Chapter 71

Chapter 71

He wanted to apologize to Natalie for the incident from the other night. She’d been giving everyone on set the cold shoulder, especially him. Whenever he appeared, she acted as if he was invisible. He figured it might have to do with the paparazzi that had snapped some unwanted photos, upsetting her.

After some thought, he trailed behind Natalie to catch her alone and clear the air before the misunderstanding grew.

Natalie reached her Bentley and made sure the coast was clear before slipping into the car by herself.

She had barely settled in when a little bundle of energy launched into her arms.

Natalie was knocked sideways into the seat by Nate’s enthusiastic leap. Before she could catch her breath, he planted a loud kiss on her cheek.

“Nate! Didn’t we agree you’d keep your distance from the set?” Natalie teased, blending her amusement with feigned sternness,

“I came to see you!” Nate clung to Natalie, his reply earnest. “The last time Dad scolded you and I got worried!”

Natalie’s attempt to cover Nate’s mouth was a moment too late. In the front seat, Reid and another bodyguard wished they could not hear the conversation, but it was also too late.

Natalie was at a loss for words.

At that moment, Natalie wished she could just vanish into thin air.

But Nate was relentless, still tugging at the collar of Natalie’s shirt, trying to peek at the now–fading marks their father had left.

Natalie had deliberately chosen a high–necked shirt to conceal the red marks Brian had left on

her collarbone.

Noticing the awkwardness, Reid cleared his throat and signaled the other bodyguard with a glance. They both discreetly exited the car, leaving Natalie and Nate alone:

Satisfied that the bruises had faded, Nate finally nodded his approval.

Then he got all cute and cuddly in Natalie’s arms. “Sister, my birthday’s coming up!”

Natalie immediately caught on to what Nate was hinting at. He wanted her to be there for his birthday. But there was no way she could attend a Howard family gathering.

After a brief silence, she dodged the subject with a smile. “So what do you want for your birthday? I’ll give it to you on the day.”

“I don’t want presents. I just want you to come to my birthday party,” Nate said, shaking his head earnestly as he looked at Natalie.

Chapter 71

After he finished, he let go of her shirt and started counting on his fingers for her. “Today. tomorrow… you have to come tomorrow night.”

Nate had sought out Natalie specifically to ensure her presence at his birthday party. He didn’t care about others‘ attendance or gifts. All he wanted for his birthday was to have Natalie by his side. This was his heartfelt birthday wish.

Natalie looked at him, unsure of what to say.

In a child’s world, things were straightforward. You spent time with those you liked and ignored the rest. But the world of adults was far more complex.

The Howard family despised her. Showing up would be like rubbing salt in their wounds, a self–inflicted humiliation.

“Is it okay?” Nate tugged gently at Natalie’s hand when she didn’t reply, his eyes pleading.

“Even a minute will do.”

Natalie couldn’t help but laugh when he said a minute. “Do you even know how long a minute

is?”

“Yes!” Nate nodded vigorously. “Dad said it’s counting to sixty.”

At the sight of Nate’s anxious expression, Natalie sighed and replied, “I might be a bit busy tomorrow. I might come very late. Can you wait for me on the back stairs after the moon comes out? Let’s keep this our little secret, okay?”

“What about Dad?” Nate tilted his head, puzzlement clear in his eyes as he looked up at Natalie.