Chapter 166

Natalie thought the same way. Her smile was liberating and dazzling in the sunset. After I figure it out, that’s what I’ll do as well—let Easton be with his dream girl.”

Living another life has taught Natalie that ghosts aren’t the scary ones; it’s people’s hearts that can be truly terrifying.

Zoe felt relieved that Natalie had come to terms with it. Jennifer had worked so hard to ensure Natalie wouldn’t return to take her place.

Jennifer’s selfishness and malice are truly shocking.

“I’ve never liked Jennifer since we were kids. She’s always been over-the-top, and during school, she would bring her group to bully me. When I was in school—you know—I wasn’t into fashion, wore glasses, and was a bit nerdy. Studying was all I was good at. But as a student, what else could I do besides study? I’ve always seen through Jennifer’s pretenses, but the Simpson family and Easton didn’t notice. Even my mom didn’t want me to hang out with Jennifer. After that incident, my parents gave Jason a final chance, and it was also my last chance to let go of it all. Jason kept insisting that we set him up, making him feel guilty for letting down Jasmine. At that moment, I decided to let it go. Let him and his dream girl be happy together. My brother couldn’t stand Jason, so we moved our entire family overnight. After I got pregnant, my mom wanted me to end the pregnancy, but I refused. The child is innocent. Parents can’t always win against their children, so I kept the baby, and everything is great now,” Zoe said.

Zoe smiled at Natalie and said, “Natalie, I thought I’d be really upset leaving Jason. I’d been following him around since we were kids. Everyone said I was his fangirl, and I guess I was. But now, it’s been almost nine months since I left him, and I’m doing just fine. You can survive without anyone.”

She realized it wasn’t anyone else who couldn’t let go, but herself.

Natalie understood. She ate a lobster, and it was so delicious that her eyes crinkled with a smile.

“Zoe, I understand. I’ve been away from Easton for almost half a year now, and I’m doing really well, too. I’ve gone back to live with my grandpa and brothers, and we’re very happy. For the rest of our lives, we don’t need to try to please anyone, because we are valuable enough in ourselves,” Natalie said.

Zoe laughed. If they had understood this sooner, they wouldn’t have been hurt so badly.

After dinner, Zoe took Natalie for a stroll along the beach.

The beach was stunning at night, and Natalie snapped some photos to share on her social media. That night, she stayed with Zoe. Besides Valerie, Natalie was another close friend of hers.

The next day was wonderfully sunny, so Zoe arranged for a really good-looking dive instructor to take Natalie lobster hunting.

Natalie could dive by herself, but Zoe felt uneasy about her going alone. Once everything was settled, Zoe headed to work. The midday sun was pleasantly warm, and the sea was a deep blue. Natalie took a few selfies, including one with the handsome instructor, and posted a grid on Instagram with the caption: [Happy Everyday!]

Chapter 160

Easton hadn’t heard from Natalie since yesterday.

Sitting in his office, Easton’s handsome face was clouded with worry. He thought, ‘Natalie hadn’t answered her phone last night. Where could she have gone?’

He called the internal line and asked Xavier to come in.

Xavier was busy handling international affairs. He was tirelessly on the move, looking for a designer.

He asked, “Mr. Garcia, do you need anything?”

With a serious face, Easton asked, “Where is Natalie?”

Xavier looked confused. ‘Mr. Garcia, how would I know where Ms. Shawn is?’

Easton’s brows furrowed, his gaze as deep as an abyss. “Natalie isn’t answering her phone. Find out where she is."

Xavier took out his phone to check on Natalie’s updates for the task at hand. He had a number that Natalie hadn’t blocked, and they were also contacts on Twitter. It’s just rarely used. Natalie probably forgot about this account by now.

Xavier wanted to check if Natalie had shared any updates, so he opened her social media and saw a collage she had posted.

Xavier was thrilled. “Mr. Garcia, I’ve found her! Ms. Shawn is on the Solstice Isle. She got there last night and just posted about diving for lobsters.”

Easton stood up and grabbed the phone away. He saw her with the diving instructor, and she was smiling happily.

Suddenly, he remembered something Natalie had once said, “Easton, I love the ocean. How about you come diving with me once your leg heals?”

At that time, he just nodded slightly, without making any promises.

She really hoped he would go with her, but now, she went on her own. She did a lot for him, but he had he ever done anything for her.

She even thought his money was tainted, even during the divorce. He appreciated her sacrifices, but he overlooked her presence.

She stayed by his side for two years, helping him through his toughest times, yet he still didn’t notice her.

He had one thought: If Natalie wanted to be Mrs. Garcia, even if Jennifer came back, it wouldn’t change Natalie’s position.

Deep down, Easton felt an uncontrollable, sharp pain.

At some point, whenever he saw her smiling like that at other men, it made his heart ache.

Easton asked, “Is this number not blocked by her?”

Xavier explained. “This number is—a backup I gave Ms. Shawn before. I also added her on Twitter. Maybe Ms. Shawn forgot to block this number.”

Easton said, “I’ll use this phone. You can purchase another one and expense it.”

Xavier was surprised. “Mr. Garcia, Ms. Shawn has already allowed you to be with Ms. Simpson. I think it’s better for you to get a divorce. Now that you’re investing in films for Ms. Simpson, if your love triangle gets exposed, it could seriously harm the company.” Xavier mustered the courage to advise him.

Xavier thought, ‘In the end, Natalie still lost. That sneaky guy still chose Jennifer. Poor Natalie, she selflessly supported Easton, only for Jennifer to benefit in the end.’

Easton looked over coldly. “How much did Natalie pay you to convince me?”

Xavier shook his head. “Ms. Shawn didn’t give me money, nor did she ask me to persuade you. I just think it’s bad for the company.” He feared that if the video got out, he’d have to spend another night in the PR room.

His mom was already urging him to go on blind dates. Xavier thought, Wouldn’t it be nicer to spend the night with a girlfriend?

Easton switched topics. “Did you find out who that man was?”

Xavier shook his head. “I went through all the hotel records, but there’s just that one time.” He thought, I have to admit Jennifer is really good at staying under the radar!”

“Hey! Mr. Garcia, I’ve been by your side for so many years, and I think you really messed up this time. There’s no one who loves you like Ms. Shawn does. Jennifer and Natalie are two completely different people. Natalie is so pure. Jennifer is a master at playing mind games. With her relationship with Mr. Garcia, she’s always keeping him on edge, hot and cold. She knows exactly how to mess with people.”

Xavier’s words pushed Easton’s already aching heart into an abyss.