When Natalie didn't reply, Jacqueline smirked and pressed on. "What's wrong, Ms. Smith? Have I put you in a spot?"

Natalie stood with her head lowered, trying to hide her expression. "I'm sorry, Ms. Graham. I have no intention of discussing the identity of the father for now. I'll take my leave first." As soon as she got her words out, Natalie promptly headed upstairs.

Shane seemed lost in contemplation as he watched her retreating figure.

Noticing how concerned he was toward Natalie, Jacqueline bit her lips and forced a smile. "Shane, have I said something wrong? Did my words hit Ms. Smith's nerve?"

"Alright, that's enough. You should go back to the hospital."

"But I only just got here," Jacqueline whined with a pout.

Shane got up from the sofa and shot her a stoic gaze. "You're still not well enough to be discharged. Being away from the hospital for too long wouldn't do you any good. Come on. I'll send you back." Jacqueline had no choice but to follow suit. "Shane, can I stay here once I get discharged?" she asked while looking at Shane expectantly.

"Here at my place?"

"Yes!" Jacqueline nodded fervently.

Shane arched his brow in slight annoyance. "Haven't I already transferred your family's villa to you?"

"I don't want to live alone," Jacqueline whimpered while holding on to Shane's arm. "Now that my parents are gone, being there by myself brings back sad memories. I'm sure you can understand how I feel, can't you?"

Shane's face fell as if having thought of something. "Okay, I got it. I'll arrange a room for you here once you get discharged from the hospital.”

"Thank you, Shane!" Jacqueline exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear.

With that settled, Shane led Jacqueline out of the villa to send her back to the hospital.

Natalie watched them leaving together from the balcony upstairs, a wave of jealousy suddenly coming over her.

However, this feeling went away as quickly as it came.

After all, she could understand that with Jacqueline's health, Shane wouldn't be able to rest easy if he didn't send her back himself.

Natalie was so engrossed in her thoughts that she didn't realize Connor had joined her on the balcony. "Mommy, are you looking at Daddy and Ms. Graham?" he suddenly asked.

"Baby, you know Ms. Graham?" Natalie replied, her face masked in shock.

I don't think I've ever introduced Jacqueline to the kids, have I?

Connor nodded earnestly. "I do. I heard her voice when I was in Uncle Stanley's ward."

So that's how it is.

"You're right. That's Ms. Graham."

"Does she know Daddy well?" Connor once again asked innocently.

After a moment's hesitation, Natalie decided to be honest with her son. "Yes. They were childhood sweethearts."

"Oh, I see."

Before Natalie could say anything else, Connor added, "I don't like her."

"Why not?"

If memory served her correctly, this would be the second time Connor had voiced his dislike for Jacqueline.

The first time he said it was when they were in Stanley's ward.

Connor stared into the distance and pouted. "She's not a good person. She stared very coldly at Sharon and me. I can tell she hates us."

It was impressive how perceptive Connor was for a boy his age, but Natalie wasn't too surprised by his words. She crouched down and hugged him gently. "That's because Ms. Graham likes Daddy. So naturally, she doesn't like us."

"I see. But I still don't like Daddy being so close with her."

Natalie patted his head lovingly and smiled. "Alright, that's an issue between adults. You're just a kid, so don't worry about it. You still have time to play with your sister before your tutor comes."

True to his words, Shane had already found a teacher to start Connor's elite training. Natalie only hoped that her son could persevere and excel in his training.

With Connor off to play with Sharon, Natalie stayed on the balcony until she could no longer stand the cold anymore.

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