Reborn From Oblivion

Lincoln shot up from his seat, clearly agitated. "That's just not gonna fly."

"Even if I'm not your biggest fan, my daughter is, and whatever she holds dear, no one's gonna snatch away."

Ashley fumed, "Uncle, my cousin's getting away with murder here. Instead of setting her straight, you're just letting it slide?"

Lincoln's attitude towards his niece shifted instantly. "Ashley, you need to leave. You're not welcome around here anymore."

Morris, on the other hand, continued savoring his meal in a calm, collected manner. Only after setting down his bowl did he decide to weigh in on the drama.

"Ashley, I'm not going anywhere with you."

He had plans to leave, but not in this manner.

Ashley was baffled, "Nathan, why? I thought you weren't into my cousin?"

A look of surprise flashed in Morris's mesmerizing eyes: this was the wildest misunderstanding yet. Just because he'd shown a hint of wanting some space from Nathalie, Ashley took it as him not liking her?

How on earth could he not be fond of Nathalie?

From the very first moment he saw her, Nathalie had captured his heart.

"Ashley, even if I were to leave, it would have to be Nathalie who sees me off. You and I barely know each other." His voice softened, filled with warmth and affection whenever he spoke of Nathalie.

He figured if he had to leave, he wanted Nathalie to come to terms with it peacefully. Her fragile nature couldn't handle being upset repeatedly.

Ashley, however, was green with envy, her eyes welling up with tears. "Nathan, I'm your fiancée. Do you have any idea how long I waited for you outside the prison yesterday?"

Lincoln's eyes widened in shock. "What, you've been incarcerated?" Right then, his mind flooded with images of dangerous criminals or deceitful tricksters.

There was no way he'd let his

daughter get tangled up with

someone like that. To him, she was as innocent as a lamb, only to be misled by such types, endingin heartbreak.

With a gulp, Lincoln surprisingly found common ground with Ashley. "Nathan, since you're engaged to my niece, you'd better go with her. L'If talk to my daughter and make sure she doesn't cause you any more trouble."

Morris could easily sense the disdain in Dustin's tone.

A bittersweet smile crept across his striking, composed face.

Really, what father would happily hand over his darling daughter to a guy with a

criminal past?

He nodded quietly in acknowledgment.

Still

Lincoed about Nathalie, he gave

Lincoln a heads-up, "If your daughter comes back, upset and looking for

men

what's your plan?"noveldrama

Lincoln confidently thumped his chest, "She's a powerhouse in business, not the type to cry over a guy."

Morris replied, "It's best if you can comfort her. If not, you know where to find me." Lincoln grinned smugly, "Relax, my daughter won't be bothering you anymore." Morris nodded quietly and wheeled himself out.

Ashley quickly caught up, "Nathan, let me help you with the wheelchair."

Outside, the rain was coming down in sheets, showing no signs of letting up.

Thankfully, a covered walkway connected the two houses. Ashley pushed Morris through it, leading them back to the main house.

Once Morris had left, Lincoln patted his chest and breathed a sigh of relief.