Chapter 64: You're On Your Own
A blurry image flashed through Natalie's mind. Could it be him? Her instincts screamed that the man in the car was extraordinary. She had severely underestimated Vivienne, never expecting such a swift replacement for her protection.
"Find out who owns the Rolls-Royce parked outside Lonsong Restaurant last night!" Natalie's voice was tightly controlled, barely masking her anger. "And get those people out of the police station, now!"
"But the police say they have criminal records. They can't be contacted or bailed until the investigation concludes," her assistant replied hesitantly.
Natalie's eyes darkened. Before she could respond, the door slammed open, and her agent, Grant Lawson, stormed in, his face furious. He threw a contract onto the table. "Look at what you've done!" he roared. "The endorsement deal is out, demanding penalties! Several film projects have rejected your auditions!"
"What?" Natalie's face paled, her legs unsteady.
Grant shoved a tablet in front of her, a cruel smile playing on his lips. "Take a good look at this."
On the screen, Harvey, Lyhaton's top lawyer, had posted an update: "On behalf of Miss Vivienne Hayes, I have sent a legal notice to Miss Natalie Chambers. Please review immediately." The words "attempted murder" and "intentional injury" leaped out, striking Natalie with cold terror.
Her hand tightened around the tablet, her knuckles white. Her eyes burned with fury and disbelief. "It was a harmless prank—how can they accuse me of attempted murder?"
Grant scoffed, his voice dripping with disdain. "Because the people at the police station confessed. The company wants you to hold a press conference immediately, and you'll be sidelined until this blows over."
The reality of being sidelined hit Natalie hard. She knew what it meant. With Warren's help, she'd broken free from her former employer, rebuilding her career on her own terms. Her new agency had mapped out her future, but this legal notice had thrown everything into chaos.
She refused to let it end this way.
"There has to be room to negotiate," Natalie insisted, her voice firm, though tension tightened her chest. She hadn't fought this hard for a comeback only to be shut down now. What would she have left if sidelined?
Grant's lips curled into a mocking smile. "A directive went out to clean up the industry—rooting out the illegal and unethical. You're smack in the middle, acting recklessly while everyone's watching. What makes you think there's room for negotiation?"
His words struck her like a slap, draining her remaining energy. She sank onto the bed, her gaze distant, empty. Why was this happening? It felt like a cruel twist of fate, orchestrated against her. Vivienne had played her hand perfectly, and luck seemed entirely on her side.
"You're on your own now," Grant said coldly, turning to leave. He paused at the door, glancing back with a sharp smirk. "By the way, due to your breach of contract, the company can demand compensation. Prepare your finances—don't be surprised if you end up bankrupt."