Chapter 77 An Unexpected Encounter
Natalie ended the call abruptly, her hand tenderly stroking the little Starshadow's head. "Don't worry, baby," she reassured.
As she glanced at the number, the sales assistants began to cross-reference the reserved address in their internal system. A moment of stunned silence was followed by a shocked exclamation, "Ms. Clark!"
After a while, Yves emerged from a casual shower, eager to join Natalie and the little Starshadow. However, the doorbell's ring interrupted his plans.
"My scarves has arrived. Yves, remember to pay for them," Natalie called out, lounging on the plush circular sofa in the living room, engrossed in playing with the little Starshadow.
Yves, only half-dressed with a towel wrapped around his lower body, felt a pang of helplessness. He moved to answer the door, teasing, "I can pay for it. How about I take care of you too?"
As Yves swung the door open, he froze, his eyes icy. "What are you doing here?" His good mood evaporated instantly.
Gabriel, standing at the door, was equally taken aback. He hadn't expected to see Yves here. His expression darkened as he returned Yves's icy stare. "What are you doing here?" he echoed, noting Yves's fresh-from-the-shower appearance. Had Yves come straight here from the airport?
By the time they had left the airport, their photos and rumors were already circulating, drawing attention from all corners.
Gabriel had managed to track down Natalie's current residence through various means. He had intended to explain to Natalie in person and make up for the three years he had been absent.
Natalie's last request had been for Gabriel to choose between Alyssa and the emerald ring. Unable to make a decision, Gabriel had decided to lay everything out for Natalie, ready to agree to any other conditions she might propose.
However, he hadn't expected to find Yves here, leaving him to wonder what was going on.
Yves, feigning nonchalance, began to dry his damp hair with his towel. "Why can't I be here? I live here."
The revelation that they were living together hit Gabriel like a punch. Anger and disappointment surged within him, causing him to lose his composure.
"Who is that?" Natalie's voice floated from the living room. The conversation didn't sound like it involved people from a luxury store. As she approached the door, she stopped in her tracks.
"What are you doing here?" she demanded, shocked to find Gabriel on her doorstep.
Gabriel, radiating frustration and gloom, stared at her with cold eyes, barely containing his anger.
"Natalie, are you two living together? What's your relationship?" he asked.
Natalie scoffed, "Do I need to report to you about my relationships?"
Yves chuckled from the side. "Mr. Kensington, we are exactly what you think we are. But regardless of our relationship, it's none of your business. As a good boyfriend, you should keep quiet as if you were dead."
Gabriel's gaze bore into Natalie, his eyes filled with anger, his face a mask of melancholy. He glanced at Yves, saying, "I was just asking casually. I'm not interested in knowing what your relationship is. However, Mr. Clark, you should know that the woman you like is not as obedient as she seems."
He didn't know why he said that, but he had seen too many sides of Natalie that contradicted his previous impressions.
Perhaps he had only seen the tip of the iceberg.
"Mr. Kensington, whatever kind of woman I am, it's not your place to comment. You should mind your own business," Natalie retorted, her smile cold and indifferent.
"If you want an obedient woman, get a dog. Alyssa is perfect for that role, right? You can get a dog, she can be obedient, so you two are a perfect match."
Even if the whole world criticized Natalie, Gabriel had no right to do so. As for his remorse, Natalie had no use for it. Gabriel was left flustered. He had meant no harm, but he couldn't explain away Natalie's misunderstanding. He couldn't even comprehend where her anger was stemming from.
Yves, initially worried that Natalie might get hurt, had been on guard. But hearing Natalie's words, he relaxed. He looked up at Gabriel, pulled Natalie into his arms, and chuckled. "I'm not like you, Mr. Kensington. I don't judge the woman I love based on others' opinions. I only trust her words. Mr. Kensington, if you have nothing else to do, you should go back and get a dog. Don't bother us."
Yves's laughter was playful. Just as he was about to pull Natalie back inside and close the door, a small figure darted out from under his foot and perched on Gabriel's leg, swaying.
"Daddy, you look handsome."
