After their heartfelt conversation, Hector and Natalie shared a quiet smile. He gently took her hand and led her to get her wound rebandaged.
"I heard Goodwill Pharmacy has a famous scar-removal ointment," he said. "Once your scab falls off, I'll pick some up for you."
"Alright! Thank you, Hector." Natalie accepted his kindness without hesitation—and without revealing that she owned Goodwill Pharmacy.
She also kept quiet about Sophia, who was still recovering there. The fewer people who knew about her connection to the place, the better.
Natalie's welcome party was approaching quickly. As Sky's girlfriend, Sophia was expected to attend. Otherwise, people would start making assumptions.
Marcus had kept her injury quiet so far, and now seemed like the perfect time to let others know.
Natalie frowned. She'd have to swing by Goodwill Pharmacy later to talk to Marcus and see how he wanted to handle things.
"Alright, let's go to the hospital. I'll let Olivia and Timothy know we're leaving," she said.
"Sure. Your welcome party's tomorrow, Nat. Are you getting nervous?" Hector asked, his gaze warm with affection.
Recently, Natalie had grown closer to the Walkers, and it was something that brought them joy.
With her striking looks, she was bound to be the center of attention at the welcome party. Had she not been taken by the wrong family as a baby, she would have grown up among Dithoria State's young elites.
She and Marcus would have been childhood sweethearts instead of strangers who had broken off an engagement. Well, perhaps slightly better than strangers since Charles' connection to the Walkers kept some thread between them.
Hector didn't return to his room. Instead, he lingered outside, waiting until Natalie came running to meet him.
She was dressed in a light-gray hooded sweatshirt, loose light-blue jeans, and white sneakers. Her hair was casually swept into a bun, and her natural, makeup-free face was refined and pure.
Her smile always made her eyebrows arch just right. Her smooth, fair skin seemed to shimmer in the sunlight, highlighting the fine features of her face.
A few words surfaced in Hector's mind—youthful, beautiful, pure, gentle, and full of life. And this was his little sister. The thought brought a sense of contentment and pride in him. His whole demeanor softened as he looked at her.
"Alright, let's go," he said.
Natalie walked up to him and replied with a smile, "Sure."
"I'll call Marcus. After seeing Emma, go with him to visit Mr. Holden Senior."
"Okay, sounds good," Natalie replied. She needed to check on Charles' recovery anyway.
Once Hector finished his call with Marcus, Natalie took the wheel while he dozed off in the passenger seat. By the time they reached the hospital, Marcus was already waiting.
Natalie parked and reached over to nudge Hector. "We're here, Hector."
Hector blinked awake. "That was fast."
"Yup."
"Let's go!"
They exited the car just as Marcus ended his call. His gaze darkened slightly when he spotted Natalie.
"Ms. Walker, we cross paths again," he remarked.
"Marcus, go with Nat to see Emma," Hector said. "I'll stay in the car and get some rest. Tomorrow is Nat's welcome party, and I need to be in good shape."
"Alright, Hector. Take it easy," Natalie said before turning to Marcus. "Let's go, Mr. Holden."
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