She Was Never Just the Billionaire’s Wife (Natasha and Chase) novel Chapter 37

Chapter 37 The Vipers’ Nest

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Keeping my hand resting oft Nathanial’s, I watch the tension radiating from his shoulders.

I’ve never seen him look this defeated.

The confident, sharp executive I fell in love with in London is nowhere to be found, replaced by a grieving brother carrying too much guilt.

“You need some time away from the office,” I tell him firmly, keeping my voice low.

His step siblings have flown into the city and that can’t mean anything good.

“I heard Piper and Julian are circling. They smell blood in the water, Nathanial. You know they won’t hesitate to use your pain against you.”

Nathanial pulls his hand back slowly, rubbing his tired eyes.

“They’re always circling, Gloria. It’s nothing new.”

“It’s different this time. You’re vulnerable.”

Leaning forward, I refuse to let him brush off the warning.

“Take a few weeks off. Get out of the city and grieve properly. Surely your step-father will understand a family tragedy?”

A bitter, humorless smile twists his lips.

“My step-father believes business comes before everything else. There is no pausing for personal matters in this family. If I step back now, Piper will steal the CEO position before the end of the month.”

“And your mother?” I press gently.

“She lost a daughter. She must be deeply upset. Maybe you should be with her right now.”

His expression hardens into a cold mask.

“My mother barely reacted when I told her the news. She just wants to pretend her past never happened.”

Staring at him, a familiar surge of protective anger flares in my chest.

His family is a nest of vipers. They demand his loyalty and support but offer nothing in return.

“Nathanial, for once in your life, put your own needs first,” I urge him.

“The Morton empire will survive without you for a few weeks. Your sanity might not. And Piper can try to steal your job, but she won’t be able to hold it. She’s not you.”

He doesn’t answer.

He just looks down at the paperwork scattered across his desk, the burden of his family’s expectations weighing

him down

Knowing I can’t force him to leave, and that continuing to push is only adding more weight to his shoulders, I slowly get to my feet.

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“Don’t let them break you,” I beg him.

pause at the door.

“And if you need to talk, or just someone to keep you company for a few hours, you know how to reach me.”

He looks up and the expression in his gaze is difficult to pinpoint.

Gratitude yes, but there’s something that looks remarkably like hope as well.

I force myself to leave. Closing the door gently behind me.

The executive floor of Morton Enterprises is sleek, cold, and seething with tension.

Down the hall, near the private elevators, the Morton siblings have formed a toxic little huddle.

Piper stands with her arms crossed, glaring at her phone.

She wears her resentment like a sharp perfume, clearly still fuming over her latest clash with Nathaniel.

Next to her leans Julian, looking like a custom-tailored shark.

And right between them, pacing the floor and wringing her hands, is Sonia.

“He’s doing nothing to help me with Chase. It’s all just woe is me, Nat is dead,” Sonia complains loudly, her voice echoing in the quiet hallway.

Of course she expects Nathanial to drop everything and rush to her side.

That’s what he’s done her entire life. Put her first, even when it means hurting himself.

But the one time he needs a shoulder to cry on, Sonia turns her back on him.

Denied her usual protector, she pivots seamlessly, turning her tearful gaze to Julian of all people.

“You have to help me,” Sonia begs, reaching out to touch his sleeve.

I slow my pace, staying slightly out of sight near the corner.

I already know Julian doesn’t care about Sonia’s happiness, but the dark amusement lighting up his eyes is unmistakable.

He thrives on chaos, and he clearly sees a prime opportunity to cause damage while Nathanial is distracted.

“Don’t worry, little sis,” Julian purrs, patting her hand.

“If our golden boy is too busy crying to handle your mess, I’ll gladly step in. I think it’s time someone taught Chase Warren’s wife a lesson.”

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