Chapter 562

Natalie didn't notice anyone following her. After the elevator doors closed, she watched it ascend. Soon, she reached her apartment door and was about to unlock it when her phone rang. It was Austin.

"Hello, Mr. Powell," Natalie answered cheerfully.

Austin's concerned voice filled the line. "Are you home yet?"

Natalie smiled. "I just got home. My complex has security guards, so don't worry, Mr. Powell."

She was joking, but Austin's warmth and kindness always comforted her. Even though he was injured, he'd driven her home and was now checking on her. He was the kind of person she'd admired for years.

Austin chuckled softly. "That's good. Get some rest."

"I will, Mr. Powell," Natalie responded.

Even after ending the call, she could hear Austin's laughter. It had been a joyous day, a rare atmosphere since graduation.

As she stepped into her apartment and was about to close the door, a shadowy figure grabbed it, preventing it from shutting. Natalie froze, ready to scream for help. Most people should be home by now.

"It's me." The voice instantly erased Natalie's smile. She looked up to see Jeremy.

"What are you doing here?" Natalie asked coldly, gripping the door handle stubbornly. She didn't want him inside. Seeing him always filled her with a painful, shattering ache. A chill ran through her.

Jeremy noticed her grip. He realized she didn't want him to enter. This apartment held memories of their love; he still had a key.

"Nath, let me in. We need to talk," Jeremy said, trying to calm himself. Seeing her so soon after her parting with Austin stirred something within him. The phone call intensified his overwhelming urge to take her away, to keep her from anyone else.

"I don't think there's anything left to discuss. I've already said what I needed to say, and I've given the divorce proceedings to my lawyer. If you're here about Annabelle visiting today, I've already addressed that. Tell Annabelle not to worry; I'm not an obstacle between you two. Even if it weren't Annabelle, I wouldn't hold it against you. I'm generous. I'll still wish you well, out of respect for our past," Natalie said.

Influenced by alcohol, she'd said more than she intended. She felt deeply wronged and wondered if she seemed so easy to bully.

Jeremy's forehead twitched with frustration. "There won't be any more Annabelles. My wife will only ever be you. Nath, we can clarify things with Skylar. I didn't intentionally cheat."

"You didn't intentionally cheat? Was it because Annabelle seduced you? You couldn't resist her and ended up in bed with her? Jeremy, you make me sick!" Natalie shouted, her eyes reddening with anger.

Jeremy's face tightened. "Natalie, calm down. I don't deny the affair, but it was a setup."