Chapter 17
know you’re mad that Brian chose me over you, but it’s not my fault he doesn’t like you! The value of that bracelet is
immeasurable. What if the Howard family blames us? How can we afford it?”
In just a few sentences, the responsibility for the shattered bracelet had been squarely placed on Natalie’s shoulders.
Natalie frowned in annoyance.
“You have such a spiteful heart!” Lydia stormed up to Natalie, pointing accusingly. “Because you couldn’t have Brian, you want to
drag our whole family down? You’re just like your mother! A seductress, a homewrecker!”
As Lydia’s accusations flew, Natalie’s expression grew colder. That woman, her mother, was indeed no saint, caring only for her
pleasure, even at the cost of abandoning her daughter. Natalie couldn’t deny that.
She was silent for a few seconds before looking directly at Samuel and saying softly, “I told you I didn’t break it.”
“I just came up five minutes ago and finished a phone call. Maybe the bracelet was already broken.”
“It was intact last night! I cleaned it before going to bed!” Gracia interjected hastily.
Natalie turned her gaze to Gracia, silent for a moment.
Gracia appeared kind and sensible to the world, but Natalie had learned from a young age that appearances could be deceiving.