Chapter 428 Manipulation and Testing
It was fine?
Previously, Irwin had threatened her just as Cedric had, using Clyde’s sordid past to make her
retrieve half of the documents from Cedric.
But now, he he actually said it was fine?
Natalie was silent.
She stared quietly at the man opposite her.
Irwin crushed the cigarette butt into the ashtray and then stood, moving closer to her. The closer he got, the more guarded Natalie became.
With a smile at the corner of his mouth, Irwin sat beside her, pulling her still–cold hand towards
him
“Who do you think is more detestable, a manipulator or a betrayer?”
Natalie’s mind went blank instantly.
She stared at Irwin, almost forgetting to remove her hand from his grip!
A manipulator or a betrayer?
That was what had been tormenting Natalie recently.
He… he actually!
“Irwin!” Natalie uttered his name, bewildered by the mention of betrayal and manipulation.
Why would he…?
Irwin’s eyes remained warm as he gazed into hers.
Undoubtedly, the scene of Kayla being sick and how Natalie had been manipulated and betrayed…
It all formed a sharp contrast in Natalie’s mind!
Irwin pulled Natalie closer, murmuring, “Nat, that manipulation… was more about gauging his
love for you.
Natalie was silent.
Her heart raced, a suffocating sensation engulfing her as Irwin’s words seemed to tear her apart
ipulation was detestable, Irwin was right. This entire ordeal revealed the depths of
for bet
hi
If his feelings for her were truly steadfast and unwavering, no number of Isabellas could have driven them to this point
However, this ordeal revealed the opposite!
It made Natalie realize that even without Isabella, even with someone else… their world would
still be upended.
“Don’t act like you saved me. You’re just as detestable as he is” Natalie pulled her hand forcefully from Irwin’s grasp, her voice icy.
Irwin chuckled softly, his smile reminiscent of a sly fox. “Yes, I’m just as detestable.”
“Hmph!” Natalie stood up from Irwin’s embrace and coldly said, “Whatever your intentions were in approaching me, it ends now.”
Indeed, it had to end.
Before, when Natalie was unaware of Irwin’s intentions, his manipulation of her was truly just that
-manipulation.
“If you’re so guarded, who could possibly manipulate you?” Irwin said gently.
Natalie was silent.
Guarded?
Didn’t he have any idea why she was so guarded?
“What do you really want?” Natalie asked as she took a deep breath and looked at Irwin.
Yes, that was the question.
What did Irwin really want?
Undoubtedly, having Natalie steal the documents wasn’t his primary goal.
Irwin was enigmatic, so much so that even when Frederick disappeared and she gave the
information to Malcolm, he didn’t seem to blame her.
Such a profound man caused Natalie to doubt if he truly remained oblivious to her dealings with.
Malcolm.
His eyes were deep, and as Natalie said, even his smiles carried weight.
“Nat, you’re clever. The way you escaped Malcolm’s grasp surprised and pleased me,” Irwin
remarked
During those chaotic times in Wexford, both Stephen and Irwin were preoccupied, leaving Natalie vulnerable to Malcolm’s manipulations,
Malcolm wanted to ally with the Jarvis family to bolster his influence within the Entes family.
Irwin had instructed Yves to bring Natalie to Wexford, but she !
He had to admit that Natalie’s vigilance was commendable. As she couldn’t see through everything clearly back then, she chose to stay close to Malcolm even when the situation seemed
dire.
What surprised Irwin more was how she used Frederick’s information to her advantage.
Natalie, noticing the smirk in Irwin’s eyes, paled.
He knew? He knew she had sold Frederick out?!
“You…?!”
“How long have you known?‘ Irwin interrupted her thoughts, his gaze penetrating.
When had she started being so wary?
Natalie remained silent. He seemed to know everything but kept mum
Why?
Undoubtedly, Irwin knowing about the matter with Frederick deeply affected Natalie. She took several deep breaths but couldn’t shake off the heavy feeling in her chest.
Standing up, Irwin said, “Nat, you only have two paths ahead: manipulation or betrayal…”
He trailed off, but Natalie understood his implication.
Her anger flared. “What if I choose neither?”
That was right. She didn’t want to choose.
Irwin looked back at her, and his smile… deepened
Ultimately, he turned around and left without answering Natalie’s question
Natalie was pale and sat in the same place, unable to snap out of her daze for a long time.
Meanwhile, Stephen returned as Irwin exited Lotus Villa. The older man’s face soured upon seeing
Irwin
After the events in Wexford, Stephen’s suspicions were confirmed So, he distanced himself
further from Irwin.
The two men exchanged nods, their past camaraderie clearly strained after the events at Wexford.
As they passed each other, Stephen said, “Don’t come looking for her again.”
He was referring to Natalie.
Initially, Stephen believed that the closeness between Irwin and Natalie stemmed from Irwin’s genuine fondness for her.
Irwin’s maturity, stability, and attentiveness seemed like the perfect remedy for Natalie’s past emotional wounds. If he treated her exceptionally well, it could be seen as Irwin making up for the pain Natalie had endured.
However, Stephen realized the bitter truth after he learned about Isabella and Irwin’s connection.
A significant portion of Natalie’s past suffering was, in fact, instigated by Irwin.
Irwin responded, “I’m afraid that won’t be happening.”
Stephen was silent.
That won’t be happening?!
Stephen became angry. But before he could say anything, Irwin continued, “I’m sorry I can’t heed. your words.”
“Irwin, Nat is…”
“I understand your concerns,” Irwin interrupted, “but sometimes, your judgment seems hasty.
Hasty?
Wasn’t it Irwin who manipulated Natalie?
Indeed, such manipulation was unforgivable, both to Natalie and Stephen.
Turning to face Stephen, Irwin asked, “Do you also believe I was only using her?”
