Filed to story: The Return Novel (Natalie & Bryce) PDF Read Online Free >>
Rereading the social media posts, Natalie replied to the fans on Tony’s behalf, “I will definitely work hard, but be careful not to stay up too late watching the movie. Staying up late is bad for your health.” She added a smiling emoji and lots of hearts. After replying to a few more posts, she decided to continue later. For the moment, the fans would keep the momentum going, and indeed, they were extremely happy. They began to bounce posts and comments back and forth.
Feeling hunger pangs in her stomach and realizing it was already noon, Natalie decided to find Tony and have a meal with him. As she left her office, she saw with dismay that Mark Ellington was walking towards her.
Mark Ellington saw Natalie too, and his face darkened with anger. He had been tracking Tony’s social media presence and felt bitter and resentful. He knew that Tony’s attributes were sufficient to gain him popularity, and even though Ellington had deliberately been suppressing him while he was his agent to punish and manipulate him, he resented Tony’s new high profile. It seemed to him that he had really underestimated this woman. If not for Natalie’s interference, Tony would probably be under his spell right now.
He said sarcastically, “Oh, if it isn’t the famous agent Natalie Davidson. You’re a big noise now. I guess even the way you walk is different.”
Seeing the ridicule on Ellington’s face, Natalie knew that he would have said even worse if they hadn’t been in the office. She stood by the elevator as she replied, “Mister Ellington, you must have a lot of time on your hands to take such an interest in me and my work. Business not so good?”
When Ellington heard Natalie’s mockery, he said in a strangled tone, “I can’t compare to you. Obviously, Tony has really made a name for himself. I wonder why Tony didn’t shine when he was working with me. Maybe you have some kind of special advantage, hmm?” He wanted to find out whether Natalie had someone backing her and helping her.
Natalie wasn’t fooled by him at all. She looked at him with disdain and said, “You flatter me. What other methods could I have apart from sensible, professional hard work? But I must thank you anyway. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have dug out Tony’s talent.” She was in a good mood today and didn’t want to argue with Ellington.
Ellington was now so angry that he wanted to humiliate Natalie, but then he remembered the big company meeting and what he said to Howard about the plan he had in mind for her. He felt his anger dissipate a bit. He said, “Oh, by the way, Natalie, don’t forget the big meeting that’s coming up. You have to attend. Don’t be late.”
Natalie was confused. “What meeting? Why don’t I know about it?”
Ellington said, “It’s the company’s big gathering. All the higher-ups will be there. Don’t miss it.”
Just then, the elevator arrived. Natalie got in, and Ellington walked away. She wondered if Ellington was lying to her. If there was an important company meeting, wouldn’t she have known about it? So she didn’t take the matter to heart.
After getting off the elevator, she and Tony went to the restaurant and ate lunch. As they walked back after their meal, she asked Tony, “Hey, do you know anything about a company meeting in a few days’ time?”
Tony nodded, “Yes, the company has a few big gatherings like this every year, but I don’t usually attend, so I didn’t tell you about it. Corporate nonsense.” He rolled his eyes.
Natalie nodded. She wondered if Ellington’s suppression of Tony meant that Tony thought no one would pay attention to him. She said, “Well, I definitely want you to show your face this time. Not only will you show your face, but you might even become famous. Usually, this kind of meeting attracts a few reporters, so we might be able to generate some public interest.”
Tony said, “Okay, you got it, Natalie.”
They chatted for a while before Natalie suddenly remembered something important. She said, “Damn, it’ll be formal attire for the big meeting, right? I don’t have any formal dresses.” She’d come back from overseas without a formal wardrobe.
Tony said, “What are you gonna do then, Natalie? You can’t go if you don’t have the right clothes.”
Natalie laughed indifferently, “It’s alright. Tomorrow’s the weekend. I’ll go buy something. It’s not a big issue.”
In the afternoon, Tony had meant to continue practicing, but Natalie wanted him to go and be with Gina, so he left the office early. She also left early; she needed to relax a little before the frenzy about the new movie really took off. If not, there was a risk she could burn out.
She went to pick up Liam from school and found that he seemed to be exceptionally happy that day. She guessed that the children in the school had become more friendly towards him after all the recent problems.
Natalie was about to leave with Liam when another parent unexpectedly greeted her, saying, “Hello, Natalie. Are you here to pick up Liam?”
Although she was puzzled, she greeted the woman politely, “Oh, hi. Yes, I’m picking him up.”
The woman said, “The last time I saw you, it was your husband who came to pick you up. He didn’t come this time?” She cocked her head quizzically.