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“What you say makes sense, but it's still a risky proposition.” Natalie wasn't convinced.
Joyce chuckled in response. “Nat, I know that you're worried, but we've decided. Besides,
constant moving has taken its toll on us. My parents are already old, and I can't bear to
see them living a life on the run in their golden years.”
Natalie had nothing to say.
After putting herself in Joyce's shoes, she, too, realized that she wouldn't want her elderly
parents to live such a turbulent life.
She empathized with the hard choice Joyce had to make.
After giving her head a quick massage, Natalie asked in a serious tone, “Joyce, let me ask
you again. Have you really thought it through? If you don't leave, there'll be no room for
regrets in the event Stanley hurts you.”
Joyce looked in Caitlin's direction.
When the latter flashed a smile at her, she reciprocated with one of her own before
returning her attention to Natalie. “I know the risks, Nat, but we have made up our minds.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtRegardless of what happens, our family will at least be together. Worse comes to worst,
we'll just die as a family. Sometimes I feel as if death is more liberating than living in fear
every day.”
Her words triggered a frown on Natalie's face. “Stop saying such nonsense.”
Joyce chuckled in response. “Fine, don't mind me. Anyway, Nat, I'm serious about what I
just said. I believe my dad thinks the same way too. No one wants to continue fleeing
anymore.”
Her words elicited a sigh from Natalie. “I understand. Since you've decided, I won't try to
dissuade you from it. I know whatever I say isn't going to change anything. I'll respect the
path you have chosen.”
“Thank you.” Joyce was touched by Natalie's support.
Natalie broke into a faint smile. “Thanks are not needed. What are friends for? Back when I
was still carrying Connor and Sharon, your family did their best to help me. And now, I'm
just returning the favor.”
“I know, but I still can't help feeling bad about it.” Joyce lowered her head. “We were firm
on leaving initially. And now, after the arrival of your men, we changed our mind and
wasted their time.”
Sensing the guilt in Joyce's tone, Natalie smiled in resignation. “It's no big deal. I can just
send them home after that. Besides, it isn't a waste of time. At least they can check on
you to make sure that you're safe and see if there's anything you need.”
Joyce's heart was warmed by her friend's attempt to comfort her so that she didn't have to
feel bad. Thereafter, their call was interrupted by a knock on the door. As Natalie walked
over to check, she said, “All right, then. I'll let Shane know in a while so that he can order
his men to leave.”
“Thank you, Nat. Also, please put a good word in on my behalf. I don't want Mr. Thompson
to be upset,” Joyce pleaded.
Knowing Joyce's fear of Shane, Natalie shook her head with a smile. “Don't worry. He isn't
that petty. But I'll still do as you say.”
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm“That's great!” Joyce patted her chest in relief.
In a serious tone, Natalie added, “Although you've decided to stay put, it doesn't change
the fact that Stanley isn't someone to be trifled with. So, please be careful and call me if
anything happens, all right?”
“Okay.” Joyce nodded with conviction.
The tension on Natalie's face began to ease. “Good. Anyway, I got to go. There's someone
here to see me.”
“All right. Bye.” Joyce ended the call.
After putting her phone away, Natalie opened the door and saw Lina at the door.
Lina flashed a smirk the moment she saw the former. “What took you so long? From the
phone in your hand, it's obvious to me tell that you must have been chatting with Mr.
Thompson.”
Natalie shook her head. “It wasn't Shane. It was Joyce.”
“Joyce?” Lina's ears pricked at the mention of the name. “What did you talk about?”
Seeing no need to keep it from Lina, Natalie related the contents of the call.
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