Chapter 33

Chapter 33

“Ten million for one night, that’s what you said,” she tried to flash him a smile and said, “If you’re considering a monthly arrangement, I might be able to cut you a deal, two hundred million. And for an annual commitment? Eighteen hundred million How does that sound?”

Audrey had walked away with nearly eighteen hundred million before.

As she spoke, large tears began to tumble uncontrollably down her cheeks.

Brian stared at her, speechless. After a long pause, he let go of her hand and released her.

Natalie stared at the pristine white ceiling for a few seconds before continuing, “Mr. Howard, if you don’t find me too soiled for your tastes, perhaps you should consider my earlier proposal. But for someone of your stature…”

“Next week, come to my office to sign the contract,” Brian cut her off coldly, without waiting for her to finish. With that, he stood up and left the room without looking back.

Natalie shot up from the bed, staring in the direction he had left, stunned.

He couldn’t be serious, could he?!

Natalie got out of bed a little after eight, still groggy, and made her way downstairs, planning to grab a breakfast bagel from the diner across the street.

Just as she stepped out of her apartment building, she caught a glimpse of a little tyke in a school uniform, squatting by the side of the road.

She thought she was seeing things and took another careful look at the child.

Their gazes met, and the kid’s smile was so wide that nearly reached his ears. He got up and headed towards her with little and hurried steps.

Natalie stepped back in alarm and looked around quickly, but there was no sign of any Howard family members or their cars nearby!

“Where’s your family?” she asked, blocking the boy’s attempt to hug her, furrowing her brows.

“I’m going to preschool by myself,” Nate replied, somewhat excitedly and stammering, his small eyes shining brightly at Natalie.

Natalie borrowed Rosie’s car and checked the rearview mirror several times, glancing at the small figure in the backseat.

She didn’t know how to contact the Howard family, and Nate claimed he didn’t know his parents‘ phone numbers either, insisting that Natalie take him to preschool.

He couldn’t remember his parents‘ numbers, but he remembered the name of his preschool quite clearly.

“How did you manage to wander away from the nanny?” Natalie finally asked after a long silence.

“The nanny was shopping,” Nate said with innocent eyes, batting his long eyelashes that looked like little fans, so much like

Brian’s.

Natalie averted her gaze, feeling somewhat troubled. The preschool was not far from Natalie’s apartment, just a couple of streets over. With traffic lights included, it was less than a ten–minute drive. Natalie parked the car, opened the door, and let the

little one out.

Nate stood on the back seat and suddenly reached out, clinging to Natalie, his tiny arms wrapping tightly around her neck.

Caught off guard by his embrace, Natalie was hit by the faint scent of baby lotion mixed with the deeper and muskier scent she recognized as Brian’s.

She paused for a few seconds before putting Nate down on the ground and whispered, “Go to school now, your teacher is waiting.”

But Nate looked up at her, nearly jumping up and down in urgency. He clutched the hem of her clothes and looked like he was about to cry, tears gathering in his eyes.

“Lady, will you come pick up me after school?”

Natalie, unsure why the child was so insistent on her, frowned slightly and nodded noncommittally, “Okay, make sure you play nice with the other kids, boy”

“I don’t like playing with the other kids,” Nate muttered sullenly, pouting and kicking a small stone by his feet.

“Why not?” Natalie asked, squatting down and gently pinching his chubby cheek..