Ch. 1031..1040

A Cue for Love Chapter 1031

Just Enjoy Them For Yourself

“What the h*ll is this?” Heidi was in so much pain that her eyes were almost spitting fire.

If Heidi thought that the pain that the lanky guy felt in his hands was happenstance before, how could her own hands be hurting like this right now? This was proof that it was inevitable.

The chained-up woman said nothing, but with a further wriggle from her, the catches to that chain unlocked by themselves.

Without anything left to anchor it, that hefty length of chain suddenly came crashing onto the floor with a dull thud.

Natalie casually rotated her wrists. The bruises she had intentionally left around them for the sake of projecting realism still felt a little tender to the touch. She, however, knew that her discomfort was nothing compared to the harrowing agony that was currently coursing through Heidi’s hands.

“T-This? How?” cried Heidi in abject disbelief.

Heidi was convinced that the drugged-out Natalie, who was also being shackled by such rigid iron chains, would be guaranteed no other fate that night besides being subject to ruination. It never occurred to her that the latter might have any shot at escaping.

It was precisely how that woman had been able to calmly free herself against those odds that shook her to the core.

Lifting a hand to remove the white sash bound over her face, Natalie unveiled a moist pair of eyes that were permeated by a cold sneer. When she regarded the gobsmacked Heidi, her lips unleashed a smile that was as radiant as a lotus in bloom.

“Having already met Ms. Helma, I did not expect to have the good honor of running into the second young lady of the Leitz family today.” Pausing briefly, Natalie then continued, “A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Ms. Heidi. Given the circumstances of our first encounter here, I have to say that you’re quite the adventurous type!”

“The chains around your wrists… How?” Heidi’s brows were tightly wrought. “They’ve already had you restrained in iron, so how could those chains have been broken off so easily?”

“Whatever is tethered can also become undone!” said Natalie, smiling slyly.

“You!”

Seeing her plot fail got Heidi gnashing her teeth.

If Natalie is allowed to escape, not only would Samuel find out about what I’ve done. Even the Leitz family and the entire world beyond would know about it.

Although Geert had doted on her and more or less turned a blind eye to the atrocious lifestyle she led earlier, he might choose not to protect her in order to uphold the reputation of his family in consideration of the near-criminal nature of her actions there.

The thought of that led Heidi to turn coldly to her subordinates beside her. “What are you standing there for? She’s not unconscious, so why are you not trying to seize her? Should she manage to escape today, none of us will be able to get out of this unscathed…”

Heidi’s words brought her subordinates around, and they immediately closed in on Natalie with hostile intent.

“Did you not see for yourselves what happened to the hands of your employer and that man when they merely touched me?” said Natalie with a soft chuckle, curling her lips.

Those words immediately brought about a deterrent effect.

Her subordinates had witnessed the swollen and itchy state Heidi and that man’s hands were in. Having made contact for a longer duration earlier, that man had already passed out on the floor from his ordeal.

Everyone was hoping for the person next to them to initiate the first move, but still, no one actually dared to advance.

Scrutinizing those before her scornfully, Natalie’s gaze was as aloof as the moon. “You really have yourself a pile of garbage in your stable, Ms. Heidi. Never mind the dearth of competency—their lack of courage is absolutely pathetic.”

Even after she had roundly insulted them, those people remained apprehensive about getting closer to her, regardless.

She could not help but shake her head in disappointment.

Rubbish is as rubbish does. Squirming like that even before a fight? Not one bit of manliness to them at all.

What Natalie did not know was that those subordinates had not treated her words as a taunt but saw them as an actual warning. Were they to disregard it, they were seriously afraid that they may end up in a worse off state than the ones who had preceded them.

Heidi was positively livid at her own subordinates.

“What exactly is it that you want?” Heidi glared at Natalie.

Natalie walked up and casually caught Heidi by the throat. “Did you gather these men here to defile me? I heard that they were screened and personally handpicked by you, so it’s a bit of a pity for them to keep me company, wouldn’t it? I’d say, why don’t you just enjoy them for yourself?”

 

A Cue for Love Chapter 1032

Disregarding My Suffering

With Natalie’s fingers constricting around her windpipe, Heidi’s diminutive face turned blue as she found it harder and harder to respirate.

In the corner of her eye, the sight of her impotent subordinates got Heidi incensed. The flames inside her raged furiously, but her hands simply hurt too much, leaving her unable to defend herself.

