Chapter 530 A Ruse To Gain Sympathy
Despite being mentally prepared, Natalie could not contain her shock after hearing Malcolm’s words.
“Natalie, I’m old and no longer have the drive and energy I used to have when younger…” Malcolm endearingly patted Natalie’s head. “The dead are in the past; what matters at present are those who are still alive. Since you’ve already found your true love and happiness, perhaps keeping yourself safe is of utmost importance to you now.”
“I know…”
“It’s good that you understand.”
Before Malcolm could pull a smile, Natalie’s almond-shaped eyes glinted with stubbornness as she remarked, “Knowing is one thing, but being able to do it is something else. I know you’re doing it for the good of me, but there’s no way I can give up just like this. I must find out the truth about my granddad’s death. He has always been a benevolent and merciful man all his life. I can’t just let him die without reasons.”
At once, Malcolm knew Natalie had a mind of her own. Despite being able to relate to her feelings, he could not bring himself to allow her to risk herself.
He heaved a sigh. “Natalie, remember that we will always be here for you. No matter how difficult or dangerous situations are outside, the members of Mount Surya will always be your pillar of support.”
“Thank you.” Natalie felt her eyes welling up with tears as she said that.
Unable to stand the sight of a tear-filled farewell, Malcolm waved his hand in dismissal. “I can’t stand women crying. Please don’t cry. Otherwise, Samuel will definitely find trouble with me for making you cry!”
Natalie was amused by his comment.
“Master, have a safe trip.”
“Sure.”
With that, he trotted toward the boarding gate, one hand dragging his luggage and the other tightly grasping onto the bag of pumpkin seeds.
“Can’t bear to see Master leave?” Samuel lovingly looked at Natalie and gently wiped the tears forming at the corners of her eyes. “We can always find time to visit him and Mrs. Trevor at Mount Surya every year.”
“All right.” She nodded profusely.
After getting out of the airport, the couple headed in different directions.
Samuel returned to Centurion Corporation to handle work matters, while Natalie headed back to the Bowers residence to teach Sophia the basics of medicine.
Even though Sophia was small in size, her concentration level for learning was relatively high. She could even bury her little head in the books for a long time.
There were many times when she would come across rarely used terms in the traditional medicine guides. Yet, she had never once grumbled about it. Instead, she would patiently try to recognize and understand those words.
While the girl was busy studying, Franklin, Xavian, and Clayton sat by her the entire time.
Franklin would search through the dictionary, Clayton would help her write notes, and Xavian would make fresh fruit juices for Sophia.
Seeing the great bond between the four children, Natalie felt a warm sensation within her.
About three hours later, Sophia was still eager for more knowledge. Nevertheless, Natalie was worried that the intense lessons would take a tow on the little girl’s eyes and health, so she did not continue teaching her.
Having taught Sophia all this while, Natalie realized how the former had a true knack for studying medicine, which had far exceeded her own potential when she was young. Fortunately, she had made the right decision so that the girl’s talents did not go to waste.
“Mommy…” Taking a sip of the strawberry juice Xavian made, Sophia called out sweetly.
“What is it, Sophia?”
“I…” The little girl secretly pinched herself on her thigh to summon her tears. “I miss Great-grandpa…”
As much as she missed Kenneth, it was all part of making the act more convincing that she would put in so much strength to pinch herself.
At the sight of Sophia’s act, Clayton hurriedly shot Franklin a look.
Seeing that, Franklin understood and forcefully pinched his butt and chimed in, “I-I… I miss Great-grandpa too…”
Without a doubt, Natalie understood the emotions the children were going through.
It certainly would not be a good feeling to be torn between two of their loved ones—one being Kenneth and the other being herself.
They’re, after all, Samuel’s children and Kenneth’s blood-related great-grandchildren. As the saying goes, filial piety is the foundation of all virtues. There’s no reason I should forbid the kids from missing their great-grandpa.
Natalie bent down to look at them in their eyes. “Sophia, Franklin, if you guys miss Great-grandpa, you can always go and visit him.”
