Chapter 487

Doug's eyes roamed over Natalie, his look turning unpleasantly suggestive.

Natalie introduced herself with a smile. "Good evening, Mr. Fairburne. I serve as the chief secretary at Elite Lux. My name is Natalie Dury."

A smirk crept onto Doug's face as he licked his lips."Really?" Interest sparkled in his eyes. "You're with Elite Lux? Impressive, especially for someone as young as you to be in such a senior role."

Natalie's smile remained, cool yet distant.

Doug's fascination grew.

"Mr. Fairburne, perhaps we could have a discussion in private?" Natalie decided to be straightforward in her approach.

Doug's laughter was tinged with cunning."Absolutely! I couldn't possibly decline an offer from such a lovely lady."

Dressed in a light, flowing gown, Natalie moved elegantly, throwing a tempting look over her shoulder.

Doug was thoroughly charmed.

They made their way to a secluded pavilion.

No sooner had they arrived than Doug tried to draw her close, wrapping his arm around her waist and leaning in for a kiss. Natalie deftly blocked him with her handbag.

"Mr. Fairburne, I was hoping for a genuine conversation. Why the rush to get physical?" she asked.

Seeing Natalie's playful defiance only fueled Doug's desire even more.

He drew closer, his breath on Natalie's neck.

"You smell wonderful. What did you want to discuss?We can talk just like this." In the dim garden light, Natalie moaned and held Doug's head, their gaze locked.

Upstairs, Daniela stood on the balcony with a wine glass in hand, her expression detached as she observed the scene below with a disdainful eye.

"Nina, Joyce has changed her outfit," Nina said.

"Very well, bring her down," Daniela instructed calmly.

Nina looked where Daniela was staring, noticing Doug's hand slipping inside Natalie's dress.

"Daniela, don't you think it's a bit early to send Joyce down?" Nina asked, hesitating. "Should we delay Joyce until they're finished?"

Daniela shook her head. "People always want what they can't have. Since Natalie is maintaining her distant demeanor, let's use that. Doug can look but not touch, heightening the tension for what comes next."

Nina understood and nodded. Then, Daniela added, "Have your media friend take pictures, but hold off on releasing them."

Nina turned to look at Daniela with a start. She had not revealed to Daniela her plans to involve the media to tarnish Natalie's image.

"Daniela, while it's wise not to show mercy to our enemies, we must also prevent them from striking back. Natalie isn't out of moves yet. Why rush?"Daniela warned.

Nina remained quiet for a moment. "Do you mean Linden?" she finally asked. Linden had long harbored feelings for Natalie. If Natalie chose to get rid of Linden after securing Doug, Linden might well turn violent.

If that were to happen, they wouldn't need to lift a finger. Others would be eager to remove Natalie from the equation.

Whether through Linden or Joyce, their strategy would be merciless and calculated.

Nina came to the harsh realization that her approach had been far too naive.

She found herself drawn to Daniela's sharp intellect and undeniable cunning.

Nina led Joyce, dressed in Elite Lux's finest, from the room.

Noticing Doug was missing, Joyce narrowed her eyes and demanded, "Where is my husband?"

Nina gestured towards the dimly lit pavilion.

The muffled sounds of Doug and Natalie breathing heavily echoed from the secluded spot.

With a stern expression, Joyce approached.

She found Natalie and Doug intimately entwined,sharing a kiss.

"Natalie! You brazen woman! How dare you seduce my husband!" Joyce exploded, startling Natalie into stumbling out of Doug's arms.

Doug, annoyed by the interruption, stood and straightened his attire. As he helped Natalie to herfeet, he told Joyce, "What are you upset about?We've both had our affairs for some time. I've never meddled in your fling with Alexander!"

Joyce clenched her jaw tightly. Doug had many women outside their marriage, but she was never bothered, knowing none of those women held a candle to her.

But Natalie wasn't like the others. She carried ambition with her, setting her sights on becoming Doug's wife.

Both women could easily discern the other's motives.

Casual flings were tolerable, but a direct threat to her status as Doug's wife was not, only over her dead body.

A look of fierce resolve swept over Joyce's features.

She approached Doug and kissed him in Natalie's presence.

Despite the scene, Doug's passion remained undiminished. He embraced Joyce, his breath ragged.

In a hushed tone, Joyce murmured into Doug's ear,"Ask Natalie to leave! She's related to Daniela.Daniela won't approve, and it could complicate your relations with her."

Doug momentarily froze, his actions halting. His gaze, still lustful, met Joyce's eyes.

Joyce added, "Hold off. Alexander is working on something bigger. Why settle for less when the genuine article is within reach? Natalie can't compare to Daniela,can she?"

After a brief pause, Doug resumed holding Joyce tightly, their kiss resuming with renewed enthusiasm in the pavilion.

Natalie's cheeks burned with both shame and fury,feeling completely degraded.

Joyce glanced over, her smile smug as she caught Natalie's eye. Breathlessly, she mocked, "Still here? Planning to watch us all evening?"

With a teasing smirk, Joyce turned back to Doug.He shot a glare at Natalie before snapping sharply, "Get lost!"