Chapter 1118 It Is All Because Of Me
Jerome took a deep breath before uttering with difficulty, “I’m sorry. I promised to protect you, but I watched you get hurt at the dock. I let you become the bait.”
He truly hated himself. At that moment, he felt he was no different from a coward no matter how great his reputation was.
Natalie looked down and smiled. “It’s not your fault. Besides, this is probably the best outcome we can ask for. It’s just a minor injury anyway. Now, Yumi is safe, and you have captured Zophie. Besides, no explosion happened at the dock.” Jerome stressed, “Natalie, it’s not a minor injury!”
A subtle smile remained on Natalie’s lips. “Silly, it’s a minor one if I can talk to you like this, so don’t apologize to me anymore. You don’t owe me anything. Besides, you knew how much I hate being in Bastien’s presence, so you risked everything to bring me back to the Sutton residence. Apologize one more time and I’m going to lose my temper.”
“All right.” Jerome knew Natalie had said that to make him feel better. However, it only made him more determined to be loyal to her. If the same thing happened again, Natalie’s safety would be his first priority.
Looking pale, Natalie said weakly, “Jerome, I’m a little tired. I’d like to get some rest. Could you contact Yandel and tell him to work with Emma to take care of the kids? Yumi, especially. Help me come up with an excuse and tell them I’ll be away for a few days. I’ll go back once I’m better.”
Jerome nodded. “Don’t worry and get all the rest you need. I’ll handle the others.” “Okay.” Natalie trusted Jerome with all her heart. She was reassured to hear his words, and she soon fell back to sleep.
Seeing she had fallen asleep, Jerome studied her haggard face.
Without realizing it, he lifted his hand and was about to stroke her face when he suddenly thought of something. He hurriedly retracted his hand and tucked her in before turning around to leave.
Some distances had to be maintained, or there would be no turning back.
Natalie was not an indecisive person.
In fact, she would help him decide if he hesitated.
All Jerome could do at that moment was to control himself.
Meanwhile, Yandel was busy taking care of Franklin, Sophia, Xavian, and Clayton at the Moss residence.
Billy had brought Yumi to Yandel’s home.
As soon as the door opened, Yumi appeared before the four children.
Seeing that, Sophia rushed over and hugged Yumi, wailing, “Yumi, you’re finally back! Are you okay? Are you all right?”
They played with each other the most since they were girls.
When Yumi was kidnapped by Zophie, Sophia was never in a good mood even when Yandel coaxed her with delicious food.
The sight of Yumi caused all the emotions Sophia had been suppressing to rush out, and the latter instantly burst into tears.
Yumi, too, was touched to see all of them again.
She was already an orphan back at the orphanage.
After all, she was the final member of the Jankovich family. There was no one else left.
Just when Yumi thought she was going to spend the rest of her days in the orphanage, she was—much to her surprise—adopted by Natalie. She did not even expect to have siblings like Sophia and Xavian.
When Yumi felt Sophia’s arms around her, tears started streaming down her face. “I missed you, too, Sophia! I’m fine. I’m all right. Everything’s all right.”
As Sophia let Yumi go, she discovered some bruises on her face.
“You’re lying! How are you all right?” exclaimed Sophia, wiping Yumi’s tears and examining her wounds. “Look at you. So many parts of your face are swollen. It’s all because of me. If you hadn’t distracted her to protect me, I would’ve been the one who got kidnapped.”
