Filed to story: The Return Novel (Natalie & Bryce) PDF Read Online Free >>
Howard shook his head. “I don’t think you should pamper him. I think it’s better for him to grow up.”
Ellington frowned and said, “Why don’t you come over and meet him? You’ll get a better impression of him.” Ellington didn’t want Howard to think badly of one of his proteges. He still had hopes for Curtis’s future in the organization.
Howard said, “Fine. Let’s go take a look.”
They both walked over to Curtis. Curtis turned and saw the two men walking toward him. He looked away to hide the bitterness and hurt in his eyes. He knew Ellington was intentionally going to introduce him to Howard, and he was secretly delighted. He thought that if he made a good impression on Howard, it would help boost his career. But just as they had almost reached Curtis, Howard suddenly changed course and veered towards Tony Bovel. Howard had been distracted by the fuss going on around Tony and Natalie and had suddenly lost interest in Curtis.
Ellington’s face fell, but he didn’t say anything to Howard. Instead, he just nodded before glancing at Curtis. Curtis was infuriated, but there was nothing he could do. He cursed Tony for spoiling his chance to meet Howard.
Natalie was chatting with Tony when she suddenly noticed Howard and Ellington approaching her. She furrowed her brows. Howard raised his glass and said charmingly, “Natalie, I haven’t seen you in a few days. You look even more enchanting, I must say.”
She could hardly rebuff him in front of everyone at a company party, so she politely raised her own glass in response and said, “You’re looking pretty spiffy, Mr. Clare.” And indeed, Howard’s suit was a natty one.
Howard clearly enjoyed her praise. He laughed heartily and said, “Ha ha, thank you, Natalie. By the way, I hear that congratulations are in order. I understand that Tony recently secured a part in The Crossing 2. You really did a great job in getting him in that role in such a short period of time.” Seeing that her expression didn’t change, he then looked at Tony, who was beside her, and said seriously, “Tony, you have to work hard and capitalize on Natalie’s excellent achievement.”
Tony lowered his head humbly and said, “Don’t worry, Mr. Clare. I will work very hard.” He could feel Mark Ellington’s gaze on him, and he tensed up unconsciously.
Natalie noticed this and became agitated. She was not flattered by Howard’s praise. She said distantly, “Thank you, Mr. Clare. I’m just doing my best to contribute to the company’s success.”
Howard’s eyes showed a hint of disappointment that she hadn’t warmed to him at all or looked directly at him while she spoke. But the more she tried to distance herself from him, the more he was attracted to her.
Mark Ellington was a shrewd man. Seeing that the others had settled into an awkward silence, he raised his glass and said with a smile, “Oh right, folks, let’s not talk about work now. Let’s toast your success instead.”
Natalie had actually drunk quite a lot of wine by this time and was slightly tipsy, but she raised her glass to Ellington anyway and drank some more wine. Ellington said, “I can see that you have a high alcohol tolerance, Natalie.” And then, when she looked away, he and Howard glanced at each other with a subtle expression on their faces.
Meanwhile, in a private room of the Superluxe restaurant downstairs, Bryce, Samuel, and Vivienne were eating a special meal to welcome Vivienne back to the city. Vivienne was wearing a light blue dress, with her hair curled and her face subtly made up. She looked relaxed and happy. Her gaze had not left Bryce’s face since they’d sat down. The yearning in her eyes couldn’t be concealed, no matter how hard she tried.
Before their dessert arrived, she took a delicate box from her bag and put it in front of Bryce. She said, “Bryce, dear, this is a gift I brought back for you from overseas. Do you like it?”
Samuel pretended to be jealous and said, “Hey, you only gave Bryce a present. What about me?”
She smiled and said, “Don’t worry, you’ll get one too.” She took out another box from her bag and handed it to him. He opened it expectantly but found that it was only a branded pants belt that was readily available anywhere domestically in the US. He was still happy, though. After all, this was a gift from Vivienne.
He said lightly, “Come on, Bryce, let’s see what your gift is.”
Bryce was annoyed to be the center of attention like this, but the keen expectation on Vivienne’s face prompted him to open the box anyway. Inside was an exquisite pair of delicate cufflinks. They were silver in color and shone faintly under the restaurant’s lights. They were clearly very valuable.
Samuel was unhappy when he saw the huge difference between Bryce’s gift and his own, exclaiming, “Vivienne, this is blatant favoritism!”
Vivienne ignored him, looking at Bryce expectantly and asking carefully, “Well, Bryce, how do you like them? Divine, aren’t they?”
But Bryce’s reaction was muted, as was the look on his face. He said, “Well, the truth is that I already have a lot of cufflinks. Here, Samuel, it’s time to improve your wardrobe.” With that, he closed the box and slid the gift across to Samuel.
Vivienne’s expression suddenly turned angry, but she didn’t dare show this to Bryce too clearly. She could only give him a resentful look from under her eyelids. Samuel noticed her expression, though. After a moment of silence, he accepted the gift with a smile and said loudly, “I’ll accept this gift eagerly. I’m privileged to receive two gifts in one day. Thank you both.”