Laura was slightly stunned. Before she could think further, Natalie continued, "Laura, your thoughts were unclear before, and many of your memories were jumbled.


    "We''ve exined things to you, but you couldn''t remember them. That was a side effect of the poison being removed from your body. Over time, it will get better. From now on, whatever we tell you, you won''t forget or mix up anymore."


    Laura slowly nodded. "So that''s how it is."


    "My parents mistook Emma Meloney for their daughter previously. She''s actually the biological daughter of Cindy, the housekeeper of the Walker family. As for me, I was taken in by the Langley family in Amberton. Their real daughter, Selena Langley, was kidnapped and sold."


    Natalie patiently exined the situation to Laura.


    "The Langley family found their biological daughter first. Then, Victor uploaded my information to a family searchwork. That''s how the Walker family discovered


    me.


    "The one originally engaged to Marcus was Emma. Later, she tried to drug him, so he used it as an excuse to break off the engagement. And of course, he also broke off my engagement to him."


    Marcus cleared his throat and quickly reached out to tug Natalie''s hand. Every time this incident was brought up, he felt like he was digging his own grave.


    Natalie smiled. "Don''t you want to admit it?"


    Laura turned to Marcus. "Marcus, why did you call off the engagement with Nat?"


    "At the time, I was drunk, and then you called me, Mom. Your tone and words were harsh, and I got angry and lost my rationality." Marcus smiled bitterly. "But honestly, breaking off the engagement wasn''t an impulsive decision.


    "I had never met Nat before, and we had no feelings for each other. Two strangers being forced together just because of a parental arrangement-it wasn''t fair to me, and it wasn''t fair to her either.


    "Calling off the engagement was my way of starting over with her. And as it turns out, our rtionship is much better now than it would have been otherwise."


    As he spoke, heced his fingers with Natalie''s. "See, Mom? Now we actually look like a normal couple in love."


    Laura studied both of them carefully. Something felt off, but Marcus'' expression was serious and sincere. There was no trace of deceit.


    She then turned to Natalie, who was smiling gently and made no effort to contradict Marcus'' words.


    "As long as you''re happy, that''s all that matters." Laura smiled. She looked at their intertwined hands-young lovers in the throes of passion, not even bothering to be reserved in front of her.


    Still, she was very happy for them.


    "Laura, I''ll be the one performing acupuncture on you today. Has Connie already prepared your medicine?"


    After chatting for a while, it was time to continue the treatment.


    Laura nodded. "Connie made it early this morning. She said I have to take it at a specific time, which should be soon. She''s been working hard."


    "It''s fine. I pay her well."


    Natalie pulled her hand from Marcus'' and went to retrieve her silver needle kit. She then called for Connie to bring the medicine in.


    Once Laura finished drinking the medicine, Natalie had Marcus wash his hands and assist her.


    Though admittedly, it was not like she really needed assistance since Laura was so cooperative that there was no need to worry about anything.


    The silver needles were inserted one by one. Laura didn''t even flinch, and the atmosphere remained solemn and silent. When the final needle was in ce, Natalie lifted her gaze.


    "Laura, how do you feel?"


    Laura nodded. "I feel great. I''ve never felt this light before. Nat, thank you."


    "You''re most wee."


    "Oh, right. Marcus, since Natalie took me in as her patient, apart from the agreed- uponpensation, I want you to give her some extra.


    "When I married your father, your


    grandfather gave me some shares in thepany. Over the years, I''ve never used any of the dividends. n togive them all to Natalie and transfer the shares to you. What do you think?"


    As she spoke, she turned to Natalie. "Nat, I''m nning to give Marcus the shares


    so he can have a stronger position in Holden Group. Do you think that''s okay?"


    "Laura, that''s your property. You can give it to whoever you want. You don''t need my approval."


    Natalie chuckled. "But if you want to pay me more, I''ll dly ept it.


    "Mr. Langton has been involved in charity work for years. I''ve taken over Goodwill Pharmacy, as well as many of his connections and businesses. That also means I''ve taken on the responsibility of


    supporting the children he was helping.


    "So, I''ll donate all the money under your name to our charity to help those kids. Laura, once you''ve fully recovered, would you be interested in doing some charity work?"


    "Me?" Laura hesitated. "I''ve been out of touch with society for too long."


    "Laura, I believe in you. And I want you to believe in yourself."


    "Exactly, Mom. Nat believes in you, and so do I." Marcus chimed in. "If you want to divorce Dad, we''ll both support you. After the divorce, having something to do will help keep your mind upied.


    "I''ll assign people to protect you at all times, and I will find Cassie. I won''t let her hurt you again.


    "Mom, you''ve been searching for a cure and hiding from the world all these years.


    It''s time for you to see what you''ve missed and experience the things you haven''t had a chance to."


    "Yeah, Laura. Just think of it as helping me, okay?"


    Laura looked at Marcus, then at Natalie, and finally nodded. "Alright. Once I''m better, I''ll help with the charity."


    "Great."


    The three of them continued talking. As time passed, Natalie carefully removed the silver needles, storing them properly.


    Laura had be much more talkative after she felt better. She had missed out on so much, and she had spent years yearning for Marcus. Now that she could finally be with him without worry, she had so much to say.


    "Marcus, stay and chat with me for a while before going to work." Laura stared at him. "You look like both me and your father. Your grandfather educated you well all these years, but it must have been tough for you."


    "Mom, it wasn''t tough." Marcus used to think he had suffered. But after learning about the unimaginable pain Laura had endured, his hardships didn''t seem like much at all.


    "I wasn''t there for you before. Even if you were hurt or upset, you couldn''t tell me. But now, things are different. You can tell me anything."


    Laura held his hand. "I may not be able to do much, but I can give you a hug and offer youforting words. And if needed, I can be a shrew and curse out anyone who mistreats you.


    "But I need to make one thing clear in advance." Laura suddenly looked hesitant. "If Nat ever bullies you, don''te crying to me."


    She shuddered slightly. "Tell her that she can''t hit me anymore after hitting you." Marcus was rendered speechless.