Chapter 46
Natalie couldn’t imagine what she owed Rowan for. Just because he’d carried her to the car?
Her scowl deepened, anger twisting her features.
Rowan arched an eyebrow. “Ms. Sutton, you really shouldn’t turn down a friend who needs a ride.”
As if she’d ever be friends with him!
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Still, considering what might happen if she crossed him, Natalie thought it wiser not to make waves and began driving.
Rowan spent the whole ride glued to his phone, probably dealing with work. Natalie didn’t care what he was doing. Her thoughts were elsewhere as she drove.
She’d lived at Avon Villa for three years, yet this was the first time she’d actually paid attention to the passing scenery. The appearance of neatly trimmed trees told her they were nearly there
Avon Villa was the grandest, most luxurious home in all of Grendale. Jason had purchased the land and overseen the villa’s design himself, something Natalie only learned later from the Spencers.
She’d also heard it was Sienna who came up with the name “Avon Villa“, though Natalie hadn’t given it much thought back then.
She had always assumed Jason and Sienna’s closeness came from growing up together in the same orphanage. Only three months ago did she realize every carefully chosen detail had been Jason’s silent love letter to Sienna.
Now, the truth struck her with painful clarity. The tulips in the yard, the equestrian estate behind Avon Villa, and even Grendale’s largest private pool had all been designed for Sienna’s tastes.
How could she have missed something so obvious?
The depth of her own naivety sickened her. None of this would have happened if she hadn’t staked everything on some man. It was a hard lesson, but she’d only need to learn it once.
From now on, the only person she could trust was herself.
Natalie was so lost in thought that she missed her turn. Before she could react, her car was heading straight for the guardrail.
Snapping back to reality, she jerked the wheel hard. The back end swung out violently, the car’s weight shifting so dramatically that it nearly went airborne.
The sudden swerve sent her lurching forward. Her forehead would’ve hit the wheel if Rowan’s hand hadn’t shot out to brace her.
As the car finally skidded to a stop, Natalie sat dazed, her mind reeling.
Rowan’s voice broke through her confusion, tight with worry. “Natalie? Are you alright?”
Natalie glanced at Rowan in the passenger seat, confused.
When had he unbuckled his seatbelt? It had been such a dangerous moment. Had he really undone it just to protect her?
The thought unsettled her, leaving a strange weight in her chest. Shaking her head, she muttered, “I’m fine.”
Rowan studied her for a long moment before leaning back and buckling up, as if none of it had ever happened.
Once she’d steadied herself, Natalie drove on.
About five minutes later, she pulled up outside Avon Villa. Stepping out of the car, she looked up at the timeless building before
her.
Though it was called a villa, it looked more like the lavish estate of some centuries–old noble. Built in Dexian style, it radiated grandeur and opulence.
Chapter 46.
No wonder Avon Villa was considered Grendale’s crown jewel of luxury homes. It certainly lived up to its reputation.
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Yet, this magnificent structure hadn’t been built for Natalie. It existed for the woman who consumed Jason’s every thought-
Sienna.
Sienna loved Dexian aesthetics, so Jason built Avon Villa. She adored Dexian fitted gowns, so he made Natalie dress like the woman he truly loved.
How ironic.
Natalie took in the scene and smiled.
If she hadn’t accidentally overheard the truth at the hospital three months ago, she might have remained oblivious for who knew how much longer. The thought almost made her grateful.
Her expression hardened, eyes turning cold and distant.
Suddenly, the rumble of construction vehicles echoed from both sides of Avon Villa. ·
Natalie’s gaze snapped toward the sound.
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