Chapter 23 Disappointed
“Chris, what happened?” Jonathan asked.
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Milo was worried sick about Christopher. He glared at Natalie, who stood nearby, just as soaked as the boy. Milo accused, “What do you think happened: Obviously, Natalie pushed him into the water! This isn’t the first time she’s pulled something like this!”
Natalie could feel it–Milo was hostile toward her.
“I didn’t do it,” she said quietly.
ly asked the boy…L
Jonathan didn’t even glance her way. Instead, he arms, “Who pushed you in, buddy?”
Christopher looked up. His small hand, pale and wrinkled from the water, slowly pointed at Natalie. “She did.”
The shadow in Jonathan’s eyes turned into disappointment. He questioned, “You know Chris is terrified of water, and you still pushed him in? Natalie, are you so eager to do anything for Jacques?”
Terrified of water!
Natalie caught the fear in Christopher’s eyes–raw, confused, and unmistakable. Suddenly, she remembered something Jeremiah had once said.
The original Natalie had once thrown a birthday party on a yacht, just an excuse to take four–year-old Christopher out into open water and push him straight into the deep ocean.
Had that been the moment his phobia began?
Most people are uneasy around the deep ocean. Even an adult thrown into endless water would panic. What chance did at four–year–old boy have?
Natalie parted her lips, but the words never came. She didn’t defend herself.
Boom!
Thunder cracked across the dark sky.
Just like that, the rain came down hard.
Bartemius started the engine but hesitated to drive away. He asked, “Mr. Hyperion, should we wait for Mrs. Hyperion?”
Jonathan handed the boy to Milo and reached for the umbrella in the backseat. He was just about to get out when he spotted Jacques’s car pulling up across the street.
Christopher’s tone turned dry and faintly sarcastic. “No need to stick around, Jonathan. She already called her lover to come pick her up.”
Jonathan paused, then set the umbrella aside. The look in his eyes turned cold once more. He commanded, “Drive.”
The rain kept falling.
Natalie stood in place, watching the car disappear into the distance. Her heart twisted painfully.
He hates me that much? Did he hate her so much that he couldn’t even give her a ride?
“Over here, Jacques!” Bonnie waved when she saw her brother’s car.
When the car came to a stop, Jacques caught sight of Natalie in the rain.
She was a stunning beauty, not the flashy kind of beauty, but the kind that made people stop and stare–made them feel something, even when she was soaked through by the rain.
He rolled down the window and offered, “Natalie, come here and give me a kiss. If you beg a little, I might just forgive you for
Chapter 23 Disappointed
enfress
Natalie rated her eyebrows and said, ‘No thanks I don’t want to catch anything mary Word is, you have been tainted in the
I
Jacques choked on his words, the mocking glint in her eyes imposuide to ming
This pride Hared up. His neck hushed red, and he desperately tried modefend himself. Hatalie, Fo giving your chancet
“A
“A chance she let out a soft laugh “Without me, who do you think you are?”
“Tour‘ flatter younsell,” Jacques inapped, “I’d all make it big without your Her you haven’t heard–Orarie of tworks is
operating with me now. In time, everyone in the business world will know my name. And when that day comes, even if you beg me. I won’t bother to glance at you?
The smugness in his tone was almost unbearable. His rocky smile was practically glowing with self–satisfaction
Natalie smiled faintly
Averyone in the business used sell know his name. Sure, his named bek far and wide bat as a walking joke
“I’ll be waiting for that day”
Just before the window slid up. Jacques caught a glimpse of her hand–handaged
tons
It sparked something. He remembered the last time he met the Oracle of Stocks–she had an injured hand to
Could it be a coincidencet
A suspicion flashed in hits eyes, but then he laughed at himself. Ridiculous thought.
Believing Natalie was the Oracle of Stocks was like believing Gwendolyn wasn’t his daughter.
Imposable
Jacques’s car disappeareit down the street.
Natalie’s phone Inzzed,
She received a text from Jacques.
“Ms. Oracle, any updates from Cosmos Tech? I’ve already sold Solaria Group, and I’m signing the contract tomorrow. I estimate I’ll have about live billion in liquid funds. Fin ready to invest all of it in Counos Tech
Her expression cooled at the message.
Solaria Group had once been one of the most powerful companies in Regalia.
The Nolarias and the Hyperions were two dynasties that represented wealth, prestige, and influence in the city.
And now, under Jacques’s hand, Nolarla Group was worth only live billion.
She types, “One shareholder got taken down by the authorities. That freed up 15% in original shares. I estimate that stock will spike next week–eturns are projected at 300%. I’ve secured you a shot at it. But five billion isn’t enough.”
Jacques responded quickly, “What do I do? That’s all I’ve got
Natalie answered, “You need at least six billion. I’m giving you one week. If you don’t have it by then, the opportunity goes to
Jaques wrote, “Not Please, don’t pass it to anyone else. I’ll figure it out. I swear, I’ll come up with the money
Natalie slid her phone back into her pocket, a small smille tugging at her lips.
if Jacques was racing toward ruin, she didn’t mind speeding that up.
Chapter 23 Disappointed
She was lost in thought when a black umbrella appeared over her head.
Startled, she turned quickly–hope flickering in her eyes momentarily before it faded.
It’s not Jonathan
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“What’s the matter? Disappointed?” Jeremiah asked with a grin. He shrugged off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. “You’ll catch a cold standing around in wet clothes.”
