Chapter 184: A Warning
After Kason finished speaking, a heavy silence fell over the room. Warren cast a sympathetic glance at Natalie, who appeared profoundly shaken. He gently squeezed her hand in reassurance. Natalie met his gaze, a strained smile briefly flickering across her face.
She then turned to Kason. “Mr. Collins, I’ve just considered this. We haven’t provoked anyone from the Sinclair family. And given the Chambers family’s current circumstances, provoking them is unthinkable.”
Natalie’s family troubles were no secret. Her father had narrowly averted disaster years ago, saving their reputation but leaving their influence considerably diminished. This decline was precisely why he'd summoned her, subtly suggesting a closer bond with Warren. Had the Chambers family retained its former power in Lyhaton, her father wouldn't have so readily sought an alliance with the Mitchells through marriage.
Kason’s expression grew grave. “Natalie, you’ve been like a daughter to me. Can you be honest with me?”
“What exactly are you implying, Mr. Collins?” Natalie asked, her brow furrowed.
Kason was direct. “I’m delivering a warning from those in authority. Don’t provoke those you shouldn’t.”
Natalie’s face paled, and she gasped, her eyes wide with fear. The suggestion that her family’s difficulties were somehow her fault was shocking. Reflecting on recent events, she was certain she hadn’t interfered with the Sinclair family in any way. They moved in entirely different circles, and she had no means of gaining their favor, let alone offending them.
Then, a thought struck her: Sinclair Sinclair had recently been Vivienne’s attorney. Could she have angered Sinclair because of that incident? Or was Vivienne the source of the Sinclair family's displeasure?
Throughout the meal, Natalie remained too preoccupied to enjoy the food. As they left the restaurant, they unexpectedly encountered Vivienne and her entourage exiting a nearby room.
Warren hesitated upon seeing Vivienne. He’d attempted several times to meet the Sinclair Group CEO, but to no avail, his contact limited to her assistant, Scarlett. Now, watching Scarlett converse animatedly with Vivienne, Warren frowned. Since leaving the Mitchells, Vivienne seemed to effortlessly connect with individuals Warren had struggled to network with. He wondered if it was coincidence or if she’d been concealing powerful connections all along.
Natalie, beside him, initially appeared unfazed by Vivienne. However, her composure vanished when she saw Rosalie, and fear flickered across her face. She hadn’t expected Rosalie's return. Why was she with Vivienne? Was Rosalie revealing their past, forming an alliance for revenge? The possibility sent a shiver through Natalie, causing her to clutch Warren's arm tighter.
Warren, misinterpreting her fear as directed at Vivienne, drew her closer, an arm around her shoulders. His gaze toward Vivienne was a blend of cold disdain and cautious vigilance, as if he considered her a significant threat. Vivienne met his look with a scornful smirk.
Warren’s patience was wearing thin; he was about to confront her when Kason intervened. "Miss Hayes?" he said, his voice easing the tension.