Chapter 516
Natalie acknowledged the event organizer with a nod and exchanged brief greetings with a few of the industry's bigwigs that she had worked with previously. Then, turning on her heel, she walked away.
She no longer strode with the brisk pace of a defiant gale; each step was grounded and sharp, her silhouette graced with elegance and poise, a queen victorious in her return.
Next to her, Sharon seemed even more ridiculous.
"Right," Natalie paused mid-step, the coolness in her gaze instantly creating an aura that felt unapproachably regal.
She addressed Sharon with a wry tone, "I recall that although your grades in school were never quite at my level, Sharon, you did pretty well. Do you think an honor student like yourself should carry the runway flair into everyday life? Or is it that no matter the couture, one must adhere to a uniform style?"
Indeed, Natalie's evening gown wasn't cut out for her usual assertive strides across the stage.
By bringing up their school records, Natalie had deliberately struck a nerve with Sharon, a blow that was meant to sting.
"It's clear that we're the ones out of place here tonight. Please, everyone, enjoy the rest of the evening," Emily said with a forced smile. She followed Natalie out without a second glance back.
Like Natalie, who never spoke of her divorce from Oliver and dismissively ignored Mr. Green, sometimes the best approach was to stay silent.
Outside the mansion, there was an artificial lake. The vastness of the water welcomed the night breeze, which brought with it a humid, lakeside scent.
Through it all, Natalie remained silent, maintaining her composure and pace until she reached the car, then her spirit waned, her body collapsing.
"Natalie!" Emily rushed to steady her companion, but since she was wearing high heels, she was a step too late.
Natalie tumbled into the flowerbed, a piercing pain shooting through her shin—a painful reminder of a once-broken bone.
She turned ghostly pale.
"It's okay, it's just a scrape," Emily assured her, lifting the hem of Natalie's dress to inspect the wound. There was a superficial tear on the skin of her right shin, which would likely bruise, but it seemed minor.
"Can you try walking?" Emily asked after a moment, helping Natalie to her feet.
Natalie gingerly stepped forward, only to find her right leg strangely weak and unresponsive, the fear in her mind overshadowing the physical discomfort.
Taking a few solo steps, her forehead sprouted a sheen of cold sweat. Her voice shook with fear, "Emily… my leg…"
It was apparent, even to herself, that there was something seriously wrong with her leg. The discord that had been carefully concealed was now surfacing, and no amount of effort could keep it at bay.
"Get in the car," Emily, sensing that something was off, took Natalie by the arm and hurried her into the vehicle.
Coincidentally unnoticed by all, a camera hidden in the shrubbery a few meters away was dutifully recording everything.
Inside his office, Oliver was taking longer than usual to emerge. Jamie had been waiting outside the CEO's office, constantly checking the clock.
When Charles was done with his day's work and saw Jamie still seated outside, he asked with a hint of suspicion, "You guys haven't left yet?"
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