Chapter 9: I’m Not Close to Him

The sound of conversation in the corridor drifted from afar to near.

"We all misunderstood; she isn't a gold-digger, she’s the daughter of the prominent Jiang family."

"Who is that?"

"The big family from the capital years ago. It’s normal if you haven’t heard of them; their whole family moved abroad a long time ago..."

As the voices faded, Xavier let out a low laugh. "Your people are quite dedicated to you."

Natalie could tell—this was information spread by Hunter.

He spent his days mingling with socialites; it was easy for him.

Natalie glared at Xavier and said coldly, "Let go."

"And if I don't?"

The corners of Xavier’s mouth curled up with a hint of playfulness. "I’m warning you, don’t say anything reckless in front of Frost Zhou."

Natalie was stunned. "You brought me in here just to warn me?"

"Otherwise?" Xavier released her and took a step back, his narrow eyes darkening mockingly. "What else did you think I wanted to do to you?"

Natalie suddenly found her spirit. "Exactly! I’m going to report you to Frost Zhou for your messy private life and for bringing women home to stay the night all the time!"

Xavier let out a sharp laugh. "Why does that sound so much like jealousy? It reeks of vinegar."

"Are you this angry just because I won't take you home?"

Natalie: "..."

She laughed out of sheer irritation.

...

After dinner, Mrs. Zhao invited Natalie to play mahjong at the house.

On her way to the restroom, she ran into the eldest Miss Zhou, who was holding Xavier’s arm, looking very intimate.

But wasn't she Julian Lu's cousin's fiancée?

Xavier’s private life was truly a mess.

Natalie felt relieved once again that she was breaking away from him.

Returning to the table, Mrs. Zhao smiled. "Nala, you always bring me luck. Whenever you’re around, my hand is excellent."

Natalie wasn't shy. "Then remember to call me more often to bring you luck, Auntie."

Mrs. Zhao smiled back. "I’ll call you every time we open a table."

Mrs. Xia, another guest, sighed, "How am I supposed to live? I’ve been sitting here for two hours and haven't won a single hand."

Natalie was enjoying herself when Xavier arrived.

Holding a glass of wine, he walked over nonchalantly. The moment their eyes met, Natalie looked down without a word.

Mrs. Zhao asked tonelessly, "Has everyone upstairs left?"

"Dad has a headache today; he took his medicine and went to sleep." Xavier came to Natalie’s side, his tone shifting suddenly. "What a great hand."

Natalie felt like she was sitting on needles. She even stuttered, "It’s... it’s alright."

After a few rounds, Xavier was still there, teasingly saying, "How is it that the moment I arrived, your chips multiplied? It seems I bring you luck. Why don't you let me play a few hands?"

Just as Natalie was thinking of how to refuse, Xavier leaned down, bracing one hand on the back of her chair. The sudden proximity brought a wave of heat over her.

She instinctively furrowed her brows.

Mrs. Xia noticed the tension immediately. "Are you interested in her?"

Upon hearing this, Natalie blurted out, "I’m not close to him."

She certainly wasn't going to give up her seat. She knew that the private relationship between Mrs. Zhao and Xavier was quite poor.

"Not close?" Xavier’s tone was feigned surprise, mocking her internally for being so defensive. He nodded lazily. "Yes, not close at all. We’ve only met a few times."

Mrs. Xia asked suspiciously, "Really not close?"

Chapter 10: Are They Actually Dating?

Xavier chuckled softly. "Mrs. Xia knows she was my sister-in-law. Jokes like that shouldn't be made."

Natalie felt a bitter pang in her heart and took a deep breath.

Mrs. Xia glanced at him. "You didn't know? She isn't Mrs. Lu anymore... By the way, how old are you? You look quite young."

Natalie: "I’m twenty-one."

Mrs. Xia was surprised. "Only twenty-one? That’s very young. Have you graduated university? Where did you study?"

Natalie: "University of Cambridge. I’ve finished my undergraduate degree."

"Cambridge?" Mrs. Xia almost laughed out loud. "Doesn't that make you a schoolmate of the third Zhou sister? Oh, and your Mr. Lu as well."

Mrs. Xia sneered inwardly, thinking this little girl must have come out of some 'socialite training class.' She could lie without even blinking.

"When did you graduate?"

Natalie answered, "Last year."

Graduated at twenty?

Mrs. Xia’s smile widened. "And what was your major at Cambridge?"

Natalie: "Criminal Psychology."

Hearing this, Xavier laughed. "Impressive, little sister. I just wonder if it’s the truth."

Natalie: "..."

Her face darkened.

Mrs. Xia arched an eyebrow; how did this man manage to say her exact thoughts out loud?

While Natalie was mentally drafting an earth-shattering retort, Xavier’s hot, large hand suddenly touched her back. "Are you injured?"

The unexpected touch made her spine stiffen. Sensing his hand sliding down, she reacted reflexively and swung her arm back.

The reaction was so large that everyone at the table looked up.

However, not only was he not swiped away, but he caught her wrist in his hand.

Xavier maintained his reckless demeanor. "Not staying in the hospital to recover—do you want to die?"

Natalie felt their prying eyes and her anger flared. "Let go!"

Xavier said syllable by syllable, "I won't."

In the next second, without any warning, he suddenly picked her up, leaving her no room to refuse.

He left behind a simple, "Excuse us."

Natalie’s eyes widened in horror. Before she could react, struggle, or scream, she was already being carried away.

In a daze, even as they moved further away, she could still hear Mrs. Xia’s gossiping laughter: "Are they actually dating?"

Natalie gripped his collar tightly and hissed, "You jerk, put me down!"

Xavier acted as if he hadn't heard her and strode toward the car.

The car door slammed shut.

The driver started the engine and sped away from the Zhao residence.

In the cramped cabin, Xavier didn't let go. His warm, large hands roamed over her with ease.

"What are you doing!"

Natalie shrunk back like a startled bird, trying to dodge his advances while struggling to break free.

Xavier locked her hands behind her back with one hand, while the other gripped the back of her head.

His strength was immense; she had no chance of resisting.

His deep voice, carrying a hot breath, sounded in her ear: "Isn't this what you wanted? Acting jealous and threatening me... isn't this exactly what you were after?"

Natalie frowned and reminded him, "Mr. Zhao, we have broken up."

Xavier laughed. "Only those who have been together can break up. Were we ever together?"

Natalie’s eyes turned cold. "So, are you trying to pursue me now?"

He let out an immediate laugh.

"Yeah. Will you let me?"

"And if I don't? Does Mr. Zhao plan to force me in the car?"

"Force?" A dangerous curve appeared on Xavier’s lips. "You like it like that?"