Chapter 404

Natalie silently picked up her cutlery and began eating. Taylor's lips moved as if he wanted to say something, but he hesitated, fearing that his words might spoil her appetite. He decided to keep quiet and focus on his meal. For the first ten minutes of the meal, neither of them spoke. The only sounds were the clinking of cutlery and the clattering of plates, punctuating the awkward silence Natalie was trying to ignore. Finally, Taylor broke the silence with a measured tone. "That day at Jones Manor, I learned from my grandfather's remarks about Laura that she was the one who bribed Bethany's mother long ago.” Natalie's eyes flickered, but she didn't respond. He continued, "For years, I thought Bethany's mother owed my mother a favor. I never imagined the truth was the opposite. Not only did we owe her nothing, but she was also our enemy." Natalie couldn't help but think about the truth Laura revealed about that night six years ago when she and Taylor ended up together. She had