Chapter 997 First Encounter with Donny
Claire's grudge against Natalie melted away. "They're orchids. I really love them. Lots of folks are into roses, but orchids are my thing."
Natalie followed Claire's gaze.
Orchids were known to be finicky and tough to care for. But these Phalaenopsis orchids were thriving, a clear sign of Claire's dedication.
Claire stood up, "Come with me."
Natalie trailed behind Claire up to her room on the second floor.
Claire pulled out a diamond bracelet from a jewelry box and handed it to Natalie. "This was Adrian's grandmother's. Now, it's yours."
The bracelet was clearly valuable, and the first glance told Natalie that it must be of high quality.
Claire took Natalie's right hand and slipped the bracelet on, smiling, "I've seen Adrian get married now. I know you're busy with filming, and I don't have any demands. Just be happy, that's all I ask."
"Thank you, Mom."
They had lunch at the Howard Mansion, and after eating, Natalie had to rush to York City in the afternoon.
She went back to her apartment and packed a few clothes.
Adrian drove her to the airport.
Natalie said when they were at the boarding gate, "I'm off, honey."
Adrian smiled, clearly pleased with the term of endearment. "Alright, darling, text me when you get to York City."
"Okay." Natalie and Adrian hadn't gone public with their marriage yet. She planned to do it after finishing the film and having the wedding.
There were still six weeks until the film wrapped.
During this time, Natalie was mostly on set, flying back to Vachilit on weekends, or Adrian would come to York City to see her.
Six weeks flew by, and "Yesterday's Mist" was about to wrap, with a lot of Natalie's scenes in the final days.
On Saturday, Matthew told her the film's investors were coming over for a meal.
Natalie didn't refuse.
Matthew had brought in all the investment for "Yesterday's Mist." The script was solid, and by the end of filming, Natalie felt the movie's charm. Matthew truly lived up to his reputation as a top screenwriter; the plot's pacing was perfect.
That evening, they arrived at a reserved private room in a high-end York City restaurant.
Natalie sat next to Matthew.
Soon, everyone arrived.
Natalie didn't recognize most of the people there.
Many of these investors were big shots in real estate, the film industry, and various corporate conglomerates.
Matthew introduced them one by one, and Natalie nodded in acknowledgment.
Natalie had a moderate tolerance for alcohol, so she just took a few glasses of cider. Luckily, no one pressured her.
Just then, the door to the private room swung open, and a young man in sportswear walked in. He was dressed in all black, with ash-gray hair, looking a bit rebellious. His skin was very pale, giving him a slightly sickly appearance. He had narrow eyes and a handsome face with a hint of roguishness.
Someone piped up, "I thought Mr. Dickson wasn't coming. We've been waiting forever."
"Mr. Dickson should be penalized with a few drinks."
Donny walked in, his gaze sweeping the room and landing on Natalie. Then he smiled at Matthew, "How could I refuse Matthew's invitation?"
Matthew raised his hand and gently brushed a strand of hair behind his ear. "It's my honor, Mr. Dickson."
Donny smiled and raised his glass, "I'll take three drinks as a penalty."