Chapter 18

Natalie smiled at Valerie, who was a student of a famous astrologer. She remembered how Valerie had warned her about Easton, but she hadn’t listened because she was so in love with him. Now, she could see the truth clearly.

Jennifer could do no wrong in Easton’s eyes, and no matter Jennifer’s schemes, Easton only trusted her. The thought of them as a couple made Natalie’s stomach turn, a feeling only the truly heartbroken could understand.

Valerie hugged Natalie, patting her back comfortingly. “You’ve finally seen Easton for who he is. He didn’t deserve your kindness. Just get away from him. Come on, I’ll take you to fix your face. The one who hurt you will pay.” With determination, Valerie led Natalie away.

Natalie’s lips curled into a cold smile. She had no intention of letting those who hurt her off the hook; she planned to make them regret it tenfold.

She quickly texted Luna, asking for her help in secretly treating Emma’s poisoned foot wound, a task beyond most doctors.

Easton clenched his fists as Natalie and Valerie left, realizing Natalie was serious. He felt a pang of sympathy for Jennifer, his sensitive childhood friend.

Easton had struck Natalie in a fit of rage, believing she’d been the one behind Jennifer’s kidnapping. However, it was a misunderstanding, and he now regretted wanting the divorce.

His heart ached at the thought of Natalie leaving. He remembered her kindness–the healthy breakfasts she made and how she’d wait up for him. The villa had felt lonely without her, and his face clouded with sadness at the thought.

But when he thought of Jennifer, who had been supposedly mistreated by Natalie, his heart softened. His childhood friend’s suffering eclipsed any lingering affection he had for Natalie.

“Easton, let’s go,” Jennifer said, emerging from the ward to find Easton waiting. Seeing him alone filled her with relief.

Easton’s face softened at the sound of Jennifer’s voice, his eyes filled with warmth. “Alright, let’s go.”

Jennifer hooked her arm in Easton’s, grinning as she felt his upbeat mood. “Easton, Natalie’s turning into a problem. Since you’ve always wanted to marry me and Natalie’s signed the papers, when will you make the divorce official?”

Determined to become Mrs. Garcia, Jennifer was confident her future would be filled with happiness as long as Easton was by her side.

Easton’s calm facade wavered as the conversation returned to the divorce. Jennifer’s eyes, deep and loving, were hard to turn away from, their history tugging at his heart.

But the memory of Natalie’s mocking face made him hesitate. “We’ll talk about it later. I’ll keep my promise,” Easton said, a heaviness settling in his chest. The recent fallout with Lance Group only added to his unease.

Jennifer’s spirits lifted at Easton’s words. She leaned on his arm, her smile gentle but determined. If Easton refused to divorce, she had plenty of ways to persuade him. She was not about to let Natalie take anything that was rightfully hers.

Jennifer had been watching Natalie for a while. Since Natalie returned to the family, Jennifer had skillfully made everyone dislike her, part of her bigger scheme. The gleam in her eyes showed she was looking forward to the night when Natalie would have to apologize publicly.