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Chapter 17

Evelyn and Natalie turned toward the voice at the same time. Natalie looked confusedly at Josh, who had walked into the living room, and asked, “How did you get in?”

Lewitha

Josh approached Natalie and lightly touched her reddened, swollen cheek. A chill passed through his eyes. Then, turning to Evelyn, he spoke with at commanding tone, Someone’s got a short fuse. Mrs. Linney”

Since Josh’s arrival. Evelyn had been sizing him up. Josh was tall and carried himself with an air of sophistication and dignity. Evelyn squinted, sensing something familiar about him as if she had seen him somewhere. Who are you?” she inquired.

Tim Nat’s husband” Josh responded, extending his hand with a slight smile, “and, I guess, your son–in–law,”

Hearing Josh call himself her son–in–law made Evelyn’s expression darken. Despite this, she agreed to shake his hand.

Their handshake seemed simple enough, but Evelyn grimaced. It was as if her hand was crushed.

Josh let go of her hand smoothly, keeping a polite smile on his face..

Evelyn, masking her pain, was filled with suspicion but acted like nothing was wrong.

Tjust presented my marriage certificate to the guards, and they allowed me in Hope I’m not interrupting,” said Josh

Evelyn replied icily, “I don’t know what trick you pulled to marry my daughter, but don’t expect anything from her or the Linney family.”

“Mrs. Linney, believe me. I have no use for your family’s money,” said Josh confidently,

Evelyn scoffed at his apparent arrogance.

Footsteps echoed from the staircase. Using his cane for support. Frank made his way down slowly. I like your confident, young man,” he commented.

Evelyn frowned and asked, “What?”

Frank reached Natalie and looked at her with concern. “Nat, I’ve heard about your troubles. You’ve been through a lot…” he began.

“Grandpa. I’m really okay, Natalie assured him softly.

Frank stroked Natalie’s check, tears in his eyes. T’m sorry. I’m too old to keep you safe,” he said regretfully,

“Don’t worry. Grandpa. It’s not your fault,” Natalie comforted him.

Frank eyed Josh and then Evelyn. He finally said to Natalie. “I need to talk to your mother and this gentleman alone…”

“Sure, I’ll step out.” Natalie agreed.

As she turned to leave, Josh caught her hand. He squeezed her fingertips tenderly, speaking to her in a loving tone, Wair for me in the car leave soon, okay?”

Natalie nodded slightly.

We’ll

Evelyn watched Natalie and Josh’s display of affection with conflicting emotions. She

he felt an urge to call out to Natalie but in the end, chose not to.

When Natalie left the living room, she ran into Jennifer on the path through the Linney’s garden. This was the first time Natalie saw Jennifer since the wedding incident

Jennifer still looked innocent and sweet, her dimples making her seem as gentle as an angel. No one would think such a adorable girl could be unkind. But Jennifer’s eyes were full of scor, mocking and disdain

When Natalie just returned to the Linney home and attended Frank’s binhday pany, Jennifer gave her a dress, clainting it was from Evelyn to welcome her back and insisting Natalie wear it. As a result, Natalie ended up wearing the same dress as Sienna Sherman, Brian’s sister,

Sienna accused Natalie of wearing a knock–off and embarrassed her, calling Natalie an impostor socialite. At that point, everyone looked at Natalie with disapproval Jennifer was also there, watching Natalie with a smug and mocking look.

Brian was the one who helped Natalie later. That was when Natalie started to have feelings i

To get back at Jennifer, Natalie later spiked Jennifer’s fored with a strong laxative.

for Brian an

and also when her reputation took a hit

H

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COMMENT

Chapter 17

Jennifer looked at Natalie with a prended land smile. “Naulic we haven’t seen each other for a few days. Why do you lunk, so upper, like stry dog!”

Natalie tried to leave, but femrater stopped hem. “your being inappreciative. What’s wrong with Shawn He’s way better than you deserve. Tlakome advice, if you keep being so proud, pull lost pen chuner with Shawn Jennifer taunted.

Why don’t you marry him if you’re so fond of him Nacalie shot back

“Oh, I couldn 1,” Jennifer said, isting her head with a umlin a showmed her dimples, making her look exceptionally sweet. “Shawn is perfections you Phus. Brun would be crushed if I name Kon.