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
Audrey hadn't finished speaking when Natasha reassured her, "Don't worry. I've signed the contract and will dedicate myself to the medication's research and development."Natasha vowed to treat all drug development projects equally, ensuring their perfect formulation and striving for maximum benefits.Audrey nodded, saying, "That's reassuring. With your commitment, I feel at ease."Expressing gratitude, Audrey added, "The Toussaint family is extremely grateful."Natasha waved her hand, replying, "There's no need to thank me. It's what I should do."…In the adjacent room, Joshua removed his coat, and his bodyguard placed it on a nearby hanger.After taking a seat, Malcolm stood across from him."Mr. Grayson, would you like tea or wine?" Malcolm asked."Tea," Joshua responded.Malcolm swiftly called over a waiter, instructing, "Bring tea for Mr. Grayson immediately, and make sure it's of the finest quality."After placing the order, Malcolm also took a seat."Given the unexp
Malcolm had heard about Joshua's decisive nature and emphasis on efficiency. Today, witnessing Joshua's actions, Malcolm found those qualities to be indeed true.Malcolm had not only finalized a contract with Natasha for Tranquilix but also reached an agreement with the Graysons. He believed EngenCorp Group's future was promising.However, as Malcolm read the detailed plan, his joyful expression faded. Concerned, he closed the agreement.Joshua, noticing the change, asked, "Is there a problem?" Malcolm, with a serious tone, said, "The Grayson Corporation's plan is thorough, but…"Joshua calmly sipped his drink, prompting Malcolm to continue expressing his reservations.Joshua's proposed agreement outlined an ambitious project with a substantial investment estimate. Completing it could elevate EngenCorp Group.However, due to the project's size and the significant required investment, EngenCorp Group, having already committed to collaborating with Natasha, lacked the funds for t
After Joshua asked that question, he just stared at Malcolm. His gaze carried a significant weight.Malcolm was unsure of how to explain. He rose from his seat and said, "Please don't get the wrong idea. The Toussaints never intend to go against you."If we take on this project, it would only benefit the Toussaints. However, the truth is, the Toussaints are genuinely unable to handle this project."Joshua didn't budge and simply demanded, "I need a reason."Malcolm hesitated and mentioned, "We have certain matters that can't be disclosed…"Yet, seeing Joshua's expression, he abruptly stopped, feeling a headache. Malcolm sighed inwardly, thinking he could only disclose so much.Joshua sat upright, resting his arms on the table with his fingers crossed. Staring at Malcolm, Joshua was waiting for his answer.Yet, all Malcolm uttered was a casually dismissive remark, "Please seek alternatives."Joshua's expression instantly changed. He hadn't foreseen Malcolm's unwillingness to pro