Chapter 43
Natalie and Shane bickered the entire elevator ride up. The momer they stepped out, he hooked her hand over his arm.
Natalie looked down at it. “Do we really have to do this?”
Shane put on a solemn expression. “Commit to the role. My mom basically a human lie detector.”
Seizing the chance to mess with him, Natalie quipped, “Really? I don’t see it. You clearly didn’t get her good genes. Maybe I should convince her to start over with a new kid.”
It took Shane a second to catch the dig. His eyes darkened. “Oh, you’re dead, Nat. This isn’t over.”
Still bickering, they slipped into the private room, unaware of the man watching from 30 feet away, his gaze locked on their retreating figures.
As Rowan’s expression darkened, Landon broke out in a cold sweat “Mr. Mattel, the man with Ms. Spencer is Shane Grove–her senior apprentice.”
Rowan stayed silent, but a dangerous glint flashed in his stormy eyes.
After years at Rowan’s side, Landon could read him like an open book. Without missing a beat, he added, “I’ll find out why Ms. Spencer is at Majestia Hotel right away.”
Meanwhile, Natalie was already seated. Shane introduced her proudly.
At first, Lorraine assumed Shane had just brought some random woman to trick her. She’d even been ready to put this so–called girlfriend in her place.
But the moment she saw Natalie, she was instantly charmed. Her face brightened with delight, and she broke into a wide grin.
“I already like you so much, Natalie. I never dared hope for a daughter–in–law like you, someone who’s absolutely perfect in my eyes. Who would’ve thought my good–for–nothing son would actually have such good taste when it counts?”
Natalie couldn’t help but notice how familiar her tone sounded. Lorraine was just like Shane. The family resemblance was unmistakable.
Natalie made sure not to embarrass Shane. With the graceful composure of a well–bred lady, she replied, “You’re wonderful, too, Mrs. Grove. You’re so kind and gracious, unlike those wealthy people who look down on everyone and are impossible to talk
- to.
“I really like you. From the moment we met, it felt like we’d known each other forever. We’d be best of friends even without Shane in the picture.”
Shane choked on his water, sending droplets flying. He locked eyes with Natalie, shooting her a sharp look that clearly said, ” Tone it down, Nat. Why on earth would you two be best friends?”
Natalie immediately got the message and gave him a discreet okay sign.
Lorraine’s expression twisted in instant disgust. “You’re disgusting! Natalie’s right here. Scare her off, and I swear I’ll break your legs!”
Natalie was still processing Lorraine’s shockingly violent words when the private room door flew open from the outside.
The abrupt noise snapped everyone’s attention toward the entrance, where a man stood tall in a sharp black suit, his commanding presence sucking the air from Natalie’s lungs.
She froze, unsure how to react.
Rowan? Had he changed his mind about letting her go? Was he here to settle things?
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Chapter 43
+25 BONUS
Rowan barely spared Natalie a glance as he walked over to Lorraine “My assistant mentioned you were here, Mrs. Grove, so I wanted to say hello. I hope I’m not interrupting.”
Lorraine shifted seamlessly into the polished tone of a businesswoman–a stark contrast to how she’d just spoken to Natalie. She replied courteously, “Not at all. You’re too kind, Mr. Mattel.”
The moment the words left her lips, Rowan turned sharply, his piercing gaze snapping to Natalie with startling intensity.
Natalie frowned slightly, drawing in a sharp breath.
