novelxo Chapter 4
Natalie narrowed her eyes slightly. She and Tobias had been secretly married for years, and no one knew about it. It made no sense that he was so careless after that unexpected incident yesterday. While she continued chatting with Maddie, she sent a message to Finch to check for any updates from last night,
Finch: [Report, Boss. Tobias erased the surveillance footage, and the bar is under control.]
Natalie raised an eyebrow. That meant the news probably wouldn’t leak. But it was still strange that the rumor had somehow gollen out.
“Come on, Natalie, just tell me the truth! How long have you and Tobias been together? I’m your best friend; don’t hide it from me.” Maddie pouted on the other end of the line.
Natalie cleared her throat and cautiously asked, “Is there any proof? How can you be so sure?”
“Everyone’s talking, but no one has any real evidence.”
“It’s fake. There’s nothing to it,” Natalie said directly. She messaged Jack to look into the issue.
“Ah, so it’s mot true. Maddie seemed to take it at face value but sounded a little disappointed. “I thought the Reese family and the Guzman family were really close. A few years back, people were saying you were Tobias’s secret wife.
The rumor had been flying around in elite circles ever since Tobias was spotted at the City Hall with a woman. If the woman hadn’t been so well disguised, the upper crust would have gone wild.
Natalie’s expression stayed calm. I’m not, and Tobias has his own light of his life.”
“Right, right! You wouldn’t go for a guy who has another woman. That’s why people call Tobias a player! At that time, Elle was abroad; it couldn’t have been her. And now he’s acting all cozy with her, Maddie said, tapping her head as the realization hit her. “I can’t believe I believed that! Let’s go shopping later; I owe you a big apology!”
Having been busy for a month, Natalie could use a break and gladly agreed. The whole situation with Tobias was in the past, and there was no need for more people to know about it. After today, no one would be aware of it ever again
Natalie and Maddie decided to meet at their favorite mall. As they walked, Maddie’s sharp eyes noticed the red marks on Natalie’s skin. “Whoa, Natalie, you’ve got a new boyfriend, huh?”
“It’s not what you think; it was just an accident, Natalie replied, m**ly cursing Tobias again. He was so reckless. Maddie grinned playfully. “Got it, girl! I totally understand-you know we’re all adults here. Maddie had her fair share of complicated relationships too, but at least she was honest. Whenever she dated someone, she stayed loyal
Natalie appreciated Maddie’s straightforwardness and felt a connection with her. Putting thoughts of Tobias aside for the day, they grabbed some coffee. Just as they entered one of their usual shops, Natalie overheard a loud, excited voice.
“This outfit is perfect for you; you look so gorgeous!”
Natalie turned to see the delicate Elle, wearing a flowy white dress.
Elle smiled softly at her reflection in the mirror, “It really suits me; thanks, Karen!”
Maddie rolled her eyes. “Ugh, what bad luck to run into them.”
Karen Grant and Elle were inseparable, but Karen had a long-standing rivalry with Maddie. They had been at odds since childhood, always trying to one-up each other. Karen had a punk style-short hair with piercings, ripped jeans, and a metallic denim jacket-while Elle had a totally different vibe. Together, they looked like an odd couple.
Maddie suddenly lost her interest in shopping and was ready to leave, but Karen spotted them too. “Well, well, if it isn’t Ms. Carter and the woman trying to catch Mr. Reese’s eye!” Karen sneered, walking straight toward Natalie. “So, Natalie, right? Just a side branch of the Guzman family. Know your place-what gives you the right to flirt with Elle’s people?”
Elle stepped closer, a little embarrassed, and gently pulled at Karen’s arm. “Okay, Karen, that’s enough.”
Karen shot Elle a frustrated look. “Some people act like they own the place; why can’t we speak our minds?”
Elle bit her lip, tears filling her eyes.
Karen felt her heart race as she glared at Natalie. These days, mistresses act like they own the place. I’m going to teach you a lesson today. She raised her hand and swung it straight at Natalie’s face,
Everything happened so fast that everyone around was stunned. Maddie hurried to step in. Natalie was as delicate as a flower, Karen was crossing a line.
But just as Karen’s hand was about to hit, Natalie’s slender fingers grabbed her wrist. “Teach me a lesson? Who do you think you are?”
“Let go of me!” Karen’s wrist throbbed, her face going pale. With a loud c**k, the sound of a bone breaking echoed through the store. “Ah!” Karen screamed in pain
Natalie casually released her grip, and Karen stumbled back, crashing into several clothing racks and landing awkwardly on the floor.
“Natalie, what are you doing?! Elle was shocked and rushed over to help Karen up Karen clutched her wrist, tears streaming down her face from the pain.
Maddie, catching her breath, quickly supported Natalie. “You guys started it. Who told you to go after Natalie?”
“What’s wrong with hitting her? She brought this on herself by trying to seduce Tobias!” Karen shot back, glaring at them.
“Ugh, Natalie didn’t-Maddie defended her friend.
Just then, footsteps approached, and *’s cold voice cut through the chaos. “What happened here?”