hapter 197 Blood and Truth The crowd erupted in screams , panic rippling everywhere . The falling ride clipped Baron's back with its edge . He staggered , nearly dropping Sean from his arms . Natalie's heart shattered at the sight . " Baron ! " She couldn't wait any longer . She bolted forward , the bodyguards rushing after her . Susie burst into sobs the moment she saw Baron spit blood . " Daddy ! " Sean , pressed tight in his arms , felt the hot spray of blood across his face . The metallic tang filled his nose , shocking him into silence before fear overtook him . " Daddy , no !
" " Sean , don't be scared . I'm fine . " Even in pain , even barely able to stay on his feet , Baron forced himself to smile , his gaze steady and warm as it locked on his son's tearful eyes . " You're a man . This was just an accident . Daddy's not going anywhere , and neither are you . Do you hear me ? " " But Daddy , you're bleeding ... " Sean's tears fell in heavy drops , unstoppable now . He fumbled with his little hands , trying to wipe away the blood at Baron's mouth , but no matter how much he wiped , the red wouldn't disappear .
When Natalie reached them , the sight nearly undid her . Her throat burned with tears . " Baron ... Sean ... ' She grabbed Baron's arm to steady him . It was the first time Baron had ever heard her call his name so directly . Not " Baron Scott , " not 1/3 the formal , cold address she always used - just his name . He smiled faintly . " I'm fine . " Natalie said nothing . She pulled Sean into her arms , speaking softly to both children . " Sean , Susie , it's alright . It was just an accident . I'll have the bodyguards take you home first , okay ? Mommy has to take Daddy to the hospital .
" " We're going too ! " Sean insisted . Susie said nothing , but her red - rimmed eyes followed her brother's lead . Natalie had no choice but to agree . The guards escorted them toward the car . Sirens soon wailed in the distance - police , firefighters , ambulances rushing to the scene . Natalie supported Baron carefully . " Can you really hold on ? Maybe we should call an ambulance ." " No need . The edge just caught me . Some bruising , nothing broken . Don't worry too much . " His back was searing with pain , but Baron knew his own body well . It wasn't as serious as it looked .
The blood had been from the shock , not a mortal wound . Still , seeing Natalie's tears for him filled him with a strange happiness . " Natalie ... do I have a place in your heart ? " " Are you insane ? You're coughing blood and you're still asking that ? " Her voice trembled . " Baron , I don't even know if I should yell at you or thank you . When danger hit , I hated myself for being useless . You reached Sean first , and as his mother I'm grateful - but watching you bleed , I thought my chest would split open . From the start , you've been in my heart .
Maybe I don't love you deeply yet , but you're my husband , the father of my children , the man I want to spend my life with . Seeing you hurt tears me apart ." Baron suddenly felt lighter , as if the injury hardly mattered anymore . He had always thought Natalie stayed with him only out of duty - because of the children , because she had no choice . But now , hearing her words , the shadow over his heart lifted . So what if she didn't love him deeply yet ? 2/3 As long as he had a place in her heart , even a small one , there was hope . A spark that could grow into a fire .
He leaned against her with a quiet murmur . " Wife , I really do hurt . " " Then lean on me . I'll get you into the car , and we'll go straight to the hospital . " Natalie held him up and hurried them into the vehicle . The driver sped off immediately . Baron's voice was hoarse , but firm . " Call Yvonne . Have her investigate why that ride failed . And spread word of what happened . I refuse to believe this was just an accident ." Natalie stiffened . " You think someone did this on purpose ? " Her chest clenched at the thought . If it was true , then whoever had planned it was monstrous .
The ride had been packed with families , with children . Baron met her eyes , his own dark with certainty . " There's no proof yet . But I won't let it slide . Let the world see . Then we'll find out . "