Chapter 220 I'm Angry, Cheer Me Up
"You!" Lyra gritted her teeth, angered by Natalie's arrogance. Nevertheless, she managed to regain control over her emotions and steered the conversation back to the crucial point. "Natalie, I’m expecting Adrian's child. It’s been a month."
"What?!" Natalie's reaction was one of sheer astonishment. "From that evening?"
"Yes. I was lucky,” Lyra said proudly, “My clothes, my helper, and my living expenses are all provided by the Harrington family!”
Prominent families often placed great importance on heirs. Usually, there were strict rules to prevent illegitimate children. However, it seemed like Adrian and Victoria valued heirs, regardless of their legitimacy.
"Congratulations."
Once the initial shock dissipated, Natalie regained her usual poise. After all, what did Lyra’s pregnancy have to do with her?
Lyra was choked with anger. She had expected Natalie to please her and be friendlier after learning about this. After all, she was carrying the child of the Harrington family. Alas, her expectations were shattered. Natalie was just as arrogant as ever. Finally, she said, "Natalie, I have no intention of interfering in your affairs with that man. Let’s forget about what happened that night and try to get along from now on. What do you think?”
"I have no interest in your involvement with the Harrington family, nor do I care about the events that transpired on the island that evening, or your dealings with that man. I’m also not concerned about any rumors you might spread," Natalie stated, her smile subtle yet arrogant, "However, I advise you to keep quiet unless you want trouble."
At this moment, Oliver called out impatiently, “Natalie!”
Turning away from Lyra's inquisitive and scrutinizing gaze, Natalie replied, “Coming!”
…
When Natalie returned to Oliver’s side, he expressed his displeasure through a firm kiss.
Natalie thought to herself that he ought to be more cautious about public displays of affection. Yet, there seemed little point in admonishing Oliver on matters of image and reputation; he invariably acted of his own volition.
“What are you going to do if I die of starvation?” Oliver asked half-jokingly.
Natalie shot him a look of disapproval before taking his hand and leading him away.
“Okay, okay, I’ll cook for you as soon as we get home…” Natalie said before she glanced up at him and asked, “Aren’t you busy with work today?”
“No, I’m not busy,” Oliver replied with a straight face.
Upon hearing this, Jamie thought to himself, “Charles said that the office is overflowing with paperwork, and three executives had been looking for him. Is that not considered not busy?’
Oliver, the workaholic, seemed to have lost his focus.
…
Natalie broached the subject of Lyra's situation once they were in the car.
“That woman, Lyra, carrying Adrian’s child.”
Natalie usually read and stayed informed. While she was in Milan, she had learned about the Harrington Group’s financial difficulties. RK Group's subsidiary had acquired the three most lucrative divisions of the Harrington Group, despite Edwin's efforts to negotiate on behalf of the Windsor Group.
To someone less informed, this development might seem like a mere business rivalry. However, for Natalie, who was well-versed in the matter, it bore the signs of a family feud.
Upon hearing this, Oliver thought about Lyra. He noticed she had entered a high-end boutique earlier with a helper in tow.
The display of extravagance and the pretense reminded Oliver of Victoria and Edwin's mother. When he thought about the two culprits responsible for his mother's demise, his eyes glinted coldly.
Natalie, oblivious to the depth of Oliver's thoughts, assumed his discontent was related to her actions. "What’s wrong? I had to approach Lyra on the island. I really had no choice at that time. I didn’t expect her to get pregnant. I’m sorry.”
"Sorry for what?" Oliver, brought back to the moment, looked at the woman beside him, who had lowered her head.
"Aren’t you upset? Despite the conflicts, Adrian is still part of your family. And I’m also not sure how Lyra’s pregnancy will affect your plans,” Natalie explained.
Oliver gestured for Natalie to draw nearer.
An armrest separated them within the confines of the car. Natalie leaned forward, her elbows resting on the armrest.
Oliver gently held her chin.
Held in such a manner, she could only look up, taking in his distinct jawline and the thick lashes that framed his deep, cold gaze.
"Natalie, Adrian isn’t worthy of being part of my family! As for the Harrington family, the more chaotic it is, the better it is, don’t you think so?” Oliver posited. He did not care at all that Lyra was pregnant.
There were many children born to those ill-equipped for parenthood, not to mention a mistress devoid of any significant standing.
Natalie smiled, relieved. "You’re not upset? That’s good. I was worried you’d be upset.”
Over the past few months, Natalie had learned how to handle Oliver. Direct confrontations with Oliver were futile unless the issue was of fundamental importance. Offering an apology, even when not deeply meant, could appease him.
Oliver's fingertips brushed against Natalie's soft cheek as he spoke, "I’m upset, so cheer me up."
Oliver liked her taking the initiative, so he continued to say, “If you cheer me up, I’ll bring you to see Lucas tomorrow.”
‘Shameless! He’s using my brother to get what he wants!’
Natalie bit her lip and pressed the control to raise the partition. Straightening up, she kissed Oliver briefly on the lips before she looked at him questioningly.
"Are you satisfied now?"
Oliver, touching his lips, maintained a straight face as he asked, "Mrs. Windsor, how can you be so stingy with your husband?”
Natalie naturally understood what he meant, but she felt extremely embarrassed. She asked, “Why don’t we wait until we’re home? I’ll cheer you up then…”
Oliver's response was a noncommittal grunt, signifying his acquiescence.
Retreating to her seat, Natalie felt a surge of regret for rashly promising to ‘cheer him up’. If she had looked at Oliver more closely, she might have caught the fleeting smirk on his face, clearly pleased his plan had succeeded.
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