Escape the Billionaire's Grasp

Chapter 16--Looks Like I'll Have to Linger a Little Longer

Elise Johnson sat across from her, smiling. "Do you know me?"

Natalie's smile stiffened. She dug her nails into her palm but quickly calmed down. She raised a smile. "I've only heard of you. Seeing is believing. Miss Johnson is indeed more elegant than the rumors say."

Elise Johnson said in surprise, "Really? Who did you hear it from?"

Laura Taylor winked ambiguously. "Who else could it be? Natalie has benefited quite a bit in the past two years by relying on a face that resembles Miss Johnson's, right, Natalie?"

Those around who knew the inside story all covered their mouths and snickered, their eyes full of disdain.

"Elise, it's a good thing you're back in the country. Otherwise, who knows how long some people would have kept using your name to boast and deceive others. Truly shameless."

"A fake is a fake. How can it compare to the real thing? It's like a cheap imitation trying to pass off as a luxury brand. She clearly has the air of a loose woman, yet she still pretends to be a virtuous lady."

Natalie's face gradually turned cold. She wanted to lash out, but then she remembered that this gala was an opportunity James had worked hard to secure for her. She couldn't ruin it, so in the end, she could only endure it without saying a word.

Elise Johnson patted the hand of the person beside her and said softly, "Don't say that. It's quite hurtful."

"Elise, you're just too kind-hearted, even giving a good face to this kind of person."

"Miss Sinclair has it tough too. I heard her family situation is not good..."

Elise Johnson stopped short, watching Natalie's face turn pale inch by inch.

Natalie stood up. She forced the corners of her lips to curve. "Excuse me, I'm feeling a bit unwell. I'll take my leave for a moment." Then she quickly fled.

She took refuge in the restroom in a fluster. She turned on the faucet, and water gushed out. She didn't even care about the makeup that had taken two hours to apply. She directly scooped up a handful of water and splashed it on her face. Only then did the world that was spinning finally regain some tranquility.

"Miss Sinclair has it tough too. I heard her family situation is not good..."

A sharp buzzing sound echoed in her head. The dark memories that had been deliberately buried surged like a tide.

She propped her hands on the sink, her face deathly pale.

"Miss Sinclair, are you alright?" She turned around and saw that Elise Johnson had followed her in, looking at her with a naive and ignorant expression.

Natalie casually grabbed a tissue and wiped the water droplets from her face. "Miss Johnson's acting is so good. You should act in dramas."

Elise Johnson smiled. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Natalie looked at her, her eyes sharp. "You know exactly what I'm talking about."

"I'm just a bit curious about what kind of woman Sebastian found."

"Sebastian and I are over. You don't need to be curious about me."

"I'm just reminding you not to linger around him. He and you are not from the same world."

Natalie blinked. "For someone like me, Miss Johnson personally comes to warn me? Is it because you lack confidence in being able to keep Sebastian in check?"

Elise Johnson's expression changed slightly.

Natalie laughed. "I was originally planning to give up, but with Miss Johnson saying this, it makes me think I might still have a chance. Looks like I'll have to linger a little longer. Perhaps Sebastian can keep me around for a couple more years?"

"How dare you!"

Natalie casually tossed the tissue into the trash can and left without lingering for a single step.

As soon as she walked out of the restroom, Amy ran over. "Natalie, where did you go? I took my eyes off you for a moment and couldn't find you. Your makeup on your face..."

Natalie tugged at the corners of her lips. "Sorry, I accidentally got water on it. Take me to touch it up."

Amy looked at her obviously reddened eyes and nodded blankly. "Okay."