Chapter 23
“Aren’t you going? A sliver of hopefulness resonated in Natalie’s voice.
Oliver cast a dispassionate look her way, drew deeply on his cigarette, and with an air of arrogance, expelled smoke rings into the air.
“I’m frail and susceptible to ailments, so it ill suits me to venture outdoors.”
“You…” Natalie sucked in a deep breath, stifling the words “you shameless bastard” that threatened to escape her lips.
The Windsor family of Paykston stood as the most eminent family in the nation, their prestige acknowledged across international boundaries, their clout and authority spanning the globe. Since the turn of the last century, they had upheld a highly esteemed familial legacy.
Their estate was an imposing blend of different architectural styles, its multi–tiered buildings exuding an aura of timeworn grandeur upon approach. Moreover, it emanated a formidable, overwhelming presence.
“Madam, we’ve arrived,” Charles reminded Natalie to get out of the car.
The tall and solemn mansion’s double doors were wide open, with guards and servants standing outside. Friendly conversations and laughter wafted through the open doors, creating a harmonious atmosphere.
“Mrs. Windsor, welcome.” A servant gestured for Natalie to enter. His soft words attracted everyone’s attention. All guests in the main hall turned to look at
her.
There were about ten people inside, all dressed in designer clothing, exuding an air of nobility.
As they glanced at the entrance and confirmed that Mrs. Natalie Windsor had arrived, they started unabashedly scrutinizing her, their gazes filled with disdain and contempt.
It was just like at the wedding all over again.
Natalie dragged her feet as she shockingly stared at two people not far away.
Why…would Adrian and Hailey be here?
“Mrs. Windsor, this is Sir Windsor, Mr. Oliver’s father. This is Ms. Victoria, Mr. Oliver’s elder sister. This is Mr. Edwin, Mr. Oliver’s elder brother. This is Mr. Adrian, Ms. Victoria’s son. And this is Mr. Adrian’s girlfriend, Ms. Hailey, Charles introduced them one by one.
The Windsor family’s relationships were complicated.
Oliver was Henry’s legitimate son, born to his legal wife while Edwin was Henry’s illegitimate son. His mother only married Henry shortly before her death. The eldest child, Victoria was Henry’s favorite as her mother was Henry’s first love. Instead of marrying up, she married into the Harrington family and gave birth to Adrian. And it didn’t undermine her power in the Windsor family. As a result, Adrian also held a high position within the Windsor family.
Henry had another son, Arthur Windsor. Arthur was the youngest and shared the same mother with Oliver, but he wasn’t at home today.
Natalie quickly collected herself, pretending not to recognize Adrian and Hailey. She politely greeted the Windsors one by one.
“Where’s Oliver?‘ Henry asked with a scowl.
“Henry, Oliver is unwell and couldn’t make it.” Natalie had thought of an excuse before coming over.
“He’s your husband. You can’t convince him to accompany you for our first meeting? Does he even like you a bit? Henry didn’t hide his disdain towards Natalie as he expected her to soften Oliver up with her good look.
“Maybe he’s sick. Maybe he doesn’t wanna come. Who knows.” Victoria elegantly smoothed a strand of hair.
She was in her early forties. Due to the magic of skincare, she only looked like someone in her thirties, with hardly any signs of aging. She had a beautiful face that bore a striking resemblance to her son, Adrian
“Dad, it’s not news that Oliver doesn’t like the Windsor family and us. Look, this is a family gathering. He doesn’t bother to come and only sent his wife. Edwin resembled Henry a lot and looked polished in a pair of rimless glasses.
Henry’s scowl deepened. Wards from Oliver’s siblings made him more convinced that Oliver was intentionally disrespecting him. He looked at Natalie in a more disdainful manner.
“Well forget him. Let’s eat.”
Chapter 233
Within a few minese Natalandslowown that Oliver was an outcast in his family.
Hailovecast a glancecetat d’amidige was staring at Natalie.
“Natalie, why not talk to me?äileewalked towards erehdididing her hands, and said in grief Are you still mad at me?”
Chapter Commentats
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