CHAPTER 133

Davis glared 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 speculation 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

impeccable 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 glasses of red

wine. Her tolerance for alcohol wasn’t great, and the wine’s delayed 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.

Just then, Gavin emerged from the garage, overhearing his father’s words. He frowned and grumbled, Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

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

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 accused, his voice tinged

with annoyance.

Michael shot Gavin a look that could curdle milk.

Natalie couldn’t help but laugh, 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

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

stomach, huh?” Gavin glanced 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 black Maybach trailing them at a discreet

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