Chatper 133


    Chapter 133


    Davis red daggers at the waiting butler and Reid who stood just outside the grand entrance of the


    Howard family. “Spread the word!” He barked with an authority that made even the old oak doors seem


    to shake. “From this day forth, Natalie’s name is to be stricken from all conversation in Nathan’s


    presence. It’s as if she’s dead to us! The reputation of the Howard family cannot be tainted by her


    actions!”


    Brian, who had been casually leaning against the mahogany bar, let out a low and cold chuckle upon


    hearing this.


    Davis knitted his brows together in annoyance, snapping, “What’s so funny? Am I wrong?”


    With a weary sigh, Brian tossed his half–finished bottle of mineral water to the side, meeting Davis‘


    gaze with a sharp intensity. “All these years, you’ve let the gossip and rumors about Nate’s parentage


    run wild, directing all the spection towards Madelyn, making sure no one in the Howard family even


    whispers Natalie’s name. Isn’t it all to hide the fact that Nate is Natalie’s child? You’ve done an


    impable job at it, right?”


    Davis‘ face turned an ugly shade of purple with rage.


    Brian cut him off before he could retort, his voice cool and detached. “I’m exhausted, and I have an


    international conference to attend tomorrow. I need to rest. It’s pushing nine. Nate should be in bed.


    Feel free to see yourself out.”


    Without another word, Brian tore a photograph on the table in two, tossing the pieces into the kitchen


    trash with a flick of his wrist. He acted as if Davis had vanished into thin air, sliding open the patio doors


    and scooping up Nate from the floor before ascending the grand staircase. He left Davis with nothing


    but a view of his retreating back.


    Natalie had spent the evening with the James family, where she indulged in a couple of sses of red


    wine. Her tolerance for alcohol wasn’t great, and the wine’s dyed punch had her feeling slightly


    woozy as she left the James family.


    Michael, the head of the James family, escorted her to the door and whispered, “Wait for Gavin. He’ll


    drive you back once he gets here from the garage.”


    He continued with a hint of matchmaking in his voice, “You might as well move into the James family.


    It’s more convenient and safer than living alone in your apartment.”


    Natalie turned to give Michael a polite but dismissive smile. She understood his intentions all too well,


    but the thought of being with Gavin didn’t interest her in the slightest.


    Keeping the mood light, she joked, “If Gavin’s girlfriends heard about this, their hearts would be in


    pieces.”


    Michael, however, was dead serious. “That would be perfect! It’s about time that boy settled down and


    focused on his family. That’s better than anything else!”


    Feeling cornered, Natalie searched for an out.


    Chapter 133


    Just then, Gavin emerged from the garage, overhearing his father’s words. He frowned and grumbled,


    “Looking for a free daughter–inw to make things more convenient, huh? And if you’re trying to w


    back those shares you gave her, there’s no need to go to such lengths.”


    “And what about you? The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, does it?” he used, his voice tinged


    with annoyance.


    Michael shot Gavin a look that could curdle milk.


    Natalie couldn’t help butugh, interjecting with an arm threaded through Michael’s. “Let’s drop it. I like


    my independence and living on my own. No need to trouble yourselves with me.”


    “If Gavin had half your sense, I wouldn’t worry so much.” Michael conceded with a heavy sigh. Patting


    her shoulder, he added, “Alright, I won’t push. Just remember to call us if you need anything.”


    Nodding, Natalie turned and climbed into Gavin’s sleek car. Her head spun more intensely now, and


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    she rolled down the window for some fresh air, resting her forehead against the cool ss.


    stomach, huh?” Gavin nced at her with concern as he


    “Had a bit too much on an empty


    navigated the roads.


    “Probably…” Natalie murmured, furrowing her brow.


    But then, in the rearview mirror, she caught sight of a ck Maybach trailing them at a discreet


    distance. It lurked like a shadowy beast, ominous and unshakable.