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Chapter 23

In the Sherman residence, Sienna smashed everything in the room. Even Sienna’s parents, Keaton and Brianna couldn’t stop her, let alone Brian.

The compromising pictures of Sienna and the three men went viral on the Internet even though the Sherman family took action to have some the webpages removed.

It muy

be Natalie Linney! It must be her!” shouted Sienna. “It must be that bitch!”

Brian said in a deep voice, “How could Natalie be able to have those media outlets spread it?”

“Who else could it be then? I came across her last night, and today such a thing happened

Brian frowned. “Did you meet her last night?”

Realizing that she had spilled the beans, Sienna lapsed into silence.

Brian knew his sister well, so he realized that Sienna must have made things difficult for Natalie again. He said with a straight face, “It is what it is. Just learn your lesson and stop making trouble. Stay at home and don’t go anywhere else these days!”

Brianna echoed, “Brian got a point. As time passes, it’ll slide people’s minds.”

The endless criticism from the netizens had been gnawing at the Sherman family.

After a good while, Keaton got to his feet and threw out a warning. “Come on, you’re from a big family in Gobis. Watch your rep! Don’t act like you’re some hooker–it’s embarrassing for all of us!” Without another word, he stormed out.

Back in the room, Brianna saw how hung up Brian was on Natalie and couldn’t help but remind him, “Remember what I said, Brian

He gave a grim nod. I haven’t forgotten. After all, to the well–heeled Sherman family, Natalie didn’t hold a candle.

The Linney family was reeling from recent events. At dinner, Jennifer was quick to defend her friend. “Look, Sienna and I go way back, and there’s no way she’s what you think. I’d bet my bottom dollar it was Natalie stirring the pot last night. She’s always been on Sienna’s case since school days….”

Charles chimed in with a groan, “Running into Natalie’s nothing but trouble!”

“Forget it” Now that things had happened, Gordon did not want to waste any more time talking about it. “The Sherman family didn’t make a big deal of it, so let’s drop it.”

Jennifer clenched her hands hard with anger glimmering in her eyes.

Natalie was enjoying breakfast with Josh. He seemed to know Natalie’s preferences very well. He prepared a table of Natalie’s favorite food. After eating, Josh suggested, “How about we hit the wax museum this morning?”

Natalie nodded. “Sounds good.”

Josh then drove them right up to the wax museum.

The place was pleasantly uncrowded as they walked in. The vibrant lights mixed with the light blue walls gave off a welcoming vibe. They wandered among celebrity and VIP wax figures, eerily lifelike, each with a nameplate of who was who. Josh was snapping pies of Natalie with the figures. Strolling through, Natalie caught a glimpse of a figure that kind of looked like Josh. Her curiosity piqued, she blinked and was about to walk over Josh, a bit tense, quickly wrapped an arm around her and pulled her back. “Let’s check out something else.”

Natalie insisted, “But th

that figure over there….

“How about we replace those famous planists! You love piano, right?” coaxed Josh.

“All right”

Natalie was easy to distract, and Josh breathed a sigh of relief. It was short–lived, though. The museum’s head got wind of Josh being there and came

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Chapter 23

over with a team, leaving Josh speechless.

When the head of the museum approached, he nodded politely and said, “Good to see you, Mr. Pre…

“Mr. President is not here today,” Josh interrupted him. “This is a personal visit. I’m good on my own, so go ahead with your day.”

The head of the museum seemed thrown off. So did everyone else.

Josh took two steps forward and waved at Natalie who was looking at a wax model not far away. She immediately ran to him.

He gave her hair a gentle stroke and flashed a kind smile as they left.

The onlookers were taken aback. They watched Josh and Natalie stroll off into the distance.

“What’s going on!”

“I don’t know. Is she Mr. President’s daughter or something?”

The head of the museum chuckled. “Mr. President’s barely 30; there’s no way that’s his daughter. She’s probably Mrs. Franco, his new wife.”

That seemed to click for everyone.

“But she looks so young. She’s an adult, right?” someone blurted out, sparking a thoughtful silence.

Suddenly, the head of the museum hit the speaker with his walking stick. “Hey! “Are you suggesting our President married a minor!”

Amused, the crowd burst into laughter.

Following the museum trip, Josh took Natalie for lunch. Then they hit an outdoor shooting range.

The place was packed when they got there–a shooting contest was in full swing. Entering the range, they got spotted by a man who headed their way. It was Hayden Stewart, the heir of the Stewart family.

Among the four prominent families in Gobis, the Stewart family and the Lambert family were military and political dynasties, making them natural allies. The Linney family and the Sheridan family kept their own circles.

“Uncle Josh!” Hayden greeted Josh with a grin. You here for some shooting, too?”

Josh raised an eyebrow at the address and shot him a look. Now confused. Hayden glanced at Natalie, thinking it was odd to see Josh bring a girl along. He started to wonder who she was.

The staff handed Josh a gun, and without missing a beat, he loaded, aimed, and hit the bull’s–eye perfectly. He repeated the feat two more times to an uproar of applause and cheers.

“Awesome!”

“He hit the bull’s eye three times! He beats Mr. Stewart any day!”

“And look how cool he is. Who is he?”

Hayden also applauded Josh. But across the way, someone couldn’t peel his eyes off Josh and Natalie, anger brewing in his gaze.

After finishing his round, Josh turned to Natalie. “Can you shoot?”

Natalie shook her head.

A smile spread across Josh’s face. Tll show you,” he said, stepping behind her, guiding her hands, showing her the ropes step by step. Under his instruction, she took aim and—bam—she hit the bull’s–eye.

“You think you can handle it alone now?” he asked her.

“I think so, Natalie bearned with confidence.

“Alright. Give it another go.” Josh encouraged.

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hapter 23

he did, and to Josh’s amazement, she scored an 89. Usually, it took beginners several tries to even hit the early nailing a 9–point shot. Only the pros made that look easy.

the target, but Natalie was an instant whiz.

sh couldn’t hide his admiration. “You’re incredible, Natalie!”

Her smile was like sunshine to Josh, warming his heart completely. To him, when Natalie smiled, she outshined every other girl in the world.

ou must be tired. Let’s sit down and relax a bit, okay?”

That’d be nice.

they reached the break area, Hayden had someone fetch them some treats. He turned to Natalie, still impressed. “Your shooting was exceptional or a first–timer. May I know your name?”

he answered, “Natalie Linney.”

Nice to meet you, Ms. Linney. I’m Hayden Stewart. You can call me Hayden,” said Hayden, without thinking too much.

Of course, Natalie knew him. A little later, Natalie excused herself. “I need to use the restroom,” she said.

Fosh murmured discreetly. “Don’t wander off too far,

I won’t

With Natalie gone, Hayden flashed a knowing smile at Josh “Uncle Josh, look at you with a girlfriend now! I thought hot, flashy types like Olivia were more your speed. If only you’d said something sooner, I could’ve hooked you up for some fun!*

Josh’s eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze slicing through Hayden

Caught off guard by the intensity, Hayden froze, and before he could respond, Josh put him quickly in his place with a little kick. “That’s my

wifer

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