Ashley spun around and was startled to find Greta standing there, looking pale and frail. The sight nearly scared the life out of Ashley, almost making her yell out, "Ghost!"


    Greta quickly introduced herself, "I''m Cameron''s wife." She had a knack for boosting her own importance, instantly earning Ashley''s respect.


    "Oh, so you''re thedy of the Dawson family? My apologies for not recognizing you sooner."


    Greta''s vanity was thoroughly satisfied. "Ashley, do you fancy Nathan?"


    Ashley sighed, feeling troubled. "I fell for Nathan the moment I saw him. But it''s just a ssic case of unrequited love."


    Greta leaned in and whispered, "You and Nathan are meant to be together. He''s your destined prince, but Nathalie''s been the one standing in the way."


    Ashley''s face turned indignant. "So it''s been Nathalie causing trouble all along."


    The two were having such a lively chat that when Greta asked to borrow Ashley''s invitation, Ashley handed it over without a second thought. "Here you go. I''m well acquainted with the Dawson family. I don''t need an invitation to get in." Greta was thrilled. "Thank you."


    The banquet was in full swing at the Dawson family''s estate. It was held in the outdoor courtyard. The ce was already buzzing with mostly wealthy and influential guests, adding to the event''s grandeur.


    When Nathan and Nathalie stepped into the courtyard, Nathan suddenly removed Nathalie''s hand from his arm. Nathalie was puzzled by this move, but then he took her hand, intertwining their fingers. She was caught off guard. This was a gesture more suited for couples. "Nathan, this isn''t right," she whispered.N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    Nathan was still miffed about Nathalie leaving him earlier. "If I don''t hold on to you, what if you leave me again when someone else makes ament about us?"


    Feeling guilty, Nathalie stayed silent.


    Justin spotted Nathan, and his face


    lit up with delight. He quickly


    grabbed two sses of fine wine and approached Nathan with enthusiasm. "Nathan, I''ve been waiting for you!"


    Nathalie was taken aback by Nathan and Justin''s camaraderie. Justin''s attitude towards Nathan was filled with respect and admiration How did they be so close?


    Nathan took a sip of the wine. "This is excellent."


    The wine must have been top-notch to get Nathan''s seal of approval. He was known to be choosy.


    Nathalie licked her lips, her eyes glued to Nathan''s ss. She hadza strong craving for alcohol. She used to seekfort in drinks - a habit she picked up in herst life because of past disappointments.


    Justin noticed Nathalie''s interest and gave a knowing smile. "Looks like Miss Nathalie has a taste for the finer things, too?" He fetched another ss for her.


    Nathalie eagerly took the ss from Justin, but just as she was about to sip, Nathan snatched it away. He sternly told Justin, "My date doesn''t drink." Justin chuckled.


    Nathalie watched her chance for a drink slip away, feeling a twinge of disappointment. "Nathan, I can handle it."


    Nathan replied, "I know you can drink, but your body can''t take such strong alcohol."


    Nathalie pouted in disappointment.


    Nathan, however, raised his ss with a cheeky grin. "Nathalie, I''ll drink yours for you."