Filed to story: The Return Novel (Natalie & Bryce) PDF Read Online Free >>
Meanwhile, as Bryce was about to leave his office, he received a call from Samuel.
“Bryce,” said Samuel, “how about we go to the Superluxe Hotel tonight to welcome Vivienne home?”
“No thanks,” Bryce said without even thinking. Then something stirred in his memory. Wait a minute, he thought. Didn’t my assistant mention that Star Entertainment is having a big meeting and party at the Superluxe tonight? He realized he wanted to see Natalie. So he said to Samuel, “Actually, on second thought, yes, let’s go over there. I’ll come over and meet you.” Then he hung up.
Natalie and Tony arrived at the Superluxe. She looked beautiful; onlookers thought she looked like she had just stepped out of a painting—beautiful beyond belief. On her arm, Tony had the aura of a noble young prince. When he smiled, he looked even brighter and more handsome, drawing the attention of many admirers. Tony and Natalie made a perfect couple as they walked into the Grand Hall, instantly becoming the center of attention. People stopped, stared, and whispered among themselves.
There were a few people there who knew Tony, as he rarely showed himself in public. These people were a little surprised that he was here tonight. On the other side of the Grand Hall, Mark Ellington was standing and talking with Howard. Howard suddenly looked away from Ellington and focused on Natalie, thinking, Oh my, she looks terrific. He looked at Ellington and gave a wicked smile. Ellington was taken aback by Natalie’s elegant appearance and wondered, How much did that dress cost? It looks Italian, super elegant.
Howard said to Ellington, “Mark, do you remember what you promised me regarding Natalie a few days ago? Is everything still on plan?”
Ellington smiled with understanding. “Of course I remember. Don’t worry, I’ll get you what you want.”
Howard said, “All right, I’ll await developments.” He thought to himself how wonderful it would be to have Natalie in his arms. Ellington gave a mock bow and said, “It’s my honor to serve.”
The moment Natalie and Tony had entered the Grand Hall, they had been surrounded by so many people that there wasn’t even space for them to walk. Tony became the focus of many people’s flattery. People called out to him and to Natalie to try and get their attention. There were also quite a few people praising Natalie’s dress.
“Natalie, where did you get that dress from? I’ve never seen such a beautiful dress before.”
“Oh yes, it’s gorgeous. Tell us where you found it.”
Natalie was getting annoyed with all this fuss. Was this flattery and insincerity what this group of people was really all about? Ugh, what a sad advertisement for humanity. Suddenly someone called out, “Ah, no wonder that dress looks so familiar. I sent someone to Italy to buy a dress like that for me, but the retailer wouldn’t sell it. I heard it’s a new style for next season.”
Someone else said, “What? It’s not even on the market yet?”
After this, even more people surrounded Natalie, and the flattery level went through the roof. Many people wanted to curry favor with her, hoping they could establish ties with her in the future. Being friends with someone like Natalie could open up new venues for them, they felt. Everyone wanted to take advantage of being a friend of a big shot in this circle. All this praise and attention rang hollow to her, and she didn’t feel happy like she did when Liam praised her. She felt suffocated by all this fake attention. People are so cynical these days, she thought. They praise you when you’re in the limelight, then step on you when you’re down.
Not far away, someone was watching the whole spectacle—Curtis Westing. He’d been drinking red wine in a corner, and now the hand holding the glass was trembling with anger. At previous company gatherings, he had always been one of the main centers of attention. He’d appeared in formal clothes and been praised by the multitude. They’d practically bowed down and worshiped him. With Mark Ellington as his backer, he had commanded extra respect. But now it looked like Tony and Natalie had snatched all the glory.
Sure, thought Curtis, Tony is good-looking, but compared to me… Curtis was so angry that his jaw was aching. He thought to himself, To get into this circle, I followed all the rules and learned all the tricks, and they gave me hope that I could succeed. But now they’ve all been won over by Tony. And where does that leave me? His face looked miserable.
Curtis’s expression and mood were noticed by Ellington and Howard. Howard smiled and said to Ellington, “So, it looks like your boy Curtis isn’t too happy. What’s going on with him right now?”
Ellington smiled and said, “Ha, I think he’s been spoiled by all the attention I’ve given him previously, and he’s feeling like he’s been sidelined. I’ll try and put things right with him later.”