Ch. 1061..1070
Chapter 1061 Most Valued Guest
Sebastian Zeller frowned in confusion when he heard that. Award ceremony? Prince Jonathan didn’t tell me anything about Ms. Nichols receiving an award, though. He only asked me to offer her the best hospitality possible…
“Ms. Nichols, you’re a valued guest Prince Jonathan invited. There are no special rules that you need to follow. No one will be able to harm you in any way as long as you don’t disrespect him,” Sebastian replied with a smile.
Natalie nodded in response. Sebastian then stepped out of the lounge, leaving Natalie inside all by herself. This whole journey seems kind of different from what I expected. I feel there’s some kind of conspiracy or something behind all this, but I can’t quite put my finger on it. Oh, well… I suppose I can only go with the flow and see what happens…
Meanwhile, in the largest lounge within the palace, Bastien bowed at Frieda Rory and addressed her respectfully, “Mother.”
“Bastien, you will be turning twenty-eight today. It’s about time you get married and have kids. That way, your father will prioritize you and entrust you with more important responsibilities,” Frieda said with a relieved smile when she saw how handsome and elegant her son looked.
Bastien nodded. “I understand, Mother.” Frieda let out a chuckle. “Very well, then. Come on, let’s go greet our guests at the entrance.”
Although she didn’t have many children like the king’s other wives, her son excelled in every aspect and had great potential in competing for the throne.
“Yes, Mother.” Following proper etiquette and customs, Bastien walked behind Frieda as the two made their way to the entrance of the banquet hall. Geert arrived at the palace with Helma and Heidi shortly after.
Geert and Frieda had long since agreed to have Helma marry Bastien. Frieda was especially happy that Helma had royal blood running through her veins.
On top of that, Helma also came from a wealthy family, spoke many languages, and was familiar with the customs of the royal family. She believed Helma would make a great wife for her son as she could help him with everything and uphold the royal family’s image if the two visited other countries.
Geert and his two daughters bowed respectfully to Frieda and Bastien upon meeting them.
As Bastien’s gaze fell upon the two sisters, he realized it was his first time meeting Heidi since she had only joined the family not long ago.
Because Helma had been attending lots of royal banquets with Geert since she was little, Bastien knew her all too well.
There wasn’t a single trace of emotion in Bastien’s eyes when he looked at Helma.
Helma, on the other hand, was staring at Bastien with an incredibly affectionate look in her eyes.
Frieda waved at Helma and motioned at her to come closer.
Helma walked up to her and addressed her sweetly, “Greetings, Lady Frieda.”
Frieda held Helma’s hands as she said with a smile, “You’ll be changing that form of address soon, Helma.”
Helma had a shy look on her face when she heard that.
Geert was grinning from ear to ear as he stood behind them.
Bastien simply looked straight ahead and ignored his mother’s statement completely.
Heidi couldn’t help but feel jealous and indignant as she watched from the side. Mother has sacrificed so much for Father’s sake, but it was all in vain. Lady Frieda and Prince Jonathan have never paid any attention to me whatsoever.
With the greetings out of the way, Geert and his daughters made their way into the banquet hall.
Frieda shot Bastien a glare and asked in displeasure, “Bastien, Helma will be your fiancée after tonight. Why are you still being so cold to her?”
Bastien turned to look at her as he replied calmly, “I won’t treat my fiancée coldly, but Helma isn’t my fiancée just yet. Please stop asking me to treat her like one, Mother.”
Frieda stared at her son from the side. She felt there was something off about his words but couldn’t quite put her finger on it.
“Your father will be attending your birthday party with two of his wives tonight. Remember to invite Helma to the opening dance later. Your father will take care of your engagement when the time comes.”
Chapter 1062 Destined To Be His Fiancee As it was Heidi’s first time attending a royal banquet, she was shocked by the grand and luxurious decor in the hall.
She got so distracted that she didn’t hear Geert and Helma whispering behind her.
“Father, why is Prince Jonathan being so cold to me? Do you think something’s going to happen during the engagement today?” Helma asked worriedly.
“Of course not! Bastien is a prince, so he can’t be flirting with you on such a formal occasion! He’s not being cold, Helma. He’s being formal and dignified,” Geert replied sternly.
Helma bit her lip. “But—”
“That’s enough, Helma. Lady Frieda has made her intentions very clear with her words and attitude toward you, so you have nothing to worry about!” Geert cut her off impatiently.
I feel Bastien is just being gentle toward me. I don’t think he has any feelings for me, but Father said Lady Frieda likes me, so I guess I should stop worrying about it. Maybe I am really just overthinking it. Regardless, I’m destined to become Bastien’s fiancée after tonight!
