Chapter 1158

After the door closed, Natalie turned to Austin. The apartment was eerily silent; a pin could have dropped. She slowly processed what had just happened, the warmth of his lips still lingering, her own feeling slightly swollen. Unsure, she asked, "Mr. Powell, are you… drunk?" She'd tasted alcohol during their kiss; that had to be the explanation for his behavior.

"I'm not drunk," Austin replied.

Speechless, Natalie stared. If not drunk, why the kiss? Then, his intense gaze settled on her. "It's exactly what you think. Someone approached you, urging you to quit, right? How much did she offer you?"

He’d waited for her to understand his feelings, but only met with her stunned silence. Noticing her daze, he took her hand, leading her to the couch. "Whoever's after you must be my family's butler," he continued.

"What?" Natalie exclaimed, her eyes widening. She'd assumed it was his mother.

"They know I've developed feelings, so I've stayed in Jipsburg. That's why they contacted you. Natalie, do you understand how I feel?" He spoke in a low, serious tone.

But Natalie's mind was elsewhere, preoccupied with Jessica and the implications of his absence from home. Suddenly, a familiar TV drama plotline clicked. "So, you're the kind of celebrity who plays around in the entertainment industry while a vast family fortune awaits back home?"

Austin sighed. "Pretty much."

A family business awaited him. Without Natalie, he would have left the entertainment industry long ago.

Natalie blinked. "If your rivals find out, they'll be furious. Many believe you come from a humble background, that you worked incredibly hard." Countless articles perpetuated this myth. During college, she'd admired him, seeing him as a role model, believing anyone could succeed with hard work. Now, she realized he'd started at the top.

What a twist! Only novels dared portray such a scenario. No wonder Jeremy's blacklist hadn't fazed him; he could always return home to his family's wealth. Seeing her rapid mental shifts, Austin realized she hadn't even considered the kiss or complained about it, or about Jessica's check.

"They would be furious. What about you?" he asked.

Natalie blinked again. "I'm happy for you, Mr. Powell. No matter what threats, they won't harm you."

Austin smirked. "No one can harm you either."

A calmness washed over Natalie, though her smile remained slightly rigid. Experience had taught her caution. She was happy for Austin's powerful family backing, but Jessica was right; things weren't simple.