Chapter 980

Natalie shook her head, her gaze fixed on the familiar figure in the distance. Joe hadn't finished the wedding photographs that afternoon due to work, so she wondered how he could be here now. Suddenly, her expression changed. The woman walking toward Joe was Vera. Natalie realized Vera had come to Fachington as well.

Joe must have canceled the wedding photo shoot this afternoon because of Vera. Now, they were both at the hospital; Vera appeared unwell.

Natalie felt a pang of disbelief. Such scenarios were common in novels and TV dramas, but she never expected to witness one firsthand. She wondered what Joe truly thought of Skylar.

Austin noticed Natalie's frustrated expression—her teeth clenched, her gaze fixed ahead. He followed her line of sight, seeing a man and woman he didn't recognize.

"Do you know them?" he asked.

"Yes, I do," Natalie admitted.

"Do you want to go say hello?"

"Oh, no, that's not necessary. We're not really close, just acquainted." Natalie quickly shook her head. Her concern remained with Skylar.

This was truly unfair to Skylar. First, Christopher, and now Joe, had betrayed her. She had considered Joe trustworthy, but he was clearly involved in something behind the scenes.

Overcome with frustration, Natalie muttered, "Men are all bad."

The comment was barely audible, but Austin heard it. Natalie's face flushed as she glanced at his astonished expression. "Mr. Powell, I didn't mean it like that. Not all men are bad, but you're a good person! You're absolutely a good person. Really!"

"The two people who just left the hospital—they're not a typical couple. I couldn't help but comment. I definitely wasn't referring to you, Mr. Powell."

She felt extremely embarrassed and frustrated. She often spoke without thinking and deeply regretted it. Natalie's frequent missteps always seemed to cause trouble.

Austin watched her, amused and curious, as her expression shifted rapidly—a whirlwind of regret and self-reproach. He smiled, finding her reactions entertaining. "How good do you think I am?"

Natalie was caught off guard. "How good?"

"Mr. Powell, you gave me work when I needed it and have never been harsh with me. I know I haven't performed perfectly, but you've never criticized me. Also, when my friends visited, you not only gave me time off, but you also invited us to your mansion. Your acting is incredibly impressive. I'm amazed by it every day. To me, no one in the world has better acting skills than you. It's all true!" She almost swore an oath to emphasize her sincerity.

Austin's gaze grew thoughtful, a deep, unreadable darkness in his eyes.

Feeling nervous and embarrassed, Natalie swallowed hard. "Do you not believe me?"

"I believe you."

Austin's belief seemed to trigger a sudden realization. His eyes were dark, like an endless night, deep and intense. Natalie's heartbeat quickened as his gaze intensified. She found him impressive; his intense focus could be overwhelming.

For a brief moment, she wondered if he had feelings for her. However, she rationally dismissed the thought. There was no way Austin could be interested in her. He was likely just touched by her recent comments. After all, it was rare for employees to remember and appreciate their boss's kindness, and that was understandable.

Her thoughts often ran wild.

On the way back to the hotel, Natalie quickly messaged Skylar: "Skye… are you asleep?"