Chapter 474
"Mr. Hastings, perhaps we should consider contacting the police. In doing so, we can prevent the possibility of wrongfully accusing Susan if the ring isn’t found," Oliver suggested.
It was clear to everyone that Oliver was concerned that Susan might refuse to give up the ring and claim she had been framed.
"Oliver, this…" Mr. Hastings struggled, aware that involving the police could negatively affect the reputation of the Hastings family for years to come. If Susan had indeed taken Oliver's wedding ring, the scandal could irrevocably damage the Hastings' century-long esteemed family name.
"I’ll go," Natalie suddenly said, "I’ll check her room myself."
Meanwhile, Samuel noticed something peculiar. Was it his imagination, or was his grandfather treating Natalie with an unusual level of kindness?
"My daughter would never do such a thing! It’s just a ring," Helen exclaimed, apparently overlooking the importance of the missing wedding band.
Worried about the potential for public disgrace, Mr. Hastings opted to go upstairs, accompanied solely by Helen, Natalie, and Oliver. He left the household staff below.
Jamie, ever loyal to Oliver, joined them as well.
Susan's room was situated on the second level of the west wing, an enviable location in the mansion that signified her favored status among the Hastings.
Equipped with an elevator, the Hastings' residence allowed Natalie, who used a wheelchair, to move with ease.
When they arrived, Mr. Hastings knocked and then signaled for Natalie to enter.
As Natalie attempted to move her wheelchair forward, she discovered it was immobilized. Looking back, she noticed Oliver’s hands still on the handle, his firm grip keeping her stationary.
"Call me if you need help," Oliver reminded before he finally released Natalie's wheelchair.
Susan's room was notably large, spanning over a thousand square feet, giving it the appearance more of a suite than a mere bedroom.
Upon entering, Natalie saw no sign of Susan. It was only after she navigated through the archway into the adjacent alcove that she found Susan, who was seated on the sofa, her attention seemingly captivated by her own outstretched hand.
A closer look revealed that Susan's focus was not exactly on her hand but on a ring she was wearing. It was a ring of understated yet luxurious simplicity, a men's wedding band, which matched perfectly with the pink diamond wedding ring on Natalie’s finger.
Engrossed in her admiration for the ring, Susan remained unaware of Natalie's entrance until she was called out.
"Susan."
Startled, Susan let out a shrill scream, exclaiming, “Natalie! How did you enter? Why did you come here?!”
"I came for the ring," Natalie stated, her gaze fixed on the ring on Susan's hand.
Susan looked at the ring instinctively. In the next moment, she began to search frantically for a place to conceal it. Yet, where could she possibly hide it?
"Why bother with a man's wedding band? Surely, this one suits you better, does it not?" Natalie remarked as she effortlessly removed her own ring. She raised an eyebrow and gestured for Susan to take it.
"Natalie, what’s your intention?" Susan asked cautiously while she held Oliver's ring tightly. She looked ridiculous with her eyes glued to Natalie's wedding ring while she desperately tried to hide that of Oliver.
"I want a divorce from Oliver. This ring holds no value to me any longer," Natalie declared with indifference, flipping her ring between her fingers.
Its pink shimmer was particularly striking under the light. Its romantic shade and impeccable craftsmanship were mesmerizing. Furthermore, it was the ring designated for Oliver's bride. It represented the dreams of countless women!
"Are you lying to me?"
Susan cast a glance toward the doorway. Despite the room's view being obstructed, she was aware of the presence of others outside.
"In my current state, what harm could I possibly do to you?"
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