Chapter 667 Self-Punishment
Not long after dinner, Natalie received a call from Emily Reed discussing the matter of terminating her contract. While her current contract was still in effect, it wasn't possible for Natalie to take on other private work without the consent of the company. Also, a few major brands that were interested in collaborating with her had to put their plans on hold.
Several top international modeling agencies were keen on recruiting Natalie. One agency stood out, offering her top-notch legal support, covering all legal costs and a substantial termination fee of thirty million dollars, even if they lost any legal battles. However, the catch was a mandatory ten-year contract with the agency.
Ten years, spanning the prime years of a model's career, felt like an oppressive commitment contract.
Seeing Natalie's lack of enthusiasm, the company reduced their offer to a five-year contract. This shorter term appeared more acceptable, given the significant thirty million dollar compensation, even though it meant potentially conflicting with HHY Company..
Yet, Natalie turned down all these offers.
No one could figure out what Natalie was planning. A few speculated that she might be thinking about setting up her own independent studio, though it deemed it unlikely. Without the necessary rights or backing, establishing an independent studio could be extremely challenging.
"...Grandma, I should head back now, thank you for helping me today," Natalie said after sitting for a while at the Rosewood Estate, bidding farewell to old Mrs. Windsor.
After answering the call, she had just been sitting with Marjorie Windsor, watching TV. The old lady was proud and reticent, sneakily glancing at both Natalie and Oliver.
Upon hearing Natalie's intent to leave, Mrs. Windsor's eyes widened in disbelief. "What did you say?" she asked, her expression saying, 'dare to repeat that and you're dead.'
Natalie subconsciously glanced at Oliver.
Oliver remained calm, giving off an aura that suggested Natalie could do as she pleased.
Although he distaste Maple Villa for its small size and simplicity, he had gradually acclimated to it over the past few days. He begrudgingly came to terms with residing in a space of less than two hundred square meters, all because Natalie was there.
"Grandma, I've been busy negotiating the termination of my contract with the company recently," Natalie found herself explaining to the elder. Besides, her current real relationship with Oliver was a secret, and as a public figure who was in the limelight, she couldn't guarantee there weren't paparazzi following her.
Living at the Rosewood Estate was never going to be as convenient as living in her own Maple Villa.
"Cancel our contract?" Marjorie pondered for a moment, seeming to recall such an occasion. She waved her hand dismissively, "That's an easy fix. Send Oliver to handle it. If all else fails, just buy the company and run it yourself."
Natalie was speechless.
Was the Windsor family's cutthroat style... genetic? Or was it old Mrs. Windsor's personal coaching?
"Heh, hehe..." Oliver chuckled at Natalie's indescribably choked-up expression.
"What are you laughing at! Do you think it’s funny? Do you think you have the right to laugh?" Old Mrs. Windsor couldn't look at her grandson without irritation. Not only had he failed to bring home a wife, but he also seemed clueless about paving the way for his partner in business.
Had he become foolish from all his earnings? Money was meant to be spent and to make life easier, wasn't it?
"Grandma, it was my decision not to involve Oliver," Natalie interjected, not wanting Oliver to take the blame, nor did she want him to go through with such an impulsive purchase if old Mrs. Windsor’s words swayed him.
To be fair, Oliver had the means to make such a direct purchase if he wanted to—he certainly wasn't short on cash.
Oliver's laughter subsided as his gaze settled on Natalie, a warm and affectionate smile playing at the corners of his eyes.
"Oh," Marjorie cooed, grinning, "You’re really standing up for Oliver, huh? I just made a couple of comments. Men can handle being talked about; they have thick skin after all."
Natalie had no rebuttal for that and, truth be told, she kind of wanted to agree—Oliver really did have a thick skin.
"If you’re still protective of Oliver and fond of him, then come back and live here. That house of yours is way too small; it's not comfortable for either of you," Marjorie segued, seizing the chance to pull people back to live with her.
"I..." Natalie hesitated.
Marjorie interjected, "What, do you dislike the idea of this old lady living with you? I know that, you young people don’t like to live with us old folks." She pouted.
"Grandma, you're overthinking it. That's not what I meant." Natalie's rational side knew Marjorie was just putting on a dramatic one-woman show, but emotionally she felt guilty—what if the old lady was genuinely a little... a little sad?
Marjorie instantly dropped her pitiful, rejected facade, "Oh, then you're willing to live here."
Before anyone could respond, she instructed Mr. Liam, "Liam, prepare their room."
Mr. Liam readily replied, "The master bedroom for the young master and the lady is cleaned every day, always ready for their return."
