Chapter 209

Chapter 209

Natalie was at a loss but was sure she couldn’t stay there any longer. With a quick decision, she went to the lounge.

The Howard family’s butler watched Natalie disappear into the lounge and close the door before he spoke in a hushed tone. “Mr. Brian, please know that Mr. Davis and the reporters have been waiting downstairs for ages to get the scoop on your engagement to Gracia. You can’t just…”

“When did I ever agree to an interview?” Brian continued leisurely eating his lunch, not bothering to look up, his voice calm.

“But…” the butler started to panic.

“Tell Davis that Gracia would be embarrassed if I go down there. Promises I never made cannot be honored. His strong–arming won’t work on me,” Brian cut him off, his face emotionless.

“Mr. Brian, the news is already out there! The Howard family’s reputation is at stake,” the butler protested, clearly flustered. “And what about Gracia? She is…”

“What does that have to do with me?!” Brian suddenly slammed his fork on the desk so forcefully that the room fell silent.

In the lounge, Natalie heard the argument outside. She stood and walked to the French windows. After a while, she watched some media reporters trickle away from the house.

She searched online for news about Brian’s supposed proposal to Gracia but found nothing. Brian had efficiently swept the whole grand affair under the rug.

A little while later, Brian entered the room, went straight to the wardrobe, and began to change his clothes, his back to Natalie. “I’ll have Bagot drive you back to the set later,” he said in a low

voice.

Natalie watched his reflection in the mirror before responding, “It’s okay. I’ll have Rosie pick me

up.”

Brian donned a crisp shirt, turned around, and walked to Natalie. He gently lifted her chin and said softly, “You have two choices. Either Bagot takes you, or you come with me on a business trip.”

The answer was obvious. Natalie opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out.

“I’ll be back in a few days. Nate misses you,” Brian said, waiting for a few seconds before leaning in to brush his lips lightly against hers.

Before Natalie could pull away, he released her and finished getting dressed, then strode out . the door.

Mixed emotions swirled in Natalie’s heart as she listened to him instruct Bagot. “While I’m away, keep someone with her at all times. Don’t let her be alone.”

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12:16

Chapter 209

Her phone beeped with a message from Gavin. (Where are you? Weren’t you coming over for contract stuff?)

Natalie thought it over before asking. (Is Brian pulling his investment?)

[Who said that? He’s never mentioned anything like that.) Gavin replied immediately.

Natalie paused for a few seconds, then quickly responded, (I was at the office today and heard some employees talking about layoffs.]

Gavin replied. [Those two who got fired leaked an artist’s private schedule and sold it to stalkers, causing a huge mess. HR fired them for it. It’s total nonsense. There was no layoff!]

Natalie had thought Brian was getting back at Gavin for something that happened the day before, but it turned out to be just a standard firing.

She stood up and walked to the door, seeing Brian in front of a full–length mirror, adjusting his

tie.

After some hesitation, she approached him and helped straighten the slightly askew knot.

Brian looked down at her, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.

A moment later, he couldn’t help but smile slightly. “What’s this? Being good all of a sudden?”

“Isn’t that what you hoped for? Don’t you always want me to be a bit more well–behaved?” Natalie replied softly.