Chapter 235 A Gaze Poisoned with Malice

William listened carefully to Natalie's words. After a long moment, he nodded. "Nat, your mother and I have already missed 20 years of your life. Now that you're back, we won't let anyone step over you. Not even Emma, whom we raised for 20 years." His firm and unwavering words stirred something deep within her, making her eyes involuntarily redden. When Selena returned, the Langleys drove Natalie out without hesitation. At the time, she envied Selena for having parents who loved her unconditionally. The first time she came to the Walker family, Charlotte refused to let her in. Instead, she focused on comforting a heartbroken Emma, devastated by her broken engagement with Marcus. That night, she had decided she would never acknowledge Charlotte as her mother. But at some point, she started to feel the warmth of parental love from Charlotte and William. She couldn't pinpoint exactly when it happened, but she clearly remembered Mason's words and the crystal ball he gave her when they