Chapter 259 Do You Want To Compete With Me For Natalie?
Natalie sat upright, propping herself against the seat before she pushed against Oliver's chest with one hand.
"Oliver, do you really think it’s right to behave like that?”
Oliver did not think there was anything wrong with his words. He did not care about Roger, whom he perceived to have hidden intentions.
Natalie was overwhelmed with anger, feeling a storm of emotions within her. She was troubled by his overbearing control, his infuriating temper, the despair of sending loved ones to prison, and his decision to keep everything hidden from her. She felt somewhat suffocated.
Instead of experiencing the relief of having survived a disaster or the joy of their marriage being recognized publicly, she was engulfed in a deeper sadness. She could not pinpoint the source of her sadness; she only had a vague sense that many things were about to change.
Oliver frowned, wondering if and why Natalie was upset.
…
The private restaurant was a favorite among Paykston's elite. The food and drinks here were exceptional.
Reservations were hard to come by, yet Oliver's influence meant he could secure one with ease.
In the private room, Oliver and Natalie sat across from Roger.
The waiter served the drinks, filling the room with their fragrance.
"Roger, you’ve always helped me. I really don’t know how to thank you,” Natalie said, raising her glass.
"There’s no need for thanks," Roger responded, smiling. He knew refusing would only make her feel indebted.
Their conversation, initially formal, gradually became more relaxed and friendly.
Oliver, with a frosty look, interrupted, "Mr. Wild, should you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. I’ve made this clear before."
He had also made it clear that Natalie was his, and he would not tolerate anyone else's advances.
Roger maintained a calm demeanor, concealing his true feelings. "There’s nothing Mr. Windsor can offer that I want or need."
Internally, he thought, ‘You can never give me what I truly want.’
Natalie’s phone rang at this moment, and she said, "Excuse me, I need to take this call."
She looked apprehensively at Oliver and Roger as she stood up.
"Natalie, don’t worry. We won’t fight," Roger reassured her.
Natalie smiled and said, "Then, I leave you to your discussion."
Once Natalie left, Roger's expression hardened.
Oliver scoffed. "Hypocrite."
Roger, unbothered by the comment, simply replied, "Natalie appreciates it."
"She’s not your concern," Oliver stated coldly.
Roger took a sip from his glass before he smiled sarcastically. He looked at Oliver and said, "Your schemes are complex and far-reaching, starting long ago. Now, you enjoy the fruits of your labor. You only involved those beneficial to you and excluded Natalie. Perhaps one day, you, too, will find yourself excluded."
Roger rarely spoke so candidly, but now, he spoke for Natalie's sake.
Oliver understood Roger's initial point, recognizing the threat. "Are you challenging me? Are you trying to steal my wife?"
"Yes, but not now," Roger admitted. "Our goals differ. I love her, and I only want her to be happy."
"So you’re saying I don’t love her?" Oliver sneered, confident in his own feelings.
"In any case, I don’t care about what you think,” Roger said.
He was not a generous man; refraining from interfering with Natalie's feelings was the largest concession he was willing to make. Did he really hope for Oliver to cherish Natalie? He was not so selfless. There was a difference between helping Natalie and winning her heart.
If Oliver did not love Natalie and cherished her, Roger would not hesitate to step in and win Natalie over.
"What are you guys talking about?" Natalie asked after returning to the room.
Her conversation with Lucas had been brief. He had updated Natalie on the men planning to kidnap Lilian and how they were apprehended by Charles that morning. Given the unresolved situation with Victoria, Natalie advised Lucas and Lilian to take it easy for the time being.
Oliver lied with a straight face, “Mr. Wild was just saying that he’s not interested in watching the show.”
Natalie was confused.
Roger, maintaining a poker face, looked at Oliver frostily before he said with a smile, “However, it’s a different matter if it involves Natalie…”
"Mr. Wild, you have two identities. How do you find the time for any shows?" Oliver countered smoothly.
The mention of dual identities was an allusion to Roger's life as both a respected businessman and the assassin known as D.
"Mr. Windsor, you have to manage RK Group and plot against Windsor Group. You must be busier than I am,” Roger retorted, “Moreover, you are also looking for your brother.”
Oliver responded, "Despite my hectic schedule, I make time for my wife. Mr. Wild, you don’t need to overextend yourself for my wife’s sake."
"I naturally have to make time for my friend,” Roger said.
Oliver suggested, "It seems like your single status gives you a lot of free time. Should I introduce you to someone?”
Roger answered, "Having seen the finest, why would I settle for lesser gems? Keep them for yourself, Mr. Windsor."
Their verbal war continued. Both of them were usually taciturn, but now they were exchanging so many words.
"Enough!" Natalie interjected, baffled by their verbal war, "Can we please end this now?"
Both men exchanged a look and stopped talking.
…
As a gesture of appreciation, Natalie escorted Roger to his vehicle.
Oliver stood by Natalie's side, his face void of expression, not showing any gratitude.
Jamie approached hastily, saying, "Sir, Edwin has gone to the police station. He claims to have a lead on Victoria's murderer."
"So suddenly?" Natalie expressed her surprise.
Edwin, previously suspicious of Oliver, seemed to have a new lead less than half a day after Oliver was exonerated.
"Are you hungry?" Oliver turned to Natalie.
"A bit," she admitted, noting the time was nearing their usual mealtime.
"Let's head to the villa," Oliver said to Jamie.
"Aren't you going to the police station?" Jamie asked.
"We'll eat first," Oliver said calmly. He was not in any rush.
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