Upon hearing the name, a trace of surprise flashed through Mrs. Harding’s eyes.
Mrs. Harding recognized the name Natalie and remembered that she was the daughter of the White family and Brandon Larson’s wife. The Larson Group had become a prominent company with branches in Seacisco and Barnes, known for Brandon’s deep love for his wife.
Mrs. Harding saw an opportunity to establish a relationship with Natalie, considering the potential business partnership between their families.
“I’ve met Johanna before. She mentioned you to me,” Mrs. Harding said, observing Natalie closely and noticing her resemblance to her mother.
Natalie’s smile widened. “Really?”
Although Natalie hadn’t met Mrs. Harding before, she had heard about her from Garrett. Natalie knew that Mrs. Harding valued nobility and etiquette, but seeing how Mrs. Harding treated Laney, she realized that she might be more approachable than expected.
Eager to strengthen ties with the White family and the Larson Group, Mrs. Harding quickly warmed up to Natalie.
“Since I know Natalie, I won’t bother anyone else. Natalie, could you help me design Laney’s dress? I’ve seen your excellent fashion designs, and your parents must be proud of you.”
Overwhelmed by Mrs. Harding’s praise, Natalie nodded gratefully, lost for words. “Thank you for your trust, Mrs. Harding. I won’t let you down.”
Smiling with joy, Mrs. Harding finished her coffee and said, “Great! We’ve found our designer. Let’s discuss the next steps.” She straightened her dress and looked at Natalie expectantly.
However, their conversation was interrupted by Mrs. Harding’s ringing phone. Apologizing, she answered the call and learned that something required her immediate attention. “What’s wrong? Oh, it’s ready? Okay, I’ll pick it up right away.”
Apologizing once again, Mrs. Harding turned to Laney. “I’m sorry, but I have to run. I’ll leave the rest to Laney.”
Laney assured her, “Don’t worry, Mrs. Harding. I’ll stay in touch with Natalie. She has great ideas.”
With a subtle wink, Laney exchanged knowing glances with Natalie. They understood each other well. As Mrs. Harding left, Dalores, Laney’s mother-in-law, watched helplessly, seething with anger. Mrs. Harding had chosen Natalie personally, leaving Dalores unable to voice her objections. Frustrated, Dalores resolved to get rid of Natalie, glaring at her contemptuously.
Now that Mrs. Harding was gone, Natalie cleared her throat and suggested, “Laney, it’s almost lunchtime. Shall we discuss over lunch?” Laney happily agreed.
The two women headed to a charming restaurant near the studio, accompanied by Natalie’s bodyguard sitting opposite them. While ordering food, Laney glanced at Natalie, who was engrossed in conversation with her female bodyguard.
Laney felt a sense of nostalgia, as if they were back in the good old days when nothing had changed. Though they had only been apart for a short while, it felt like a lifetime to Laney.
Noticing Laney’s melancholy expression, Natalie asked with concern, “What’s wrong, Laney? You seem sad. Are the Hardings giving you a hard time? I’m here for you. You can talk to me.”
Laney shook her head, a wistful smile on her face. “You know, it’s not like that. I was just reminiscing about our carefree days back in Seacisco. Living with the Harding family is different. They’re nobles, so everyone there is very particular about their manners. I understand why, but sometimes it feels like I’m walking on eggshells.”
Natalie could sense her friend’s unhappiness and patted her on the shoulder to offer comfort. “The sooner you accept the reality, the better. You’ve changed so much, Laney. I almost didn’t recognize you earlier,” Natalie remarked, concerned.
After ordering their food, Laney handed the menu to the waiter and sent him away. Turning to Natalie, she expressed her struggles. “It’s tough. I don’t want to disappoint Garrett. He left his job at the Larson Group to work for the Harding family because of me. I want to please his family, but it’s really difficult at times.”
Laney had been finding the etiquette classes over the past few months challenging. With Garrett busy running the family business, he rarely had time to see her. Laney, who loved martial arts and cherished her freedom, felt like her true self was buried since marrying into the Harding family. She questioned if her life still held any meaning and feared being trapped by the family’s rules, feeling suffocated.
Natalie’s heart sank as she witnessed the helplessness in Laney’s eyes. “If you’re truly unhappy, why don’t you talk to Garrett about it?” she suggested, hoping it would bring some relief.