Helma was snapped out of her train of thought when Geert patted her on the shoulder. “Stop worrying about it, Helma. There will be countless eyes on you tonight, so you need to stay focused. Don’t screw this up, or you’ll ruin the reputation of both your mother and the Leitz family. Is that understood?”
Helma nodded solemnly. “I understand, Father. I won’t dishonor our family name.”
Having gotten an eyeful of the luxurious decor, Heidi turned around and broke into a wry smile when she saw the two of them whispering among themselves.
Heh… Father always places Helma’s and the Leitz family’s interests above everything else. Because of that, Mother and I have always had to make compromises. I wouldn’t even be putting up an act here with them if I didn’t need their power to get my revenge on Natalie!
Moments later, the king of Loang made a grand appearance in the banquet hall with lots of servants escorting him.
The guests all bowed respectfully to him as he made his way toward the throne.
Frieda, and his other two wives, Shirley Clarke and Cynthia Holton, were all seated beside him.
Although the king of Loang no longer had a huge harem like his predecessors, he was still allowed to have multiple wives. Each of his wives was equal in status and only differed in age.
Mikhail Scholl had four wives, but the first one had died from an illness, so only three remained.
His four wives had given birth to ten children, four of which were male and six of which were female. Therefore, the royal family had four princes and six princesses.
The guests waited until the king was seated before standing up straight.
Bastien walked up to Mikhail and said with a bow, “Greetings, Father.”
“There are plenty of decent, unmarried girls at the party tonight. Did you find any of them to your liking?” Mikhail asked with a smile.
“Yes, Father.”
“You’re the only one among your siblings who is not married yet. Tonight, I shall help you out with that. Your mother has been pestering me about getting you a wife, so I figured I’d take care of it on your birthday.”
“Thank you, Father,” Bastien replied while clenching his fists tightly. He had long since made up his mind on the matter.
Natalie felt an inexplicable sense of helplessness when she was brought to the banquet hall.
The royal family was so secretive that even someone of Jerome’s rank wasn’t entitled to an event like this.
It’s as if I’m being locked in a huge, luxurious cage… It may give off the illusion that you can do whatever you like, but the fact remains that it is still a cage. There is no actual freedom. If you try to spread your wings, you’ll only hurt yourself by crashing into the cage walls.
“Are you sure I should be here? Could there have been some kind of mistake?” Natalie asked Sebastian anxiously.
“You may rest assured that this is no mistake, Ms. Nichols. This is all part of Prince Jonathan’s instructions. All you have to do is wait patiently,” Sebastian replied politely.
Chapter 1063 Dance Heidi casually glanced around and saw Natalie had also attended the banquet. Her pupils constricted in shock, and she uttered through gritted teeth, “Why is she here? How is she qualified to attend a banquet like this?”
Hatred surged within Heidi when she looked at Natalie’s face. She could never forget the humiliation she had suffered that night. Not only was she mercilessly rejected by the man she loved at first sight, but she was also defiled by those three foul men.
Geert was absorbed in his conversation with his long-time acquaintances, so he did not hear Heidi’s words. On the other hand, Helma heard Heidi and shifted her gaze, following the latter’s line of vision. Sure enough, Natalie was standing somewhere in the banquet hall.
“That’s right. Why is she here? It seems that I underestimated her background. No wonder she could triumph over Olivia in the past,” Helma said in surprise.
Aside from how Geert had previously paid too much attention to Natalie, which caused Helma to feel slightly uncomfortable, Helma was actually quite fond of Natalie.
Helma thought Natalie was brilliant, attentive, and without ulterior motives, unlike some people in the business world who had always tried to butter up members of the Leitz family like her.
Helma handed the wine glass in her hand to Heidi. “Heidi, I’m going over to greet Ms. Nichols.”
Heidi curled her lips into a sneer. “Do as you wish, Helma, but I should warn you not to let Ms. Nichols’ plain appearance fool you. It would be best for you to keep a safe distance from her.”
“Heidi, I don’t think she’s as you say.”
A hint of resentment flashed across Heidi’s eyes. “Never judge a book by its cover. I just want to advise you not to jump to conclusions so quickly.”
Helma shot a distasteful look at Heidi and said, “That’s enough. Do not speak further. I am quite capable of discerning someone’s character on my own.”
Heidi felt displeased as Helma was reluctant to believe her even after her deliberate attempt to sully Natalie’s reputation.
