Filed to story: The Return Novel (Natalie & Bryce) PDF Read Online Free
The next morning, Mrs. Perkins completed Liam’s enrollment forms. Natalie was impressed by her speed and efficiency.
“Natalie,” said Mrs. Perkins, “Liam and I have put you into a great deal of trouble. As his mother, I didn’t contribute much to this whole process. I feel ashamed of myself.”
“Oh, Mrs. Claire, what are you saying? You and Mr. Bryce are busy enough. I’m happy to take care of the little guy. In fact, I’m willing to do anything for him,” reassured Mrs. Perkins. She had already formed her conclusions about Natalie’s character, thinking that Natalie tended to overthink things.
Natalie felt awkward at Mrs. Perkins’ response. Just then, Bryce, who was about to leave, passed by. She said, “Grace, thank you.”
He replied casually, “Mm,” before leaving. Natalie was dismayed by his cold and impersonal answer. But today was the first day of school, so she realized she’d better get going.
She and Mrs. Perkins drove Liam over to Woodling Academy. Seeing Liam outside the school gates in his smart tailored suit with a backpack slung over his shoulder, Natalie smiled with satisfaction. Liam felt embarrassed by his mother staring at him. He asked, “Mommy, why are you looking at me like that?”
She knelt down and said, “Liam, you are a little genius. As long as you study hard, you will become an important man in the future. Do you understand what I’m saying?” She truly believed her son was a genius, capable of overcoming any obstacles in his path. She thought there would be no need for her to work in the future; she could depend on her son to support her.
Liam frowned, not too pleased by all the fussing. He pretended to sigh as he glanced at the other kids getting out of their parents’ cars. He said, “If you’re happy, I will do anything you say,” glancing at his mom helplessly.
When Natalie saw his expression, her heart almost melted. She gave him a kiss on his cheek and said, “Okay, Liam, hurry on in. Remember, you have to behave yourself at school, or else I’ll make you go to kindergarten.” When Liam heard this, his face darkened momentarily but then returned to normal. He replied, “I know you’re worried, but it’s really no big deal.”
Natalie watched him enter the school, feeling a sudden emptiness inside her. Her little Liam was growing up so quickly. Something was nagging at her, and it took her a moment to register that it was Liam’s darkened expression that was bothering her. His attitude seemed carved out of the same material as Bryce. Natalie found this quite funny, perhaps because they had been living together, and Bryce’s expressions and attitudes were starting to rub off on Liam. She wondered if Bryce could be related to the boy’s biological father. It seemed logical to Natalie that the immediate environment would affect a child’s behavior. This thought comforted her.
It was Monday, the first day of Natalie’s job at Star Entertainment. The research she had done at home meant there was no need for her to waste any more time getting familiar with the job. After arriving at the office in the afternoon, she went to discuss the matter of Tony Bavel with the department head.
Now that the company had been restructured, the offices looked strangely deserted. She asked for directions to the department head’s office.
She had heard that the department leader had been sent over here by the new boss after the restructuring. He was apparently a rather old-fashioned person but one who took his work extremely seriously.
When Natalie saw him, she was astonished. If she remembered correctly, the name of this guy was Gary Willis. He used to be a mogul at CLA Entertainment. He had mentored many rookie agents who later became outstanding agents, and on top of that, his films had won many awards.
How on Earth had the boss managed to recruit such an outstanding person into a small company like Star? And more importantly, why would he accept such a position? Natalie secretly admired her new boss’s abilities. This gave her more confidence in the company.
Willis welcomed Natalie into his office, and they greeted each other before she got straight to the point of her visit.
She said, “I want to be Tony Babel’s manager. He’s a rare talent, and I’ve seen his performances. As long as he’s guided properly, I think he’ll definitely become a big star.”
Natalie looked at Willis cautiously. She wondered if he would agree to her managing Tony Bavel. After all, she had only just started here.
She did not expect Willis to agree so readily, but he said, “Natalie, to be honest, this guy Bavel has already been lined up for you to guide. I’ve read your resume, and it’s outstanding. Not only that, you will have a special privilege. Your role in the company is just to manage and protect Tony Bobble. That’s all. If you have any problems, you can go to your superior to resolve them.”
Natalie was completely surprised. This would probably be really convenient for her. “Thank you,” she said gratefully and then made her way to the practice room to find Tony Bobel.
However, there had been a look of pity in Willis’s eyes when he mentioned Tony Bobble, but Natalie hadn’t noticed.
She asked for directions to the practice room and went there immediately. The artists at Star Entertainment would usually rehearse in the practice room when they had nothing specific to do, so Tony being there was pretty likely.
Meanwhile, in a director’s office elsewhere, a man was leaning against a leather sofa, sipping his coffee. The steam from the coffee machine softened the appearance of his skin, making him appear quite pale.
He looked to be in his early 30s, well-mannered, and dressed in an expensive suit. He had a stern expression while sipping his coffee, but he wore a smile that made him look very satisfied. This man was Tony Bobble’s manager, Mark Ellington. There was another younger man in the room; he was even more handsome.
Every single facial feature was like a work of art, perfect and without blemishes. His fair skin made him appear slightly delicate, but he had a strong build.
He stood there like a puppet with no expression on his face.
This was Tony Bobble. Ellington put his coffee cup into its saucer and said, “Tony, have you considered what I said to you last night? Are you really that sad to see me today?” Ellington’s eyes were bright and eager as he looked at Tony shamelessly.