Chapter 415

The flowers were undeniably beautiful, yet Natalie felt no joy in receiving them. A coldness settled in her heart.

Shaking off her thoughts, she changed her shoes and entered just as Jeremy emerged with a freshly prepared dish.

“I landed this afternoon,” Jeremy said with a gentle smile. “Then I handled some business at the company before rushing home. It’s been a while since I cooked. Come try this.”

“Okay,” Natalie said, searching his expression for clues.

But Jeremy was an enigma. If he didn't want something known, it remained a secret. His thoughts were buried deep; his true feelings were impossible to discern. Once, this inscrutability had been a source of admiration. His love, she had believed, was enough; it had been palpable. Now, however…

Jeremy still seemed the same, his eyes lighting up at the sight of her. But… a direct confrontation wouldn’t work. Natalie knew his acting skills were flawless. He’d weave a convincing web, leaving no trace of his deception.

Jeremy’s smile vanished as she excused herself to wash her hands, replaced by a dark glint in his eyes. He knew his neglect had hurt her. He’d been too busy in the past to see her for months at a time, but the panic gnawing at him now was new. He wondered if his anxiety stemmed from Austin.

Halfway through the meal, Natalie pushed away her plate. “Sorry, I had a sandwich on the way home. I didn’t know you were coming back and that you would cook dinner. I’m not really hungry.”

It was true. Her appetite had dwindled lately, but she wasn’t keen on skipping meals. Spotting a long line at a sandwich shop, she impulsively bought two and finished them on her way home.

Jeremy’s gaze darkened slightly, but his tone remained gentle. “Alright. If you’re not hungry, don’t force it. I wanted to discuss something.”

A flicker of hope ignited in Natalie. Could he be confessing? The reason didn’t matter; she’d believe him.

“Quit your job. I can help you open a flower shop or a café if you want to work. The choice is yours,” Jeremy stated firmly. He offered post-resignation options without even asking whether she wanted to quit.

Natalie’s face paled. Mustering a smile, she said, “I don’t want to quit yet. It’s a new job, and leaving now would be irresponsible. Besides, I like it.” Whether it was Austin or Hank, they were supportive, even of her mistakes.

Jeremy’s gaze turned icy. “Look at me, Natalie.”

Chapter 415 2/2

Natalie took a deep breath and met his gaze.

After a moment, Jeremy spoke softly, “I remember when you first started college, you said you wanted to open your own flower shop. I’m giving you the opportunity now. Why the change of heart?”

“People’s desires change with time. I enjoy my work environment now. Maybe I’ll want to open a shop later, but not right now.” Natalie was resolute. She wouldn’t budge for anyone. Unless she quit or Austin fired her, she was determined to stay.

Jeremy suddenly realized how much he had neglected Natalie. She no longer saw him as important as before. Realizing this, he found it hard to breathe. He responded heavily, “Alright, we’ll talk about it later.” He had ways to make Natalie quit her job.