"Landon," Rowan started."Yes, Mr. Mattel?"Rowan continued walking forward slowly. "When you get a chance, schedule a meeting with Andrew Dreyfus at the SEC."Landon was stunned. "Mr. Mattel, you're not thinking of helping Zane get his finance company listed, are you? What are you thinking?"Rowan had his reasons. If he couldn't protect Natalie for the rest of her life, then he needed to find someone who could. He would only have peace of mind knowing that she would lead a good life. He didn't respond, but his intentions were perfectly clear.There was nothing Landon could say to change Rowan's mind. Rowan was outstanding in every way—except when it came to how blinded by love he could be.Previously, Rowan had stayed in Grendale for so long just because he wanted to help her fulfill her wishes and clear every obstacle from her path. But once everything had settled, he left quietly, as if he had never been there in the first place.Two weeks ago, Landon was the one who blocke
It wasn't until Natalie disappeared into the elevator that Rowan finally withdrew his gaze.Beside him, Landon said softly, "Ms. Sutton is in Velmont, too, Mr. Mattel. But… I don't think I've ever seen the man who went into the elevator with her, though."At that, Rowan's brows furrowed instinctively, his eyes darkening. "Look into him.""Yes, sir. I'll get someone on it right away. But Dr. Brook is expecting you soon. Shouldn't we head over now?"Rowan glanced over in the direction Natalie had disappeared off to again, his fists clenching so tightly that his knuckles cracked. His frustration and indignation seemed like they were about to burst out of him.But in the end, he didn't do anything except say, "Let's go."Emile Brook was Rowan's primary physician. Ever since Rowan had been diagnosed with his mysterious illness, Emile had been the one solely in charge of his case. After Rowan completed a full set of tests, Emile reviewed the reports in silence, unsure how to deliver
Natalie agreed immediately, "Okay."Now that they were on the same page, she quickly texted Catherine back.Catherine was thrilled, and she couldn't stop expressing her affection for her over the phone. In the end, the two decided to leave the day after tomorrow.Natalie told Susan about her upcoming trip to Velmont. She had planned to bring Susan along, but the latter declined. She said she was getting too old for long-distance travel.Since Susan didn't want to go, Natalie didn't push it either. However, things might get boring for Susan if she stayed at home alone every day, so Natalie made the decision and signed her up for senior courses at a community college so her days could be more fulfilling.The day to depart for Velmont soon arrived. David dropped Catherine off at the airport and waited until they passed through security before leaving.David still had work to do in Grendale, so he couldn't accompany Catherine. At first, he had been a little uneasy about her traveling
The man who had saved Natalie at the racecourse had been Rowan.She had initially been in good spirits, but the mention of his name felt like a breeze had stirred up waves in her otherwise calm heart.Ever since Jason had been arrested and Rowan had sent her to the hospital, it seemed as if Rowan had completely disappeared from the face of the earth—not appearing even once afterward.Natalie had sent him a message after that, only to find out that he had blocked her number.She had thought about how, when Jason's situation was resolved and their partnership ended, she and Rowan would likely have little interaction in the future. But never once had she imagined he'd be so merciless as to block her outright.Natalie's expression darkened, and her brows furrowed slightly. "There's really nothing going on between us. We're barely even friends, and we're not in contact right now, either."David froze, his expression filled with disbelief.How could that be? The way Rowan had been so
Natalie took a deep breath and said calmly, "Jason, may I never cross paths with you again in my next life."With that, she threw her painting onto the floor and walked out without so much as another glance back.It was noon when she stepped out of the detention center. The sun was high in the sky, and its bright beams felt as if they could sweep away all the shadows.Standing under the sunlight, Natalie felt her whole body relax.It was all over. She could welcome a new beginning now.Natalie handed over management of Wayfarer Logistics to the general manager. She barely went there anymore, and most of her time was spent peacefully creating new work.Ever since Susan had shielded her from the knife, their relationship had gradually healed. Natalie's life now was very tranquil—just the way she had always longed for.One day, Natalie was invited to attend an art exhibition. She was dressed to the nines, and the moment she arrived, all eyes turned to her.She was poised and elega
Benjamin looked at her in disbelief. "You just barely survived, and now you're thinking about another man the moment you open your eyes?"Bella rolled her eyes. "Sheesh! Stop yapping and just go ask. You talk too much.""Fine, fine. I'll ask. I'll ask right now. Satisfied?" Benjamin retorted, his lips tightening into a pout.When Benjamin stepped out to make the call, Bella slid back over to sit beside Natalie. Her eyes were hungry for gossip as she said, "Seriously, though, Natalie. I've never seen you so concerned about any guy like this. You've never even been this worried about Xavier or Jason."Was she worried? Natalie herself hadn't even realized it.She dug around for an excuse. "He helped me, so it's only right that I ask how he's doing."Bella mulled it over. "That sounds like a reasonable excuse, but why does something still feel off?"She stared at Natalie unblinkingly, making Natalie squirm a little."Natalie, don't tell me you've fallen for Rowan," Bella blurted su