Without a moment''s pause, Marcus nodded and poured tea for Wesley. "Father, I ept all your conditions. Rest assured, I won''t mention anything to Mom."


    "Excellent," Wesley said. "I didn''t think our discussion would flow so well."


    The moment he stopped talking, Wesley''s eyes reddened. "For all these years, even though I''ve gone with your mother to every possible doctor, it''s my fault she''s endured so much pain.


    "I''ve failed as a husband and as a father. Now that I''ve consented to divorce your mother, it''s time for me to take the necessary steps."


    "Father, please be careful. Mom wouldn''t want anything bad to happen to you." Marcus gazed intently at Wesley.


    From their exchange, Marcus understood his father''s intentions. Still, he didn''t attempt to dissuade him. In this situation, someone needed to bear the consequences, and that person had to be the one pulling the strings-Cassie.


    All he could do was urge Wesley to avoid endangering himself and not risk his life for someone as treacherous as Cassie.


    Marcus made sure there were people discreetly watching over Wesley and ready to step in when needed.


    "I understand, Marcus. Thank you."


    "Of course, Father. We''re family." Marcus lifted the teacup and finished the tea in one swift motion. "I''m nning to marry Natalie. I hope that when the wedding takes ce, you and Mom will be there to bless Natalie and me."


    "Alright, I promise you." Wesley''s eyes welled up with tears. Hearing his son''s words, he felt more determined to value his life as he pursued his desires. "Thank you, Marcus."


    "If there''s nothing more, Father, I''ll head back now."


    "Go on. I''ll stay here a bit longer."


    Marcus stood up, gave a slight nod, and then turned to leave.


    Shortly after he left, Natalie arrived and took the seat Marcus had just vacated. "Mr. Wesley, you asked Connie to call me over. Is there something you need?"


    Wesley turned to Natalie with a request. "Nat, I need a favor. Please look after Laura for me. She''s not in the best health and still needs time to fully recover. I can''t rely on anyone else, but I trust you."


    He ced a bank card in front of her. "This card holds 20 million dors. I know you''ve been involved in charity work, so consider this payment for taking care of Laura. Nat, I''ve already agreed to Laura''s request for a divorce. I have some matters to attend to.


    "While I''m away, could you spend more time with Laura? Due to the years of torment from Umbrahex, Laura has struggled with feelings of insecurity. She often doesn''t eat or sleep well and fears she might transform into a monster one day and be unable to revert.


    "Now that you and Mr. Langton have healed her, I feel a sense of relief."


    Wesley gazed affectionately at Natalie. "Laura and I only have Marcus. Thankfully, you''re Marcus'' girlfriend. The Walkers are arge family with many children. Even though your five brothers might put some pressure on Marcus, I''m at ease."


    "Mr. Wesley, you don''t have to worry as long as Marcus treats me well. We Walkers are fair people, and we cherish others because of the ones we love."


    Natalie had anticipated what Wesley was about to say, she added, "And rest assured, as long as Marcus is with me, I will ensure he never experiences any hardship. My parents will shower him with love, and my five brothers will keep him safe. I won''t disappoint him."


    Wesley was taken aback by what Natalie said. He hadn''t intended to extract a promise from her; he merely hoped she would look after Laura more attentively. How did the conversation shift to her assurances about not letting Marcus down?


    Besides, wasn''t this the kind of promise typically made by a man to a woman''s parents? Wesley found himself questioning his own intentions for a moment.


    Noticing his silence, Natalie


    continued, "Mr. Wesley, don''t worry. I''ll take Laura to my house for a


    while. It just so happens that m


    mother and Laura are good friends and haven''t met in years. It''s a


    perfect opportunity for them to reunite. Our family home is likely the safest ce for her."


    Wesley snapped back to attention and nodded quickly. "Okay, thank you, Nat."


    "You''re wee, Mr. Wesley. Is there anything else you need? If not, I''ll get back to work."


    "No, that''s all." He shook his head. Then, he promptly slid the card back to Natalie. "Nat, take the card. The PIN number is Marcus'' birthday."


    "No need. I''ve already been paid for taking care of Laura''s health," Natalie replied


    with a soft smile, declining Wesley''s offer of the bank card.


    She added, "I have things to attend to now. I''ll bring Laura back to my family once her health improves slightly. Until then, I won''t let any strangers or unreliable people near her."


    "Thank you, Nat," Wesley replied earnestly, pressing the card into her hand. "Please take this. Consider it my donation to your charity efforts. When you and Marcus eventually marry, I will prepare a separate gift for the asion. You and Marcus deserve happiness."


    "I understand. Thank you, Mr. Wesley," Natalie replied, choosing not to refuse the card this time.


    She thought she could simply give it back to Marcuster. She had already beenpensated for helping Laura, and she would only ept what was rightfully hers, avoiding any money she didn''t earn.


    Once Natalie left, Wesley stayed for a bit longer. After consuming a pot of medicinal tea, he rose and exited.


    He had already provided all the necessary instructions. His next step was to inform Charles. Once he reported everything, he could proceed with his ns without any concerns.


    Natalie hadn''t walked far before spotting Marcus waiting for her up ahead.


    "Nat, over here," Marcus called out, his voice deep and rough, as he beckoned her over.


    Natalie hurried her steps to reach him quickly. "How did you know I''d take this path?" she asked.


    "We share a heart connection," Marcus replied, taking her hand. "My father spoke with you too,?"


    "Yes," Natalie replied, pausing. "Marcus, aren''t you going to stop him?"


    "How can I stop him? And what exactly should I prevent him from doing?" Marcus replied with a touch of sarcasm.


    "He''s made his decision. We should let him follow through. For years, both he and


    my mom have suffered, and neither has found happiness."


    He added, "The feuds of their generation need closure somehow. Someone needs to bear the cost of what my mom endured."