Chapter 68 Commanding Her
With the successful collaboration with Apex Global, Natalie’s studio gained some recognition overnight.
Even with Cedric’s influence, the workload for the studio was bound to increase. As long as her uncle Intervened, she wouldn’t have any problems on her end.
Karina flipped through her notes and said, “We have a meeting with a client from South City this afternoon.
South City? They had clients from another city overnight?
“Is it because of my uncle’s connections?!”
Karina shook her head. “No, it’s because all the design drafts from yesterday are now well–known.”
That made sense.
There were very few people who could defeat Cedric. Since he took a substantial hit here, it had earned. their little studio some credibility,
“By the way, Mr. Warren called and said Mr. Frazier would like to have lunch with you.”
Natalie nodded. “Okay!”
It was about time she had lunch with Irwin.
Natalie could feel a headache building whenever she thought about Cedric’s recent behavior. Until their divorce was finalized, there was no hope of peace.
Looking at Cedric now, it felt like he was… an animal that had been driven to a corner and was resorting to desperate measures.
“What do you plan to do about the banquet at the Johnson Manor this evening?”
Although Karina felt she shouldn’t be asking this question, Stephen had mentioned it earlier in the day.
Speaking of the Johnson Manor, Natalie had no intention of attending the banquet.
But then she recalled Cedric’s reaction to her recent actions, Rebecca’s rush to find him a new partner, and Jocelyn’s desperation.
As she pondered the situation, she casually pulled out a nail file.
Then, she mockingly said, “Let’s postpone whatever we have for the evening. After all, I’m still his wife. It Wouldn’t look good if I didn’t go, right?
Her demeanor certainly didn’t match that of a dutiful young relative attending a birthday celebration. She seemed more interested in provoking than showing respect!
Thinking about the recent interactions between Natalie and Cedric, it was clear that they had not been kind to each other. Thought Cedric was acting like scum, Natalie wasn’t any better. Their clashes had been nothing short of entertaining.
‘Do you want me to make arrangements for you?” Karina asked.
“Of course! A little grand gesture is in order. I can’t go empty–handed,” Natalie replied with a smile.
However, her smile seemed more amused than pleasant.
grand gesture?
What kind of grand gesture?
And who was she planning to slap in the face?
In a high–end restaurant in Verde City, an elegant and poised man stepped out of the car. He courteously opened the door for a dainty figure in silver high heels.
Resting her slender hand in his palm, Natalie emerged from the car and walked into the restaurant with
Irwin.
Cedric sat on the third floor near the window, observing the interaction between Natalie and Irwin.
She was looking at Irwin with a bright smile on her face. Her smile was so radiant it felt like Cedric was looking at the sun.
It had been a while since she had smiled so genuinely. Even when she smiled recently, it had usually been a cold one.
But now…
“Brol Bro?” Isaac Phelps, who sat across from Cedric, called him.
Cedric snapped back to his senses at Isaac’s voice. Just a moment ago, he had been fine. But now, there was a sharp glint in his gaze.
What is it?”
Even by his tone, it was obvious Cedric was in a bad mood.
Isaac was a fair and casual–looking young man. When he heard Cedric’s words, he tensed up.
Irritation flashed across Isaac’s youthful face as he said, “Seriously? You invited me to dinner, and now
you’re acting this way?”
“I have something to attend to. You can enjoy your meal alone!” Cedric replied.
He stood and grabbed his coat to leave.
Isaac was not happy about it.
Setting aside his knife and fork, Isaac’s expression turned stern, and he said, “Have you forgotten. something? You’re the one asking me for help here!”
Isaac was a young doctor with a strong background in ophthalmology research. Cedric had underestimated him before, not realizing that the seemingly irresponsible Isaac had made significant achievements in his field.
That was why Cedric had spent a significant amount to bring him back to the country.
And now, Cedric was sitting down at this table for Isabella’s sake.
And yet, that wretched woman was…!
“I need to do something. Enjoy your meal. I’ll buy you a drink tonight,” Cedric replied.
“You know I don’t drink,” Isaac retorted.
Cedric stiffened for a moment. Isaac may have a reputation for being a bit of a playboy, but he was rather disciplined in his personal life.
Ever since becoming a doctor, he had barely touched alcohol,
Cedric gave him a contemplative look and finally put down his suit jacket. “I’m going to the restroom.”
Isaac sighed in exasperation. “Seriously? Hey…”
But Cedric acted as if he hadn’t heard and simply turned and walked away. They had been close friends during their school years, but Isaac had gone abroad after graduation.
Despite his youthful appearance, he was actually six months older than Cedric.
When Natalle and Irwin emerged from the elevator, they immediately felt a chill in the air,
Cedric was impeccably dressed in a neatly pressed white shirt, and he appeared even slimmer without his jacket.
The reason for his recent weight loss sent a shiver down Natalie’s spine.
She and Irwin exchanged glances. In his gentlemanly and composed manner, Irwin said to Natalie, “11
head inside first.”
“Sure, go ahead.”
Irwin entered the restaurant.
As he walked past Cedric, he didn’t even spare him a glance. The contrast in their demeanors was striking, exuding elegance and sophistication. The difference now was that Irwin appeared more serious,
while Cedric exuded an icy demeanor.
Once Irwin had gone inside, Natalie turned her cold gaze on Cedric. She couldn’t help but think about her
Interactions with Irwin, contrasting them with Cedric’s behavior.
Cedric hadn’t fared any better.
“Why are you with him?”
Their previous collaboration had already made Cedric quite unhappy, and now he discovered that the two of them were still in contact privately.
Natalie replied curtly, “Social obligations!”
Cedric was speechless.
Social obligations?
That’s right….
Before, whenever Natalie asked about the people he dined with, he would tell her they were social obligations.
In his mind, she was always the one responsible for looking beautiful and staying at home.
Now, hearing her use the same term made him feel both unaccustomed and uneasy.
It was as if the bird he had kept in a cage was now spreading its wings, but he couldn’t do anything to stop it
In a somewhat unstable tone, he commanded, “Stop working with him immediately.”
Natalie was stunned when she heard his words, especially when a strong order accompanied his turbulent volce.
Was he aware… of what he was saying or doing?!
“I can’t believe you…
In the past, when they had these kinds of issues, it usually led to an argument.
Now, Natalie was at a loss for words when facing the man before her.
“Close the studio immediately and come home now,” Cedric ordered.
“Come home? You give me half a million a month, and your mother already looked like she wanted to
push me off a cliff! If people didn’t know any better, they’d think I’m desperate for your money!”
Cedric was speechless.
So far, he had never known how much his wife spent in a month.
