Nathalie grew up familiar with the struggles of poverty, which instilled in her a deep appreciation for thrift and simplicity. So, when faced with a gift that could rival the cost of a house, epting it felt utterly against her nature. Yet, her naturally gentle demeanor made it hard for her to turn down someone''s kindness.


    "This time, I''ll reluctantly ept it. But seriously, next time, don''t buy me something this pricey," Nathalie said as she took the gift. The silver-white jewelry gleamed coldly, contrasting beautifully against her wless porcin skin. Nathan, seeing Nathalie''s beauty and genuine simplicity, felt like he had stumbled upon a treasure, overjoyed beyond words.


    "I''ve given you my credit card ages ago, and you haven''t used it once. You really don''t know how to pamper yourself, do you? Looks like I''ll have to do the spoiling for you. If you won''t spend money, I''ll spend it for you," Nathan teased.


    Blushing, Nathalie exined, "The money I earn is enough for me. No need to dip into yours."


    Nathan felt a pang of disappointment and sadness. "Then why am I earning money at all? Nathalie, do you even love me? Why can''t I feel your love?" he said, sounding like a child asking for candy.


    Seeing Nathan''s eyes brimming with unshed tears, Nathalie stood on her tiptoes and gave him a gentle, fleeting kiss on the lips. Afterward, her ears turned a bright, embarrassed red.


    Nathan''s deep, mysterious eyes finally broke into a mischievous smile.


    Meanwhile, not far away, Cameron watched the scene unfold, stunned as if hit by a bomb, his mind nk. Watching Nathalie kiss Nathan left Cameron with an inexplicable emptiness, making him realize Nathalie was never truly his. She wouldn''t be waiting around for him. Away from Cameron''s shadow, Nathalie seemed more breathtakingly beautiful than ever.


    Nathan had spotted Cameron from a distance and, eager to unt his bond with Nathalie, held her hand as they strolled toward Mr. Dawson.


    "Mr. Dawson, it''s been a while," Nathan greeted.


    Cameron''s eyes


    fell on their


    intertwined fingers. He should have thought Nathan was sleazy and conniving, but seeing his hands s impably clean, Cameron


    swallowed any bitter ve met


    "You and Nathalie... together?" Cameron asked, even though he already knew the answer, still needing to hear it from Nathan.


    Nathan raised their joined hands. "Mr. Dawson, isn''t it obvious? Nathalie and I are together."


    Cameron felt an unexinable irritation.


    Greta hadn''t anticipated that


    Nathalie''s boyfriend would be the ever-popr Nathan, nor did she expect him tovish such attention and gifts on Nathalie. Her jealousy soared. She was determined to wreck Nathan and Nathalie''s rtionship, confident she could get what she wanted.


    But when she tried to stir the pot, she realized it wouldn''t be easy.


    Trying to drive a wedge, she said, "Mr. Nathan, are you truly into Nathalie? Just so you know, she''s been married and has a kid, but don''t you dare look down on her."


    She presented herself as the concerned, virtuous sister.


    Nathalie''s face darkened further.


    Nathan pulled Nathalie into his embrace, gently patting her shoulder, his love for her palpable.


    Greta felt a pang of jealousy at the sight.


    Once Nathan hadforted


    Nathalie, he turned his attention to Greta. He nced at Cameron with a mocking smile, their exchange seemingly civil, but his words dripped with sarcasm aimed at Greta: "Mr. Dawson, I heard your wife got her position by being the other woman. To cherish someone with such questionable morals, well, that truly broadens one''s horizons, Mr. Dawson."