Chapter 179 Taking Legal Action
If Oliver had cared about what people said, there would be no rumors about his disfigurement or that he would not live long.
Natalie asked, “Do you want me to speak to Oliver on your behalf again? I won’t do it. You’ve not treated me and Lucas as your children all these years. You’ve failed to fulfill your duties as a father, and you’ve shown no desire to be our father. So on what grounds do you expect us to fulfill our duties as children?"
"Natalie, it’s every child’s obligation to repay their parents!”
“If the repayment involves using Lucas' life and health as a means of negotiation, I’d rather be known as an unfilial child. Alas, I don’t think you’ll dare to publicize our lack of filial piety since it may tarnish your reputation. After all, initially, many people thought we were children of servants of the Watson family,” Natalie retorted angrily.
Seated in the aerial garden on the second floor, Natalie enjoyed the warm autumn sun. As she spoke, she felt a little uncertain of her emotions. She felt a mix of relief and bitterness. She had never wanted to be heartless or unfilial.
…
The twilight view of Rosewood Estate was breathtaking. Before its construction, many couples would visit the western hills to enjoy the evening glow and sunset. Once Rosewood Estate was completed, this beautiful scene became exclusively Oliver's. That man had truly whimsical tastes.
Lucas returned with a grim expression, leading the way while Oliver followed at a leisurely pace, his mood unreadable.
"Lucas, what happened?" Natalie asked.
"He mocked me for being as bald as an egg! And he also called me short!” Lucas complained, glaring at Oliver.
Lucas's expression, which seemed to scream, ‘I’m so frustrated, I can’t take it anymore’, made it difficult for Natalie to hold back her laughter in his presence.
Truthfully, Lucas had pale skin and did resemble a peeled egg.
"Natalie!"
When Lucas saw the hint of amusement in his sister's eyes, he felt a mix of irritation and helplessness. He could be angry with Oliver but never with his sister.
Natalie gently patted Lucas on the shoulder, offering comfort. "It’s alright your hair will grow back. Besides, you are only sixteen. It is quite normal for boys your age to be shorter compared to someone like your brother-in-law."
After speaking, Natalie glared at Oliver and chided, "You’re twenty-six years old. Why must you tease him?"
Oliver glanced coldly at the siblings. Although he did not speak, his face clearly conveyed his annoyance.
‘This woman always sides with her brother!’
Natalie observed Oliver, then her younger brother, puzzled by the dynamics between the two. She sighed and went upstairs. After a short while, she returned with a gray-black baseball cap. She placed the cap on Lucas’ head and said with a smile, "Here. With this, you won’t look like an egg anymore.”
Hearing Natalie's words, Lucas laughed. “When did you buy this for me?”
“Oliver bought it for me, but I’ve never worn it before. It’s unisex, so you can wear it for now. If you don’t like it, we’ll get a new one for you,” Natalie replied with a smile.
Lucas's smile dimmed as he removed the cap to examine it closely. It was a limited-edition Burberry cap; it was very expensive. He had intended to wait until he was older to tell his sister that he was able to support her financially. Unexpectedly, someone had preempted him, and he was not pleased.
However, when Lucas glanced at Oliver, who stood beside him wearing an even more disgruntled expression, Lucas's mood rose! He chuckled and joyfully donned the cap, exclaiming, "Oliver, thank you for the cap!"
“I didn’t buy it for you,” Oliver replied expressionlessly.
‘Does he think I’m aware of how he only addresses me as Oliver or ‘brother-in-law’ when he has ulterior motives?’
"Lucas!"
Natalie sighed. Her younger brother was typically well-behaved, so she wondered why he seemed to take particular delight in irritating Oliver.
After Oliver went upstairs, leaving the two behind, Natalie took her brother aside and asked with a concerned expression, “Lucas, have you been provoking Oliver?”
Lucas blinked innocently. "No. Isn't he always irritable? People with short tempers are easily agitated. I behaved very well today. After my checkup, I read in his office while he reviewed his documents."
Oliver's office was spacious, featuring both a lounge and study area, and stocked with an array of books, some of which were rare collector's editions not available elsewhere. Lucas had contentedly spent the entire afternoon there. As for the reason behind Oliver's anger, Lucas chose to keep silent.
"Lucas, Oliver is actually a kind person; he just has a quick temper. Please try not to antagonize him," Natalie implored, hoping to avoid any friction between her brother and Oliver.
"I understand," Lucas replied, deciding to hold onto his grievances for the time being.
Despite Oliver's foul temper, Lucas believed that Oliver would not mistreat him. He recognized that while Oliver could be temperamental, he was not vindictive or petty. He was well aware of people’s limits, and this was a skill that had served him well within the organization.
…
In an effort to appease Oliver, Natalie prepared several of his favorite dishes for dinner, even including spicy options among the selection. However, her efforts seemed to have little effect on improving Oliver’s mood.
Oliver surveyed the table laden with dishes: Empanadas, Rack of Lamb, French Onion Soup, Southwest Burrito, and Tarta de Santiago.
Reflecting on earlier, when Lucas assisted Natalie in the kitchen—chopping vegetables, occasionally managing the pan and the heat, sharing laughter and conversation—it dawned on Oliver that their camaraderie made him feel excluded.
…
After the meal, Oliver retreated to his study, burdened with work—a fact Natalie was well aware of. She made her way to the master bedroom and sat on the expansive bed, her thoughts wandering.
She had only been intimate with Oliver once. He had restrained himself after that. Her injuries were minor, and with the medication, she was almost fully recovered. She thought to herself that if he expressed his desire tonight, she would not refuse him.
She felt a little ashamed when she thought about this. It almost felt like she was actively surrendering to him and flattering him.
After taking a thorough shower and washing her hair, Natalie pondered whether to apply some perfume, feeling uncertain.
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