Chapter 15 - ELLA WAS NOT A WEAPONMarjorie tried using Ella.
She called Natalie.
“Brandon deserves to see his daughter.”
“He does.”
Natalie had never blocked visits.
“He says you keep her away.”
“That’s not true.”
Marjorie hesitated.
“He misses her.”
“He can see her Saturday.”
“At mansion.”
“No.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m not comfortable there right now.”
“You’re punishing us through child.”
Natalie’s voice hardened.
“No.”
“Do not use my daughter as argument.”
Marjorie:
“Ella is a Hale.”
“She is also a Foster.”
“That’s exactly problem.”
Silence.
Marjorie realized too late.
Natalie:
“What did you mean?”
“Nothing.”
“Say it again.”
Marjorie hung up.
That sentence haunted Natalie.
Exactly problem.
Marjorie resented Foster influence extending into next generation too.
Ella had Foster trust.
Victor as uncle.
Natalie’s independent resources.
Marjorie wanted Hale identity dominant.
This was not merely mother-in-law conflict.
It was control over family narrative.
Saturday Brandon came alone to see Ella.
He sat on floor for two hours.
Changed diaper.
Fed lunch.
No business talk.
No mother talk.
Natalie watched.
For first time in weeks, she saw man she married.
At end Brandon said:
“Can I ask one thing?”
“Yes.”
“Is there any chance?”
Natalie looked at Ella.
“I don’t know.”
He nodded.
No begging.
Good.
Then:
“I told Mom she cannot contact you without permission.”
Natalie looked surprised.
“And?”
“She told me I’m choosing you over her.”
“What did you say?”
Brandon breathed.
“I said I’m choosing boundary.”
Natalie almost smiled.
Late.
But something.
Still not enough.
A marriage does not repair because one correct sentence after years wrong ones.
But Brandon finally began speaking.
Not because Victor stood behind him.
May you like
Because Victor was absent.
That distinction mattered.
Related Stories
