Chapter 247

Natalie smiled gently, her red lips temptingly inviting, making it difficult to suppress the desire to steal a kiss.

She stated, “Easton, you’re allowed to spend time with Jennifer, but I’m not allowed to see other men, right? If you can experience a beautiful romance in your prime, then so can I. There’s plenty of handsome guys around—mature, alluring, youthful, or rebellious. After leaving you, I can find whatever I want.”

Easton imagined Natalie standing next to that guy, smiling brightly. Furious, he suddenly grabbed Natalie’s neck and said, word by word, “Natalie, we’re not divorced yet. Stay in line.”

Natalie asked, “Why should I? We don’t love each other anymore. You don’t want a divorce? Fine. We’ll live our own lives. Don’t interfere with mine. To me, you’re nothing now.”

Natalie’s throat hurt from Easton’s grip. Her tearful eyes glared at Easton.

Seeing her pained expression, Easton abruptly let her go.

“Ahem… Ahem…” Natalie coughed violently.

Easton frowned, not knowing why she insisted on provoking him. He suddenly realized that Natalie’s every move was affecting his emotions. It was so easy for her to ignite his anger.

Natalie took a deep breath, tears in her eyes as she looked at Easton. She cursed, “Easton, you jerk! You’re an egotistical and insecure bastard who never admits your vulnerability or your mistakes. Every time you use this method to prove your strength, gaining validation by hurting me. You’re just despicable and shameless. You’re a selfish, unethical jerk with no moral sense.”

Natalie touched her throat, which throbbed with pain from being grabbed. She felt really wronged and cried, but despite feeling this way, she had to scold Easton. Easton’s grip was forceful, and Natalie couldn’t compete with him.

Easton frowned and thought, ‘Selfish? No moral sense? Gaining validation by hurting her?’ He looked at Natalie seriously; she seemed to have a point. Easton used Natalie, hurt her to protect Jennifer, and have an affair with Jennifer, which all seemed like the traits of a selfish person with no moral sense.

Easton said, “Sorry, I didn’t want to get physical with you. I just want to say that during this marriage, you’d better behave.”

Natalie asked, staring at him with a cold expression, “What do you mean by behaving? You can’t even control yourself, so what right do you have to ask it of me?”

When she saw Easton’s icy gaze on her, Natalie quickly stepped aside. She warned, “Easton, if you dare to touch me again, I swear I’ll poison you.”

Natalie’s voice was hoarse.

Easton furrowed his brows as he noticed the bruises on her throat and the raspy sound of her voice. His hands clenched tightly. He hadn’t even used much force, yet her neck was already bruised. Her skin was so delicate.

Xavier, who was in front, thought, ‘You jerk, no wonder Natalie left you!’

Inside the car, it was silent except for the noise of the traffic outside. Natalie’s breathing was a bit heavy. Her throat was naturally sensitive, and Easton had gripped her throat forcefully, which really hurt her.

It took at least 40 minutes to get back to the Garcia residence. Natalie leaned against the car door with her eyes closed, keeping some distance from Easton.

Easton watched her, anger flashing in his eyes. He realized that she didn’t even want to be in the same car with him.

At that moment, the car stopped at a red light, and Natalie slowly opened her eyes. Not far away, a giant electronic screen on a building was displaying financial news. She couldn’t hear what the host was saying, but she could see it was the latest financial news of the year.

In Shagrity, Easton was the wealthiest man, followed by the Chambers family in second place, and the Spencer family in third. Below them were the other prominent families of the town.

Natalie thought, ‘That’s great. What Easton has done for Jennifer is truly enviable.’ However, everything had changed in this life. Easton announced his status as the wealthiest man earlier than before. Natalie remembered that in the previous life, Easton announced it two years later after he was with Jennifer.

She frowned slightly, pondering, ‘Why is it so early in this life? What went wrong? Have many events from the previous life all changed? For instance, the events related to Jason unfolded according to the storyline of the past. However, I saved Vance. Easton’s status as the wealthiest man was revealed ahead of time! So, in this lifetime, will many things change?’

Xavier noticed the big screen and said, “Mr. Garcia, you are undoubtedly the richest person in Shagrity.”

Easton gave Natalie a brief glance, noticing she didn’t react. Previously, if he secured a contract, she would definitely be happy and even cook a nice meal for him. Now, even as he had become the richest person, she didn’t seem to care.

Easton merely responded with a faint “Yeah.”

Natalie had no interest in Easton’s status as the richest person. All she wanted was to survive.

Jennifer, still on the island, saw the news of Easton becoming the richest person. Her excited expression made it appear as if she were the heiress herself.

She quickly sent Natalie a message: [Natalie, Easton is now the richest person in Shagrity. You’re not good enough for him anymore. Do yourself a favor and leave the country, so you don't embarrass Easton.]

Natalie read the message and laughed in disbelief. She wondered, ‘Does she believe that her flirtatious behavior does not embarrass Easton?’

Natalie replied: [Easton doesn’t want to divorce me. Try harder and have his child; he might divorce then. Use the same trick you used on Colin, and perhaps I’ll make room for you by tomorrow.]

After that, Natalie handed her phone to Easton and said, “Look, your little sweetheart can’t wait to kick me out. You’ve seen my reply, and I think this plan is just right for both of you. As long as Jennifer is carrying your baby, you two can be together without any obstacles.”

Easton furrowed his brow as he read the message.

Natalie mocked him, “What? You don’t believe it? Do you think it’s just another one of my stories?”

Easton frowned more deeply, his intense and angry gaze fixed on Natalie, and he asked, “Do you really hope that much for me to have a baby with another woman?”

Natalie replied, “Oh, definitely! If we get divorced, I’d finally be free. Why wouldn’t I want that?”

Natalie laughed cheerfully and continued, “Mr. Garcia, haven’t you ever heard this saying?”

Easton asked, “What saying?”

Natalie advised, “Keep your distance from jerks and value your life!”

“Natalie…” Easton started, but was too angry to find the words.

Suddenly, he noticed a message appear on her phone screen.

Jacob: [Natalie, are you home yet? Let me know when you get back. I’m worried about you. The oatmeal tonight was really tasty, and I was so full. Thank you for making dinner for me.]

Easton’s grip on the phone tightened gradually. Natalie had made dinner for that guy tonight.

Easton tilted his head slightly to gaze at Natalie, his teeth clenched, as a storm of fury brewed in his somber eyes.

Easton questioned loudly, “Natalie, can’t you live without a man?”