Reborn From Oblivion

Nathan decisively cut in, "Sorry, Ashley, she's got a mom."

Ashley was taken aback, a wave of unease washing over her.

Nathan seemed to have an inside track on this girl's past. She couldn't figure out if Nathan had this special interest because of some unique connection with the girl's mom or if he just liked the sweet little girl and that got him curious about her parents. "Nathan, have you been keeping tabs on her for a while?" Ashley asked, her voice tinged with nervousness.noveldrama

"Yeah."

"Do you know her folks?"

Nathan paused briefly before answering, "You mean her real parents? Nope, don't know them."

Ashley exhaled, feeling somewhat relieved.

Later that day, Nathan brought the girl home. When they showed up at the mansion's doorstep, Dominick and the crew were all stirred up.

Especially Dominick, who had a soft spot for anything cute. He was head over heels for the little one.

"Boss, whose adorable princess is this?" he asked, eyes wide with wonder.

Nathan cut in sharply, "She's mine."

Lizzy, Dominick, and Ford stood there, jaws practically on the floor, like they were hit with a revelation.

"You're not even hitched, Boss?" Dominick blurted out in surprise.

Ford chimed in, "Is she your secret daughter?"

Lizzy added, "Sir, if Nathalie finds out about a daughter this big, she'll be really let down."

The little girl cowered behind Nathan, her eyes welling up with tears. "Daddy, do they not like me?" she asked, looking pitiful.

Nathan gently tousled her hair, "Minnie, they'll come around."

He scooped Minnie up in one arm, radiating fatherly love, then turned to

the trio with a stern look. "You've scared Minnie. Go take your punishment."

Dominick scratched his head awkwardly. "Boss, we can handle the punishment. I'm just worried Nathalie might have something to say about it later." "Where's Nathalie?" Nathan asked.

Lizzy leaned in and whispered, "She's inside."

Nathan, still holding Minnie, headed in.

Lizzy tried to stop him, "Sir, no woman wants to deal with an illegitimate child from the guy she likes."

Dominick was getting flustered.

"Boss, you're pushing it. You and Nathalie just made things official, and now you're springing this on her? She's bound to get upset."

Ford stood firm, blocking Nathan's path. "Boss, maybe keep Minnie out

of

cook with it before introducing Minnie."

Or now. Wait until Nathalie's

But Nathan just grinned confidently, "This is my engagement gift to Nathalie. She'll be thrilled."

Dominick and Ford nearly toppled over from his confidence as they held their ground, while Lizzy dashed inside.

"Nathalie!" Lizzy burst into Nathalie's room, her frantic energy startling Nathalie.

"What's all the hurry about?" Nathalie asked, puzzled.

Lizzy, looking a bit panicked, took hold of her. "Nathalie, I need to tell you something. Brace yourself."

Nathalie's expression turned serious. "What is it?"

"The boss..." Lizzy hesitated, "brought back a kid."

Nathalie's face softened. "He does have a thing for pets and kids. That's not too shocking."

But Lizzy continued, "The thing is, he said the little girl is his daughter."

Nathalie's teacup slipped from her hand, shattering on the floor.