Chapter 716

Speaking of that, Jacqueline inhaled before continuing, “As long as Ms. Smith can’t tolerate the insults,
she’ll definitely leave of her own volition. And so, you won’t have to feel conflicted about facing her
anymore, Shane.”

“Jacqueline Graham, you know full well whether you’re really doing it for my sake or your own sake.” As
Shane stared at her, his eyes narrowed as though he had seen through her.

Stricken, Jacqueline instinctively averted her gaze. “Of course, I’m doing it for your sake, Shane. I’m now
dating Jackie, so I’ll never betray him.”

“Hopefully, that’s true,” Shane coldly asserted.

Upon seeing that he wasn’t planning on pursuing the matter, the woman breathed a sigh of relief.
Looking at him, she then asked, “So, what do you think of my idea, Shane? Since you don’t know how to
face her, separation is the best choice.”

“This is a personal affair of mine. I don’t need you to poke your nose into it.” Shane pursed his lips
impatiently.

However, resentment inundated Jacqueline. “Don’t tell me you’re reluctant to part with her, Shane. Ms.
Smith is one of the culprits behind your parents’ death. What would they think if you continue being with
her and even help to raise her two kids?”

“That’s enough! Get out! My affairs are none of your business!” With his face blanketed with frost, Shane
pointed at the door.

Aware that he was enraged, Jacqueline didn’t dare confront him further. She deliberately softened her
voice and murmured, “Alright, I’ll leave. But Shane, I hope you’ll really consider my words. That’s best for
both you and Ms. Smith. Otherwise, the two of you will be a miserable couple.”



After saying that, she spun around and left.



Silence again descended upon the study. Wearily closing his eyes, Shane placed his arm over them to
block out the light.

I know separation is the best choice, but I really love Natalie. My heart aches at the thought of being
apart from her. What am I to do?

As he was contemplating the issue, his cell phone rang.

Removing his arm, he picked up his cell phone. After casting a glance at the caller ID, he placed it by his
ear. His voice was low and weak when he asked, “What is it?”

“I heard from Jacqueline that your relationship with Natalie has fractured. Is that true?” Jackson inquired.

Shane kept mum.

At that, Jackson let out a sound of sympathy. “Well, it looks like it’s true. Jacqueline said Natalie’s mother
was the culprit behind your parents’ hit-and-run. Is that true?”

“Yes.” His Adam’s apple bobbing slightly, Shane blurted that single word coldly.

Jackson nudged his glasses when he heard that. “In that case, I now understand your attitude toward
Natalie. With the death of your parents between the two of you, your relationship with her can’t possibly
return to how it used to be. But the two of you can’t continue like this forever. There must be a resolution.
What’s your plan?”

Shane leaned back against the chair and stared at the ceiling with dull eyes as he replied, “I don’t know.”



“I knew it. You love her deeply, after all.” Jackson chuckled lowly. Subsequently, he reminded, “However,
it’s best to resolve it as soon as possible. Dragging it out won’t be good for either you, Natalie, or the two
kids.”

“I don’t need you to remind me of that,” Shane countered expressionlessly.

In response, Jackson merely shrugged. “I wouldn’t have called you if it weren’t for the fact that you’re my
friend. Anyway, resolve it as soon as possible. It won’t be good to drag it out. Also, the person who
exposed Natalie’s mother as the culprit behind your parents’ death must have an ulterior motive.
Otherwise, he or she wouldn’t have done so at this exact time.”

“I know, and Silas is investigating it.”

Alas, the investigation hadn’t yielded any results thus far.

“Okay, then. I’ll stop speaking of that topic. How about having some drinks with me tonight? Jacqueline
said you’ve been very depressed in the past two days.” Jackson extended an invitation to him.

Shane’s thin lips twitched. He initially wanted to decline, but in the end, he agreed.

Hanging up the phone, he then put away his cell phone before getting to his feet and leaving the study.

When he reached the landing, he spotted Natalie, who was ascending the stairs.

Coincidentally, the woman was on her way to seek him out. The moment she caught sight of him, her
eyes lit up. “Wait a minute, Shane!”

Afraid that he would ignore her, she quickly grabbed his arm, not allowing him to leave.


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