Chapter 24

Easton released a heavy breath, his hand rubbing his forehead as if to ease a forming headache. “No need to step in,” he said with a firmness that brooked no argument. “She’s dealing with the fallout of her own choices.”

Xavier’s face clouded over as he reflected on their vows for better or worse. Natalie had been there for Easton during Jennifer’s absence. But now, with Jennifer returned, it seemed Easton had forgotten Natalie’s devotion. Xavier thought it was unfair, but he felt helpless to act.

The Spencer family’s party was in full swing at the most exclusive venue in town, Loushine Hotel. Everyone had shown up, except for Natalie, who was supposed to offer an apology.

Murray, the host of the party, was entertaining the guests of honor–the Simpson and Garcia families. His eyes sparkled as he complimented Jennifer. “Jennifer, that dress is perfect on you.”

Jennifer, with her blend of innocence and allure, wore a sleek black dress that hinted at curves without revealing too much.

She offered a shy smile and edged closer to Easton. “Thank you, Mr. Spencer,” she said softly.

Murray was smitten–Jennifer was beautiful and kind, just his type. As a wealthy heir, he’d encountered many women like Natalie, whom he considered despicable, shameless, and malicious.

“By the way, Jennifer,” Murray said, “I heard Natalie had arranged for someone to kidnap you. It’s very generous of you to show her mercy.”

Jennifer and Easton’s expressions soured. Jennifer had vaguely let slip about the kidnapping to Murray, fueling his hostility towards Natalie.

Easton’s eyebrows drew together. “Mr. Spencer, who told you about that?”

Jennifer’s heart pounded with fear that her reputation would be damaged if Easton discovered she had leaked the information. Before Murray could answer, she quickly interrupted with a nervous laugh. “Mr. Spencer, is Natalie too afraid to show her face?”

Her question sparked a ripple of whispers through the crowd.

Murray’s brow furrowed, a chilling smirk playing on his lips. “If she’s too scared to face me, she’ll find out the hard way what happens when she goes against me.”

Easton’s frown deepened. Natalie, cornered yet stubborn, hadn’t asked for his help. He had been waiting for her call all day, but it never came. His irritation only grew as he thought about it.

Jennifer desperately defended Natalie, her tone insistent. “Mr. Spencer, I’m sure Natalie didn’t mean any harm. Please, could you possibly forgive her this time?”

Murray’s eyes sparkled, noticing Jennifer’s beauty even in her distress. “Jennifer, your kindness is limitless. Let’s move on from this. Once it’s settled, we can have our families sign the contracts.”

Jennifer had been anticipating this moment. Easton’s eyes showed his interest, but he remained silent.

“Natalie can’t be scared to show up, can she? She’s making us all wait,” Jennifer remarked, looking towards the door.

“Who said I was scared?” A crisp, chilly voice sliced through the silence. Every head turned to see Natalie.

Natalie stood in a bold red dress, with diamonds sparkling at her throat and ears. The bright red and the glimmer of the diamonds created a striking contrast. Her extravagant style was like a warm hug, her features radiant.

Easton was astonished to see Natalie glowing with a vibrant beauty that was new to him, as striking as a rose come to life.

Jennifer felt both astonished and envious. Knowing Natalie’s beauty since her return to the Simpson family, she had given her own discarded dresses to Natalie, trying to keep her out of the limelight. But now, Natalie was the center of attention.

Murray was also stunned. He found it hard to recognize the gorgeous woman who arrived as Natalie.

The men at the banquet couldn’t tear their eyes away, captivated by Natalie’s every move.

Standing in front of Jennifer, Natalie said, “Jennifer, if I don’t show up, you’ll just keep running the show, won’t you?”