She Was Never Just the Billionaire’s Wife (Natasha and Chase) novel Chapter 114

(Nathanial)

"I haven’t been able to find any information on Nat Bailey."

Padilla’s voice crackles over my car’s Bluetooth, competing with the sound of the wind rushing past the windows.

"You said everyone leaves a digital footprint," I say, my grip tightening on the steering wheel.

"Social media, tax records, a lease agreement. You’re telling me a woman in her late twenties just doesn't exist online?"

"I’m telling you the name is a dead end," Padilla replies, sounding tired.

"I’ve run every Nat, Natasha, and Natalie Bailey in the country that matches your timeline. None of them have a history that aligns with your sister. If she’s out there, she isn't using that name."

"Keep digging," I say, and end the call.

Frustration burns in the back of my throat, thick and sour.

I take the next off-ramp and start driving in a new direction.

My mother can make all of this a lot easier if she’d just give me the information I need.

The damp, salty air hits me the second I step out of the car.

I march up the wooden steps and push the front door open.

I’m ready to corner my mother and force her to stop speaking in riddles.

Instead, I walk into the living room and find Sonia.

She’s curled up on the sofa, wearing a cashmere sweater, scrolling aggressively through her phone.

She looks up when the door shuts and her eyes narrow instantly.

"What are you doing here?" she snaps.

"I could ask you the same thing," I shoot back, my bad mood instantly deteriorating further.

"I thought you were busy playing house at the Warren estate. Did Eleanor kick you out?"

Sonia glares at me.

"I wanted a change of scenery."

She’s lying, but I don’t have the patience to figure out how she managed to screw up this time.

"Where’s Mom?" I ask, walking past her toward the kitchen.

"Upstairs," Sonia says.

She stands up, crossing her arms.

"And you need to leave her alone, Nathanial. You’re upsetting her. This whole obsession of yours is ridiculous. You should just let things go and move forward."

I turn around slowly. "Move forward?"

"Yes. It’s been decades. You’re tearing this family apart over someone who isn't even here."

A hot, blinding spike of anger hits my chest.

"She’s not here because she was abandoned, Sonia. She was robbed of her entire family. Have you ever, for one single second, stopped to consider what her life must have been like? Or are you completely incapable of caring about anyone who isn't you?"

"Oh, please," Sonia sneers, her voice rising.

"Don't lecture me about how hard she had it. Do you know what it was like for me? Growing up in the shadow of a saint who wasn't even in the house?"

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