Natalie's entrance into the living room was met by the call of Curtis, who was comfortably nestled on the couch.
With a bow of her head, guilt etched into her features, Natalie offered her apology. "Mr. Cullen, I'm sorry for the disruption today. I assure you, I'll be more cautious moving forward. Might I request that you don't dismiss me?"
Curtis, his tone considerably softer than Emmett's, beckoned her to sit beside him on the couch. "Natalie, I've watched you grow. This is your home, and the incident today was not your doing."
"Thank you, Mr. Cullen," she responded, relief washing over her as she realized she wouldn't be cast out.
A smile finally found its way onto Natalie's face, but it was short-lived as Curtis inquired, "How has your mother been faring?"
"She's improving. The doctor believes she's making significant progress," Natalie replied, choosing her words with care to avoid revealing Rosalie's need for a kidney transplant.
Curtis had been a close friend of Stanley's. Since Stanley's passing, he had taken it upon himself to look after Natalie and her mother. Natalie didn't want to burden him with the knowledge of Emmett's actions against them.
Upon hearing her response, Curtis nodded and extended a bank card towards her. "That's good to hear. Take this for now. I'll pay her a visit in a few days."
"Dad!" Alice, who had been lingering nearby, couldn't help but interject. She had assumed Curtis was going to reprimand Natalie, but instead, he was offering her financial aid. Curtis, however, seemed to ignore her protest, placing the bank card firmly into Natalie's hand.
After a moment's hesitation, Natalie accepted the card. "Thank you, Mr. Cullen. If there's nothing else, I need to head to the hospital." With that, she turned and made her exit.
It wasn't until Natalie had left that Alice voiced her displeasure. "Dad, Natalie has made mistakes more than once," she pointed out, implying her confusion as to why Curtis would continue to tolerate Natalie's presence.
Emmett attempted to interject but was silenced by Curtis. "Natalie's father died because of me. Her mother is gravely ill. Are you seriously suggesting we throw her out? This discussion is over."
Before he ascended the stairs, Curtis cast a warning glance at Emmett. "Alice doesn't understand, and you don’t either? Don’t you know how Stanley died?"
Emmett could only watch in silence as Curtis disappeared up the stairs.
Alice, receiving no sympathy from Curtis, directed her anger towards Natalie. "Mom!"
"Enough," her mother scolded. "Your primary focus should be on your engagement to Adrian. Can't you maintain your dignity and not lose your temper over a mere maid?"
Alice had no other outlet for her frustration. She dared not reveal her scheme to use Natalie as a body double to Emmett. If Emmett discovered that Alice was not a virgin, she would be livid!
After her engagement, Alice was determined to banish Natalie from the Cullen Villa, no matter what it took.
For a time, Natalie found herself shuttling between school and the hospital, steering clear of the Cullen family until the night of Adrian and Alice's engagement party.
The engagement party was held in Vachilit's grandest hotel, attended by the city's most influential figures. The opulent event, rivaling a wedding in its grandeur, served to enhance the prestige of the Cullen family.
However, at that very moment, Curtis and Emmett were fraught with anxiety in the hospital.
Alice had indulged in drinks with friends the night before, resulting in an allergic reaction to the alcohol. She had yet to awaken from her stupor, and the engagement party was imminent.
For the Cullen family, this was a matter of utmost importance, and nothing could be allowed to go awry!
Emmett, staring at her unconscious daughter on the hospital bed, was at a loss. "What are we going to do now..."
Curtis echoed his discontent. "This is because you haven't raised her properly!"
Emmett was equally distressed. "What's the use of blaming me now? If Alice could wake up, then you can berate me. We have less than an hour before the engagement party begins!"
The Howards were the elite of Vachilit. For Alice to be engaged to Adrian was a dream beyond the reach of all the women in the Howard family!
If the Howards discovered that Alice was hospitalized due to excessive drinking, the marriage would be in jeopardy!
Emmett, overcome with anxiety, paced back and forth in the hospital room.
Suddenly, she stopped, a light of realization in her eyes. "Right, where's Natalie? Where is she? Get her to stand in for Alice and proceed with the engagement ceremony!"