Chapter 9 A Little Cat Under the Desk Apologize . The word echoed in Natalie's cars , and her hands , resting in front of her , clenched instinctively . She lifted her eyes to Marcus's face . The harsh lines of his jaw were softened by the warm , dim lighting . He curled his lips slightly but didn't say a word . +10 Free Cond The family dinner had , indeed , been arranged to welcome him back - and it had , indeed , ended in disaster . " I'm sorry , Uncle Marcus ... " Jackson's brow furrowed briefly . " It was my fault for not stopping her . I shouldn't have let her ruin the dinner like that . It's rare for the whole family to be together - we don't know when we'll have another chance like this . " Marcus lifted his gaze and cast a cold glance at him . It was a long moment before he finally spoke . " If I remember correctly , Ms. Foster said she didn't do it . I suggest you look into it more thoroughly . Don't let your frustration lead to the wrong person being blamed . " Natalie looked up in disbelief . But Marcus continued to stare ahead , never once glancing down at her . Even he was willing to believe her . Yet the husband and son she had spent years with still chose to protect that so - called white moonlight ... Marcus's words clearly took Jackson aback . If he wasn't mistaken .... This was the second time tonight Uncle Marcus had defended that woman . " Uncle Marcus , that's because you don't know what kind of person she really is . Three years ago , she framed Victoria - that's why she went to prison . And now she's even turned on her own child . In a situation like this , what more is there to investigate ? It's obvious she did it ! " 1/4 6:17 Fri , Sep 26 Chapter 9 A Little Cat Under the Desk Natalie's hands tightened unconsciously in front of her . Her nails nearly pierced her palms from the pressure . The pain was sharp and cold . Marcus gave a faint , cold smile . " Is that so ? " +10 Free Coral " Yes ! Uncle Marcus ... " Aiden chimed in from the side , his little mouth pouting . " Mommy really did frame Ms. Victoria . Ms. Victoria is so nice - I don't know why Mommy would do something like that . " " Because she's jealous , of course . That woman has always been petty and spiteful . Even after three years in prison , she hasn't changed a bit . She came out and turned on her own child . She doesn't deserve to be a mother ... " Jackson's voice rose with his anger . Though he spoke as if casually venting to Marcus , every word was laced with slander against her . Under the desk . Natalie felt her blood boil . Before , hearing words like these would have made her cry in despair . But now , all she felt was rage . Nothing else . So this was what it meant when people said your heart could go so cold , even heartbreak couldn't reach it anymore . Natalie slowly loosened her fists . Maybe it was the anger , or just a slip of her body , but she moved slightly without realizing it . The space under the desk was already cramped . When she shifted , her elbow accidentally knocked against the wood . A dull thud broke the tense silence in the room . " What was that ? " Jackson's grip on his son's hand tightened . " Uncle Marcus , I think it came from under your desk . " Marcus lowered his gaze and looked under the table , his expression calm . Natalie happened to glance up just then and met his eyes . In just two seconds , she quickly ducked her head again , pulling her hands back , afraid to move 2/4 6:17 Fri , Sep 26 Chapter 9 A Little Cat Under the Desk a muscle . Her heart was pounding wildly in her chest . Free Cons This situation ... almost made her feel like she was sneaking around behind someone's back . Leaning back in his chair , Marcus shifted his eyes away once Natalie looked down . The corners of his lips lifted into a faint , knowing smile . His voice was lazy , almost amused . " There's a restless little cat under the desk ." Hearing that , Natalie swallowed nervously . This man's reflexes ... Were terrifyingly sharp . " A cat ? " Aiden's eyes ! up . " Uncle Marcus , you have a cat ? " " Mm ." Marcus nodded slightly . " Just brought her home today . " " Can I see her ? I really like cats , but Mommy and Daddy never let me have one ... " " Not today , " Marcus replied , voice tinged with a mysterious fondness . " She just got here . She's not used to the new environment . Bit of a temper - she might scare you . " Aiden asked tentatively , " Can I see her next time ? " Marcus nodded again but didn't say more . Sensing his uncle's growing impatience , Jackson tugged Aiden's hand . " Uncle Marcus , it's getting late . I'll take Aiden home now , I'll treat you to dinner properly another day . " " Mm . Marcus responded coolly and watched them leave . Only when the sound of footsteps had faded did Natalie finally begin to lift her head . " Come on out , little cat ... " The deep , smooth voice in her ear made her body freeze for a second . In her mind , Marcus had always been a powerful figure , with far - reaching connections and 3/4 6:17 Fri , Sep 26 .... Chapter 9 A Little Cat Under the Desk . unmatched authority . In this city's business world , few could stand as his equal . Whenever he appeared in public , he exuded an air of distant coldness and aristocratic . detachment . She never imagined he had this side to him . Once he moved the chair , she crawled out quickly from under the desk . She caught the small gesture of him shielding the edge of the desk with his hand . 20 +10 Free Coins . " Thank you , Mr. Collins , " she said , giving a small bow , the corners of her lips lifting slightly . " It was nothing . " Marcus's tone was calm , his face already returned to its usual distant coolness . " Besides , we're family . No need to be so polite ." " Not for much longer , " she replied firmly , her eyes full of resolve . " I'm divorcing Jackson - and I'm not just saying it . " His brows furrowed slightly before he asked in a neutral tone , " I heard from Jackson you've been to prison ? " She didn't flinch . " Yes . " " Marcus leaned forward slightly , folding his hands on the desk . The black ring on his finger tapped lightly against the back of his left hand as he raised his dark , gleaming eyes and looked . straight at her . " Getting to divorce Jackson now ? " out of prison makes life hard enough . Why choose His voice was soft , without any discernible emotion . Natalie lowered her gaze and met his eyes . His pupils were too dark , like a frozen lake on a winter's night - deep and impenetrable . " One mistake in the past , chasing after love like a fool . But now I see things clearly . Staying would be the real mistake . My time in prison is just part of my past - it won't stop me from building a new future . And I won't let marriage become a shackle that keeps me from moving forward . " In "A Lady Hard to Please" by CrushReels, a single mother makes a poignant return to the city she fled seven years ago. Her mission: to secure treatment for her son's leukemia, setting the stage for an emotional journey of love and resilience amidst past heartbreak. As her ex-lover reenters her life upon hearing of her return, old wounds resurface, sparking a complex web of emotions and decisions that delve deep into themes of forgiveness, second chances, and the enduring power of love. This modern romance novel stands out for its raw portrayal of familial bonds tested by adversity, offering readers a compelling exploration of human strength and vulnerability. With a captivating blend of heart-wrenching moments and tender revelations, "A Lady Hard to Please" promises a captivating read that lingers in the heart long after the final page. Available to read online at CrushReel for those seeking a tale that transcends boundaries and speaks to the resilience of the human spirit.