"What? Rejected again?" Charles asked angrily. He almost threw the fake flower vase on his desk, to vent his frustration."They said, the new concept we offered did not match what they imagined. They wanted something that was intimate and warm. They asked for too many details, Mr. Frederick," complained Darwin, the assistant marketing manager of Charles Star Co."Mrs. Irene Welsh also asked us to send the design from Mrs. Frederick, or she would cancel her plan to use our company," said Cyntia, Charles' secretary.Charles' heart felt like it was being pinched when Cyntia mentioned Mrs. Frederick, referring to Nathalie.Of course, that only made the dilemma felt by Charles even bigger. It turned out, the hole Nathalie left in the company was that big."Tsk! Don't call Nathalie Mrs. Frederick anymore," said Charles annoyed. "She is not my wife anymore."Cyntia covered her mouth awkwardly. She forgot that her boss had just had problems with his now ex-wife because she was having an affa
"Are you ready?"Nathalie nodded. She looked at Nicholas with an admiring look.Nicholas looked handsome in a dark blue suit, over a light blue shirt without a tie. He looked formal, but also casual. Very handsome, Nathalie said to herself.Nicholas also looked at Nathalie with an uncertain feeling. Why is she so beautiful? Look at her white shoulders and neck, so smooth like marble and the color of her cheeks and lips are already pink without the need for lipstick and blush on.Nathalie wore a light blue dress, matching the nuances of Nicholas' clothes. The knee-length A-line model of her dress, showed her calves and legs that were as long as grains of rice. She wore a white gold necklace with a tear-shaped stone pendant, dark blue, a ring, and little amulet in her ear."Beautiful," Nicholas said, nodding. "You always look so beautiful."Nathalie was surprised to hear Nicholas' sudden compliment, she felt her heart start beating faster and had to hold her handbag tightly so as not t
A month later, Nicholas and Natalie's company opened. The opening ceremony went smoothly, and even Charles' former customers came.In the newly rented store in Harlington Metropolitan Mall, elegant flowers and wide white ribbons dotted the entire area. Cocktail tables were neatly placed outside the store, and waiters brought expensive champagne and snacks."Dear guests, today we gather to witness the opening of NSync Company, an interior design company, which is a collaboration between Ms. Nathalie and Mr. Nicholas Grand. Today's event will be led by our beautiful and talented CEO, Ms. Nathalie Darren. We invite Ms. Darren to give a speech, before cutting the ribbon," the host called out enthusiastically.Everyone applauded, welcoming Nathalie who came up to the podium, enthusiastically."Thank you all for being here," Nathalie said with a big smile on her lips. "It is an honor to welcome you all and hope that in the future we and all the supporting crew of NSync Company, can help an
"Who's that?" Charles asked, looking at a car that had just pulled out of the gate of his house, just as his car arrived."Ah, it's just a man who got lost. He's old, so his eyes can't see street names and house numbers clearly. He's going to our neighbor's down the block," Gina replied cheerfully.She held Charles' arm affectionately. "How's your work, is it going?"Charles slumped down on the sofa and exhaled loudly. Everything was a mess now. Who would have thought that Nathalie would start her own company and her clients would switch to her?"My clients ran to Nathalie's new company," Charles muttered wearily. "This could be bad if I don't get them back soon."Gina was surprised to hear Charles' words and she took Charles' hand and kissed it softly."I'm sorry," Gina said weakly. "I'm really useless and can't help you. I can only conceive and give birth to your child."Charles looked at Gina, feeling a little touched by her words. He hugged Gina and kissed her forehead."I'm so d
After returning to the Grand Mansion, Nathalie felt her heart grow closer to Nicholas.She wondered if Charles had deliberately separated her from Nicholas eight years ago so that he didn't say anything about the pineapple pie incident when Nathalie asked him.He already knew Nathalie had misunderstood, but didn't say anything about it.If Charles had been honest with her at that time and said that it was Nicholas' gift and that it was actually Nicholas who had saved Nathalie, maybe she wouldn't have ended up dating and marrying Charles.Maybe Nathalie would have waited until Nicholas returned from his college leave and asked him out first.Besides, since their fight in marketing class, Nathalie had actually started to like paying attention to Nicholas, it was just that her sense of prestige made her cover it up with an indifferent attitude.In the end, Nathalie realized that she had indeed chosen the wrong man. Charles had lied to her from the start and instead destroyed her dreams a
Nathalie PoVMy hands were clammy. I felt so nervous right now, that I had to wipe my hands with tissues several times. On the dining table there were already lots of wads of tissue that I had used.Nicholas saw my nervousness and he took my hand, rubbing my palm gently."It's okay," he said. "I'm by your side. I won't let anyone bother you."Technically, I had already met grandfather Jerome Grand, and the couple Andy and Lilian Grand, before NSync's opening a few days ago.When I was having dinner with Nicholas in the restaurant, after we met with Charles and Gina in the Shark Fin restaurant, the three of them also came to the same restaurant as us and Nicholas introduced me as his girlfriend.Grandfather Jerome was friendly to me, while Andy Grand, Nicholas' father, gave me a questioning look, and his wife didn't say anything, just stared at me coldly.Still, I could read their confusion and surprise. They definitely wouldn't have thought that Nicholas already had a girlfriend and
