Chapter 4

Natalie's POV

I looked at him calmly and said quietly:

"That's not what I thought. I just need to video call my daughter later. I can't get back too late."

At that, Ethan laughed carelessly.

"You're lying to remind me you've moved on, aren't you?"

He turned to look at me, his smile deepening.

"But don't you think that tactic is a bit childish?"

"Don't worry. Even if you wanted to get back together, I wouldn't choose you. So you don't need to go through all this trouble making up excuses to avoid me. I'm only bringing you because Grandpa said the Pierce family doesn't neglect guests."

With things at this point, I didn't want to argue further. That would only make me seem petty and unable to let go.

I could only text my daughter to tell her to sleep early tonight.

After some time, the car stopped in front of a suburban villa.

The moment I pushed open the villa door, everyone inside looked up at me, their faces showing surprise.

"Natalie Hart."

Someone spoke first, their voice mocking.

"Four years ago when your PhD application failed, Ethan wanted to help you out of past sentiment, but you ran off abroad without a word. We all thought you had such backbone. Guess things didn't work out overseas, so you came crawling back to him?"

Laughter erupted throughout the villa.

"Sucking up to Ethan beats working odd jobs abroad. After all, his pocket change could feed her for a lifetime."

"Too bad there is no chance now. Ever since Ethan left medicine to take over the family business, Pierce Group's market value has multiplied who knows how many times. And our Vivian is now the hospital's star surgeon. They're a power couple. Stop your wishful thinking. You weren't good enough before, and you are even less so now."

"Don't say that."

Vivian spoke up at the right moment.

"If it weren't for Ethan and me, Natalie wouldn't have left the country in anger. She is struggling so much now. Ethan and I are responsible."

She walked over to me, her tone condescending.

"Tell you what, our hospital is hiring janitors. The job market's tough right now. If you can't find work, I'll mention it to the director and get you in. The pay isn't high, but it's still six thousand dollars a month. Should help with expenses."

I looked at her calmly and declined.

Someone immediately shouted at me:

"Natalie, you came back to the country and showed up in front of Ethan again. Aren't you just trying to get something out of him? Stop pretending! Vivian's kind enough to offer you a job and you're being picky? What, too embarrassing and the money's too slow?"

A man holding a wine glass walked over and grabbed my wrist.

"Seeing how pathetic you are now, drink one glass and I'll transfer you a thousand bucks."

"If you want fast money, come to me. I'll introduce you around..."

The group burst into mocking laughter.

Vivian stood to the side as always, watching me with haughty disdain.

But this time, I didn't run.

I took the glass, about to throw it in the man's face, when Ethan, standing nearby, suddenly crushed out his cigarette and grabbed the man's arm hard.

"Behave yourself."

His expression was angry, his eyes cold.

The man yelped as Ethan's grip hurt him.

Vivian tugged on Ethan's sleeve, her tone displeased.

"What are you doing?"

His face stayed cold.

"Today, Natalie Hart is a guest of the Pierce family. Anyone who disrespects her is slapping my face. Understand?"

He released the man, who didn't dare challenge Ethan but glared viciously at me.