Chapter 3: How Do You Know There’s No Chance, Sister-in-Law?

Claire looked over in surprise. "Xavier, you’re here too."

"Auntie, I arrived early and felt a bit tired, so I went upstairs to the guest room for a nap."

...A nap?

The servants nearby kept their heads down, eyes fixed on their feet. Just over an hour ago, Xavier had instructed them to report to him immediately if anyone arrived.

Combined with the fact that he had been picking Natalie up almost every day recently, it wasn't hard to guess what had just happened based on their demeanor and expressions.

Natalie, however, maintained a composed face.

The man in front of her was scrutinizing her intently.

Natalie kept her eyes on Xavier, offering a faint smile and adopting the warm hospitality of a hostess. "Dinner is ready. Why don’t you stay and have a bite, Xavier?"

She mimicked Julian’s way of addressing him, even though, in reality, she was six years younger than Xavier.

The color in Xavier’s eyes darkened as he recalled how the girl had been submissive beneath him just moments ago, calling him "Xav" in that sweet, obedient voice.

And now, here she was, playing the dutiful little wife for someone else.

He narrowed his eyes slightly, looking somewhat dangerous, yet the corner of his mouth hooked into a teasing smirk. "I have a good appetite and I’m not picky. I’ll be in your care then, Nala."

Under the weight of that gaze, the tips of Natalie’s ears turned hot for no reason. The way he said "Nala" was completely unreserved, lingering with a sultry, silken quality.

It caused Julian’s brow to twitch in a frown.

Natalie didn't notice; her entire focus was anchored on that man.

Claire said with a smile, "We can talk more after we eat. Julian just got back, so there’s plenty of time."

As Xavier passed by Natalie, the hand carrying his coat dropped down. Almost imperceptibly, his fingertips brushed slowly across her hip.

Natalie’s body reacted honestly; she shuddered, her pupils widening like a startled bird.

Claire asked with concern, "Nala, is something wrong?"

"It’s nothing."

Natalie caught the wicked, predatory glint in Xavier’s eyes again, and a layer of cold sweat quietly formed on her palms.

He was far more reckless than she was. All his feigned restraint over the past few days—acting as if he were the one being taken advantage of—had been nothing more than playing hard to get.

Claire seemed to notice nothing. "I thought you were feeling unwell. Don't just stand there, sit down."

Only then did Natalie look at Julian. His face was cold.

He might have seen Xavier’s flirtatious move just now.

Natalie thought to herself:

Wasn't he the one who brought this man in to seduce me? Who is he trying to intimidate with that freezing face?

Vile capitalist!

Indeed, a man as confident as Julian probably never imagined they would actually dare to go this far.

Had it been anyone else, Natalie truly wouldn't have made such a mistake.

Xavier sat down across from Natalie. Before even picking up his chopsticks, he praised, "Cousin, your chef is excellent."

With his eyes fixed on Natalie, the comment carried a double meaning.

Claire said politely, "If it suits your taste, you should visit more often."

Xavier countered, "Sister-in-law, can I come over often in the future?"

Claire seemed to sense something then and looked toward Natalie.

Natalie was clever and well-behaved, which was the only thing the Lu family found satisfactory about her. At the very least, she wouldn't cause a public scandal.

But Xavier had been rebellious and calculating since childhood; there was no telling if he was nursing some crooked intentions.

Natalie was only stunned for a moment before she flashed a bright smile. "Of course. However, after a few more visits, you might find it dull. By then, even if we want to invite you for dinner, I’m afraid we won’t have the chance."

The shallow smile in Xavier’s eyes began to ripple outward. "How do you know there’s no chance, Sister-in-law?"

Natalie kept smiling.

Xavier continued, "Dull? Not necessarily. With you here, Sister-in-law, I think I’ll only find it hard to leave."

His voice trailed upward at the end, thick with blatant flirtation.

Natalie remained outwardly calm.

"Since you find it so intoxicating, I might as well lend you the chef for a while."

Julian’s sudden intervention made the already delicate atmosphere even more awkward.

