Chapter 216: Tears, lies, And a Heart of Fire Novel
Chapter 216 Oh Look Who's Bitter Ever since she had been with Baron , Natalie hadn't had the chance to cook . For one thing , there were servants in the house ; for another , Baron never let her step into the kitchen . Every time , he insisted her skin was too delicate for the smoke and grease . But Natalie knew - her skin had long since recovered . That was just Baron's excuse to keep her away from the fumes . Sometimes , whether a man truly cared for you could be seen in the smallest details . Unfortunately , she had only realized this after brushing so close to death .
When Baron caught the trace of tenderness flickering in Natalie's eyes , he knew she'd softened toward him again . He couldn't stop grinning , almost giddy . " Take Chris with you , otherwise I won't be at ease . " " Alright ." Natalie rose , changed into a different outfit , and headed out with Chris . By the time she arrived at Swanson Café , Loretta was already there . For the first time , Natalie looked at Loretta not as family , but as an outsider would . Only then did she notice the arrogance and disdain shimmering beneath Loretta's refined facade .
When a society lady came over to greet her , Loretta tilted her chin , gave a dismissive hum , and said nothing more . The poor woman , embarrassed , slunk away . Natalie suddenly felt she must have been blind all these years . If even highborn ladies were treated this way , how could I , a girl the Summers family cast out five years ago , ever expect acceptance ? Even with Jensen's kindness in saving me , why would Loretta ever truly welcome me ? No wonder she and Jensen had been together for five years and he had never once mentioned marriage ; no wonder Loretta had never interfered .
Perhaps Loretta had known from the very beginning , someone like Natalie would never step through the Luke family's doors . 1/3 8:22 Mon , Sep 29 Chapter 216 Oh Look Who's Bitter 82 +10 Free Coins The realization drew a self - mocking smile from Natalie . Then she lifted her chin and walked into the café . " Loretta , I'm here ." The form of address startled Loretta . She instinctively looked up and saw Natalie walking in . The old Natalie had always carried a trace of flattery and humility . Beautiful as she was , she'd seemed soulless , like a porcelain doll without life .
She was more beautiful than ever , but it was her commanding presence that truly stunned the room . The timid , pitiful girl had vanished completely . Natalie's presence dominated the room ; she stood unyielding , her confidence pressing down on Loretta like a weight . With Chris and four bodyguards in black at her back , she had the confidence to face Loretta head - on . Loretta's brow furrowed . " Natalie ? Did you have plastic surgery ? " Her voice carried uncertainty . At last , Natalie saw a crack in Loretta's calm , unruffled eyes .
She gave a faint smile , sat down across from her , and said , " Didn't you know ? Three months ago , your daughter - in - law framed me ; I nearly died in a fire . " " Nonsense ! " Loretta's face immediately darkened . " Natalie , I've watched you and Jensen for five years . I thought I knew you well ; but clearly , you're just good at pretending . You fooled both me and Jensen . " Natalie's eyes stilled for a moment . " Oh ? What exactly did I deceive you about ? Or what did I deceive Mr. Jensen about ? I was with him for five years ; when I said it was over , it was over . Unlike Mr.
Jensen , who married another 2/3 8:22 Mon , Sep 29 Chapter 216 Oh Look Who's Bitter 82 +10 Free Coins woman behind my back and still wanted to keep me on the side . If we're talking about deception , no one plays the game better than your son , wouldn't you say ? " " Natalie ! " Loretta suddenly grabbed her coffee and flung it straight at Natalie's face . " What are you doing ? " Chris stepped forward instantly , seizing Loretta's wrist . He tightened his grip just enough to make her wince , her face twisting in pain . " Who do you think you are ? This is between me and her ; stay out of it !
Otherwise , I'll make sure you can't set foot in Ocean City again , believe it or not ! " Loretta's twisted expression , paired with the scalding coffee dripping down her own face , stirred a bitter laugh in Natalie's heart . Look at that . This was the aunt she had once believed treated her kindly . All it had taken was a single truth from her lips to earn this treatment . Kindness ? Nothing but hypocrisy . Natalie dabbed her face with a napkin , yet she didn't signal Chris to release Loretta . She had just been doused in coffee for no reason ; she wasn't about to be magnanimous .
" Loretta , allow me to reintroduce myself . I am Natalie of the Stone family . My father is Waylon ; my brother is Flynn ; and my mother is the renowned violinist Ruby . You threw coffee in my face - how grand the Luke family must think themselves . " Back when she had been an orphan , Natalie might have swallowed the humiliation . But now , with the Stone family openly standing behind her , she had no reason to cower . 3/3