The aftermath of Cheryl's Key Party lingered in everyone's minds as they headed home, drained and exasperated by Natalie Manning's antics. Even Rick, who had remained relatively composed throughout the evening, admitted as he walked to his truck, "I don't know what that woman's deal is, but she's unnerving." Kevin, walking nearby, nodded in agreement. "She's like a bad case of deja vu—unwanted and persistent."

Veronica and Gabriel entered their apartment, relieved to finally be free of the chaos. Veronica sighed, "I just need a glass of wine and a long bath to forget tonight ever happened."

But as they stepped into the living room, they froze. Natalie Manning sat there in a silky black lingerie set, lounging on their couch like she owned the place. Her legs were crossed, and a smug smile played on her lips. "Well, well, Gabriel. I thought you'd never get home."

Gabriel's face flushed with discomfort. "What the hell are you doing here, Natalie?"

Veronica stormed toward her, her voice sharp. "Get out of my apartment. Now."

Natalie feigned surprise, twirling a strand of hair. "Oh, Veronica, don't be so territorial. Gabriel and I were just about to catch up."

Veronica glared at her. "You've lost your damn mind. Get out before I throw you out."

Natalie stood, her fake innocence melting into a condescending smirk. "You're all bark and no bite, Lodge. No wonder Gabriel looks so bored. Maybe he needs someone who can actually keep him entertained."

Veronica's fists clenched, but before she could react, Jay and Moose stepped into the hall outside their apartment, overhearing the raised voices. Jay immediately stepped in. "What's going on here?"

Natalie turned to face them, her expression souring. "Oh, great. Here comes Riverdale's favorite married couple."

Jay wasn't amused. "Natalie, what are you doing here? You've crossed every line tonight. It's time for you to leave."

Moose added firmly, "You've overstayed your welcome everywhere. Just go."

Natalie refused to budge. "I'm not leaving until I've said my piece."

Jay sighed and stepped forward. "That's enough," he said as he restrained her, holding her arms gently but firmly to guide her toward the door. "You're leaving now."

Natalie struggled and shouted, "You're going to regret this! All of you will!"

Veronica took out her phone and dialed. "I'm calling the gang and Tom Keller. We're done with her."

Minutes later, the gang arrived at the apartment building. Archie was the first to confront Natalie. "What the hell is your problem? You crash every event, cause drama, and now you're stalking people at home?"

Natalie sniffled, suddenly playing the victim. "I'm the one being mistreated. You all act like you're better than me. And Archie, don't forget how close we were when I stayed at your place."

Archie blinked, confused. "What are you talking about? You've never stayed at my place."

Natalie faked a sob. "You don't remember? Figures. I'm just another forgotten chapter in your perfect little life."

Veronica stepped forward, her glare icy. "Don't you dare spin this on Archie or anyone else. You're delusional, Natalie. Go back to Chicago and leave us alone."

Natalie turned her fake tears into a defensive smirk. "Oh, Veronica. You think you're so perfect. Let's not forget the skeletons in your closet."

Before she could continue, Tom Keller arrived. "Natalie Manning," he said sternly. "It's time for you to leave. You've been trespassing, disrupting lives, and causing enough trouble. If you don't head back to Chicago immediately, there will be consequences."

Natalie glared at Tom, then at everyone else. "Fine," she hissed. "But this isn't over. I'll air all of you out on social media."

As she stormed out, Cheryl waved theatrically. "Bye, Natalie! Don't let the door hit you on the way out."

Natalie flipped Cheryl off, to which Cheryl quipped with a wicked grin, "Goodbye, Regina George. May TikTok never spare your reputation."

The group burst into laughter, the tension lifting. Jay and Moose were about to head back into their apartment when Kit Halstead-Mason poked his head out of the door. "What's going on out here, Daddy?"

Moose quickly knelt down. "Nothing you need to worry about, bud. Go back inside."

Jay, the stricter parent, crossed his arms. "Kit, it's late. Bed. Now."

Kit nodded reluctantly and shuffled back inside. Moose looked at Jay, amused. "You really play the strict dad role well."

Jay smirked. "One of us has to."

Hermione Lodge, who had been babysitting Kit and Sweetie, stepped into the hallway, curiosity evident. "What's all the commotion about?"

Veronica sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Natalie Manning. Again. There's something seriously off about her."

Hermione raised an eyebrow. "She sounds unhinged. You all need to be careful."

Jay nodded. "We will. But for now, I think this chapter of Natalie's chaos is finally closed."

The gang agreed, sharing relieved smiles. As they dispersed to their apartments, Moose leaned into Jay and whispered, "Let's hope she stays gone. We've got enough on our plate."

Jay kissed him softly. "Agreed. Now let's focus on what matters—us."