Chapter 164: Nathan’s suspicion

Words : 1183 Updated : Sep 23rd, 2025

Chapter 164: Nathan’s suspicion Nathan led them to an elegant private booth. A polished oak table and cushioned chairs welcomed them. As everyone settled in, he opened the menu and turned to his sister. "So, what is tempting your appetite today?" "You know what I like," Megan replied with a playful pout, trying to draw his attention back to her. "Order for me, like always." Nathan chuckled, clearly used to her dramatics. "Got it." Then, his attention shifted to Anne. "And you, Miss Anne? Any favorites?" Anne opened her mouth to answer, but Audrey cut in swiftly. "She loves seafood." Nathan froze for a fraction of a second, his smile flickering. ’She liked seafood too. Could it really be just a coincidence?’ The thought spun through his mind, stirring a flurry of questions. He composed himself quickly, but the question lingered behind his eyes: ’Who exactly is Anne?’ "Audrey!" Anne shot her a warning look. Audrey gave a sheepish smile in return. Trying to defuse the moment, Anne turned to Nathan with a composed expression. "Mr. Granet, feel free to order whatever suits your taste. It’s your treat for your sister, after all." Nathan opened his mouth to say something, but Megan cut in, "Yes. Nathan flew in from abroad just to celebrate my birthday. So naturally, he should order what I love. Right, Nathan?" Nathan gave a small smile and affectionately patted her head. "Of course." He signaled the waiter and began placing the order. He stole a glance at Anne as he quietly added a shrimp dish. Once the waiter left, Nathan turned his full attention to Anne. "So, Anne," he asked casually, "how long have you been working at the company?" Before Anne could open her mouth to respond, Megan interjected with a smug smile. "Not long ago. Actually, she was under me initially. But because of some rumors, she lost her post. And now, she has become the secretary of the CEO." Nathan raised an eyebrow. "So you work directly for Augustine. That’s interesting. Actually, I’ve been trying to set up a meeting with him. Maybe you could help arrange that?" Megan’s lips curved downward in a slight pout. "Nathan, I work at the company too, remember? I’m the general manager. I can help you get that meeting." Nathan chuckled softly and tapped her nose playfully. "Don’t get jealous. It wouldn’t look good if I used my sister to land a business deal. Anne is Augustine’s secretary—it makes more sense to go through her." Anne felt that Nathan was no different from Megan—calculating and self-serving. It was clear he was being nice to her only to get what he wanted. But she didn’t let her irritation show. Instead, she responded evenly, "I can let him know, but whether he agrees to meet or not is his call." Megan’s cheerful act cracked for a moment. "Why do you even need her help?" she snapped. "You are going to Denis’s engagement party. Augustine will be there—you can speak to him directly." Anne’s spine stiffened at the words. Her relationship with Augustine would soon come out. Her tense features softened as a wry thought crossed her mind. ’Perhaps it’s for the best,’ she mused. ’I’m curious to see how Megan reacts when the truth finally comes out.’ "Don’t mind what she said," he said, a note of apology in his voice. "Megan has been pampered since she was little." Anne glanced at the gentle way he spoke to Megan, and an ache bloomed in her chest. She had no sibling to stand by her like that—no one who fussed over her, protected her. "I understand." A faint, wistful smile tugged at her lips. "She is lucky to have a brother like you. Not everyone has that." "You don’t have any siblings?" Nathan asked, intrigued. She shook her head. "No, I’m an orphan. I was fortunate to be raised by a kind family. My foster father gave me everything. I owe him my life." Nathan’s expression subtly shifted. A flicker of hope or doubt glimmered in his eyes. The more he looked at her, the more he felt a strange familiarity with her. ’Could she really be my sister?’ The thought barely formed before the waiter interrupted, arriving with their food. Megan wrinkled her nose when she saw the dish of shrimp. "Shrimps? I can’t stand the smell." Her voice was full of disdain. "That’s not for you," Nathan said as he gently slid the plate toward Anne. "It’s for her." He gave Anne a small, warm smile. Anne blinked, surprised. "Oh... Thank you. But you really didn’t have to." "My mother loved seafood too," Nathan explained softly. "And you remind me of her." Before Anne could react, Megan snapped, clearly irritated. "Nathan, seriously? You came all the way here for me. Shouldn’t your attention be on your sister? Why are you so focused on an outsider?" Her voice was sharp with jealousy, her expression darkening. Audrey had had enough. Her patience snapped. She stood up abruptly, her eyes blazing. "This is too much. I’ve been silent all this time, but you are crossing the line, Megan. You are insufferable." She turned to Nathan. "Sorry, Mr. Nathan, but your sister isn’t our friend, and we can’t pretend she is. We are leaving." Before Anne could react, Audrey grabbed her arm and pulled her to her feet. Nathan rose quickly, stepping in front of them. "Please, don’t go. The food is already here." But Audrey wasn’t swayed. "Yeah, and so is the negativity," she said sarcastically. "Honestly, we’d rather not risk a stomachache by staying and eating with you." She tugged Anne’s hand and made for the door. In a moment of instinct, Nathan reached out and caught Anne’s wrist. His expression was troubled, almost pleading. Anne froze, her eyes moving from his hand to his face. She twisted her wrist and pulled away. Then, without a word, she left the room, Audrey right beside her. Nathan remained frozen in place, powerless as he watched them walk away. A weight settled in his chest, rendering him speechless. Deep down, an unshakable feeling stirred —Anne might be the sister he had been searching for all these years. But it was only a hunch, nothing concrete. He had no evidence, no right to stop her. Megan’s temper flared. She threw a sharp glare at Nathan. "What’s wrong with you? You said you’d take me out to make up for missing my birthday, but instead, you were busy fawning over some stranger." Nathan’s brows knitted in confusion. "But isn’t she your friend?" "She is not," Megan shot back. "A bitch like her could never be my friend." "Megan?" Nathan’s voice boomed, clearly displeased with her language. "You don’t understand," she continued bitterly, cutting him off. "That woman is a gold-digger—a slut who sleeps around for money. Her stepsister told me everything, and I’ve seen it myself. She flirts with every man she meets—she even cast her spell on Augustine. He won’t marry me now, all because of her. I despise her."

Chapter 164: Nathan’s suspicion

Comments (0)