Chapter 5
Tobias, Elle said, her eyes shimmering with tears, as if she had found a glimmer of hope. She looked up at Tobias, her face. showing her hurt.
Maddie rolled her eyes and muttered, “What a drama queen.” Elle acted as if Elle was the one getting bullied.
Tobias frowned, looking at Elle with concern, “Are you hurt?”
Elle quickly answered, Tm fine! It’s actually Karen who got hurt because Natalie accidentally hurt her hand.”
“You shouldn’t be here: you’re not feeling well, Tobias said, worry clear in his voice.
Karen held her wrist and shot a smirk at Natalie. “Mr. Reese, Elle’s been feeling down, and I had to come with her. She found out you were with another woman last night, and it really upset her.
Tobias frowned, displeasure darkening his face. Elle turned pale for a moment and pulled on Karen’s arm. “Okay, Karen, that’s enough. It’s nothing”
Karen snapped back. “Nothing? You cried for ages! I took you shopping to cheer you up.”
“1…” Elle lowered her head, looking so pitiful that even the toughest guy would feel a twinge of sympathy.
Natalie glanced at her before looking away. She had once thought about acting like Elle to get T*s a**ttention. After all, she was the one he always took out and bragged about. But every time she considered it, she realized she couldn’t keep up that kind of act; it felt too fake. She was happy being herself, even if it didn’t match Elle’s gentle, sweet vibe.
Tobias then asked directly, “Where did you hear that?”
Karen quickly responded, “It’s all over the circle! Everyone knows about it.”
Tobias shot a cold look at Natalie, his gaze serious, “I’ll look into this, but I have nothing to do with her.
Hearing this, Natalie wasn’t surprised at all. Tobias had always kept their relationship casual in public. “You’re right-it really is nothing. Not at all,” she said c***y, matching his tone.
Karen sighed in relief. “As long as it’s nothing, that’s good. Elle, don’t be sad anymore.” She shot a pointed look at Natalie, making it clear she thought Natalie was the source of the gossip. Noticing the marks on Natalie, she couldn’t help but taunt, “Some people really have no self-respect and still want to bask in Mr. Reese’s glow. How shameless.”
Natalie scoffed, “I got bitten by a dog last night. I’m really curious who started that rumor.”
Tobias, unfazed by being compared to a dog, kept his cool. But he couldn’t help noticing the marks on Natalie’s skin, and he narrowed his eyes slightly.
Maddie felt a bit scared of Tobias but still stood by Natalie. “Yeah, there must be some misunderstanding-Natalie would never get involved with Mr. Reesel”
“Not at all, Natalie said co**y. If it weren’t for that ten-year promise, they’d just be strangers.
The awkward moment ended when Tobias took Elle’s hand and walked away.
Feeling relieved, Natalie decided to push the whole thing out of her mind. She’d rather go shopping with Maddie than dwell on it. As they parted in the parking lot, Natalie’s thoughts briefly returned to the confrontation when she spotted Tobias and Elle.
Elle was standing by a car, wearing a bright, happy smile. Jack was nearby, unloading a mountain of designer shopping bags from Gucci to Chanel-one by one. It was clear that Tobias had spoiled her with gifts.
Natalie used to have one of **’s cards, but she had never used it. Back then, she knew he only wanted to spend money on Elle, from luxury cars to fancy villas-definitely the envy of many. Just a quick glance at them made Natalie want to leave right then.
But then Elle noticed her and walked over with a friendly smile. Ms. Guzman, thank you for helping me with the surgery. Without you, I might not be here to support Tobias.”
Natalie shrugged it off, saying. “It’s nothing. I would’ve saved any log for the right amount of cash.”
Elle’s expression stiffened a bit; the meaning behind Natalie’s words was crystal clear. But keeping her cool, Elle took a deep breath and forced a smile. Tim really sorry about earlier. It was just a misunderstanding. Tobias has already looked into it. It was some clueless rich girl who started the rumor, and she’s been dealt with
“Oh, so he didn’t figure out it was you? Not very competent, huh?”
Surprise flashed in Elle’s eyes, but she quickly covered it up with calmness. She was sure she had erased all evidence of her actions, even Tobias couldn’t find anything. No way Natalie would know that Elle was behind this. “Ms. Guzman, you really love to joke! Why would I ever do something like that?”
Natalie said lightly, “Just a heads-up, I’m actually two years younger than you.”
Elle clenched her fists, about to say something more, when she heard footsteps approaching.
Tobias walked in with a few people in suits. “Make sure everything is delivered to the villa today,” he ordered in a low, cold voice. The men nodded, saying, “Yes, we’ll make sure it’s all the latest and best styles.”
The people with him were mostly heads of stores and vendors.
Seeing Tobias, Elle couldn’t help but rush over and wrap her arm around his. “Tobias, you really don’t have to be this. generous! You could just pick a few nice things”
Tobias replied c**y, “It’s only right
Elle stifled a giggle, her sweet smile lighting up her face.
Natalie felt empty inside, almost wanting to take a nap. It seemed her presence wasn’t needed anymore, so she decided it was time to leave.
As she turned to walk away, she heard Elle cough softly a couple of times. T**s voice called out again, “Natalie, hold on.” Natalie paused and looked back at him blankly. “What is it?”
“Elle isn’t feeling well. Come with us to the hospital and check on her, Tobias said.
Natalie couldn’t help but smirk in her heart, ‘Is he serious? He wants his ex-wife to take care of his new girlfriend. Natalie said casually, “That’ll cost you an extra 40 million dollars.”
Tobias frowned slightly, hiding his irritation. After a brief pause, he finally said, “Fine.”
Natalie snapped her fingers in satisfaction. “Great! Let’s head to the hospital. They would go together, but in separate cars. Just as she was about to drive, the passenger door suddenly opened, and Tobias climbed in.
She raised an eyebrow. “Do you still need something?”
Tobias replied, “I need to clarify some details about Elle’s condition.”
“Sure,” Natalie said casually, pressing the accelerator. “I’ll tell you everything I know, Mr. Reese.” But inside, Tobias felt that familiar annoyance bubbling up agai “Natalie, Elle… she actually…