Chapter 137

The two people walking towards her were none other than Easton and Jennifer. Jennifer affectionately linked her arm with Easton’s, making it easy for anyone unaware of the situation to think they were a deeply affectionate couple. She shot a provocative smile at Natalie.

“Natalie, you’re here too,” Jennifer said with an intriguing smile.

Natalie was speechless. Jennifer knew exactly why she was there, but tonight, it seemed like Jennifer was the one getting a kick out of the situation, she thought.

“Uh–huh. Congrats on becoming someone’s mistress. Should I drum up a crowd so everyone can see how you’re chasing after someone’s husband?” Natalie smirked.

“You…” Jennifer quietly let go of Easton’s arm.

It was then that she noticed Easton’s gaze, which was deep and full of admiration as he looked at Natalie. Natalie was dressed to the nines tonight, wearing a black gown with diamond straps that made her shine dazzlingly; she looked truly beautiful.

‘How did Natalie become so wealthy? This outfit must be worth millions,’ Jennifer wondered.

Easton noticed as well. He thought, ‘It’s understandable why he forgot to give her money; she obviously didn’t need it.’

“Natalie, you’re picking on Jennifer again,” came the angry voice of Nick.

Natalie looked at him as he approached with Wendy. She thought, ‘Wendy seemed to have lost a lot of weight and looked unwell; the effects of her medication must be kicking in. But why did Nick look even more haggard than Wendy?’

Natalie furrowed her brows, observing Nick’s complexion, which seemed off. After watching for a moment, she picked up on the clues. Nick’s pale face suggested that he had indulged excessively and was on the verge of losing his vitality.

‘It was likely that he would never be able to engage in those shameless activities again,’ she thought.

“How could I possibly bully her? Your daughter is acting like the typical homewrecker, and you’re shouting so loudly. Aren’t you worried people might hear and you’ll be embarrassed?” Natalie asked calmly.

Nick’s face flushed with anger. “You ungrateful child, what nonsense are you saying? Do you want to ruin Jennifer?”

“If I can ruin her, that would be quite the accomplishment,” Natalie said.

Luna let out a noticeable “pfft.”

Natalie glanced at Luna, she thought, ‘Why was she laughing? This Jennifer is no simple character. Battling with her is absolutely exhausting.’

Wendy looked at Natalie with eyes full of guilt. In the past, they had always blamed Natalie without distinction, never truly listening to her. She had endured so much suffering, and it was all her mother’s fault.

Wendy thought, ‘If only she had discovered Nick’s schemes earlier, her five children wouldn’t have had to endure such hardships.’ Now, having loved Nick so deeply, she had come to realize the truth and found that all she felt for him was hatred.

“Alright, everyone, stop messing around, and let’s go inside,” Easton said indifferently.

Natalie and Luna walked ahead.

Natalie wouldn’t stoop to competing with Jennifer over such matters. ‘Making money is what matters, who’s got time for some jerk?’ she thought.

Once inside the banquet hall, many guests had already arrived. Colin, dressed in a custom suit, was chatting with the guests, accompanied by his granddaughter.

Seeing Jennifer’s family, he looked at Jennifer affectionately and said, “Jennifer, the Simpson family finally arrived.”

Jennifer and Easton walked over side by side, she said with a lovely smile, “Mr. Wayne, sorry to keep you waiting. This is my mom and dad, and this is Mr. Easton Garcia.”

Nick and Wendy came over to greet Colin.

“Colin, it’s a real honor to meet you!” Nick was thrilled. His Jennifer is so capable; she has even managed to impress someone as important as Colin.

Colin smiled kindly. “Our family and Jennifer were destined to know each other. If the Simpson family ever needs anything from us, just reach out.”

Nick couldn’t stop smiling. “Thank you so much, Mr. Wayne, for your affection towards our daughter.”

Wendy was somewhat surprised. She thought, ‘How did Jennifer get to know Mr. Wayne? During this time, she had been preoccupied with company matters and hadn’t paid attention to what Jennifer had been up to these past few days. She actually managed to impress Mr. Wayne!’

“Jennifer, Easton, you two really look great together,” Colin commented, casting a glance at Easton, a rising star over the past couple of years whom he admired greatly.

Easton didn’t explain much and simply gave a calm smile. He looked off into the distance and noticed that Natalie and Luna were already gone.

With a crowd of guests, Colin took the stage to give a speech. He talked about the history of the Wayne family and his achievements over the years. Finally, he shifted to the shining theme of the night: his birthday celebration.

After going through the formalities, Colin called Jennifer up to the stage and personally introduced her in front of everyone. “Ladies and gentlemen, this is Ms. Jennifer Simpson. She is a partner in all my business ventures, and I hope you will show her respect in the future. She is the lifesaver of my grandson and a benefactor to our entire family. From now on, she will be cherished like my own granddaughter.”

Nick was grinning from ear to ear. ‘This was his daughter’s moment of greatest honor,’ he thought in pride.

Easton narrowed his eyes; this scene felt very familiar.

Wendy recalled the situation with Mrs. Spencer and understood why Colin valued Jennifer so much tonight. She thought, Jennifer indeed had some capabilities, but her methods were too underhanded.’

Everyone congratulated Jennifer with smiles.

Meanwhile, in a nearby corner, Natalie sat with Murray.

With a cold stare, Murray watched the dazzling Jennifer on stage and finally understood her methods. He thought, ‘Their family almost ended up in Jennifer’s hands.’

Natalie munched on a pastry, laughing as she asked, “Murray, doesn’t this familiar situation bring back memories?” Murray sneered, “So she was pretending to be you to save my grandmother with this kind of intention. No wonder she brought up the collaboration the very next day. I have to admit, her acting skills are impressive.”

“Unlike you, who is cold and standoffish, always ready to snap back, she is different–she’s gentle and as soft as water,” Murray joked.

“That’s why all the guys are crazy about her,” Natalie chuckled, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

Murray couldn’t deny that Jennifer did stir his protective instincts. He curiously asked, “What will happen to the Wayne family?”

Natalie’s eyes flickered. “She will become Jennifer’s ally, but in the end, when she’s no longer useful, she will be devoured.” She thought, ‘It was inevitable. Mr. Wayne wasn’t exactly a good person either! So, Natalie didn’t involve herself in this incident with Jennifer.

Her involvement with the Spencer family was due to Emma’s good character; she was a good person who would trust her.

Murray asked, puzzled, “Natalie, you knew this would happen. Why didn’t you stop it?”

Natalie smiled faintly and said, “Why stop her? Mr. Wayne is different from your grandmother; Mr. Wayne is already a shadowy figure. Mrs. Spencer is a person of integrity, always considering the company and her loved ones, unlike the one on stage…” Natalie didn’t continue her sentence.

Murray, however, grinned, “So, you admit that I’ve got a pretty good character, right?”

Natalie finished the last bite of her cake and smiled, saying, “Your character is quite good; that’s an undeniable fact. Who is your grandmother? She’s someone I greatly respect. How far can her grandson go?” Her tone was sincere, and her words came from the heart.

Murray gazed deeply at her without saying a word.

Natalie heard a sneaky noise behind her, stood up, and smiled with her eyes curving into crescents, “Mr. Spencer, enjoy the show.”