Chapter 67
The guard looked down at the name on the form, then at the beautiful young woman in front of him with rosy lips and white teeth. He asked, “You’re Natalie Wynn?”
Natalie nodded.
The guard’s expression turned awkward, and he hesitated. “Well, Ms. Wynn, I’m sorry, but you can’t enter the base.”
Natalie was puzzled, and James asked, “Why not? She’s Captain Locke’s sister. They may not be related by blood, but her population register has already been transferred to the Locke family. She’s a family member, so why isn’t she allowed in?”
The guard scratched his head awkwardly. He also wondered why she couldn’t enter but since Captain Locke had personally called and instructed him, he could only relay the message truthfully. “Captain Locke himself called and gave specific instructions that Ms. Wynn is not allowed to enter the base.”
“What?” James‘ face showed disbelief, and even Natalie was a bit stunned. She knew Jasper disliked the original Natalie, but she hadn’t realized he disliked her to this extent.
It stung a little, even though Natalie knew she wasn’t the original owner in the true sense.
Yvette and Phoebe could go in, but she was the only one who was turned away?
Does he hate seeing her that much?
Fine, she didn’t want to see him either.
Natalie tugged on James‘ sleeve. “James, I won’t go in then. I’ll just wait here.”
But James wasn’t willing to leave her. “Let me call Jasper and find out if this is a mistake.”
Seeing that Natalie was being stopped from entering, Yvette, who had been fuming all this time, suddenly felt relieved. The annoyance she’d been holding onto vanished, replaced by smug satisfaction.
She gave Natalie and James a mocking glance and laughed. “A mistake? Oh, it’s no mistake! Turns out Jasper hasn’t been coming home not to avoid me. He was avoiding you. He knew you were coming to the base and specifically ordered them to keep you out!”
Phoebe quietly smirked, relieved to see that Natalie hadn’t earned Jasper’s favor at all.
James was about to go borrow a phone, but Natalie gently held him back, shaking her head. “Jasper must have his reason for doing this. I don’t have to go in. Don’t get into an argument with him because of me.”
Jasper clearly already had a low opinion of her. If James went to confront him, it might only worsen their relationship, and Jasper might even assume she was instigating it.
Natalie quickly weighed the pros and cons, deciding it was best to prevent James from taking further action.
James said, “In that case, I’m not going in either. Let’s just head home.”
Natalie agreed. “Alright.”
James and Natalie walked ahead. Behind them, Yvette’s face lit up with satisfaction, pleased that she wasn’t the only one humiliated today. Meanwhile, Phoebe was thrilled to see that Jasper seemed to think more highly of her, even giving her ration coupons and asking how she was adjusting to life in Kingston. His treatment of her was noticeably warmer than with Yvette or Natalie.
Moreover, he was indeed very handsome. Tall and striking, he seemed as unreachable and radiant as the sun. Just one glance made her heart race. But she knew she couldn’t rush to test the waters with him like she did with James. His intimidating presence required a different approach, and she’d have to be careful in her pursuit.
Each of the four had their own thoughts as they made their way back.
When they reached the base housing, Yvette didn’t stop by the Locke’s and instead headed straight home.
Juliet was already home and noticed her daughter’s pouty face the moment she walked in. She knew that something unpleasant must have happened. Juliet asked with concern, “What’s wrong, my darling? Who upset you?”
