It seemed there were some matters—and some people—Natalie would have to face directly. Baron bristled at Loretta’s words. “Who does she think she is? You treat her with respect, and she really thinks she’s some grand figure? Don’t tell me she had no idea what her son was doing all those years. You were with Jensen for five years; maybe she treated you decently on the surface, but when he married Sharon without telling you, where was she? That alone shows she wasn’t good to you.” And listen to what that old woman had said. Upset because Natalie hadn’t gone to visit her, claiming she had treated her well. If she had truly cared, where had she been when Sharon bullied Natalie, when Jensen trampled on her, when her hand was broken? When Natalie had nearly died in the fire, Loretta hadn’t shed a single tear, hadn’t spoken a single word of regret. And now she dared put on the act of some mighty elder? Baron could barely restrain the urge to find someone to beat Loretta to a pulp. Hearing him, Natalie suddenly realized he was right. Yes. The kindness Loretta had shown her was only because she had been Jensen’s girlfriend, and because she had saved Jensen’s life five years ago. That so-called kindness had been nothing more than not meddling in her relationship and sending her a red envelope during holidays. And if she compared it, one of her designs was worth more than those gifts combined. As Jensen’s mother, Loretta was competent—she didn’t interfere in her son’s affairs. But as for being genuinely good to Natalie, there had been nothing especially noteworthy. A wry smile tugged at Natalie’s lips.How starved for love must I have been, to mistake simple politeness for genuine care? Baron saw the sadness flicker in her eyes and instantly regretted speaking so bluntly. “Sweetheart, don’t be sad. I was just running my mouth. If you really think that old woman is good to you, then fine. I’ll go with you.” Natalie warmed at the concern in his gaze. “No need. Deep down I know, what people offered me was courtesy, not true affection. I was simply too deprived of love. In the Summers family, yes, they fed and clothed me, but they were strict, distant. Since I was little, I envied other children who could be doted on in their parents’ arms; I never could. After I left the Summers family, I couldn’t find my birth parents, drifting like a rootless weed; of course I felt hollow inside. So when someone showed me even a little kindness, I clung to it as if it were sunlight, as if it were salvation. In the end, it was my problem.” Her words made Baron’s heart ache. “Don’t be afraid. From now on, you’ll have me, the children, and the Stone family. I can see it—Ruby and Waylon truly care for you. But even if you don’t trust them, it doesn’t matter. You’ll always have me and the kids by your side. You’ll never lack love again.” “I know. Honestly, what I’m most grateful to you for is giving me the greatest gift in this world, my two children, bound to me by blood.” At the mention of the children, Natalie’s eyes softened with tenderness. Baron, however, felt a flicker of jealousy. “And me? Don’t you feel grateful for me?” “I do.” Natalie was used to his constant need for reassurance, his half-jealous, half-possessive nature. They talked for a while longer, until Natalie finally decided she would go meet Loretta on her own. “Sweetheart, do you feel ashamed to be seen with me?” Baron looked at her with exaggerated hurt. Natalie nearly laughed out loud. “Don’t be ridiculous. If you were something to be ashamed of, then no one in this world would be worth being seen with. It’s just that the kids are still unsettled after what happened at the amusement park. As parents, we can’t both leave. They feel more secure with you; they lean on you more. Stay with them—I’ll be back for dinner tonight.” Her words made Baron pause. He was worried Loretta might give Natalie trouble—after all, that woman was no easy opponent. But since Natalie wanted to handle it herself, he couldn’t force his way in. “All right. What do you want for dinner? I’ll cook for you myself.” “Anything you make, I’ll love.” Before she met Baron, Natalie hadn’t even known men could cook. Back in the Summers family, it was always the servants in the kitchen. Quincy cooked once in a while, but Jordan never so much as stepped through the door. Later, life with Jensen was even worse. He was so pampered his hands had never touched dishwater. Every time, he only needed to say what he wanted, and Natalie would spend half the day in the kitchen making it for him.