Chatper 7


    Chapter 7


    Brian’s deep, resonant voice echoed through the silent expanse of the River View Hall, causing a ripple


    of murmurs among the hushed crowd.


    Natalie had heard that voice call her name countless times in her dreams, and hearing it in real. life


    sent shivers cascading across her skin. She had never expected Brian to show up at such a modest


    gathering, let alone encounter him under these circumstances.


    Every gaze within the River View Hall shifted to her, and those who hadn’t recognized Natalie at first


    then realized she was the woman who had nearly brought the prestigious Howard family. to its knees!


    Wasn’t Brian making her theughingstock of the event by singling out Natalie?


    Frozen in ce, Natalie took a moment before she turned to meet Brian’s piercing gaze.


    “Mr. Howard, long time no see.”


    Right after the words left her lips, Brian’s eyes narrowed slightly..


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    “If I were you, I’d think twice before trifling with such a woman,” he drawled, his lips curling into a


    sardonic smile that did little to hide his scorn. “unless you fancy a taste of ruin.”


    Natalie’s frame wavered slightly, her lips pressing into a thin line as she remained silent.


    “Yes, yes! The Wright family insisted on showing up here shamelessly!” Shawn chimed in, eager to


    curry favor with Brian. “I’ll have them thrown out immediately!”


    “Shamelessly?” Brian’s eyes narrowed further.


    Shawn realized toote that he had said something wrong. Brian’s ire was directed solely at Natalie.


    His grandfather Davis Howard had pointed Gracia to be the Howard family’s future granddaughter–in–


    “No, I mean… Natalie came over asking for fifty million out of the blue! I was just about to send her


    packing!” Shawn stammered, hastily shifting the me onto Natalie.


    A snort escaped Brian at the absurdity of it all. Fifty million to sell herself out.


    As Natalie absorbed their insults, her hands clenched at her sides..


    “There’s no need to trouble yourselves. I can walk out on my own,” Natalie said softly.


    After all, she owed the Howard family, just as Audrey did.


    She ignored Shawn’s attempt to frame her. Arguing with him was beneath her, a degradation of her


    status as a human being.


    Taking her handbag from Joseph, who had been holding it for her, Natalie maintained herposure


    as she passed by Shawn and headed toward the entrance, brushing past the sofal edge.


    18:45


    Chapter 7


    “Wait.” Just as she was about to cross the threshold, a firm hand reached out from behind and seized


    her wrist.


    There was only one door in and out of the hall, and with Brian seated near the entrance, there was no


    avoiding him..


    Natalie nced down at Brian’s hand, her heartbeat quickening, yet her face betrayed none of her


    inner turmoil as she turned to face him.


    “Did I say you could leave?” Brian asked, arching an eyebrow and speaking softly yetmandingly.


    The pressure on Natalie’s wrist was so forceful it felt as though it might snap. Pain whitened her face,


    but she bore it silently, meeting his gaze with a defiant sparkle in her eyes.


    “Brian?” At that moment, a melodious voice came from outside the hall. “What’s going on? Weren’t we


    heading back?”


    Natalie instantly recognized the voice, turned around, and saw Gracia standing at the doorway. in a


    daffodil–yellow cocktail dress. It was a color that few could pull off, but on Gracia, it exuded a yful


    charm that only highlighted her beauty.


    Yet, even against the backdrop of Gracia’s allure. Natalie, draped in a sheer gown and with at hint of


    makeup, held her own–making even Gracia, the most sought–after queen of the entertainment world


    seem somewhat dimmed inparison.


    Chapter 8