Chapter 595 Forgiveness
"I mentioned introducing you to a designer friend of mine from France; I've spoken to him already. Contact him directly, and he'll secure a decent spot for you."
Even though Susan's career was marked by scandal, nearly beyond the hope of resurrection, she still possessed valuable fashion industry connections.
"Thank you, Susan!" Sharon expressed her surprise and gratitude, yet inside, she was sneering.
As if she'd tolerate Susan's attitude without the promise of benefit! Hah! Once Sharon became a top international model, this stained designer would be no more than someone to carry her shoes.
"Miss Susan, there's something that's been bothering me."
"What is it?"
Sharon asked, "Your dislike for Natalie, is it just because of Mr. Windsor?"
"What are you implying?" Susan's eyes narrowed, the warning clear.
Initially, Sharon had only speculated, but Susan's reaction confirmed that her suspicions were correct—it wasn't purely because of Oliver that Susan harbored such animosity and targeted Natalie.
"Aren't you also annoyed by Natalie? There are more people than just you and me who can't stand her. Some people are just naturally irritating!" Susan avoided further discussion, "Focus on your own tasks, and don't question my motives!"
Sharon didn't leave with Susan.
The restroom quieted down, and she leaned against the marble countertop, silently reflecting on Susan's words.
Psychology has a way of proving that the more one tries to hide something, the more likely they are to leave traces behind, especially when it comes to the subconscious—no word can be ignored.
"Innate," Sharon mulled over the word, lingering in the restroom for a while longer before she finally stepped out.
Tap, tap, tap! The soft sound of footsteps echoed from the farthest stall.
Casey approached the sink, reached beneath the marble countertop, and after feeling around, found the listening device she had earlier attached. A sly smile curled up the corners of her mouth.
When Oliver walked in, Natalie glanced up at him but continued to eat, pondering the words Barrett had said. If she wasn't concerned, why would she be upset? Would she... not be angry?
Natalie hesitated to make assumptions.
Despite her suspicions, she couldn't be certain.
After all, Oliver was a man of great status and wealth.
He had the means to never compromise for anyone, to maintain his pride in any circumstance.
She wasn't an exception, nor did she have the right to be one.
Oliver stirred his clear broth, waiting quietly for Natalie to speak. After more than ten minutes, not a word came.
Couldn't she initiate a conversation with him?
Wouldn't she soften towards him voluntarily?
He admitted he had a short temper, yet it was Natalie who infuriated him first yesterday, or else he wouldn't have lost it!
If only Natalie would extend an olive branch, he'd come down from his high horse, ready to reconcile and even apologize for yesterday's outburst.
"I'm finished," said Natalie politely to Oliver, then left the dining room to head outside.
Oliver was left puzzled. Natalie hadn't given him that olive branch; instead, she raised the bar.
Suddenly, Natalie remembered it was time to discuss her debut with Flora.
Flora had been engrossed in dress design and was previously unavailable. They connected via video call soon after Flora resurfaced from his work.
Flora showcased his latest creation to Natalie, asking if there were any areas for improvement.
While Natalie wasn't particularly savvy in the realm of fashion design—a field where Flora held far more expertise—her experiences attending numerous shows in the past year had exposed her to various emergencies and backstage schemes, which might offer valuable insight for Flora's consideration.
After chatting for a bit, Natalie realized that none of the designs Flora had just shown seemed to be tailored for her. Casually, she inquired, expressing anticipation for the dress her best friend was creating for her.
"Keeping that a secret, of course. You'll get a surprise when you come to the dress rehearsal!" Flora promised.
"Okay then," Natalie chuckled in resignation. "I'm really looking forward to your creation! ...Oh, by the way, have you figured out what to do about Tina?"
Flora's relaxed smile stiffened, revealing an undeniable fatigue. "Arthur's lawyer is formidable, and he has the upper hand. My lawyer told me that if I sue, I might lose."
"What's your plan then?"
Losing the case would mean Tina's custody would irreversibly fall to Arthur.
"I'm planning to announce Tina's identity at my debut collection show. But for the record, she's my daughter, not Arthur's."
Natalie frowned involuntarily. "But doing that, you'll face a lot of criticism."
"I've been through that since I was eighteen," Flora said with an indifferent smile. "What haven't we all been through?"
"True enough."
After hanging up the phone, Natalie turned around and jumped with a start at the sight of Oliver standing not far behind her.
She quickly reviewed her conversation with Flora, reassuring herself that there was nothing Oliver shouldn't have overheard.
...Except for Tina!
Even if Oliver knew about Flora's plan to reveal Tina's identity during her first show, he probably couldn't stop it.
Or could he? This is the States, and for Oliver, obstructing the debut of a rising star designer wouldn't be too difficult.
Even if he didn't intervene, he could inform Arthur, allowing him to prepare and respond accordingly.
Oliver noticed Natalie furrowing her brow, eyes rolling around as if she was itching to say something to him.
He watched her, considering giving her another chance; if she approached him, whether to ask something or discuss a matter, he'd be willing to let bygones be bygones regarding their recent cold spell.
After some thought, Natalie decided against it. Whether or not Oliver had overheard her call with Flora, it wouldn’t change the facts. And there was no point in raising his suspicions by asking about it—Oliver was too clever for that. It was best to speak less in his presence, she acknowledged.
The waitstaff was busy loading their packed luggage into the car. Glancing at the time, Natalie turned and headed to the vehicle first.
Oliver was puzzled.
Just like that? You stewed over your thoughts and didn't say a word?
"Cousin, why are you just standing there?" Lillian called out, noticing Oliver's frozen stance from the restaurant's exit.
"Come here," Oliver beckoned with a gesture.
Lillian glanced at Lucas beside her and dashed over, "What's up?"
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