Chapter 141

When Jennifer noticed Easton was still there, she quickly put on a fragile expression. “Natalie, how could you talk like that? Every time you hurt me, I begged everyone to forgive you…”

“Really?” Natalie coldly interrupted, her gaze sharp. “You’re so kind. Every time you pleaded for me, you made sure to recount how I supposedly hurt you, amplifying everyone’s hatred toward me, ensuring they adored only you.”

She continued, “I can’t believe I wasted so many years fighting with a clown like you. The people around you are blind in their souls. No matter how kind I was, you trampled all over me. And you succeeded–everyone hates me and dotes on you. Isn’t that exactly what you wanted?”

Natalie’s voice became colder, every word laced with determination. “The Simpson family hates me and has cut ties with me. But you keep testing my limits. Jennifer, I’ve already died once–I have nothing left to fear. If you want to play, I’ll play with you until the end.”

Jennifer felt a chill creep over her as she stared at Natalie. Standing there, with her flowing hair and eyes glimmering like rare gems, Natalie exuded an aura of cold elegance, distant and intimidating. At that moment, Jennifer realized Natalie had the presence of someone born to wield power, merciless and decisive.

In comparison, Jennifer felt like a speck of dust. This version of Natalie was dazzling, commanding a sense of awe and submission Jennifer couldn’t fight.

Jennifer’s lips parted slightly in shock. She looked toward Easton, hoping for reassurance, but his expression was indifferent, his handsome features masked by a cold detachment. A wave of panic washed over Jennifer. The events of the evening had pushed Easton further away from her.

She tested the waters, trying to appeal to him. “Easton, say something! It’s obvious that Natalie was bullying me.”

Easton cut her off with an icy glance. “Jennifer, drop the act. It’s disgusting.”

At that moment, Jennifer’s heart sank, and tears welled in her eyes, spilling down her cheeks uncontrollably. “Easton… Even you… I didn’t do anything wrong. I was only worried about Natalie…”

Easton gave Natalie one last look before walking away without another word.

Natalie frowned slightly. She thought, ‘Why had Easton suddenly reverted to his cold, distant self?’

Murray, standing by, glanced at Jennifer with a wicked grin. “Ms. Simpson, we’ll play again soon.” He raised a middle finger at her in mockery.

Jennifer squinted her eyes, hatred simmering beneath her gaze. She thought, “That fool Murray… He’s still challenging me after getting burned? Clearly, I didn’t teach him enough of a lesson.”

Nick fidgeted nervously beside her. “Jennifer, what are we going to do? Wendy saw everything. You know how strict she is.”

Jennifer shot him a cold glare. “Where’s my mother?”

Nick whispered, “I told her to slip away in the chaos.”

Jennifer clenched her teeth in fury, her face twisted with hatred.

“What were you even thinking? How did you end up with my mother instead of Natalie? Natalie was supposed to be the one in there!” She lowered her voice, seething with frustration. She couldn’t figure out where the plan had gone wrong.

Nick stammered, his face flushing with embarrassment. “I… I saw your mother, and after going in, I just… I couldn’t help myself…” He trailed off, unable to meet her gaze. It had been so long since he’d felt any desire, and tonight had stirred something in him he couldn’t control.

Jennifer’s expression grew darker. Her plan had failed–completely. Not only that, but she had lost Colin’s trust. She thought, ‘Damn Natalie… She ruined everything.’

“Hmph! You wrecked everything tonight,” Jennifer snapped. “You better start thinking about how you’re going to explain this to Wendy.” With that, she stormed off, determined to smooth things over with Colin.

Nick stood frozen.

He didn’t even dare go back home.

From the shadows, Easton silently watched as Natalie and Murray left. He followed them quietly, keeping to the darkness.

“Natalie, we won tonight. Jennifer’s plan failed, what do you think her next steps will be?” Murray said with a grin, glancing at her stunning profile. The night reflected in her dark eyes, as captivating as the stars. ‘She’s breathtaking,’ he thought. “We’re a perfect match–her beauty and my brilliance."

Natalie gazed into the night sky, a faint smile playing on her lips. “Jennifer won’t make a move on me for now. She’ll be busy pleasing Mr. Wayne and Easton. We’ll have some breathing room. But you won’t. You still need to root out the mole in your company.”

Murray’s expression turned serious. “I haven’t found them yet, and I don’t have any solid leads.”

Natalie stopped in her tracks and looked him in the eye, her tone firm. “Murray, stop hesitating. You know who it is–you just don’t want to confront them. Don’t leave things to fate, and don’t gamble on people’s intentions. People’s hearts are unpredictable, and fate doesn’t favor anyone.”

She continued. “Look at tonight–I knew Jennifer would try to trap me, so we set up a counterplot. Nick is an easy pawn, but not everyone is as foolish as him. Whoever’s hiding in your ranks will be smart, attractive, and deeply calculating.”

She paused, her eyes narrowing as a thought struck her. “When I was drugged earlier, I smelled a familiar fragrance–the same one we encountered in Bernille. I had taken the antidote in advance, but do you know what that means?”

Murray shook his head, his expression grave. “What does it mean?”

“It means Jennifer has someone with exceptional medical skills backing her.” Natalie’s tone was certain. In her previous life, she had sensed this presence but never discovered who it was.

Murray’s jaw tightened. “Why would someone with those skills support her?”

“Because of Easton.” Natalie’s voice was tinged with bitterness. “Easton molded her into a venomous snake, and with Easton’s resources, she can do whatever she pleases.”

Murray’s heart ached as he watched the distant look in Natalie’s eyes. “Natalie, do you think that snake will eventually bite Easton?”

Natalie smiled faintly. “It will–but you have to stay alive to see it.”

She gave him a meaningful look, her voice softening. “I’ve enjoyed working with you, Murray. You’ve done well. Here’s a list of suspects–look into them. I don’t want to see you get hurt.” She handed him a folded piece of paper and walked away.

Murray watched her leave, his heart conflicted. Natalie had given him her trust–and he vowed not to let her down. She was planning her next move, and it seemed Wendy had already uncovered the whereabouts of Jennifer’s biological mother.

Natalie’s eyes sparkled with a glimmer of excitement. ‘Next up–Jason,’ she thought.