Natalie couldn't understand how Joshua seemed so energetic despite flying all night to get to Topola. She was exhausted but he didn't notice or care about her feelings.Memories washed over Natalie of moments spent with Joshua, leaning against each other as they watched sunsets together in the past.They stood at the city's highest point, overlooking the bustling streets below and the glimmering river beyond. Those truly were sweet moments.In the past, whenever fatigue weighed her down, Joshua's tender care lifted her spirits. Whenever sadness crept in, his affection was a comforting balm.However, the stark contrast of the present reality left Natalie in disbelief.It was clear to her now that love, or the lack thereof, revealed itself in the smallest gestures. She realized that love dwelled in the details, just as its absence did.Natalie followed Joshua, grumbling under her breath while keeping her head down.Suddenly, Joshua stopped and she accidentally bumped into him. Clu
Joshua sensed something was bothering Natalie. So, he shut the car door and turned to her. "What's the matter?"Natalie quickly glanced away from Natasha and replied, "Nothing."She didn't want Joshua to catch sight of Natasha, not even a bit."I just spotted a dog over there. That's all," Natalie casually explained. "It seemed quite a pity. Should we offer it some food?"Natalie sincerely believed Natasha was a stray dog, surviving on the kindness of strangers without an owner to call her own. The Graysons, being naturally kind-hearted, were quick to offer assistance.However, Natalie never expected that after a few acts of generosity from the Graysons, Natasha would shamelessly attach herself to them."A dog?" Joshua repeated in a low voice.It was quiet in the suburban neighborhood. Joshua couldn't fathom how a stray dog had ended up here. After all, survival for dogs in such an environment seemed improbable.However, he quickly pushed the thought aside. His main focus was r
Joshua was puzzled by Natalie's behavior. "What's going on? Why do you seem so flustered?""Oh... it's nothing," Natalie stammered.To lighten the mood, she pretended to be surprised and pointed at Joshua's clothes. "Hey, Josh, there's a leaf on your shirt. Let me get it off for you."As Natalie stretched out her arm, she smoothly shifted toward Joshua to block his view with her body. She was determined to prevent Natasha from seizing any opportunity at all.Joshua looked where she pointed and noticed a small leaf, barely noticeable in size, resting on his clothes. As he glanced further, he realized that his clothes had become creased.Frowning, he thought that his clothes were so rumpled they might as well be thrown away.Natalie also noticed the creases on Joshua's clothes, and a hint of embarrassment flashed across her face.She understood the significance of this particular garment to Joshua and why he had chosen to wear it today.Natalie was in a state of panic. She couldn
When Joshua and Natasha made eye contact, it was as if everything else froze around them.Natasha's thoughts raced as she struggled to keep a composed facade, though inwardly, she was far from calm.She was overwhelmed with questions. How had Joshua found her here? What was his reason for coming? Had he uncovered her true identity, or did he have another agenda?In Natasha's mind, a whirlwind of questions filled her thoughts.Like many before him in the Sullivan family line, Austin valued peace highly. That was why the Sullivans built Sullivan Villa in such a calm and tranquil area.Another reason for this choice was its nearness to Herb Valley, a place bursting with rare medicinal herbs. This meant anyone living in the villa could easily gather herbs whenever needed.Natasha was surprised to see Joshua in this secluded spot, known exclusively to the Sullivans."Is that Natasha? She looks just like her. What's she doing here?" Natalie blurted out, interrupting the quiet moment.
Joshua raised an eyebrow and stated, "You followed me here because you wanted to see me, didn't you?"Even though Joshua had already figured out the answer, he hoped Natasha would admit it.Meanwhile, Natalie's expression was unreadable. Eventually, she pretended to be surprised. She quickly covered her mouth and asked, "What? Natasha has been following us this whole time?"Her tone carried a sharp edge."Seriously? Natasha, you could have just asked Josh if you wanted to join us. He would have brought you along. Why sneakily trail us?"Natalie's words seemed like a friendly reminder, but her tone dripped with sarcasm.She regarded Natasha with pity and added, "The road from the airport to Sullivan Villa is all wilderness. How did you manage to get here? Did you drive alone? That must have taken quite some time."Josh and I spent the entire night on the plane to get to Topola! You've gone through quite a journey to see Josh."Natasha smirked and questioned, "Why would I follow
Natasha perked up when she heard Natalie's words. She asked, "Finding someone?""Yeah, Josh and I are heading to Sullivan Villa to look for someone," Natalie replied haughtily, lifting her chin.She stressed "Josh and I" as if worried Natasha might miss it.Natasha was confused. She couldn't understand who could be so important that Joshua would fly overnight from Oceanville to Topola.Even though Natasha wasn't fond of many of Joshua's traits, she recognized he was incredibly dedicated to his work. He could go for days without thinking about eating when engrossed in his work.Joshua dedicated himself tirelessly to Grayson Corporation. He hardly ever took a break over the years. Even when Natasha resided at Grayson Villa, Joshua frequently worked late into the night before returning home.And now, Joshua had put aside his work to come to Topola.Joshua's journey to Topola was bound to consume considerable time, regardless of his purpose for being there.Why would Joshua willi
Natasha even seemed to regard Natalie with contempt.Natalie was puzzled by Natasha's reaction because she had dropped clear hints, but Natasha seemed completely indifferent.Natalie raised an eyebrow, amazed at Natasha's ability to endure without easily getting angry.With a grim expression, Joshua said sternly, "You're mistaken."Oblivious to Joshua's stern expression, Natalie insisted, "I'm not. Josh, you went that day—""I said I didn't! Are you doubting me?" Joshua roared.Natalie didn't understand what she had said to upset Joshua. His cold stare immediately quieted her. She was puzzled by Joshua's sudden outburst of anger.Joshua strode solemnly toward the grand gates of Sullivan Villa, paying no attention to Natalie beside him.Natalie quickly followed Joshua, matching his pace. After being scolded by him, Natalie suddenly realized something was wrong with him.Could it be that he didn't want Natasha to know he had been to the hospital, so he yelled at Natalie instead?
The footsteps approaching from behind the large bronze gate grew louder with each passing moment. Natalie's heart pounded, her nerves tingling with tension.Meanwhile, Joshua seemed calm and unaffected. He stood in stark contrast to Natalie.As if struck by a thought, he directed his gaze toward Natasha, who stood nearby. Her smile bore a subtle hint of mockery, as though she were witnessing a scene unfold.As soon as Natasha caught Joshua's gaze, she quickly erased her smile and returned to an expressionless demeanor.Yet, Joshua had clearly noticed it. His expression darkened into a frown. Was Natasha gloating just now?Philip was barely holding on, his survival depending entirely on the help of the Sullivan family's miracle worker.Joshua and Natalie had traveled a long way to Topola to save Philip, yet Natasha appeared to gloat about their misfortune.How dare she?Joshua's expression turned grim, his jaw tensing with frustration. He couldn't understand what Natasha was t