Chapter 47

Chapter 47

Rosie continued, “Last Thursday, they had jetted off together to attend a fashion show overseas. I wonder what kind of spotlight Mr. Howard has shone on Gracia this time. Ever since that trending scandal, she’s been laying low for days. This is man, I tell you-

Rosie trailed off as she noticed Natalie’s complexion seemed off. “What’s up, buttercup? Feeling under the weather?”

Natalie glanced one last time at the couple cozying up in the corner of the boutique, then turned back to Rosie with a forced smile. “It’s nothing. Got all we need, let’s head back.”

Rosie couldn’t shake the feeling that Natalie was acting peculiarly. Just moments ago, she was all gung–ho about their shopping spree.

But Natalie wasn’t spilling, and Rosie wasn’t one to pry.

Back at the agency, Natalie spent the afternoon posing for promotional shots, unusually quiet and withdrawn.

In the makeup room, Rosie tentatively offered, “Wanna grab dinner together?”

“No, I’ve got some stuff to handle. You go on ahead,” Natalie replied, her tone flat.

Rosie, despite their budding work partnership, knew they were still practically strangers.

“Alright then, I’ll catch you later,” Rosie said, masking her concern with a casual tone.

Alone, Natalie wiped off her makeup, glancing at the clock. It was three, and Brian and Madelyn’s press conference should have wrapped up by half–past two. Maybe she could still find Brian.

As she changed, muffled voices drifted in from outside.

“…straight outta the gate, she has been on Madelyn’s bad side and snatched her agent. How’s Natalie gonna survive at the firm now?”

“Yeah, the Howard family only invested in us because of Madelyn. Her new track’s launch with Mr. Howard by her side speaks volumes, doesn’t it?”

“And as for the son of Mr. Howard, isn’t the word on the street that he’s Madelyn’s little secret from when she was shelved? Who doesn’t give her respects around here?”

“Though, Gracia was touted as the future Mrs. Howard until she crossed Natalie and got the boot on the CEO’s say–so.”

“True, Natalie’s got the CEO backing her. Plus, this morning, she rolled into the garage in a Benz roadster, one of those million–dollar babies.”

“Had to be a gift from the CEO! None of us can touch that kinda ride…”

Natalie stilled her hands, absorbing their gossip.

Chapter 47

Was Nate Madelyn’s son? But just days ago, Nate had told her twice he wasn’t fond of Madelyn.

The group entered, and Natalie slipped on her shoes, ready to dodge them, but they bumped into each other, halting in an awkward silence.

“Natalie, you’re here too,” one murmured, trying to break the ice.

“Yeah, just stepped out of the fitting room,” Natalie replied with a nonchalant smile, though they all sensed the fib.

They scattered with flimsy excuses, leaving Natalie alone with a wry twist of her lips.

Gossip was indeed the fastest travel companion.

Once the corridor fell silent, she made her way upstairs to Brian’s office and tucked away on the top floor.

At the end of a long hallway, Brian’s office was far from Gavin and the rest. The upper floor was deserted and silent.

Natalie quickened her pace to the door, about to knock, when she noticed it was ajar. There was a sliver of space just wide enough to see a red–soled black high heel wedged by the doorframe.

Her memory flashed back to the woman she had seen earlier at the mall, strutting in those same heels. It was Madelyn.