Chapter 556

Annabelle maintained her smile as Natalie approached, but jealousy, like unchecked weeds, consumed her. It spread uncontrollably, overwhelming her emotions. Jeremy had been indifferent, while Natalie remained unaffected, continuing her life as if nothing had happened. Annabelle, however, felt trapped in Jipsburg, a lifeless shell. This wasn't how it was supposed to end.

"I told you at the hospital I didn't want to see you again. Clearly, you didn't take me seriously," Natalie said expressionlessly. Each encounter with Annabelle brought a sharp pang to Natalie's heart; Jeremy's betrayal felt like a sword piercing her, making it hard to breathe.

Annabelle still smiled. "There's no need for hostility. You should thank me. Without me, how would you have discovered Mr. Hughes's infidelity? You might have been deceived much longer." She convinced herself she'd done a good deed. Even if Annabelle hadn't actively seduced Jeremy, with his status, others would have. His current fidelity didn't guarantee future faithfulness.

These words seemed reasonable. Natalie found some people's values eye-opening. If she hadn't been so certain of her own values, she might have doubted herself.

Natalie found the notion disgusting.

"So, Jeremy didn't give you what you wanted?" Natalie sneered.

Annabelle's smile faltered. "Isn't it because you haven't divorced him yet? Natalie, I don't understand. Even knowing he's no longer interested in you, doesn't love you, why pretend nothing happened? Why aren't you divorcing him? Clinging to a broken marriage—can that truly make you happy?"

Natalie pressed her lips together, clenching her fists. She understood everything. Jeremy had betrayed their love; their relationship was built on lies. He clearly no longer loved her. But it wasn't up to a mistress like Annabelle to flaunt this.

"Annabelle, do you think I'd call Jeremy right now and tell him I'm not getting a divorce? Do you think he'd come rushing over? And if I told him to deal with you, do you think he'd ensure you never came near me again? You'd better apologize, or I can easily make your life miserable." Natalie's voice was harsh. She didn't issue threats lightly, but Annabelle had a talent for pushing her to the edge. Annabelle's shamelessness preceded her retaliation. She brought it upon herself.

Annabelle's face paled. "You! You think Mr. Hughes would deal with me because of you?"

"Wouldn't he? You're a passing interest. If you were important, why would he let your pregnancy be terminated? Just because you're foolish doesn't mean I am," Natalie said icily.

She dialed Jeremy's number. Lately, she'd avoided direct contact, relying on Truman to relay messages. Even when Jeremy called, she refused to answer. The irony of calling him because of his mistress wasn't lost on her.

The phone rang three times before Jeremy answered, his voice urgent. "Natalie!"

Hearing him call her name felt like a distant memory. Before the incident, she'd had an illusion each time he called her like that—that she was his world, the only one in his heart, and it would always be that way. That belief, once so vivid and beautiful, was now just a fleeting moment of confusion.