Chapter 397 Bullied?
Instead of responding to the others, Natalie asked Susan, “How’s your injury?”
"Well, it formed a scab last week. Thanks for asking," Susan responded with a smile.
Susan's aunt, Nancy, appeared to suddenly recall something and let out a chuckle. "Oh, I nearly forgot. Susan was injured while saving you. However, from beginning to end, this is the only expression of gratitude I’ve heard from you, Miss Natalie. You really lack sincerity!"
"So what would you consider to be sincere?" Natalie asked, rising to her feet with a smile still on her face.
Caught off guard, Nancy paused for a moment, seemingly lost for words. She did not expect Natalie, who was only in her twenties, would speak so boldly.
"I’m both sorry and grateful to Susan. I intend to cover all the medical expenses, rehabilitation fees, and any necessary ongoing care. Furthermore, I have prepared a token of my gratitude. Upon Susan's return to Tycoon City, she brought back the gifts. If my memory serves me correctly, Mrs. Hastings, you should have received a jade bracelet. Your husband was gifted a fine box of cigars, and your daughter received a limited-edition handbag."
The revelation left many of those present in a state of shock. It was true that the entire Hastings family had been the recipients of gifts because of Susan. At the time, they had even proudly shown the gifts off. They did not expect Natalie to remember the details so clearly.
Before anyone could react, Natalie added, "If you didn’t receive those gifts, I’d suggest investigating whether your servants have been stealing. After all, I’m sure all of you are busy and likely have no time to manage your household staff."
Clearly, Natalie did not mean that they were busy with work, more like they were busy gossiping and spreading rumors.
"You..." Nancy was visibly angered.
After struggling to compose herself after a prolonged silence, she said, "Is this how you talk to your elders? You have no manners at all!"
Natalie offered a polite bow, her smile unwavering. "What did I say that offended you? Please enlighten me.”
Overwhelmed with anger, Nancy could do nothing but take a deep breath as her head throbbed.
‘What did she say earlier? I can’t remember anything!’
The rest of the Hastings family, witnessing the exchange, hesitated to confront Natalie. This was a lesson for all.
Natalie proved to be a formidable opponent. She either remained silent, rendering any attack against her useless, or she crafted her responses so meticulously that her opponents found themselves unable to find any fault in her logic or defend themselves!
How could a woman so young maintain such composure?
However, Natalie was not done yet.
"Oh, based on what Nancy and the others said earlier, it seems like I don’t quite deserve the title of Mrs. Windsor."
A newly married young woman from the Hastings family, having only recently joined, murmured, "At least you know you don’t deserve it!"
Natalie proceeded, "I wonder, does anyone have a more suitable candidate in mind? Nancy, considering your daughter is still in high school, isn't it premature for you to be scouting for a son-in-law? Moreover, Oliver might be a little too old for her, don’t you think?"
Nancy thought to herself, ‘How is Oliver too old? He’s only ten years older. With his looks, wealth, and status, what harm is there in a ten-year difference? It’d be great to have such a son-in-law!’
Naturally, she did not express her thoughts in front of Susan. She only said disdainfully, “This has nothing to do with my daughter.”
Natalie inquired, "Oh, so were you speaking for Susan?”
Nancy asserted herself, "What’s wrong with Susan? Susan and Oliver have been friends since childhood and share a deep connection. If it hadn’t been for your intervention, who knew who Mrs. Windsor would be today.”
Susan remained beside Helen, quiet and dejected, looking as though there was nothing she could do about her elders.
Natalie decided it was futile to continue this dialogue with Nancy. She said, “Susan, should there be any additional needs regarding your injuries, please feel free to discuss them with me.”
Helen said, “I really don’t think you’re sincere. All those things you mentioned were prepared and given by Oliver, not you,” Helen said sarcastically.
“Your words are wrong. He’s my husband. What is his, is naturally mine,” Natalie retorted.
With Natalie unfazed by their attempts to undermine her, the others lost interest in the latter part of the discussion.
Helen seized the opportunity to taunt Natalie sporadically, but Natalie remained undisturbed, as if oblivious to Helen's remarks, leaving Helen feeling both embarrassed and frustrated.
…
After about an hour, Natalie finally saw Oliver, and they returned to prepare for the forthcoming party.
"What were the topics of conversation?" Oliver asked on their way back.
Natalie, resting her chin on her hand and gazing out the window, responded leisurely, "Merely casual topics."
"Did they bully you?"
Natalie turned towards him, lifting her chin slightly. "Do I look like I’m easy to bully?"
Oliver gently pinched her chin, examining her from various angles, and conceded, “Indeed, you do.”
Natalie did not feel like she had been bullied. It was normal for people with mutual interests to band together against those they considered outsiders. Among themselves, however, conflicts were likely rampant. She felt fortunate not to be part of such a family, either by marriage or birth.
…
Oliver, known for his unwillingness to settle for less, ensured their temporary stay in Tycoon City was at a mansion renowned for its exceptional facilities.
Following their lunch, a series of stylists and makeup artists began to arrive.
Oliver then presented a wooden box, a piece he had brought from Paykston, insisting Natalie refrain from peeking inside until now.
"Open it," he suggested, nodding toward the box.
Natalie, with a curious glance at Oliver, gently pressed the intricately carved button atop the box.
Inside was a gown, a modernized version of European princess dresses. Crafted from mulberry silk, it boasted a deep, ink-like hue with exquisite patterns.
"Is this another birthday present for me?" Natalie could not hide her astonishment.
Oliver, with narrowed eyes, asked, “Who told you?”
‘She even guessed the matter with the birthday cake… It’s too coincidental…’
Natalie was tempted to say it was a lucky guess, but Oliver, ever so astute, suddenly said, “It must be Isaac.”
Natalie felt slightly guilty. She did not mean to give Isaac away.
Oliver had specifically selected this dress from numerous designs for a reason that was unmistakably personal. Its design, which modestly covered more skin than most contemporary gowns—either strapless or one-shoulder—was chosen deliberately. This gown elegantly concealed the shoulders and collarbone, minimizing exposure in a tasteful manner.
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