She Was Never Just the Billionaire’s Wife (Natasha and Chase) novel Chapter 38

Chapter 38 The Holiday Climax

(Natasha)

The Warren estate is packed with guests.

Eleanor loves any opportunity to entertain and the Christmas season brings a sea of sharp suits and designer gowns into the grand living room.

Standing in front of the mirror in my bedroom, I stare at my reflection as I step into a breathtaking, crimson-red/

gown.

The color creates a striking contrast against my blonde hair and blue eyes.

The bodice is tailored tight with a daring, plunging neckline, while the skirt flares out into a sweeping silhouette of layered tulle.

Intricate, glittering beadwork covers the fabric in explosive starburst patterns that catch the light with every subtle movement I make.

The woman looking back at me is fierce and ready for war.

Stepping out of the room, I walk toward the grand staircase, stopping in at the nursery to make sure Lily is still sleeping peacefully.

I can’t resist the urge to press a kiss to the top of her head, leaving behind a faint impression of my matte red lips.

The low hum of conversation drifts up from the foyer as I start my descent.

Halfway down the stairs, the chatter in the room begins to fade.

Heads turn.

Chase is standing near the fireplace with a glass of scotch. He looks up and freezes.

The intensity in his gaze is raw and hungry. He stares at me like a starving man.

Standing just a few feet away from him is Sonia.

She wears a tight silver dress and still isn’t showing a single sign of pregnancy.

Seeing Chase stare at me, Sonia’s face flushes a deep, angry red.

She grips her water glass so hard her knuckles turn white.

I reach the bottom of the stairs, effortlessly outshining her.

Eleanor approaches, giving me a rare, approving nod.

“You look stunning, Natasha,” Eleanor notes softly. “You finally look like the lady of this house.”

No need for that bit of bitchiness, but I’m not picking a fight tonight.

“Thank you, Eleanor.”

Before I can say another word, Nathanial Morton steps into my path.

A tall woman with sharp features stands beside him.

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She’s made no concession to the Festive Season, and is wearing a dark tailored suit and what seems like a permanent scowl.

“Natasha,” Nathanial says, his voice tight.

“This is my older sister, Piper. She asked for an introduction. If you’ll excuse me please, I’m going to get a drink.”

Piper looks me up and down. She does not offer her hand.

“I heard you nearly scooped the Bauer deal from right under my brother’s nose,” Piper remarks coldly. “That won’t happen once I’m in charge, so don’t get used to it.”

“It’s certainly interesting to meet you, Piper,” I reply smoothly.

“Perhaps you shouldn’t be too over-confident before actually facing me in a boardroom though.”

Piper’s eyes narrow, but before she can fire back, a man in an emerald green velvet blazer slides into our circle.

Julian Morton, I presume. Gloria warned me about him.

“Well, well,” Julian purrs, flashing a wicked smile.

“The infamous Natasha. I must say, the rumors of your demise were greatly exaggerated. You look spectacular.”

“Julian,” Chase says, his voice a low warning as he steps up beside me.

He claims the space at my side, acting like a protective husband.

“Behave.”

Julian ignores him entirely.

He turns his whiskey brown eyes toward his step-sister.

Sonia quickly walks over, desperate to pull Chase’s attention back to her.

She links her arm through his, pressing her flat stomach against his side.

“Chase,” Sonia whines softly.

“I’m feeling a bit tired. The baby is draining all my energy. Can we go sit down?”

Julian laughs. It’s a harsh, mocking sound that cuts through the quiet room.

“Tired?” Julian asks loudly.

Several guests turn to watch.

“You look perfectly fine, Sonia,” Julian continues, his voice carrying over the music.

He grins at the sight of her rising panic.

“In fact, you look exactly the same as you did three months ago. Is this some new kind of pregnancy diet, where the fetus makes you lose weight and doesn’t grow?”

Sonia goes pale. “Julian, stop it.”

“I’m just making an observation,” Julian says, waving his drink.

“Natasha just had a baby, and she looks like a goddess. You just look stressed and remarkably thin.”

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Sonia turns pale as a sheet and sways on her feet. For once, I don’t think she’s acting.

That’s enough,” Chase snaps, pulling his arm away from Sonia to face Julian.

Sonia’s breathing turns shallow.

Her eyes dart around the room, taking in the staring guests.

She’s losing control of her own lie.

“I am pregnant!” Sonia yells, her voice shrill and desperate. “I’m just carrying small because I’m so petite. Chase, tell him!”

Instead of defending her, Chase looks at Sonia’s flat stomach and a flicker of genuine doubt crosses his features

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