Chapter 142

Natalie gazed at the distant horizon, her smile wild and untamed. She thought, "Zoe, Jason got what he deserved. In two months, your child will be born, and I’ll visit you then!"

In her previous life, Jason had married Jasmine, followed by a series of events she could barely recall. But one thing was clear: Zoe had never forgiven Jason and went on to live a happy life raising her child alone.

Looking at Murray, her eyes sparkled with a playful glint. “Murray, I’m heading out now.”

Murray tightened his grip on the list, his gaze deep and contemplative. “Natalie, how do you know so much about these people? It’s like you can predict everything before it happens.”

Natalie let out a bitter chuckle, her expression tinged with sorrow. I was transported back to several years ago and have witnessed the lifetimes of many people–it’s no surprise that I know these things, she thought.

Murray’s heart ached as he caught sight of her fleeting, sorrowful smile.

Natalie’s voice was ethereal yet heavy. “If I could predict everything perfectly, I wouldn’t have shown up tonight, knowing Jennifer had set a trap.” Her gaze darkened. “If you doubt me, you don’t need to work with me. I’ve already helped you as much as I could. Goodbye.”

Before she could walk away, Murray stepped forward, blocking her path. “Natalie, that’s not what I meant. It’s just…”

“Just what? Are you saying you think everything I know was carefully planned in advance?" Natalie smiled faintly, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, yet they sparkled with defiant beauty.

Murray’s breath caught in his throat. The dim night made her expression hard to read, but the sadness emanating from her was palpable.

He stared at her, momentarily forgetting his usual frivolous demeanor. For the first time, Murray realized that despite everything, Natalie kept him at a distance–treating him more like an acquaintance than a friend.

Perhaps we’ll never even be friends in the end. She probably prefers someone like Jennifer anyway. In a previous life, he had indulged Jennifer extravagantly–Natalie had seen it with her own eyes.

Murray let out a wry laugh, slipping back into his usual carefree persona. “I didn’t mean to doubt you, Natalie. I just hate how Jennifer keeps scheming against you. I don’t know how you always see it coming, but I’m grateful you saved the Spencer family.”

Natalie’s gaze softened as she smiled lightly, glancing toward the Wayne residence. “As long as you trust me, that’s enough.” She leaned closer, whispering something in Murray’s ear.

His face turned grim instantly. “Is that true?” he asked, stunned.

“You’ll know by tomorrow morning,” Natalie replied with a mischievous smile.

Murray offered to drive her home. “It’s already late—”

“It’s not even nine yet,” Natalie interrupted. “I’m going home to have dinner with James. No need to send me; Luna will take me.”

Murray nodded, realizing there would never be anything beyond an alliance between them. Natalie, though polite, remained emotionally distant. He had the unsettling realization that their relationship was based on necessity, not friendship.

Just as Luna pulled up with the car, Natalie stepped toward it, but someone grabbed her wrist.

Seeing it was Easton, Natalie frowned slightly, “What are you doing? Let go! In broad daylight, aren’t you afraid your little sweetheart will get jealous? I don’t want to see a headline tomorrow morning saying Natalie is a third wheel.”

“Let’s talk,” Easton said, his voice low and heavy.

“What’s there to talk about? Are you here to defend your beloved Jennifer?” Natalie scoffed. “Easton, I told you–unless it’s about the divorce, there’s nothing else to discuss. As for tonight, I did nothing wrong–the only ones at fault are people like you, with hearts as cold as stone.”

With that, Natalie opened the car door and got inside. Luna quickly drove off.

Easton sighed deeply, watching her leave. When did it become so hard just to have a civil conversation? he thought bitterly. They used to get along so well–those two years together were peaceful.

Natalie had taken care of him attentively, even cracking the occasional joke to make him smile. But he never laughed. Eventually, she stopped trying altogether.

Now, all that remained was the suffocating silence between them. Easton gazed into the thick night, his eyes as deep and enigmatic as the darkness itself.

Murray’s mocking voice cut through the night. “Mr. Garcia, aren’t you going to accompany your precious Jennifer? With tonight’s scandal involving your father-in-law, tomorrow morning is going to be quite the spectacle.” His eyes glinted with sarcasm.

“I don’t understand you, Easton. When Natalie was in danger, you stayed silent and protected Jennifer instead. You’re really something–keeping both women in your grasp but refusing to divorce one.” He thought, If I thought I was bad, you’re ten times worse.

Easton shot him a cold glance. “This is between my wife and me. It’s none of your business.” With that, he turned and walked away.

Murray smirked, watching Easton’s tall figure disappear into the darkness.

Inside the car.

Natalie gazed out at the night sky, her expression distant.

Luna glanced at her through the rearview mirror. “Natalie, everything went according to plan. Why do you still seem upset?”

Natalie snapped out of her thoughts, her red lips curving into a faint smile. “Luna, this is just the beginning. With Jennifer’s abilities, she’ll convince Mr. Wayne to forgive her soon enough. She’ll use him as her ticket into the entertainment industry. Jennifer understands how to play her cards.”

Natalie continued. “She’s beautiful, talented at piano, and an excellent dancer. But do you know why she hasn’t pursued a career as a performer yet?”

Luna listened attentively, waiting for Natalie to elaborate.

“It’s because she’s waiting for the perfect moment to rise to fame in one shot,” Natalie explained.

Luna was stunned. “So that’s why she got close to Mr. Wayne and saved his grandson! With the Wayne family controlling so much of the entertainment industry, all she needs is a lead role in a good production to become an instant star. She can buy her way to the top."

Natalie’s smile deepened. “Exactly. Jennifer has been waiting for this opportunity. Even after Nick’s blunder tonight, she’ll claim her father was framed, and Mr. Wayne will have no choice but to believe her. Some people willingly let themselves be used; others see through everything but stay silent.”

Luna clenched the steering wheel in frustration. “Ms. Shawn, why not expose Jennifer for who she really is?”