Not long after Sebastian left, Natalie noticed Helma moving in her direction.
“Ms. Helma,” Natalie greeted Helma.
Helma beamed at Natalie. “This is such a coincidence. I didn’t anticipate bumping into you at this place. I thought you were incredible for being able to persuade Muse into making an appearance. Unexpectedly, we meet again here tonight. I suppose you are the girlfriend of one of the members of royalty?”
“Hmm?”
Natalie fell into a daze, listening to Helma.
“Ms. Helma, I’m not anyone’s girlfriend.”
“Natalie, I already think of you as my friend, so there’s no need to hide this from me.” Helma cracked a faint smile. “Otherwise, how could you attend Prince Jonathan’s birthday banquet today? After all, this is an event attended by His Majesty and his consorts.”
After listening to Helma’s elaboration, Natalie realized that things had been unusual since the very beginning.
“It’s really not what you think.”
“Are you still trying to keep me in the dark, Natalie?” Helma winked at Natalie. “Quit keeping me in suspense. Who’s the nobleman you’re dating? Is he from the Osborne family, or perhaps someone from the Nagai family? We should hang out more in the future and look for opportunities to collaborate in our businesses too.”
Natalie felt she had made herself clear, yet Helma was unwilling to accept her explanation.
She narrowed her eyes and uttered firmly, “That’s really not the case. Ms. Helma, you’ve misunderstood.”
At that moment, the lights in the banquet hall suddenly dimmed for the commencement of the first dance segment of the night.
Under everyone’s watchful gazes, Bastien, dressed in an exquisite and fitting tuxedo, slowly walked in Natalie and Helma’s direction.
The possible marriage between Bastien and the Leitz family was tacit knowledge to the crowd.
The Leitz family came from a long line of nobility, and Helma’s mother was the princess’ daughter, so Helma possessed a distinguished bloodline. Moreover, she was also famous among the elites of the society. Therefore, many considered Bastien and her a match made in heaven.
That thought did not just cross the onlookers’ minds. Even Helma shared the sentiment as she curled her lips and waited for the man she loved to ask her to join him for the first dance.
Chapter 1064 Depths Of Hell Helma’s heart was thumping as she looked at the man she had fallen for since she was a little girl approaching her.
As long as she could finish the first dance with Bastien, everything would progress as her father had told her. After that night, she would become Bastien’s chosen fiancée.
If Bastien became the king in the future, Helma would follow in Frieda and Cynthia’s footsteps, attaining an exalted status and bathing in glory and honor for the rest of her life.
Meanwhile, standing next to Helma, Natalie was shocked to her core as a look of utter disbelief spread across her face.
She had assumed that the man addressed by others as Mr. Nine was either affluent or influential, but little did she know his identity was more remarkable than she had ever imagined.
I can’t believe this man is Loang’s Prince Jonathan, as well as one of the strongest contenders to become the future king of Loang. How is this possible?
Bastien strode toward Natalie and Helma.
Helma stretched out her hand in anticipation at him.
To her surprise, the man she liked did not come to a halt in front of her.
Instead, he stopped beside her and reached out to Natalie.
Helma’s gorgeous smile froze on her face. She was overwhelmed by astonishment and incredulity.
“You—” Natalie widened her eyes at Bastien.
“I’m sorry for informing you of my identity in this manner.” Bastien wore a gentle countenance and regarded Natalie with a passionate gaze. “Today is my birthday. May I have the pleasure of asking you to join me for a dance?”
At that instant, everyone shifted their attention to Natalie.
Although there was never an official announcement about Bastien and Helma’s marriage, that arrangement had become an implicit understanding in their circle due to the frequent interactions between the two families in recent years.
Geert’s facial expression stiffened as he exclaimed, “Why is this happening? Shouldn’t Prince Jonathan ask Helma to dance?”
“Natalie, s-she—” Heidi furrowed her brows.
Frieda was baffled by the turns of events as well, but due to the presence of the others in the banquet hall, she could only grasp the armrest of her seat in anxiety.
Before the start of the banquet, she had reminded Bastien of the significance of the first dance and told him to invite Helma to dance with him no matter what. To her bewilderment, he was now asking a girl she had never seen to join him for the dance. What Bastien is doing is simply outrageous!
Cynthia and Shirley exchanged mocking glances and smirked at one another. They were eager to observe how things would turn south from that point onward.
Mikhail sat at the head of the table. When he saw Natalie, he was instantaneously caught in a flashback, as if he was seeing someone in his memories from twenty years ago.
They look so alike. She looks so similar to her, the woman I can never forget in this life!
