Chapter 13
Natalie was sure she’d misheard Easton accusing her of scheming against Emma, but the sting on her arm said otherwise.
She'd thought about this, but now it was too much to handle. ‘Am I always going to fall for Jennifer’s tricks, even with a second chance? If that is true, maybe I should just give up,’ she thought to herself.
Easton’s voice came through the phone, cold and accusatory. “Natalie, are you even listening? Why would you plot against Mrs. Spencer?”
“Loud and clear,” Natalie replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “But who’s spreading these lies about me?”
Easton’s anger roared back at her. “Murray found evidence that you pushed Mrs. Spencer into the water. That’s why she’s hurt. Natalie, can’t you go a day without causing trouble?”
Natalie scoffed, her eyes narrowing. “Easton, do you have to blame me for everything? Screw you. I’m done with this conversation.” She hung up, her heart still racing.
Easton stared at his phone, astounded. Natalie’s statement hung in the air, leaving everyone in shock and doubting if it was really her speaking.
Easton was furious. ‘What was Natalie talking about? She was accusing me of wronging her? But there’s video evidence from Murray. The person in that video is clearly Natalie,’ he thought.
Jennifer seized the moment, feigning concern. “Easton, Mom, Dad, murder is illegal. Why would Natalie do such a thing?” She continued, “Did the divorce from Easton push her over the edge, making her act out, even speaking so crudely?”
A flicker of triumph gleamed in Jennifer’s eyes as she exclaimed inwardly, ‘I’ve pulled it off. Natalie is finished.’
Nick sneered, “Jealousy drove her over the edge, Jennifer. She can’t stand Easton’s attention towards you. That’s just her nature. She’s not my daughter to me now. We can’t have this affect our family. Jennifer, you’ll talk to Mr. Spencer tomorrow and sort this out.”
Jennifer nodded, feigning sorrow. “Alright, Dad. Natalie’s being really childish. Her actions are dragging both the Spencer and Simpson families into the mud.” She stressed the Spencer name, and as expected, Easton’s expression grew even darker.
Wendy looked at Nick, remembering what Natalie had revealed. After three months of observation and two paternity tests, it was clear Jennifer wasn’t Nick’s child. Natalie had deceived her, leaving Wendy deeply disappointed in her own daughter. Taking a deep breath, Wendy said, “Tomorrow, I’ll go talk to Natalie and convince her to turn herself in.”
Nick looked at her, caution in his eyes. “Wendy, don’t push yourself too hard. You’re not in good health. Let Jennifer handle it. They’re close in age and can relate to each other. Let Jennifer talk some sense into that ungrateful girl.”
Wendy agreed, as she indeed didn’t want to see Natalie, who was causing a rift in their family. “Fine. I don’t really want to see her, after all. I had planned to give her money after her divorce, but she’s gone too far, even trying to hurt others.”
Natalie was Wendy’s own child, and it hurt to see her hurting. After three months, her feelings overflowed. “I’ll see Natalie tomorrow,” she said firmly. She found it hard to believe that Natalie’s jealousy over Jennifer could threaten their family’s unity.
Easton’s expression darkened when Wendy mentioned the divorce settlement. He stayed silent about the fact that he and Natalie were still married.
Feeling the family’s coldness, he left the Simpson residence silently, intent on uncovering the truth. After misjudging Natalie once, he wanted a genuine admission from her this time.