Chapter 45

Hearing her words, Easton handed over his proposal without hesitation. He knew Natalie had never betrayed him and felt reassured by her presence.

“Much appreciated,” he said coolly and politely.

Natalie nodded slightly and began reading the proposal to Roger, word by word. If Roger didn’t fully understand, she patiently explained it as many times as needed until he did, only then moving to the next line.

Natalie’s clear, captivating eyes met Easton’s. “Mr. Garcia, Mr. Schneider is asking if you could reduce the rate by one percent. The taxes are high, and lowering it by one percent wouldn’t be a loss for you.”

“He says he’s an honest businessman who prefers to work with trustworthy people. If you agree, he’s ready to sign the contract right away,” she added.

Easton looked into her clear gaze. This one-percent reduction was well within his expectations. Roger was known for understanding the profit margins in business deals.

Jennifer, however, objected. “Natalie, what kind of translation is that? Do you even understand how much a one-percent reduction means?”

Natalie frowned. “Do you understand it? If so, go ahead and translate.”

Jennifer fell silent; she didn’t understand anything they were discussing.

“Natalie, I know you’re impressive, but you shouldn’t disrupt Easton’s business…” Jennifer still had something to say.

“That’s enough. Stop talking,” Easton interrupted Jennifer coldly.

Easton looked intently at Natalie, noting the dryness at the corners of her lips. “Please tell Mr. Schneider that I’m willing to reduce it by one percent. I appreciate his trust.”

Natalie conveyed Easton’s response to Roger, who was delighted. After both parties signed the contract, Maurice arranged for Roger to be escorted back to rest.

Maurice looked at Natalie with a touch of sympathy. He had done some background research on her. Seeing Jennifer and Easton’s attitude toward her, he figured her time with the Simpson family hadn’t been easy.

It was well known that Jennifer was treated like a little princess by the Simpson family. Maurice had heard she and Easton grew up together, and no matter what Jennifer did wrong, Easton was always forgiving. That certainly seemed to be true.

After Roger left, Maurice smiled appreciatively at Natalie. “Natalie, thanks to you, the deal went through smoothly tonight. Let me treat you to dinner and then take you home.”

Natalie had been translating for four hours straight and was exhausted and sleepy. She nodded, her large, sparkling eyes both innocent and captivating. “Mr. Chambers, can I have a roast chicken? I’m really starving.”

Maurice looked directly into her clear eyes, finding her adorable. His heart skipped a beat, and he smiled. “I’ll get you two.”

“Thank you!” She grinned happily, her every move radiating a lively charm.

Jennifer had never seen Natalie being so charming. Where is the dull, boring Natalie I know? Jennifer thought to herself, remembering how Natalie used to be quiet and reserved, almost like a wooden doll. Is she trying to imitate me now?

Chapter 43

“Natalie, I remember you weren’t like this before. Copying others is quite embarrassing. You should show more restraint in front of Mr. Chambers,” Jennifer said.

Natalie, exhausted, found Jennifer’s voice grating. She didn’t know what to say or why Jennifer insisted on opposing her at every turn.

“I’m just being myself. Copy you? Do you have my spirit? My looks? What exactly am I imitating?” she shot back.

“Do you know what hypocrite means? It’s people like you. Full of malice, yet pretending to be innocent!” she added.

Jennifer’s eyes welled up with tears, furious that Natalie had become so sharp-tongued. She looked at Easton, feeling wronged. “Easton, you see? Natalie always bullies me like this.”