Justin and Natalie returned home. As they entered the bedroom, Natalie slumped onto the couch and closed her eyes. Justin sat next to her and spoke.
"Want a shoulder to cry on?"
With her eyes still closed, she sighed. "I’m afraid no tears will come out even if I try. I must have exhausted my quota of crying."
"That’s good then," he said and poured her a glass of water. She accepted it, and Justin observed her. "What are you thinking about?"
She took a few sips of water and shook her head. "Nothing. Just tired. Maybe a shower might help me relax," she said and was already on her feet, heading to the bathroom.
Justin didn’t stop her and watched as the bathroom door closed behind her.
He had received calls from his grandmother but couldn’t answer them while he was with Natalie. Now, finally, he could talk to the old woman. He already knew why she had called him.
The moment he answered, Julia’s anxious voice came through. "Brat, where have you been?"
"Calm down, Julia," Justin replied. "Natalie was with me, and I knew what you would ask. She’s alright, don’t worry."
"I know she would be fine with you by her side, but won’t you ask how your father is?" Julia countered.
Justin fell silent for a moment before asking, "How is he?"
"He’s been inside his study since he saw the news, and I think he’s planning to come to the Imperial City to meet Caryn," Julia said, sounding a little anxious. "I’m not sure what will happen when they meet or how it will affect Natalie."
"You don’t have to worry about Natalie. And as for those two, it’s between two overly adult people. I have no desire to meddle in someone else’s private matters," Justin replied curtly.
"You... You’re just like your father. You two have no emotions at all, especially towards each other," Julia spat out angrily.
"Is that unusual?" Justin replied.
Julia couldn’t deny it and said, "I’m just worried about James. I don’t know what to do. Caryn and he are both stubborn people. I just don’t want James to end up hurt again. He’s been in pain for so long already."
"Then it’s better if they meet instead of hiding from each other," Justin said gently, trying to coax the old woman.
"But if James finds out that Natalie is his daughter, then..."
"Isn’t that what you always wanted, Julia?"
"But then, you and Natalie..." Julia stopped as she realized Justin had yet to tell her about them.
Justin didn’t hide anything and said, "I have a way for it. Natalie will return to the Harper family, and she will be with me as well."
There was silence on the other end before Julia spoke. "A-Are you going to revoke the adoption?"
"Yes," He replied without a tinge of hesitation.
Julia’s voice turned worried. "But then you will no longer be a Harper? You might have to give up the Harper Group once they know you are not James’ biological son. How would you..."
"I never wanted the Harper Group. Whether Natalie appeared in my life or not, I was going to give it up anyway. It was never mine to begin with. I have only been taking care of it to repay father for taking me in," Justin replied calmly, his tone resolute.
"Then what will you do?" Julia asked. "Starting a new business is not easy..." she mumbled, then added, "Don’t worry. I have enough wealth to support you and help you build your own business."
Justin chuckled softly at the adorable old woman. "You worry too much, Julia. You don’t have to do that, as I won’t be taking anything that belongs to the Harper family—except for their daughter."
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