Chapter 87 I Believe in Natalie
Ruben rose to his feet, his voice steady as he declared, "This is a matter of your family. It's inappropriate for us to linger. Adrian, we should depart." Curtis quickly joined them, and Melissa offered her support to Ruben as they began to exit, one by one.
As Adrian moved past Natalie, his stride faltered, his gaze lingering on her face. It seemed as though he wished to speak, but after a moment of hesitation, he remained silent and exited the Cullen Villa.
Once the Howard family had departed, Alice dropped her facade. She turned on Natalie, her voice venomous as she accused, "You thief, how dare you frame Renee for your theft!"
Curtis interjected, his voice laced with a hint of anger, "Enough! We will not discuss this further. I refuse to believe Natalie capable of such actions."
"Dad..." Alice's voice trailed off as she turned away in frustration.
Avery quickly moved to comfort her, "Alright, alright. You're with child, don't upset yourself." He then directed a glare at Curtis, chastising, "You always defend this girl. If the ring truly is lost, how will you explain it to the Howards?"
Curtis's expression shifted at Avery's words. After a moment of hesitation, he turned to Natalie, who had remained silent throughout the exchange. "Natalie," he began, "I know you've always been a good child. Your mother is sick and needs money. If you're facing any difficulties, you must let me know."
Natalie tasted bitterness in her throat. Curtis's words implied that he didn't fully trust her, that he saw her as someone who would steal to support her mother's medical expenses.
'If he thinks this way, what will others believe...'
Swallowing her discomfort, she responded in a firm voice, "Understood, Mr. Cullen."...
Meanwhile, en route to the Howard residence, Ruben turned to Melissa, who sat beside him, and asked, "What do you think about the incident with the Cullen family's lady's missing ring?"
Melissa was taken aback. She hadn't expected Ruben to bring up the matter, especially in Adrian's absence.
After a moment's consideration, she responded, "I think the maid was framed. Although the ring was found in her bag, judging from the reactions of the butler and the maid at that time, I am more inclined to believe that the butler intentionally framed the maid."
Pausing, she looked at Ruben, confusion etched on her face. "Why the sudden interest in such a trivial matter, Father?"
Ruben, a seasoned businessman who had observed countless individuals, was not easily deceived. He offered Melissa a knowing smile, opting not to answer her question. Instead, he posed another, "Who do you suspect instructed Renee to act as she did?"
Melissa furrowed her brows, a realization dawning on her. "Father, are you suspecting Alice?"
Ruben replied, "I have never doubted Adrian's judgment. If he chooses someone, he must have his reasons. Alice is engaged to him and carries our Howard bloodline. As long as she maintains a decent character, occasional capriciousness can be tolerated."
Melissa finally understood upon hearing this. Ruben was displeased with Alice's behavior. His keen eye for character could easily discern any hidden agendas. However...
Melissa sighed softly, "They're still young, Father. Don't take it to heart."
Ruben glanced out the window, his voice quiet as he replied, "I'm just worried that Adrian may be blinded by his affection..."
...
In the midst of preparations for Ruben's 84th birthday, the Cullen family had little time to bother Natalie. She relished the temporary peace and used the opportunity to locate Rosalie.
The unique taste of the chocolate bread the bodyguard had purchased for her led her to Rundle Street after some investigation.
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