Chapter 4 Threatening Her with Grandmom!

• Before Natalie could address the awkwardness, the elevator dinged, and the doors slid open at their designated floor.
• Isaac strode out, his long legs carrying him swiftly down the hall. "Good luck with your interview," he said, his tone neutral. "I'm off to work."
• Work? Here?
• Natalie followed him out, incredulous, but was promptly stopped by security at the entrance.
• "Excuse me, does he work here?" she inquired, pointing to the retreating figure of Issac.
• The security guard glanced in the direction she indicated. Knowing that the president didn't often visit this particular office, he responded truthfully, "Occasionally."
• Natalie instantly understood.
• So, the world of high-class escorts was indeed a reality. It seemed he had a wealthy patroness here.
• No wonder he had treated her, a young woman of modest means, with such disdain. She hadn't registered on his radar as a potential client at all.
• Back in his office, Isaac summoned his assistant.
• "The woman I asked you to investigate from the hotel? She came in for an interview today. Hire her."
• "Alright, Mr. Foster. What position should I assign her?"
• A fleeting smile crossed Isaac's lips. "My executive secretary."
• The assistant was momentarily surprised but quickly recovered. "Understood, I'll make the arrangements. There's also a message from Madam. She hasn't been able to reach you and insists you come home to meet your new wife."
• "Oh," Isaac replied dismissively, clearly uninterested in this absurd situation.
• Arranged marriages? Had he been transported back in time? They had married him off without his knowledge.
• He was certain any bride chosen by his family would be a dull, predictable socialite. He had no intention of acknowledging this so-called wife.
• That evening, a phone call from her father summoned Natalie back to the Shepherd residence.
• "Oh, our Ms. Natalie has returned. Thought you'd forgotten your family!"
• Her stepmother, Daisy Harrison, sneered sarcastically upon her arrival.
• "What is it now?" Natalie retorted with a frown.
• She hadn't even been home recently, so how could she have offended Daisy?
• Daisy pursed her lips and scoffed, "The Shepherd family has always upheld strict standards, raising daughters who are pure and virtuous. Going to nightclubs and hugging men in public, aren't you tarnishing our family's reputation?"
• It seemed someone had witnessed her at the nightclub with that male escort and reported it to Daisy.
• Although she had only gone to retrieve Juliet, Natalie didn't bother explaining to Daisy.
• Natalie chuckled dryly. "Are you from the ancient time? It's the modern era. Going to a nightclub is hardly a scandal."
• Daisy's expression turned fierce. "You'd better remember that you are now the daughter-in-law of the Foster family. I advise you to behave and maintain your virtue!"
• "Virtue?" Natalie smirked disdainfully. "Isn't that your supposed strong suit?"
• After all, how else did Daisy, as a mistress, manage to oust her mother and take her place?
• "Enough! Both of you, be quiet!" Philbert's impatient voice intervened.
• "You need to go back to the Foster house and find a bid document for the Whidiff project. Bring it to me without anyone noticing."
• He made it sound so polite, but it was theft, plain and simple.
• And he wasn't done. "And make sure the Foster family doesn't discover your true identity. Once your sister returns, you will step aside."
• Philbert favored the obedient and gentle Ella over the bold and rebellious Natalie. He felt more comfortable having Ella marry into the Foster family.
• If it weren't absolutely necessary, he wouldn't have allowed Natalie to exploit the situation.
• Natalie refused to be their puppet. "I won't steal. If you want the document, go to the Foster residence yourself."
• Philbert's face contorted with rage, and he struck her hard with a resounding slap.
• "You ungrateful wretch! How dare you disobey me? Do you want that old woman to die in the hospital?"