In and far from home, the winter had stripped the ne trees bare, leaving only their skeletal trunks.


    Nathan sat on a chilly street corner, d in a ck trench coat. His once youthful bangs were slicked back, exposing a smooth forehead, lending him an air of maturity far beyond his years.


    He stared vacantly at the barren trees, a profound despair settling over him. He remembered leaving the Capital, how he had finally gathered the courage to kiss Nathalie and confess the love he''d harbored for two lifetimes. Yet, for two whole years, Nathalie had remained silent.


    Herck of response was a clear rejection. He''d even heard from Lizzy that Nathalie had left the Capital to live in the countryside. Was she deliberately avoiding him? Nathan''s unease grew.


    A luxury car pulled up, and his secretary bounded out, barely containing his excitement. "Sir!" In his enthusiasm, he stumbled over the curb, sending a document folder flying.


    Nathan facepalmed. His secretary, despite his clumsiness, had a knack for making even the sharpest minds seem dull byparison.


    "Heh, sir," the secretary chuckled awkwardly as he picked himself up.


    Nathan got straight to the point. "What''s in the folder?"


    "Sir, it''s this quarter''s report summary. Dawson International''s two projects with us-one lost 133.578980-"


    Nathan cut him off immediately. "Just round it off, please."


    "Billion," the secretary rified precisely.


    Nathan nodded, feeling a headacheing on. "The second project lost 850 billion."


    Nathan did a quick calction in his head. "Dawson International is already hundreds of billions in debt. They''likely have to consider selling. Get ready to make a lowball offer."


    The secretary nodded. "Yes, sir."novelbin


    Just as he turned to leave, he hesitated, then came back, bubbling with curiosity. "Sir, who''s this Nathalie you were dreaming about?"


    Nathan was taken aback. "How do you know about her?"


    The secretary grinned sheepishly. "Sir, you were calling her name over and over in your sleepst night."


    Nathan chuckled softly. "She''s the one I love."


    The secretary''s eyes widened in disbelief. "If you love her, why not keep her close and ease your longing?"


    Nathan sighed, a hint of


    self-mockery in his voice. "I guess I''m not charming enough for her. She''s just not interested.".


    belongs to en.ent


    The secretary''s jaw dropped. "Someone doesn''t love you? Is she out of her mind?"


    Nathan red yfully. "The only one with a screw loose is you. With an IQ of 240, who can keep up with you?"