A Man with Nerves of Steel (Joseph Hart) novel Chapter 201

Chapter 201

Hearing Natalie’s reproach made Joseph feel conflicted and incredibly bitter inside.

Natalie was getting more rebellious and strong-willed by the day, but the only person she yielded to was the wealthy and influential Cora.

And she grew increasingly dismissive of him as a father, seeing him as nothing more than an ordinary doctor and a househusband with no real earning power.

For Natalie to become less reliant on him and learn to think for herself was actually a good thing for her personal growth; however, right now, she was acting like someone who would bite the hand that feeds her.

“Be strong, Selena. If you become weak too, people will walk all over you in the future. Alright, I’m done lecturing you guys. It’s getting late. You should both get to bed. I’ve been working all day, and I’m starving. I’m just going to whip up sornething to eat.”

“Dad, I’m hungry too. I want some food as well.”

Selena wiped at her tears, but they wouldn’t stop falling. It was as if she were completely made of water.

Joseph looked over at Natalie. With an aloof attitude, she said she was on a diet, but she still couldn’t help glancing at the ingredients in his hands. She suppressed her urge to eat and went upstairs.

Natalie didn’t go to her room, though. Instead, she stood in the hallway, silently gazing down from above.

Soon, Joseph had the late-night snack ready. He and Selena sat around the kitchen island, devouring the mac and cheese.

Just then, Cora came out of the room. Seeing Selena crying while she ate made Cora feel emotional. But she merely frowned and said nothing.

When she noticed Natalie secretly watching from upstairs, she walked over to her and followed Natalie into her room.

“Why are you putting on airs when we’re all family? If you want to eat, go downstairs and ask your father to share some with you, or have him make you more.”

“Selena said that if you and Jo… I mean, if you and Dad get a divorce, she’ll choose him over you. But Dad doesn’t want her.”

Natalie tested the waters. She waited for Cora’s reaction, already prepared to be scolded. Cora fell silent, but her expression had already changed.

“Why are you forcing me to admit to something I didn’t do?”

Cora was furious and deeply disappointed. This was exactly what family conflict looked like. Even so, she forced herself to remain calm, knowing that the more critical the moment, the more she had to keep a level head.

“You keep lying to yourself, living in your own little world. So how are we even supposed to talk to you? We can’t communicate at all!”

Natalie shook off Cora’s hand before smoothing out her shirt. “Mom, do you know that it’s not just Dad and me anymore? Grandpa and Grandma are also out looking for our real father. The facts are all there. It’s only a matter of time before we uncover the truth.

“So why can’t you just come clean right now? Are you really going to keep hiding it until our family completely falls apart? Will you only tell us the truth then?”

“Every single one of you… You’re going to drive me crazy!”

At that moment, Cora felt as though everyone had turned against her. Her face grew increasingly cold, but a hint of hesitation stirred in her heart.

Had the things she had done in the past really been a mistake?