Lizzy was taken aback by Nathalie''s decision, "If you sell the house, where are you gonna live?" Nathalie''s tone was calm and collected, "Lizzy, I''m thinking of leaving all this drama behind and spending some time in the countryside. Why don''t you find a cozy little vi with a big yard? We could grow our own veggies, maybe even have some chickens and ducks. That would be just perfect."


    Lizzy was still puzzled, "But, do we really need to sell the house for that? What about when we want toe back? Are you saying you might not return to the Capital?"


    Nathalie chuckled, "We''ve still got Nathan''s ce. Wherever he settles, that''ll be our spot too."


    Lizzy was thrilled, "I''ll get right on it."


    Nathalie didn''t see iting when an unexpected guest showed up at her door.


    Benjamin''s sudden visit caught her off guard. She stood firm at the entrance, blocking his way with a defensive stance. "What brings you here?"


    Benjamin sheepishly rubbed his nose, looking quite bashful, "Nathalie, it''s been ages since you visited. I was worried something happened, so I thought I''d check in."


    Nathalie shot back, "You cut off my livelihood, making it impossible for me to stay in the Capital. Why on earth would Ie to see you?" Her temper was ring. Benjamin assumed a superior air, "Nathalie, just as I can cut off your ie, I can restore it too."


    He watched Nathalie closely, hoping she''d soften.


    But Nathalie held her ground, refusing to ept any handouts, "No thanks. The Capital isn''t all that anyway. I''m not desperate to hang around. The world''s a big ce. I''ll find my own path." Benjamin looked worried, "Nathalie, what are you saying?"


    Nathalie replied, "I''m leaving the Capital to find new opportunities There''s no point in us working. together anymore, and I don''t need to put up with you. Get lost. You''re not wee here."


    With that, Nathalie moved to close the door.


    Benjamin quickly wedged his foot innovelbin


    Get


    the doorway, trying to exin, "Nathalie didn''t mean to cut off your ie. It was Cameron''s idea. He said if I clipped your wings, you''d be more controble, and then you''d follow my lead willingly!"


    Nathalie''s face was a storm of emotions, "How could he do that? Hasn''t he done enough damage already? Now he wants to destroy my means of living too?" Seeing Nathalie so upset made Benjamin even more frantic, "Nathalie, don''t leave. I can hand the contracts back to you. I promise to bring yourpany back to life..." Nathalie dismissed him, "I don''t want the contracts. And I don''t want your friendship either. Benjamin, don''t bother showing up in front of me again." Benjamin was filled with regret, "Nathalie, what can I do to make things right?"


    Nathalie thought for a moment. Cameron had yed her. It was only fair to give him a taste of his own medicine. After all, people value reciprocity.


    "If you can cut off Cameron''s ie, then I''ll consider forgiving you."


    Benjamin hesitated, "But..."


    Nathalie stood firm, "Benjamin, you know Cameron''s my enemy. If you''re helping him, there''s no reason for us to stay friends. If you can''t break ties with him, just leave." Nathalie gave Benjamin a firm push out the door and mmed it shut.


    Benjamin''s backside stung from the kick, but instead of getting mad, he grinned. As he rubbed his sore spot, a sly smile spread across his face, "What a fiery temper. But I like it."


    Then, Benjamin headed straight for Cameron''s ce.