Chapter 1075 Setting Her Up
When Natalie went to work as usual the next day, Lia and Yandel went to her office uninvited. Lia was curious about what it was like to attend a prince’s birthday party, but unlike her, Yandel looked gloomy and pensive. Although he still listened intently to their conversation, he evaded Natalie’s gaze altogether.
At first, Natalie did not think much about it, but as time passed, she could not help but notice something was obviously amiss.
Because there were too many details, Natalie did not tell Lia the whole story. Instead, she only told Lia that Loang’s royal family was heavily-guarded and the palace was glorious.
Lia listened attentively until Natalie finished her story. When she was done telling the story, Natalie found an excuse to ask Yandel to stay behind.
With Lia gone, Natalie was left alone with Yandel in the spacious office.
Natalie cupped her coffee mug with her hands and looked up sharply at the man. “I met Prince Jonathan already, so you can just come clean and tell me why you betrayed me.”
Knowing that there was no way he could conceal the secret, Yandel caved.
“Boss, I didn’t mean to keep this from you,” Yandel exclaimed, putting one palm up as if he was taking an oath. “I didn’t tell you about it back at Chanaea because I never thought you guys would meet one day. I didn’t want you to get involved in the feud of the royal family. I wanted to remind you this time, but Prince Jonathan threatened me not to let you know. I mean, he did threaten me not to give away his true identity, but he also promised he would never harm you. That’s why I didn’t tell you in the end.”
Natalie took a sip of coffee and frowned.
It seems like Bastien planned to ask me for a dance long ago. He had everything planned, and I was simply walking into the trap he had set up.
“Boss, did he mess with you yesterday night? He only told you who he was, right?” Yandel asked worriedly, leaning closer.
“Well, he could’ve told me who he was the moment we met instead of threatening you and acting in front of me. It’s obvious that things are not as simple as they seem!” Natalie replied.
“What? Did Bastien do anything to you?” Yandel questioned, astonished.
“No, he didn’t.”
“That’s a relief.”
“He invited me for a dance to show everyone how he felt about me. That’s it,” Natalie informed casually.
What?
Yandel did not manage to suppress his shock. He choked on his own saliva and started coughing violently.
When he finally recovered from his shock, he commented laboriously, “According to Loang’s customs, what he did is equivalent to asking for your hand in marriage. Did Bastien really invite you for a dance on such an occasion?”
“Yes,” Natalie replied with a nod.
“He asked in front of everyone. Turning him down means disrespecting the royal family; accepting his invitation means marrying him.”
Yandel found it inconceivable. He could not believe Bastien had the audacity to do that.
“So, what did you do in the end?”
“We danced, but I didn’t agree to marry him,” Natalie answered, glancing at Yandel. “Samuel and I are legally married, and I’m a mother of five. There’s no way Bastien and Loang’s royal family can accept that.”
“Um…” Yandel was suddenly at a loss for words. “I should’ve given you the heads-up.”
“It wouldn’t make a difference if you told me. He invited me to his birthday party as the prince, so there’s no way I can decline his invitation. Besides, he helped me in Chanaea, so I have to return the favor. I would still end up in the same situation even if you told me in advance.”
Yandel thought about it and agreed.
“I have antagonized Bastien now that I refused to marry him,” Natalie noted as she rubbed her temples, feeling an impending headache. “He’s laid a lot of traps for me.”
