Chapter 202

Natalie asked what kind of party it was, and Murray decided to call her himself.

She asked, “Murray, what kind of party is it?”

Murray replied, “Natalie, it’s a business networking event organized by my grandma and a few prominent families. You should come with me. I’ll introduce you to some contacts. Aren’t you a designer now? You must need good fabrics, right? I’ll introduce you to the owners of some quality textile mills. You’ll love the materials they offer. They’re top-notch. Natalie, I’ve always introduced you to the best. I’ve never known how to thank you, but now that I know you’re into fashion design, this is the least I can do to show my gratitude.”

Natalie smiled, knowing that he was a grateful and kind young man. In her previous life, Jennifer controlled Murray completely with this advantage. Even though she was not Jennifer, she definitely needed connections.

The gap in their social standing made her a frequent target of Jennifer’s mockery. Jennifer, along with her cronies, never missed a chance to demean and disdain her. Jennifer delighted in humiliating her like this. While pretending to be gentle and kind, Jennifer did the most disgusting things under that guise. Underneath that attractive appearance was a heart rotten to the core.

Natalie chuckled, “Murray, thank you.”

Murray replied, “Natalie, I should be thanking you. I’ll come to pick you up in three days.”

Natalie giggled, “Okay.” After hanging up, Natalie lay down to sleep.

The next morning, the butler had the kitchen make some seafood oatmeal and a steamed grouper for Natalie. Food always tasted better when it was the result of her own effort. Just halfway through her meal, her phone rang. She picked it up and saw it was Jennifer. Natalie was quite surprised that she would call.

“Hello,” Natalie said as she picked up the phone while still eating.

Jennifer sneered arrogantly, “Natalie, did you think livestreaming would ruin my chance to be the lead actress? You’re mistaken. The lead role is still mine.”

Natalie chuckled, “Jennifer, are you really that proud? With all the dirt you have, you still dare to act?”

“Natalie, you’d better keep your mouth shut. I’ve told you before. You’ll always be the underdog to me,” Jennifer laughed smugly, only caring about the outcome, not the process.

Jennifer thought, “There is no way Natalie can drag me into ruin. It is just impossible!”

Natalie sneered, “Jennifer, what makes you so arrogant? As you leech off Mr. Wayne, you’re just paving the way for someone else. I’ll be watching closely.”

Jennifer squinted slightly at this. “Natalie, what are you trying to say?”

“Nothing much. Are you done showing off? If so, I’m hanging up now. I’m having lobster oatmeal for breakfast and I don’t want you to ruin my mood.”

Then, the call ended. Natalie shrugged, feeling bored.

Jennifer was about to leave to have breakfast with Colin. She sat in the car, her face twisted after the call. Natalie had become smarter, and not as easy to push around as before. At that moment, her assistant, Oliver Quinn, came over and got into the car with a serious look. “Miss, Murray is investigating you. It looks like he’s found out about what happened at the hotel.”

Jennifer tensed up immediately, feeling a little uneasy.

She thought, ‘Murray, you sneaky brat, how dare you keep following me around?’

Jennifer bit her lip and looked down, trying to mask her inner panic and anxiety. If the news of her going in and out of hotels with an elderly man were to be exposed, her image would be completely shattered. Easton had stopped giving her money, so now she had to earn it herself. She didn’t even have the chance to participate in the previous piano competition because Easton’s feelings for her had changed.

Oliver said, “Miss, we can’t keep Murray here for now. We need to find a way to get him to the police.”

Jennifer thought for a moment and said, “In three days, there’s a party hosted by several prominent families. Mr. Wayne will take me there. At such a high-profile event, Murray will be there too. Let’s set a trap for him then. And also, my brother’s company is slowly moving back here. He’s involved in fashion, too. Let’s find the best designer. I want to destroy Natalie’s career in the design world. I’m determined to crush her.”

Oliver replied, “Okay, Miss, we’re getting everything ready here.”

Jennifer’s smile was malicious, and Oliver gave a wicked grin as he started the car to take Jennifer to meet Colin.

Natalie was still resting at home the next day. After spending three days at sea, she was worn out and needed a few days to recover. This time, she was fortunate to encounter a rare low tide, reaping a generous catch of seafood. She was so tired that she didn’t go to work for several days. On the third day, Murray called her, and only then did she finally get out of bed reluctantly.

She asked the maid to draw a bath with rose petals and to prepare a facial mask. Once she completed her luxurious rose bath and indulged in a full-body spa treatment, it was well past four in the afternoon. Murray came to pick up Natalie. She didn’t keep her address a secret from him because they were allies, so there was no need to hide it.

Natalie was dressed to the nines, and the moment Murray saw her he couldn’t take his eyes off her.

“Natalie, has anyone ever told you something?” asked Murray.

Natalie got into the passenger seat and asked, “What is it?”

Murray gazed at her with admiration and said, “You look stunning!”

Natalie chuckled, “Murray, has anyone ever told you something…”

Murray’s smile was playful. “What is it?” He was more than willing to play along.

Natalie replied, “You have a way with words.”

Murray scratched his nose. That wasn’t what he wanted to hear. He was eager to hear Natalie say, “You’re so handsome!” Unfortunately, he didn’t hear that. But when Natalie praised his speaking skills, his charming face turned red.

Natalie didn’t notice Murray as Maurice sent her a message asking if she was going to the party tonight.

Natalie: [Maurice, I’ll be there. I’m on my way.]

Maurice: [Great! See you at the party.]

Natalie: [Okay!]

Murray said while driving, “Natalie, Jennifer is also going to the party tonight. She is the center of the gossip and Mr. Wayne will personally take her to make some important connections.”

Natalie replied, “Looks like Mr. Wayne is going to promote her. After all, the child who cries gets the candy.”

Jennifer had the upper hand because Colin was fond of her type.

Murray laughed at the last comment. “Natalie, saying that just insults the kind of girl who cries for sympathy.” Murray wanted to say that the shameless woman got what she wanted, but he held back, thinking it was too offensive. Because of Jennifer, he felt a strong urge to curse. That woman was truly… despicable.

Natalie, aware of Jennifer’s past schemes against Murray, warned him succinctly, “Murray, watch your back at tonight’s party. You’ve plotted against Jennifer before, and she likes to stir up trouble in crowds. Remember what she did at Mr. Wayne’s party? Keep a close eye on your food and drink, and don’t trust anyone you’re not close to. Got it?”