“But what can I do now?”
Lila felt cornered.
“You’ve got to calm down first.Don’t let your emotions control you.You have to think with a clear mind.Only then can we figure out a way together.”
Charis could tell that Lila was on the verge of breaking down.
Lila wiped her tears, took a deep breath, and eventually calmed down.
Charis thought for a while and said, “From what you’ve told me, I feel Natalie hates you because she thinks you’ve been living the life that belonged to her.That’s why she is trying to portray herself as a good person.She wants to get in their good books.You’ve got to be careful.”
Lila pursed her lips and nodded in agreement.
Natalie pretended to be a talented designer which made Johanna think she was dedicated and hard-working.But who would enjoy working in this world? She used to think Natalie seemed like a nice person even though she didn’t really like her.
But after listening to Charis, Lila concluded it was all a facade.
None of it was her fault.
After all, she was just newborn baby when she “stole” Natalie’s life.
To be fair, she was also a victim hero! Seeing Lila gnashing her teeth, Charis understood she couldn’t instigate her to harm Natalie right away.
All she could do now was pretend to offer advice.
“Well, you’ve got to try and have a good relationship with her so that your parents don’t alienate you.And don’t try separating her from your parents.After all, they are related by blood.”
Although Lila was still treated as a daughter of the White family, everyone knew she was a mere outsider now.
Charis had wanted to say something more to stir things up but gave up the idea after seeing how fragile and vulnerable Lila was.
“They are bonded by blood.Moreover, your parents must be feeling guilty for Natalie now.No matter how hard you try, you’ll never be able to separate them.”
Lila sighed helplessly.
“So do I have to live all my life this way as the second important person in the family?”
Charis pursed her lips and fell silent.Her job was done.She had planted a seed of hatred in Lila’s heart.It would soon sprout in the future.
“All right.You better go back and think about it.It’s getting late.I’ll drive you home.”
Then, Charis drove Lila home.
When Lila was about to get out of the car, she turned to Charis and said, “Hey, sorry I’ve never got to ask.What’s your name?
Can I have your phone number? It was nice chatting with you.Well, if I get upset or feel like talking to someone, can I call you?”
Almost all of Lila’s rich friends cut her loose now.She needed a friend like Charis who understood her well.
“My name is Zoe Brooks.You can just call me Zoe.I will be staying in Barnes for a few days.Call me whenever you feel like talking to someone.”
Charis handed Lila a business card with a smile.
Sebastian got off the private plane of late, he had been working on expanding the Larson Group’s business to Barnes, so he would be staying there for a long white, handling the company’s affairs.
But before that, he wanted to take Natalie to his villa in Barnes.
Johanna was sitting on the sofa, enjoying her tea.
Seeing Sebastian come with several bags of gifts, she immediately stood up and welcomed him.
“We have enough of everything at home.You didn’t have to buy us these.”
She then called Beal, who was playing with the birds in the yard, “Beal, Sebastian is here.Stop playing and join us.” Sebastian respect fully placed the gifts on the table.
“This is just a token of my respect and sincerity.Please accept them, Mrs.White.”
Johanna pursed her lips and studied his face.She felt Sebastian was a good man, both in terms of appearance and character.She felt happy for Natalie.
“What brings you here this time?”
Considering he had come to meet them with bags of gifts, Johanna sensed there must be a good reason.
“I’m here to pick up Natalie,” Sebastian replied honestly.
“My villa in Barnes is ready.All the decoration works and arrangements are done.It’s in Seaview Bay — not far from here.”
“That’s very thoughtful of you.”
Beal walked in with his hands behind his back.His brows furrowed as he sized Sebastian up.
Johanna didn’t mind.Her impression of Sebastian had changed.
Besides, he and Natalie had just gotten married.She didn’t want to keep Natalie away from her husband forever.
“Of course.But we have missed out a lot in her life and want to bond with her.You should bring Natalie here at least twice a week.”
“Of course, Mrs.White.”
After getting Johanna’s permission, Sebastian packed Natalie’s things, ready to take her home.
******* After work, Natalie received a call from Sebastian that evening saying he had shifted all her things to their new house.
After moving out of the Whites’ house, Natalie was surprised by the frequent messages and calls from Lila.
“I feel lonely after you moved out.It’s boring here without you.Why don’t we go out for lunch tomorrow?”
Lila texted her.