Just then, Heidi saw the mechanism to the hidden room’s entrance move asudden. Following that, the door steadily opened.

In came a tall, strapping figure with the light casting in from behind him.

When Heidi got a clearer view of that face, her pupils shrunk.

It’s him! Samuel Bowers! He’s the only one who can save me now!

Tears flowed ceaselessly from Heidi’s eyes, and the vicious look that was there before vanished without a trace. At that moment, she had taken to portraying herself as pitiful and vulnerable instead.

“Please, Mr. Bowers… Save me!” a tearful Heidi cried in earnest.

Not expecting for Samuel to intrude upon that moment, Natalie naturally withdrew her right hand from Heidi’s throat when she turned to regard him.

Given the opportunity to catch her breath, Heidi reflexively took in fresh air by the mouthful while she sat slumped on the floor.

“What are you doing here?” asked Natalie with a frown.

“How else would I have been able to see all of this if I didn’t?” Samuel replied, his phoenix eyes basking in a cold glint.

Seeing how frosty Samuel’s demeanor was, Heidi mistakenly believed that he would come to her aid.

That was when an idea struck her.

She staggered over toward Samuel, sobbing, “Thank goodness that you got here in the nick of time, Mr. Bowers!”

Samuel cast a detached look toward Heidi while she continued to whine away, “Have you ever seen the vicious side of this woman? She has poisoned me, strangled me, and even tried to kill me here! Natalie Nichols isn’t the kind-hearted woman that you thought she was at all, and I’d surely be unable to walk out of here alive today had you not arrived here when you did!”

Under the impression that Heidi was only willful and arrogant, Natalie had not known that the latter’s acting chops were also first-rate, being able to conjure up stories on the fly and at will.

Simply diabolical when I was bound by the chains just a moment ago, Heidi now has herself looking like the victim.

Pursing her lips and holding her tongue, Natalie waited to see what other manner of perniciousness that woman would come up with at that point.

Heidi duly obliged by seizing the opportunity to continue to add fuel to the fire. “My neck hurts so much, Mr. Bowers! Could you send me to the hospital right now? When I’m better, I’d let my father know about everything that happened here and tell him that you’re the one who saved me!”

Had none of this involved herself, Natalie would have applauded Heidi’s efforts.

Feigning pitifulness to garner sympathy and then unleashing the honey trap? This woman is really pulling out all the stops!

When Heidi’s subordinates saw how their second young mistress was able to turn the tide, they felt a huge weight being lifted off their shoulders.

“Mr. Bowers…” Heidi looked pleadingly toward Samuel while he made his way steadily toward her and Natalie.

Just as Heidi was half-expecting for Samuel to sweep her up into a princess carry, the man gently held his hands around Natalie’s instead. He breathed lightly against her with eyes full of tenderness. “Does it hurt?”

“Not anymore,” replied Natalie, shaking her head.

“Really?”

Natalie nodded once more. “Yes. Honestly!”

Once satisfied that there was indeed no real damage done to Natalie’s dainty hands, Samuel then let go of them. The tension between his brows also saw a complete reprieve.

Heidi was dumbstruck.

Left ignored at the side and treated as though she was invisible, Heidi’s tears started to well up.

“I’m the one who’s been badly hurt, Samuel Bowers!” said Heidi amidst her accusative tears. “You saw her put her hands on my throat. She even said that she wanted to leave me to be violated by these three filthy men. How could you protect such a wicked woman while disregarding my suffering?”

 

A Cue for Love Chapter 1033

No Right To Compare Yourself To Natalie

Calmly glancing at Natalie, Samuel spoke through his thin lips. “This woman here is my wife, Ms. Leitz. Who are you, and why should your suffering concern me?”

Samuel’s words got Heidi all worked up and made her blood boil.

Raising a denunciatory finger toward Natalie, she stated her case with ferocity. “Is this woman allowed to denigrate others and do as she pleased just because she’s your wife?

The poison in my hands and the marks around my throat are all her doing! As head of the Bowers family, how could you allow her to commit these unspeakable deeds? Do you mean to say that you are willing to abet her unconditionally?”

Heidi felt extremely confident about herself after having said what she did because she did not believe there to be true love within the circle of the rich.

Geert was deemed to be sufficiently devoted to her mother, yet it was not enough to motivate him to come by the border town to seek her mother and herself out before Helma’s mother passed on.

Surely Samuel’s love for Natalie only extends as far as her ability to behave herself as well? Once she crossed the line, Samuel would definitely distance himself from her, just as Father did with Mother.

