The Year I Was the Other Woman To Myself novel Chapter 837

Natalie carefully boxed up the designated slice. Glancing at Hamilton, she noticed he didn't look annoyed in the slightest. He even helped bag the container, gently reminding Kristin not to forget it when they left.

"Marico won't be getting out that fast, you know," Hamilton murmured to Natalie once he turned back.

She frowned. "What is that supposed to mean?"

Hamilton merely shrugged. "Even if he wasn't the organizer or a direct participant, the cops still have to run a full investigation. Holding him for a few days is standard procedure. By the time he walks free, that cake will be completely rotten."

"Does that make you happy?"

"My daughter and I baked that. Why the hell should he get to eat it?"

Beyond the cake, Hamilton had cooked an elaborate, multi-course dinner himself. He also presented his grand gift—a breathtakingly expensive emerald necklace. Natalie took one look at the velvet box and pushed it right back across the table.

"This is far too extravagant. I can't accept it."

Hamilton ignored her refusal. Picking up the glittering jewels, he stepped behind her chair, fully intending to clasp it around her neck.

"Hamilton, I don't want your things!" she snapped, shrinking away from his touch.

He leaned in close to her ear. "Did you already forget that Marico is still locked up?"

Natalie gritted her teeth. He was constantly using Marico as a bargaining chip—did he really find this endless manipulation entertaining?

In the end, he fastened the necklace against her skin. He proceeded to pile food onto her plate, casually mentioning that these were his signature dishes, recipes he had specifically learned just so he could cook for her and Kristin.

"Is it good, Kristin?" he asked, turning his attention to the little girl.

Kristin, having an undeniable sweet tooth and a healthy appetite, was shoveling it in. "It's so good!"

"Then I'll cook for you all the time from now on. How does that sound?"

"No thanks."

His brow furrowed slightly. "Why not?"

"My dad says if you eat the best food every day, you get sick of it really fast."

"Heh. You're setting yourself up for a massive disappointment."

But Hamilton kept his word. The very next morning, the precinct called. Natalie rushed down, only to be told she just needed to pay a fine. The investigating officer confirmed Marico wasn't the ringleader or heavily involved—he was merely there looking for a friend. However, the police also stated as a matter of fact that he had slept with one of the women present.

"That's impossible. You need to investigate thoroughly—"

"He confessed to it himself, ma'am."

She stared in shock. "You're saying he admitted it?"

"Exactly. Since his involvement was minor, pay the fine and he's free to go."

She swiped her card for the fine. Moments later, a disheveled Marico emerged from lockup. Spotting her, he flashed a strained, cheeky grin, trying to play it cool. Natalie, completely devoid of amusement, shot him a glacial glare and marched straight out the door.

The entire car ride home was engulfed in suffocating silence.

The second the apartment door clicked shut, she spun around, her voice razor-sharp. "So you actually slept with someone at that party?"