Chapter 17

Jennifer stared at Natalie, surprised by her newfound calm. The old Natalie would have attacked her in anger, but now she stood strong, making Jennifer shiver. “Natalie, can’t you just apologize? Mr. Spencer is here. If you admit your mistake, he might forgive you.”

Natalie’s brow creased as she shot back, “I didn’t do anything wrong. Why should I apologize?”

Jennifer was left speechless by Natalie’s defiance.

Easton’s temper flared as he interjected, “Natalie, there’s proof, there’s footage, and I’ve seen it for myself. Jennifer’s telling the truth. When are you going to stop denying it?”

Natalie looked at him with disdain. “Who are you to talk to me like that? I didn’t push your grandmother. As an outsider, if you have nothing useful to say, keep quiet.”

“Natalie, you…” Easton started, but was too angry to find the words.

Turning to Murray, Natalie’s gaze turned icy. “Mr. Spencer, I heard you’re hosting a party for Jennifer tomorrow to thank her for saving your grandma. How about this? To prove my sincerity, I’ll bow and apologize in public tomorrow night.”

Jennifer was stunned. If Natalie apologized publicly, she’d be the town’s scorned outcast.

Murray looked at Natalie with a smirk, noting her beauty contrasted with her venomous nature. He stood up, approached her with a smile, and then, without warning, slapped her across the face.

Easton’s brow furrowed as he stepped forward. “Murray, that’s enough. Natalie is my wife.”

Natalie’s face reddened from the slap. She sneered at Easton, the man who could still hurt her. “Don’t be disgusting, Easton. You’ve hit me countless times for Jennifer. You’ve crossed the line. Get out of my sight; you disgust me.”

Easton’s frown grew, his eyes revealing disgust at Natalie’s defiance.

Murray straightened his suit, arrogance clear. “That slap was for your disrespect. Cross Jennifer again, and I’ll ruin that pretty face of yours.” His menacing gaze swept over Natalie.

Natalie didn’t get angry; instead, she smirked at Murray. He was always the protector, just as he had been in her past life.

“Fine, Murray, consider that slap noted. Tomorrow night, I’ll return it with interest. And your hands, I’ll break them myself,” Natalie declared, her voice steady. With that, she turned and left the room.

Jennifer was baffled, wondering what made Natalie so cocky.

Easton hurried after Natalie, his gaze fixed on her slender figure. He was about to catch up when he saw a very pretty girl approach her.

“Natalie,” the girl called out.

Natalie saw her friend Valerie Kline and was so surprised that she stood still. “Valerie!” she exclaimed. They quickly embraced, jumping with joy.

“Natalie, I’ve missed you so much. It’s been three years since we last saw each other,” Valerie said, her voice filled with emotion.

Valerie stepped back and noticed Natalie’s swollen face. Her pretty face darkened instantly. “What happened to your face? Who did this? I’ll make them pay.”

Natalie quickly stopped her. “Don’t act impulsively. I just met three psychos and got hurt. Do you hit back after being hit by psychos? How low would that be?”

Easton stood there, speechless.

Valerie looked at her with concern. “I had a feeling you were in danger, so I left my agency to find you. And here you are, in trouble.”

Natalie was thankful Valerie, who rarely left her astrology agency, had come out to support her. “Thanks, Valerie. I’m okay. I’ve had some problems, but I can manage.”

Valerie pouted. “I know you can manage it. I know your capabilities. As long as you’re not blinded by love for Easton, you can solve anything.”

Natalie smiled. “Oh, his childhood sweetheart is back. We divorced three months ago. I’m single now.”

Valerie was thrilled. “Natalie, you’re not kidding me, right? You’re really divorced?”