Surprisingly, Samuel looked Heidi unwaveringly in the eye and enunciated, word for word, “That’s right. I’d be willing to stand by her, no matter what. Even if she wished to torch houses and take lives, I’d always believe that she’d have some overwhelming reasons for doing so. Prior to today, I’ve already had my subordinate convey what I had to say to you in courtesy. Yet, you continue to be persistent. You do not seem to like your own father very much, Ms. Leitz, but what have you got apart from what he has given you? As someone who has nothing, you’ve no right to compare yourself to Nat!”

Natalie gazed toward Samuel’s profile while she stood by his side.

She knew well that with Samuel’s intellect, he was not going to be fooled by Heidi’s lowly tactics, but to really hear him speak that way to another woman with her own ears left her profoundly touched inside.

That came to Heidi as a major blow.

On top of being rejected by a man she adored, she found herself at the receiving end of his barbs. Those words had unquestionably pierced her heart.

“I…” Driven to the brink, Heidi began to shriek hysterically, “I am Heidi Leitz, and my father is a member of the Loang aristocracy. In what way am I not better than her?

Why is it that you don’t like me? Why? I can certainly do much better than she has! She may have Dream, but I could similarly start a company and be my own chairwoman!”

Rescinding his gaze in disdain, Samuel handed her a single-word review. “Crass.”

After he surveyed the expanse of the entire secret room, Samuel’s attention fell upon the trio that Heidi had purposefully brought in.

“They are?”

“These three had been specifically chosen by Heidi herself for me to sleep with,” Natalie replied.

Samuel’s mood immediately darkened, and that already frigid gaze of his instantly dipped another few degrees till it verged on sub-zero. Do these scum think they could lay their grubby paws on my Honey, my heart of hearts?

Natalie, too, was able to feel the aura that emanated from Samuel grow increasingly mortifying.

“We should go, Samuel.”

“Billy,” Samuel hailed.

A man then stepped out from amongst Heidi’s subordinates. That was Billy in disguise.

When Samuel allowed Natalie to enter the secret room herself, he only did so on the condition that Billy went along in accompaniment. It was also because of Billy’s stealthy tampering that such thick chains had not been able to keep Natalie restrained.

“Mr. Bowers,” said Billy when he approached.

“Take care of things here,” said Samuel passively. “Since these three men had all been chosen and brought here for Natalie by Ms. Leitz, don’t let it go to waste.

Stay here and oversee things while Ms. Leitz uses them. If she still isn’t satisfied, find her more of them according to the standards set by these three.”

 

A Cue for Love Chapter 1034

Crossing Samuel Bowers

Billy hesitated briefly before nodding. “Understood, Mr. Bowers.”

Likewise, the apprehensiveness was palpable on Natalie’s face when she regarded the floor bound and trembling Heidi.

When Samuel noticed that Natalie did not seem ready to leave, he clasped her diminutive hands within his own large mitts. “What’s on your mind, Nat?”

Biting down on her lip, Natalie did not know what to say. Heidi had it coming to her and isn’t deserving of my sympathy. And had Samuel not taken precautions, I might have suffered greatly at her hands even if I managed to escape. Though it seems fair for Samuel to give her a taste of her own medicine now, the fact remains that Heidi’s background is exceptional. No matter how deplorable she may be, she is still the daughter that Geert had recently reunited with.

Her mind continued to race.

Previously, when Samuel was not around, Geert could only be upset with her if he wanted someone to be upset with for whatever she did. With Samuel’s intervention, I fear that Geert might now direct his own ire toward him and the Bowers family that is centered around him instead. Seeing how closely the Bowers has been in collaboration with Loang, the Bowers family could face massive losses if the Leitzes wanted to make life difficult for him. There is no need for Samuel to forsake so much goodwill for my sake.

Heidi, who was able to see through Natalie’s reservations, sat up on the floor and started to laugh tauntingly. “If she won’t spell it out, then I will! You’re a smart man yourself, Samuel, and must know the standing us Leitzes already enjoy in Loang. Our position will only grow in significance as soon as my sister becomes wedded to Prince Jonathan, the leader in the race to become the heir apparent to the crown. You should know that no matter what I did before, you’d be tarnishing the reputation of the Leitz family for daring to treat me this way! My father still feels guilt toward my mother, so there’s no way he’d allow you to humiliate me and get away with it!”

