Chapter 147 The Alluring Presence
Natalie Flores had just left Albert Williams' room, where she found out Barrett Williams' son was throwing a party. After a quick chat and sending over a fruit platter, she headed to the next room. Spotting Ivan Simmons, her eyes sparkled. She grabbed his arm and said, "Ivan, you didn't even say hi to your sister. What's been keeping you busy?"
Ivan couldn't help but notice Natalie's captivating face, perfectly arched eyebrows, and her full, prominent chest pressing against her white shirt. Her mature, seductive vibe was overwhelming, and the brush of her chest against his arm sent shivers down his spine. But with Fiona Harris in the room, he stiffened and replied, "Sis, I'm just here for a friend's birthday. Didn't mean to intrude."
Ivan loved the hustle and bustle, often hitting up sketchy karaoke bars. Since Imperial Bar opened, he became a regular. Natalie, knowing his status, worked hard to win him over. Ivan quickly fell for the seductive bar owner, even calling her his sister, hoping to win her heart someday.
But Natalie was a tough nut to crack. She'd let Ivan get close but never too close. She valued his status but didn't see the need to fully give in. Plus, she had a sneaky side—she'd set him up with sexy girls, secretly recording their encounters to keep him in check.
Seeing Ivan all stiff and not his usual self, Natalie glanced around and spotted a pretty girl on the sofa. Figuring this must be Ivan's girlfriend, she let go of his arm and walked over to Fiona Harris, smiling, "You must be the birthday girl. You're gorgeous. No wonder Ivan went all out. I've never seen him throw a party for anyone."
She grabbed a drink from the table, still smiling, "Since I'm here, let me wish you a happy birthday. May you always stay this beautiful."
Fiona, picking up on Natalie's smooth talk and worldly vibe, figured she was the bar owner. Though a bit put off, she politely clinked glasses with Natalie, thanked her, and sat back down. She'd noticed Natalie's earlier flirting with Ivan and sensed something fishy but decided to keep quiet.
Natalie, noticing Fiona's calm demeanor, guessed she wasn't from an ordinary family. Ivan, being the finance bureau chief's son, wouldn't go all out for just anyone. Not wanting to push her luck, Natalie shifted her focus to Kevin , who was staring at her. She smiled, "I've got a special bottle of wine I've been saving. Come with me to get it, handsome. Consider it my little gift."
She took Kevin 's arm and led him out of the room. The boys exchanged glances, wanting to stop Kevin but hesitated, seeing Ivan's changing expression. They watched as Kevin left with Natalie.
Since Natalie walked in, she'd owned the room, everyone unconsciously following her lead. Once she left with Kevin , the boys breathed a sigh of relief, their minds filled with thoughts of the stunning bar owner, whispering about her looks and figure, occasionally making crude comments.
Ivan felt a knot in his stomach, worried Fiona might catch on. Despite Natalie's charm, Fiona was now his main focus. His dad had hinted at Fiona's powerful background, pushing Ivan to lock down a relationship with her to strengthen family ties.
Ivan had been chasing Laura Jones but had to pivot to Fiona. Even if Fiona wasn't attractive, he'd still have to go after her because of her influential family.
But Fiona was a tough nut to crack. Ivan's usual moves didn't work on her mature mindset. He couldn't just bulldoze his way through; it felt like a fox trying to catch a hedgehog—anxious and desperate. He had planned to confess at her birthday party but got upstaged by Kevin . Even though it was just a dare, Kevin became the first to propose to Fiona, making Ivan kick himself for not doing it sooner. Even if she rejected him, it would've left a mark.
Realizing his blunder, Ivan cursed himself for not booting Kevin out right away. By humiliating Kevin to vent his anger, he might've accidentally made Fiona notice Kevin more, possibly sparking her interest in him.
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