Chapter 43 Proof of Trust


    “Fine. Now give me her things.”


    Baron didn’t think there was anything wrong with his demand. But Renee frowned slightly.


    “Who are you? What’s your rtionship with Natalie?”


    She could feel the dangerous aura rolling off him, heavy with bloodshed. Even though she was afraid, she couldn’t stop worrying about Natalie.


    Natalie had always been like a flower raised in a greenhouse. Jensen hadn’t wanted her in the spotlight, which was why she’d been bullied and suppressed for so long.


    Now, how had she gotten involved with a man as dangerous as Baron?


    Renee hadn’t voiced her suspicions, but Baron caught the guarded look in her eyes.


    He was d Natalie had a friend who truly cared for her, but he didn’t want to waste words.


    “I slept with her. What do you think our rtionship is?”


    Renee’s eyes widened.


    No one knew Natalie’s modesty better than she did.


    She had loved Jensen for five years without ever giving herself to him-yet she had slept with this man?


    “You’re sure you’re not lying?”


    “I have no reason to lie.”


    “Then… do you love her?”


    The question made Baron pause.


    In a low voice, he answered, “She was my first woman. And she will be the only woman in my life.”


    It wasn’t the direct answer Renee had expected, but it silenced her nheless.


    She studied him again.


    He was dangerous-that much was clear. But he was also striking, with that unmistakable beauty, especially the small mole at the corner of his eye, as vivid as a drop of cinnabar.


    Renee steadied herself. “I’ll give you her things-but only if you let me talk to her first.”


    Baron didn’t mind her caution.


    He called Yvonne.


    “Has Natalie woken up? If she has, let her take the phone.”


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    Yvonne saw Natalie’s eyes move. She knew Natalie couldn’t sleep with the burns tormenting her, so she held the phone to her.


    “Ms. Summers, it’s Mr. Gunn.”


    Natalie couldn’t hold the phone herself, so Yvonne switched it to speaker.


    “Baron.”


    At the sound of her voice, Renee’s eyes filled with tears.


    “Natalie! Are you okay? How are you now?”


    Hearing Renee’s voice made Natalie’s nose sting.


    “I’m fine. Baron is my friend. Give him my things. I can’t see you right now, but once I’m healed, I’lle to you.”


    Renee was the only friend she had left.


    “Okay,” Renee said quickly. “I just needed to confirm his identity. Natalie, take care of yourself. I’ll wait for you.”


    “Thank you. As for Grant International Holdings, please withdraw my application.”


    “Why? I could keep your spot open.”


    Renee thought it was a shame to waste Natalie’s talent.


    But Natalie answered with a heavy voice. “My hand was shattered by Sharon. I’ll never hold a pen again.”


    “What?”


    Renee trembled with fury.


    “How could Sharon do that? And Jensen didn’t stop her?”


    “Jensen said he would take care of me for the rest of my life. He said it didn’t matter if I could no longer draw. And he forbade me from suing Sharon. You know how it is in Ocean City-if he says no, I have no choice.”


    Renee was furious at her friend’s suffering.


    “Don’t worry. Jensen won’t hear a word from me about you.”


    “Thank you.”


    After the call ended, Renee gave Baron the package Natalie had sent her.


    When he heard that Sharon had broken Natalie’s hand, and that Jensen had silenced her so brutally, his expression turned dark and terrifying.


    He took the package, ced it in the trunk, and lit a cigarette once he was back in the car.


    Smoke curled around him, hiding his face from view.


    He sent Yvonne a message.


    “Take good care of Natalie. For the next few days, follow my new prescription for her treatment. If it doesn’t work, add pain relief


    sticks.”


    “Yes, Mr. Gunn,” Yvonne replied instantly.


    Baron sent another message.


    “I’ll be in Ocean City for the next few days. Don’t tell anyone where I’ve gone-not even Finn or Shauna.”


    Yvonne froze for a moment.


    Finn and Shauna were the people Mr. Gunn trusted most. Why was he keeping even them in the dark?


    But Yvonne was obedient.


    “Yes, Mr. Gunn. Don’t worry. I’ll take good care of Ms. Summers.”


    “Stay by her side. Don’t repeat your sister’s mistake. If anything happens to Natalie under your watch, you know what I’ll do.”


    The words stung.


    So Mr. Gunn had never forgiven her sister’s failure.


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