Bastien’s abrupt action aroused different thoughts and speculations in everyone inside the banquet hall. They were all waiting to see how Natalie would respond.
Bastien had been holding out his hand for over ten seconds, but Natalie merely stared at his extended arm in a daze.
“Can you really bring yourself to reject me in public?”
Natalie looked up and shot him a piercing look. “You lied to me. I won’t feel bad for rejecting you.”
“You—”
“However, I shall agree to your invitation to save you the embarrassment since I owe you a favor.” Natalie lowered her voice and spoke at a volume discernible only by both of them. “Anyway, I’m just joining you for a dance. I’m leaving right away after we finish this dance.”
With that, she bowed at him following Loang’s tradition before placing her hand in his palm.
Bastien was slightly taken aback. Still, he thought he had achieved his goal regardless of the process.
A beam of white light shone upon Natalie and Bastien as they stepped onto the middle of the dance floor. Then, they began dancing to the elegant waltz music.
Bastien had been receiving lessons on royal etiquette from a young age. Naturally, he could dance very well.
On the other hand, Natalie’s movements were not as practiced as his, but her motions were graceful. She wore light makeup and did not put up any coquettish or flirty demeanor. In contrast, she even gave off an indifferent vibe, dressed in her evening gown.
Almost everybody’s eyes were trained on Bastien and Natalie.
Helma’s mood had taken a roller-coaster ride from initial joy to utter shock, then to complete disappointment as she stared at the two. The transitions between the various states of mind occurred in less than three minutes, but that short period was sufficient to let her feel as if she had fallen from the peak of heaven to the depths of hell.
Chapter 1065 We Will Not Be Friends Anymore
Tears brimmed in Helma’s eyes as she stared at Bastien and Natalie dancing away gracefully in front of her. God knows how many times she had pictured this scene inside her head, and although it had finally come true, the female protagonist was now a different woman instead of her.
She had pined for this moment forever. That was why it hurt so much now. Helma could practically hear her own heart and dreams shattering. Geert walked over and held her hand in his. “Helma.”
“Father.” The woman gazed up at her father with misty eyes. “Don’t cry! There are so many people watching you right now, waiting for you to look beaten down. You can break down at home if you want to, but don’t you do that here!” Geert reminded her despite him tensing up too.
“But I can’t hold it in, Father.” Helma’s eyes turned increasingly red. “You have to,” the man warned sternly. “You already know how ugly things got because of the canceled engagement, and you’re still on the verge of tears now? Don’t you know how much more people would look down on you if they saw you like this?”
Helma wanted to cry, but Geert stopped her at once. Being unable to relieve the anguish in her heart only intensified the pain.
While burning with rage as she saw Helma’s dreams getting crushed, Heidi scowled over the fact that everyone’s attention was on the woman on the dancefloor.
I underestimated you, Natalie! You’re much slyer than I thought!
Heidi began to speak on Helma’s behalf, which was an extremely rare thing for her to do. “Father, why are you forcing her not to cry? There’s no way she can control her emotions. How about I take her away from here so she can calm down?”
Geert pondered for a moment. “All right. Watch over her.”
“I will, Father.”
The two women walked out of the banquet hall.
Unfortunately, Helma still looked visibly desperate to leave, even with Heidi holding onto her.
In fact, it looked more as if she was running away rather than just leaving.
Back on the dancefloor, Bastien’s lips curled as he gazed at Natalie tenderly.
He knew he shouldn’t have done this, but at the thought of losing this woman, he had eventually chosen to disobey his mother’s orders and invite Natalie to have the significant opening waltz with him.
The two remained at a close distance from each other.
Natalie blinked while asking coldly, “Why did you have to reveal your identity to me this way?”
The man clearly had better ways to tell her who he was, and yet he had opted to do it in a method she had least expected.
She knew she couldn’t turn down the prince’s request to dance in front of everyone, which meant he had practically forced her to say yes.
Natalie wanted to make decisions of her own free will.
She utterly despised being manipulated into doing something she didn’t want to do.
“You wouldn’t have come if I’d told you earlier,” Bastien answered. “You might have even ended up keeping a distance from me.”
“Well, since you know me so well, you should know what’s going to happen after this dance. We won’t even be friends anymore!”
The woman’s eyes gleamed at the music’s last note, and with some struggle, she wriggled her hand out of Bastien’s.
The latter grimaced slightly in response.
“Natalie, I know I made you uncomfortable by doing this without your consent, but some matters are just out of my control,” he said while keeping a fiery gaze on her. “I’m not a commoner. There are some things a regular person can easily do that I can’t.”
