Chapter 1249

“You love me so much?” Skylar asked.

“Of course, I love you! When you return to Murida, please stay safe. I’ve heard things are unstable there lately. Once you find Joe, bring him back as soon as possible. Nowhere is as good as here. This place has your family, and me.” Natalie’s voice trembled with emotion. She couldn't bear the thought of Skylar leaving and worried deeply for her. Learning of Joe's possible survival had genuinely made her happy for Skylar. Three years—neither short nor long—yet Skylar never gave up searching for him, even when everyone else believed him dead. Natalie couldn't imagine Skylar's pain.

“What time is your flight tomorrow? I’ll take you,” she offered.

“It’s an afternoon flight. You’ve been a night owl lately; get some rest. My brother will take me,” Skylar replied.

Natalie nodded. “Alright. My sleep schedule is awful.”

They talked for a while longer. Just as Skylar was leaving, Natalie received a call.

“Mr. Powell’s hurt?” she exclaimed, shocked. “How? He cut his arm on a prop? Lost a lot of blood? I’ll go back immediately!”

Hurriedly ending the call, Natalie turned to Skylar. “Mr. Powell was injured filming. It seems serious. I need to go.”

“Alright, go quickly,” Skylar said, watching Natalie rush off.

Natalie, it seemed, was the only one blind to her own feelings. News of Austin's injury filled her with intense worry.

Two hours later, in a hospital room, most of the crew had left. Austin’s wound had been treated. However, due to significant blood loss and the wound's severity, he needed a two-day hospital stay for infection monitoring.

Seeing Austin was stable, Natalie prepared to leave, but he called out to her.

Chapter 1249

Once alone, Austin asked, “Were you worried about me?”

Natalie looked at his pale, blood-drained face. She didn’t hesitate. “You were hurt in my shop; of course, I was worried. Thankfully, you’re okay, Mr. Powell.”

Natalie’s polite distance and formality silenced Austin. An awkward silence settled, making Natalie uneasy.

“It’s late. I won’t bother you, Mr. Powell. I’ll visit tomorrow,” she said, her heart racing under his gaze. She felt a rising panic, fearing she might lose control.

“Wait,” Austin said.

Natalie paused, their eyes met. His expression softened, a hint of resignation in his voice. “Am I really that scary?”

Natalie blurted out, “I don’t want to be a lamb to your tiger. Mr. Powell, your family wouldn’t accept me. We’re from different worlds. Being together would mean insurmountable challenges—challenges feelings can’t overcome.”