Chapter 81
Chapter 81: Alisa Spoke
Alisa Spoke.
“What did you say?” Vanessa asked.
Vanessa stuttered when she turned to Serena. The woman in the seat was calm as ever, watching her.
“Did Serena say that? Please.” Vanessa made a face. “She must be lying. Although
I would understand. Who wants a father like Victor? But she can’t lie about that, Nathan p>
“She’s not lying,” Nathaniel said firmly. “She is not Victor’s daughter p>
He looked straight at Vanessa. “And it doesn’t matter to me. Kline or not, I want to
be with Serena. That’s the only truth. I never had a relationship with you. So don’t lie about me again p>
“You’re trying to drive Serena away?” Nathaniel said coldly. “Vanessa Holt, stay away from Serena, and stay away from my mother p>
“Don’t think I don’t know what you did four years ago,” Nathaniel said evenly. “You met Serena and told her you were pregnant with my child p>
He didn’t move closer. He didn’t need to.
“That ends here p>
His voice lowered, steady and lethal. “You will pay for it p>
After a brief pause, he continued, as if discussing business. “Gavin hasn’t contacted you yet, but I guess it’s best to hear it from me p>
Nathaniel’s gaze darkened. “You’re fired p>
“You are no longer allowed near my mother p>
“You are barred from all of my businesses p>
He looked at her one last time, cold, dismissive. “And your parents’ request to purchase shares in Kline BioSolutions is denied. Permanently p>
‘The shares. No, not the shares,’ Vanessa thought.
Her family had a plan.
She had a plan.
“Nathan, no! You can’t do this,” Vanessa tried to reach for him, but he stepped back. A look of disgust crossed his face.
“I already did. I’m warning you, Vanessa. If I find out there’s more to this, I won’t spare you,” Nathaniel said. “This had better be the only thing you did to come between Serena and me p>
Nathaniel then turned to Serena. He extended his hand to her and said firmly, “Let’s go, Serena. We have more important matters to attend to than indulging Miss Holt’s fabrications.” 1
1/5
Chapter 9 Also Spoke
26004
For a moment, Serena stared at Nathaniel’s hand.
She had held this hand too many times in the past, but the person who owned it had hurt her so much. The almost frowned while looking at him, but when she saw Vanessa watching them, envy pouring from her eyes, Serena took Nathaniel’s hand. She even stepped closer to him.
The funny part was… Nathaniel looked pleased, a faint smile tugged on his lips.
“I was just letting you hold my hand to irritate her,” Serena told him.
“I know,” Nathaniel said. “We should try harder to upset her p>
Serena rolled her eyes, but she could still feel Vanessa’s gaze on her back. So she maintained her hold on Nathaniel’s hand.
His grip was firm. It sent a strange sensation through her, one she did not want to name. p>
She only let go when she saw Bianca’s driver smiling at them from a distance. He must have run an errand for
Nathaniel
“The treats, Mr. Thome,” the driver said. Then he smiled at Serena. “It’s nice to see you again, Miss p>
Serena offered a polite smile. “It’s nice to see you too p>
“I can take it,” Serena said, turning to Nathaniel “These are for the kids, right p>
“Hm,” he replied. “But I’d like to take you to your room p>
When Serena frowned, Nathaniel explained, “I just want to make sure Vanessa doesn’t follow you p>
Milo was at the driveway, waiting for Celine to come down, so only Serena walked into the hotel. Since Nathaniel’s reasoning made sense, Serena agreed.
They took the lift to the 20th floor, where most of the family suites were located. In room 2021, Serena turned to Nathaniel. “This is my stop p>
Nathaniel looked hopeful. “Can I see her p>
Serena blinked. She paused, then said, “Okay, but we agreed we’ll tell them together p>
“I won’t say anything yet,” Nathaniel said quickly. “I just want to see her p>
Instead of using her keycard, Serena rang the doorbell. Almost immediately, she heard a child’s footsteps running toward the door.
When it opened, Alisa threw herself into Serena’s arms. “Mommy p>
Alisa was already crying,
“Shh,” Serena said softly, crouching to her level. She hugged her and kissed her cheek. “I went to see your
2/5
Chapter 81 Alisa Spake
+25 Bonus
brother. I’m sorry I took so long. Don’t be sad now, okay? Mommy’s here p>
Serena pulled back and wiped the tears from her daughter’s face. Then Alisa noticed Nathaniel.
“Hi,” Nathaniel said softly. He didn’t move right away. After a moment, he held out the bag of treats, his hand shaking once before he steadied it. “This is for you p>
Alisa glanced at Serena. When Serena nodded, Alisa took the paper bag.
She didn’t smile.
She didn’t say anything.
Ali simply studied Nathaniel.
Nathaniel was still in his business suit. He was probably on his way to work.
Alisa then pointed at his tie.
“What’s wrong?” Nathaniel asked gently.
Still, Alisa did not voice her thoughts. She set the bag of treats down and walked toward him, pointing again at his tie.
“No, Ali,” Serena said softly. She knew exactly what her daughter had noticed.
Nathaniel’s brows drew together in confusion, but he lowered himself front anyway. It was obvious he was more than willing to get close to her.
Alisa stepped closer. She reached up, grabbed his tie, and tugged it once. Then again.
She frowned, unsatisfied, and twisted it slightly so it lay straight.
After that, Alisa stepped back. She examined Nathaniel thoroughly, then returned to Serena’s side.
At that point, Nathaniel looked like a man forcing himself not to break.
“All good now?” he asked, his voice breaking in and out.
Alisa nodded.
“She does this,” Serena explained quietly.
Nathaniel remained kneeling. He smiled, sniffing back the emotions he was barely holding together. “Thank you, Ali. Your mom used to fix my tie for me.” 1
He hesitated. “Can I… can I hug you p>
Alisa glanced at Serena again. When Serena motioned for her to approach, Alisa walked back to Nathaniel.
Nathaniel slowly and carefully wrapped his arms around Ali’s tiny body.
And in that moment, his control slipped.
A tear rolled down his cheek as he held Alisa. He whispered, “I’m sorry p>
3/5
Chapter 81 Alisu Społe
+25 Bonus
He said it like he owed her.
Maybe he did.
Something about his tears must have moved Alisa, because she pulled back and
placed her small hands on his
face.
Serena watched as Alisa’s brows knitted together. Her daughter opened her mouth, struggling to express herself.
Alisa rarely spoke to strangers, but oddly enough, she asked, “Why p>
LiLhyz Author
December 28, 2025.
40
Joseph King is an editor and storyteller who ensures every chapter is clear,
polished, and engaging for readers.