“Well, I’m a commoner, and you’re a nobleman. So similarly, there are some things you can easily do that I can’t,” Natalie retorted. “I’m not from Loang, Prince Jonathan. I know nothing about these aristocratic waltzes that your people take part in either, so please stop being this ridiculous now. You should’ve had this dance with Helma instead, not me!”
Chapter 1066 I Refuse
“You knew what was going on between Helma and me?” Bastien certainly hadn’t expected this. “I do. That’s why I never wanted to get myself involved,” Natalie stated icily. “Natalie.”
The woman pursed her lips and ignored Bastien. At that very moment, a five-star servant appeared before Natalie, blocking her path.
“Greetings, Miss. His Majesty would like to speak to you and the prince.” This servant was the king’s most trusted aide, and despite the smile on his face, he gave off an air of intimidation to those around him.
Natalie was speechless. I just can’t get away. She could only make her way toward the king alongside Bastien. Following Loang customs, the woman gave Mikhail the most supreme form of greeting, rising back to her feet only after gaining the latter’s permission.
“What is your name?” the king asked while fiddling with a ring—one with the image of a dragon, signifying his absolute authority—on his middle finger.
“Natalie Nichols.”
“Where are you from?”
“Dellmoor, Chanaea.”
“So, you’re not a noble?”
“I’m not. I’m just a businesswoman stopping by in Loang,” Natalie answered candidly.
Frieda’s expression clouded over as she listened. She only wanted Helma as her future daughter-in-law, not this woman standing before her who had nothing to do with Loang.
I won’t let him marry her!
“Your Majesty, this lady here may not understand the significance of that dance since she’s not from here. That said, I think we should just leave this matter as it is. Let’s not delve any further into it,” she advised with a smile.
Yet, Cynthia couldn’t resist fanning the flames. “Even if she doesn’t understand it, it doesn’t change the fact that she danced. Besides, it’s not like Bastien isn’t aware of the significance behind this waltz, no?”
“Cynthia! You—”
“Cynthia didn’t say anything wrong, Frieda,” Shirley chimed in.
Disregarding the little drama going on between his father’s wives, Bastien stepped forward and declared earnestly, “Father, I’m well aware of the meaning behind that dance, so I’ve absolutely made my choice.”
Mikhail’s eyes left Bastien and fell on Natalie once again.
She looks just like her twenty years ago!
When he was young, Mikhail used to be hopelessly in love with a woman who had unfortunately lived a short life. Now, looking at a woman who reminded him of her made him develop a favorable impression of Natalie.
Logically speaking, he wouldn’t have allowed Bastien to choose a commoner as a bride.
Yet, the man seemed especially fond of Natalie merely because she resembled someone he once adored.
“If this is what he wants, then it shall be,” Mikhail responded with a chuckle.
Having initially thought his father would make things difficult for him, Bastien was especially surprised to see him looking so carefree. However, the woman next to him wasn’t having it.
“I refuse, Your Majesty,” Natalie announced.
All the royals’ expressions took a turn.
Cynthia and Shirley stared at Natalie in bewilderment.
Meanwhile, Frieda sighed internally, relieved that this woman had said no.
Bastien turned to Natalie with a conflicted look in his eyes. I know I tricked her, but I really like her. I want to look after her for the rest of our lives, but she’s turning me down in front of everyone?
“Natalie, you—”
The woman shot him a frosty glance. “There’s no denying that you helped me, but how much do you truly understand me?”
Then, she turned to face Mikhail’s inexplicable gaze and explained frankly, “My reason for saying no is simple, Your Majesty. I’m already married and have five children. I believe I pass none of the requirements for marrying into the royal family of Loang now. Am I right?”
A smirk played on Natalie’s lips as everyone became filled with shock.
“That’s impossible!” Bastien furrowed his brows.
“You couldn’t find out anything else about me, but that doesn’t mean what I’m saying isn’t true,” the woman replied, blinking. “You should know that a lot of my details are encrypted. Sure, you managed to find out that I came to Loang for business, but how sure can you be that you know everything?”
Bastien was unable to respond.
There was indeed nothing else to the information Joseph had dug up.
The atmosphere turned awkward in an instant.
Cynthia covered her mouth, failing to stifle a laugh. “Well, just when I thought she was just a commoner, it turns out she’s even married with kids! What a stir you’ve caused this time around, Prince Jonathan.”
