Addiction to Temptation: His Mischievous Sweetheart Captivates Him-Chapter 225: Moving Back to Lantheon Manor

With the year-end approaching, the matters of the two conglomerates piled up like mountains. It was impossible for Zane Thorne to stay at home forever, so for convenience, the couple moved back to Lantheon.

Lantheon Manor was noticeably larger than Natalie Vaughn’s apartment at Rivermark, providing a more comforting space for the two.

Since it was their marital home, Natalie Vaughn even held a small ceremony when they moved in, planning to invite a few friends over for a dinner gathering.

Her thought to invite Julian Sutton was purely accidental. Somehow in conversation with Zane Thorne about that kidnapping incident, when mentioning the supermarket, she recalled Julian Sutton. If memory serves her right, Julian Sutton also owns an apartment here, and they’re neighbors.

After filming "Rise of the Monarch," she hadn’t followed up on it, and her Weibo had been inactive for ages. Natalie Vaughn directly messaged Julian Sutton on WeChat, only to learn that after she left, Director Gable became even more relentless, working overtime at night to complete the filming of the lead roles.

Although it was exhausting, the thought of being able to celebrate New Year’s early left the crew with no complaints.

Julian Sutton coincidentally returned to his Rivermark apartment at the crack of dawn and saw Natalie Vaughn’s message right after waking up. With avid interest, he asked.

"When?"

Natalie Vaughn: Tonight.

Julian Sutton:... That’s quite insincere, isn’t it? Inviting someone for a meal requires a heads-up a few days in advance. How do you expect me to make the time on such short notice? 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

Natalie Vaughn: Oh, if you’re busy, then don’t come.

Julian Sutton:... I’ve returned to Astra City and I’m just staying over at Rivermark, it’s convenient and I’m free.

Mainly because he had just returned and there was nothing edible in the fridge, and he was too exhausted to go grocery shopping. As for delivery.... when there’s a dinner invitation, why not go?

Natalie Vaughn: I heard that Jason Lynch is still in Astra City recently. Why don’t you bring him along? More people make it more fun.

Julian Sutton:... Haha, you’re obviously wanting to see him. Aren’t you worried your husband will get jealous?

Natalie Vaughn: With you around, what jealousy would he have?

Julian Sutton:... Your husband doesn’t know the nature of my relationship with him. Moreover, your husband has already been jealous of me before. Bringing him over would actually make him die of jealousy, wouldn’t it?

Natalie Vaughn:... You’re overthinking this.

Julian Sutton: Fine, just don’t make me explain myself later.

Natalie Vaughn:...

Natalie Vaughn couldn’t cook, and although Zane Thorne could, she felt sorry for him and didn’t have the heart to let him cook. Instead, she had a housekeeper arranged by the Vaughn Family take over.

Initially, there weren’t supposed to be many people, but Tanya Donovan arrived with James Vaughn tagging behind, Phoebe Quinn came with Damian Quinn, Quentin Donovan brought along a younger cousin here for New Year’s, Aaron Channing showed up with a fellow returning from Altara, Felix Langdon, upon hearing Natalie Vaughn’s invitation to Julian Sutton, begged her to invite Quinn Langley. Finally, Quinn Langley came over, dragging along his agent.

Luckily, Lantheon Manor was big enough, and the yard ample, even with so many people, it wasn’t crowded.

Natalie Vaughn merely made a few remarks in the demeanor of a hostess initially, and then left them to their enjoyment. Everyone present was used to grand events, so there was no awkwardness in such a setting. Natalie had planned to have a proper chat with Caleb Lawson, but an unexpected guest showed up at today’s gathering.

Leo Chandler, Gideon Sheffield’s psychologist from Altara.

Natalie Vaughn’s feelings towards Gideon Sheffield were complex. From an outsider’s perspective, the former famous racer, now with paralyzed legs, abandoned by his fiancée, was indeed pitiable.

But she wasn’t an outsider; she’s Zane Thorne’s wife. She was selfish, and hearing from Zane’s brothers and elders about how he endured the past five years, she couldn’t simply pity Gideon Sheffield.

Her Zane Thorne clearly did no wrong back then.

Natalie Vaughn found Aaron Channing, who was observing Phoebe Quinn, who had inexplicably kept her distance since he returned to the country.

Aaron Channing didn’t turn to glance at Natalie, his eyes fixed on Phoebe Quinn, sipping his drink.

"Looking to ask about my time in Altara?"

The last time they talked over the phone, details were vague, so assuming this wasn’t out of the ordinary.

Natalie Vaughn followed his gaze and asked.

"Do you regret revealing your feelings to Yana?"

Aaron Channing chuckled.

"Regret what?"

This current situation at least beats staying by her side merely as friends or brothers, and besides...

"Her reaction right now indicates she has feelings for me too, doesn’t it?"

Natalie Vaughn smiled softly, had she not perceived Phoebe Quinn’s different affections for Aaron Channing, she wouldn’t have bothered to remind him.

"Take me to meet your friend."

Upon hearing this, Aaron finally turned back to look at Natalie, raising an eyebrow.

"Zane hasn’t told you?"

Natalie Vaughn pursed her lips.

"I’m aware of what happened five years ago."

Aaron’s expression shifted slightly, adjusting his stance against the counter.

"Why are you seeking out Leo Chandler?"

Natalie was too lazy to explain, watching Phoebe Quinn play with Jay Sterling and the other boys.

"Aren’t you worried she’ll be snatched by those boys?"

Aaron eyed the scene, his gaze narrowing with a smile.

"She’s just playing; they’re like little brothers, not for serious conversations."

Seeming to feel their stares, Phoebe Quinn glanced over at them, startled before quickly avoiding Aaron Channing’s gaze.

"Without me, who knows how long you’d need to realize your romance with Yana."

Aaron’s smile froze for a moment; indeed, without Natalie, he and Phoebe Quinn were... too familiar, so familiar that changing their relationship was more challenging.

"His name is Leo Chandler, and he’s into men."

Natalie Vaughn’s expression shifted slightly, understanding why he could quickly bond with Julian Sutton since like attracts like.

"Alright, just take me to meet him; I’ll handle the rest myself."

Aaron didn’t say more, briefly introducing Natalie to Leo Chandler before returning to his earlier spot.

Though Phoebe Quinn was just playing with the kids, not keeping an eye would surely diminish his claims of being secure in that regard.

Leo Chandler seemed quite curious about Natalie Vaughn, sparing no consideration as he left Julian Sutton to approach her.

"You’re Zane Thorne’s wife?"

Natalie Vaughn carefully observed the man before her; unlike Julian Sutton’s gender-neutral beauty, Leo Chandler was purely a refined male attractiveness.

Somewhere between puppy-like and gentle, yet some concealed aggression in his countenance didn’t quite align with him. Natalie reckoned it resulted from his affections.

"Dr. Chandler."

Natalie Vaughn greeted him with a soft smile.

Leo Chandler wasn’t pleased with that reference.

"Come on, we’re meeting for the first time; no need to be so reserved. Just call me by my name; we’re not in a hospital."

Natalie Vaughn:... When is a first meeting not reserved?

Natalie was someone direct by nature, noticing that Leo wasn’t concerned with formalities, she bluntly spoke.

"Can you tell me about Gideon Sheffield’s situation? Naturally, I’m aware doctors are obliged to protect patient confidentiality, just mention what I’m allowed to know."