Ryan kept his eyes on Natasha as she opened the door and left.As Natasha's slender figure slowly disappeared at the doorway, the warmth in Ryan's eyes faded, and he looked away.Malcolm raised an eyebrow, casting a sidelong glance at Ryan from across the room.He hoped to build a better rapport with Ryan, given his role as Professor Nancy's assistant. Strengthening ties with him would undoubtedly be advantageous for the Toussaint family.However, faced with Ryan's stoic and icy demeanor, Malcolm had to put aside the idea of starting a conversation.With Ryan being so distant and unapproachable, Malcolm found it hard to initiate any form of dialogue.Malcolm found himself perplexed by the stark contrast in Ryan's behavior. When dealing with Professor Nancy, he was all smiles and seemingly obedient.Yet, the instant she left, Ryan morphed into this distant and unwelcoming persona.Malcolm shook his head. He was unable to fathom the abrupt change.Ryan had no clue about the thou
"Just go ahead and hang up. Or, you know, tell Joshua straight up that Radiance Biomed won't grant authorization to the Graysons. Let him put that idea to rest," Natasha asserted firmly."Seriously? Are you sure about this?" Zack asked, a bit skeptical.He continued, "If we withhold authorization from the Graysons this time, you know things could go south—bankruptcy might even be on the table. Can you come to terms with that?""I have absolutely no ties with Joshua anymore. Since there's no connection between us, I won't be handing the Graysons any authorization," Natasha stated firmly, showing no signs of hesitation.Strangely, as Zack heard this, he felt a kind of contentment. It was like the satisfaction of seeing his own daughter finally stepping into adulthood."Okay, if you've made up your mind, I'll confidently shut down Joshua," Zack said before abruptly ending the call.It was as if he was afraid Natasha might have second thoughts.Natasha looked a bit dazed, staring at
Joshua stood there, looking a bit puzzled with one hand in his pocket and the other holding a cellphone.Natasha frowned. It really was Joshua.As she realized he was standing right in front of her, Natasha instinctively stepped aside, putting some distance between them.Ryan noticed Natasha taking a few steps back, and his curiosity got the best of him. "Professor, what's going on?""We'll wait a bit before heading out," she replied without offering any explanation.Ryan was left puzzled. He followed Natasha's gaze and spotted a man in a dark suit.The man stood tall, hands in his pockets, with a sleek and sharp posture. Even from behind, his demeanor exuded a sense of cold sophistication.Ryan's brow furrowed.Judging by Natasha's expression, she was clearly intentionally avoiding the man in front of them. But why would she be avoiding him?Who was this man? Ryan had numerous questions in his head but found it hard to voice them.Natasha stood at a distance, which was close
He lifted his eyes and made eye contact with the man by the car.Ryan just casually checked him out. Their eyes met, and he finally got a good look at Joshua's face."Ryan?" Natasha's voice came from inside the car, breaking the moment.Ryan calmly withdrew his gaze."Aren't you coming?" From Natasha's view, all she could see was Ryan staring ahead. She was clueless about what had captured his attention."Let's move." Ryan settled into the car, asking, "Professor, where's your place?""Imperial Heights."With the engine roaring, the car swiftly passed Joshua, leaving only a quick glimpse in its wake.Joshua narrowed his eyes, watching the car drive away. He was still pondering the meaningful expression the guy had given him.But Joshua had never seen that guy before."What's your next move?" Matt's worried voice jolted Joshua from his thoughts.Joshua stayed silent. He turned his gaze back to Regal Repast.Not getting any reply from Joshua, Matt sighed. "Grayson Corporation
Natasha fell silent. She was thinking about where Ryan should stay for the rest of the night.Imperial Heights was constructed for the sake of tranquility. Thus, it was situated in a rather secluded location.Natasha didn't know where Ryan lived, but she felt any destination from Imperial Heights would be quite a journey.Looking back on the day's events, she realized that if she hadn't been drinking, she wouldn't have needed Ryan to drive her home.Now, with it getting so late, the idea of him heading back alone was making Natasha unsettled and concerned."How about staying over at my place tonight? It's pretty spacious with a bunch of empty rooms," Natasha suggested.The villa had a bunch of floors, and Natasha's room was on the second.After thinking it through, she figured it would be convenient for him to stay there, and Ryan could choose between the first or third floors. That way, it would work out smoothly for both of them.Feeling that this plan was the best under the
Natasha grinned, saying, "I won't. If you're skeptical, we can pinky swear."Ryan sensed Natasha's teasing tone and sheepishly scratched his head. "That's not necessary—I trust you, professor."Having said that, Ryan raised an eyebrow. His eyes were bright and clear as he gave her a gentle smile. "Alright, I'm off."He walked away, waving goodbye to Natasha. There was a youthful energy surrounding him.Natasha stood at the villa's entrance, letting out a soft sigh. She watched Ryan until he vanished into the distance.Seated in his car, Ryan didn't immediately start the engine. Instead, he sat quietly in the driver's seat.His gaze lingered on the distant villa, noting every light coming to life until the entire house glowed brightly.He had noticed this habit of Natasha's a long time ago.Even in the laboratory during daylight hours, she would keep all the lights on.Sometimes, absorbed in her experiments, she would unintentionally work into the night. If the surroundings dim
Natasha nodded, saying, "Sure, I'll get things sorted and head your way."If Audrey was indeed a part of the Sullivan family, it would be essential for the two of them to meet.Malcolm enthusiastically responded, "We'll be waiting for you at the Toussaint residence!"He was surprised that Natasha agreed and was even willing to visit."Oh, you don't have to go all out. I'm just up for a simple meal." Natasha picked up on Malcolm's excitement in his words.She wasn't someone who liked putting others through trouble. She didn't think her status was anything grand and didn't want anyone to treat her differently because of it."Sure, sure," Malcolm agreed repeatedly.…In the afternoon, the sun cast its warm glow upon the asphalt road.Natasha arrived at the Toussaint residence.The Toussaint residence's architectural style was a stark contrast to the Grayson Villa. The Grayson Villa blended vintage charm with modern aesthetics, whereas the Toussaint residence embraced a purely co
"It was during that banquet. I don't remember it very well. I saw you from afar. Back then, you were just a little kid," Audrey reminisced."A banquet?" Natasha thought hard, but she honestly couldn't recall anything about a banquet."And during that banquet, halfway through—poof! You disappeared, and your mom was running around searching for you!"Natasha was even more confused. Seriously, she had zero memory of that scene Audrey was talking about."You're divorced from that guy in the Grayson family now, right?" Audrey suddenly fixed her gaze on Natasha. As she spoke, the smile on her face faded quite a bit.Audrey's abrupt seriousness caught Natasha off guard. She instinctively straightened up and replied earnestly, "Yes."The fact that Audrey seemed privy to these details was unexpected for Natasha. It was giving her the impression that Audrey had an in-depth understanding of her life."It's good that you divorced him." Audrey sighed. "Do you realize how devastated your mom