Lahat ng Kabanata ng Opening My Eyes to Reality: Kabanata 391 - Kabanata 400

Realizing how urgent things were, Landon promised to start investigating right away. "I'll look into it right away, Natalie."After hanging up, Natalie took a moment to compose herself in front of the mirror before returning to the dining area, satisfied that nothing seemed amiss.She gracefully resumed her seat, once again the poised and powerful businesswoman. "Mr. Arnault, I actually have a proposal."Rowan nodded. "Please go ahead, Ms. Sutton."Elegant and collected, Natalie gazed at the familiar face across from her as she continued, "Mr. Antonelli intentionally scheduled our meetings on the same day to pit us against each other and drive up the price, all so he could reap the benefits."I assume you're not planning to back down easily, and I am equally determined to secure this oil field. But if we continue down this path, whoever ends up winning the bid will suffer significant losses, so why don't we work together? "We could each hold a 50% stake and develop the field tog

Rowan's brows drew slightly together, but he didn't respond immediately.His silence made Pamela more anxious. What if he remembered something?Pamela bit her lip so hard that blood welled up and stared at him with wide, uneasy eyes. That wait felt endless and unbearable, each second a torment until his gaze finally settled on her. "You're overthinking."In other words, he meant to say that the partnership would proceed, and he'd have countless more meetings with Natalie.Panic flared in Pamela. "I'm just scared, and I don't have so much faith in myself, Stephen. Please, don't work with her, and just let her have the oil field if you have to."But once Rowan made up his mind, few—not even Pamela—could change it. At least, she certainly didn't have the power to do that.He exhaled, slowly rose to his feet, and straightened his cuffs calmly. His eyes were cold, detached, and devoid of affection. "I'll handle my work as I see fit. Get some rest."Just as he turned to leave, Pamela

Natalie's smile turned razor-sharp. "You have no shame, Pamela. It's impressive how you can shamelessly twist the truth and still sound righteous."Clapping slowly, she uncrossed her legs and leaned forward with a half-amused, half-dangerous smile on her face. "He's my husband and the father of my children. He belongs to me, and yet you have the nerve to suggest I'm the one being greedy?"Pamela clenched her fists and glared in return. "Your husband was Rowan, and he's my Stephen.""Keep lying to yourself." Natalie scoffed.Pamela fumed. "You—"Natalie slapped her across the face before she could finish.Stunned, Pamela looked up in shock as Natalie loomed over her. The latter placed one hand on the armrest of Pamela's chair, leaning in close. All smiles had vanished from her face. "What really happened three years ago?"That was the true reason Natalie had come today, not to listen to meaningless excuses.Somehow, Natalie now carried a stronger, more intimidating presence afte

"Since you turned Micah down, he'll likely call me soon. Here's to a successful partnership, Ms. Sutton," Rowan said.Natalie raised her glass of red wine, and they toasted.Just then, his phone rang. From the look on his face, Natalie could easily tell who it was."Stephen, why aren't you back yet? Are you with that woman?" Pamela's tense and urgent voice spilled from the line.Rowan instinctively glanced across the table, where Natalie watched him with unmistakable amusement.Before he could respond, she made her move. Her stiletto brushed lightly against his ankle, then slowly glided higher up the edge of his pants. The teasing gesture hung in the air, thick with suggestion.Rowan froze until Pamela's tone grew shriller. "Answer me! Are you with that bitch?"He froze and lost all patience. "I'll be back soon. Get some rest."With that, he ended the call. Seeing this, Natalie straightened up in her seat, all teasing she'd had abruptly gone. "Is your fiancee upset?"His exp

Pamela's smiling face darkened as she murmured, "See, Stephen? I told you this woman doesn't quit until she gets what she wants."By then, Natalie had already walked up to them. She glanced briefly at Pamela before her gaze drifted lazily to Rowan. "Heading somewhere? Let me give you a ride.""No need. I've got my own car," Rowan coldly replied.She stepped in front of him to block his path. "What a shame. Your tire's flat.""How would you know that? Did you do it?" Pamela shoved her hard.Natalie responded with a light, mocking laugh as if Pamela's rage was the funniest thing in the world. "Well, look at that. Even a pig like you has learned to jump to conclusions. That's impressive.""How dare you!" Pamela raised her hand to strike, but Natalie saw it coming. And just as her slap was about to land, a hand caught her wrist midair.Startled, she instinctively looked up at Rowan, only to feel the sting of Pamela's palm crashing across her cheek instead.As the sharp, deafening c