Bye-bye Trash! Hello Queen! novel Chapter 44

Natalie asked James, who mentioned he liked basa fish, though he could only eat bland food at the moment.

She smiled. “Take this pill, and I’ll go prepare some basa for you. I make a delicious poached basa fillet. With your high cholesterol and blood pressure, you can’t have anything too greasy.”

James was deeply moved. “You kind, wonderful girl! Thank you!”

Natalie turned back to Matthew. “Mr. Monroe, could you have the kitchen prepare a fresh basa fillet? I’ll go cook it right now.”

Matthew looked at her, surprised. “You’re going to cook it yourself, Natalie?”

She nodded. “Yes. I know what Grandpa James likes. The chefs here might make something he won’t eat.” This old man was notoriously picky.

Matthew had heard the rumors. He was impressed by how thoughtful Natalie was, knowing even the smallest details about Mr. James' preferences.

“Alright. I’ll have them prepare everything immediately,” Matthew said, pulling out his phone to call the kitchen.

After a few more words with James, Natalie followed a server to the kitchens.

Joanna stared in disbelief, her eyes nearly popping out of her head. How could Natalie possibly…?

Sebastian was just as stunned. He was suddenly realizing he didn’t know his own wife at all.

Matthew stayed with James, while Sebastian and Joanna sat nearby. Joanna was fidgeting, on pins and needles. She had completely botched things tonight. What do I do? I can’t let Natalie outshine me! she thought frantically, sneaking a glance at Sebastian. He sat composed, his handsome face an unreadable mask, his presence every bit as powerful as Matthew’s across from him. Matthew was the heir to the Monroe family fortune. How did Natalie even get to know him? Joanna was consumed by a helpless, burning jealousy.

After a short while, James was sipping a nourishing broth, his stomach slowly starting to settle.

Half an hour later, Natalie returned carrying a tray.

Natalie nodded and turned to Matthew. “Mr. Monroe, shall we begin?”

She introduced both Matthew and Sebastian to James, figuring she might as well help Sebastian since James had mentioned him. She had no desire to interact with him, but it was a simple courtesy. This life, all she wanted was for the people she cared about to be safe and happy, and maybe, just maybe, to knock the scheming Joanna off her pedestal.

Sebastian was surprised that Natalie was willing to translate for him.

With a serious expression, Natalie relayed Matthew’s partnership proposal to James, her language fluent and precise. Whatever questions James raised, she translated them quickly and accurately.

By the time they finished with Matthew’s proposal, two hours had passed. Natalie’s throat was dry, but to spare the esteemed entrepreneur any further strain, she decided to translate for Sebastian as well.

She took a sip of water before turning to him. “Mr. Griffith, would you like me to translate your proposal? If not, we can conclude things here.”

---