Chapter 22 Caught in the Crossfire . Chapter 22 Caught in the Crossfire พล เ +20 Free Coins " I must've missed something - when did Mr. Jackson become the kind of man who imagines things that aren't there ? " " Imagine things ? " Jackson froze for a second , clearly caught off guard by her words . He didn't like that answer one bit . " I want this divorce , and I mean it . The only reason I came here today is because Grandpa kept saying he wanted to visit me while I was in the hospital . I promised I'd come see him after I was discharged . I didn't know he'd have you two come back too . " If she'd known they'd be here , she wouldn't have stepped foot in this house . But she left that part unsaid . " Then go convince Grandpa . Once you get him on board , I'll sign the papers . " " You're the one causing the problem . You should be the one fixing it - not me . " Natalie yanked her hand free from his grip . " What problem am I causing ? " Just as she turned to leave , Jackson suddenly raised his arms and trapped her between them . She couldn't move . Staring up at him , her voice was cold . " You're the one who crossed the line , and now you're questioning me ? Don't you think that's a little ridiculous ? " " I crossed the line ? " Jackson's gaze darkened . " What proof do you have that I did anything to betray you ? " She might not have caught him in the act - but his attitude toward Victoria spoke volumes . Especially the name he'd chosen for their son ... " Let go . " Natalie didn't want to argue anymore . She just wanted to leave . 1/3 6:20 Fri , Sep 26 Chapter 22 Caught in the Crossfire But Jackson gripped her arm tighter and pinned her against the wall . Just as he opened his mouth to speak , a deep voice came from the end of the hallway . " If you've got something to say , say it . No need to get physical ." Startled , both Natalie and Jackson turned at the same time . A familiar figure stepped into view . Marcus ? Why is he back ? 99 +20 Free Coins " Uncle Marcus , I was just ... a little worked up , " Jackson said , instinctively letting go of Natalie and furrowing his brow . Marcus glanced at him coldly , then turned his eyes to Natalie . Their gazes met - just for a second - before he looked away and fixed his attention back on Jackson . " You two arguing ? " Jackson hesitated . Natalie spoke up instead . " Just a disagreement . " " A disagreement ? Grandpa's against the divorce . He keeps trying to get us back together . When he saw her show up today , he insisted I bring Aiden too . If I'd known she was going to be here " " If I'd known you two were coming , I wouldn't have come at all . " Natalie cut him off coldly . " Do you really have to embarrass me like this ? " " Didn't Mr. Jackson humiliate me first ? " Natalie asked , a cold smirk tugging at her lips . Her eyes were sharp with frost . " You- " Jackson looked like he wanted to argue , but a voice interrupted him from down the hall . " Dinner's ready . " 2/3 6:21 Fri , Sep 26 Chapter 22 Caught in the Crossfire They all turned toward the kitchen . 1 :1 It was the housekeeper , calling them to the table . 420 120 Fres Coins Marcus was the first to turn back and address them . " You're both here , so just sit down and have a peaceful meal . Don't keep fighting in front of Grandpa . You know his health isn't great . As he spoke , his eyes lingered on Jackson - subtle , but unmistakably sharp . A warning . " I'll go get them , " Natalie said as she nodded toward Marcus . He shifted slightly , stepping aside to let her pass . As she walked by , her shoulder brushed gently against his arm . She caught the faint scent of his cool cologne . It lasted only a second , and then the space between them widened again . Marcus watched her go , his dark eyes unreadable . " Uncle Marcus , what brought you back today ? " " Grandpa asked me to join him for dinner . I didn't expect to see you both here too . " His voice was calm . " After the argument at the last family dinner , maybe Grandpa just wanted to smooth things over . " " I'm really sorry . Because of our mess , it must've left a terrible impression on all of you ... " " The person you should be apologizing to ... isn't us . " 3/3 In "A Lady Hard to Please" by CrushReels, a single mother makes a poignant return to the city she fled seven years ago. Her mission: to secure treatment for her son's leukemia, setting the stage for an emotional journey of love and resilience amidst past heartbreak. As her ex-lover reenters her life upon hearing of her return, old wounds resurface, sparking a complex web of emotions and decisions that delve deep into themes of forgiveness, second chances, and the enduring power of love. This modern romance novel stands out for its raw portrayal of familial bonds tested by adversity, offering readers a compelling exploration of human strength and vulnerability. With a captivating blend of heart-wrenching moments and tender revelations, "A Lady Hard to Please" promises a captivating read that lingers in the heart long after the final page. Available to read online at CrushReel for those seeking a tale that transcends boundaries and speaks to the resilience of the human spirit.