Chapter Four

Natalie's POV 

A faint smile plastered on my face as I watched the massive hall filled with reputable business people. At the far end were multiple press reporters with their devices on their laps. I was beyond overwhelmed with pride as the announcer called my attention to the podium with several praises of my achievement within a year, and for being capable enough to be the first woman to control the 'West' industry. A resounding claps over balance the place and I waved in return. 

After waiting for the exhilaration to subside, I gave my speech which I guess impressed everyone, judging from their smiles and applause. 

The launching of a new bank application that has advanced functions was introduced by the expected employees, and there came the next moment which had to be the press questioning. I walked over to the lectern with my chin raised in confidence even though my palms were sweaty. The world was watching, and my response surely would determine the composure of my reputation. 

"As you have said earlier you were able to get to this position because you have proved to be focused and determined. You were able to empower yourself with good education, and ready to use that knowledge to build a country worthy of your boundless price. No offense Mrs West, but a comment from the livestream pointed out that you might be educated, but it still doesn't change the fact that you were privileged because your supposed son is the heir to the industry. How true is that?" 

A distinctive murmur erupted in the room. 

My eyes automatically switched to Gregory West. He had a satisfied smirk on his face. These reporters wouldn't have the guts to ask such a question in a 'West' conference if they didn't have a backup. 

I smiled in return. 

'The West isn't a simple lineage as you might have assumed. They are filled with reputable men and women who are also seated here. Surely, I might be related because I have a son. Choosing among those who were more experienced would have been preferable, but I was directly selected by the united family as the one capable enough. I hope my response clears your doubt," I replied, knowing fully well that none of the relatives would want to display to the press that I lied. 

The fake smile on their faces made my inner part feel warm. 

"Rumors had been circulating that you rejected the new rising 'Golden Hall Real Estate company partnership because it's owned by your ex-husband." Another reporter said. 

"My personal life has nothing to do with business. I hope you can refrain from such statements." 

"Why did you reject the company? According to an insider, they are qualified." The first reporter paused and continued again, "Another mentioned that you've been having a secret affair with Lucas Knight. This speculation shouldn't be disgraceful but cleared off by you as the assumption about your child belonging to your ex-husband has also started circulating since no one knew of you as the wife of the deceased Mr. James West until recently. How true are those rumors?" 

The hall was dead silent as everyone's attention focused on me like a hawk ready to pounce on its prey. I prayed to be buried at the depth of the soil. I was about to cry because all that he had said was true, except that they didn't have any evidence. I was the only one who knew the truth because even Granny West had no idea that Jason was Lucas' child. I almost walked out of the spotlight with my head bowed in shame when a voice echoed, piercing through the threatening silence. 

"All rumors are false, Mr reporter. Not on behalf of the chief executive officer, but I will be arresting you for defamation and disruption of my personal life. You have trespassed!" Lucas declared as the corps rushed into the room to take the reporter away. 

I bit my lips for tears not to drop when other reporters began to apologize on behalf of the arrested one. I smiled and replied, "Things like these were bound to happen. Professionally handling them is the only solution. Thank you for your outstanding understanding. Also, we are working towards more advanced abilities. Once again, West Banking and Finance appreciates your effort" 

The claps went on until I stepped out of the hall towards a secluded region of the building. "Call Mr. Gregory, please," I told Stella. 

Patiently waiting for his arrival, I walked to and fro, trying hard to suppress my anger. I halted once I saw him coming. 

"You summoned me," he muttered simply. 

I walked towards him with the weight of my loathe overpowering my tolerance. "You were behind that silly banter…" 

"Why…" 

"I wasn't asking, old man. It was the truth!" I fired. 

He staggered backward in shock at my response. I had never raised my voice on him. 

"You have crossed the line by involving my son in your childish game. This is my warning…" I looked at his eyes without blinking, showing him how displeased I was. 

"If you try this one more time. Even if it was a mistake, then I will show you who is the boss here. Your inability was the reason why your brother ignored you!" I lashed out disrespectfully and walked out on him. 

I heard him gasp in fright. 

~~~~~~~ 

Throughout my ride back home, I wondered why that foolish Lucas had come to my rescue. I will compensate him, and if he tries to please me with the hope for me to favor him in the business world, I would adequately warn him to shun my existence. I would rather die than dine with that devil of a man. 

My heart clenched painfully as I recalled that night. The day he divorced me and left my bleeding self on a cold night after declaring the heartbreaking news of getting married to my best friend. 

Pain overwhelmed my body as I hoped for a day when I would be consumed with nothing but solace. I was distracted by my miserable thoughts when my chauffeur halted the car at the car park. 

Feeling exhausted, I walked into the villa towards my son's room. 

"Natalie," Mrs Pat called. She was the older one among the women who were present in the room the day I first regained consciousness in the West abode. She turned out to be the family's long-time housekeeper. 

"We will talk later. I need to meet Jason." 

"Don't worry. They are both sleeping in Granny West's room. I need to talk to you right now dear," She insisted, her brows creased in worry and pity. 

I agreed, and we both settled on the couch. She looked around and sighed in relief, satisfied that no one was visible. Nervously fiddling with her fingers, she said, "I've wanted to tell you this for a very long time. I vowed to Janet to take it to my grave, but after I watched your conference videos. My questions on how you were suddenly appointed as the C.E.O were resolved," 

"It's the truth though. I was the secret young wife of James West and Jason is his son. Do you have any problem with that?" I looked away in disgrace for lying. 

"I do not think a boy born from the product of father and child would be able to survive," she said and took my hand in hers. 

It took me a few seconds to understand her statement, "What…what do you mean by that?" 

I froze in fright. 

It's understandable if she doesn't believe me, but what is she insinuating? She was sweating profusely as tears began to fall down her cheeks.

"It's true, Natalie. The Janet I mentioned was your mother. I swear by the heavens you are James' child. I could have told you, but I had no idea Granny West planned for you to perform the role of James' wife. I can't keep it from you because of future purposes when things become complicated." She cried out. 

I was mute, fighting hard to come to terms with my conflicted emotions. Trembling and willing my heartbeat to stop thumping hard until we heard someone say, "What did you just say?"