Chapter 409
Chapter 409
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“Watch your step,” Nathan said as Riana moved to get into the car. He said the same to Althea and Josh.
Nathan took the front passenger seat beside Erick, while another vehicle followed close behind as an escort. What had happened only heightened Nathan’s vigilance-he wasn’t about to let anything like that occur again.
The car pulled away from the hospital grounds at a slow, measured pace. Dusk hadn’t fully settled yet, but the sky had already turned a muted purplish gray. Inside the car, silence stretched-not empty silence, but one thick with emotions that hadn’t yet eased.
Riana leaned back against the seat and let out a long breath. “I don’t like that woman,” she said at last, without preamble. “The way she speaks, the way she looks at people, the way she reacts to things-ugh. Everything about her makes me uncomfortable p>
Nathan glanced briefly at her through the rearview mirror, letting her know he’d heard her, then returned his eyes to the road. “I know,” he said calmly. “And I don’t like her either. But we have to be patient p>
“Patient until when?” Riana shot back. “She’s clearly fishing for sympathy-making it seem like we’re the cruel ones p>
Nathan exhaled softly. “Until we know exactly who Selena and Eli really are. Until Cale gives us a full report. Emotions won’t help us right now. I think Cale is right-we can’t act recklessly p>
From the back seat, Althea listened in silence. She reached for her mother-in-law’s hand and squeezed it gently. ” Papa’s right, Mom,” she said softly. “I’m uncomfortable too, but Selena clearly wants a reaction from us. If we take the bait, she’s the one who benefits p>
Josh let out a frustrated breath. “But the way she talks-it’s like she’s saying Mom… like Mom took something from her,” he said, unable to hide his irritation. “I don’t like how she cornered you in front of everyone p>
Althea turned to look at her son. “I know,” she said quietly. “And thank you for standing up for me. But for now, try to hold onto that anger, okay?” She gently smoothed her hand over the top of his head.
Josh clenched his jaw. “I just don’t get it. Who are Selena and Eli, really? Why did they show up and immediately throw everything into chaos p>
Nathan glanced at Josh through the rearview mirror and caught his gaze-sharp, questioning, far more mature than his age. It wasn’t a look demanding instant answers, but one asking for honesty. And that was precisely what made Nathan hesitate.
He looked to Riana and Althea, as if seeking their consent. Both fell silent. At last, Riana gave a small nod-not agreement to explain everything now, but an understanding of why her husband was holding back.
Nathan drew a deep breath. His thoughts raced-not over what to say, but over what a child shouldn’t yet have to hear at a moment like this. Josh was smart-too smart. Once the truth was spoken, he would piece it together on his own, connecting fragments that weren’t ready to form a whole.
“I’ll explain,” Nathan finally said, his voice low and steady. “But not now. We’re all exhausted. Give Grandpa some time, until things are calmer p>
He deliberately avoided looking at Josh as he said it, afraid his eyes might betray the uncertainty he felt. Not because Josh wasn’t mature enough-but because the story of Selena and Eli wasn’t just a set of facts. It was a web of doubts, still unverified, and far too early to grant that woman and her child recognition as part of the Miller family.
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Chapter 409
+25 Bonus
Especially with her behavior growing more unsettling by the minute.
Josh didn’t argue. He simply nodded once, slowly. There was no disappointment, no pressure to force the truth out of them—as if he understood that some things truly needed the right moment to be revealed.
Nathan watched him again through the mirror. Deep down, he knew-it wasn’t about whether Josh was ready to hear the truth, but about when that truth could be told without hurting too many hearts at once.
And for now, waiting was the wisest choice.
Josh nodded, though it was clear he wasn’t fully satisfied. “Alright,” he said shortly.
In the front seat, Erick-who was driving-looked tense. “Sir, Ma’am… I apologize,” he said carefully. “Security around the cemetery didn’t function the way it should have. The drone entered from outside the radius we were monitoring p>
Nathan turned toward him. “Have you looked into it p>
“Yes,” Erick replied quickly. “I’ve already sent the footage to Mr. Cale. That includes the drone’s entry point and a possible operator. I’m waiting for further instructions p>
“Good,” Nathan said. “Stay alert p>
Riana gave a small nod. “This isn’t entirely your fault, Erick. Things like that are unpredictable p>
“And you still don’t want to tell us anything, Erick?” Althea asked.
The question made Erick let out a long breath. “Please forgive me, Mrs. Althea. Mr. Cale asked that you not worry too much about this. He’ll take care of it soon p>
“I think what Erick’s saying makes sense, Althea,” Nathan stepped in. “Don’t let this incident push you into overthinking everything p>
In the end, Althea could only sigh, resigned. “Alright, Papa. And Erick, please make sure Cale receives a full report —every detail, without exception p>
Erick nodded, visibly relieved, though his expression remained tight.
A few seconds later, Riana’s phone vibrated in her hand. She glanced at the screen, slightly surprised. “An unknown number…” she murmured, then answered. “Hello p>
“Grandma?” The voice on the other end sounded hesitant but polite. “It’s… Eli p>
Riana straightened instinctively. “Eli? Oh-yes. How are you, dear? Have you finished your final checkup? What
did the doctor say p>
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