Chapter 349

Natalie fastened her seatbelt, turned to Luna, and said, “Luna, let’s go home?”

Noticing the sadness on Natalie’s face, Luna asked, “Why are you still unhappy? It’s been a whole day.”

In truth, Natalie felt no real sorrow. Nick got what he deserved; what happened was already done, and she was managing fine. She replied, “I’m okay; it’s just that Harley won’t acknowledge me.”

Just as Luna was about to drive off, Natalie’s phone chimed. She glanced at the screen and saw it was Murray.

“Natalie, I’d like to take you to dinner; I know you’ve just finished work,” Murray said warmly.

Looking out the window, Natalie spotted Murray’s car parked across from them.

Murray smiled brightly and waved. “Natalie, I’m over here!”

Natalie replied, “Send me the address, and I’ll have Luna take me there.”

“Sure!” Murray responded enthusiastically.

Natalie ended the call with a smile.

Luna thought Murray’s timing was perfect; since Natalie was feeling low, his company would surely lift her spirits.

The restaurant Murray picked was far away, and with the post-work traffic, it took them forty minutes to arrive. Natalie wore a sleek black business suit that looked confident and professional.

Stepping into the cold wind and snow, she walked to the entrance, where she found Murray waiting for her.

“Natalie, are you hungry?” he asked with a grin.

Dressed smartly in black slacks, a black shirt, and a matching coat, Murray looked more mature.

This was the first time Natalie had seen Murray dressed like this; he looked like a powerful executive.

Curious, Natalie asked, “Murray, why the fancy look today?”

Murray noticed her looking and his ears turned red. Despite wanting to seem mature, his smile felt a bit forced since he usually preferred casual clothes.

Murray replied, “Natalie, do you like my outfit?”

Natalie smirked and shook her head honestly, “You look mature, but I like your usual style better.”

In modern workplaces, formal clothing mattered less. Most people wore casual outfits except for important events.

Smiling gently, Murray’s warm eyes sparkled, “I wanted to look a bit more sophisticated, but I didn’t know you preferred my regular outfit.”

Taken aback, Natalie said, “Maturity isn’t about clothing. Now, where are we eating?”

Murray said, “We have a reservation on the sixth floor.”

They took the elevator to the busy sixth floor, which buzzed with energy – exactly the vibe Natalie loved.

“Natalie, dining with Murray again?” Easton’s voice interrupted.

Just as her chaotic feelings settled, they flared up again at the sound of Easton’s voice. Turning to see Easton and Jennifer at a nearby table, Natalie wondered why they kept showing up in her life.

Easton glared at Natalie while she laughed with Murray, his eyes full of anger.

Natalie turned away from his icy gaze, having come so far to enjoy a meal, hoping to avoid seeing them. She thought, ‘Ugh, what a bad connection!’

Jennifer said sweetly, “It’s fate that we’ve run into each other; let’s all eat together.”

Murray narrowed his eyes, his handsome features twisted in disgust. “Sorry, but we already have a table reserved.”

“We could share a table! You’re eager to eat at this hot spot, and we didn’t make a reservation – why not join forces?” Jennifer insisted with a smile.

“Jennifer, your boldness amazes me. Sharing a table with you would be disgusting,” Murray replied brutally honest.

“Murray, no need to be so harsh!”

“I won’t dine with you; what if Colin sees us? His revenge is fierce. Easton might tolerate you, but I cannot. We won’t intrude on your date.”

Fuming, Jennifer stamped her foot. “Murray, choose your words carefully! Don’t you realize that Natalie is the one standing between Easton and me?”

“Natalie has made way for you both; what more do you want? Leave her alone,” Murray said, grabbing Natalie’s arm as they left.

Jennifer glared at Natalie’s retreating figure, wishing she could stab it with her look.

“Easton, Natalie has Murray at her side; she openly disrespects you by dining with him. She has no shame!”

“You cling to me daily, insisting on meals together. Do you have shame?” Easton’s smile twisted as he looked at her.

Jennifer was startled. “Easton, what did you say?”

“Nothing,” he replied indifferently.

Watching Easton’s sarcastic smile, Jennifer’s eyes filled with tears. “Easton, we love each other deeply…”

Easton scoffed. “And where were you last night? It seems Octavian’s skills are pretty good.”

Stunned, Jennifer gasped. “Did you have someone follow me?”

Easton smirked. “Following you is too much; your actions were so obvious they caught attention. I went out with you to use your popularity for the film. If you ruin my investment, I’ll take everything I’ve given you back.”

“Every month’s transactions are recorded. Jennifer, I’ve already warned you; don’t test my limits. You’ve known me since childhood, and you know I’ve never been a good person.”