Chapter 710 You Can't Compete
Then Natalie saw Joseph raising his head again and saying, “If you wish to thank me, then let your manager thank me on your behalf.”
“... Emily?”
“Yes, Emily Reed.”
The intention behind Joseph's words was clear.
Natalie opened her mouth but found herself at a loss for words.
She recalled Emily mentioning that she and Joseph were merely friends, partners who enjoyed a fruitful collaboration. At the time, Joseph was nearly kicked out of the industry because of Emily.
However, based on his current behavior, it seemed like his and Emily’s relationship was not simply a working relationship. Perhaps feelings blossomed unintentionally when they were working together.
“Alright, I’ll speak to Emily,” Natalie said. She believed it was crucial for Emily to be informed about this and that Emily should handle this herself.
The others did not understand the exchange between Natalie and Joseph, and they only exchanged puzzled glances.
"Natalie, I believe I saw a car dropping you off earlier," Innes remarked as he sat down, offering a smile. He gestured toward the asphalt road visible from the entrance before he asked, "Was it an admirer?"
"No," Natalie replied with a smile, shaking her head. She was not lying. How could her husband be considered only an admirer?
"Then who was it?" Innes asked before he added with a hint of disappointment, "That Aston Martin is a rare find worldwide. I own one, yet sadly, I lack the company of a beautiful woman like you."
Innes's implications were clear, but Natalie chose to respond with a smile, maintaining a modest and polite stance that left Innes at a loss for words to continue the conversation.
"It’s time for us to leave," Joseph intervened, ending the one-sided exchange and motioning for the staff to lead them to the contestants.
Natalie's gaze met Joseph's briefly before he looked away without hesitation.
"Steer clear of him; his reputation isn’t good," Cocker advised Natalie quietly as they proceeded, "He was clearly trying to flirt with you."
Natalie acknowledged with a nod. "Okay."
Nevertheless, despite Innes's questionable personal reputation, his professional acumen and standing in the fashion industry were beyond reproach. He was a figure of influence within the sector. Unbeknownst to the lecherous man, he was out of his depth. Oliver was not someone he could contend with.
…
The formal competition was scheduled to occur in five days. During the interim, the contestants engaged in individual preparation, while Natalie, Cocker, and Joseph, serving as mentors, provided instruction.
Nora, the host, was absent since the formal competition had yet to start.
The first day involved Cocker leading a training session. The other mentors had minimal responsibilities unless a contestant sought them out for advice.
Shortly after leaving the hotel housing the contestants, Natalie received a call from Rosy.
"Natalie, are you available to visit the hospital today? I need to discuss some recent developments regarding Lucas' condition with you."
"What happened?" Natalie asked anxiously before adding, “I’ll be there shortly.”
Rosy, taken aback by Natalie's urgency, tried to reassure her, saying, “Don’t rush. It’s not serious. Where are you? Would you like me to send someone to pick you up?”
"No, I can go on my own,” Natalie said.
"Alright. Be careful on your way, and don’t rush. If anything were to happen to you, I would have to answer to your husband," Rosy said half-jokingly.
"It’s not that serious," Natalie responded with a laugh, "Don’t worry. I’ll help you if needed!"
Rosy could not smile. Natalie trusted her, but she was forced to help Oliver.
…
Natalie notified the organizer of her visit to the hospital before she hurried to the exit.
"Natalie, do you need a ride?" Innes, seizing the opportunity, offered with a suggestive smile, "You didn’t drive, right? Look, I’m rather useful in critical moments!”
"No, thank you," Natalie responded with a smile that did not reach her eyes. Maintaining a polite yet distant demeanor, she explained, "Perhaps you’re not familiar with the country, but it’s very easy to get around. Apart from ride-hailing services and public transportation, the staff members will also take care of my transportation.”
Innes’s smile faltered momentarily. His status in the fashion world was unparalleled, and there were few who dared to openly refuse him. Ever since rising to fame, he had been predominantly successful in his endeavors with women, and Natalie was among his few rare failures.
"Natalie, if you’re smart, you shouldn’t reject your admirers outright, especially when you’re single,” Innes remarked.
Natalie cursed inwardly, ‘What nonsense!’
At this time, Lilian made a belated entrance.
“Hey! I’ll drive! I have a car! We don’t need you!”
"You..." Innes was visibly taken aback upon noticing Lilian. His gaze then shifted to Melvin, and he could tell Melvin was equally taken by surprise upon seeing Lilian. This reaction confirmed Innes's suspicions.
Both Innes and Melvin, holding influential roles in the fashion industry, had previously interacted with members of the Norton family. Although the identity of the Norton family's youngest daughter was not widely recognized, they had seen her photographs during the Norton’s dinner parties and had caught sight of her on a few other occasions. Her distinctive appearance was unforgettable, etching her image firmly in their memories at just a glance.
“You’re… the Norton family…” Innes began.
Lilian, with a slight lift of her chin, positioned herself protectively in front of Natalie and interjected, "Since you’re aware of my identity, you should know that you can’t compete with me to drive Natalie.”
The reality of competing against the influence and financial might of the Norton family was stark.
"Can you drive, Miss Norton?” Innes persisted. Although he did not want to offend Lilian due to the Norton family, he did not think much of her, only seeing her as a fragile doll protected by the Norton family.
"I can’t, but Casey can," Lilian said, gesturing toward Casey, who stood not too far off.
Casey's presence had gone unnoticed until now, her long hair neatly tied back and her stance exuding confidence. She nodded at Innes and said, “I can drive. Not only that, but I’m skilled at racing as well.”
The bystanders were left speechless.
‘What’s with this unexpected tension?’
‘What kind of magical assistant does Natalie have?’
A Pagani soon arrived, and a butler from the estate handed the car keys to Casey. Subsequently, the trio departed together.
"Is that automobile part of the estate's collection?" Joseph asked the butler.
The butler responded, "No, it belongs to Miss Watson. She brought it to the estate’s garage previously."
The butler omitted the detail that Oliver had purchased the car for Natalie as a backup.
After asking that question, Joseph cast a glance toward Innes who was frowning.
Innes lamented internally, ‘Someone who owns a Pagani won’t be easily impressed. At least, money won’t be able to impress her…’
Melvin, who had been watching, shook his head. He naturally disapproved of Innes who was obsessed with women.
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