Natalia admired Lexi from across the room, thinking just how brave she truly was. If she were in Lexi's shoes, she doubted she'd have the guts to go back.
"What happened then?"
"Then?" Lexi's voice cracked, and tears started streaming down her cheeks again. "Then, I finally saw a woman walking out of the mansion with my little Mason. She was young and beautiful, but she wasn't Rita. I guessed she might’ve been Callum's new wife. I took advantage of the fact she was alone, knocked her out, and fled with Mason out of the UK."
"Wowza!" Natalia was thoroughly impressed. "Lexi, you're like a hero! How did you muster the courage to snatch your kid back?"
"If Callum claimed Mason wasn't his, why would I ever leave my boy there?" Lexi said, her eyes gleaming with a mother's fierce determination. "You haven't met Mason. He's like a little cherub. I'd risk everything to make sure he doesn't suffer, not even the slightest!"
"Of course, every kid is their mom's little angel. So, where's your bundle of joy now? Where's Mason?" Natalia was curious about the boy. "Bring him over! I can't wait to meet him."
"Sure," Lexi nodded, a soft smile on her face. "I left while he was napping. We've been ducking and diving, trying to avoid Callum. When I saw your magazine from Hawaii, I just had to reach out. Natalia, you're our only hope now."
"No problemo," Natalia said without hesitation. "Let's go get Mason. Can't have the poor mite alone in some hotel room. Let's hit the road."
Jumping up from the couch, Natalia was ready to move. Lexi followed suit, and they made for the door. Jonas, who had been quietly observing the scene, suddenly sprang up. "Mommy, I wanna come too! I wanna see Auntie Lexi's baby."
"Sure, kiddo. But he's not so little anymore – and already toddling around," Lexi said with a chuckle, taking Jonas by the hand as the trio left the apartment.
No sooner had they stepped out than they bumped into Magnus and James, who were hot on their heels. Taking in Natalia's hurried demeanor, Magnus greeted her with a dazzling smile. "Darling, did you come all this way just for me?"
Natalia rolled her eyes. "Could you be any more vain? I've got stuff to do; move aside; don't be a roadblock."
"Where might you be headed, my lady? It's wild out there, bad news bears all over. I reckon you're in dire need of a dashing and gallant personal guard," Magnus offered, thumping his chest proudly.
Natalia couldn't help but snort with laughter. "A guard as handsome as you? I'm afraid my purse strings are a bit tight for the likes of you, Mr. Andersen."
Magnus sidled even closer, his smile widening. "Wifey, employ me, I insist. I don't want a dime. I'll even follow you around for a shopping spree. All I ask is that you offer a poor lost soul shelter from the streets of a strange land."
Natalia rolled her eyes again. "Mr. Andersen, for the umpteenth time, stop calling me 'wifey,' okay? Besides, if you can afford to shop till you drop, surely you're not scrimping on lodging. Who are you kidding?"
Behind Natalia, Lexi chuckled. "Mr. Andersen, you've become quite the jester since we last met."
Noticing Lexi, Magnus' surprise was evident. "Oh, it's you!"
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