Chapter 429 Oblivious to Good Advice
Had Susan never celebrated a birthday before, or had she never witnessed wealthy families display such extravagance during their celebrations?
Many netizens ridiculed Susan on the Internet, demanding both an explanation and an apology to Flora, but Susan seemed to have disappeared.
Susan acknowledged to herself that, after all the meticulous planning, this was the first time she had experienced such a significant setback. A single mistake was all it took. Suddenly, all her previous efforts came to naught.
Susan hid herself at home, too frightened to venture outdoors.
"Haven’t you cried enough? It’s time to stop.”
Samuel's irritation grew upon discovering Susan weeping in their mother's embrace once more.
"Samuel..."
"Susan, if you make a mistake, you have to face the consequences."
"It wasn’t intentional. I... I just wanted to win."
Susan's eyes were swollen from crying, and she wore an aggrieved expression on her face.
“T-that Wine is the university student Arthur used to support! I just didn’t want to lose to her!”
Helen was taken aback. "That woman? She’s a disgrace to societal morals!"
Samuel looked at his mother expressionlessly, struggling to stifle his laughter.
‘A disgrace to societal morals? How so? Neither was married; the relationship was mutual. How could it be considered a disgrace?’
It was also not lost on Samuel that ironically, it was Susan who interfered in their relationship.
"Samuel, you must help your sister. You can’t allow her to be treated like this!" Helen pleaded with her son.
Samuel took a step back, wanting to distance himself from such an irrational mother. He asked Susan, “Did you plagiarize, or were you wrongly accused?"
"I..." Susan found herself at a loss for words. Samuel's question was clearly designed to put her on the spot!
"If you’re guilty, then why the tears?"
Samuel headed toward the front door without another word.
"Samuel, you’ve just arrived. Where are you going now?" Helen called out loudly.
Samuel gestured dismissively with a wave, revealing his irritation, and directly left.
Susan nervously clutched her handkerchief, puzzled by her brother's sudden cold attitude. He had always doted on her, and she wondered if she had crossed his bottom line this time. However, she quickly dismissed the idea.
…
The Hastings family, possessing significant influence nationwide, quickly managed to suppress the scandal involving Susan. Even without Samuel's direct intervention, the controversy faded from the public eye within a day.
At first, the company was hesitant about Natalie's pro bono participation in Flora's competition. Nevertheless, thanks to Emily's endorsement, they eventually consented.
As it turned out, Natalie emerged as the ultimate victor.
Flora's triumph catapulted her into the realm of top designers, and Natalie, being Flora's model, also gained international acclaim for their flawless cooperation onstage, significantly enhancing her market value.
Consequently, the company summoned Natalie to express their congratulations on her judicious support for her friend and to offer better resources, a testament to her exceptional performance in The Designer.
Natalie's rise in the industry, transitioning from obscurity to international fame within a year, became an unparalleled success story for the company, even surpassing the seasoned Joseph in terms of speed.
…
"Natalie, our employer wants to have a word with you," a man in a suit announced, barring Natalie's way as she exited the company.
Glancing beyond him, Natalie saw a Mercedes-Benz van parked nearby – her arranged transportation had arrived. Then, she asked, “Who is it?”
"Helen Hastings."
…
Paykston housed numerous exclusive private clubs, their estates discreetly nestled within various woodlands.
The car proceeded directly to a remote villa. After three knocks on the door, someone from within answered.
Helen was seated beside a man-made brook, elegantly preparing tea at a small round table.
"Why do you want to see me?" Natalie asked, but Helen did not even lift her gaze.
Eventually, Helen paused her tea preparations and sizing up Natalie with an inscrutable gaze before she said, “You’re really bold to come here. Aren’t you worried I’ll have you killed?”
Her words at the end did not sound like a joke.
As if Natalie had the option to refuse. The man blocking her path was flanked by two burly bodyguards, and she was alone. It would have been easy and quick for them to force her into the car.
"What do you want from me? Just say it,” Natalie said bluntly, unwilling to indulge Helen’s ego, “Or have you already thought of a plan to make me uncomfortable?”
Helen deliberately made Natalie feel uneasy, letting Natalie stand. She had already removed the chair from the round table.
"Have I told you that I disliked you as soon as I saw you?” Helen abruptly shared.
Natalie chose not to respond. Helen's opinion of her was irrelevant.
Helen continued without awaiting her reply, "You bear a striking resemblance to my mother-in-law in her youth. She used to give me a hard time. Seeing your face brings back memories of that dreadful old hag! I really want to disfigure that face of yours!”
"Do it," Natalie challenged. "Considering the industry I’m in, my face has been insured. Moreover, my livelihood doesn’t depend on this. As for you, make one misstep, and you can kiss your money goodbye!”
“What a sharp tongue!” Helen muttered, taking a sip of her tea to compose herself before she said, "I summon you here today to seek justice for my daughter."
"What justice?" Natalie asked, raising an eyebrow.
"That incident during the competition where you and that wretch Flora conspired against my daughter. You should reconsider your attitude. Susan is blameless in this matter!”
Initially, Natalie still held a small sliver of forbearance for Helen since Helen was an elder. However, it became evident that not every elder was worthy of such consideration.
Without a chair to sit in, Natalie simply leaned against the table, disregarding Helen's incredulous stare. Then, she said, “Are you ignorant of the facts? First, the committee declared it plagiarism, not me. Second, Susan chose to plagiarize, which is unrelated to me. Third, I’m not obligated to help your daughter, and you also don’t have the right to order me around.”
"Natalie! My daughter saved your life!"
Helen's hand struck the table forcefully.
"Help her, and we’ll consider the debt repaid. Otherwise..."
Natalie interjected firmly, “I won’t help her.”
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