Samuel’s grip on Natalie’s hand only grew tighter, and he swiftly turned to regard Heidi with resolve. “So what?”

“You’ve gone mad. Samuel!” Heidi’s face fell when she heard that, and her pitch became oddly pronounced. “All this, for the sake of a woman? Never have women gotten the better of wealth and power from even the most wonderful romances. This has been the case since antiquity. Is it worth destroying your own future for her?”

Scoffing softly, Samuel responded frostily, “That’s because those who gave up their fortunes for love were considered losers and would never have the chance to be written into the history books.

It wouldn’t kill me if I had no money, but it would if I were to lose her. Hurting her is akin to hurting me, and a transgression against her is tantamount to a transgression against me. As such, you’ve already crossed a line that you shouldn’t have, and I’m already showing Geert Leitz tremendous respect by allowing you to live.”

With that, Samuel led Natalie out of the secret room and exited that restaurant without ever looking back.

Many traversed the space inside the restaurant, but none could have imagined the events that had just transpired behind it.

In spite of the bustle of voices around her, Natalie felt the world to be strangely tranquil.

All she could feel was the warmth emanating from within Samuel’s palm and also the muffled gruffness of his breath.

Outside the restaurant, Samuel led Natalie back to the car, then away and homeward.

While that was happening, Bastien, who had just finished his meal, spotted Natalie walking out of the restaurant holding hands with a man.

Isn’t that her? That woman who I met once in Chanaea?

Throwing down the napkin he had just used to wipe his mouth with, Bastien got up with the intention of going out in pursuit.

Joseph could not help but ask when he saw his employer’s eagerness to leave, “Mr. Nine, where are you—”

“I saw that woman!” Bastien’s eyes had suddenly come alive, burning with enthusiasm inside. “Never expected that she had left Chanaea and come to Loang.”

Joseph had always known that Prince Jonathan had given his heart away in Chanaea.

Back then, Bastien only did a low-key search for that woman, but without success. He was concerned that expanding his search might draw the attention of Prince Hanson, who would use her to threaten him. Seeing how that could be detrimental to her safety, he decided to abandon his endeavor.

Never in his wildest dream had he expected that the one he had sought would come to Loang of her own volition and even visit the capital Yaleview.

 

A Cue for Love Chapter 1035

Shakily Kissing Him

Bastien excitedly muttered, “Everything’s really fated!”

Then, as Bastien stared at the figure, an urge to run after the figure appeared in his head.

However, by the time he actually went after the figure, Natalie was already nowhere to be found in front of the restaurant.

Not wanting to give up, Bastien searched his surroundings, but his efforts were for naught.

Joseph, who had been following Bastien the entire time, said, “Mr. Nine, it’s likely that the woman has left the restaurant. I don’t think you’ll be able to find her anymore.”

Bastien inclined his head. “We have to keep looking for her.”

“I understand, Mr. Nine,” Joseph replied. “If she’s at Yaleview, then she’s within our search scope. It’ll be much easier to look for her here than in Chanaea.”

The night wind billowed the stray hair by Bastien’s forehead, but even those messy strands of hair could not hide the tenderness in his eyes.

“Remember not to startle her when you’re looking for her, Joseph. This is the crucial point of the competition, and we can’t afford to encounter any trouble nor bring any trouble to her.”

Joseph knew how important the woman was to Bastien, so he nodded solemnly.

“Understood.”

Meanwhile, on the other side, the Hummer sped all the way home.

However, both Natalie and Samuel were in no rush to get down from the car as they remained seated silently inside.

Natalie turned around to look at Samuel. “Samuel, don’t you think that you were a little childish just now? I’m not a businesswoman, and if I were to cross the Leitz family, at most, I’d lose the business with Helma.”

Natalie could afford to lose that deal. With how famous Muse was, she could sell it to another socialite.

However, Bowers Corporation was unlike Dream Corporation. Losing ten billion by doing that was already the least severe consequence. Chances were that he was going to lose an unimaginable amount of money.

That was why Natalie refused to let Samuel make arrangements for her; that was why she pretended to have fallen for the trap before confronting Heidi head-on.

Unexpectedly, Samuel appeared and tormented Heidi. Natalie was afraid that Heidi would begin despising him as well.

However, Samuel only flashed her a casual smile. “So be it.”

With that said, he suddenly turned solemn. “I don’t want to repeat my earlier words. However, I won’t let anyone or anything hurt you, even if it means that I’ll lose everything.”

