The Ash Queen's Return: Reclaiming Her Crown novel Chapter 5

Bennett, who was sitting in front, immediately responded. "Yes, Mr. Hurrell."

Upon hearing this, Estella finally turned around and stared at Horatio with her big black eyes. She said in a childish yet unusually solemn voice, "Anyway, that lady's a good person!"

Horatio narrowed his eyes.

"We're here, sir," Bennett announced cautiously, interrupting Horatio's train of thought.

As soon as the car stopped, a member of the household staff respectfully opened Hurrell Estate's front gates.

Horatio stepped out of the car, carrying a still-sobbing Estella in his arms. He was met by the daughter of Sutten Group's president, Clarissa Sutten.

Clarissa was wearing a haute couture one-piece dress and had put on exquisite makeup. Her pleasant smile grew slightly stiff when she saw Estella's eyes, red from crying.

"What's wrong, Star? Who upset our little princess?" she asked gently, stepping forward with the intent to stroke Estella's head.

However, Estella jerked her head away and buried her head in Horatio's shoulder. She yelled in a muffled voice, "Don't touch me!"

A gloomy expression flitted across Clarissa's face, but she quickly reverted to a gentle look. "Did Star experience something that upset her today, Horatio?"

Horatio hummed faintly in acknowledgement before walking straight into the villa without further explanation.

Clarissa bit her lip and followed quickly after him. "By the way, I've already made arrangements for the dinner party between Sutten Group and Hurrell Group next week, where we'll be discussing our cooperation. You—"

Estella suddenly lifted her head and interrupted her in a childish yet particularly serious tone. "Daddy! You have to promise me that you'll let that lady, Natalie Lunsford, be my mommy! I don't want anyone else!"

The atmosphere immediately turned tense.

Clarissa's smile froze on her face.

The butler and household staff nearby lowered their heads one after another and pretended not to have heard anything.

Yet, their eyes were filled with shock at the fact that Estella had actually said something like that in front of Clarissa.

It was common knowledge that Clarissa had been by Horatio's side for many years, so everyone had taken it for granted that she would be his future wife.

But now, Estella had actually said such a thing to Clarissa's face.

Moreover, Estella had actually taken a liking to the Lunsford family's good-for-nothing daughter, Natalie.

Had someone put her up to it? How had Natalie caught her eye?

Clarissa immediately suppressed her anger and forced a smile. "What are you saying, Star?"

Estella blinked her huge eyes and elaborated innocently. "That lady is really amazing and smells nice! I like her!"

Clarissa's expression immediately darkened, and her voice turned colder. "You're still young, Star. You don't understand that some people act kindly on the surface but are actually incredibly scheming people.

"Natalie's just the Lunsford family's unwanted, good-for-nothing eldest daughter. She's fat, ugly, and not worthy of your father at all—"

Horatio suddenly interrupted her coldly. "Enough."

Clarissa was stunned. "Horatio, I was just—"

"Star's still young, so don't say such things in front of her. Furthermore, it's not up to outsiders to judge what kind of person Natalie Lunsford is," Horatio said in a tone that brooked no argument, his expression slightly sullen.

Clarissa narrowed her eyes, and her fingers dug harshly into her palms.

Clarissa? An outsider?

She had been by his side for so long and had done her very best to gain favor with the Hurrell family, yet he actually called her an outsider?

Hailey bit her lip, her eyes filled with resentment. "Without a doubt, she's changed. She's completely unlike the old Natalie, who was completely at everyone else's mercy. Say, Mom, do you think… she'll come back for revenge?"

Audrey's eyes narrowed, then she sneered. "Revenge? Her? What can a good-for-nothing like her do?"

She led Hailey to the couch, then retrieved an ice pack from the refrigerator and applied it carefully to Hailey's face.

"Don't worry. I won't let you suffer this grievance in vain. However… This time, we'll have to play the long game…" Audrey and Hailey started discussing in low voices.

Walter soon returned. When he saw Hailey's face and was informed of the reason for it, he was so angry that he straight-up called Natalie a wench.

Audrey said placatingly, "Natalie is probably feeling restless, darling. You should call her and tell her to come back. It's not safe for a woman to be alone outside."

Walter snorted coldly before taking out his phone to call Natalie.

After the call connected, he reined in his anger, but his voice still came out harsh. "Return home immediately, you rebellious brat! Shouldn't you come back and explain yourself after hitting your sister?"

On the other end, Natalie was sitting in her newly rented apartment unit, unpacking her things.

She smiled faintly at Walter's commanding tone. "Have you forgotten that Mom only gave birth to one daughter, Dad? When did I ever get a younger sister? Don't worry, though. I'll definitely go home tomorrow."

How was she going to settle her score with them if she didn't go back?

As soon as Natalie said her piece, she hung up.

Walter was absolutely fuming. "That disrespectful brat! She'd better remember to come back!"

Audrey was secretly pleased to hear this.

She snorted inwardly. She would have something good prepared for Natalie when the latter returned.