Chapter 154 Natalie, Can't I Be Trusted?
"It’s possible…"
It was unexpected yet expected.
However, Natalie really did not expect to avenge her.
Initially, Jane thought it was Roger’s doing. She asked, “Did you complain to your husband?”
"No, but last night when Mr. Evans tried to take advantage of me, Oliver was in my room, and he heard it all."
"No way! He came to find you in person!"
"Lower your voice!" Natalie quickly covered Jane's mouth, anxiously looking around with her beautiful almond-shaped eyes.
"How did he get into your room?"
"... Through the window."
Jane was dumbfounded. She did not expect Oliver to be the type to sneak in through the windows!
…
The photoshoot commenced with an air of anticipation and tension. As the male models made their entrance, the dynamic within each group underwent a noticeable transformation, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses amidst the tension.
Arwynn and Blake, finding themselves in a particularly foul mood and not quite mentally prepared for the shoot, struggled to present themselves satisfactorily in front of the camera. The photographer, despite his best efforts, failed to capture any compelling images. Frustration mounted for both Arwynn and Blake, leading them to a mutual decision to abandon the shoot altogether.
In contrast, Hailey took a strategic approach by bringing in a top male model along with two others, forming an impressive quartet.
When it was Natalie's turn, she handed Roger a top hat and covered half of his face.
Roger lifted the brim of the hat slightly, his movements exuding the charm of a quintessential gentleman as he said in a magnetic voice, “You don’t want to see my face?”
“It’s not that," Natalie responded in a low voice, finding it difficult to figure out Roger’s thoughts. She asked, "Shouldn't your identity remain hidden? Is the businessman persona just a facade?"
Roger was slightly stunned. A hint of a smile could be seen in his deep blue eyes as he asked, “Do you know what I do?”
Natalie did not know much about Robert, but based on their dangerous encounter in the hospital, it was clear he was not an ordinary businessman.
Roger studied Natalie's expression carefully, looking for a hint of fear. He was worried that she would be afraid of him. He asked, “Are you afraid?”
"No, I don’t think you’ll harm me,” Natalie said confidently. If Roger wanted to hurt her, he would not have saved her in the first place. For some reason, she felt a sense of familiarity with him. It was as though they had known each other before.
Roger's smile broadened as he contemplated ruffling Natalie's hair, but she swiftly thwarted his attempt by blocking his large hand.
"I just styled it, don’t mess it up!"
"Natalie, I will never hurt you…"
Unnoticed by anyone, Hailey took out her phone and captured this scene.
…
Natalie and Roger were swift in their shooting, displaying exceptional teamwork. Roger required minimal posing; his innate charisma radiated camera appeal and sophistication.
While other groups took a tedious half-hour to achieve decent shots, they wrapped up in a mere twenty minutes.
"Roger, do you know how to use a DSLR? Can you help me and Jane take a few pictures?" Natalie did not want Jane's stunning beauty to go to waste. It was good to have some fun.
So, while the other groups grappled with obtaining satisfactory professional shots, Natalie and Jane began to strike carefree poses.
The others seethed with envy and frustration, but there was nothing they could do. They felt like they were being mocked. If their shots turned out terrible, they would definitely be criticized by netizens. As for Natalie, if her shots did not emerge the best, it would be like a slap in the face.
…
After completing the professional photoshoot, the photographers took the photos for post-production editing, awaiting the judges' scores come tomorrow morning.
The production team recorded the contestants' reflections, some feigned composure, while others pretended to be nervous, all striving to present a charming and likable image before the audience.
Only Natalie was absent. She was busy in the kitchen, preparing dinner.
"Are you preparing so much? Can we finish it all?" Roger stood nearby, keenly observing Natalie as she handled the beef.
She sliced the beef into thick pieces, marinating them with red wine, raspberries, and spices, to later create German-style tangy slow-cooked beef.
"Ah, it’s not just for the two of us. I’ll also be delivering it to someone later."
Natalie did not look up, hence, she did not notice Roger's momentary emotional turmoil. It was not hard to figure out that the other person was her husband.
Roger's heart felt as though it had been pierced. He could somewhat quell these feelings of regret and yearning only by looking at her.
"Roger, what’s wrong?" Natalie glanced up as she cooked and noticed that Roger seemed to be in a daze.
Roger smiled, no one knew if it was sincere or not, as he said, "Your husband is a lucky man."
‘Alas, he’s never satisfied with anything! He's so picky too!’ Natalie scolded inwardly. However, she did not find it troublesome to cook for him daily.
Natalie inspected the remaining ingredients and remembered that she had to prepare something suitable for people with delicate stomachs.
She asked, “Do you have any preference?”
"I’m happy with anything."
‘As long as it's prepared by you…’
"Well, that’s great then!"
…
An hour later, Natalie finally finished preparing a delightful array of dishes; there were clams, mushrooms, chicken, succulent shrimps, broccoli, and soup.
During this time, Roger found himself the center of attention, with numerous individuals eager to engage him in conversation. However, his assistant adeptly warded them off. The only person he spoke to was the director. Even then, he only exchanged a few words with the other party.
At this time, someone tried to fish for information from Hailey, asking, “Hailey, what's the relationship between Roger and Natalie? They appear close, but she said he's not her husband…”
Hailey glanced at the bustling kitchen before she masked her jealousy and replied, "I'm not privy to their relationship. Natalie and I are in different social circles. I don’t really know who her friends are, and I don’t know how she came to know someone like Mr. Wild."
In other words, she, Hailey, belonged to the upper echelons, while Natalie hailed from more humble origins. For Natalie to be acquainted with someone extraordinary like Roger, she must have used some extraordinary means.
Everyone was even more curious when they saw Roger and Natalie’s interaction. They were both jealous and envious. After all, Natalie was already blessed with beauty, a good figure, and a wealthy husband. Did she truly need another wealthy, powerful, and handsome man to care for her?