When Martin Doyle had first started causing trouble at the Helios Institute for Advanced Minds, Kate had desperately tried to stop him, but to no avail. Because of the scenes he made, Natalie had been forced to leave.
"That boy Patrick liked you. He came to our house a few times. He was so polite, bright, and scholarly. I really liked him. If your father hadn't set you up, you never would have ended up with Darren, gotten pregnant with his child, and married him. If it weren't for that, maybe you would have married Patrick and been happier."
"Mom, let's not discuss hypotheticals. And Patrick was just my senior. It wasn't like you think."
"You're right. A lot of things are hypothetical, and it's useless to talk about them. I shouldn't dwell on Patrick."
Kate sighed with regret.
"Alright, Mom, don't overthink it."
"By the way, Darren said that Hanley's birthday is in two days. He said you must attend. You and your son have had so many unpleasant incidents recently, this would be a good opportunity to smooth things over. A woman's life revolves around her husband and children. You can't let Hanley resent you."
"It's too late. He already resents me. He resents me for hurting his aunt. Let him be."
"Natalie, how can you..."
Before Kate could finish, Natalie cut in, "Mom, you've spent your entire life compromising for me and my sister, and you're still covered in bruises. The most important thing now is to divorce that man."
"But..."
"No buts. This time, I won't let you go back to that hell."
***
Kate was settled in at the Lockwood estate. Natalie went to the study to thank Terence.
"Mr. Lockwood, thank you. As soon as I find a place, I'll have my mother move out."
"A number of our long-time staff have recently retired, and we're currently shorthanded. I was hoping your mother might be willing to work for the Lockwood family. The benefits are better than what she'd find elsewhere. And earning her own money, no matter how much, will give her a sense of security."
How could Natalie not understand? Terence was just trying to help her mother.

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