The rain cooled the weather overnight, signaling the arrival of autumn.
There was no telling if it was because Barron Foster left unsettled or if even the heavens were crying for him and his granddaughter. It rained all night heavily, and Natalie stayed with two servants at the mourning hall to accompany Barron until morning.
"Cheer up, Natalie, don't be too sad. Maybe it's a kind of liberation for Mr. Foster, too," said Juana Landor, who came to pay respects with Sherri early in the morning.
"Natalie, don't be sad. Mr. Foster wouldn't be at peace seeing you like this. He doesn't like to see you cry. Dear, you still have me." Seeing Natalie getting thinner overnight, Sherri felt her heart ache and hugged Natalie to comfort her.
After hugging for a moment, Natalie pushed away Sherri and politely bowed to Juana Landor, who felt sorry for seeing such a scene. Her daughter and Natalie had formed a good relationship since they were young. They often hid in Sherri's room and played. Juana also liked Natalie very much. When Natalie grew up and became a graceful young lady, Juana wanted to matchmake her son with her, but she could tell that Natalie only saw her son as an older brother.
After giving condolences, Juana left, and Sherri requested to stay with Natalie. Juana did not object.
"You rebellious girl, what on earth do you want? Your grandfather passed away last night, and you didn't even notify me. I think you have bad intentions, just like your mother. Let me tell you..." The person who came in was Natalie's father, Harry Foster, who started scolding Natalie as soon as he walked in.
"If you're here to piss off Grandpa, please lift your noble feet, and the door is over there." Natalie glared fiercely at Harry Foster, full of hatred and devoid of father-daughter love.
She gave him a cold and fierce look, full of murderous intent, and even Harry was startled. This was the second time Natalie looked at him with this kind of expression. The first time was the day his ex-wife jumped off the building.
People who came to pay their respects in the mourning hall were whispering to each other. Those in the circle knew about the situation of the Foster family. Some felt sorry for Natalie, while others were just there to watch. After all, nobody could genuinely empathize with someone else.
Sherri didn't want her best friend to cause a scene with Harry in front of Mr. Barron Foster's mourning hall. In the end, it was her best friend who was hurt. She took a step forward and said, "Mr. Foster, you've been here for a while. Shouldn't you present flowers and say goodbye to Mr. Barron Foster? Everyone around is watching!"
Sherri didn't speak loudly. She instead leaned in close to Harry, speaking in a tone that seemed like only the two of them could hear. However, the mourning hall was not noisy at this time, so their conversation could be heard by those who were within proximity.
Due to the Landor family's influence and the current situation, Harry didn't want to make a big scene and decided not to argue further.
Theo Wilson was the last to arrive. After looking around, he didn't see his worthless grandson. He walked with agile steps to the mourning hall to pay respects.
"Natalie, after Barron's funeral today, move to Adare Manor so that Barron can rest assured," suggested Theo Wilson.
"Okay, thank you, Mr. Wilson." Natalie didn't wholly refuse, only hoping to talk about everything tomorrow.
The sky was still gloomy, with thick, low, and murky clouds covering the sky. The gentle breeze stung like a sharp knife piercing through her black hoodie, making her heart feel tight with pain.
In the cemetery, Sherri held a black umbrella for Natalie and stood quietly in the drizzle.
"Sherri, you go ahead. I want to have a private conversation with Grandpa." A weak yet determined voice broke the silent air.
"Okay, take the umbrella, and I'll wait for you at the foot of the mountain." Sherri did not refuse. She understood Natalie too well, knowing she didn't want to leave her grandpa and wanted to say goodbye to him one last time.
"Take the umbrella with you. The rain isn't heavy anyway. Don't worry. Grandpa is here with me. He won't let the rain get me."
Sherri suddenly became teary-eyed, and her vision blurred as she looked at Barron's tombstone. Her voice choked as she said, "Okay, don't stay too long. The drizzle is a bit cold. Mr. Foster would be worried about you getting sick."
With her back facing Sherri, Natalie did not answer. She just stared at her grandfather's tombstone without blinking. The inscription did not have her father Harry's name, but instead had her name as the granddaughter, Natalie.
Sherri turned around. Tears flowed down her face as she descended the mountain.
Natalie was in the misty rain without an umbrella or raincoat. She just let the rain soak her hair and dampen her cheeks.
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