Chapter 138

Natalie’s graceful figure drifted toward a quieter corner. Murray stood up, locking onto his target, already scheming his next move. A wicked grin spread across his face—it was going to be fun.

As Natalie headed toward the elevator, she was suddenly grabbed from behind, a cloth pressed over her mouth. A faint but familiar scent wafted through—it was the same poison she had encountered back in Bernille. Her body grew limp, and she collapsed. The man dragged her away.

Meanwhile, the banquet had reached the part where Colin was cutting the cake, surrounded by his children and grandchildren. They all helped him cut the cake, singing a cheerful birthday song. The heartwarming scene filled the room with admiration and envy.

Just then, a servant rushed over and whispered urgently in Colin’s ear. “Sir, a young woman was caught engaging in disgraceful behavior with a man in the next room—at your banquet, no less. It’s an insult to your reputation. I had to inform you.”

His voice was neither too loud nor too soft, ensuring everyone nearby could hear every word.

Jennifer’s face flushed with anger. “How dare someone behave like that at Wayne’s birthday party? Who would do such a thing?”

She scanned the crowd and then turned to Easton, deliberately casting a glance toward Wendy. “Mother, where is Natalie? She’s been missing since she arrived.” Inwardly, Jennifer reveled in her scheming, Natalie was doomed.

Wendy’s heart sank. She knew Jennifer was plotting against Natalie again.

Easton’s gaze turned cold and sharp as he stared at Jennifer.

Curious, Colin’s granddaughter, Xena, asked, “Jennifer, who is Natalie?”

Jennifer gave a sweet smile and explained, “She’s an adopted daughter of the Simpson family. My mother pitied her and brought her into our home. I was planning to introduce her to Mr. Wayne tonight.”

Colin scoffed. “An adopted daughter? Not worth mentioning.” His tone made it clear he looked down on her. “If someone’s causing trouble at my party, we’ll deal with it right now. Let’s see who has the audacity.”

Luna stepped forward, blocking their path, her gaze fixed on Jennifer. “Jennifer, the servant only said someone was misbehaving. Why did you bring up our lady’s name? What are you scheming?”

Jennifer put on an innocent expression. “I didn’t say it was her. I was just worried she might feel uncomfortable at the party.”

Luna ignored her feigned sweetness and addressed the group with a calm, cold demeanor. “For the record, our lady’s surname is Shawn. She has no connection to the Simpson family. The Simpsons deceived her for their own gain. Jennifer, standing here, is a liar.”

Jennifer frowned. She hadn’t expected Luna to intervene. It was clear Luna was stalling for time.

Jennifer’s face turned pale, her delicate appearance arousing sympathy from the men around her. “Luna, there are guests here who know Natalie. If I’m lying, let them say so.” She looked so innocent.

Just then, Jasmine stepped in with a sneer. “Natalie is the Simpson family’s adopted daughter, and she’s always been a troublemaker. Wherever she goes, she causes drama. Jennifer was just worried about her—that’s all. No one said she’s the one misbehaving, but now you’re blocking our way. Are you trying to cover for her?”

“Maybe Natalie saw Jennifer earning Mr. Wayne’s favor and got jealous. That’s just how shameless she is,” Jasmine smirked.

Luna laughed coldly. “Jasmine, you of all people should know what it means to be shameless. The illegitimate child in your—”

Just then, Luna’s phone vibrated, and she turned to leave. She had only come to play her part.

Jasmine froze. What did Luna mean by that?

Jennifer watched Luna’s retreating figure, her anger simmering. Luna was Natalie’s assistant—her interference was deliberate.

“Colin, I apologize,” Jennifer said softly, “our adopted daughter has always been a bit unruly. If she’s done something improper, please forgive her.” In her pink dress, Jennifer looked fragile and innocent, stirring Colin’s sympathy.

Colin’s heart softened. He imagined Jennifer’s life must be difficult, given the sudden arrival of an adopted daughter in her family. “Jennifer, you’re too kind. Let’s go see what’s happening. If it really is her, I won’t let it slide.”

That was exactly what Jennifer had been waiting for.

The group marched toward the room, eager to witness the scandal. When they reached the door, the servant tried to open it but found it locked. Faint, indecent noises could be heard from inside, and everyone’s expressions darkened.

Jennifer looked horrified. “Mr. Wayne…”

Colin’s face twisted with rage. “Break the door down.”

Easton frowned. Could it really be Natalie?

Wendy was filled with anxiety. No matter how reckless Natalie could be, she wouldn’t do something this absurd—especially here.

Wendy bet everything that Natalie was being framed. Thinking back to Natalie’s recent behavior, she was certain her daughter had matured and wouldn’t cause such a scandal unless someone had set her up.

“The door is locked from the inside,” the servant reported anxiously.

But the incriminating sounds continued, fueling the outrage. Colin’s face turned livid—his 70th birthday party had been ruined.

Jasmine stepped closer to the door and shouted, “Natalie! Stop this shameless behavior! This is Mr. Wayne’s banquet—how dare you act so disgracefully?”

“Jasmine, don’t jump to conclusions,” Jennifer said with feigned concern. “What if it’s not Natalie? We don’t want to ruin her reputation.”

“It must be her,” Jasmine insisted. Everyone is here except Natalie. She thought, It can only be her. She knows too much about what happened six months ago. I need to ensure she never returns to the Simpson family and ruins my place in the Simpson family. Only if they despise her will my secrets stay safe.

Jennifer said nothing more, standing quietly beside Colin with an anxious, sorrowful expression. Her delicate beauty drew sympathetic glances from the men around her. Easton, however, looked at her with a storm brewing in his eyes, his anger barely contained. Jennifer noticed and allowed a flicker of satisfaction to cross her face.

Soon, the butler arrived with a key. He quickly unlocked the door, and everyone crowded around to peer inside.

Easton strained to see. On the bed were two figures, tangled together, the indecent noises still audible. A curtain obscured their faces, making it impossible to identify them.

Jasmine shouted, “Natalie! You shameless woman!”