It became clear as day that everything Kenneth did was deliberately targeted at her.
Not wanting to show him any sign of reluctance, Natasha decided to face him head-on.
“No problem. I appreciate you offering me such a huge project, and I will be sure to do my job well. However, I must apologize in advance as my presence may make some people uncomfortable.”
A few years ago, Natasha was a sassy, straightforward, and boring person. Now, she has become as cunning as a fox. I can’t figure her out at all… She still looks the same as before, but everything feels so different.
With that in mind, Kenneth stared at her and asked, “How sincere is that smile of yours, Natasha?”
Natasha arched an eyebrow at him in response. “Sincerity? Well, that depends on who I’m speaking to. If it’s someone like you, Mr. Hamilton, then I’d say none at all.”
Angered by her words, Kenneth grabbed her by the chin and gave it a squeeze. “If that’s the case, then why did you insist on marrying me back then?”
“I was young and immature back then. I devoted myself to my marriage because I thought it would last forever, but I was wrong. I now understand that there are plenty of men out there, so I can just find a new one if things don’t work out. Are you reminiscing the past, Mr. Hamilton? Or are you feeling uncomfortable because my life isn’t in ruins after leaving you?”
Natasha’s choice of words was clearly meant to spite him.
Kenneth glared at her as he muttered through clenched teeth, “Yes, I am feeling uncomfortable. I will have you repay everything you owe me, Natasha!”
“Oh? And how will you have me do that?” Natasha asked with a meaningful smile.
Huh, she’s right… I haven’t thought about how I’d have her repay me… Even so, I’m not about to just let it slide! She had no right to make that decision without giving me a choice at all!
His train of thoughts was interrupted when Natasha reached out and placed her hands on his shoulders. “Kenneth, don’t tell me you’re regretting it?” she asked frivolously.
Kenneth narrowed his eyes in response. “Regret what?”
“Back then, you felt ashamed of me for being boring, tasteless, and inelegant. Are you regretting it now that you’ve witnessed my transformation?” Natasha asked with a mocking gaze.
It felt as if she had been waiting for a chance to say that.
While Natasha was extremely good at grinding someone’s gears, Kenneth was no ordinary man. He had encountered countless women over the years, so a mere gaze from her wasn’t enough to make him lose his cool.
“You overestimate yourself a little too much,” he replied while grabbing her hands on his shoulder.
“Am I wrong?” Natasha asked with an eyebrow raised.
That look on her face and this situation that we’re in… Why does it seem so familiar?
Having seen right through her little ploy, Kenneth said, “Don’t even bother playing these games with me, Natasha. Do you really think I’d let you off the hook?”
As she had been exposed, Natasha decided to drop the act and pulled her hand back. “That’s good to hear, Mr. Hamilton. You know, I was hoping for us to peacefully go our separate ways. If you insist on coming after me, then so be it. Two can play this game.”
This woman sure would make a great actress. She was being all intimate just a second ago, only to turn completely hostile a second later.
“I expect nothing less,” Kenneth replied with a sneer.
“Is there anything else you’d like to talk about? If not, I’ll be on my way now.” Natasha then ducked under his arm and stepped away from him. “How about acquiring our company if you have that much money at your disposal, Mr. Hamilton? That way, you won’t need to liaise with me because I’d be working under you!” she said with a provocative smile before strutting off.
The look in Kenneth’s eyes turned gloomy as he watched her go.
Thea barged straight into Kenneth’s office the moment he returned.
“Why didn’t you tell me about this decision you made? Why enter into a long-term partnership with Prosper Technologies? Do you even know what you’re doing, Kenneth?” she asked while glaring at him. This was the first time she had lost her cool in front of him after so many years.
Although Kenneth was clearly displeased at her behavior, he kept his feelings to himself and simply shot her a glare as he sat down at his chair.
“What, I can’t even make a decision on my own now?” he asked coldly after a brief pause.
Although he didn’t raise his voice much, the intimidating aura that he exuded was more than enough to terrify her.
Thea quickly calmed down when she realized she had gone a little overboard. “I-I didn’t mean it like that… Why didn’t you tell me about it beforehand?”
“Why did you reject Prosper Technologies’ project in the first place? I told you to leave it be for the time being, didn’t I?” Kenneth asked.
Thea had done such things plenty of times in the past, but that was not the case for Kenneth.
“Prosper Technologies’ project wasn’t exactly ideal, so I assumed you meant for me to reject them,” Thea explained.
“It may not have been ideal, but it was the best among all the other projects. I know you did it on purpose, Thea.” Just like that, Kenneth had exposed her lie on the spot.
Thea fell silent for a moment before nodding in response. “Yes, you’re right. I did do it on purpose. It’s not a must for us to work with Prosper Technologies, so I did it for the sake of the company!”
“Is that the only reason why you did it?” Kenneth pressed on while staring deep into her eyes.
Thea let out a helpless sigh. “Fine, I admit that I did have my own personal reasons for doing that, but I only did it for your own good.”
“Thea, the company and I are two separate entities. Keep in mind that it is not your job to interfere with my personal life.”
Thea froze in upon hearing that.
Kenneth has never spoken to me like this before! He’d always turn a blind eye to all of my misdeeds, and now he’s telling me to not interfere with his life?
“W-What is the meaning of this?” she asked.
“Just do what is required of you and nothing more,” Kenneth replied while shifting his gaze toward the documents in hand.
Thea was devastated, but maintained a calm look on her face even while clenching her fists tightly. “All right,” she said after a long pause and stormed out of Kenneth’s office before he could even respond.
Kenneth glanced at the door after she was gone, only to get back to work seconds later.
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