Chapter 176
Kason's long-standing debt to the Chambers family had manifested in years of quiet assistance, a silent guardianship over their interests. Now, faced with Natalie's distress, he carefully set down his utensils, dabbing his mouth before meeting her gaze. "Natalie, this situation blindsided everyone. The notification arrived mere minutes before your father's detainment. The details remain frustratingly opaque."
Beneath the table, Natalie's nails dug into her palm as she fought to maintain her composure. "There must be some way to resolve this. Since my father's arrest, my mother hasn't left her bed. I feel utterly lost." Panic, despite her best efforts, threaded through her voice like a frayed rope.
Kason studied her with measured consideration before asking, "Consider carefully, Natalie. Has your family recently crossed anyone who might harbor ill will?"
The question sent Natalie's thoughts spiraling. The Chambers family's current standing paled in comparison to their position five years ago—a reality that had drawn her back into Warren's orbit. The announcement of her upcoming engagement to Warren had attracted many eager to cooperate, facilitating their resurgence. It seemed inconceivable that they would have earned anyone's enmity at such a crucial juncture.
"Perhaps," Kason began, his penetrating gaze fixed upon her, "the offense was more personal in nature?"
As their eyes met, Vivienne's image materialized in Natalie's mind. As Natalie approached her engagement to Warren, she had cultivated various relationships. The only person who might have a grudge at this point was Vivienne.
Yet, despite Vivienne's prestigious position as a top restoration specialist and cultural relic consultant, she surely lacked the influence to orchestrate such a precise attack against the Chambers family. Natalie dismissed the notion almost as quickly as it arose.
"Mr. Collins, I'm at a loss to identify any potential adversaries. Please help us investigate—we're prepared to make amends personally." Natalie's appeal carried the weight of desperate sincerity.
The fact that someone had circumvented Kason's influence to target her family spoke volumes about their adversary's power. One misstep could spell the Chambers family's downfall, jeopardizing her marriage to Warren.
"I'll do everything in my power," Kason said, his gravity matching the situation. "But whoever orchestrated this likely won't be satisfied with a single strike."
Though Natalie nodded in understanding, dread coiled in her chest like a persistent serpent.
Vivienne and Derek emerged from the private dining room when Owen's call pierced the quiet. "You're neither at work nor home at this hour. Explain yourself!" Despite his technological prowess, Owen had always respected Vivienne's privacy.
"I'm on a date," she replied simply.
Owen's derisive snort crackled through the connection. "Your track record with men is abysmal, Vivienne. You're a magnet for jerks, and you still trust your own judgment?"
Vivienne's features darkened. "Owen, are you asking for a beating?" His comment struck a nerve; while others might have questioned her past choice of Warren, Owen alone understood the complexities of that decision.
"Return immediately!" Owen's tone brooked no argument. "Otherwise, I'm involving my father, and you know what that means."
Vivienne's voice turned to ice. "Breathe one word of this, and your precious garage goes up in flames." The threat carried weight—Owen's garage housed his prized collection of limited-edition sports cars, each more valuable than the last.
"Final warning, Vivienne. Come back now." The gravity in his voice was unmistakable.
Recognizing the underlying concern, Vivienne pressed her lips together. "Fine," she conceded reluctantly.
After ending the call, she channeled her frustration into a gentle kick at an innocent flowerpot.