When she arrived at the White Grand mansion, Nathalie's eyes widened. The classic-style building in front of her eyes was even twice as big and grander than Nicholas' Grand mansion.Nicholas grabbed Nathalie's hand and put it on his arm. "Are you ready?"Nathalie took a few breaths, patted Nicholas' hand, then stomped her right foot and lifted her chin. "Let's go!" -- she said gallantly.Nicholas smiled because even though Nathalie was like that, her voice sounded shaky.The Grand family had gathered in the living room when Nicholas and Nathalie entered."Good evening everyone," said Nicholas. He nodded to everyone in front of him, as did Nathalie. "As requested by grandfather, I brought my lover, Nathalie Darren to formally introduce herself to you.""Good evening everyone," greeted Nathalie politely. "Although we have met twice before, I feel the need to formally introduce myself again. My name is Nathalie Darren Adams, but I rarely use my father's name. Thank you for the invitation
Nathalie wasn't afraid of anything. Let Grandpa Jerome live with her and Nicholas in the Grand Mansion and see how they interacted.So far, everything between Nathalie and Nicholas had been natural and straightforward. There was no awkwardness or fake behavior.Maybe, it was fortunate that Nathalie and Nicholas had known each other since they were in college and even though they weren't close at that time, their relationship wasn't bad either.After talking, Grandpa Jerome invited Nathalie back to the living room, where the others were still gathered.Andy and Lilian looked at Nathalie suspiciously, while Leon seemed to be thinking about something.The conversation that was taking place felt stiff, as if forced, but Nathalie didn't want to show that she was feeling tense.Nathalie and Nicholas had talked about this before, even anticipating what kind of atmosphere might occur. So, this wasn't a big problem to deal with.Nicholas mostly talked to Grandpa Jerome, occasionally with his f
Andy paced back and forth angrily. He still wanted to scold Leon, but he couldn't bear to look at Lilian's eyes that were already very swollen from crying too much."Dad, please, listen to my explanation first," Leon said carefully. "I'm willing to give up my position to Nicholas, with certain considerations.""Tsk!" Andy snapped angrily. "Why did you do that stupid thing, Leon? You've never been too interested in women, why are you now trying to seduce Nicholas' girlfriend?""Honey, please, don't keep getting angry," Lilian said in a hoarse voice. "Can you listen to what your son has to say?"Andy exhaled loudly and sat down, slumping back against the sofa.Nicholas and Natalie had gone home and Grandpa Jerome went straight to his room, not saying anything to Andy or Leon at all.However, the look in the old man's eyes clearly implied great anger and the three of them felt afraid."I just wanted to test Nathalie," Leon said. "I'm suspicious of her. We know that Nicholas has been ask
The CCTV footage clearly showed what happened in the hallway.Leon's face was burning with shame. The pain in his groin was still throbbing, as was his shin that was kicked by Nathalie, and his face was also very sore after being beaten by Nicholas."Tomorrow morning, I will make sure you become the main topic in the mass media, Leon," Nicholas said sarcastically. "The CEO of Grand Enterprise tried to harass his brother's lover.""What do you mean, Nicholas?" Andy snapped. "Do you want to embarrass our family?"Nicholas stared at his father with a look full of hatred. He slammed the table, until everyone was shocked, except for Grandpa Jerome, who remained calm watching the interaction between his son, daughter-in-law, and grandson.When shocked, Nathalie spontaneously put her hand on Nicholas' thigh and it did not escape Grandpa Jerome's gaze. He also saw how Nicholas' head fell back."Dad, what do you mean I want to embarrass this family?" Nicholas asked sharply. "Leon was the one
Nathalie wasn't afraid of anything. Let Grandpa Jerome live with her and Nicholas in the Grand Mansion and see how they interacted.So far, everything between Nathalie and Nicholas had been natural and straightforward. There was no awkwardness or fake behavior.Maybe, it was fortunate that Nathalie and Nicholas had known each other since they were in college and even though they weren't close at that time, their relationship wasn't bad either.After talking, Grandpa Jerome invited Nathalie back to the living room, where the others were still gathered.Andy and Lilian looked at Nathalie suspiciously, while Leon seemed to be thinking about something.The conversation that was taking place felt stiff, as if forced, but Nathalie didn't want to show that she was feeling tense.Nathalie and Nicholas had talked about this before, even anticipating what kind of atmosphere might occur. So, this wasn't a big problem to deal with.Nicholas mostly talked to Grandpa Jerome, occasionally with his f