Lend?

What did that mean?

Natalie quietly clenched her fingertips, her gaze turning cold.

Xavier watched her with a lazy expression before picking up the conversation. "Just joking. How would I dare covet what belongs to my cousin?"

When Natalie met his eyes, her expression changed instantly.

Chapter 4: Why Don't I Believe That?

"Nala," Julian suddenly called her name softly.

"...Ye—yes?"

When she got nervous, she started to stutter.

This youthful reaction brought a broad, amused smile to Xavier’s face.

Julian said gently, "Drink some soup before you eat."

"Oh, alright." Natalie obediently picked up her bowl and drank without making a sound.

As soon as she set the bowl down, Julian used his handkerchief to carefully wipe the corner of her mouth. His tone was a mix of reproach and doting affection. "Was the office busy today?"

"Quite busy... I suddenly remembered something. You guys eat first."

Natalie subtly dodged his touch and quickly fled the scene.

To her surprise, Xavier followed her.

Hearing the study door click shut, Natalie spun around. "This is his study, and they are right downstairs!"

"Is there a need to be so guilty?"

Xavier scanned her panicked face with a half-smile, saying leisurely, "Sister-in-law looks even more beautiful when she’s being poised and generous like she was just now."

Seeing her silence, he seemed to restrain himself slightly. "Does it bother you that people might find out about our affair?"

Natalie said seriously, "I don't consider this an affair. You know Julian and I have no real marriage."

Xavier remained indifferent. "And? What are you trying to tell me, Sister-in-law?"

His calm expression suggested he had no interest in why she and Julian lacked a real marriage.

Natalie asked tentatively, "Did you know me before?"

"Before?" Xavier approached, stopping less than two paces away. His tall frame loomed over her, trapping her. "How long ago?"

It had been nearly half a month since they reunited, and Natalie hadn't heard him mention that they had once met or shared a life-and-death experience.

Bound by her brother’s warning, she didn't dare bring it up herself.

She was studying him.

Xavier was doing the same. Suddenly, he let out a low chuckle. "I don't understand what you mean..."

He leaned down toward her ear. "Unless, Sister-in-law belongs to me."

Natalie’s eyelashes trembled uncontrollably. She took a deep breath and said, "I’ve prepared the divorce papers. I’m asking him for a divorce today."

Xavier’s voice in her ear remained playful. "Really? Don't play with me, or I’ll ignore you."

"Yes. As for my business, I’ll have a proper talk with him..."

Before Natalie could finish, she felt herself enveloped by a surge of heat, and her body shuddered.

She realized that Xavier was truly reckless.

At that moment, a servant’s voice sounded inappropriately from outside the door.

"Is the young mistress having stomach trouble again?"

"I’ve brought some medicine and warm water. Mistress, please open the door."

The study door had been locked at some point.

Julian must have sent them up.

The servant tried to open the door but failed.

Xavier grabbed Natalie’s restless hands, pinning them behind her back against the wall. He teased her with a wicked smirk near her ear. "Isn't this thrilling?"

Natalie wanted to say it was indeed thrilling, but her brows were knit tight, fearing she might lose control and make a sound.

"Your Mr. Lu might be right outside, along with my aunt. Should we let them see what you look like right now?"

What she looked like now?

Her white dress had been pushed up to her waist. She could never let them see such a scandalous scene!

Natalie’s head was thundering, and she felt a flash of humiliated anger. "Did you do this on purpose?"

Xavier’s breath fanned against her ear. "I’m simply overcome by my feelings for you; it’s not exactly 'on purpose.' I’ve wanted to do this since we were downstairs."

"I’ve been very restrained, baby."

That deep voice exploded in her ear, while her soft body was pressed against the man’s hard chest.

Natalie hurriedly pushed against him. "Wait until I’m divorced, then we can be together."

Xavier laughed. "Will you really divorce him for me? Why don't I believe that?"

Natalie replied, "I will."

Xavier stared into her watery eyes and gave a playful smile. "You trust me that much?"