Chapter 604

After leaving the studio, Natalie returned to her apartment and repeatedly called Kate, but received no answer. She suspected Kate sensed something; otherwise, she wouldn't have been so insistent on Natalie's return. This was deeply troubling.

Meanwhile, Jeremy arrived home early at the Hughes residence. Kate was already there, waiting. She wasn't surprised by his early arrival.

"Mom," Jeremy greeted.

Kate sighed and looked at him. "Have some water first. I need to ask you a few things." Her phone lay beside her, displaying numerous missed calls from Natalie.

Jeremy took a few sips of water, then set down the glass. "Is something wrong between you and Natalie? Did she move out?" Kate asked directly. She knew Natalie was living in her pre-marital apartment, purchased by Kate and Damon Jakeman, Natalie's father. Natalie wouldn't have left unless something significant had happened.

Natalie's recent behavior had been unusual; she'd been adamant about returning to work. Kate realized she should have considered the situation between Natalie and Jeremy more carefully. They had grown up together, and Kate had always trusted Jeremy implicitly with Natalie. Yet, clearly, problems had arisen. As a perceptive observer, Kate knew she couldn't remain passive.

Jeremy nodded solemnly. "Mom, there's been a problem between us. It's my fault."

"Your fault?" Kate stared at him, unease growing. She knew Natalie well; she wouldn't have moved out unless it was serious.

"A while ago, I had an affair with my secretary," Jeremy admitted.

Kate stood abruptly, disbelief etched on her face. "An affair? Jeremy? Natalie left home after discovering your affair, didn't she?"

"Yes." Kate staggered, feeling dizzy. "Do you not love Natalie anymore? How could you be so foolish? You know she has zero tolerance for this. Are you planning to divorce her? Or did you force her to move out?" She had dismissed Natalie's calls, assuming a minor disagreement, unaware of the depth of Natalie's distress.

"Mom, there's no excuse for my affair, but I don't want to divorce Natalie. If you trust me, please let me explain. I'll tell you everything," Jeremy said sincerely.

Kate's eyes reddened. "Clarify the whole situation?" If Jeremy didn't want a divorce, it meant Natalie did. Kate understood Natalie's intolerance of betrayal. But she also needed to understand why Jeremy, who once loved Natalie deeply and vowed to cherish her, had betrayed her so soon after their marriage.

Meanwhile, Skylar arrived at the restaurant, having purchased fresh flowers and balloons and hired help for decorations. With the staff's assistance, the preparations, usually an hour's work, were completed in half the time. Looking around after the staff departed, Skylar nodded. "Perfect birthday atmosphere," she murmured.