Chapter 209 Stay Away from Charlie
When Natalie got the invite, she felt a bit iffy.
Because of Charlie's crush on her, she naturally didn't want to get too tangled up with the Walker family.
But then she figured it was probably just a polite thank-you for the painting she gave them. Overthinking it would just make things messier.
When she showed up at the Walker Villa as planned, she was surprised to see Lillian there too.
Lillian had arrived earlier and was already laughing and chatting with Quinn and Aaliyah.
Natalie handed over the painting she brought, "Hot Sun."
Aaliyah thanked her and took a quick look at it. Her face tightened for a second, but she quickly went back to normal.
Natalie didn't catch any of this. She walked over to say hi to Quinn.
Charlie had been upstairs the whole time. Hearing Natalie's voice, he rushed down, grinning ear to ear. "Natalie, come up here! I just found our school yearbook. Remember when we wore those wedding dresses?"
Natalie was taken aback. Even though she used to be super casual when visiting, with Lillian here, she had to be more careful.
Lillian had a grudge against her because Charlie liked her. She shot him a look. "That was for a play; it was a costume, not a wedding dress!"
Aaliyah casually set the painting aside on the floor. "Charlie, don't be rude. Miss Garcia has been here for a while, and you didn't even come down to say hi."
Lillian glanced at Charlie, her eyes meeting his sparkling ones.
Those eyes were so bright and intense, dazzling and captivating. But it seemed he never looked at her that way. And when he looked at Natalie, he was always so gentle, happy, and patient.
For a moment, her fists clenched tightly. She forced a casual smile. "Since we've known each other for a long time, no need to be so formal."
Natalie stood there, feeling the suffocating affection Lillian had for Charlie.
Charlie reluctantly went down, exchanged a few polite words, and then grew impatient. He kept staring at Natalie.
Quinn enjoyed chatting with Natalie, asking her all sorts of questions.
Aaliyah's attitude was unusually cold. But she was super friendly towards Lillian.
After dinner, Lillian suggested making dessert.
Aaliyah dragged Charlie to help.
Quinn said a few words and then went to rest.
Natalie and Aaliyah sat facing each other. Aaliyah's smile faded as she took out a check and handed it to Natalie.
Natalie was puzzled. She looked down and saw it was for two million dollars. "What's this for?"
Aaliyah smiled with a hint of disdain. "This is for the painting, although I know it's not worth that much. But considering we've known each other for so long, I'll take the loss."
Natalie's gentle smile faded. "Aunt Aaliyah, I don't get what you mean. How could the painting I gave you make you take a loss?"
Aaliyah brushed her hair aside, dismissive. Her gaze towards Natalie lacked any warmth or courtesy. "Because I know the painting is fake, a poor-quality piece."
Natalie's smile stiffened slightly.
The two stared at each other for over ten seconds.
Finally, Natalie looked away. She lowered her head and smiled coldly. "So you think it's fake?" Her tone was casual, almost mocking.
"Natalie, our families have been friends for generations. Even though your mom passed away early, you and Charlie have always been close and kept in touch. But you can't fool me," Aaliyah spoke calmly, holding back her anger.
Mentioning the late Amelia, Natalie's heart tightened . Her gaze cooled slightly.
She forced a smile. "If you don't like the painting, I'll take it back. I can't let you suffer a loss, can I?"
She thought, 'Does these wealthy women's tastes and vision never keep up with their growing wealth?'
She was about to stand up and leave. Then she heard Aaliyah's voice, cold as ice. "And Natalie, stay away from Charlie."
