The Year She Stopped Being Crazy for Him novel Chapter 108

Gardenia watched as Natalie walked out of the master bedroom. Her gaze flickered toward Hassan before she finally broke the silence. "Oh, you're up. We woke up a bit late today and didn't have time to make breakfast, so we came over to let the kid eat something before school."

Her unsolicited explanation was clearly designed to make Natalie look petty while painting herself as reasonable and gracious.

Natalie smiled sweetly. "No. They can't eat it."

Yes, she was being petty.

As long as the divorce papers remained unsigned, she was the lady of this house, and she absolutely refused to let the other woman eat her food.

Having been threatened with termination twice now, Laura naturally leaned toward Gardenia's camp. Besides, judging by the current state of affairs, she fully expected Gardenia to become the new lady of the house soon enough.

She spoke up, "Mrs. Carlson, it's not good for a child to skip breakfast. Besides, there's plenty of food. You couldn't possibly finish it all yourself."

"If I can't finish it, throw it in the trash. I'm not feeding them."

Hassan looked at Natalie. "Who stepped on your toes? Waking up with such a massive attitude."

Natalie no longer cared what he thought of her. She sat at the dining table, crossing her arms with a lazy, unbothered posture. "No one stepped on my toes. I just wake up cranky. I said they can't eat it, so they can't."

Laura was thoroughly disgusted by Natalie's behavior. She was nothing but a useless trophy wife kept around by Mr. Carlson. Gardenia, on the other hand, was a project lead, actively contributing to Mr. Carlson's business empire. Even at a disadvantage, Natalie refused to keep her head down and act humble. Acting this spoiled, it was only a matter of time before she was dumped.

Hassan patted Adrian's head. "I'll have Julian buy you breakfast. You guys head out first. I won't be dropping you off today."

Natalie leisurely ate her breakfast, catching the subtle implication. Hassan was clearly on guard, afraid she might try to poison or harm his son, which was why he assigned his assistant, Julian, to handle their food. It was a silent warning.

Gardenia lowered her eyes. "Okay. Enjoy your breakfast at home, then."

The man gave a low hum of acknowledgment.

To an outsider, they would have looked like the picture-perfect, loving family.

Adrian tugged on Hassan's hand, asking softly, "Will you take me to school tomorrow?"

Gardenia led Adrian toward the door. As Natalie glanced over, she noticed Adrian stumble slightly, but Gardenia didn't even notice.

She lowered her eyes and took the freshly served, thicker oatmeal from Laura, stirring it slowly.

Suddenly, a ticklish sensation brushed against her neck. Natalie looked up to find Hassan standing right beside her. She had tucked the silk scarf into her V-neck collar, leaving just a sliver visible as an accent. As the man's fingers reached out to hook the scarf, his knuckles brushed against her skin.

Natalie immediately leaned back in her chair to avoid his touch. His voice sounded remarkably indifferent, "Why aren't you wearing the one I gave you?"

"Threw it away," she answered crisply.

The man didn't seem bothered. "A new collection just came out. I'll have someone bring some over."

Natalie rolled her eyes. She found Hassan entirely laughable. He had just finished comforting his mistress and was now tossing her a bone to keep the peace.

She didn't say a word. Let him do whatever he wanted. Whatever he sent here would just be left behind. When she finally left, she wouldn't take a single thing he gave her.