The Wife You Buried Is Back from Hell novel Chapter 516

Nathan couldn’t help but chuckle at the blank look on Danielle’s face. He waved his hand in front of her eyes, teasing, “What’s wrong? Don’t recognize your big brother anymore? You’ve been staring at me for ages.”

Danielle finally snapped out of her daze.

“You’ve changed,” Nathan said, his gaze fixed on her. “When I left for Europe, you were just a little girl. Now you’ve grown up—and you don’t cling to your big brother anymore.”

He let his eyes drift over to Niki, lying quietly in the hospital bed.

“How are you feeling?” Nathan asked, setting down the assortment of toys he’d brought. He crouched by the bed, his voice gentle. “Anywhere uncomfortable?”

Niki stared at the man whose face looked so much like her father’s. She froze for a second, then glanced at Danielle for reassurance.

Danielle spoke softly, “Niki, this is your uncle.”

Niki blinked, then obediently greeted him, “Uncle~”

Nathan’s smile was warm as he gently pinched her cheek. “Good girl. Just as adorable as your mom was at your age.”

“Go on, why don’t you introduce yourself?” Nathan’s tone was affectionate and playful, putting Niki instantly at ease.

“My name’s Nathan. I’m your dad’s older brother, so you can call me ‘Uncle’. If you ever need anything, you come to me. I’ll always have your back.”

There was a strength and kindness to him that Niki could feel right away.

She broke into a bright, dimpled smile. “Thank you, Uncle~”

No wonder her uncle looked so much like her dad—they were brothers, after all.

Danielle watched Nathan’s crouched figure, her eyes prickling with sudden emotion.

Back then, when the Crawford family was busy running their business, Orson and Vivian were always rushing about. Vivian would check in when she could, but she was usually out of town for work. Most of the time, her uncle looked after her—though even he had a company to manage, he always made time when she needed help. He’d never hesitated to stand up for her.

Her mother left her in the care of her grandmother, who was especially close to Nathan’s family—so Danielle naturally spent much of her childhood at the Davidsons’, with Nathan around most of the time.

Nathan had always treated her like his own little sister. He’d bring her gifts, look out for her at school, and stand by her side whenever she needed him. He was the brother she’d always longed for.

Now, seeing him back after all these years, Danielle felt a lump rising in her throat. The sense of both familiarity and distance was overwhelming.

Nathan smiled, and for a moment, it was as if no time had passed at all—the same caring brother from her memory.

Paula watched the exchange, a smile spreading across her face.

“We’re all family here. Of course it feels natural to be close again,” Paula said. “Now that big brother’s home, Dani, you should visit the Davidsons more often, keep in touch.”

Danielle paused, considering.

She was anxious. Nathan was back, and she had no idea how strong his position was, or what his intentions might be.

Paula was quieter, her thoughts unreadable. Of course she hoped things would work out for Alexander, but the Davidson family was her home, too. As long as the family stayed strong, she’d be satisfied. Nathan had never been the heartless type—she trusted he wouldn’t abandon her.

Unlike Bianca, Paula wasn’t so worried. Most of her interest was in watching the drama unfold.

—

Out in the hallway, Nathan shrugged. “Doesn’t really matter if he’s not here.” His eyes landed on Danielle. “I missed your wedding while I was abroad. Now I hear you’re already divorced.”

He lowered his voice, “Did he treat you badly? Did he hurt you?”

Danielle’s eyes dropped.

“There’s nothing left to say between us,” she replied quietly.

Their story was long over. After so much entanglement, they’d finally gone their separate ways—no more ties binding them together. Danielle had no wish to drag anyone else into the mess now. Her relationship with Alexander was in the past; she refused to keep reliving old wounds.

She looked up at Nathan, took a steadying breath, and said, “All those years you were away, I tried to reach you…”

But she never managed to get through.