Chapter 345 Indulgence and Coquetry
Charles had always been tasked with serious and vital responsibilities. However, ever since the young mistress had wedded the young master, his duties had expanded beyond their usual scope. His current assignment was a prime example: he was to vigilantly monitor online activity related to certain rumors, ensuring that none would harm the young lady.
Upon discovering a potential issue online, Charles promptly relayed the information to Oliver.
"Eliminate all those comments, particularly the ones propagating the rumors," Oliver commanded, his face stern.
"Understood."
"Wait."
Setting aside his work, Oliver addressed Charles, "I will personally attend to this matter." As he spoke, he logged into the Instagram account he had created and verified for Natalie, and began to type.
The ban's impact seemed inadequate, prompting Oliver to devise a more effective solution.
He then provided Charles with further instructions regarding their work.
"Sir, we nearly apprehended Hailey, but she managed to escape this morning," Charles reported, his expression grave. "We suspect... someone is secretly aiding Hailey."
Oliver's brow furrowed. "The Watson family, or Edwin?"
"Neither." Charles shook his head. They had been the initial suspects, but the investigation had cleared them. "If our people don't find anyone within three days, it will confirm that someone is indeed covertly assisting Hailey, and this person's influence... should be on par with yours, sir."
"Locate them as soon as possible," Oliver directed. Paykston was densely populated, and even for him, it would be challenging to find someone hidden amongst the masses.
Meanwhile, Oliver pondered over who in Paykston would dare to defy him. After careful consideration, he could only think of three or four individuals. However, none of these people had any reason to protect Hailey.
Returning to his office, Charles picked up his phone once more. Upon viewing Instagram, he was so startled that he nearly dropped his phone.
Just moments ago, while Oliver was speaking with him, he had posted on Instagram.
Oliver: "By rehashing the airport incident, Mrs. Windsor must be trying to oust me."
This Instagram post left Charles questioning whether the system had malfunctioned.
Could these be the words of a domineering CEO?
Absolutely not!
Not even close!
Charles promptly posted on Instagram, explaining that the reason Oliver hadn't picked Natalie up that day was due to Susan's injury at the fashion show, which was a matter of life and death.
A fan of Natalie and Oliver commented under Natalie's Instagram post, pleading with Mrs. Windsor not to be upset with Oliver.
In less than a minute, this fan received a system notification and won a five-figure red envelope from Oliver.
Consequently, "Mr. Windsor spoiling his wife" and "desire for survival" became trending topics once again.
In contrast to Natalie's triumphant vindication, Susan faced backlash from numerous netizens.
"I have never seen someone so desperate to become a mistress."
"If it were me, I would have publicly exposed this shameless person a long time ago, just like Natalie did."
"It's absurd that Susan went to Darling instead of seeking medical attention for her injuries."
"It reminds me of the scandal she was involved in when studying abroad."
Natalie had just arrived at Emily's office when she discovered this. Her Instagram had already been inundated with fans pleading for forgiveness on Oliver's behalf.
Natalie was astounded. She genuinely didn't understand when Oliver had become so popular.
"No wonder everyone was looking at me oddly when I came upstairs earlier." Natalie felt a mix of emotions.
"Did you two reconcile?" Emily asked nonchalantly.
Natalie pursed her lips. It couldn't exactly be considered a reconciliation.
Emily wasn't interested in other people's love lives, so she continued chatting with Natalie for a while before returning to her work.
"Natalie, the photoshoot you did for 'BAZAAR' will be published next week. Update your Instagram to let everyone know. This issue signifies a new beginning for you. Also, you'll be joining the 'Fun Challenge' team tomorrow. And..." Emily paused and instructed her secretary to bring someone in.
Shortly after, the secretary escorted a weary-looking Sophia and a stranger... A man? No, a woman.
Definitely a woman.
The woman was clad in a leather jacket and pants—not the seductive style Jane favored, but a cool androgynous style. She sported a neat, stylish short haircut, sharp facial features, and a slightly cold gaze.
"Natalie, I'm sorry, but I can't continue working here. I want to recommend my cousin Casey to accompany you. She's really good," Sophia said.
Before this, Casey had already showcased her formidable fighting skills in front of Emily by single-handedly defeating eighteen company bodyguards.
"What? Why?" Natalie was taken aback. She really liked Sophia.
And Casey? She was devoid of warmth and seemed like a flawless machine.
"There's a family matter." Sophia smiled bitterly. She didn't want to leave Natalie, but she had to comply with orders.
