Chapter 1129
Hearing that, Yumi looked up abruptly and gazed at Natalie in disbelief.
âB-But I saw you give the jade key to that terrible woman.â Yumi realized she might've structured her
sentence in a way that Natalie might misunderstand that she was blaming her, so she swiftly explained,
âMommy, that's not what I meant. I-I know you had no choice but to give the jade key to that person
because you wanted to save me. Ultimately, everything happened because of my incompetence. I was
too young and incapable of protecting my mother, aunts, and you, my mommy. If I had been able to
fend for myself back then, you wouldn't have had to risk losing your life to rescue me.â
Yumi sobbed and wept uncontrollably as she spoke.
She had been keeping up a tough pretense whenever she was around Franklin, Sophia, Xavian, and
Clayton, always acting as if she was fine and everything was well. She could only behave like an
ordinary child when she was with Natalie, being able to cry and disclose all the pent-up troubles in her
heart.
Natalie gently patted Yumi's back, allowing the little girl to cry to her heart's content. This child is
carrying too much burden at such a young age. She's so mature and thoughtful that my heart aches for
her.
After crying for a long while, Yumi slumped against Natalie's shoulder in exhaustion.
âYumi, I didn't give the jade key to that woman,â Natalie said tenderly.
âHow is that possible?â Yumi stared at Natalie with tear-stained eyes. âMommy, I saw you handing the
jade key to that woman.â
âThat key was a replica.â
âWhat?â
âThe jade key you saw was a fake. I asked someone to make a copy according to the real genuine jade
key. This jade key is very significant to you and your family, so I will never hand it over to someone else
without your permission. When you gave me the jade key in the past, I mentioned I would only help you
keep it temporarily. When you're older and have the ability to protect yourself and the key, I'll return it to
you.â
Exhilaration and astonishment rose within Yumi's chest after she listened to Natalie's speech.
She was thrilled because the jade key didn't fall into the hands of evil people, and she was astounded
because of the love and care Natalie had shown her.
She and Natalie weren't related by blood, but all the latter had done for her had deeply touched her.
Yumi was at a loss for words. In the end, she hugged Natalie while crying and laughing at the same
time. âMommy, thank you! Thank you so much! Thank you for saving me and helping me to secure the
belonging my mother left behind for me. I will be good and grow up well. When I become powerful in
the future, I'll protect and take care of you like how you treat me now.â
Sensing Yumi's sincerity, Natalie beamed at her and nodded. âSure. I'll wait for the day to arrive.â
âOkay!â
Meanwhile, Bastien exited the royal mausoleum with a gash on his arm.
Seeing Bastien's arm that was covered in blood, Joseph hastily strode forward. âWhy are you hurt?â
Ashen-faced, Bastien gripped his right arm, which was spewing out dark color blood, and uttered in an
undertone, âDon't ask so many questions. I can't hold on any longer. Hurry up and summon the royal
physician over to treat my injury.â
With that, he passed out on the spot.
Joseph furrowed his brows. Not daring to dawdle, he quickly carried Bastien on his back and brought
him to the temporary imperial residence nearby the royal mausoleum to get some rest.
After the royal physician came to detoxify and bandage Bastien's wound, he couldn't help but say with
lingering fear in his chest, âCommander Wesley, luckily Prince Jonathan was able to receive immediate
treatment. Otherwise, not only might his arm be crippled, but he might also lose his life.â
Upon hearing that, Joseph shifted his gaze to the unconscious Bastien in bafflement. Prince Jonathan
went into the royal mausoleum with the jade key. The journey should have been smooth sailing, so why
did he come out of that place with such a grave injury?