Caught Him Cheating My Life Restarted (Natalie) novel Chapter 180

She didn't want the children to suffer an even greater hurt when she eventually had to leave.

"Then we won't end it. We'll sign a lifelong contract!"

Terence's gaze fell upon Natalie like a vine, trying to hold her tight.

Natalie had to admit, her heart skipped a beat when she heard that.

But it was just a contract. She told herself not to overthink it.

"Mr. Lockwood, although the price you're offering is high, I'm not for sale!"

No matter how poor she was, she wouldn't sell herself.

She loved those two children. Being their private tutor was fulfilling enough, and it was the most sustainable way for them to be together.

Natalie smiled, but her eyes were defiant.

That defiant look was so familiar.

Terence was taken aback. He had thought money could buy anything, but now he realized it couldn't buy the heart of the woman before him.

"Mr. Lockwood, you are actually a very devoted person. Your leg injury won't be an obstacle in your life. The day you stand on your own two feet again, you will surely find someone you love who loves you back, and you can give the children a real family."

Terence's brow furrowed. Was she rejecting him?

This wouldn't do.

Terence suddenly adopted a sorrowful expression.

"But I'm destined to be a cripple for the rest of my life. How could I ever find someone who genuinely loves me?"

If money wouldn't move her, then playing the victim was his only option.

"I can heal your legs."

"I know you're just trying to give me confidence, but I know my own limits. I'm a lost cause for this lifetime. I'm sorry. I can't believe I just tried to buy you with money. It's because I'm too... insecure."

Terence couldn't believe he had just uttered the word "insecure." To be honest, the word felt... foreign on his tongue.

"Ms. Ward, we've contacted Patrick and told him we'd offer a fifty-thousand-dollar appearance fee if he's willing to come, but he still refuses."

Marie was furious when she heard this. Fifty thousand dollars just to attend a birthday party, and he still wouldn't do it?

"Ms. Ward, the Cross family invites him, and he still refuses to come. He really has a high opinion of himself. I really don't understand what these academic types are thinking."

"Give me his contact information. I'll call him myself."

Marie dialed Patrick's number.

"Mr. Mercer, hello. This is Marie Ward. We've met once before."

She had met him once before when he won an award at the Mathematics Federation competition.

"What is it?"

"My assistant should have already contacted you. The young master of the Cross family is having a birthday party, and he's a huge fan of yours. We would like to invite you to attend. Whatever your appearance fee, we're willing to pay it."

"I am a research scientist, not an entertainer. If you want a celebrity to make an appearance at your event, you should contact an actual celebrity."