Chapter 22 Caught in the Crossfire 37 Finished " I must've missed something - when did Mr. Jackson become the kind of man who imagines things that aren't there ? " " Imagine things ? " Jackson froze for a second , clearly caught off guard by her words . He didn't like that answer one bit . " I want this divorce , and I mean it . The only reason I came here today is because Grandpa kept saying he wanted to visit me while I was in the hospital . I promised I'd come see him after I was discharged . I didn't know he'd have you two come back too . " If she'd known they'd be here , she wouldn't have stepped foot in this house . But she left that part unsaid . " Then go convince Grandpa . Once you get him on board , I'll sign the papers ." " You're the one causing the problem . You should be the one fixing it - not me . " Natalie yanked her hand free from his grip . " What problem am I causing ? " Just as she turned to leave , Jackson suddenly raised his arms and trapped her between them . She couldn't move . Staring up at him , her voice was cold . " You're the one who crossed the line , and now you're questioning me ? Don't you think that's a little ridiculous ? " " I crossed the line ? " Jackson's gaze darkened . " What proof do you have that I did anything to betray you ? " She might not have caught him in the act - but his attitude toward Victoria spoke volumes . Especially the name he'd chosen for their son ... " Let go " Natalie didn't want to argue anymore . She just wanted to leave . But Jackson gripped her arm tighter and pinned her against the wall . 1/3 19:35 Fri , Sep 19 Chapter 22 Caught in the Crossfire Just as he opened his mouth to speak , a deep voice came from the end of the hallway . " If you've got something to say , say it . No need to get physical . Startled , both Natalie and Jackson turned at the same time . A familiar figure stepped into view . Marcus ? Why is he back ? 437 37 Finished " Uncle Marcus , I was just ... a little worked up ," Jackson said , instinctively letting go of Natalie and furrowing his brow . Marcus glanced at him coldly , then turned his eyes to Natalie . Their gazes met - just for a second - before he looked away and fixed his attention back on Jackson . " You two arguing ? " Jackson hesitated . Natalie spoke up instead . " Just a disagreement . " " A disagreement ? Grandpa's against the divorce . He keeps trying to get us back together . When he saw her show up today , he insisted I bring Aiden too . If I'd known she was going to be here " If I'd known you two were coming , I wouldn't have come at all . " Natalie cut him off coldly . " Do you really have to embarrass me like this ? " " Didn't Mr. Jackson humiliate me first ? " Natalie asked , a cold smirk tugging at her lips . Her eyes were sharp with frost . " You- " Jackson looked like he wanted to argue , but a voice interrupted him from down the hall . " Dinner's ready ." They all turned toward the kitchen . It was the housekeeper , calling them to the table . 2/3 19:35 Fri , Sep 19 Chapter 22 Caught in the Crossfire A 337 Finished Marcus was the first to turn back and address them . " You're both here , so just sit down and have a peaceful meal . Don't keep fighting in front of Grandpa . You know his health isn't great . " As he spoke , his eyes lingered on Jackson - subtle , but unmistakably sharp . A warning . " I'll go get them , " Natalie said as she nodded toward Marcus . He shifted slightly , stepping aside to let her pass . As she walked by , her shoulder brushed gently against his arm . She caught the faint scent of his cool cologne . It lasted only a second , and then the space between them widened again . Marcus watched her go , his dark eyes unreadable . " Uncle Marcus , what brought you back today ? " " Grandpa asked me to join him for dinner . I didn't expect to see you both here too . " His voice was calm . " After the argument at the last family dinner , maybe Grandpa just wanted to smooth things over . " " I'm really sorry . Because of our mess , it must've left a terrible impression on all of you ... " " The person you should be apologizing to ... isn't us . " Send Gifts 20