Throughout the interaction, there was no gap, and Natalie was not given a chance to speak. She was left with nothing but a puzzled expression, ‘How had everything been arranged already?’
She looked towards Oliver, hoping he would say something.
She didn't want to stay at the Rosewood Estate just yet! Sure, her apartment at Maple Villa was much smaller compared to the opulence of the Rosewood Estate, but it was perfectly adequate for two people and had the convenience of location.
Buses, subways, and cabs were readily available outside her apartment, making commuting a breeze, unlike the Rosewood Estate which necessitated driving or being chauffeured.
It was all too flashy for her taste.
Oliver was looking down at his phone, pretending not to notice Natalie's glances. He wanted Natalie to move back to the Rosewood Estate more than anyone.
Natalie thought to herself with chagrin, certain that Oliver was doing this deliberately!
On their way upstairs, Natalie pinched Oliver stealthily, grinding her teeth in a whisper, "Why did you ignore me just now?"
Oliver quirked an eyebrow, as if to say he hadn't ignored her.
"When Grandma suggested we stay, why didn't you object?" Natalie pressed.
In his heart, Oliver was thinking, he couldn't wait for her to move back, so why would he object? However, he said earnestly, "You didn't object, so I thought you were willing."
Natalie retorted, "Do I look like I want to?"
Oliver apologized, "Sorry, I wasn't looking at you just then."
Natalie was frustrated by his nonchalant and playful demeanor.
Oliver chuckled lightly, taking Natalie's hand in his and giving it a gentle squeeze as he looked at her from the corner of his eye, "What's so bad about living here? We've got a gym, a shaping room, and you can run without worrying about any nuisances."
Back when Natalie lived at Maple Villa, she used to jog in the public park outside her complex. Since gaining fame, she frequently appeared on Instagram, which resulted in several instances of being recognized during her runs. Her yoga practice was also restricted to her living room due to inadequate space.
Finally, Natalie sighed in concession, although she couldn't help but give Oliver a reproachful look, "I've come back now."
But what choice did she have to leave again? Of course, it was impossible, especially since old Mrs. Windsor would certainly make too much of it. Moreover, Natalie truly felt that letting someone of Oliver's status stay in a small apartment at Maple Villa was indeed beneath him.
She could take the hardship, but she didn't want him to suffer it.
When the eldest grandson and his wife finally returned home, Marjorie felt a sense of relief. That evening, she was so delighted that she indulged in an extra egg tart. As she reached for a second one, Mr. Liam intervened. He advised against excessive consumption of high-sugar, high-calorie treats for someone in their eighties.. Even though old Mrs. Windsor liked to think of herself as an eternally eighteen-year-old fairy, her body reminded her of her true age as an eighty-year-old woman.
Marjorie thought, "It would be perfect if my grandson and his wife and daughter also came back to live here!" She no longer felt the urge to travel abroad. Initially, she traveled for rest and to avoid Windsor family disputes. Now, Oliver and Arthur managed family matters. With better local healthcare, the happiness of a great-granddaughter, and the anticipation of a great-grandson, she was content.
Speaking of great-grandchildren...
"Liam, come here!" Marjorie called out to Mr. Liam with excitement, her face sly, a clear sign she was about to scheme.
At the Rosewood Estate, Natalie and Oliver had all their belongings; the couple just needed to bring themselves back to settle in. Before freshening up, Natalie went to the wardrobe to pick out some clothes and discovered that her section of the closet had changed.
The styles of the clothes hanging there had altered. She hadn't taken the clothes Oliver bought for her when she left, but as a model with a keen sense of fashion, she remembered what had been there. Now, whether worn or not, those clothes have been completely replaced with the latest flagship designs from various top brands.
"Oliver, when did you prepare all of this?" Natalie was stunned.
This clearly wasn't like a last-minute arrangement; there were many outfits that required reservation and at least a month's wait. Oliver glanced at the wardrobe and casually mentioned, "A few days ago."
In truth, Oliver never abandoned the tradition. Even when he and Natalie were separated, Oliver continued to personally select clothes for her. Jamie took care of organizing Oliver's attire since he found it tedious and time-consuming. However, electing outfits for Natalie was something he genuinely enjoyed.
Natalie was a stunning woman, with a great figure and a charming presence; she looked fabulous in practically anything. When it came to picking out clothes, Oliver's approach was simply to discard the pieces he found unattractive. Everything else was a keeper.
During the time right after his split with Natalie, any reminder of her twisted Oliver's heart with pain, yet he continued masochistically to choose clothes for her—even though he was not sure if Natalie would ever come back.
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