Elizabeth’s heart began pounding when Frank leaned in close to her ear. She instinctively looked sideways as she asked, “Are you always this concerned about all of your patients?”
At that moment, Frank fixated his gaze on Elizabeth. His heart skipped a beat, and he felt an oddly warm feeling in his chest.
That was the first time he had observed a woman at such close proximity outside of the hospital.
He couldn’t help but notice that Elizabeth was really pretty.
The next day.
“Who wants some coffee? I’m ordering take-out.” One of Natalie’s coworkers offered to buy coffee. She wanted to get Elizabeth a drink but then noticed that she wasn’t in her seat.
Tasha also seemed to have noticed it because she asked Natalie, “Where is Elizabeth? Is she taking the day off? She’s never been late before.”
“Don’t worry. Elizabeth is fine,” Natalie assured, but that didn’t erase the worry she felt.
After all, when Elizabeth left W Marks yesterday, she was still a bit dazed.
Natalie went back to her seat, thinking of calling Elizabeth to check on her.
Suddenly, her phone beeped. Elizabeth sent her a message.
“Natalie, I’m going to see a therapist today. Thank you for your help. I was harsh to you yesterday and lashed out. When I’m done here, let’s go to dinner together. Think of it as my apology.”
Perhaps Frank had finally persuaded Elizabeth to seek professional help.
Then, it dawned on Natalie that perhaps he was still with Elizabeth today! She pursed her lips, holding back her laughter. She immediately messaged Brandon to share the progress in Frank’s love life.
“What are you laughing about? You look like you won the lottery.” Tasha didn’t intend to interrupt Natalie’s good time but she still put the document in front of her. “I’m afraid you won’t be able to keep that smile when you see Estella’s feedback.”
Natalie’s smile disappeared. Her expression immediately changed at the mention of the dresses. “That’s impossible. Estella was very satisfied when I sent the dresses to her yesterday.”
Estella even showered praise on the dresses. Though some of it sounded exaggerated.
Tasha shrugged. “I don’t know. She sent the memo to me earlier this morning. Here.”
Natalie read Estella’s suggestions with a serious expression that gradually turned into a frown. “These are really tricky. Estella is going to attend the event soon. If we make the all these adjustments she wants, it won’t be finished on time. Isn’t this more troublesome?”
Tasha mirrored her distress. “Estella said she will drop by later. How about you two talk in person?”
When Estella arrived at W Marks, Natalie went out to welcome her, herself.
Natalie placed the memo in front of Estella. “Miss Lopez, what’s the meaning of this?” Yesterday, you said the dresses were all right.”
With a smile on her face, Estella pulled Natalie until she was sitting down. Estella looked at her innocently. “The dresses are definitely all right. But I’ll let you in with some good news, they has called and informed me and I’m the winner of the prize. So I won’t be needing the backup dress and I’ll just wear the glamorous one!”
“Congratulations, Miss Lopez.” Natalie commended, gaze briefly veering away from Estella. “Since there is nothing wrong with the dresses, I’ll excuse myself. I still have my work to do.”
“Hold on, what’s the rush?” Estella pulled Natalie down again. She regarded her with a courteous look. “I have a favor to ask you.”
Natalie’s eyelids twitched. She knew Estella. Whatever it was she wanted, it would most probably be complicated. “I’m still at work. I don’t want to discuss anything that’s not work-related during my work hours.” Natalie’s lips stretched to a small smile.
Estella’s expression changed. Raising her chin, she snorted. “Then I want the dress to be altered now! Change the color of the dress! It should be ready for me to wear tomorrow!”
Natalie squeezed her eyes shut and breathed deeply before asking, “Fine. What do you want?”
Estella’s face brightened as she beamed with ple@sure. She took Natalie’s hand between hers and held onto it. She began discussing what she really wanted. “I’ve decided to write a new novel based on you and Brandon. But I’m having a hard time picturing the main character’s archetype. I’ve tried to ask Brandon for help several times but your husband refused all my requests. He’s too aloof. He even told the Larson Group to blacklist me. I really have no other choice but to come to you for help.”
3 Natalie already guessed that Estella was up to no good. If Brandon refused her, it only meant he wasn’t interested in how she was collecting her materials for the novel.
“I don’t think I can help you with this. Brandon is a very private person. He will not like it if I agree to help you on his behalf but without even asking him.” Considering how awkward the situation was, Natalie tried to be careful with her words. “As you know, rich and powerful families are always complicated. I don’t have the right to make a decision.”
Estella rolled her eyes and caught a glimpse of the lunch box on Natalie’s table. “What’s that?”
Before Natalie could stop her, Estella already reached over and took the lunch box. She examined it, looking at it up and down. With a cunning look in her eyes, she said, “I guess it must be for Brandon.”
She pursed her lips, feigning a miserable expression. “We’ve got along well, and I consider you a friend of mine, Natalie. I never thought you can be so cold and heartless. You said wealthy families are complicated, but I know that’s just an excuse. You just don’t want to help me. Everyone knows Brandon loves you so much!”
Embarrassment was written all over Natalie’s face. She flashed a wry smile. “Don’t believe everything you hear.” In the end, Estella’s persistence won over Natalie’s hesitation. She agreed to let Estella come with her to the Larson Group to meet Brandon.
Estella was extremely excited because Natalie agreed to take her to the Larson Group to see Brandon. She also began to think about what kind of questions she should ask Brandon later.
The truth was, she didn’t even know what he looked like. Even though Brandon was the Larson Group’s CEO, he seldom showed up in public in the past. Even when he did and there were news covers, there were not many pictures of him.
He had only been seen in public more often after he got married to Natalie.
Natalie became a little worried when she saw the mysterious smile on Estella’s face. So, she immediately reminded, “Let me make things clear. I’ll only introduce you to him. I won’t participate in your persuading him; you’re going to have to do that yourself.”
Estella held Natalie’s arm as she gently said, “I actually wanted to talk to both you and your husband. You just foiled my plans, Natalie.”
“Believe it or not, I can always break my promise and have no problem with it,” Natalie firmly stated. There was a hint of coldness in her eyes as she pretended to look threatening.
Estella quickly nodded. “I know. I’ll behave, okay?”
New Book: Beginning with a Daring Encounter
Celsie was tired of being labeled as an introvert, workaholic, and dull virgin by her friends. Determined to prove them wrong, she made a bet that she would do something daring on her 25th birthday. Now that the day had arrived, it was time to fulfill her promise. On her daring to-do list, there was one task: a one-night stand with someone.
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