Chapter 368 Can’t Lose!
Natalie went abroad a few days ago, leaving Oliver upset, particularly after learning she would be away for two weeks.
On the night prior to her departure, he took advantage of his privileges as her husband, leaving her exhausted.
Upon Casey's arrival at Roger’s mansion, she noticed that not a single servant could be seen.
Roger was seated before the French window, staring into the dark night outside, his reflection on the glass the only visible sight.
For a moment, Casey was perplexed, failing to understand what Roger was looking at. Nonetheless, as an efficient assistant, she refrained from questioning matters that were not within her scope of duties.
"Roger," Casey called out respectfully.
Roger's attention slowly returned to Casey.
She proceeded to inform Roger of Natalie's travel plans. This responsibility was hers in addition to ensuring Natalie's well-being during her absence.
Roger did not intrude upon Natalie's personal affairs, but he was kept informed about her life.
"I have a new task for you."
"What is it?"
"From now on, Natalie's safety and orders should take precedence over everything else."
Surprised, Casey looked up. "Does this include... yours?"
Roger affirmed with a nod. "Yes, including myself."
Casey took a moment to process unusual order. After all, this order meant that her allegiance to Roger was now secondary to Natalie.
"Do you understand?" Roger asked, his eyes narrowing in apparent displeasure.
"I understand!" With her mind filled with questions, Casey left the mansion. As she stepped outside, she cast a glance back to see Roger still focused on his reflection in the French window, unchanged.
Even Casey, typically composed, appeared taken aback. She observed him staring at the French window with a look of unhidden malice in his eyes. However, this hostile intent was not directed at her but seemed aimed at a figment of his imagination.
As soon as Natalie was on the plane, she began to catch up on her sleep.
Emily teased from the side, "You should hope your man doesn’t decide to fly to search of you."
Natalie awoke abruptly. This was not impossible for someone like Oliver.
Lilian remained silent nearby, listening attentively. Then, she whispered to Casey, "Do you have a boyfriend?"
Casey looked at her before responding, "No."
What benefit was there in having a boyfriend?
"Have you ever had one?" Lilian asked curiously.
Casey, puzzled by the thought process behind the question, honestly answered, "Yes."
"Did it exhaust you as much as it does Natalie?"
"Not necessarily," Casey replied, "It differs from one individual to another."
Lilian frowned, disappointed by Casey's lack of revealing information. Yet, she acknowledged that her college peers did not appear as exhausted as Natalie. But the thought of such exhaustion was Lilian's greatest fear. What if she ended up like Natalie?
Driven by curiosity, Lilian pondered whom she might experiment with...
‘Lucas is a potential candidate, isn’t he? No, no, he always calls me stupid!’ Lost in thought, Lilian considered her options.
Upon arriving at the destination, Natalie's schedule was packed.
She moved from one event to the next. Thankfully, the company had provided a mobile home for her to dine and rest in.
As Natalie's assistant and makeup artist, Lilian was equally occupied. She participated in assistant training at the fashion show and took on Natalie's makeup duties when there were insufficient makeup artists available.
Within days, Lilian seemed to have lost weight.
"I’m so exhausted, Natalie! I want to return to my life as a rich girl,” Lilian complained, lying on the bed after another eventful day.
Natalie laughed as she removed her makeup. “In fact, you didn’t have to do all those things. Leave it to the others.”
Lilian suddenly sat upright, her expression serious as she said, "That’s unacceptable! Didn't you notice how dismissive that redhead was yesterday? He clearly looked down on you! I can’t allow you to be disrespected, and we can’t lose. That includes your makeup! Mark my words, from this moment forward, I’ll make sure you’ll have the most exquisite makeup."
"Alright, we’ll make them look up to us," Natalie responded, playing along.
Lilian lifted her head proudly and said, “Exactly!”
Natalie's appearances during Fashion Week were continuously making headlines in her home country. An observation comparing her to other models revealed she was among the top three in terms of runway appearances. Moreover, the prestige of the brands she represented positioned her above many of the country's renowned models.
Naturally, there were voices suggesting that Natalie's success was significantly bolstered by Oliver's influence. Speculations abounded regarding the extent of convenience and financial backing his connections might have facilitated for her.
Yet, what of it?
Possessing resources and networks was, in itself, a form of ability.
There were those green with envy who scrutinized Natalie's runway performances, hoping fervently for her to fall on the international stage.
However, reality taught these haters a lesson.
In each show Natalie participated in, her presence, irrespective of her position, invariably commanded the spotlight. Even when juxtaposed against the crème de la crème of global supermodels, her poise and stride did not pale in comparison.
A segment of the international press and fashion pundits even lauded her as the ‘rising supermodel’!
Natalie's career was indeed on a stellar trajectory.
Susan saw the outpouring of praise for Natalie online and footage of her shining on the runway. The more Natalie shone, the more she hated Natalie.
"Susan, as a burgeoning designer, your presence at Paris Fashion Week was expected. It's truly unfortunate you are unable to attend this time," a curly-haired socialite said from the side, looking regretful.
Susan had just gotten injured, and socialites in Tycoon City, who were close to her, visited her, kept her company, and chatted with her.
Today, it was her best friend’s turn to visit.
As they were having afternoon tea, they came across Natalie's latest runway appearance, and it became the topic of conversation.
"Lately, Natalie seems to be everywhere. It’s said that she’s an illegitimate child and that she got her start by relying on a man. I fail to see her appeal,” another socialite said with a sneer. In an attempt to ingratiate herself with Susan, she added, "Had it not been for your unfortunate injury, Susan, that woman would scarcely have had the opportunity to bask in the limelight."
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