Wife by Day Boss by Night (Natalie and Howard)by Thalia Quillspeax

Chapter 20 

Amid his hesitation, a playful voice suddenly echoed down the staircase. It was Gracia, her tone bubbling with excitement, “Brian, you made it!” 

Samuel inwardly breathed a sigh of relief and quickly stood up, saying, “Gracia, perfect timing. Keep Brian company for a bit, will you?” 

“Sure.” Gracia nodded and sat beside Brian. She had overheard from upstairs Brian’s interrogation of Natalie upstairs. Had he agreed to come for dinner because of that little tramp? 

She pondered for a moment before gently tugging at Brian’s sleeve. “Brian. I… I’m sorry. I broke the bracelet Davis gave me…” 

It was just last month that Davis had personally given Gracia the bracelet. 

“What happened?” Brian frowned involuntarily. 

“I don’t know. It was fine before Natalie returned, but the next thing I knew was it was broken…” Gracia’s eyes welled up with tears, and she sobbed quietly to Brian, looking utterly distraught. “If Davis gets mad at me. I…” She hesitated mid–sentence, her eyes pleading for understanding from Brian. 

Brian held her gaze silently. Before he could speak, Samuel’s disgruntled voice floated down the stairs. “Where do you think you’re going?” 

“I thought you wanted me out? I’ve found a place.” Natalie retorted coldly, descending the stairs. with her suitcase. 

“Just stay at home. No need to move out,” Samuel’s face darkened. 

“Home? This house has nothing to do with me aside from Grandpa. Do you even know what ‘home‘ means?” Natalie scoffed. 

Samuel’s complexion shifted through several shades of displeasure before he blurted out the truth, “When Shawn gets out of the hospital, the Foster family will throw you an engagement party. You’re not going anywhere!” 

“Did I agree to that?” Natalie asked softly. 

“Natalie, you know your place. It’s your good fortune that the Foster family is interested in you!” Samuel pointed at her angrily. 

“And what does that have to do with you?” Natalie curled her lips dismissively and countered. “The court awarded my custody to Audrey back then.” 

“And has Audrey given a damn about you these years?” 

Natalie’s expression grew cold. “Whether she does or not, it’s none of your business!” 

With that said Natalie no longer wished to engage with Samuel. She hastened down the last 

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Chapter 20 

few steps and went toward the living room. 

However, she paused momentarily upon seeing the two seated closely in the living room. 

Brian’s gaze dropped to the suitcase in her hand. 

Natalie hadn’t realized Brian was there when she was upstairs packing. Their eyes met briefly before she glanced at Gracia, who was still tearfully sniffling beside him. Natalie couldn’t help but purse her lips in disdain. 

Then she quickened her pace, heading for the front door. 

Gracia noticed Brian had fixed his attention on Natalie, seemingly oblivious to her presence. She tugged gently at his arm again, her voice pitiful, “Brian, about the bracelet…” 

“It’s just a bracelet,” Brian replied indifferently, withdrawing his gaze. 

“But…” Gracia dabbed at her tears, wanting to say more.. 

“I’ve got some things to take care of. I won’t be staying for dinner today,” Brian interrupted her before she could continue, standing up. 

Gracia was stunned and then got up to follow. “But I went to Heavenly Pastries myself this morning to get the pastries for you, and Mom went out early to buy your favorite dishes. You 

see…” 

Brian glanced at the finely laid pastries on the table, feeling no appetite. 

“I don’t like pastries,” he said flatly. 

Gracia was puzzled. She had seen him frequent Heavenly Pastries for the pastries before, and she had even seen him enjoy them. Why the sudden change of heart? 

“Then what do you like? We can go and get it right now! Brian, are you upset with me?” Gracia followed him, her voice tinged with uncertainty. “About Nate’s birthday, I…” 

“Grandpa invited you. Of course, you’ll be there,” Brian cut her off, pausing his steps to glance back at Gracia with a furrowed brow. 

Gracia sighed with relief, not daring to question Brian further. She escorted him to the door and watched him get into his car. 

“Mr. Howard, something’s off,” Reid reported when Brian settled in, handing him a tablet with a 

somber tone. 

Chapter 21