Chapter 65 The Question of Repayment
Natalie's fists clenched as she began to speak, her voice laced with a cautious sincerity. "Our meetings, few as they have been, were purely coincidental. I understand how it may seem otherwise, but I assure you, I never sought to insinuate myself into your life. I'm well aware of the disparity between our stations." Her gaze met his, steady and resolute. "However, your help tonight will not go unacknowledged. I will find a way to repay you."Adrian's response was a frigid echo of her own words. "Repay? And how do you propose to do that?"Natalie found herself at a loss. How could she possibly repay a man of his stature? He was a titan of wealth and power, while she was but a humble woman, eking out a living as best she could. What could she offer Adrian? What could she possibly give him in return? The questions hung in the air, unanswered, as Adrian's hawk-like eyes seemed to mock her silence.Adrian's belt, held loosely in his hand, tapped against her cheek. "I've seen your type before. Women who let vanity and greed guide them seldom meet a happy end. Be careful, Natalie. Don't overstep."Natalie's heart ached at his words. "Mr. Howard, I assure you, your caution will not be forgotten. I will keep your words close as a constant reminder."He rose to his feet, his clothing barely disturbed, save for a few wrinkles on his shirt - a testament to Natalie's struggle. Fastening his belt, he retrieved his windbreaker and tossed a handful of crisp bills onto Natalie's lap.With a soft, yet firm voice, Natalie thanked him. "I appreciate the generosity, Mr. Howard. The Imperial Nightclub eagerly awaits your next visit." Her tone was gentle, devoid of any flirtatious undertones, yet it carried a pleasant cadence.Adrian had already reached the door when he paused, a question hanging in the air. "Do you have a driver's license?"Natalie, realizing they were alone in the private room, understood the question was meant for her. "Yes, I do," she replied, recalling her driving lessons from her freshman year."Then you'll drive me home," he commanded.Natalie stared at his retreating back, aghast. "Mr. Howard, I could call a driver for you.""Are you hard of hearing? I said you will drive!" His words echoed in the room, leaving Natalie with a simmering anger.'Fine, I'll drive then. It's not like it's a difficult task,' she thought to herself.Adrian's car was a study in understated luxury, its sleek black exterior and plush interior worth a cool $400,000. Natalie released the handbrake and the car began to move, albeit slowly. She may have had a driver's license, but that didn't mean she was equipped to handle a vehicle of this caliber.Her nerves were palpable as she navigated the unfamiliar vehicle. The car moved at a snail's pace, much to the annoyance of the other drivers on the road. Each honk of a horn sent a jolt of fear through Natalie, causing her to brake and allow the other vehicles to pass."Mr. Howard, where are we headed?" she asked, her voice shaky."Riverside Villa," came his curt reply.The mention of Riverside Villa, the marital home of Adrian and Alice, sent a chill down Natalie's spine. She gripped the steering wheel tighter, her knuckles turning white.The car continued its slow journey when suddenly, a stifled sound came from Adrian. Glancing in the rearview mirror, Natalie saw Adrian in the back seat, his hand pressed against his stomach, his face contorted in pain."Mr. Howard, are you alright?" she asked, concern creeping into her voice.Adrian's only response was a deep frown. As they approached a red light, Natalie brought the car to a stop and turned to see Adrian's face, pale and glistening with a sheen of sweat."Mr. Howard, let me take you to the hospital," she suggested, her voice filled with worry."Take me back to Riverside Villa," he insisted.Natalie knew better than to interfere, but seeing him in such distress, she couldn't help but worry.
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