?Chapter 819:


    She longed with all her heart to regain the life she had once known, wishing she would never again find herself caught up with a bastard like Linden, praying for the nightmare to finally end.


    “Natalie,” Elyse whispered, gazing at her daughter’s face. “One option is to marry Linden. Let Dani offer you a generous dowry, purchase our old vi, and transfer it to you. This would provide some security, and we could strategize further from there.”


    Without hesitation, Natalie dered, “I’ll take the second option.”


    She couldn’t bear the thought of seeing Linden again.


    The image of his disgusting face lingered in her mind, a haunting mark she desperately wished to erase.


    Elyse continued, “The second option is Doug. Winning his favor could solve your financial worries, but it would cost you your reputation.”


    Doug had a reputation for openly boasting about his affairs, often going as far as recording them to show off to his acquaintances.


    If Natalie ever became involved with Doug, it would mean there would be no hiding it.


    It would forever tarnish Natalie’s reputation.


    “The advantage is immediate wealth. Doug isvish with his girlfriends. He offers a hundred million the first night and continues to provide support. This is what happened to Joyce when she was desperate. At least now, she no longer struggles financially. If you attract Doug’s attention, the money will never stop. Natalie, these are the only options I see. Make your choice.”


    Not only was Natalie desperate to avoid poverty, but Elyse was too. She even regretted getting rid of Brylee. Brylee might have valued their sisterly rtionship, unlike Dani, the relentless woman determined to bring about their downfall.


    “I wonder what drives Dani’s madness. Sure, Brylee was her mother but left when she was just five. Does Dani really need to seek revenge against us? After all, we’re some of the few family members she has left.”


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    Elyse was not ready to give up. “Perhaps I should appeal to Dani once more?”


    Natalie stood firm, gazing into the distance, holding Elyse back. “Mom, don’t go. Dani is heartless and will show no mercy. I’ve made my decision.”


    Elyse looked at Natalie in disbelief. “Linden or Doug?”


    Elyse clung to a sliver of hope when it came to Dani.


    “What about Linden? He’s never been married. And no matter what, Dani is still family. If you marry him, she won’t just leave you with nothing.”


    Natalie narrowed her eyes. “So I’m supposed to bet my future on goodwill? Depend on her charity and tiptoe around her moods, should I?”


    Elyse let out a weary sigh. “If you go for Doug, you better brace yourself. Joyce won’t just step aside. She’s not the type to let things slide. Last time, a woman flirted with Doug, and Joyce handled it by carving ‘bitch’ into her face. Think you can deal with that?”


    Natalie scoffed. “Joyce? She’s not even worth a second thought. Dani’s tricky, sure, but Joyce? Please.” A smirk yed on her lips.


    Elyse hesitated, pressing her lips together. “Is your mind made up?”


    Natalie nodded firmly. “I’m done being someone’s pawn. Dani already knows what happened to Brylee. If we don’t find a powerful ally, we’ll be dead sooner orter—or worse, locked away like Caiden. We need to act before it’s toote.”


    Elyse chewed on her lower lip. “Natalie, maybe we should just let this go,” she murmured, the fear of losing her daughter gnawing at her. “I’ll confess everything to Dani. I’ll get on my knees if I have to—beg her to forgive us.”


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