Chapter 64 Make an Appointment in Advance
Natalie settled herself behind the desk, scattering the files before her and powering up the computer as she began to speak. Across the room, Blair, feeling disregarded, gave a cold snort of indignation.
"Natalie," he sneered, "I find you despicable. You're quite the opportunist, no wonder you were the one to initiate the divorce. Clearly, you were hunting for a fresh start. You've divorced and now sit as the vice president of the Clark Group. It seems Victor holds you in high regard."
Natalie offered a smile, her gaze shifting between the two of them. Angela was visibly frightened, holding her tongue, while Blair appeared ready for battle.
"I divorced due to your incessant pressure, Mr. Kensington," she retorted. "You used to summon me to the Kensington Villa every week for a lecture, reminding me of my unworthiness to be part of the Kensington family. Now that I'm divorced, shouldn't you be pleased? Why come searching for me now?"
She hadn't forgotten how Blair had forced her to return to the Kensington Villa each week, not for a family reunion, but to endure the torment of Wendy and Angela. Their physical and psychological bullying had served as a stark reminder of the chasm between her and the Kensington family.
Blair's leniency had allowed Wendy and Angela to torment her without restraint. Even the servants at the Kensington Villa had looked down on her. Now that the despised daughter-in-law had finally given up, he should be raising a glass in celebration.
"What are you implying?" Blair bristled. "Are you blaming me? It's highly disrespectful of you to address your elders in such a manner."
The once docile woman now dared to challenge him. She was audacious!
Natalie chuckled. "This is a business, Mr. Kensington. We operate on a hierarchy here. As the chairman of the Kensington Group, it's my duty to receive you. However, let's not waste everyone's time, especially since you didn't schedule an appointment. I have a full agenda ahead, and time is of the essence."
She glanced pointedly at her wristwatch, her expression blank as she observed Blair's darkening countenance. He was addressing her with such disrespect, but she was no longer the naive woman of three years ago.
"Natalie, how dare you speak to Grandpa like that?" Angela interjected. "He's so old, do you want to provoke him?" Natalie was really audacious.
Natalie glanced at Angela, her laughter light. "I have no ties to your family any longer. Do you still expect me to appease you? Are you here to lecture me in my own company? If so, I'm afraid I won't be a gracious host. I'll have my secretary escort you out."
She hadn't invited them. Angela was truly shameless. Angela looked to Blair in a panic, stuttering, "Grandpa, I..."
Blair, ever the shrewd man, recognized Natalie's resolute stance. He gave a cold snort and spoke directly. "Enough, Natalie. I'll cut to the chase. My daughter-in-law and Angela flaunted my possessions, only to be outplayed by you. The emerald ring is very important to me. Name your price, how much will it take for you to return it?"
Natalie arched an eyebrow, "Oh, so that's what this is about." She deliberately spoke slowly, "But as I've said, I'm not selling."
Blair's face darkened further. He straightened, his gaze locked on her. "I said, name any price. This is your only chance!"
She knew the Kensington Group was wealthy, but she was not in need. She didn't need this opportunity. "Mr. Kensington, when you demanded a divorce, did you give me a chance to name my price? I didn't ask for money then, and I won't ask for it now."
They all believed she had married Gabriel for his wealth, but in the past three years, aside from the money Gabriel had given her after donating blood, the Kensington family hadn't given her a dime. She knew they were wary of her.
Blair's face turned icy, his breath quickening with rage.
"Natalie, do you hate our family? Do you wish for the Kensington family to be unhappy? Are you intentionally withholding the ring from Grandpa?" Angela blurted out, pointing accusingly at Natalie, hoping to unveil her true nature.
Natalie simply admitted, "Yes."
