An Affair With The Ceo (Natasha and Jared) novel Chapter 194

Chapter 194 Lonely and Needed Him

Chapter 194 Lonely and Needed Him

Natasha’s fists tightened unconsciously, a surge of tension running through her. “And what if I say no?” Natasha challenged, struggling to keep her emotions in check.

Bernard shot her a harsh glare, his tone dripping with menace. “Even if you bring Percy back this time, I’ll let your friend go. But as long as you refuse to work for Harley, trust me; I have plenty of ways to make sure you won’t have a choice.” Natasha shuddered. ‘So Dad’s still going to keep pushing me to work for Harley?’ Natasha thought, feeling a chill run down her spine.

‘This time it’s Dorothy. Who’s he going to threater next?’ Natasha wondered, dread knotting in her stomach

Thankfully, she was ready for this. Natasha opened her bag and tossed a stack of photos across the table. “Dad, I’m sure you know Bridget Thornton, right?”

Bernard picked up the photos and flipped through them, his expression changing dramatically. “Where did you get these?” Bernard demanded, his voice tight with anxiety.

Seeing Bernard so nervous, Natasha knew for sure that Collin had really pulled it off this time.

‘So Collin wasn’t just messing with me after all; Natasha thought. ‘If I told Dad it was his precious son who leaked the secret, he’d probably blow a gasket. He’d be so mad, he might just lose his mind.

Of course, Natasha had no intention of ratting Collin out. She’d need Collin’s help for plenty more down the line.

“That’s none of your business. But Dad, if you don’t want Roxanne and Mom to find out about this, you’d better stop threatening me,” Natasha said, locking eyes with him, her tone deliberate and firm.

Bernard froze for a moment. His eyes darkened, a hint of something unreadable flickering in them as he stared at her.

“You really think you can threaten your own father?” Bernard said, his voice low and dangerous.

‘She’s just the daughter of my other wife, always treated like an outsider in Whittier Manor. Where did she get the nerve and backbone to stand up to me?’ Bernard fumed inwardly.

Not even Joelle or Collin would ever have the guts to pull something like this. ‘How could she have the guts?’ Bernard thought, stunned.

Natasha shrugged, totally unfazed. “I picked it up from you, Dad. Looks like we’re both the same, huh?” With that, she turned and walked away without a second glance.

Now she had leverage over Bernard, too. He probably wouldn’t dare try anything against her or use her for his schemes, at least for a while.

Natasha stepped out of Bernard’s study, heading for the front door of the villa. Suddenly, she spotted two figures not far ahead, caught in a kiss.

‘Wait, isn’t that Joelle and Percy?’ Natasha thought, her steps faltering, and she watched Joelle and Percy, caught up in a deep kiss, for a while.

She thought she’d feel the same pain as before. But to her surprise, she felt nothing at all, not even a ripple in her heart.

She was divorced now, and her relationship with Percy was truly over. There was no going back, for she had already erased him from her heart.

Natasha walked off, head held high, not once glancing back. These days, whether Percy and Joelle were kissing, hooking up, or whatever, it was none of her business. Nothing they did could ever affect her again.

*****

Walking out of Whittier Manor, Natasha felt more exhausted than ever, as if all her energy had been sucked out of her. Honestly, it was worse than going through a battle.

It wasn’t just her body that was tired; her heart felt even heavier. She pressed her fingers to her forehead, feeling drained, and was about to hail a ride home.

The moment she took out her phone, she spotted an unread message.

Jared: [How’s it going? Are you okay?]

He actually messaged her to see how she was doing. He was probably worried she’d get pushed around or end up hurt at Whittier Manor.

Honestly, most times she went back there, she’d always come away with some kind of injury or pain. She wasn’t a kid

1/3

Chapter 194 Lonely and Needed Him

anymore; she knew how to stand up for herself now.

She was tougher inside than ever, she didn’t rely on those so-called relatives anymore.

Natasha paused, then texted back: [I’m good. Are you free tonight?]

Out of nowhere, she felt an urge to blow off some steam, perhaps even a little more. Jared, suddenly checking in on her, seemed likely to be motivated by the same.

The truth was, no guy cared without reason. She had been feeling empty and restless, and she had honestly needed him at that moment.

Jared replied almost instantly: [I’m still at a dinner.]

Natasha knew exactly what that meant; he was politely brushing her off. Since he was busy tonight, no matter what kind o event it was, there was no way he’d be able to sneak away and meet up with her.

And since they were just friends with benefits, Natasha knew it wasn’t her business to ask for more details. She didn’t bother replying, and she just hailed a cab and headed home.

As the cab drove past the bar district, Natasha glanced out the window, taking in the neon lights and the wild nightlife lining the street.

She watched the flashing signs and the crowds spilling out onto the sidewalks, the whole place buzzing with energy. She suddenly called out, “Stop here.”

The bar was dimly lit, the kind of place where one could disappear into the shadows if one wanted to. The music was so loud it felt like it was shaking the walls.

Natasha walked in and found herself an inconspicuous corner to sit in. She ordered a few drinks. Then she pulled out her phone and texted Dorothy to have some drinks with her.

She’d barely put her phone down when a guy wandered over, trying to strike up a conversation. “Hey there, gorgeous. Can I buy you a drink?”

“No thanks, I’ve already got one,” Natasha shot back, not even looking up.

After that, she helped herself to another drink and sipped it quietly, paying the stranger no mind. But instead of leaving, his interest in Natasha only seemed to grow.

He boldly took the seat across from her, set his drink and glass on the table, and looked straight at her. The way he was staring made Natasha’s skin crawl. She frowned and purposely looked away, making it clear she wanted nothing to do with

him.

“Hey, miss, mind if we add each other online? I’m in business; if you ever need some cash, I could hook you up,” the guy said, flashing a smug smile.

Natasha felt even more repulsed. ‘Where does he get off thinking I need money?’ Natasha thought, annoyed.

“Not interested,” Natasha replied flatly.

His expression darkened, clearly infuriated. No woman had ever rejected him so completely before. He cast a sharp glance at his crew nearby, who began closing in on Natasha, clearly preparing to do something unpleasant.

Just then, a tall and striking figure approached and took a seat across from Natasha. The guy and his crew immediately stopped in their tracks when they saw Jared, too intimidated to make another move.

Jared’s aura was so powerful that nobody dared underestimate him. In the end, they reluctantly turned and left, frustration written all over their faces.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify