Ashley''s expression fell visibly. But her pride wouldn''t let Nathalie outshine her. With a bold move, she grabbed Nathan''s hand, pressing his chilly palm against her cheek. She blinked her innocent eyes at him. "Nathan, I really like you. I want to marry you. Can you not be


    so nice to other women? It makes me jealous."


    Nathan gently pulled his hand back, his voice distant and cool. "Ashley, you should find someone else. Don''t waste your time on me. It won''t lead anywhere."


    Ashley''s eyes widened, tears threatening to spill. "Nathan, is it because you love Nathalie?"


    Nathan didn''t reply. He was lost in a heavy silence.


    Ashley, eager to make her point, continued, "What does she have that I don''t? Everyone says she''s been married, had a miscarriage, and might not be able to have kids in the future. The Rond family would never approve of your marriage."


    Nathan''s face turned pale. "Who told you this?" He thought about how strong Nathalie was and how hurtful it would be for her to hear these words.


    Ashley, blunt as ever, said, "Mason told Nathalie himself. I overheard it."


    Nathan''s face turned white. His fist clenched tightly, and he gritted his teeth. "Why did he meddle in my stuff?"


    Ashley pleaded, "Nathan, stop chasing after Nathalie. She doesn''t even like you."


    Nathan''s heart felt like it was being pierced by shards of painfully cold ice.


    After his grandfather''s hurtful words, Nathalie must have retreated into her shell, losing the courage to pursue aplicated romance.


    Nathan said weakly, "You don''t need to go after her. I''m not in the mood for romance anyway."


    Ashley exhaled in relief. She beamed, "I knew you couldn''t possibly like Nathalie. She''s not right for you."


    Nathan''s fingers curled. He looked out the window silently, his worry shadowing his eyes.


    A storm was brewing. The sky was filled with dark clouds. Every now and then, lightning sliced through, followed by thunderps like bombs falling to earth.


    Nathalie packed her bags and, dragging her suitcase, entered the living room. Lizzy was curled up on the sofa, her doe-like eyes fixed on her. "Nathalie, it''s pouring down heavily. Do you have to leave tonight?"


    Nathalie replied, "Mr. Mason didn''tContent (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    give me much time. I need to settle my issues with Cameron quickly. Lizzy, I''ll respect your choice whether you decide to leave the Capital with me or stay with Mr. Nathan."


    Lizzy''s eyes were teary. "Wherever you go, I''ll go."


    Nathalie nodded. "Then stay here for now. In three months, I''lle get you."


    Lizzy nodded obediently. "Okay."


    Nathalie left the house without looking back.


    The night was as dark as ink. Rain cascaded from the sky under the lightning, appearing like countless bead curtains, setting the stage for a grand revenge drama.


    Sitting in the car, Nathalie couldn''t shake the thought. "Greta, Cameron, it''s time to end our feud."


    In the dead of night, Nathalie arrived at the Brown family''s doorstep.


    Since Patrick''s incident, the Browns had let go of all their staff. The once lively house nowy eerily silent.


    Nathalie knocked on the iron gate but got no answer. Taking matters into her own hands, she climbed over the wall and jumped into the vi.