“Garrett is… hot-tempered. If I express my unhappiness, he’ll confront his mother and argue with her,” Laney sighed heavily. “But what’s the point of fighting? In the end, it’s me who will suffer. So, I keep quiet. Besides, the Harding family has accepted me, even if it’s just because I’m pregnant.”
Natalie shook her head, urging Laney to trust Garrett more. “Garrett is more responsible than you think. He wouldn’t want to see you suffer. You should at least have a conversation with him, okay?”
After a long silence, Laney murmured, “I don’t know anymore…”
As their discussion about Laney’s life continued, her mood grew increasingly gloomy. Fortunately, their food arrived, providing a temporary distraction. Natalie noticed that Laney had ordered mostly green vegetables. Surprised by this change, she commented, “Laney, I didn’t know veggies were your favorite food.”
Laney sighed again. “Mrs. Harding says pregnant women should eat healthily for the baby’s sake.”
“Enough of that. You’re pregnant, and you’re in charge here,” Natalie asserted, motioning for the waiter. She proceeded to order all of Laney’s favorite dishes, determined to make her friend feel better.
While chewing on a piece of meat, Natalie observed Laney picking at her food. Concerned, she asked, “Do you want something else? We can order whatever you’d like.” Laney smiled, grateful for Natalie’s thoughtfulness. It was refreshing to have someone care about her as an individual rather than just her pregnancy.
“No, it’s just that I haven’t had much of an appetite lately,” Laney replied, setting down her fork and elegantly wiping her mouth. “Even though these are my favorite foods, I can’t eat much. Natalie, you should eat more. You look thin.”
Just as Laney was about to add more food to Natalie’s plate, Natalie’s phone began to ring. Seeing an unfamiliar number, Natalie’s face turned pale. Sensing something was wrong, Laney frowned and took the phone from her friend, answering it assertively. “Hello, who’s this?”
The female bodyguard also noticed the sudden shift in mood and stood up, alert and ready. The voice on the other end of the line was clear, pretending to be Charis.
“Natalie has done something wrong, and now she won’t even answer her own phone. Hahaha! Tell her that I’ll exact my revenge sooner or later. And you, since you’re pregnant, you should stay away from her if you still care about your child. If you try to help Natalie, both you and your baby will die together.”
Laney sneered, realizing that the woman on the other end was nearby, watching them. Drawing on her past experience as a professional bodyguard, she discreetly signaled the female bodyguard to search the restaurant.
Continuing the conversation on the phone, Laney discreetly scanned the restaurant. “Hey, the game is up. You have one minute to leave, or there will be consequences once I catch you.”
The caller did not hang up, nor did they make a sound.
Soon, Laney spotted a woman in a black trench coat in the corner of the restaurant. Phone in tow, Laney bolted from her seat and chased after her.
The woman in the corner caught a glimpse of Laney rushing towards her and quickly stood up, preparing to flee. But before she could make her escape, Laney reached her and grabbed hold of her coat, attempting to remove her mask. The woman in black clenched her teeth and fought back, surprising Laney with her strength and agility. It was evident that she was a skilled fighter. Although Laney was more proficient in combat, her pregnancy had made her slower and weaker.
As the two engaged in a struggle, Laney was on the verge of gaining the upper hand when suddenly an adjacent dining cart came hurtling towards them. With no other option, Laney leaped backward to avoid the collision. Seizing the opportunity, the woman in black pushed Laney away and swiftly fled from the restaurant.
Natalie, who had been about to follow Laney to assist her, witnessed the woman’s push, causing Laney to fall heavily to the ground. Shocked, Natalie rushed to her friend’s side. Laney curled into a protective ball, clutching her belly, her face drained of color. Once adept at fighting, Laney’s pregnancy had rendered her vulnerable and sluggish.
“Don’t let her escape!” Laney managed to utter through difficulty, pointing in the direction the woman in black had fled. She had come so close to apprehending her! The female bodyguard prepared to pursue the assailant, but Natalie intervened.
“Laney is bleeding! We need to get her to the hospital immediately!” Natalie urgently exclaimed. The bodyguard hesitated momentarily, torn between her duty to protect Natalie and capturing the person who posed a threat.
“Hurry! Her life may be in danger! I can’t carry her alone!” Natalie’s voice grew hoarse as tears welled up in her eyes. She was genuinely concerned for Laney’s well-being. Finally, the bodyguard relented and carried Laney into a waiting taxi, with Natalie quickly joining them. Together, they raced towards the hospital.