This man… is unbelievably determined. He just lost a big deal. He didn’t even hesitate at all.

Tears welled up in Natalie’s eyes as she continued thinking, Right. How can he possibly hesitate? He ended up getting poisoned because he met me. He really left no room to hesitate for himself.

Natalie was moved, but that sense of warmth was too torturing for her.

As she held Samuel’s hand, and as her eyes reddened, she said, “I really wish you could love me lesser now.”

Right as she said those words, Samuel swiftly held her hand. “Impossible. I knew that you were a trap, but I still ran straight to you. This is fate, and there’s no sense in this.”

“But you…”

You don’t have more time anymore. As time passes by, you’ll lose your five senses. In the end, you’ll leave me.

Of course, those words were something Natalie did not say out loud.

“Nat, if death is the destination everyone has to walk to,” Samuel started earnestly. “Then I have to have you in my life.”

He certainly was ensuring that she would have a good life under his care.

A fresh swell of love and heartache surged in Natalie’s heart as more tears sprang to her eyes. Finally, her tears fell, and she shakily let her lips meet with Samuel’s.

 

A Cue for Love Chapter 1036

The Call That Was Never Made One night later.

Heidi’s hair was a mess, and she was covered with bruises.

What happened the night before was like a nightmare to Heidi. In her nightmare, the beast kept torturing her. No matter how desperate her cries for help were, she could never wake up from the nightmare.

Everything was meant for Natalie, but in the end, it happened to her instead.

Heidi cried until her eyes were dry and no tears could come out anymore. Then, she had no choice but to pull the clothes by the side closer to cover the marks on her body.

Billy only coldly looked at Heidi. There was no trace of pity in his eyes, for he felt that she had brought it upon herself.

Nevertheless, Billy still called for a doctor for Heidi.

After Heidi glanced at the doctor the man had summoned, she turned to shoot a vicious glare at Billy. “There’s nothing in you but sham compassion.”

Billy uttered, “Mr. Bowers has told me to spare your life, so naturally, I won’t let you die so easily.”

Heidi tightened her grip on her clothes, and the hatred in her eyes turned more intense.

Billy then asked the doctor to do a private checkup for Heidi. Once he completed the task Samuel assigned to him, he turned and left the room.

Heidi did not physically hurt as much after the doctor’s administration, but she still could not recover from the pain in her heart.

Once the doctor was gone, Heidi turned into a lifeless person. Her pretty eyes were now hollow.

“Samuel Bowers, Natalie Nichols, what happened to me is all because of you. As long as I’m alive, I’ll never forgive you!”

With that thought in mind, Heidi reached out for her phone, about to call Geert.

However, just as she dialed the number and made the call, Heidi hesitated.

It was true that her father felt guilty toward her, and it was true that her father adored her. However, she had ended up in this way because her plan to set Natalie up backfired. Heidi did not know if it was likelier for him to feel bad for her or to see her as a disgrace.

That was something Heidi truly was uncertain about.

Hence, she hesitated again and again.

In the end, she did not make the call.

It was just like what Samuel had said—she was nothing but the second daughter of the Leitz family.

If she wanted to take revenge on Samuel and Natalie, then she would have to maintain her status as the second daughter of the Leitz family. She would have to make sure that she still had her father’s approval and support. Otherwise, the revenge she wanted to have would be up to fate.

Heidi’s hand fell back to her side, but her eyes reddened even more.

“As long as I’m still Ms. Heidi of the Leitz family, I have not lost.”

Two days after, the thing that Natalie was worried about still did not happen.

She felt strange. Not only was there no news from the Leitz family, but her collaboration with Helma still continued.

The matter that occurred that night had indeed happened, but at the same time, it was as if nothing had happened.

Upon noticing Natalie’s worries, Samuel said, “Are you still feeling worried?”

“Yes.” Natalie nodded, not hiding anything from Samuel. “Heidi is too quiet. If not for Billy returning to us and informing us that he had summoned a doctor to make sure she was still alive, I would’ve thought that she was dead.”

Samuel sipped on the tea before replying, “It’s good that there is no news.”

“What?” Natalie did not quite understand what Samuel meant.

Heidi had dared to set her up in that way because she was a daughter of the Leitz family. There was no way Heidi would quietly accept the fact that she was forced to have a taste of her own medicine.

