Chapter 498

Natalie stared at the burning villa on Yvonne’s phone screen, her face pale but her expression hard. “They’re after the disk,” she said quietly.
Yvonne’s heart sank. “I’m sorry. It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have brought it back to the Stone Villa.”
Ruby, the only one who remained completely calm, shook her head. “Silly girl, this isn’t your fault. It looks like someone’s been watching you all along. But that’s all right-it’s just a house. The children aren’t there, and no one should be hurt. Let’s get to Brian’s first. We’ll deal with everything once we’re safe.”
Her steady tone grounded everyone. With Waylon gone, Ruby had become the calm center of
the storm.
Baron drove fast toward the Mateo estate as Natalie called Zoey to let her know they were on their way. Not long after, the Mateo family’s butler came out to greet them.
“Mr. Waylon, Ms. Stone, Mr. Baron, Ms. Yvonne-please, come in.”
Baron killed the engine and stepped out, walking alongside Natalie and the others through the gate.
“Daddy! Mommy!”
Susie and Sean’s bright voices rang out as they ran from the garden toward them, little faces lighting up in joy.
Baron instinctively moved forward, catching both children before they could crash into Natalie. He scooped them up, laughing softly. “You two are drenched in sweat! What’s so fun at Mr. Payne’s place that you forgot how to stop playing?”
Natalie frowned slightly, worried about his injuries. “Put them down. You’re still healing—
stitches.” you’ll tear your
The children froze. “Daddy, you’re hurt?” Sean’s eyes widened, and Susie’s lips quivered. “Daddy, put us down! We can walk!”
Their anxious little faces made Baron smile warmly. “All right, you can walk. But no roughhousing. Mommy isn’t feeling well, so be good, okay?”
That was when the children noticed Natalie’s pale face. “Mommy, are you sick too?” Susie asked, eyes full of concern.
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Chapter 497 Flames and Shadows
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Natalie crouched down and smoothed her daughter’s hair. “No, sweetheart. Mommy just remembered something unpleasant. I’ll be fine in a bit.”
Ruby’s eyes softened, but the mention of fire made her heart clench. She thought of the flames in the video and of the fire that had almost taken Natalie’s life once before. The fear had clearly never left her daughter’s heart.
“Come on, kids,” Ruby said gently. “Grandma will take you inside.”
“Okay!”
The two children took Ruby’s hands happily. They hadn’t seen her in a long time, and the joy on their faces made Ruby’s chest tighten with both love and guilt.
Flynn started to speak, but stopped when he saw Baron holding Natalie’s hand protectively, her body leaning softly against him. Her face looked a little better now, so he kept his mouth shut.
“Let’s go find Brian,” Flynn said finally, glancing at Yvonne. The two of them led the way inside.
The group soon reached the living room, where Aubree came out to greet them personally.
“Mr. Waylon, you’re here! Come in, please!” she said warmly, motioning for the butler to prepare tea before walking quickly up to Natalie.
“Natalie, I’ve been waiting for you.”
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Natalie blinked, puzzled. “Waiting for me? What for?”
Aubree smiled mysteriously. “I have a gift for you. I was planning to bring it to the Stone Villa, but since you’re here, I’ll go get it now.”
She turned and started toward the hallway when the sound of an engine rumbled outside.
“My dad’s back?” Aubree paused mid-step and looked toward the door.
Baron exchanged a sharp glance with Flynn, then immediately moved in front of Natalie, shielding her. Flynn, reading the cue, gathered the children in his arms.
The car outside came to a stop. Payne entered moments later, flanked by two assistants.
“Dad, you’re home!” Aubree called out, smiling. “Natalie and the others are here–I was just about to call you.”
Payne’s gaze swept across the group. When he saw Ruby, he froze in mild surprise, then broke
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Chapter 497 Flames and Shadows
into an amiable smile. “What an honor. You’re here too?”
“Yes,” Ruby said softly. “Sorry for intruding.”
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Though her illness and years of seclusion had made her uncomfortable around strangers, she forced herself to smile. It came out stiff, but for Ruby, even that effort was remarkable.
Payne nodded kindly. “You’re always welcome here. Please, make yourselves comfortable.”
But beneath the politeness, Baron noticed something in Payne’s eyes—a flicker of curiosity, perhaps even wariness—as if the man already sensed that this visit wasn’t just social.
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