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
"Who's here?" Audrey asked, sounding surprised.It was a rare occurrence for anyone to visit the Toussaint residence. It wasn't because the Toussaints were unwelcoming, but most business meetings took place at Regal Repast. The residence wouldn't host such affairs."Why would someone come to the Toussaint residence today?" Audrey wondered if it was due to a lack of understanding of the Toussaints' customs or something else."It's Mr. Grayson," the butler at the door clarified."Mr. Grayson?" Audrey thought for a moment. "I didn't mishear, did I? Mr. Grayson? Is it Joshua Grayson, Grayson Corporation's president?"Malcolm nodded in confirmation.Audrey was surprised, turning to Natasha. "This…"Natasha's eyelashes fluttered. "I'm okay."Gently taking Natasha's hand, Audrey whispered, asking with a hint of awkwardness, "You two are divorced, right? Why is he here? Could he be looking for you?"Could it be unresolved feelings? Did Joshua suddenly change his mind about the divorce
Malcolm raised his glass. "Professor, I apologize and will take a drink to express my regret." With that, he lifted the wine glass and downed the drink in one gulp.Observing Malcolm's sincere and bold gesture, Natasha felt uneasy.The last time she had a few drinks at Regal Repast, it ended with Ryan escorting her home. This time, she drove here alone with no one to help her out. Besides, she wasn't accustomed to drinking.However, she couldn't be impolite in response to Malcolm's sincerity."I came here alone by car. It'll be inconvenient for me to drink. But I appreciate your gesture. I'll toast you with tea instead."Natasha took her cup of tea and drank it in one go.After giving Natasha a grateful look, Malcolm left through the door.Joshua, dressed in a sharp black suit, stood at the entrance with a bodyguard in black, holding an umbrella.A quick glance showed impatience in Joshua's eyes, and an intimidating air surrounded him.Malcolm, having hastily come downstairs