawbreaker would become increasingly wary of her.
Jerome could understand Natalie’s intention. Still, he found it impossible to stay calm as she was held hostage at knifepoint.
“Your acquaintances have been caught, and you’re the only one left,” Jerome warned as he kept a close eye on Barnaby. “I’d advise you to surrender as quickly as you can and let the hostage go so that your sentence will be lighter.”
However, Barnaby felt as if he had heard the world’s greatest joke when he heard Jerome’s words.
“A lighter sentence? How funny!” Barnaby pressed the knife harder against Natalie’s neck. “I want to leave safely, and you have to give me enough money too. Otherwise, I’ll drag this woman to hell with me.”
A typical threat, but it only worked because Natalie’s life was in his hands.
“I want a helicopter, and I want a hundred million in virtual currency downloaded into a wristwatch!” Barnaby glanced at the young woman in his arms. “I don’t have much patience. You’ll have to prepare everything I’ve requested in half an hour’s time. I’ll be waiting on the rooftop for the helicopter.”
A hundred million? This guy is greedy! Our higher-ups didn’t say that blood cannot be spilled. Moreover, this mission isn’t particularly hard. We just need to use tear gas to blind our opponent and take him down. If the hostage is hurt, so be it. Same idea for if she ends up dead. All we need to do is to give the correct compensation later on.
Just as Jerome’s adjutant was about to make a move, Jerome stopped him.
“Major General Sutton, what are you…”
“I won’t let anything happen to her,” Jerome uttered in a low, determined voice. “You heard what he said. We have to prepare everything he wants in half an hour. My command is the law. If you’re worried that the money will be flushed down the drain, the Sutton family will bear the responsibility for it, then.”
The adjutant was about to say something else, but he could not utter a word after seeing Jerome’s determined gaze.
“Yes, Sir. I’ll see to it right now.”
Barnaby and Natalie were standing a distance away from the soldiers, so Barnaby did not catch any of Jerome’s conversation with his adjutant; he just assumed that Jerome wished to save the hostage’s life.
However, complicated feelings were plaguing Natalie’s mind.
She was certain that Jerome and his adjutant just had a disagreement about the course of action.
Jerome only agreed to Barnaby’s ridiculous demands because he wanted to protect her.
Natalie did not know what words she could use to describe her current situation.
Jerome, who wanted to save her, was being too cautious.
Right then, Barnaby began towing Natalie up the stairs. “Move!”
Natalie had no choice but to pretend to go along with his words as she waited for the right opportunity to escape from him.
Jerome was afraid that Barnaby would hurt Natalie, so he did not follow Barnaby too closely.
Not long after, they reached the rooftop.
Barnaby was focused on waiting for the helicopter and the money, and he never once loosened his grip on the knife in his hand.
Natalie asked tentatively, “What crimes have you committed? Robbery?”
“Shut up,” Barnaby snapped, breathing hard.
“Can’t I just ask a question? I’ve been held hostage by you for a while now.” Natalie had only asked that because she wanted to convince the man to surrender.
She was no saint. She knew well that while Jerome had sent his men to prepare the helicopter and the money, he had also sent his men to get the best sniper in the troop over.
The sniper would be able to make a good shot even if they were a hundred meters away.
This man thought that holding either me or that pregnant woman hostage would guarantee his safe escape. He never realized that he became a sitting duck. At most, it’ll be difficult to capture him. Still, that’s nothing a little time won’t fix—he’ll surely be caught.
As Barnaby watched the helicopter fly toward him, he became even more assured that he would be able to leave safely, and that made him lower his guard.
“Why would I take on a job as dangerous as this if not for the fact that I had no other options?” Barnaby sighed. “My wife has a brain tumor, and the success rate of the craniotomy is only three percent. I have to get the best doctor in the world to raise that success rate up to seventy percent. Isn’t the best doctor the most expensive doctor? I need a lot of money so that my wife survives this.”
Chapter 1050 Help Me
Barnaby’s words moved Natalie. Who wanted to be born poor and powerless, after all? If not for unfortunate circumstances, who would risk their life and fall from grace?
Yet, doing this was not the best and only option. There was no way Barnaby would get out of the place alive, and his sick wife would never see her husband nor receive the money needed for her treatment. “Turn yourself in,” Natalie told him quietly. “You can’t run.”
However, Barnaby did not agree with Natalie’s words. Frustrated, he hissed, “I’m impressed by your kindness and calmness, but that doesn’t mean that I have to listen to everything you say. Don’t worry. Once I get the money and leave safely via the helicopter, I’ll let you go alive.”
“Things aren’t as simple as you think they are.” “Which part of me seems simple to you?”
“Time is running out, so I can’t explain everything to you,” Natalie said grimly. “Surrender. That’s the only way out of this for you and your wife. I’m a doctor, and I know some excellent neurosurgeons—I can save your wife.”
Hearing that, the man studied Natalie and snorted. “You? You’re only in your early twenties. I don’t think you’ve even graduated from medical school. You, a doctor who knows excellent neurosurgeons? Stop trying to pull my leg. I won’t believe anything you say.”
Natalie did not know what she could do to make the man cease his prejudice and believe her; she could only repeat what she had said earlier.
“Time is running out. Please listen to me.”
“Shut up!” Barnaby pressed the knife harder against Natalie’s neck. “You’re not the negotiator those people hired, right? I’ll tell you now that I won’t believe anything you say. I have to save my wife. Once I save her, I’ll pay back for all the lives I’ve taken.”
“I’m not.”
“The helicopter’s here!” Delight danced across Barnaby’s eyes as he watched the helicopter descend on the rooftop. “Save your breath. I’ve told you that you’ll be fine as long as you go along with my plan.”
Natalie began surveying the tall buildings around them. Perhaps a sniper rifle was trained on Barnaby’s head in a spot she could not see.
“I really can help you out,” Natalie insisted with a frown, not wanting to give up just like that.
“If you really can…” Barnaby started. “If I die here, look for my wife. Please treat her. As long as she stays alive, it doesn’t matter if I live or die.”
Just then, the helicopter landed. Jerome walked toward Barnaby with a watch his adjutant passed to him. “Let her go. I’ll give you the watch.”
Jerome had already formed a flawless rescue plan, but he did not wish to risk the life of the woman he was in love with. Barnaby said warily, “Throw it over to me. I’ll let her go once I get it and board the helicopter.”
Almost without hesitation, Jerome threw the watch with a hundred million in virtual currency at Barnaby’s feet.
The moment Barnaby leaned over to pick up the watch, he would be shot.
Natalie closed her eyes.
Indeed, the sound of the bullet burying itself into a man’s head rang in her ears when she closed her eyes.
The knife was instantly gone from her neck, and Natalie finally had the chance to take a deep breath. When she turned, she saw Barnaby, whose forehead was coated with blood and gray matter.
Evidently, Barnaby did not expect a sniper to be around.
Yet, it came as no surprise to Natalie that the army had assigned the sniper to the scene.
Barnaby kneeled on the ground and said with difficulty, “Are you really… a doctor?”
“Yes.” Natalie regarded him with mixed emotions. “I’m genuinely a doctor, and I’m certain I’ll be able to increase the success rate for your wife’s surgery.”
“Help… me…”
The man’s sunglasses then slipped down his nose bridge, revealing his eyeless left socket.
The grim reaper was coming for him.
“Help… Help me… Help me…” Barnaby kept repeating under his breath.