Semua Bab Opening My Eyes to Reality: Bab 121 - Bab 125

The first lap ended in a dead heat. All three riders were evenly matched, none giving the other an inch. On the sidelines, Bella could hardly contain her excitement, her fists clenched in thrill as she watched the race unfold. A few feet behind her, Landon stood under the shade of an umbrella, holding it carefully over Rowan. His eyes were fixed on the field as he remarked with genuine admiration, "Didn't expect Ms. Sutton to be this skilled in equestrian, Mr. Mattel. "That's the first time I've seen a woman ride with such command. I wonder who taught her." The words had barely left his mouth when Rowan's cold, piercing gaze cut across the distance and landed squarely on him. Landon froze. Had he said something wrong again? These days, it felt like Rowan's moods shifted with the wind. Landon wisely chose to fall silent. Perhaps saying nothing was the safest choice. Out on the field, Natalie and David had begun to pull ahead of Xavier. The two horses galloped side by side, w

Rowan didn't say a word, but Landon immediately stepped in to speak on his behalf. "Ms. Sutton, given your condition, it really isn't wise to be out and about just yet. Why not rest for the night and see Mr. Earhart tomorrow? It won't make much of a difference."But Natalie's mind was made up. There was no way words could sway her now. "I don't have that kind of time. And besides, right now is the perfect opportunity." Struck while the iron was hot—the old saying didn't come from nowhere. Without waiting for a reply, she went into the elevator with Bella. Rowan remained outside, eyes locked on her quietly. Their gazes met until the elevator doors slowly slid shut between them.Landon blinked, confused. "Mr. Mattel, why didn't you stop her?"Rowan slid his hands into his pockets. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "You think I could stop her?" Fair point. He really couldn't. Rowan wasn't the kind of man to force someone's hand—especially not hers. And more import

"Of course," Natalie replied. "But I can help fast-track the process. At the latest, you'll have an answer by 5:00 pm tomorrow," David said. Natalie was already deeply grateful. Morgenstern Bank had a reputation for its strict loan standards, but she had confidence in the materials she'd submitted. Her only real worry had been time. After saying goodbye to David, Bella drove her back to the hospital. No matter how capable Natalie was, she was still technically a patient, and she couldn't be allowed to push herself any further. Back in her ward, Natalie massaged Susan, letting her know she was out of town for a few days and wouldn't be home. She asked Susan to take care of herself in the meantime. Then, she gently persuaded Bella to head home and get some rest. Her injuries weren't serious, so she could manage on her own. Bella didn't argue. After a few last reminders, she left the hospital.…The next day around noon, Natalie's phone rang. It was David. The loan had bee