The Wife You Buried Is Back from Hell novel Chapter 517

It was as if she’d vanished from the face of the earth.

A flicker of regret passed through Nathan’s eyes as he looked at Danielle.

“There were… special reasons I can’t talk about. I’m sorry I made you worry.”

He lowered his gaze, his voice gentle as he watched her. “Danielle, if he ever hurts you, you tell me. I won’t let him get away with it.”

Danielle’s eyes dropped. She shook her head.

“Relax a little,” Nathan said, his tone lightening, a warm smile softening his features as he looked down at her. “Didn’t you once tell me you wished you had a big brother who could protect you?”

He reached over, his gaze steady. “Well, I’m back now, and I’m here to grant your wish.”

“Whatever you’re dealing with, I can handle it for you.”

Danielle’s lashes trembled. She lifted her eyes to meet his.

“That was so long ago. I can’t believe you still remember.”

Back then, she’d been ostracized at school, and her mother’s falling out with Orson had thrown their home into chaos. Her grandmothers, both getting on in years, were kept in the dark about everything.

All she’d wanted was someone who’d stand behind her, no matter what.

She remembered the day she’d sat by the river, sobbing, and Nathan had come up and promised he’d always have her back.

She’d wiped her tears and said she wanted a big brother who was strong and brave.

Nathan smiled at her now. “No matter how many years pass, I’m still me.”

He looked her over. “You’ve lost weight. Eat a little more.”

His presence made her feel a kind of comfort and familiarity she hadn’t felt in years.

“How’ve you been… out there all this time?” he asked quietly.

Danielle’s throat tightened. Her gaze drifted to the watch on his wrist—the birthday present she’d given him. He was still wearing it.

All those years ago, he’d left so suddenly. Even now, she had no idea why. Judging by his words, he had no intention of explaining it.

“Let me see your phone,” Nathan said.

Danielle glanced up and handed it over.

He typed in a number and passed it back. “This is my local number. If you need anything, call me.”

“I just got back today, and as soon as I heard about Niki’s kidnapping, I came straight to the hospital.”

He looked at her, his voice gentle but firm. “Did you offend someone?”

Danielle shook her head and exhaled. “The police are investigating.”

“Maybe Alexander knows something.”

Nathan raised his eyebrows. “Niki’s his daughter. If he knows, you two should talk.”

Nathan gently patted her back, his voice low and steady above her head. “Don’t be sad. There are some things you just can’t handle alone. Let me take care of them, just like you trusted me when you were little—trust me now.”

Maybe she’d felt lost and helpless all these years. But now that he was back, she didn’t have to be alone anymore.

Danielle’s eyes stung. She pushed away gently.

“Thank you, big brother.” Happiness blossomed in her chest, and a genuine, radiant smile brightened her face.

“That’s more like it.”

Nathan patted her shoulder. “I’ll go talk to him. If anything happens, call me.”

He turned to leave, only to spot Alexander standing at the end of the corridor, smoking.

Alexander’s eyes, dark and unreadable, were fixed on them.

Danielle saw him, but kept her composure. She said goodbye to Nathan and slipped back into the hospital room.

Nathan strode over to Alexander.

He glanced at the cigarette in Alexander’s hand and said mildly, “When did you start smoking again? I thought Dani didn’t want you to.”

Alexander looked at Nathan with an inscrutable expression—a hint of a smile on his lips, but it never reached his eyes.

“You sure like to meddle,” Alexander drawled, ash clouding his features. He squinted at Nathan. “Now that you’re back, don’t you think she’s changed?”

Nathan met his gaze. “You let her down, so I’ll look after her—and Niki.”