“Heidi will be digging her own grave if she tells Geert about this,” Samuel told her. “Even she herself has said that, to men of the upper-class society, women are always just a beneficial accessory. Perhaps Geert will really hate the Bowers family, but if you feel bad about my loss, will Geert not feel bad about his? At the end of the day, she’s just his illegitimate daughter. No matter how much he adores her, is she anything in the face of money?”

 

A Cue for Love Chapter 1037

Clarification

Natalie did not dwell upon the matter as deeply as Samuel did.

The latter then put down his teacup and continued, “If Heidi’s a smart woman, she’ll refrain from telling Geert about it. First of all, it’s a humiliating matter for her. Secondly, she isn’t sure if Geert will choose her over the riches the Leitz family will get.”

“I see,” Natalie muttered. “So you’ve already thought about all of these before making your move.”

Natalie then turned to stare at Samuel in a daze.

It seemed like she had started forgetting about how Samuel was a merciless man ever since she got together with him.

By confronting Samuel, Heidi, with the kind of status she had, was digging her own grave.

Natalie wistfully commented, “It’s terrifying to become enemies with you.”

Samuel raised his hand to lovingly pinch her cheek before smiling. “You and I will never be enemies, so there’s nothing for you to worry about. On the other hand, maybe you’d like to be concerned for your bullies instead.”

Natalie nodded. She then grabbed his hand and gravely said, “Samuel, I’m looking forward to being in your protection for the rest of my life.”

At that, Samuel froze, and the smile on his face turned a little bitter.

However, that was a promise he had made to her, so he had no excuse to hide from her or back down.

“Nat, I won’t break the promise I’ve made to you,” Samuel said to her. “I will do my best to stay by your side.”

What Natalie wanted was Samuel’s will to live. When she saw the determined look in his eyes, she smiled.

“Okay.”

Natalie and Samuel were drinking tea when Emma walked in.

“Ms. Nichols, Mr. Bowers, we have a guest,” Emma said, but her eyes were mostly fixed on Samuel to watch his expression.

“Who is it?”

“It’s Mr. Sutton,” Emma replied honestly.

“I’m here, so let him in,” Natalie said to Emma without hesitation.

“Okay.”

Samuel already knew about Jerome a long time ago.

He would never like Jerome, but he would also not stop Natalie from interacting with Jerome because of his possessiveness.

After all, Samuel was different from Amos and Christopher. He knew that Jerome was a part of Natalie’s past.

Perhaps Jerome did not see Natalie as just a friend, but Natalie truly thought of him as one.

Thus, Samuel calmly turned to Natalie and asked, “Do you need me to give you some space?”

“It’s fine.” Natalie shook her head. “There’s nothing I feel for him, so there’s no need for me to keep things secretive. Moreover, I’d like to introduce you to him.”

Samuel knew that Natalie had already made up her mind, so he did not say anything else.

Jerome slowly walked in as Emma guided him in.

Natalie felt Jerome seemed to have lost even more weight than the last time she saw him. Furthermore, he looked more haggard and weary.

“Jerome,” Natalie softly called out.

Jerome’s gaze flitted between Natalie and Samuel before he barked out a self-deprecating chuckle. “The two of you… are really staying together.”

Natalie was upset to hear that, but there were some things she had to clarify with Jerome. If she dragged it on, she would only be hurting Samuel and Jerome even more.

“Listen to me, Jerome,” Natalie started solemnly. “You and I thought that the man who fled six years ago was Marcus, but the truth is… he wasn’t Marcus. He was Samuel.”

 

A Cue for Love Chapter 1038

Clearing Things Up

Hearing that, Jerome tightened his fists and squeezed out, “Did you choose this man just because… he’s Xavian and Clayton’s father? Do you wish to give them a complete family?”

Jerome knew well what the children meant to Natalie.

That was why he was still hoping that he would be able to get a chance to be with her.

Eyes shining with hope, Jerome asked, “Am I right?”

“No,” came Natalie’s firm answer.

She then looked into Jerome’s eyes and said, “Jerome, when I fell in love with Samuel, I didn’t know he was Xavian and Clayton’s father.”

Natalie knew that her words would crush Jerome’s hope, but those words were necessary, and she had to make things clear to him.

“My love for him has nothing to do with the fact that he is the father of Xavian and Clayton. Even if he isn’t their father, I still think that he is the one for me. My words will never change no matter how many times I say this. Jerome, I just think of you as my brother. We are not blood-related, but we will always be family—never lovers.”

Natalie was straightforward and left no room for him to argue.

