Chapter 66
After hanging up the phone, Jasper still felt uneasy.
His younger brother, James was as naive as a lamb. If he crossed paths with a scheming woman, he could be taken advantage of for sure. Jasper decided he had to head home and give that woman a warning in person.
At the base entrance, Phoebe and Yvette were just coming out, the box of beef still untouched.
James glanced at Yvette’s sour expression and smirked inwardly, guessing she’d probably been shut down by his brother and hadn’t even managed to deliver the beef.
“Nattie, come on. I’ll take you inside,” James said, turning to Natalie.
The moment Yvette heard James was planning to bring Natalie in, her face fell. For some reason, she didn’t want Natalie to see Jasper.
With a cold snort, Yvette said, “James, you’re supposed to be a soldier’s family member, yet you’re so clueless. The base isn’t a place for just anyone to waltz into. Especially not someone who’s all smiles on the outside but scheming underneath, acting like she doesn’t want a relationship while secretly hoping to climb the social ladder!”
James caught her sarcastic tone and paused, turning to confront her. “What are you getting at, Yvette?”
Frustrated from being shut down by Jasper, Yvette was more than ready to let it out.
“Are you really that dense? Can’t you see someone’s trying to use your family as a stepping stone? Dressing up flamboyantly and hanging around the base gate, just to attract the attention of the men here, hoping to marry a pilot without even knowing if she’s worthy!”
It was clear her words were aimed squarely at Natalie.
But Natalie didn’t seem fazed. She merely watched Yvette with calm patience. She had been hoping for an excuse to avoid seeing Jasper today, and Yvette’s interference was providing just that.
Judging from Yvette’s sour expression when she came out, it was clear she hadn’t been warmly welcomed. If she insisted on going in now and revealing herself to Jasper, it would likely backfire. With Yvette blocking her, she was spared the trouble.
But James took it seriously. Although he was usually good tempered and always smiling, it didn’t mean he had no temper. He wasn’t afraid to bite back when pushed.
Looking down at Yvette, he shot back, “And what woman doesn’t look for good qualities in a husband? You’re the same way, always wanting to marry my brother, hoping to become my sister–in–law. But have you ever asked yourself if you’re worthy?”
It was a rhetorical question, but James‘ expression made it clear what he thought–she was not worthy.
Yvette was speechless, her eyes glaring at James as if they were about to spit fire.
She seemed to regain her composure after a few seconds and retorted angrily, “What makes you think I’m unworthy? How’s my family any less than yours? Your brother never told me I am not good enough. Who are you to say that?”
James burst into laughter. “Does he need to spell it out for you? Have you ever noticed that he doesn’t speak more than a few words to you when you meet? Has he ever smiled at you or spent time alone with you?
“You used to show up at our house every weekend when you were free or loiter around the base, thinking it was just a coincidence that he had missions out of town every time? He volunteered for those assignments just to avoid you!
“Since we’re laying it all out, let me be clear. My brother has made it obvious to me that he doesn’t like you. He’d rather stay single for life than marry you, so give up on him.”
“You… you…” Yvette’s face went red with anger, her chest heaving as she struggled to contain herself. She pointed a trembling fingers at James, looking as though she might faint from anger at any moment.
James ignored her completely and turned to Natalie. “Nattie, come fill out the registration form.”
Natalie sensed that today really wasn’t a good time and tried to dissuade him. “James, maybe today isn’t the best time to go in…”
James finished filling out his information, then handed the pen to Natalie, unfazed. “Don’t worry. I’m right here with you.”
Natalie had no choice but to fill out her information as well.
They handed the form to the duty officer.
Yvette watched them walk away to submit the forms, resentment burning in her eyes, and nearly grinding her teeth to dust.
