Chapter 183
By the time Natalie emerged from Samuelâs study, her lips had become a mess after Samuel was done
with her. She couldnât help but gently nurse her lips with her nimble fingers.
What on earth does his business trip have to do with me? Did he really have to use this method of
punishing me just because I didnât respond or perform as expected?
Just as Natalie was cursing and swearing at Samuel internally, she bumped into Celia in the corridor.
Neither woman took the initiative to speak or greet one another. However, Celiaâs sharp eyes remained
fixed on Natalieâs lips, which had gone swollen from Samuelâs forceful kissing. Although Celiaâs gaze was
still haughty beyond measure as per before, it wasnât provocative in any way. She completely ignored
Natalie and brushed past her as if she werenât there.
Natalie wasnât surprised by Celiaâs behavior. She knew that Celia was the next generation scion of the
Jean family. Aside from her incredible talent in the field of medicine, Celia also possessed a high IQ and
emotional intelligence. Over the past few days, Natalie was sure that Celia must have observed the
interactions between Samuel and herself and surmised the nature of their relationship. As it was obvious
that Samuel was the one who was relentlessly chasing after Natalie, there were no grounds whatsoever
for Celia to be jealous of her. Naturally, her provocative behavior would then also come to an end.
Natalie had zero interest in such petty squabbles between women. She was only focused on her life with
the three children moving forward. The emotional scars she previously suffered from the loss of her twins
had always been a heart wrenching pain she endured. However, Natalie felt that her pain alleviated to
some degree now that she had Franklin and Sophia by her side.
The next day, just before Samuel was about to leave for his business trip, he pulled Franklin and Sophia
to the side and instructed, âMake sure to be obedient and listen to Natalie while Iâm gone. If she tells me
that either of you has been naughty, I wonât let you go over to her house anymore next time.â
Franklin and Sophia exchanged brief looks before they replied in unison, âWeâll be obedient, Daddy.â
Samuel nodded in acknowledgment.
Just then, Franklin added, âIâll miss you, Daddy!â
Sophia leaned forward and hugged Samuelâs leg tightly as she softly said, âIâll m-miss you too, Daddyâ¦â
Samuelâs eyes suddenly turned to rest on Natalie, and he asked, âWhat about you?â
âMe?â asked Natalie as she pointed to herself in surprise before she continued, âWhat do I have to say?â
Suddenly, Sophia said, âDaddy is waiting for you to s-say youâll miss him.â
Samuelâs pursed lips curled playfully as he directed his mysterious gaze to rest questioningly on Natalie.
Likewise, Franklin and Sophia turned to look expectantly at Natalie as well. Even Billy, who had been
silently waiting by the side the entire time, turned to see what Natalie would do next.
Faced with the weight of everyoneâs gazes, Natalie had no choice but to give in. She felt the heat rush to
her face as she blushed and stammered, âIâll m-miss you too, Samuelâ¦â
Having heard what he had been waiting for, Samuel couldnât help but smile as he replied, âAll right.
Remember what youâve just said.â
Once Samuel and Billy had taken their leave, Natalie made her way back to her apartment with Franklin
and Sophia. Since the two children were familiar with Xavian, it didnât take long for the three of them to
start playing together under Natalieâs watchful eyes. As she took in this scene, her eyes misted over as
she couldnât help but imagine just how perfect her life would be if Sophia and Franklin were her very own
children.
When the call finally got through, Natalie asked, âDo you have any updates on the matter I asked you to
look into, Yandel?â
Yandel replied, âYes! Someone from the Watsons family was scheming against you. Itâs someone called
Mandy, their third daughter-in-law.â
I still remember our previous entanglement, but to think that Mandy would actually hire someone for
murder?
âButâ¦â Yandel hesitated.
âWhatâs the matter?â asked Natalie impatiently as she continued to probe, âItâs not like you to beat around
the bush like this, Yandel. Whatâs wrong?â
âMandy has been taken away from the Watsons residence by Samuelâs men. Her current whereabouts
are unknown.â
Her whereabouts are unknown? What on earth does that mean? Is she dead or alive?
âYouâll have to account for Old Mr. Watsons if you wish to deal with Mandy, Boss. After all, sheâs the
legitimate daughter-in-law of the Watsons family and is under their protection. That said, Samuel is
different. Heâs not bound by such constraints.â Iâm sure that Old Mr. Watsons would have nothing to say if
Samuel was the one to demand Mandyâs head,â cautioned Yandel before he continued hesitantly, âHow
about this? Since youâre in a prime position to seek Samuelâs help, why donât you take advantage of this
and have Samuel investigate your granddadâs death in your stead?â