Chapter 592

Natalie answered the call. "Hello?"

Jeremy watched Natalie intently, his jaw relaxing when she answered. "Nath, it's time to go home." He needed her back. He couldn't let things spiral further out of control.

Natalie's eyes filled with tears. "Home? Jeremy, haven't you thought this through? Our home is gone. It doesn't exist anymore." She couldn't understand his casual tone, his pretense that everything was a bad dream. It had happened.

"Jeremy, stop lying to yourself," Natalie pleaded, tears streaming down her face. "I can't get over this. Can't we just have a peaceful separation? Don't call me until you've thought things through." Only she knew the depth of her agony, the excruciating pain she'd endure even with a divorce.

Jeremy's face paled slightly. "Natalie, we're not getting a divorce."

Helplessness washed over Natalie. She bit her lip, then insisted sternly, "I will never live with you again. I can't lie to myself. Every time I look at you, every time I think of you, I remember your betrayal, that affair. I don't want to become a resentful wife. I'm determined to divorce you."

Natalie hung up, weakness overwhelming her. The empty dial tone underscored the feeling that Natalie was slipping away.

Austin, having just spoken with the director, saw Jeremy from a distance. They were too far apart to see each other's expressions clearly, but as Austin turned, Jeremy looked up. Their eyes met, hostility sparking between them.

Austin remained calm, though concerned for Natalie's well-being. He hadn't expected Jeremy to find them, but it wasn't surprising; Jeremy was powerful, influential enough to locate them. This only reinforced Jeremy's suspicion that Austin desired Natalie.

Jeremy pursed his lips, glancing at Austin's phone number—provided by Tristan. He called.

"Austin, this is Jeremy Hughes."

Austin raised an eyebrow, surprised Jeremy had his private number. "What's up, Mr. Hughes?"

Jeremy's voice dropped to a low threat. "I'm giving you three days to fire Natalie."

Austin stared directly at Jeremy, a smile playing on his lips. "Natalie is responsible and hardworking. She's the best employee I've had in years. I have no reason to fire her."

"You're trying to take my wife from me. Do you know what's happened to the men in Jipsburg who've tried that?" Jeremy asked, the threat implicit. He could destroy Austin with a flick of his wrist, but he wouldn't stoop to targeting an actor.

Austin remained unmoved. "Natalie is not an object. I can't 'take her from you.'"

Chapter 590 (Note: This chapter number is out of sequence. It should be checked.)

Despite his attraction to Natalie, he knew he would always be upfront about his feelings. A public pursuit was inevitable, but now wasn't the time.

"If you've nothing else to say, I'll hang up, Mr. Hughes."

Jeremy was surprised by Austin's stubbornness. He chuckled lightly. "Don't do things you'll regret." Then he hung up. So many people didn't know what was good for them.

He considered Austin's success in the entertainment industry, a testament to his hard work. Jeremy's own power had bred arrogance, making him forget what it felt like to be powerless. Austin, apparently, had also forgotten.

Jeremy called Tristan. "Find out what Austin's been up to recently. I want him banned from the entertainment industry."