Chapter 436

The next day, Linden strode into Daniela's office and announced, "Ms. Harper, I'm dating Natalie now."

Daniela, seated at her desk, offered a composed smile. "That's wonderful news. Natalie is my cousin,and I truly hope this relationship works out for her. The company isn't too busy right now, so take advantage of the downtime-spend more time together. Linden, you have my permission to move your desk next to Natalie's."

When Natalie heard about it, she went pale, her shock evident. She stormed over to Linden, her usual haughty demeanor intact. "Have you completely lost your mind? What possessed you to tell Daniela we're dating?"

Linden met her glare with icy indifference. "You've already slept with me, yet you refuse to admit you're my girlfriend. What, are you just going to let me use you and walk away?"

As he spoke, he wrapped an arm around her waist.

Natalie's breath hitched, and she immediately tried to shove him off.

But this time, Linden wasn't letting go. He pinned her against the window, his grip firm,and kissed her.

Natalie fought back, twisting in his hold, but Linden refused to stop.

His lips moved from hers to her neck, his touch leaving her breathless.

Panic set in-she was on the verge of losing it.

She shoved at his chest with all her strength, but compared to Linden, her resistance was useless.

Just then, Nina happened to walk by.

Humiliated, Natalie's eyes darted towards her, seeking for help. But Nina only smirked, her expression dripping with mockery. She pulled out her phone, snapped a picture of the scene,and sent it straight into the company's group chat. Natalie's heart plummeted. Tears welled in her eyes, spilling down her face as her composure shattered.

Linden watched Natalie, his puIse quickening at the sight of her tear-streaked face.

His hands roamed over her, pressing her against the glass.

If they weren't standing in the company's corridor, he might have gone even further.

It took half an hour before he finally let her go. Natalie gasped for breath, her chest rising and falling erratically.

Her entire body trembled.

She couldn't comprehend why Linden had suddenly turned so aggressive-all she knew was that the way he had just treated her had left her shaken to the core.

Fear,shame, and revulsion twisted inside her.

Linden saw it all written on her face. His expression darkened. "What's with that look? You didn't want me to kiss you?"

Natalie furiously wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. "You're insane. Why the hell did you tell Daniela we were dating? For the record, I never agreedto be with you."

A dangerous glint flashed through Linden's eyes.

His low chuckle sent an eerie chill down Natalie's spine.

The way he smirked at her made her stomach turn.

"Natalie, let me spell it out for you. If you don't get in my bed and admit you belong to me, then don't expect me to lift a finger to help you."

Natalie scoffed, smoothing down her disheveled hair with a flick of her wrist. "I already slept with you. If you break your promise, then don't expect to touch me again."

Linden's sneer deepened, dripping with mockery. "Was it really you I slept with back then? Natalie, if you dare lie to me, you'll regret it." Natalie's breath caught in her throat, her eyes widening in shock.

Linden's gaze hardened. "Natalie, I know you think you're better than me. That's fine. But mark my words-one day, you'll be the one begging."

With that, he spun on his heel and strode away.

Natalie narrowed her eyes, watching his retreating figure, then scoffed.

He wanted her to beg him?

He was delusional.

She stepped aside just as the elevator doors slid open, revealing Elyse,who burst out in a panic.

The moment she saw Natalie's red-rimmed eyes, her expression darkened. "Sweetheart, what happened?

Where is that bastard Linden? How dare he do this to you? I swear, I'll make him pay!"

Elyse's hands clenched at her sides, her rage barely contained.

To her, Natalie was untouchable, her future resting on a man like Cedric-a man of power and prestige.There was no way she'd let someone like Linden taint her.

Natalie's brows furrowed. "Mom, how did you even find out?"

Elyse's face twisted with indignation. "You don't know? Nina took a picture of Linden pinning you against the window and posted it in the company's group chat. Now, the whole office thinks you're with him!"

Elyse's fury reached a boiling point."And your own sister-Nina-stood there and let it happen! Just wait until I deal with her!"

Natalie's expression turned cold as she yanked out her phone.

The company's group chat was in chaos.

"Linden and Natalie? Seriously?"

"They have to be a couple! Did you see how intense that was?" "Oh my God, he actually managed to land someone way out of his league!"

"I always thought Natalie was untouchable--she only ever smiled at Cedric and ignored the rest of us. How did Linden manage to reel her in?"

"Hah! What a fake! Acting all high and mighty, but just look at that picture-Linden's got his hands all over her, kissing her neck. She's obviously into it."

"So the belle of the company is just another flirt? Unbelievable."

"Hey, don't say that. Daniela is still the real top beauty around here."

"I second that."

"Agreed."

"Same here."

The chat exploded as nearly everyone chimed in.

Furious, Natalie flung her phone onto the desk. "I swear,I'll strangle these gossiping idiots!"

Her whole body trembled with rage. "Cedric is working in Elite Lux these days. If he sees this garbage,what's he going to think of me? Am I going to lose my chance?"