CHAPTER 115: CHAPTER 115: SO YOUR FIRST KISS WAS GIVEN TO ME?

Natalie Vaughn wasn’t really intending to pursue Genevieve Joyce’s mistakes; her previous comments were just to make it clear to Zane Thorne’s people that his wife is not just a trophy.

"Is her brother Miles Rhodes good friends with Zane Thorne?"

Genevieve Joyce couldn’t quite gauge Natalie Vaughn’s intentions and could only nod without saying more.

"Yes."

Natalie Vaughn wasn’t very familiar with racing, naturally unaware of what Miles Rhodes represented in the racing world. All she knew was Zane Thorne, back then, didn’t treat Shannon Rhodes too coldly because of Miles Rhodes, and even agreed to be boyfriend and girlfriend due to Shannon’s persistence.

Surely, Miles Rhodes is an influential figure in the racing world.

Natalie Vaughn lightly tapped her chin with her fingers, as if having thought of something, and asked again.

"Is there an event tonight?"

"Yes, madam, President Thorne will host Chairman Rhodes tonight."

With Miles Rhodes present, Shannon Rhodes is sure to be there too.

"That damn man."

Natalie Vaughn couldn’t hold back and cursed.

He said he was just coming to watch a showcase race, and now after attending a press conference, the showcase race couldn’t be enjoyed because of Shannon’s presence, and now he has to host Miles tonight?

Genevieve Joyce was so startled by this remark that she immediately lowered her head.

The president’s wife is far from the soft exterior she appears to be, she’s formidable, otherwise how could the boss treat her as if she were precious?

Genevieve Joyce thought of the chaos after receiving the boss’s call yesterday, frantically coordinating with brand representatives and stylists, still feeling anxious. Fortunately, the president’s wife and boss have similar tastes, preferring simple attire.

"You can go busy yourself, no need to mind me here."

Natalie Vaughn could see that Genevieve Joyce was likely responsible for a lot at GN Group, staying here to look after her was a sheer misuse of talent.

After Genevieve Joyce left, Natalie Vaughn asked Jim Archer somewhat irritably.

"Would you let your ex appear in front of your current one?"

Jim Archer coughed awkwardly.

"Miss, I don’t have an ex."

Natalie Vaughn’s eyebrow twitched, Jim Archer added another line.

"Nor do I have a current one."

Natalie Vaughn: ...

"Does my brother overwork you guys too much?"

Jim Archer wouldn’t dare speak ill of his own boss in front of Natalie Vaughn.

"No, it’s just that I’m usually a bit of a homebody, spending more time at home."

Of course, even at home he’s busy with company matters, and when that’s done, he needs to study other knowledge to stay sufficiently outstanding.

"Then coming here with me counts as a semi-vacation."

Jim Archer nodded.

"Yes, my main task these two months is to take good care of you, miss."

Natalie Vaughn chuckled slightly; she surely knew James Vaughn’s real intent in sending Jim Archer.

"Since you usually don’t have time, these two months one should seize the opportunity; Summer doesn’t have a boyfriend either."

Jim Archer: ...

"Miss, I..."

Natalie Vaughn interrupted him before he could continue.

"I’m just saying casually, Summer’s quite cute."

Jim Archer stood silently to one side, but his blushing ear tips betrayed his not-so-calm demeanor.

...

When Zane Thorne managed to extricate himself, Natalie Vaughn was no longer in the lounge.

Zane Thorne looked at the empty room, his hands on his hips, his expression not very pleasant.

"Where’s madam?"

Genevieve Joyce was busy wrapping up the press conference earlier, her mind filled with too many things, unaware of Natalie Vaughn’s whereabouts, seeing him unable to answer, Zane Thorne’s face grew even darker.

"Do you need a vacation to adapt now that you’re back in the country?"

Genevieve Joyce’s scalp tingled, if he still couldn’t decipher his own boss’s meaning now, he wouldn’t be able to continue as the executive assistant.

In all things, the president’s wife is always the priority.

"Madam asked about tonight’s arrangements, she should be resting back at the hotel now."

Upon hearing this, Zane Thorne raised an eyelid and glanced at him.

"Annual bonus this year is canceled."

Genevieve Joyce lowered his head further.

"Yes."

With just over two months until the New Year, he didn’t expect today’s mistake to cost him millions in losses. If he weren’t still by Zane Thorne’s side, Genevieve Joyce would have fumed himself, smacking his head.

Over the past five years, he’d personally witnessed how Zane Thorne led GN Group to its current stature, aware of his boss’s meticulousness and relentless drive in work. But he never expected, merely two months away from his boss’s side, he’d fail to accurately gauge his boss’s mindset.

Even upon learning of Zane Thorne’s marriage, he presumed, much like everyone else, it was merely a strategic alliance. Utterly mistaken! His boss not only cherished the president’s wife but prioritized her above work.

Genevieve Joyce discreetly wiped the sweat peeking on his forehead, silently elevating Natalie Vaughn’s status to just below Zane Thorne.

As Zane Thorne arrived at the hotel, Natalie Vaughn was nestled on the couch, engrossed in a game; upon hearing sound, she didn’t even lift her head.

The man, a bit exasperated, rubbed his forehead with his fingers, asking.

"Still upset?"

Natalie Vaughn snorted coldly.

"What am I upset about?"

Zane Thorne pursed his lips; he wasn’t adept at navigating such circumstances. It was indeed something he hadn’t anticipated; regarding Shannon Rhodes, apart from a phase where she was rather annoying, he didn’t recall much.

If not for Miles Rhodes, he wouldn’t spare a glance.

Yet that three-month relationship undoubtedly existed, not considering it meaningful, but that doesn’t imply Natalie Vaughn wouldn’t mind.

"Shannon Rhodes was indeed my ex-girlfriend."

Natalie Vaughn swiftly tossed her phone, Zane Thorne, quick on reflex, caught it.

Though perhaps not timely to think so, Natalie Vaughn being so adorably jealous was simply too cute.

"But never hugged or kissed, not even held hands."

Natalie Vaughn: ...

What kind of relationship was that, anyway?

"So, was your first kiss mine?"

Zane Thorne’s expression stiffened slightly; sitting down beside her, seeing the curiosity and sparkle in her eyes, his gaze slightly narrowed.

"Feeling rather proud?"

"Absolutely!"

The disparity she initially minded was between her and Shannon in racing, now it was about five parts pretending. But she hadn’t anticipated uncovering such a revelation.

Zane Thorne’s first kiss was with her?

Thinking of it seemed surreal, for in his youth Zane Thorne was an affluent racing star; women were never lacking around him. Yet he withstood temptation, remaining true to himself.

Zane Thorne tousled Natalie Vaughn’s hair into disarray.

"Your man has kept himself pure."

Initially, he really had no interest in romance; moreover, his standards were exceptionally high.

"Though your first love wasn’t me, your first kiss was mine, I’ll let today’s matter slide then."

If she recalled right, that first kiss was seized by her in the racing car!

Zane Thorne pulled Natalie Vaughn into his embrace by her waist; he didn’t care about these things, nor did it matter if Natalie Vaughn was a first love or a first kiss.

After all, she was entirely his now, and in her future life, she’d only be his.

"Anything else you wish to ask? I’ll give you this chance to ask everything today."

Natalie Vaughn’s eyes darted around.

"Is Shannon prettier or am I prettier?"