Bye-bye Trash! Hello Queen! novel Chapter 339

Matthew immediately realized his misstep. "Natalie, I'm not like Jared," he said with an apologetic smile. "I see your brilliance."

"Mr. Monroe, her 'brilliance' is just what she got for sleeping her way into Keith Jones's bed."

The harsh voice cut through the air. Natalie looked over to see Joanna and Sebastian approaching their table, hand in hand. Joanna wore a gentle, yet utterly false, smile.

Natalie’s eyes went cold. "Joanna, you'd better watch your mouth."

Joanna gave her a meaningful look. "Natalie, I'm just telling the truth. Why are you so hostile?"

Natalie scoffed. "The truth? Or is it because you and your brother have been spreading rumors about me online? You're such a selfless person, letting your father steal Jared's deal. That must have broken Jared's heart. You just lost one of your biggest admirers. Once you've alienated everyone who helps you, a useless person like you who can't even cook will probably starve to death."

She didn't hold back. Joanna's greatest strength was her thick skin. For years, she had sent provocative messages, her shamelessness reaching new heights whenever Sebastian wasn't around. The memory of his favoritism still pricked at Natalie's heart like a needle.

Joanna didn't argue. Instead, she put on an innocent, wounded expression, though her smile was malicious. "Natalie, you need proof to make accusations like that. Don't slander me. As for Jared, his company is too weak to handle that contract. It's not what you think. You always love to wrongfully accuse people," she sighed, shaking her head sadly.

Natalie had no proof, but that didn't stop her. "Joanna, you know perfectly well whether I'm slandering you or not. You're so vicious, the sight of you makes me sick."

Joanna immediately looked like she was about to cry, a picture of pure victimhood. Natalie almost laughed out loud. So this was her game.

"What are you so upset about? You're the one who came over here looking for a fight. Why do you always have to be so shameless and then run to another woman's husband for comfort?"

She forced a smile. "I am. But sometimes, my heart doesn't listen to me."

Matthew understood and didn't press the issue. The food began to arrive, each dish a classic.

Natalie ate with relish, especially the calamari. It was perfect. "Mr. Monroe," she said, her face beaming with happiness, "I'm planning to go back to the island in a while. I'll go diving for more seafood myself. This is absolutely delicious."

Matthew smiled. "Great. I love diving and exploring the tide pools too. Let me come with you next time."

"Okay!" Natalie agreed, digging back into the calamari. It really was delicious.