Chapter 6

Noticing Natalie's gaze, Jeffrey lowered his eyes. It didn't take him long to understand. His brow furrowed tighter as his expression darkened. Life without Natalie had been rough these past few days. After finishing an online meeting in the study, he came back to the bedroom, only to find his phone dead. Where was the charger? He searched everywhere but couldn't find it. Every morning, he needed an iced Americano. It had been his to-go coffee for years. But the coffee the housekeeper brought him wasn't even close to what he was used to. He ordered them to change coffee beans, the machine, and even hired a barista, but it still wasn't right. This left him sluggish at work and unable to focus. It was the same with his outfits. Back when Natalie was around, she'd pick out his clothes for the next day before bed, then iron and hang them neatly by the mirror in the closet. She even laid out his ties, cufflinks, socks, and belt. Now, Jeffrey just grabbed whatever was closest, barely paying attention. At that moment, a wave of uncomfortable self-awareness hit him. Getting rid of Natalie was supposed to be the right decision that he had wanted to make for a long time. Well, these were all just minor things that bothered him. Soon, he would get used to it, and things would fall back into place. After all, anyone could replace Natalie. She was just a housekeeper, anyway. Before Natalie could speak, Jeffrey asked, "What are you staring at?" Natalie blinked in surprise. "Do you like looking at your ex-husband?" he asked domineeringly. "You say you don't love me, but your eyes give you away, huh?" Natalie quickly backed away. "I just think your taste is a little off. Then again, your taste has never been that great." Jeffrey's face darkened. "What did you say?" "Anyone who falls for Abigail can't possibly have great taste." Jeffrey's expression was as dark as thunder. Natalie turned to leave, waving a hand. "Don't worry. I wouldn't want to upset Caroline. I've mastered the art of acting like a loving couple after five years, anyway. But you might want to practice your acting so Caroline doesn't catch on." Natalie was in a great mood. For the first time, she felt the true freedom of letting go. She had to keep this up. Before, words like that from Jeffrey would have torn her apart. She would be crying herself to sleep and feeling lost for days. But now, she felt nothing but relief. Jeffrey watched her retreating figure, his eyes narrowing. How many versions of her were there that he had yet to discover? She had been obedient and sweet, but now she was sharp-tongued. She had become the one who could love fiercely and let go just as easily. When she was around him, he never even gave her a second glance. To him, she was always a nuisance. But today, when she rushed into the hospital ward out of breath, he finally understood her beauty. Her effortless elegance, striking features, and small, delicate face with those bright, clear eyes were impossible to ignore. He vaguely remembered that she had been the campus belle. Her beauty was pure and unpretentious. Even makeup seemed to take away from her charm. When Jeffrey got back into the car, he ordered, his tone flat, "Head back to the office." The driver nodded. "Yes, Mr. Foster." Jeffrey picked up a file to review, but then he paused. There was a leather scent in the air that smelled off. It wasn't the jasmine fragrance he was used to. Jeffrey had a thing about cleanliness. His car had to be spotless, and he didn't allow strangers to ride in it. Jeffrey's voice was cold. "Where is that smell coming from?" "Huh? Mr. Foster, is there a smell? I didn't notice," the driver responded in a panic, checking every corner. Soon, he quickly located the problem. "It's probably the air freshener running out." "Replace it." The driver hesitated. "Well, Mr. Foster, the air freshener was prepared by Mrs. Foster. I don't know where to get it." Jeffrey slammed the file down on the seat, massaging his temples. Natalie. It was always Natalie. She was gone, but her traces remained everywhere. "Just find the same one. Go to the stores and ask. How hard can it be? It's just an air freshener. Does it really have to be Natalie who buys it?" Jeffrey's throat tightened in frustration. "Mr. Foster, I think it's specially made by Mrs. Foster." Jeffrey was speechless. … After visiting Caroline, Natalie was an hour late arriving at Samuel Marsh's company. It was already noon when she arrived. "I'm sorry I'm late. Is Mr. Marsh available?" she said politely at the front desk. The receptionist looked at her. "You've been here five times already. I've told Mr. Marsh each time, but he doesn't want to meet you. Please stop bothering him." "I have something important to discuss with him. I hope he'll give me a chance for collaboration." "Samuel only works with big corporations in Caspia City. Someone like you, with no background, is unworthy of his attention." Before Natalie could say anything else, the receptionist started ushering her out. "Do you even understand what I'm saying? I should have had security remember you and just stop you at the door. Hurry up and leave." But Natalie wouldn't give up. As she backed away, she extended the file in her hand toward the receptionist. "This is my proposal. Please give it to Mr. Marsh. He might like it…" The receptionist shoved it away. "He doesn't have time for this. Leave!" The file slipped from Natalie's hand, and the papers scattered all over the floor. These were the results of all the sleepless nights she had put in. As she bent down to pick them up, she saw the elevator doors open, and Samuel stepped out. Natalie's eyes lit up. She quickly grabbed the papers and dodged around the receptionist, heading straight for Samuel. "Hi, Mr. Marsh," she said, standing in front of him. "I'm Natalie Bennett, the one who's been trying to meet you. Here's my business card and my proposal. Please take a look. I'm sure you'll be satisfied." Samuel was in his 40s. He was a little short and slim, but he was sharp-eyed and quick-witted. He gave Natalie an appraising look. "Stephen sure knows how to hire good-looking staff. His work might be lacking, but his taste in people is top-notch," he said. Natalie felt uncomfortable under his gaze, but she steeled herself. "Mr. Bennett is determined to collaborate with you. Please give us a chance, Mr. Marsh." Samuel laughed. "I sure can give you a chance. There's a gathering tonight with all the big players. Come along with me. They're far more impressive than me. Go talk to them and try to get them to collaborate with you. It's up to your skills whether you succeed or not." Natalie agreed, "Okay. Thank you, Mr. Marsh." Samuel gave her a lingering look, his gaze somewhat suggestive. Natalie shielded herself by hugging her file while forcing a smile. She decided to prepare herself for the evening, hoping one of the CEOs would see the potential in her proposal. Starting was always the hardest part. Once that was done, everything else would be easier. As Natalie was leaving Samuel's company, her phone rang. "Hello. Is this Natalie Bennett?" "Yes, speaking. Who's this?" "I'm from the obstetrics department at the hospital. Has your surgery consent form been signed yet? The sooner you do the procedure, the better. If you wait too long, the embryo will continue growing, causing more damage to your body."