Chapter 473

Jeremy had changed his hairstyle that year. It was shorter, making him look sharper and more intense. This photo, therefore, was taken recently. The desire in Jeremy’s eyes hinted at a longing, a yearning that seemed directed at someone specific. Natalie couldn’t help but wonder who had captivated his gaze.

Natalie’s hand trembled as she held the phone. She wondered if she had been mistaken. After all, Jeremy was soaking in a hot spring; perhaps the steam had clouded his eyes.

It was just a photo, but Natalie’s heart felt increasingly hollow as she gripped her phone tightly. Finally, she took a deep breath and texted, “What exactly do you want? Be direct. You have ten minutes to reply. If I don’t hear back, I’ll block you.”

Hank didn’t notice Natalie’s change in demeanor. He was preoccupied with figuring out how to make Austin understand that Natalie’s relationship with Jeremy was inviolable.

After finishing a shoot, Austin walked straight up to Natalie. “Why do you look so pale? Are you feeling unwell?”

Natalie snapped out of her thoughts, realizing she was overthinking. With a smile, she said, “It’s nothing. I’m probably just still a bit sleepy.”

“Go sleep in the car for a while, or go home and rest. I’m giving you the day off,” Austin said. His eyes filled with concern as he gazed at Natalie.

Chapter 423

He didn’t believe her excuse was as simple as lack of sleep. There must have been another reason.

Initially, Natalie wanted to refuse, but she reconsidered. She really hadn’t slept well the previous night. “Oh, alright then. I’ll take the day off today. Thank you, Mr. Powell. I didn’t sleep well last night. I apologize for affecting today’s work.”

“Go get some rest,” Austin said, nodding.

As Natalie left, Hank turned to Austin. “Something’s off, really off. Austin, I just talked to her. She and her husband are childhood sweethearts. If you have any ideas, forget them.”

Austin rolled his eyes at Hank. He was speechless. With everyone taking a break, he decided to confide in Hank about the recent events he had witnessed. If he didn’t, Hank would keep pestering him.

Hank was dumbfounded. “What on earth? When Natalie talked about Jeremy, her eyes were filled with affection, impossible to conceal. That naive woman definitely doesn’t know, but she’s no match for Jeremy. If Jeremy is deliberately deceiving her and keeping her in the dark, she’ll never find out because she trusts him too much. No wonder you’ve always treated her differently. It turns out you pity her. I’ve been overthinking.”

Austin’s expression turned cold, but he remained silent.

Meanwhile, Natalie hailed a cab and headed home. In the car, she checked the time. The ten-minute mark was approaching. Someone was clearly playing mind games with her.

She hadn’t offended anyone recently, and her social circle was small. She wondered if it could be someone with a grudge against Jeremy. At that thought, Natalie promptly blocked the person. Soon, she arrived home.

She took a shower and had a quick sandwich. She was so tired that she could barely keep her eyes open. Despite being only in her twenties, she couldn’t stay up late. Natalie was disappointed in herself.

Skylar had just arrived at Galaxy Villa and was preparing dinner when her phone rang. It was Steven.

“Skye, I need to discuss something with you. Are you busy right now?”

Skylar set down the vegetables she was about to wash. “Not at all, Steven. What do you want to discuss?”