Chapter 413 Greed
Bella was just shooting the breeze, but on the other end, Natalie went radio silent. "Yo, Natalie, you still there?"
Natalie had nicked her finger. She stared at the blood, felt a quick sting, then turned on the faucet to rinse it off. But all she could think about was what Bella had said.
Those words hit her like a ton of bricks, clearing up her foggy brain.
Could Alice have set this whole thing up herself?
The only folks who could pull strings at the charity gala were the Howards. Claire threw this shindig every year, always at this hotel. Security was tight, and the guests were the usual rich crowd. No way an outsider could mess with it.
So, it was either some Howard family drama or Alice pulling the strings herself.
But if Alice did it, why? What was she after?
Alice had been all about this baby; she was nine months along.
Natalie had known Alice forever and knew what she was like. Alice wouldn't shove Claire out of the way just to be nice.
So, what was the deal? There seemed to be only one answer: the baby in Alice's belly wasn't Adrian's.
The cool water numbed her finger, easing the pain.
Natalie grabbed her phone. "I'm here."
Bella kept rambling about random stuff, mostly everyday nonsense.
Natalie frowned. "You're getting married next week? That soon?"
Bella sighed, "Yeah, no choice. My family business's doing okay, but the Reynolds Group is huge in the jewelry biz. If we want to grow, we can't tick them off. I've made peace with it; can't dodge it, can't fight it. No point in struggling. I can't tank my family's business just 'cause I don't like the guy. It's my parents' blood, sweat, and tears."
For 22 years, her parents had shielded her. She'd lived a carefree life under their wing. Now, when they needed her, she wouldn't bail.
Everyone's gotta grow up sometime.
Marrying into the Reynolds family might not be the worst thing.
Bella tried to stay upbeat. "They say the Reynolds guy isn't in great shape. I'll just outlive him and be done with it."
She didn't want Natalie to pity her, so she quickly added, "I'm good. Got any free time? Let's hit the mall before I get hitched. It's been ages since we hung out."
Natalie replied, "Yeah, I'm free."
Natalie heard a car engine outside, followed by Lucky's barking. Adrian must be back. She said, "Bella, gotta run. My colleague's here."
She hung up and headed out.
Adrian got out of the car, and Lucky was all over him. Adrian bent down, a rare smile on his face. "Hungry, buddy? Can't you find snacks on your own?"
Lucky wagged his tail and barked a few times.
Adrian chuckled, "What's got you so hyped today..."
He walked into the living room and saw Natalie coming out of the kitchen.
Adrian looked a bit stunned for a moment.
Natalie walked over. "I got here half an hour ago. You weren't home. Lucky's smart; he opened the door. When I came in, I realized you weren't here."
"Got it." Adrian took off his suit, and Natalie naturally took it from him. He caught a whiff of food in the air. Natalie said, "Play with Lucky for a bit. Dinner's almost ready."
Natalie went back to the kitchen. Adrian played with Lucky for a few minutes before heading to the kitchen. Natalie, in a light blue apron, was cooking. The kitchen smelled amazing, and the light was warm and cozy.
Bayview Villa rarely felt this homey, and it threw Adrian off a bit, but he was totally into it.
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