The hope in his eyes slowly faded away until his eyes were dull. The fists he tightened earlier relaxed.

“Am I… just a brother to you?” Jerome muttered.

“Yes,” Natalie said without hesitation. “ I will help you if you need help. You and your family have been kind to me, but this is only familial love. There is no romantic love involved.”

Every word that Natalie said could be heard clearly by him.

However, perhaps she had been too clear, for Jerome could not even try to decipher her words in a different way.

By then, the light in Jerome’s eyes had completely faded away. His voice was hoarse as he said, “Nat, but I… I don’t want to just be your brother.”

The atmosphere was tense as the air grew thick. It was as if the trio was on a killing ground.

Natalie felt bad, but that was the only thing she could do.

Any trace of her hesitation to hurt him more might be interpreted as hesitation about her lack of romantic love toward Jerome. That would be disastrous.

As Natalie watched him, Jerome slowly said, “ I wish you the best with him…” With that said, he strode off, unable to stop the sense of disappointment from overwhelming him.

Emma, who was watching from the side, sighed.

Both Jerome and Samuel were good men. It was tough for her to say who was better. However, there was only one Natalie, and she could not possibly be split in half. Therefore, there was no way for this to end well, for the one who was not picked by Natalie would be doomed to feel upset.

Natalie’s heart ached as she watched Jerome leave in sorrow, and her eyes welled up with tears.

Samuel turned and glanced at her. “You must be feeling bad, right?”

“Yes,” Natalie nodded. “I made my brother sad. It’s natural for me to feel upset about it.”

Samuel then pursed his lips and pulled Natalie into his arms, allowing her to bury her face in his chest.

“I’m sorry,” he said.

“Samuel, why are you saying sorry?” Natalie asked softly. “This is between Jerome and me, and there’s nothing you can do about it. I just hope that Jerome will think things through and realize that those vague feelings he has for me are not love. I’ll respect his final decision, but I still hope that he’ll stay as someone like a little brother to me.”

Samuel hugged Natalie tighter.

He knew how excellent Jerome was, and he knew what the children thought of Jerome.

Honestly, other than my unending love for her, I’m sure that it’s luck that allowed me to become the one for her. How lucky am I? No matter how long more I have left, I’ll give my best to her.

 

A Cue for Love Chapter 1039

Apologize To You

Although everything seemed to be going smoothly, there were lurking dangers.

Natalie had to work during the day and studied ways to get rid of the poison in Samuel’s body at night. After a few days, Natalie looked even skinnier than before.

Although Samuel felt heartbroken, she was stubborn and wouldn’t change her mind. As such, he could only stay by her side and tried his best to prepare nutritious delicacies to nourish her body.

In the living room of the Leitz residence, Helma discussed her makeup for the upcoming banquet with her makeup artist.

At that moment, Heidi happened to arrive home.

It was her first time coming home after going out for many days.

Helma shot her a cold glance and asked, “You didn’t come home these few days. Where did you go? You didn’t bring shame to the Leitz family, did you?”

“Do you have to ask these questions? I mean, even Dad didn’t ask me. I’ll make arrangements for myself if I don’t come home.”

As Heidi spoke, she came closer and stopped beside Helma.

Somehow, Helma felt the conceited Heidi had begun to keep a low profile and stop being as arrogant.

With a wary look, she pursed her lips and looked at Heidi’s reflection in the mirror.

After all, they pretended to get along well but never trusted each other since day one.

Surprisingly, Heidi wasn’t as snarky as before. She gently wiped the creases on Helma’s shoulder and turned her gaze toward the makeup artist. “Are you going to put on makeup for Helma? You know very well what kind of banquet she is attending. Therefore, please make sure she will steal the show.”

The makeup artist nodded and replied, “Understood.”

Helma frowned and looked at Heidi in bewilderment. “Heidi, you…”

Heidi pressed her shoulders and flashed her a smile. “Helma, even though you and I don’t share the same mom, we are still from the Leitz family. As such, we share the glory and the humiliation. I surely hope Prince Jonathan will choose you as his wife. If that happens, the Leitz family and I will have a better future.”

“Is that so?” Helma asked tentatively.

Heidi pledged her loyalty. “Helma, you’re the family’s legitimate child, yet I’m not. Our statuses in the family are decided since we were born. Hence, there is no need for us to fight for anything. I sincerely hope that you can become the prince’s wife. When that happens, I might benefit from it and have a better future.”