Chapter 1067 Humiliated
“I certainly couldn’t tell that you’re actually a mother, Ms. Nichols! One with five children, to boot! It’s a pity these children have nothing to do with the royal family. Otherwise, they’d be an additional blessing to our household!” Shirley added insincerely.
The two women’s remarks caused Frieda’s face to tense up. She couldn’t even force a smile at this point.
“Well, since Ms. Nichols has made herself clear that this is all a misunderstanding, we may as well go along with my prior suggestion,” she responded while shooting Natalie a glare.
Mikhail appeared solemn. No one knew what he was thinking.
“Bastien, I hope you’ll learn not to make such rash decisions from now on,” he remarked before getting up from his seat and leaving.
As Cynthia and Shirley followed him hastily, Frieda did so too, worried that the other two women might spread rumors about her to their husband.
Bastien clenched his fists, his initially gentle gaze now having turned slightly gloomy.
“When did you get married?” he asked, staring straight into Natalie’s eyes. “Who’s your husband? Why did you keep your information encrypted?”
“I keep my details as secure as possible to prevent my enemies from knowing me better,” the woman answered frigidly. “I used to treat you as a friend and would’ve never chosen to hide my information from you if you hadn’t decided all these things for me or if you had readily disclosed your identity. Maybe I would’ve even gladly shared as long as you asked. But I guess there’s no point talking about all this anymore. Happy birthday, Prince Jonathan. I’m tired, so I’ll be taking my leave now.”
Natalie bowed respectfully before walking away.
Reluctance and dejection filled Bastien’s eyes as he gazed at the woman’s departing silhouette.
He had thought tonight was the night to give Natalie the most romantic surprise by sharing a dance, and even if his parents had their qualms, everyone would have no choice but to accept his marriage to her as long as he remained adamant.
And yet, never had he expected this woman to already be married with children.
Accepting a commoner into the palace was the most leeway this royal household would allow, but if the woman in question had already been married previously, she would never be approved of.
Bastien held his wine glass so tightly that it broke, causing the shards to dig into his palm.
Joseph hurried over upon seeing the blood trickle out of the former’s hand. “Mr. Nine! Are you—”
“I’m fine,” the latter replied nonchalantly, although there seemed to be an unprecedented storm brewing in his eyes.
Meanwhile, Helma was now getting some air outside Luna Palace as tears rolled down her face uncontrollably.
“Helma…” Heidi felt a pang of sadness in her own heart at the sight of her sister crying, and she couldn’t resist patting the latter’s shoulder in sympathy. “Don’t be sad. Everything that happened tonight isn’t your fault.”
“I feel so humiliated,” Helma choked out. “I’ve loved Bastien for so many years. Both Father and Lady Frieda told me that I’d become his wife. I thought… I thought I’d finally get to be engaged to him, but it looks like my feelings were one-sided all along. I’m not the one he loves. He would rather marry a commoner instead of me.”
Tonight’s banquet was merely the start of the humiliation she would face.
It wouldn’t be long before word about Bastien rejecting her made waves across upper-class society. Who would ever want to marry her now?
Regardless of her family’s status, people would clearly remember what had happened. Some might even use this incident as leverage against the Leitz household.
“It’s all Natalie’s fault!” Heidi exclaimed in fury. “Have you forgotten, Helma? That woman is a minx! Remember how she kept Father’s eyes glued to her? Now, she just stole your man! And to think she’s going around seducing every guy she can even though she’s clearly married? She really is the most shameless woman in the world!”
Chapter 1068 Insist On Being The Third Party
Helma’s tears stopped upon hearing Heidi’s words as she gave the latter a blank stare. “Helma, am I wrong? All of this isn’t Prince Jonathan’s fault. Before the banquet, you have seen for yourself how Lady Frieda treated you. It’s clear that she sees you as her future daughter-in-law.”
Helma gritted her teeth. That’s right. Other than Bastien, who’s giving me the cold shoulder, Lady Frieda’s attitude toward me is indicative of her approval.
“Helma, it must be Natalie who persists on being the third party. She must have drugged Prince Jonathan to make something like that happen.” Heidi’s eyes were spewing fire. “Tonight was supposed to be a glorious evening for you, but because of her, you ended up being humiliated in front of all the guests.”
Heidi’s words ignited the rage in Helma’s eyes. “And here I was, trusting Natalie and thinking that she was my friend. I didn’t expect her to disgrace me in public despite knowing that I’m going to marry Prince Jonathan.”
“Helma, stop crying.” Holding a silk handkerchief, Heidi wiped the tears off Helma’s face and comforted her, “Don’t forget that Natalie is already married. Given her situation, there’s no way she can be part of the Loang royal family.”
