Beside her were another two figures, one older and one younger.

When Natalie’s gaze shifted to their faces, her eyes widened in shock. “It’s them!” she cried out instinctively.

The other two accompanying Mercede, Andre and his daughter Annie, were familiar faces to Natalie. She had previously met them at a wedding Stanley had brought her to, where they were introduced to Natalie as the groom’s family members.

Why are they here now? Natalie was puzzled.

Shane had also recognized the Hills and was likewise slightly taken aback by their presence there. However, he was more practiced at concealing his emotions and wiped off the look of surprise on his face as quickly as it appeared.

Alerted by Natalie’s cry, Mercede and the Hills turned unanimously in Shane and Natalie’s direction.

When Mercede caught sight of Natalie, her dark eyes lit up. Disregarding the two behind her, Mercede extended her arms toward Natalie, exclaiming in delight, “My dear, you’ve finally come to visit! I’ve missed you so much!”

Natalie stood up and ran toward Mercede with equal enthusiasm. The two women embraced and air-kissed each other on both cheeks. “Ms. Mackenzie, I’m back! I’ve missed you too. Happy birthday!”

“Thank you, my dear,” Mercede said earnestly, holding Natalie’s hands tightly.

yet to catch a glimpse of Natalie. They were, however, immediately confounded by the sight of Shane sitting on the sofa.

 

disentangled herself and said, “Ms. Mackenzie, there’s someone

Hills. Affably, he stood

 

him, her eye lit up instantly, and her

exuberant to detect any change in Mercede. Gesturing to Shane, she announced, “Ms. Mackenzie, this

had already taken a huge step forward

exposed Natalie to the Hill’s curious stares,

“Dad, she…” Annie gasped.

shook his head violently, indicating for Annie to hold

her gaze from her father to Natalie, Annie’s mouth hung open as if her question still dangled therein. After a while,

noticed the Hills’ strange behavior. She was

gave his shoulder a good pat, saying, “He gets full marks for

flustered. Whatever judgment he was expecting Mercede to issue, that was

toward her, whispering, “Ms.

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