Chapter 35
Their laughter echoed in Easton’s ears as they left, each chuckle grating on his nerves. He stormed to his car, the tension of the day etched on his face. Slumping into the back seat, he commanded through gritted teeth, “Take me home.”
His assistant, Xavier, shot him a worried look. “Mr. Garcia, Ms. Simpson’s been calling non-stop. She insists you come over.”
Easton’s mind raced with images of Jennifer’s tear-streaked face, the night’s dubious events, and Emma’s enigmatic words. His brow furrowed as he barked out, “First thing tomorrow, dig into what really happened with Mrs. Spencer’s fall.”
Xavier, picking up on Jennifer’s dramatics, chose to keep his own thoughts private and responded with a simple “Understood,” as he navigated the vehicle towards the Simpson residence.
The realization hit Easton like a ton of bricks – he hadn’t a clue where Natalie lived. “Oh, and find out Natalie’s address while you’re at it,” he added.
Xavier inwardly lamented the irony – that Easton cared so little about Natalie’s whereabouts. “Ms. Shawn’s had it rough,” he muttered. “Her family treats her like dirt, blames her for everything, and only comes knocking when they need something. Maybe it’s for the best she’s gone.”
Easton’s eyes flashed open, locking onto Xavier. He wanted to retort, but the truth in Xavier’s words left him speechless. “She’s just too vicious,” Easton finally spat out, as if that settled it.
Xavier kept quiet, knowing full well who the real snake in the grass was. He understood that arguing would be pointless, and to him, Jennifer seemed to be nothing but a harmful influence.
As Easton arrived at the Simpson residence, he got out of the car. Stepping inside, he found Jennifer weeping on the couch, but her tears didn’t stir any compassion in him.
Nick, spotting Easton, exhaled in relief. “Easton, glad you made it,” he said, gesturing to the seat next to him.
Easton approached with a grace that masked his annoyance, his features hardened by a growing irritation.
Jennifer’s heart leaped at Easton’s arrival, her tears flowing freely. “Easton, you came,” she sniffled, her voice thick with emotion. She harbored feelings for someone else, yet Easton’s tenderness managed to reach her as well.
Easton’s frown deepened. “Yes, I’m here. Stop crying. Murray didn’t actually do anything to you, did he?”
“I know, but I’m just so upset. I did save Mrs. Spencer…” Jennifer’s voice faded, her words left hanging.
Wendy was deeply upset, weighed down by the harsh remarks from Natalie. Her intention was never to truly disown her daughter; the papers of disownment were merely a threat.
However, Natalie had already left, and the evening’s events had once again cast her in an unfair light. As a mother, this was a hard truth to accept. Yet, the idea of Natalie interfering in her marriage ignited her fury.
“What do you need me for?” Easton asked, his tone sharp with impatience.
Nick’s eyes locked onto Easton, a man notorious for his ruthless nature, yet one who reserved his tenderness for Jennifer alone. He was pleased with his long effort to bring Easton and Jennifer closer.
“Easton, you and Jennifer are childhood sweethearts. Now that your split with Natalie is final, you should think about tying the knot soon,” Nick said, getting straight to the point.
Easton’s eyes narrowed. “I’m still married to Natalie,” he corrected.
Nick was taken aback, sure he had seen them sign the divorce papers. “Easton, I’m not forcing you, but you and Jennifer are great together. You’re a good match. We’d be relieved to see you both happy and settled.”
At that, Easton stood up abruptly. “Natalie’s your daughter too, and she’s still my wife. Don’t you want her happiness as well?”