Chapter 6 Could It Be That Natalie Got Laid

Caleb quickly erupted into a fit of rage. "Miss Dawson, your employee just assaulted me. This is outrageous. I'm canceling the contract! I'll be calling the authorities and suing your company for allowing one of your employees to intentionally harm a client. Your company is doomed!"

Vera's complexion drained, and she instinctively tried to defuse the situation. "Natalie, aren't you going to apologize to Mr. Bailey? No matter what transpired, he's still a client. How could you possibly lash out at him?"

Natalie looked at Vera, shocked. "Apologize to him? Miss Dawson, perhaps we should first examine the security footage to understand what truly happened before we place blame."

Vera, visibly frustrated, rejected the suggestion. "Regardless of the situation, Mr. Bailey is our client. As an employee, it's your responsibility to offer an apology!"

Connor's expression darkened slightly. The usual spark in Natalie's eyes seemed dim, replaced by an air of resignation that caused an unexpected ache in his chest.

"Don't bother with an apology!" Caleb sneered. "Even if this woman begged for forgiveness, it wouldn't change a thing, Miss Dawson. If you wish to continue operating, you'd better control your staff. Don't send someone terrible to negotiate!"

He spat at Natalie once more and turned to leave, only to find himself facing Connor's cold stare, realizing too late that he might have crossed a line, given Connor's connection to Vera.

Swallowing hard, he scrambled to salvage the situation. "Mr. Hughes, I didn't mean that. It's not Miss Dawson's fault, it's just that woman..."

Bang!

Connor's fist collided forcefully with Caleb's cheek, sending him reeling backward and crashing to the floor.

In the next instant, Connor's designer boot was pressing down on Caleb's face, forcing it into the floor as Caleb howled in pain.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Hughes, I was wrong. I shouldn't have said those things to Miss Dawson. It's all because that woman angered me... Ahh!"

The pressure from Connor's foot intensified, causing Caleb to scream in agony.

"If you dare to harm anyone from this company..." Connor's voice turned icy. "The Bailey family will disappear from Valeford."

His words were barely above a whisper, but the underlying threat sent a chilling tremor through everyone present.

"Wow, Mr. Hughes is so brave!"

"Now that's what I call protecting your woman! He's really looking out for Miss Dawson and the team!"

"It's Miss Dawson's influence, no doubt. Without her, why would Mr. Hughes bother to help us regular people?"

The gossip outside the room was loud and clear, filtering into the space.

Vera, unable to conceal her satisfaction, stood in stark contrast to Natalie's discomfort.

The moment Connor intervened, Natalie had briefly fantasized that it might be for her.

But reality was harsh. The real love interest was here, which left Natalie, the stand-in, in the shadows.

As Natalie clutched her torn collar, attempting to leave, Kaitlin, ever observant, noticed the marks on Natalie.

"Oh my God, is that a love bite on her neck? Could it be that Natalie got laid?"

Kaitlin's voice cut through the room, immediately catching everyone's attention.

In an instant, all eyes turned to Natalie, some curious, some critical, some dismissive.

"Who would have guessed? We always thought Natalie was an innocent woman, but it seems she has a promiscuous lifestyle!"

"Isn't it always the ones who appear pure that turn out to be the wildest?"

Those malicious whispers cut through Natalie like a blade.