Chapter 27

Chapter 27

“Go ahead. Even if you want the moon, I’d find a way to etch your name on it!” Gavin shot back without hesitation.

Natalie was long accustomed to Gavin’s smooth–talking and paid him no mind, countering with her question, “Does Gracia have a deal with your studio lately?”

“Actually, she took a role in a play a couple of days ago. And she bumped the leading lady we had lined up,” Gavin pondered briefly before adding, “The biggest investors of our company, the Howard family, insisted on having her as the lead. She’s bringing a cool twenty millica to the table, and the executives have given it the green light.”

How flamboyant!

Natalie listened to his explanation and couldn’t help but curl the corner of her mouth into a sneer. “What if I wanted to kick her out?” she asked softly after a brief pause.

She didn’t understand why the Howard family would favor Gracia. After all, Samuel was Audrey’s ex–husband. They had no reason to help the Wright family.

Unless Brian had taken a personal interest in Gracia. That was the only explanation.

“Are you serious?” Gavin blinked, taken aback by her question.

Natalie and Gavin locked eyes for a moment before she responded with silence.

Memories began to resurface. Brian had once saved Gracia. Maybe that was when their affection for each other started. For Brian to do something extravagant for Gracia wouldn’t be surprising at all.

“Do I look like I’m joking?” she asked with a faint smile.

Although Gavin wasn’t fully aware of the history between Natalie and the Howard family, he had heard a thing or two about Natalie’s ties to them. Moreover, just earlier, Gracia had humiliated Natalie in the company lobby, with everyone watching. “Alright, I’ll find a proper reason to send her packing,” Gavin agreed without further hesitation.

“Thanks,” Natalie replied instantly.

F F

There’s another thing. I want to liquidate my shares in Global Entertainment Group and…”

She was cut off mid–sentence by a knock on the door.

“Mr. Howard has arrived,” Gavin’s secretary informed him in a hushed voice from outside.

Gavin instinctively glanced back at Natalie, raising an eyebrow, “If you’d told me you were coming today, you might have avoided this run–in with the Howard family.”

Through the frosted glass door, Natalie could see vague silhouettes of people and faintly heard Brian’s voice seeping through.

“Sorry Mr. Howard, our president will be with you in a few minutes. He’s currently with a guest.”

Brian, expressionless, glanced towards Gavin’s office.

The blinds in Gavin’s office were usually left open. As Brian approached, he had overheard Natalie’s voice.

“No problem, I’ll wait.”

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Hearing Brian say this, the crowd around him stood on the edge, not daring to take half a step.

Natalie looked in his direction, remaining silent.

A hush fell both inside and outside the office.

“Maybe… I’ll head to the meeting room with them first, and you can find a chance to slip out,” Gavin suggested in a low voice after a few seconds.

“Walk me out,” Natalie said calmly.

She and Gavin were friends. Being seen together wasn’t an issue. If Brian misunderstood, that was his problem.

Surprised, Gavin respected Natalie’s decision and said nothing more. He donned his coat and opened the door to walk out with her. With her head slightly lowered, Natalie acted as if Brian didn’t exist, passing by the crowd without a sideways glance and heading straight for the elevator.

“Gavin, aren’t you going to introduce me?” Brian’s voice cut through the air, his gaze fixed on Gavin’s disheveled coat.

“Just a friend, recently back from abroad,” Gavin replied with an awkward smile, trying to be nonchalant.