Hector burst intoughter at his own joke. Seeing Natalie''s expression of sheer exasperation, he reached out and ruffled her hair.


    "I was just messing with you. But hey, if you think the n is doable, I fully support


    it. Mr. Holden Senior is getting old, so keep him happy. Just his inheritance alone would rake in a fortune."


    Natalie was at a loss for words.


    So now her dear brother was eyeing Charles'' inheritance?


    "Hector, I think... you''d look pretty good dressed as a woman," she said.


    Hector tapped her lightly on the head. "Then, I''ll dress up for you next time- guaranteed to make you fall head over heels."


    Natalie was done.


    Fine. She lost this round.


    "Alright, alright, I was just joking. Look at you taking it so seriously." Hector chuckled, thoroughly amused. Natalie was nothing like Emma in terms of personality.


    But that exasperated look on Natalie''s face? Absolutely adorable.


    Of course, Natalie wasn''t mad. She was alwaysposed, and emotionally steady. She didn''t get worked up over jokes or trivial matters.


    "Alright, Hector. I''m heading out now."


    "Yeah, go ahead! Oh, and Nat, your wee party ising up soon. Mother went to Amberton yesterday, but she''ll be back the day before the event."


    "Got it. Thanks, Hector."


    Natalie knew exactly what that meant. After their phone call, Charlotte must have rushed to Amberton to confront Diana.


    Leaving Hector''s office, Natalie met up with Charles, and they left the hospital together.


    Charles''s recovery had been going well.


    She could end the acupuncture sessions ahead of schedule. From now on, his health could be maintained with medication alone.


    In time, he wouldn''t even need that anymore.


    "Grandpa Charles, you and Sheldon should go on ahead. I need to stop by my ce."


    "Nattie, why don''t you have a meal with us before you go?"


    "There''s no need, Grandpa Charles," Natalie politely declined.


    She nced at her phone to check the time. "I''ll make sure Connie knows the exact dosage and schedule for your medication, so you don''t have to worry."


    "Alright then," Charles said, knowing Natalie was independent by nature. Since she had made up her mind, he didn''t push further.


    "Just be careful on the road."


    "I will. You and Sheldon take care on your way back too."


    "Got it. Now go do what you need to do."


    "Alright. Goodbye, Grandpa Charles."


    "Goodbye, Nattie."


    Natalie parted ways with Charles and took a cab to Walker Group.


    This time, Sky''s assistant, Ka, greeted her.


    Dressed in a sleek business suit, Ka''s heels clicked sharply against the floor as she led Natalie to Sky''s office. She then served a cup of coffee before quietly excusing herself.


    "Nat, what brings you here today?" Sky asked.


    Natalie lifted the coffee cup, took a sniff, and then set it down without drinking. "I just came to let you know that I''vepletely severed ties with Langley Group."


    Hearing this, a smile tugged at Sky''s lips. "Good. Noted."


    After a brief pause, he added, "Nat, let me take you out for lunchter."


    Natalie thought for a moment before nodding. "Alright. Thanks, Sky."


    "You''re my sister. Taking you out for a meal is the least I can do. Why are you even thanking me? Give me ten minutes to wrap up my work, and then we''ll go."


    He quickly returned to his desk, efficiently finishing up his tasks. Once hisputer was shut down, he stood up.


    "Alright, Nat. Let''s go."


    "Okay."


    Natalie followed Sky out of Walker Group. Once they got into the car, she mentioned she was in the mood for something spicy.


    "Sky, I know a great restaurant. The food is excellent, and the atmosphere is nice too. Can we go there?"


    "Sure, just give me the address, and I''ll have the driver take us."


    Natalie provided the location, and the driver responded respectfully before heading toward Silver Coast Beach.


    On the way, Sky spoke in a gentle tone. "Nat, your wee party is just a few days away. I had a gown custom-made for you. After lunch, let''s go try it on, okay?


    "Father and Mother have already prepared everything, but your brothers, me included, also wanted to give you something. You can rotate between them whenever you like."


    Natalie nodded. "Alright. Thank you, Sky."


    Seeing her ept his gift, Sky


    instantly smiled. "Great! In that case,


    how about you also ept the


    house and car I got you? You turned


    them downst time, and honestly, I was a little disappointed."


    Natalie hesitated for a moment before slowly nodding. "Alright. Thank you, Sky."


    "No need to be so formal with me," Sky chuckled.


    The usual authoritative air he carried disappeared in an instant.


    After a brief pause, he casually added, "By the way, Emma asked for your contact information. Would you be okay with me giving it to her?"


    To Sky, it was a simple matter.


    He had doted on Emma as she grew up, and now that Natalie was back, he figured it wouldn''t hurt to have another little sister to look after.


    Still, he wasn''t sure how Natalie felt about it.


    "Nat, all four of your brothers are men. Emma is a girl, and now that you''re home, having an older sister to keep youpany might not be a bad thing."


    "Sky, you don''t even know Emma''s exact birth date, yet you call her my older


    sister. Don''t you think that''s a bit inappropriate?" Natalie''s calm voice cut through


    the air.


    Sky was momentarily stunned but


    quickly smiled, "You''re right, that was my mistake. But you and Emma


    were born on the same day.


    been


    Otherwise, you wouldn''t have switched at birth. Since you share a


    birthday, if you don''t want to be the


    older sister, let Emma take that role."


    "Sky, I have no issue with Emma continuing to live with the family and I don''t care if you all keep taking


    care of her. But I won''t be forced


    into some picture-perfect sisterly


    bond with her."


    en


    A chill crept into her voice.


    Emma''s previous sweet-but-fake words-Sky might not have noticed them, but Natalie had.


    She wouldn''t expose Emma, nor would she demand that the Walkers abandon


    her. But forcing her to ept Emma as family? That was never going to happen.


    She and Emma were destined never to be close.


    Sky''s smile slowly faded. "Nat, do you refuse to give Emma a chance?"


    "Stop the car."


    Natalie''s suddenmand made the driver immediately pull over.


    "Open the door."


    "Yes, Ms. Walker."


    The driver unlocked the doors, and Natalie stepped out without hesitation. "Sky, I


    don''t think we''re seeing eye to eye. Let''s skip lunch today."


    Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away.


    Sky lowered the car window, watching as Natalie''s figure disappeared into the


    distance. His expression darkened by the second.


    His biological sister truly had no room in her heart for Emma.


    But Emma, while on vacation, had seen the Walkers'' wee party for Natalie trending online. She had immediately called him, stressing over what gift to prepare for her long-lost sister.


    Emma genuinely wanted to build a rtionship with Natalie. Yet this was the attitude she was met with.