Chapter 22

Cuddled next to Natalie, Valerie had her phone in one hand and a grilled chicken leg in the other, munching away. “Looks like you’ve got some online trolls targeting you,” she said, recognizing the signs of an online attack even if she wasn’t a tech expert.

Natalie, the pride of Lambert and his successor in the making, could handle online drama with ease. But in love, she was softer and less perceptive. Her intense crush on Easton was so overbearing that even Valerie, her best friend, had to turn away at times.

Valerie gave Natalie’s shoulder a sympathetic pat. “Come on, let’s put this behind us. No more chasing guys who don’t value you. If you keep this up, I might have to cut you off.”

Locking eyes with Natalie, she went on, “You’re young and incredible. Why settle for one guy when there are so many others? It’s like giving up a forest for a tree.”

Natalie caught the teasing tone and smiled. “I’m over that jerk. He’s all Jennifer’s now. They’re perfect for each other.” She then took a gulp of beer and a bite of meat, truly enjoying the moment.

The following morning, Natalie awoke on Valerie’s bed, feeling groggy. In an ungraceful move, she attempted to roll over but tumbled onto the floor.

“Ouch!” she exclaimed, now wide awake.

Valerie’s eyes snapped open to see Natalie on the floor, her hair a mess. The sight was too much, and Valerie couldn’t help but laugh.

Natalie pouted but was relieved to be with her best friend. Groggy, she got up to the day’s bright light, ready to tackle what was coming. She was set on living her life strong and freely this time.

After a filling breakfast, Natalie sent a message to her grandfather. [Grandpa, I’m going to make a scene at the Spencer’s party tonight. It might be too much for your blood pressure, so maybe you shouldn’t come.]

Lambert’s reply was quick. [My health is just fine, and I wouldn’t miss this for anything. I’m coming to see you in action.] Natalie shook her head, realizing her grandfather was always up for a spectacle. She sort of wished she hadn’t messaged him. As she thought this, another message from him popped up. [If you didn’t want me involved, why text me? You’re making me curious on purpose, you little scamp.]

Ignoring his teasing, she went out with Valerie for a day of shopping and self-care, including a spa visit. Back home, Natalie adorned herself with the luxurious diamond jewelry her grandfather had prepared for her, pieces she had never worn before.

Gazing into the mirror, she saw her youthful self, glowing and lovely. Like every girl, she was an angel, tender and kind, and she knew it.

Memories surged as Natalie recalled the day she was to leave with her birth parents.

Her grandfather had asked, “My dear, I’ve raised you with all my love. Promise me you’ll keep your identity hidden from your parents. If it doesn’t go well, you have a home here. You’ll always be my treasured granddaughter.”

Natalie once thought her birth parents would love her. She had returned to the Simpson family with Wendy, hopeful for a fresh start, not knowing the pain that was to come. Now she realized her grandfather had foreseen it, but she was too innocent to see it then.