The Imposter Bride by Sallie Woods

Chapter 197

Natalia’s heart was in turmoil, and the anticipation of seeing her mother left her in a bundle of nerves. She was so lost in her thoughts that she’d forgotten Callum was still holding her.

Under the cover of night, the trio exited Callum’s mansion, climbed into the car, and set off for Lena’s residence. Inside the vehicle, Henry finally broke the heavy silence, “Callum, if you knew that Ms. Clarkson might be Ms. Lena’s daughter, why didn’t you say anything?”

Callum shot a glance at Henry, flashing a look that screamed “shut up.” Henry saw Callum’s dark expression, and wisely refrained from asking any more questions. They were almost at Ms. Lena’s house, and the truth would soon be unveiled. He didn’t mind waiting a bit longer.

Soon, the car pulled up in front of an English–style building. This was where Lena, Rowell McKinney’s secretary, lived. Perhaps due to work, Lena’s residence was quite close to Henry’s mansion.

Callum was the first to step out of the car, helping Natalia out, and patiently waiting for her to descend. As for Henry, he didn’t get such treatment. He pushed open the car door and walked straight to the front entrance, pressing the doorbell.

Natalia stepped out of the car, noticing Henry had already rung the bell. Her hands were clenched nervously. Her heart was a mess. She was terrified at the thought of Lena being her biological mother, yet equally afraid if she wasn’t.

“Who’s there?” Following the ring of the doorbell, a soft voice echoed from inside the house, followed by the sound of shuffling slippers.

The door opened, revealing a slender, tall woman. She was dressed in a beige maxi dress. Her hair was in loose curls, and she had a forlorn expression on her face as she opened

the door.

Lena looked at Henry standing at the door in confusion. “Mr. Henry, it’s late. What brings you here?”

discuss with you. Won’t you invite us in?” Henry asked in

cordial tone.

herself in slight discomfort. “I’m sorry,

wish

to Natalia and Callum standing by the car. “Actually, Ms.

Lena saw the Frerotte family’s car. When her eyes fell on Natalia, her face paled instantly. She clutched the door tightly, staring at the girl by the car. Was that Buttercup? But her daughter had been dead

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girl?

Henry, it’s late. Let’s talk tomorrow.” With that, Lena turned and walked back inside, quickly shutting the door

happened, the door was firmly shut. Henry blinked in surprise. He hadn’t expected things to have turned out this way.

and herself, the door was abruptly closed. She hung her head in disappointment, and

a child. Why would she want to acknowledge her now? But was she really Natalia’s

splashed onto the ground, breaking Callum’s heart.

shut door opened. Lena slowly emerged, tears streaming down her face, but her gaze was

now was not the time to acknowledge her. From Callum’s tone, it seemed he already knew about her. She gently approached Natalia with a sorrowful look on her face. “Kid, can we talk

walking towards Lena. She slowly

door closed behind them, leaving Callum and Henry outside. It was a typical English–styled house, neatly furnished and cozy. Lena gently guided Natalia to sit, studying her face carefully, as

daughter? You didn’t die?”

at the woman before her, struck by their uncanny resemblance. “Ms. Lena, my name is Natalia. Are

say the name Natalia, she clung onto her, crying even harder. Natalia looked helplessly at the woman sobbing in front of her, and her own eyes began welling up. After a moment, Lena wiped her tears and looked at Natalia again. “I’m sorry, Buttercup. It was all my fault. I