Chapter 535 Was Oliver's Decision Voluntary?
"You... you..." Sharon could hardly believe it. The 'little assistant' she'd dismissed was of such significant standing.
In the end, she could only shut up and try to make herself as inconspicuous as possible.
"Miss Susan, you were aware of Miss Lilian's true identity, weren't you?" someone asked.
Only then did Natalie notice Susan standing amidst the crowd.
Susan, dressed impeccably in a chic white dress, exuded her usual aura of gentle sophistication. Standing next to her was an unfamiliar man, likely her fiancé, Leonard—a tall drink of water, around 6'1", with delicate yet friendly features often attributed to the good-looking, approachable types. There was something in his demeanor that faintly mirrored Arthur.
However, Natalie couldn’t shake the feeling that Leonard was off, like a venomous snake masquerading in the shadows.
"I know," Susan had become considerably more low-key since the scandal and the spectacle.
With a step forward, Susan's poised demeanor betrayed none of her recent conflict with Natalie at the Hastings’ family estate.
"But I'm a bit curious. You’re no longer Mrs. Windsor and fresh out of your marriage. Why are you here? You don’t have a new boyfriend or fiancé already, do you? Surely you’re not scouting for your next marriage already?"
Susan’s voice drew glances towards Natalie from those nearby.
Bringing up the divorce was a clear jab at Natalie’s sore spots, igniting secondhand embarrassment and discomfort among the onlookers.
"Why is she everywhere?" Lilian muttered under her breath.
Natalie was ready to disregard Susan's words, but she had forgotten that she wasn't only accompanied by Lilian—Lucas was also with her!
"Miss Susan, what business is my sister's marriage to you?" Lucas shot at Susan with a scowl.
"Mr. Watson, your language is offensive. Hasn’t anyone taught you decency and respect?" Susan dropped her facade of gentleness.
"Miss Susan, if you want to make a snide remark about my sister, at least put some thought into it."
The truth was, Natalie could dish out barbs to deadly effect, but flanked by a brother like Lucas and a best friend like Jane, she naturally filled the role of the benevolent gentlewoman.
"If Natalie is here, it means she's been legitimately invited. Instead of worrying about that, we might as well figure out how to survive this dreadful summer retreat," chimed in a beautiful woman with long, curly hair.
"Mia's right. The last thing I want is to be trapped here with my beloved for two weeks," voiced another.
Susan gritted her teeth and kept her mouth shut, forcing a smile.
If only she hadn't let the company insist on Natalie attending the event.
Natalie glanced at Mia, finding her vaguely familiar. It hit her after a moment—this was the Mia from the group chat, who had married Ethan, the only son of the European conglomerate, last year.
Mia and Ethan were childhood sweethearts, the kind that had grown up together, always at each other's throats yet inseparable.
When Natalie's eyes met Mia's, the latter gave her a playful wink, and Natalie responded with a smile.
Soon after, the last group of guests arrived.
The SUV doors swung open, and an imposing man stepped out with ease.
Dressed casually in a shirt and slacks, his mere silent presence was enough to capture everyone's attention.
The whole venue fell silent in an instant.
All eyes were surreptitiously on Natalie, then darting back and forth between her and Susan.
This promised to be quite the spectacle!
"Oliver!" Lilian called out to Oliver as she jumped and waved.
Oliver stood aloof next to the SUV, his gaze swiftly sweeping over the crowd as if evaluating, yet seemingly indifferent.
Natalie couldn't help but look at Oliver.
Their eyes met—his were cool and deep.
It was just a fleeting connection, and before Natalie could look away, Oliver smoothly diverted his gaze as if she were a stranger he had simply chanced upon.
Whom was he here to meet? Had he already found a young lady?
Natalie felt a lump in her throat, a mix of frustration and relief.
It was as if something she had long yearned for was now in someone else's hands—she didn't get it, but at least there was closure, no more constant anxiety.
Accompanying Oliver were Barrett and Cadence.
"Why would Oliver..." Natalie didn't approach, asking Lilian with a pained expression, "Did you know he was coming?"
"I, uh... it was Grandma's order! I just found out myself," Lilian responded, with a bit guiltily, "I was afraid if you knew he was coming, you wouldn't show. That wouldn't do, you and Oliver have to reconcile."
"What did you just say?" Lucas interjected before Natalie could speak.
"Natalie's here, and so is Oliver. They're obviously an item," Lilian chimed in.
Natalie felt a headache coming on. "Did Oliver volunteer for this?"
"Does it matter if Oliver agreed or not? Madam Windsor practically threatened him with her life. Would he dare not show up? Besides, I heard when Madam Windsor found out you'd be at this event, she specifically requested him to be paired with you.'"
Natalie rubbed her temples, feeling annoyed. So, Oliver was coerced as well. Both of them, a divorcing couple forced to participate in this couples’ camp.
What on earth is Madam Windsor thinking?!
"Oliver's here, then. Is Arthur here too?" Natalie asked.
Lilian shook her head, "Nope!"
Natalie was speechless.
She had hoped to minimize contact with Oliver to avoid awkwardness and not sour his mood.
But leave it to the organizers to demand that all couples, whether hitched or attached, hold hands and sit together!
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