Semua Bab Who's the Substitute Now?: Bab 171 - Bab 180

The memories brought a smile to Natasha's face, but Joshua's disapproving look immediately froze her. It suddenly dawned on her that this was not the right time for joy. She quickly wiped the smile off her face.Natalie was unsettled by Zack's slightly annoyed tone. The happiness she had derived from Joshua's jealousy faded. She began to doubt if she had misunderstood Zack's feelings for her.But then she remembered how sweetly Zack had called her by name before, and how he'd helped Natasha get a job at Radiance Biomed when she'd asked him to. Natalie encouraged herself to push away the fear that crept up on her."I-I need your help with something," Natalie stammered nervously. Her voice was shaking. The silence on the other end of the line made her think about switching off the speakerphone. It didn't go as she expected.In a panic, she scanned the faces around the dining table. Philip was staring at her intently. Unconsciously, Natalie tightened her grip on the phone. "Zack? Ar

Natalie's lips felt dry. She hesitated whether to stand or sit. Joshua's deep voice broke the silence. "Sit."Natalie couldn't read his mood. She turned to look at him, who seemed calm. She quickly nodded and hummed in reply. Once seated, Natalie picked up her glass of wine to ease the awkwardness.Her gaze casually swept over Natasha. Their eyes met and a sudden thought popped into Natalie's head. "Natasha, back me up! You were there. You know what happened that day."Natasha raised an eyebrow at hearing that."That day, I was on a video call with Zack right in front of you. I just said it and he let you in Radiance immediately, didn't he?" Natalie asked with the urgency of a drowning person reaching for a lifeline.Natasha kept her silence."Zack has always treated me like a sister. You heard it when we talked on the phone, didn't you? The way he called me by my nickname as soon as he was on the line. You heard it loud and clear, right?"Joshua stared at Natasha coldly, and e

Only Natalie and Natasha were present at that moment. Also, the fact that Zack was unfamiliar with Natalie was revealed during the phone call when Natalie put the speakerphone on. This made it clear that Natasha was connected to Zack.If Natasha chose not to admit it now, Natalie could easily turn the tables later and make it seem like Natasha was deliberately distancing herself from Zack. Natalie would insist that Natasha was trying to cover something up.It seemed better for Natasha to come clean now.When Natasha remained silent and toyed nervously with her glass, Natalie taunted, "You must have an intimate relationship with Zack. He called you 'Natty!' Why would he use such an affectionate nickname if you were just friends?"After a moment of thought, Natalie continued, "Natasha, are you going to deny this now? Don't even try."It's just the two of us there. If Zack wasn't calling me 'Natty,' then that nickname must be referring to you! How are you going to deny that?"Natash

The atmosphere was intense as everyone looked in the same direction. A sense of dread was instilled, especially by Joshua's gaze, which was accompanied by a chilling vibe."How much longer are you going to keep up this stubborn act?" he asked.Natasha remained calm and collected. There was no emotion in her eyes. It was as if she paid no attention to the scrutinizing looks.Annoyed by Joshua's question, she furrowed her brow without even bothering to glance in his direction.She felt there was no need to waste her breath since Joshua only believed Natalie's words. She had no desire to respond or to engage in further questioning.As the three of them came to a stalemate, Philip, who had been silent the whole time, suddenly spoke up, "Natasha, do you really know the president of Radiance, Zack?"There was a sharpness in Philip's eyes that closely resembled Joshua's.Natalie scoffed. She immediately noticed that Philip had changed the way he addressed Natasha.He'd stopped calling

"The incident about the letter of authorization is over. There's no point in going pursuing it anymore."It's better to think about how we can get the authorization again. That's the whole point," Joshua quickly spoke in Natalie's defense.Natalie was relieved when she heard Joshua speak up for her. She looked up at Philip and waited for his reaction.Philip's expression was unreadable. "Forget it. I won't hold you responsible."Natasha was surprised at the outcome. Philip had decided not to pursue the matter after Natalie played the victim.In the three years she had been married into the Grayson family, Natasha had had no contact with Philip other than to take care of him daily.She knew nothing of Philip's nature. She had no idea what Philip's thoughts could be when the anger on Philip's face was instantly gone."Thank you, Grandpa Philip!" Natalie smiled and looked gratefully at Joshua. She quietly held his hand under the table.Joshua had mentioned that Philip was a very o