“Heidi, how do you know that she’s married?”
“I…” Heidi was stumped for words.
Since she didn’t appear close to Natalie on the surface, it wouldn’t make sense for her to know so much. However, if she didn’t explain, Helma would definitely become suspicious and might even investigate further. If it came to that, the truth of that fateful night would definitely be exposed.
After racking her brains, Heidi elaborated, “It was because I saw Father take a particular interest in that minx. As I was worried that he would be tricked by her, I secretly did some digging… but that isn’t what’s important. What really matters is that I never expected her to be such a despicable person!”
After the emotional rollercoaster Helma had gone through, she hadn’t recovered her senses enough to see the flaws in Heidi’s explanation.
Meanwhile, Natalie had left the banquet hall.
After failing to find Helma inside, she didn’t expect to see the former crying on the street outside Luna Palace. Heidi was also there, comforting her sister.
That night, Natalie didn’t regret turning Bastien down nor felt as if she had done him any wrong.
If there was indeed someone I let down, it was Helma.
The banquet was of utmost importance to the latter, especially the dance. Natalie was cognizant that Bastien’s action might have come as a surprise to her but meant something entirely different to Helma.
Thus, she rushed over without any hesitation.
“Ms. Helma…” Biting her lip, Natalie explained, “About tonight, I have to clear the air.”
Helma, lips pursed, shot Natalie a glare.
At the same time, Heidi stepped forward and bellowed, “Clear the air? What’s there to clarify? Everyone saw the dance just now. Do you think that we’re blind? How shameless can you be?”
Well aware that Heidi was an annoying troublemaker, Natalie shot her a warning look.
“Ms. Heidi, is it really necessary to go that far?”
Heidi’s expression drastically changed, for she could read between the lines of Natalie’s threat and was consequently frightened into silence. After all, what happened that night was beyond disgraceful. If she were to be exposed, she would never be able to marry anyone from the royal family.
Oblivious to the truth, Helma—thinking that Natalie was just intimidating her sister—lashed out, “Enough! Natalie, I have never done you any harm. But you, knowing how important this banquet is to me, used such a despicable method to screw it up and humiliate me in public!”
Chapter 1069 Did Not Dodge On Purpose
“Ms. Helma, I’m aware of your feelings for Prince Jonathan, and it never crossed my mind to compete with you for him.” Knitting her brows, Natalie explained earnestly, “It’s true that I have danced the first dance with him, but I never agreed to any of his requests. The dance was just a dance and didn’t mean anything. He’s still single and capable of becoming your fiancé.”
As if she had heard the worst joke in her life, Helma snorted. “Natalie, are you taking pity on me?”
“That’s not my intention.” “No?” With the tears in Helma’s eyes all dried up, hatred was all that was left. Step by step, she approached Natalie. “Are you gloating then? By dancing with Bastien in front of everyone, you have utterly humiliated me.
On top of that, you’re well aware that you, having been married before, would never be part of the royal family, let alone get to marry him. And now, you come all the way out here just to pretend to give him up for my sake?”
Natalie shook her head firmly. “I didn’t mean any of it. You have really misunderstood me. Before tonight, I had no idea that he was Prince Jonathan. I thought I would only get to see him when I received the award for bravery.”
Raising her hand, Helma slapped Natalie’s face with all her might. After a loud smack rang out, a red palm print quickly emerged on the latter’s cheeks. “You’ve already tricked me once!” Helma sneered, “If I’m fooled a second time, wouldn’t that make me an idiot?”
Even though Natalie wasn’t considered an expert in combat skills, she could still have easily dodged the slap. Nonetheless, she deliberately chose not to and took the full brunt of it.
“Ms. Helma, since you feel insulted over what happened earlier, I hope you have vented your frustration with the slap.” The persistent Natalie reiterated, “I’ve already explained myself to you and hope that you’ll believe me. I really didn’t do it on purpose, and all of this is just a misunderstanding.”
With that, Natalie bowed at Helma before turning around to leave.
Her deep bow brimmed with sincerity.
As Helma watched Natalie’s leaving silhouette, she couldn’t help but feel confused.
Is she really sincere, or is this just an act?
“Helma, don’t tell me you buy her story.” The malicious Heidi tried to sow discord. “All she’s doing is making an excuse for herself. It’s just that she’s already married. Otherwise, that dance would probably have kickstarted her relationship with Prince Jonathan.”
