Chapter 30

Nached by Wendy's words, the pressure feeling almost tangible, she forced a brave smile and looked Wendy in the eye. “Call it even? Wendy, we’ve never seen eye to eye. It’s my victory because you’ve never played fair with me.”

Wendy’s anger sparked. “Natalie, despite everything, we’re family.”

Natalie’s reply was quick and to the point. “Then why did we sign those disownment papers?”

Wendy was left without a response, the weight of their decision settling in the air. She gazed at Natalie, recognizing her own youthful beauty in her, but all she felt was disappointment. “Natalie, you’ve really disappointed me.”

A voice, weathered and cold, broke the silence. “You never gave her any hope, so where do you get off being disappointed?”

Wendy turned to see Valerie helping Lambert approach.

Natalie’s tone turned gentle and sweet when she addressed Lambert. “Grandpa, I missed you inside. Did you get spooked?”

Lambert thought to himself, ‘Can’t this little rascal spare me some embarrassment in public? I’m not someone who gets easily spooked, okay?’

Confronting Wendy, Lambert declared sternly, “Screw you. You only reach out to Natalie when she serves your purposes. She’s been mistreated by people like you. You have no right to be disappointed in her. The Shawn family is just a bunch of bullies.”

Wendy was astonished to see the person who had raised her daughter, now understanding why Natalie’s behavior had been so out of control.

Easton looked at Lambert, a simple old man, and pondered, ‘Is he Natalie’s grandfather? Why had Natalie never mentioned him?’

Lambert, his eyes sparkling, said to Natalie, “Don’t waste that pretty dress. Let’s go to a speed dating event. I met a chess buddy at the park. His 25-year-old grandson just returned from studying abroad. He runs his own business, is looking to settle down. He could be a great match for you.”

Natalie was astonished, since this wasn’t part of her past life. “Grandpa, why would I go to a speed dating event? I’ve just become single after a messy relationship. Why should I rush into marriage?”

“You’re feeling down, which makes it a great time to meet someone new,” Lambert said, grinning. “I’ve seen this guy’s photos—he’s handsome and rich. You’ll like him. If not, I’ll find more options for you.”

Lambert’s words left Natalie and Valerie quite astonished.

Easton interjected, his teeth grinding. “Sir, Natalie is still technically my wife. She can’t go on a blind date.”

Lambert was taken aback, concern etched on his face. “Natalie, didn’t you tell me you were divorced?”

Natalie reassured Lambert, “Grandpa, I’ve signed the divorce papers, and he signed them even before I did. On top of that, they had me sign disownment papers too.”

Lambert let out a sigh of relief. “I was worried I’d have to do something about that awful man if you were still with him.” His words left Easton without a response.

With a smile, Lambert continued, “But since you’re divorced, that’s what counts. We need to go meet that young man I mentioned. He’s handsome and, in my opinion, the perfect grandson-in-law.”

Trusting her grandfather’s judgment, Natalie decided to give this a shot. A playful smile spread across her face as she said, “Alright, Grandpa, let’s go and see what this guy’s all about.”