Chapter 629 Loyalty
"Natalie, do you ever wonder how I managed to uncover all this information?" Casey rarely exhibited such a hesitant expression.
This kind of information was not accessible to the average person; it necessitated an extensive network and hacking abilities.
Natalie looked up, offering Casey a probing look before smiling and responding, "When you’re ready to talk or can speak about it, you’ll tell me."
Casey knew this meant that Natalie had been suspicious about her identity. "When did you begin suspecting me?"
Natalie grasped Casey's hand and patted her shoulder, saying, "It’s not that I am suspicious. Don’t be nervous, I’m not blaming you. I understand, you’re merely following orders."
Natalie paused, then ventured a guess, "Your employer is Roger Wild, correct?"
"Yes, how did you deduce that?" Casey believed she had effectively concealed her identity.
"Your skills are sufficiently advanced for professional security work, certainly comparable to Oliver's team. If it were solely about money, you wouldn’t have a reason to remain here. Furthermore, Roger is my privy to the happenings in my life. I tested him once, and you emerged as the most plausible suspect," Natalie disclosed, "Sophia is also one of Roger's employees."
"Yes." Casey lowered her gaze. "I’m sorry, Natalie."
"It’s fine. I value your honesty today. Thank you."
Casey thought to herself, ‘It’s not just that. I only trust you because you chose to trust me at the crucial moment.’
This was something Casey had never experienced before.
…
After unpacking her suitcase and showering, Natalie heard the doorbell ring.
Assuming it might be Lilian and Lucas since they were not particularly clingy during the day, she opened the door. However, what greeted her was an elderly woman and a young man.
Oliver stood at the doorway with Marjorie, who sported a dress and held a Chanel handbag, looking very stylish.
“She wants to try your cooking," Oliver interjected, covering up the fact that this was his idea.
Marjorie glared at her grandson reproachfully, torn between annoyance and uncertainty on how to respond. Should she admit she was not merely there for a meal but also to check on her beautiful granddaughter-in-law? It was unthinkable and too mortifying!
Natalie's wary expression vanished immediately as she welcomed Marjorie inside, inquiring, "Mrs. Windsor, do you have any specific cravings?"
She had not yet completed her grocery shopping and had not decided on the evening's meal.
Marjorie, touched by the unexpectedly warm reception, requested a few comfort dishes, and Natalie planned to add several more to the menu.
Although not as extravagant as the feast at Rosewood Estate, to Oliver and Marjorie, the meal tasted superior here, imbued with a domestic charm.
Marjorie had a penchant for sweets, but excessive sugar consumption was detrimental to her health. Therefore, Natalie prepared a vegetable cake for Marjorie to take home.
The elder attempted to uphold a semblance of sternness appropriate for her age, while evidently pleased, prompting Natalie to lightly chuckle at the scene.
…
It was after 8 p.m. when Oliver and Marjorie departed.
In the ensuing silence, Natalie meticulously reviewed the documents Casey had provided. She also investigated Susan's history, seeking any overlooked details that could be leveraged to confront Susan in the future, eliminating any opportunity for rebuttal.
At this time, she heard a few knocks. Recognizing Oliver's distinctive knocking pattern, she knew it was him. Others would use the doorbell, not knock. It was as if he was concerned she might not know it was him.
"Did you forget some…"
The moment Natalie opened the door, Oliver entered and kissed her, abruptly ending her words. He closed the door with his free hand, pinning Natalie against it. His arm encircled her waist while his other hand cradled her cheek, forcing her to tilt her head back and accept his passion.
Natalie's mind went blank for a moment.
‘What's gotten into him? Is he crazy, showing up like this in the middle of the night?’
However, her internal objections to Oliver's assertive approach were swiftly muted as his bold moves left her feeling weakened.
It was some time before the sated man finally let her go.
"Why did you return?" Natalie asked tremblingly, breathless.
Oliver caressed her cheek with his fingers and said in a low and enticing voice, "I returned for my gift. Grandma had a souvenir and cake. What about me?"
Natalie found herself at a loss for words. They were together; why would he need a souvenir? Moreover, he did not even like cakes. No wonder he had been looking at her strangely when she made the cake for Marjorie. As it turned out, he was planning this.
"You returned merely to cause trouble, right?" Natalie said through gritted teeth.
"I came back for you," Oliver stated.
In a quick motion, Oliver lifted Natalie by her thighs, holding her as effortlessly as one would a child.
Natalie yelped in surprise, instinctively wrapping her arms around his neck for support, her heart racing. Shortly thereafter, she found herself gently placed on the sofa. Soon, Oliver's imposing figure cast a shadow over her, obscuring the light.
"What are you doing, Oliver?" she inquired, pushing against his chest with trembling hands. Her cheeks were flushed either from nervousness or embarrassment; even she could not tell.
“Don’t you know the answer to that, Mrs. Windsor?”
Oliver moved closer, hinting at his intention.
Her body stiffened.
"Wait, just wait a moment."
It had been a while since they were intimate, and she could not help but feel slightly uncomfortable.
“This… This is too fast…”
"Natalie, I’ve been thinking about this since I arrived earlier… I want to be close to you,” Oliver whispered, his lips grazing her skin with soft kisses, "Consider how long it has been… Your husband is almost at his limit."
As Natalie attempted to speak, Oliver said again, "Don’t forget what you promised me when we were trapped in that sinkhole. You can’t go back on your words."
Indeed, Natalie had thought about going back on her words.
"I wasn’t thinking clearly then."
"A clouded mind reveals the truth," Oliver countered with a sly grin, as though seeing through her hesitations.
Natalie remained silent.