Chapter 20 Standing up for Her
In the Cullen family, Avery had been waiting for Natalie ever since he got back from the hospital. Seeing her come home so late, she was immediately annoyed. "Did it really take that long to grab a bite?"
Natalie, not daring to admit she had skipped out on Adrian's invitation, mumbled, "It was raining outside, so it took a bit longer."
"You little brat, how dare you talk back!" Avery, already fuming, got even angrier at her words. He grabbed a cup from the table and hurled it at her.
The cup flew straight at Natalie's face, leaving her no time to react.
Instinctively, she closed her eyes, bracing for the pain that never came.
In the next second, a strong and agile hand intercepted the cup mid-air.
The familiar scent of rain and a hint of tobacco filled Natalie‘s senses. She opened her eyes, shocked to see Adrian standing there. When did he get out of the car?
Avery was just as surprised as Natalie, standing up abruptly. "Adrian."
Even though Adrian was her future son-in-law, his prestigious family background and cold demeanor made her uneasy.
She was both angry and startled. Adrian had brought Natalie back? Why hadn't she mentioned that?
"Why didn't you say Adrian was here?" Avery couldn't help but scolded.
"Mrs. Cullen!" Natalie quickly interrupted Avery before she could call her "Alice." That would have been a disaster.
Natalie explained, "Mrs. Cullen, it was pouring when I came back this afternoon. I ran into Mr. Howard, who was on his way to visit you. Knowing I work for the Cullen family, he kindly offered me a ride."
Avery forced a smile, her back drenched in cold sweat. "Go get Adrian some coffee!"
"Yes, right away." Natalie nodded in understanding and headed to the kitchen, instructing someone else to bring the coffee. She then slipped out the back door and hurried home.
Once inside, she leaned against the door, her breath uneven and her mind replaying the scene of Adrian catching the cup.
This wasn't the first time she'd faced such treatment here. Abuse had become the norm.
However, it was the first time someone had stood up for her.
In the living room, Adrian placed the cup he had caught firmly on the coffee table. Avery couldn't read his mood, but it was clear that the earlier incident had angered him.
Even sitting silently. Adrian exuded an intimidating aura that made her uneasy.
Trying to smooth things over, Avery cautiously said, "I'm sorry, Adrian. You shouldn't have had to see that. I was just worried about Natalie because she came back so late."
"Mrs. Cullen, you really are kind-hearted, worrying so much about a servant," Adrian mocked.
Avery's face paled slightly, catching the sarcasm in his words, but she pretended not to notice and forced a smile. "Natalie may be a servant, but I've watched her grow up. Besides, Alice is around her age and has always treated her like a sister."
However, Adrian's expression remained unreadable. He thought of Alice and his concern for Natalie, feeling a wave of frustration.
He adjusted his sleeves and abruptly stood up. "I have some things to attend to. I'll be off now."
Without waiting for Avery to respond, he turned and left, not giving her a chance to stop him.
It wasn't until the black Bentley disappeared into the rainy night that Avery's fake smile finally faded.
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