Bye-bye Trash! Hello Queen! novel Chapter 41

"That's enough!" Nathan snapped. "You insolent girl, haven't you done enough damage to Joanna?"

When had the girl gotten so spirited? he wondered. Her old, sullen disposition used to drive him mad.

But this was the real Natalie.

She'd been doted on as a child, and her true nature was vibrant and free. But when she came to the Scott family, their rigid expectations had chained her down. The biggest regret of her life was twisting herself into someone else for a pack of heartless vipers.

But now, she was finally herself again. Free to laugh, to speak her mind, to do as she pleased without that suffocating pretense of solemnity. God, it felt good.

“Mr. Scott, I can say this with a clear conscience: I have never once tried to hurt Joanna,” Natalie said, her smile never wavering as she met his gaze. “In fact, it’s always been the two of you scheming against me. But I won’t be giving you that opportunity ever again.”

Nathan’s chest heaved with fury. The little brat was getting sharper by the minute.

“Natalie, this banquet is for our international guests. You, a high school dropout, how do you expect to converse with anyone? Leave now before you embarrass us all.”

He couldn't stand the thought of anyone knowing he had such a disgraceful daughter.

Joanna shared his fear. She couldn't have Natalie ruining her night, especially since Sebastian had arranged for her to perform on the piano. She planned to be the star, to finally capture the Monroe family’s attention. As for Natalie’s so-called truths? Joanna wasn’t worried. No one would ever believe a word she said.

“Natalie, I know you’ve been struggling since the divorce…”

“That’s it!” Natalie exploded. “Joanna, why are you so obsessed with my divorce? You got Sebastian, isn't that enough? Why do you have to keep reminding him of his ex-wife? Can’t you come up with a new way to be cruel?”

“And another thing—when I deign to treat you like a human being, you could at least try to act the part instead of just slinging mud.”

A chill shot down Natalie’s spine as she felt the cold fury radiating from him, but she couldn’t suppress a smile. She nodded in fervent agreement. “Luna, you’ve never spoken a truer word. I have no idea what I was thinking back then. But don’t worry, it won’t happen again.”

“Good,” Luna said, her voice sharp as a razor. “I’m glad to see you’ve finally come to your senses, Miss.”

Joanna stared, bewildered. “Natalie, what family are you from?”

A dazzling smile spread across Natalie’s face, her eyes curving into beautiful crescents. “And what business is that of yours, Ms. Scott?”

Joanna stomped her foot in frustration. “Natalie, I was just concerned about you—”

Natalie cut her off with a laugh. “Wow, all that time in drama school really paid off. Such a convincing performance! If you were so concerned about me, why did you steal my husband? If you were so concerned, why did you stage that whole elaborate farce to frame me? If you were so concerned, why did you take the credit for me saving Mrs. Spencer Sr.? And if you’re so truly concerned that I’ll embarrass you tonight, then let me ask you: have you completely lost your mind?”