Rebirth Of Vengeance

Chapter 54

Natalie heard her phone ring. She sniffled, wiped her tears, and forced a smile before answering. "James," she answered, her voice choked with emotion.

"Natalie, what happened? Who made you cry?" James asked, his tone filled with concern.

At that moment, Natalie just wanted to let her guard down completely. She had a brother, after all, someone she could turn to for comfort.

"James, I feel awful. My life is such a mess-cruel family, falling for a heartless jerk," she said. "I want to leave this place. Even the air here is disgusting, especially when I see Easton with Jennifer. Just the sight of them makes it feel like even the air is tainted." "Easton is such a bastard. I'll make sure they understand what it costs to lie," she was still very angry.

Natalie continued, "I still remember when he was bedridden, blind, and Jennifer ran off to another country with some guy because she didn't want to marry him. It was I who spent 30 million dollars, used every rare herb I could find, and spent a year curing him." "And in return, all I got was his baseless cruelty. James, how did I end up involved with someone like that?" she complained.

"Where are you right now?" James asked.

Natalie's sobs had stopped, and she managed a small smile. "Talking to you has helped. I'm be fine now. Besides, you and Valerie are all I have."

"Silly girl," James replied affectionately. "Didn't I tell you? We're your real family. Whatever it is, you come to us first. Don't waste your tears on people who don't deserve it. You're already amazing, Natalie-you light up the world around you."

"Now, no more crying. I'm heading home tonight anyway, and I was calling to ask what you'd like for dinner. I'll bring whatever you want," he added, his tone full of warmth.

Natalie smiled, her heart warming. After a moment's thought, she replied, "Bring me fried chicken. And get some shrimp for Valerie-she'll be staying with us for a while." Hearing the steadiness return to her voice, James felt relieved. "Okay! I'll be home at 6 P.M. Now, go get some rest, and no more tears over Easton. He's not worth it."

"Right! I know he isn't worth my tears. See you later, James!" she replied, smiling before hanging up.

A good cry really did help. Natalie took out a wet wipe, cleaned the tear stains from her face, and then wiped her wet eyelashes.

She took a deep breath and felt considerably lighter. Standing up, she made her way down the stairs, hoping that by the time she reached the ground floor, there'd be no traces of her crying left, so Valerie wouldn't worry. What she didn't see was Easton, standing just out of sight.

mind like a thunderclap. He couldn't believe that it had been

stormy expression shadowed Easton's face as he stood in the dim stairwell, his features obscured but shrouded

clenched tightly, his heart pounding with anger,

out that she

looking around for

over, words tumbling out

no need to explain," Natalie interrupted coldly. "Think of me however you wish. Just don't call me again. If you ever find against

evidence

by stepping all over my existence." Natalie's tone was steely.

if Wendy even saw her as her own daughter when

up, calling after her, but Natalie walked fast. "Natalie, listen, let me explain... about

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Chapter 54

told you there's nothing to explain," Natalie replied, her voice colder still. "Think whatever you want. Jennifer is

have I competed with her. In your eyes, I'm always wrong, no matter what I do," she continued, refusing to listen

already signed the disownment papers. I've paid for my own living expenses this past year. Tell me if there's anything else I owe you; I'll settle it all at

daughter's anguished gaze, opened her mouth but couldn't

support I owe you, you're welcome to take me to court when you turn sixty," Natalie added. "Whatever the court orders, I'll

I meant..." Wendy began, but Natalie turned away, stepping into a luxury

walked out, running into

in a luxury car, Jennifer's face twisted with jealousy. "Mom, Easton, how is Natalie getting around in such a fancy car? She must be desperate enough now to... let's just say, resort to questionable means." Wendy, still reeling,

papers and left, yet you still twist the truth to slander her?" she yelled

astonishment. She couldn't believe that Wendy was actually