Chapter 316 Susan’s Provocation
Natalie had ceased counting cards like before, somewhat distracted. Despite her overall success, unlike when Barrett was in the game, there were wins and losses among the players. It was a stark contrast to when Barrett was playing.
Barrett observed from the sidelines for a while, feeling unfairly targeted and frustrated.
At this time, a man sidled up next to the fuming Barrett and whispered, "Did you somehow offend Oliver’s wife?"
Barrett's frustration boiled over. "I've barely exchanged a handful of words with her. How could I have possibly offended her?"
His indignation grew with each thought, feeling wronged at the same time. While he was still fuming with anger, he received a text message.
Susan: [Are you free? Let’s meet up!]
Susan, familiar with the elites of Paykston thanks to Oliver, counted Barrett as one of her close friends.
Barrett, aware of Susan's previous interest in Arthur, was unaware that she had shifted her attention to Oliver.
Barrett: [I’m at All Night Manor. Oliver invited everyone out tonight. Do you want to join us?]
Susan’s interest was piqued.
Susan: [He invited everyone out?]
Barrett, seizing the opportunity to vent, quickly replied.
Barrett: [Yes, and he brought his wife! I really can’t stand that woman!]
Susan, slightly concerned, quickly replied.
Susan: [I’m actually free right now. Do you think it’ll be okay if I come over?]
Barrett, comforted by the prospect of a familiar face, eagerly responded.
Barrett: [Of course! You’re more than welcome to join us!]
Roughly ten minutes after sharing the location with Susan, Barrett remembered that Oliver was the host tonight and thought it prudent to inform him. Assuming that the addition of another friend was not an issue, he said, “Oliver, Susan is coming over to join us.”
Natalie’s hands, which were holding the cards, stilled for a moment. She glanced at Barrett and asked, “Susan?”
"Yes," Barrett replied before he turned to Oliver with a hint of apprehension and asked, “It’s okay for Susan to join us, right?”
"When will she arrive?" Oliver asked. He clearly did not think this was an issue. He knew Susan was friends with some of the people here, and she had not met them since she returned from abroad.
After Barrett said that Susan was on the way, Natalie pursed her lips slightly and glanced at Barrett expressionlessly.
…
Half an hour later, a waiter led Susan into the room. She was dressed in an elegantly tailored long dress, and her hair was styled in soft waves, complemented by understated makeup. Her appearance was the epitome of grace with a hint of whimsy.
Upon her entrance, she smiled widely and greeted everyone warmly, “Hey, guys, I’m back! You didn’t forget about me, did you?”
Exclamations filled the room.
"Susan?! It’s really you!"
"So you still remember us, your friends?"
"You didn’t even tell us you were coming back. I bet you only came because Oliver organized this gathering! How can you be so biased?”
"Indeed! Come, come! You must drink three glasses as penance!"
The arrival of an old friend ignited the group's spirits, contrasting sharply with the earlier subdued and awkward mood that had welcomed Natalie.
Amidst the festivities, some made teasing comments.
“Did Oliver invite you?”
“How sweet!”
“It seems like you prioritize love over friendship!”
Natalie wondered if she was being overly sensitive but could not shake the feeling that Susan had deliberately orchestrated this to show her something.
When the men jokingly urged Susan to drink as a form of punishment, she turned to look at Oliver with an expectant gaze, calling out, “Oliver…”
“Hey, that’s not fair, Susan! You’re using Oliver to suppress us again!”
Oliver set aside his chips and looked at the noisy men before he said, “Why are you forcing people to drink?”
The men instantly became obedient.
"Thank you!" Susan beamed. Her eyes and heart were filled with Oliver.
Someone teased, “You always rely on Oliver to protect you!”
“So what? Not everyone has this privilege!” Susan said proudly.
“Okay, okay, you’re right. How can our relationship with Oliver compare to yours and his?”
The group continued on with their playful banter.
Susan approached Oliver and said with playful familiarity, “You didn’t invite me!”
Then, in the next moment, as though she had just noticed Natalie, she exclaimed, “Natalie, you’re here as well? What a coincidence!”
Natalie silently noted Susan’s ‘perceptiveness’; it took so long for Susan to notice her.
Oliver's gaze shifted between Natalie and Susan before he asked, "Do you two know each other?"
Susan was quick to respond, "We met previously. I really admire Natalie. Perhaps we can collaborate in the future. I might just hire you as my model!”
The dynamic between a designer and a model mirrored that of a director and an actor, where the latter served the former until reaching a certain level of fame. However, although Susan was regarded as a promising young designer, she had not yet attained the status to hire Oliver Windsor’s wife.
Susan's words seemed to show her superiority over Natalie, and some sensitive people could not help but feel a little awkward.
Barrett also could not help but look at Susan, thinking, ‘Why is she acting so strange today?’
"If you’re interested in discussing potential work opportunities, you should speak to my agent,” Natalie said calmly. Inwardly, she felt a little annoyed.
Susan, delighted that Oliver was seemingly indulging her provocative behavior toward Natalie, tilted her head and asked with a smile, “Can I join the game?”
Oliver then turned to Natalie and asked, "Natalie, do you still want to play?"
He had noticed she seemed distracted earlier and assumed she had lost interest in the game.
Natalie smiled slightly, but the smile did not reach her eyes as she asked, “Do you want me to give up my seat for her?”
Now that Susan arrived, she was being asked by her husband to give up her seat.
Natalie spoke calmly and gently as though she was really asking for his opinion.
Oliver frowned. Although he could not pinpoint the reason, he felt that she was unhappy at this moment. In the end, seeing that Natalie did not seem willing to give up her seat, he was about to ask one of the players to vacate his seat.
However, sensing Oliver’s intention, Susan said first, sounding magnanimous, “Forget it. Since Natalie rarely comes out with us, I can’t take her seat. I’ll chat with Barrett instead.”
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