Chapter 384 A Trap Sprung Too Easily
Chapter 384 A Trap Sprung Too Easily
Natalie had rehearsed it all in her head–the perfect blend of shy admiration and restrained excitement. Now, she played it to perfection, her eyes gleaming, hands slightly trembling, as if seeing Louis in person was a once–in–a–lifetime moment.
Louis, however, remained impassive. His brow creased slightly. He’d seen all kinds of approaches before, but the “idol worship” tactic was new–if no less transparent.
Still, Natalie continued, voice sweet and breathless. “Could I… could I get your autograph? I really, really admire you.”
A low snort broke the silence.
Kendrick suddenly laughed. “Louis, your charm really is something. You attract all kinds, even fans pretending to swoon like they’ve spotted a celebrity. But-”
He turned to Natalie, his grin sharp as a blade.
“Ms. Savannah, wasn’t it? I thought your specialty was milking money from men, not studying business. When did you develop an interest in enterprise? Or is it just that you’ve run out of men to drain dry? Can’t be… after all, you’ve got the looks, and you’re quite good at playing the game. I’m sure plenty of nouveau riche types or gullible fools still fall for your type.”
Natalie froze. How did he know who she was?
It really was bad luck. A few weeks earlier, one of Kendrick’s acquaintances a man with a thin wallet but sincere heart–had quietly complained to him he man had fallen for Natalie, spent what little he had trying to impress her, only to alize she was just acting. Too embarrassed to call her out himself, he’d confided in Kendrick instead, even sending a photo along with a bitter, “Yeah, she’s pretty… too bad it’s all fake,”
Kendrick hadn’t thought much of it then. But now, seeing Natalie approach Louis with the same script, he recognized her immediately–and couldn’t resist the chance to expose her.
Smirking, Kendrick turned to Louis and Baylon. “This here is Ethan’s illegitimate daughter. Dean and Savannah’s half–sister–though neither of them even knows she exists, Ethan never acknowledged her, probably hoped to use her quietly.”
The moment he said it, everyone around understood the situation. Baylon didn’t bother being polite.
“Ms. Savannah’s dress looks expensive. Must’ve taken quite a bit of cash from your usual patrons. You’ve always been good at calculating the cost of everything. But now, what trying to reel in a big fish like Louis? Tsk. No one told you he’s already married and doesn’t like
08:53 Fri, 4 Jul
Chapter 384 A Trap Sprung Too Easily
your type?”
Kendrick picked up the thread smoothly.
“Not that it matters–Ms. Savannah only knows how to act pitiful anyway. And Ethan, really, what a father. Finally raises a chess piece and throws her away like it’s nothing. Guess this blow to his business really hit hard.”
Baylon shrugged. “Isn’t that just like Ethan? It’s not the first time he’s sold off his daughters. Don’t forget–he’s still trying to shove Savannah toward Sebastian.”
Kendrick suddenly frowned, his joking tone gone. “Wait a minute–so the legitimate daughter gets sent to Sebastian, and the illegitimate one gets pushed toward Louis? What, Ethan thinks Louis is second–best? That he’s disposable? That man’s really got no sense of proportion.”
“Exactly. Someone needs to remind him of his place,” Baylon said coldly.
The two didn’t give Natalie a chance to speak. Nor did they wait for Louis’s input. They laid out the entire situation from start to finish, pinning the blame squarely on Ethan’s shoulders.
Louis glanced at them. Both men grinned innocently under his gaze. See? This time we did it right.
Natalie was panicking.
In just a few sentences, not only had they dragged out her secret identity, but they’d also implicated her father. If Louis wasn’t going to be seduced tonight, fine. But she couldn’t afford for Ethan to take the fall.
If Ethan collapsed, she’d be the first to go down with him.
Desperate, Natalie switched tactics.
“Mr. Kendrick, Mr. Baylon… what are you talking about?” she said, voice soft and pitiful. “I just admire Mr. Graham’s skills and accomplishments. I came over to ask for an autograph, that’s all.”
She turned to Louis, eyes full of humble admiration.
“I know he’s already married. Even if he weren’t, someone like Mr. Graham is far beyond what a girl like me could dream of. You’re giving me too much credit.”
She lowered her gaze, looking like a kicked puppy.
“I only got this invitation after begging a friend. I even rented this dress for tonight—just to experience a world I don’t belong to. I’m not some rich heiress. Just being here is already
08:53 Fri, 4 Jul
Chapter 384 A Trap Sprung Too Easily
more than I could’ve hoped for. I wouldn’t dare think of anything more.”
97%7