From a broader perspective, Casey had superior combat skills and was indeed more suited for the roles of bodyguard and assistant.
Sophia and Casey went to the HR department together, one to process her departure and the other to process her entry. Unquestionably, Sophia looked despondent.
After leaving the company, Natalie arranged to have dinner with Jane and brought a gift for her.
As soon as they met, the two of them fell into their usual routine.
Jane accepted the gift and thanked Natalie graciously. They dined and conversed together.
"Natalie, isn't your man urging you to go home?" Jane teased as it was already 7 PM and Natalie showed no sign of leaving.
Natalie shrugged, not wanting to discuss him.
Jane was aware of the recent scandal involving Oliver that had caused quite a stir online but decided not to comment since Natalie didn't want to bring it up.
However, Oliver called just a minute later.
Jane noticed Natalie's relaxed and cheerful expression freeze instantly. She figured it was Oliver.
"Hello?" Natalie's tone was detached.
"Natalie, are you still at the office? I'll come pick you up." Oliver stood in the lobby of the Rosewood Estate. He was informed by the butler that Natalie hadn't returned yet. His mood instantly turned gloomy.
He felt annoyed by everything he laid his eyes on.
"I'm out with Jane. I'll come back later," Natalie replied.
Oliver furrowed his brows. "Where are you? I'll come pick you up."
"I'll come back on my own later," Natalie said. "I don't want you to come."
"Natalie!" Oliver's tone instantly became stern. Was she emphasizing that she didn't want him to come?
Natalie looked at the plate of sweet and sour potatoes in front of her and didn't say anything.
Suddenly, Oliver remembered his previous outburst toward her and the slight rudeness in his tone.
He had gotten angry, it was his fault.
Suppressing his temper, Oliver said patiently, "Natalie, you know, even if you don't tell me, I can still find out where you are."
"Then go ahead and find out!"
Natalie hung up the phone angrily and immediately met Jane's smiling eyes. Puzzled, she asked, "What's wrong, Jane?"
"You're in a bad mood, huh? Interesting!" Jane actually meant to say that Natalie was being willful.
In the past decade, even Jane rarely saw this side of Natalie—proud, willful, and even cute when she got angry.
Suddenly, Oliver seemed useful.
Natalie was taken aback. She realized that she had the illusion of being spoiled and cherished.
She laughed at herself.
"Let's go!" Jane stood up with her bag and called the waiter to settle the bill.
"Where are we going?" Natalie glanced at the table full of food they hadn't finished yet.
"Didn't Oliver want to find you? Let's take your man out for his first experience eating at a roadside stall!"
That sure sounded like a good idea for someone with a mild cleanliness obsession!
Twenty minutes later
The two of them sat down at a barbecue stall in the night market and ordered various skewers, grilled eggplant, and four oysters.
Natalie and Jane were chatting and laughing when they suddenly felt that the atmosphere around them change.
A tall figure approached them.
Natalie could see Oliver's expressionless and gloomy face. Looking at the open-air surroundings, his face was full of disdain.
Jane started laughing.
"Natalie, is this what you're having for dinner?" Oliver looked at the table. Even in his most destitute moments, he had never eaten anything that looked like this.
Moreover, these small wooden tables looked like they would break with a kick. Could they even be called tables?
"Yes." Natalie nodded, although she and Jane had already eaten a proper dinner.
Oliver took a deep breath and held Natalie's hand. "Let's go home, Natalie. Let's go home."
Natalie was still upset with him. She shook her head and refused, "We just ordered. It will be a waste to throw the food away."
She just wanted to make Oliver feel uncomfortable.
Both Natalie and Jane liked eating at these small stalls, and Jane especially liked eating and drinking beer at the same time. It was so enjoyable!
Natalie and Jane's good looks had already attracted extra attention from the people around them. Now with a tall and handsome guy appearing, everyone looked at them unabashedly.
Oliver's impatience could clearly be seen on his face, and he quickly scanned the surroundings. Those who had been watching them dared not look openly anymore.
"We'll go home after we finish eating?" Oliver asked with a sullen face.
"Yes, we'll go home after we finish." It would still be at least an hour before they finished eating.
After a quick look around, Oliver grabbed a stool, sat down with a disgusted expression, and took one of Natalie's skewers.
"Hey! Oliver..." Natalie reached out to stop his hand, but he grabbed it and gave her a warning squeeze.
After finishing a mouthful of meat, Oliver said to Natalie, "You said it, we'll go home after we finish eating."
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