Chapter 565

Nathan's brows twitched.

Something heavy struck his chest.

He considered the situation from a different perspective—there was another possibility.

"You're right."

Nathan's voice was low and measured.

Theodore's confidence soared. Nathan actually agreed with him for once.

"We must appear vulnerable," Theodore insisted. "No matter how she tries to provoke you, don't react."

He leaned in, lowering his voice. "Sometimes, even cruelty can be a twisted form of love."

Nathan gave a solemn nod, his expression shifting subtly.

Theodore grinned. "Endure this, and she'll be yours."

Evelyn and Lucas left the set and headed straight to Natalie's apartment.

Natalie lived alone, with no family nearby.

The housekeeper greeted them at the door.

"Is Ms. Beaumont home?"

"She's in the study," the housekeeper murmured. "She doesn't seem... well."

The woman had worked for Natalie for years—she could read her moods instantly.

Evelyn nodded and walked to the study, knocking lightly. When there was no answer, she pushed the door open.

The room was dim.

Natalie sat slumped over the desk, a shattered jade pendant lying before her.

It was as if her memories had been ripped away. The pain was unbearable.

Her eyes were red-rimmed, dull with grief.

Evelyn approached, unsure how to comfort her.

She placed a hand on Natalie's shoulder. Natalie shuddered, then turned and clung to her, sobbing.

"Grandma said... her soul was in this pendant. That she'd stay with me forever." Her voice cracked. "Now it's broken. Is she... gone?"

Evelyn's own eyes burned before she could speak.

"No," she whispered. "She'll always love you."

Natalie wept harder.

Her parents had died in a car crash when she was in elementary school. Her grandmother raised her—they were inseparable.

The pendant was the last gift Natalie received before her grandmother's health deteriorated. She passed away within a week.

Natalie had been overseas for work. She never made it back in time to say goodbye.

It haunted her.

Eventually, Natalie's sobs quieted.

The housekeeper knocked. "Ms. Beaumont, I made soup. Would you like some?"

Natalie shook her head, and the woman retreated.

She went to the bathroom, splashed water on her face. When she returned, only the faint redness in her eyes betrayed her earlier breakdown.

Evelyn's chest ached.

She and Isabella had always had their families' protection—freedom to act recklessly.

But Natalie? She clawed her way up alone. Built her empire from nothing.

Even the housekeeper addressed her as Ms. Beaumont, not Miss.

Natalie forced a thin smile.

"I don't want to see that actress again," she said flatly. "I want her career over."

Evelyn arched a brow. "Done. Even if you hadn't asked, Lucas and I already planned it."

"Lucas is willing to drop her?" Natalie's voice was hoarse from crying.

"It's just business. Dominic Kingsley wanted to boost some rookie using Lucas's fame." Evelyn shrugged. "If she fails, they'll replace her."

Natalie opened her mouth—then let out a dry laugh.

"Right. But Lucas still has to agree."

Evelyn hesitated. A buried memory surfaced.

Back in college, Natalie and Lucas had dated briefly. They kept it secret.

Evelyn only found out when Natalie ended it.

At the time, it seemed insignificant—Lucas never spoke of it, moved on quickly.

But now?

Natalie's fixation on that actress...

Was it because of Lucas?

The doorbell rang, cutting through the tension.

Evelyn exhaled.

"Jules," she said softly. "Lucas is here."