Billionaire's Regret: Losing Me And Our Son - Chapter 78: Chapter 78

"It's me," a gentle voice came through the line.
I froze for a moment and instinctively uttered, "Mrs. Smith?"
"Natalia, why haven't I been able to reach you?" Shirley asked, her voice soft as she subtly probed. "Did something happen?"
Ever since York threatened me, I had blocked all contact with her. I thought our relationship was superficial and that she would soon forget about me. Never did I expect her to get a new number just to reach out to me.
For a moment, I felt embarrassed and a little ashamed. Not answering her question directly, I explained briefly, "Sorry, Mrs. Smith, I've just been really busy lately."
She went quiet for a moment, and I thought I heard a faint sigh before she replied with a disappointed chuckle, "I see... I guess I won't bother you anymore."
Just as I thought she was about to hang up, she hesitated and continued, "Natalia, I've always felt a connection with you, which is why I can't help but say a little more than I should whenever we talk.
"No matter what you're going through, just remember—life goes on, and things will get better."
Her words struck a chord in me. Despite how rudely I had treated her, she still wanted to encourage me. If she weren't York's mother, we probably would have been friends, despite the age difference.
A comforting warmth spread through me as I suppressed my emotions and murmured, "Thank you."
That evening, I ordered takeout and browsed the rental listings online. One look at the rental prices made my jaw drop—the rent for this apartment was outrageously high. I had told Quinn I would transfer the rent to him, but now I was starting to feel the pinch.
My mind drifted back to the conversation with Rose before I left the care facility. When I mentioned the apartment, she apologized and explained that it was Quinn who had called her. She only agreed to help after learning that I had nowhere to go.
"Natalia, I don't know much about the situation between you two, and it's not my place to judge," Rose had said. "But I think Quinn cares about you. At least, when he called me, I could sense his concern."
I reined in my thoughts and let out a bitter laugh. Quinn cared about me? What a joke! He had made it clear himself—he was only worried I might embarrass him.
Finding a new place would take time, so for now, my focus had to be on the bid conference for the Dazzling Project.
A few days later, the bidding event was held as scheduled. Raelynn came to pick me up. She was exquisitely dressed and her makeup was impeccable.
"You do know we're going to a bidding event, right? Not your wedding. Or is there a groom waiting for you, Miss Novak?" I quipped.
Raelynn blushed. Keeping her eyes on the road, she retorted coyly, "Ms. Hinton, please don't tease me. I dressed up for the sake of the company's image."
"Is that so?" I grinned. "Then make sure you represent us well. Maybe chat up Mr. Bird of the Dazzle Group while you're at it."
"Ms. Hinton," Raelynn exclaimed, her face flushing even more.
Shortly after, we arrived at the Regal Bay Hotel. The bidding conference, styled as a grand evening gala, was an extravagant event. Nearly every prominent figure in the city's elite circles had been invited.
Amidst the crowd, I spotted Diana instantly. She was dressed in a wine-red backless evening gown, her hair done up with a diamond-studded hairpin. She glowed in the spotlight, surrounded by a group of young men vying for her attention.
"She's the director of Madden Group, so of course she's on the guest list," Raelynn muttered with a frown. "I just didn't think she'd have the audacity to show up."
I chuckled. Knowing Diana, her shamelessness knew no bounds.
All of a sudden, Raelynn let out a soft gasp. I turned to see her eyes sparkling, her gaze fixed on Jess, who stood not far from us.
Dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, Jess exuded an air of sophistication. The moment he entered, several women approached him with glasses of wine in hand.
Seeing her mesmerized, I nudged her to approach him. Raelynn nodded briskly, grabbed a glass of wine, puffed up her chest, and strode toward him with her head held high.
As I turned to look for a quiet spot to sit, Diana blocked my way.
With a smug expression, she raised an eyebrow and spoke condescendingly, "Well, if it isn't Natalia, all alone and miserable. Divorce really does a number on a woman. I barely recognized you—you've aged so much since I last saw you."
I shot her a cold glance, trying to avoid causing a scene on such an occasion. Ignoring her taunt, I stepped around her, only to feel someone grab my wrist. I assumed it was Diana, but when I turned around, I was met with York's mischievous smile.
He cast a dismissive look at Diana with his charming eyes. "Ah, you must be Diana," he drawled, his lips curling slightly. "The one who got pregnant by a married man, suffered a miscarriage, and then pulled the suicide card to force him into marrying her.
"Your life experiences are so riveting. I've been meaning to buy the rights to your story—it'd make a great movie. I've even got a title in mind: Life in the Gutter. If you're up for playing the lead role, it'd be perfect."
Diana was livid. She glared at York but bit her tongue and stayed quiet. If not for his status, she would have lashed out.
Just then, someone passed by and greeted her. "Miss Terell, where's Mr. Madden?"
Diana quickly composed herself, smiling sweetly. "Quinn is tied up with work. He'll be here a bit later."
Her words caught me off guard. Quinn was coming tonight? So, Diana was his date.
I felt unnerved, like a knot tightened in my chest. Snapping back to my senses, I glanced at York, who took the hint and followed me as I stepped away.
"Not even a thank you?" he teased, lowering his voice.
"If you could just stay away from me, I'd be forever grateful," I said dryly.
I didn't have a good impression of York, and every interaction with him put me on edge. His help was unnecessary and unwelcome.
York looked at me with an unruffled expression, as if he had more to say, but I wasn't interested.
"If you'll excuse me," I said coolly and headed toward the restroom.
As I reapplied my lipstick in front of the mirror, I overheard a woman speaking on the phone in one of the stalls. "Yes, I'm all set. Call me when you're here, and I'll come out. Don't worry, I've memorized everything. I won't disappoint you."
At that moment, Raelynn called to let me know the bidding conference was about to begin.