Natalie listened to Melissa and felt a spark of determination stir in her chest. She smiled softly and said, "Perfect timing, actually. We''ve got some things to take care of in Dithoria State too. We could all head back together."


    "That''d be wonderful!" Melissa replied, her tone instantly brightening. She already had a great impression of Natalie, and knowing that Marcus had helped their family so much made her feel even more connected to Natalie.


    She continued, "Getting to know both you and Mr. Holden has been such a blessing for our family. And being able to travel to Dithoria State with the two of you is more than we could''ve ever hoped for."


    Melissa''s smile was warm and genuine. Ever since finding Sierra, she had started healing. For the first time in years, she looked vibrant and alive.


    In the days leading up to Sierra''s return, Melissa had been eating better, taking care of herself, and making an effort to be in good spirits. Her transformation was obvious, and it all stemmed from the joy of having her daughter back.


    "Ms. Walker, when would be the right time for us to head to Dithoria State?" Melissa asked gently.


    Natalie paused, pretending to think it over. Then, in a serious tone, she said, "Hmm... the sooner, the better."


    After all, Charles had left early that morning to rush back to Dithoria State from The Herbalist''s Sanctuary. If they acted fast and brought Charlene under the guise of apanying the Sinirs, they might catch Charlespletely off guard.


    She and Marcus had already gone over the signs. The inconsistencies in Charles'' story screamed of guilt his nervousness, his rushed excuses, and everything pointed to him hiding something. Besides, the more evasive he was, the more obvious it became that he had something to conceal.


    Nheless, with Charles suddenly gone, there was no way either Marcus or Natalie could get the truth directly out of him. Calling him would not help; he could just ignore the call, hang up, shut off his phone, or give half-hearted, misleading answers.


    Either way, they were not going to get the truth over the phone. Whatever happened all those years ago, Charles clearly was not nning on talking.


    Charlene being pushed into the spotlight had been theirst clue from Grace''s side. The trail ended there.


    Langley Group had copsed, and their former rivals quickly swooped in to finish them off. There would be no more Langley Group in Amberton, and the Langley family would never hold the top spot again.


    Grace was now in custody, still under investigation for multiple serious charges. Nheless, Natalie and Marcus no longer needed to be involved in that.


    What mattered to them now was the ck notebook Selena had left behind-filled with horrifying details of abduction cases. Law enforcement was taking it seriously and had alreadyunched a new investigation based on its contents. Natalie and Marcus were providing all the help they could.


    "Mrs. Remington, Ms. Sinir, I''m actually really close friends with Sophia. Since we''ll all be in Dithoria State, I could show you both around. Sophia and I can y tour guide," Natalie said.


    She nced at her phone and sent Hector a quick message, asking him to keep Charlene under wraps and prepare to bring her back to Dithoria State with them.


    Hector''s reply quickly came. "Got it."


    Then, Natalie slipped her phone back into her bag.


    "That sounds amazing! I can''t wait to finally meet Ms. Sinir," Sierra said, her voice suddenly filled with emotion as her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "I''ll talk to Samuel and Dad now. I really want to go to Dithoria State as soon as possible."


    Melissa''s tone was soft and full of love. "Go ahead, sweetheart."


    Sierra left the room and returned not long after, her whole face glowing with happiness. "Mom, Dad and Samuel both said yes. Nat, thank you so much. I''m going to go start packing."


    "Mom, keep Natpany while I''m gone," she added cheerfully.


    "Alright, sweetheart. Go ahead," Melissa said as she watched Sierra affectionately.


    "Mrs. Remington, Marcus and I should head out too. We''ve got some things to


    prepare," Natalie said as she stood up with a polite smile.


    "Nat, I''ll walk you out," Melissa replied, now using a more familiar form of address. "You and Mr. Holden are wee here anytime."


    She continued, "Over the years, Jon has collected a lot of rare medicinal ingredients, for my health. Though he never used them, and no doctor dared to try since some of them are actually quite toxic. But once he heard that Mr. Holden might be looking for certain ingredients, he told me to let you know. If Mr.


    Holden still needs any, he''s wee to ask."


    "Why didn''t Mr. Remington tell Marcus himself?" Natalie asked curiously.


    "Because whatever they were discussing was probably more important than that," Melissa said with a gentle smile. "And you know, with things like medicinal ingredients... they can heal, but they can also harm."


    She exined, "Jon worried that if he brought it up directly, Mr. Holden might misunderstand, thinking he hee was wishing harm on Mr. Holden.or his family. Personally, I think Jon''s overthinking it. But as people get older, they tend to be more cautious and sensitive, so he asked me to mention it instead."


    Melissa looked at Natalie with warmth in her eyes. "Nat, I liked you from the moment I met you. I know you won''t take this the wrong way."


    "Of course not," Natalie replied sincerely. "Both you and Mr. Remington mean well, and we''re nothing but grateful. Why would we overthink something so kind?"


    Natalie had always had a deep love for medicinal ingredients. Although she could easily walk away from designer clothes, shoes, and bags, she could not resist rare herbs and healing items.


    "Alright, I''ll tell Marcus. And thank you, Mrs. Remington. Please also thank Mr. Remington for me."


    After offering her thanks, Natalie stood and politely took her leave. Once she and Marcus were back in the car, she told him everything about the medicinal ingredients.


    "If you like them, we''ll ept," Marcus said, reaching out and gently interlocking his fingers with hers.


    He added, "I''ll find another way to repay the Remingtons. I''ll have Noah make the arrangements. Let''s get Charlene and head back to Dithoria State—the sooner, the better. We need to move before Grandpa runs off again."


    "I''ve got a n to make sure Grandpa Charles doesn''t get away this time," Natalie replied, snapping her fingers as she pulled out her phone and dialed Charlotte.


    "Hi, Mom. Can you and Dad go to Holden Residence and talk to Grandpa Charles about my engagement to Marcus?"


    "What?" Charlotte''s voice jumped a whole octave. "Sweetheart, why are you suddenly talking about


    marriage? I mean, I support you


    rtionship, but Marcus cet


    off


    the engagement once before You can''t just let him marry you so


    easily!"


    Natalie held the phone away from her ear slightly. "Mom, it''s not what you think. I should''ve exined better."


    She cleared her throat and added, "Talking to Grandpa Charles about our wedding is just a cover. I need you and Dad to keep him from leaving Dithoria State. Best case? Don''t even let him out of Holden Residence."


    "That''s easy," Charlotte said, instantly rxing. "We''ll just invite Mr. Holden Senior to our house, lock the front door, and even if he screams his lungs out, he''s not leaving. Don''t worry, sweetie. I''ll make sure he stays put."


    Charlotte did not even ask why Natalie wanted to trap Charles-she just agreed without hesitation. "Hang tight, sweetheart. Your dad and I are heading over to bring Mr. Holden Senior back now."


    "Thanks, Mom." Natalie ended the call and shot Marcus a yful wink. "All done. Before we even head back, Grandpa Charles is already caught in the Walkers'' trap."