Since Heidi sounded submissive, Helma was delighted and flashed her a smile.

“Heidi, I’m glad that you think that way.”

Heidi responded, “Helma, I’m sorry for causing trouble to you. I was immature back then.”

During the days of recuperation, Heidi had thought about it thoroughly. She knew that her attitude would only push the Leitz family away from her.

Now, she had to depend on Helma and Geert to grow stronger. By then, she would be in the position to retrieve everything that Natalie owed her.

Natalie! Just wait!

Miles away, two persons visited Natalie and Samuel—their master Malcolm and Luna, who had just returned from her mission to look for Jorden.

Luna had no idea how she ought to face Natalie when they met.

“Mrs. Nichols, I…” She wanted to kneel before Natalie upon seeing her.

Natalie quickly helped Luna up and said, “Luna, it’s been a long time since we last met. Why are you doing this?”

Luna shook her head and said in frustration, “Mr. Samuel kept the secret from you for a reason. However, I was an accomplice in lying to you with him. Hence, I have to apologize to you.”

 

A Cue for Love Chapter 1040

Come Back With Good News

Natalie glanced at the man beside her and comforted Luna, “Don’t mention it. I can’t blame you for it. The man beside me should take full responsibility. He needed your help to put on the show because he wanted to shoulder all his burdens.”

Samuel put on a faint smile and accepted it without protest. “Luna, Nat is right. Everything happened because of me.”

The next moment, Malcolm cleared his throat and chimed in, “It’s fine as long as you know your mistake! How could you keep it from Natalie and me? I would’ve been kept in the dark forever if she didn’t send me a letter. I wouldn’t know anything even after my disciple passes away!”

The air in the living room got tenser once Malcolm finished the last sentence.

The clock was ticking. Samuel could only live for a few months if the poison remained in his body.

As everyone’s expression turned grim, Malcolm regretted saying those words.Playvolume

At the same time, the smile on Natalie’s face faded away.

Luna held Natalie’s hand gently and said, “Mrs. Bowers, I went to find Mr. Yablon and have come back with good news. He might have a way to treat Mr. Bowers.”

“Is that true?” As Natalie gazed at Luna, the glint in her eyes had seemingly rekindled.

“I can’t be entirely sure about it now. After all, Mr. Yablon only made his inference based on my description of Mr. Bowers’ condition. He has to check up on Mr. Bowers in person to ascertain the suitable treatment method.” Luna informed Natalie about everything she knew.

Jorden was a peculiar doctor, so much so that one would find Malcolm easy to deal with in comparison.

Nevertheless, contemporary doctors were hardly on par with Jorden’s skills in expelling poisons.

Undoubtedly, it was good news that Luna had successfully persuaded Jorden to treat Samuel.

“That’s great!” Natalie’s lips instinctively curled into a smile once she heard it.

Luna added, “However, it is difficult for Mr. Yablon to leave his village because he is already up in his years. Hence, I suggest bringing Mr. Bowers to his place tomorrow. The sooner, the better.”

Just as Natalie wanted to say she would follow them, she recalled she had to be at the helm of Dream at this juncture. In particular, the company had just completed Helma’s jewelry design, and the handmade jewelry would be produced soon. As the company’s CEO, she had to make sure there were no mistakes.

Natalie frowned deeply, for she was in a dilemma.

After a while, Samuel glanced at Natalie and said calmly, “Luna, I’ll go with you tomorrow. Nat will stay in Loang.”

Natalie was stunned for a while but soon made up her mind. “I’ll go with you.”

Samuel shook his head and argued, “Not necessary. I’m going there for my treatment. There’s nothing you can do even if you come along with us.”

“But I—”

Knowing that Natalie and Samuel were about to argue, Malcolm touched his beard and said, “Natalie, Samuel, I’ll go with Luna to look for Jorden. You have to decide if Samuel alone or both of you are coming with us. Luna and I won’t interfere with your decision.”

Luna nodded in agreement. “Mm.”

Then, they left the living room to give Natalie and Samuel space.

The next moment, Natalie stopped pretending to be calm and spoke her mind. “Samuel, I want to go with you.”

“What are we going to do if something happens to Dream, yet you’re not around?” Samuel narrowed his eyes as he continued, “Dream’s foundation is not stable enough. Even though you have a right-hand man like Yandel, he might be unable to handle some emergencies by himself! Moreover, what happened to Yvette in the past is a lesson we must remember!”