“I…”
“Helma, don’t waver!” While wearing a concerned expression, Heidi added, “She might be painting a pretty picture now, but it doesn’t mean she wouldn’t cause trouble in the future. Even if she has rejected Prince Jonathan’s marriage proposal, there’s no telling whether he has given up on her. Hence, you cannot be taken in too easily!”
Upon hearing Heidi’s words, Helma’s softening stance hardened again.
How dare she try and snatch Prince Jonathan away from me?
Helma had no intention of letting Natalie go just like that.
“That’s right!” An insidious glint flashed in Helma’s eyes. “No matter what, she has to be disposed of.”
“Mmm-hmm.” Despite merely humming lightly in acknowledgment, Heidi was ecstatic deep down. She wasn’t capable of destroying Natalie, but Helma might be capable of doing so.
Meanwhile, when Natalie was leaving Luna Palace, she noticed an army jeep at the entrance.
The vehicle and its plate looked especially familiar to her.
Soon, Jerome alighted from the driver’s seat and walked up to her.
“Natalie…” Spotting the palm print on Natalie’s face immediately, Jerome anxiously asked, “Your cheek… What happened? Tell me who hit you!”
Chapter 1070 I Do Not Just Want To Be Friends
After Jerome realized that she had been bullied during Bastien’s birthday banquet, the man’s eyes were filled with concern. “I’m fine.” “How can you be fine? Do you know how red the palm print on your face is? Stop lying to me.”
When Jerome extended his hand in an attempt to stroke the palm print, Natalie dodged. Instead of answering his question directly, she requested, “Can we get in the car first? I want to leave right away so that I can calm down.”
Jerome’s eyes glistened. “All right. Let’s go then.” As Jerome opened the door to the front passenger seat, Natalie lowered her head and got in. After leaving Luna Palace, they drove to a cafe and found a private room.
The waiter, upon serving them coffee, knowingly left the room and closed the door behind him. Furrowing his brows, Jerome asked, “Can you tell me now?”
“Bastien invited me to attend his birthday banquet which has nothing to do with the bank robbery from before.” After having a sip of coffee, Natalie continued, “During the first dance of the banquet, he didn’t invite Ms. Helma to dance as planned. Instead, he invited me!”
“What?” Jerome, coffee cup in hand, spilled it upon being jolted by her words. Despite the hot coffee scalding his arm, he didn’t feel any pain at all.
“Don’t worry.” Natalie threw him a glance before adding flatly, “I did dance with him but didn’t agree to his marriage proposal. Given that I’m married and have children, I would be a disgrace to the Loang royal family. Regardless of how strong Bastien’s feelings are for me, there’s no way he would put his political future on the line. As for the slap on my face, it was Ms. Helma who hit me. However, I don’t blame her. Even though this matter wasn’t my doing, I was still the reason she was ridiculed in public.”
“You and Prince Jonathan?”
“Yes, we know each other.” Natalie nodded. “Before tonight’s events, we were still considered friends. But now, there’s no more relationship to speak of. I’m sure you know what I hate the most, and yet, he did exactly that to me!”
Jerome nodded in agreement. Ever since Natalie was young, she hated to have her path dictated by someone else. Given her inherent love for freedom, she enjoyed the unpredictability of the future. All that mattered to her was a clear conscience.
As a result, when Bastien unilaterally decided to invite her to dance under the keen eyes of the public, he thought that he was bestowing upon her the highest honor. Little did he know that he was forcing her along a pre-determined path—an act that crossed her threshold.
“Natalie, do you want to leave Loang for the time being?”
“Why?” Chuckling, Natalie threw the question back at him. “Are you worried that he’d exact revenge on me?”
“Although you weren’t the cause of the events tonight, you have practically offended everyone there is to offend. Considering the royal family’s authority reaches every corner of Loang, it might be dangerous for you to continue staying here,” Jerome analyzed the situation for her.
“You know, life is just too unpredictable. Perhaps by spoiling his plans, the other princes might admire me for my attitude. Anyway, I don’t care about what others think of me as long as my conscience is clear. Since my heart belongs to Samuel, I’ll definitely stay loyal to him.”
Just the thought of Samuel elicited an instinctive smile from Natalie’s face.
“I would rather die than betray Samuel.”
The resolute look in Natalie’s eyes triggered a tingling sensation in Jerome’s heart. Although he had given up hope on being together with her, sorrow still filled his soul when he heard Natalie declare her love for Samuel.
“Natalie, I respect your decision. If staying in Loang is what you want, my father and I will definitely protect you. Since you’re like a sister to me, there’s no way I would allow any harm to come your way.”
When the word “sister” rolled off his tongue, it brought a sting to his heart.