Chapter 33
Valerie pulled Easton aside, her eyes narrowed in warning. “What’s the deal, Easton?”
Lambert’s voice was a low, threatening rumble. “Easton, if you mess with my granddaughter’s date, you’re messing with me. I’ve cleared out this place just for her to have a quiet, uninterrupted meal. She’s happy now, not like when she was with you. Back then, all you did was spread rumors and hurt her. This guy here is my top pick for her. If you interfere, I’ll expose Jennifer’s actions, and she’ll be the one in jail.”
Easton frowned at the old man in the simple gray suit, whose eyes were sharp, deep, and anything but ordinary. “Sir, I must ask you to stop slandering Jennifer. If you don’t, I’ll be forced to send you a legal notice,” Easton said, his tone serious.
Lambert just laughed it off. “I’m not scared of your threats. You’re not welcome here. Hit the road!”
Valerie tugged Easton aside before he could reply. “Stay out of sight. We can’t ruin Natalie’s mood,” she urged quietly.
All Valerie hoped for was Natalie’s happiness and a bright future with a new love. From what she’d divined for Natalie, Easton was now a part of her past.
Meeting Valerie’s glare, Easton bit back the words he’d been about to say. He and Natalie were still legally married, and the thought of her on a date was more than he could bear.
Meanwhile, Natalie was making her pitch to Maurice. “Mr. Chambers, if you’re looking for partners in your business ventures in Shagrity, consider me. I’m a fashion designer, speak five languages, and can translate. I’ve heard you’re into antiques–I can restore them, and I even have some medical skills.” She was eager to impress him, knowing he was destined to be a major player.
Maurice looked at her, surprised. Her sparkling eyes and captivating smile made her the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. He sipped water to mask his admiration and said, “I knew you were special from your grandfather, but your talent exceeded my expectations.”
Natalie blushed slightly. “Mr. Chambers, how about we see each other as potential business partners or friends instead of romantic interests? I’ve recently divorced and my focus is on my career.” She grinned playfully, her eyes sparkling.
While she found him attractive, she was more intrigued by his connections than a personal relationship.
Maurice was taken aback but found himself quite fond of her. “I don’t mind your past,” he said, surprising her.
Natalie was confused by Maurice’s indifference to her divorce, but her main interest was in his wealth.
“Mr. Chambers, someone of your stature deserves better,” she remarked, giving him her business card. “If there’s any chance for us to collaborate, feel free to reach out. Thanks.”
Maurice grinned as he accepted the lavender business card, which bore only Natalie’s name and phone number. “Of course,” he agreed gracefully.
They hit it off, and throughout their meal, they had a delightful conversation.
After dinner, Maurice had to leave early. He had just returned to the country and had many things to attend to. They agreed to meet the next day.
After Maurice departed, Natalie went outside and discovered her grandfather waiting there. She couldn’t suppress a roll of her eyes, realizing he’d been watching over her blind date the entire time.
Lambert asked excitedly. “Natalie, I wasn’t lying to you, was I? He’s a really good man.”
Natalie saw the pride on her grandfather’s face and smiled back nodding, “Grandpa, your judgment never fails. We had a great conversation.” It wasn’t hard to see why; Maurice was clearly on his way to becoming a major player.
Lambert seized the moment. “Do you like