CEO's Passion: Love by Mistake

“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. Regardless 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.”