When she arrived at the White Grand mansion, Nathalie's eyes widened. The classic-style building in front of her eyes was even twice as big and grander than Nicholas' Grand mansion.Nicholas grabbed Nathalie's hand and put it on his arm. "Are you ready?"Nathalie took a few breaths, patted Nicholas' hand, then stomped her right foot and lifted her chin. "Let's go!" -- she said gallantly.Nicholas smiled because even though Nathalie was like that, her voice sounded shaky.The Grand family had gathered in the living room when Nicholas and Nathalie entered."Good evening everyone," said Nicholas. He nodded to everyone in front of him, as did Nathalie. "As requested by grandfather, I brought my lover, Nathalie Darren to formally introduce herself to you.""Good evening everyone," greeted Nathalie politely. "Although we have met twice before, I feel the need to formally introduce myself again. My name is Nathalie Darren Adams, but I rarely use my father's name. Thank you for the invitation
Nathalie PoVMy hands were clammy. I felt so nervous right now, that I had to wipe my hands with tissues several times. On the dining table there were already lots of wads of tissue that I had used.Nicholas saw my nervousness and he took my hand, rubbing my palm gently."It's okay," he said. "I'm by your side. I won't let anyone bother you."Technically, I had already met grandfather Jerome Grand, and the couple Andy and Lilian Grand, before NSync's opening a few days ago.When I was having dinner with Nicholas in the restaurant, after we met with Charles and Gina in the Shark Fin restaurant, the three of them also came to the same restaurant as us and Nicholas introduced me as his girlfriend.Grandfather Jerome was friendly to me, while Andy Grand, Nicholas' father, gave me a questioning look, and his wife didn't say anything, just stared at me coldly.Still, I could read their confusion and surprise. They definitely wouldn't have thought that Nicholas already had a girlfriend and
After returning to the Grand Mansion, Nathalie felt her heart grow closer to Nicholas.She wondered if Charles had deliberately separated her from Nicholas eight years ago so that he didn't say anything about the pineapple pie incident when Nathalie asked him.He already knew Nathalie had misunderstood, but didn't say anything about it.If Charles had been honest with her at that time and said that it was Nicholas' gift and that it was actually Nicholas who had saved Nathalie, maybe she wouldn't have ended up dating and marrying Charles.Maybe Nathalie would have waited until Nicholas returned from his college leave and asked him out first.Besides, since their fight in marketing class, Nathalie had actually started to like paying attention to Nicholas, it was just that her sense of prestige made her cover it up with an indifferent attitude.In the end, Nathalie realized that she had indeed chosen the wrong man. Charles had lied to her from the start and instead destroyed her dreams a
"Who's that?" Charles asked, looking at a car that had just pulled out of the gate of his house, just as his car arrived."Ah, it's just a man who got lost. He's old, so his eyes can't see street names and house numbers clearly. He's going to our neighbor's down the block," Gina replied cheerfully.She held Charles' arm affectionately. "How's your work, is it going?"Charles slumped down on the sofa and exhaled loudly. Everything was a mess now. Who would have thought that Nathalie would start her own company and her clients would switch to her?"My clients ran to Nathalie's new company," Charles muttered wearily. "This could be bad if I don't get them back soon."Gina was surprised to hear Charles' words and she took Charles' hand and kissed it softly."I'm sorry," Gina said weakly. "I'm really useless and can't help you. I can only conceive and give birth to your child."Charles looked at Gina, feeling a little touched by her words. He hugged Gina and kissed her forehead."I'm so d
A month later, Nicholas and Natalie's company opened. The opening ceremony went smoothly, and even Charles' former customers came.In the newly rented store in Harlington Metropolitan Mall, elegant flowers and wide white ribbons dotted the entire area. Cocktail tables were neatly placed outside the store, and waiters brought expensive champagne and snacks."Dear guests, today we gather to witness the opening of NSync Company, an interior design company, which is a collaboration between Ms. Nathalie and Mr. Nicholas Grand. Today's event will be led by our beautiful and talented CEO, Ms. Nathalie Darren. We invite Ms. Darren to give a speech, before cutting the ribbon," the host called out enthusiastically.Everyone applauded, welcoming Nathalie who came up to the podium, enthusiastically."Thank you all for being here," Nathalie said with a big smile on her lips. "It is an honor to welcome you all and hope that in the future we and all the supporting crew of NSync Company, can help an
"Are you ready?"Nathalie nodded. She looked at Nicholas with an admiring look.Nicholas looked handsome in a dark blue suit, over a light blue shirt without a tie. He looked formal, but also casual. Very handsome, Nathalie said to herself.Nicholas also looked at Nathalie with an uncertain feeling. Why is she so beautiful? Look at her white shoulders and neck, so smooth like marble and the color of her cheeks and lips are already pink without the need for lipstick and blush on.Nathalie wore a light blue dress, matching the nuances of Nicholas' clothes. The knee-length A-line model of her dress, showed her calves and legs that were as long as grains of rice. She wore a white gold necklace with a tear-shaped stone pendant, dark blue, a ring, and little amulet in her ear."Beautiful," Nicholas said, nodding. "You always look so beautiful."Nathalie was surprised to hear Nicholas' sudden compliment, she felt her heart start beating faster and had to hold her handbag tightly so as not t