Sophia hesitated to ept the acquisition contract, as she had never expected to get such an opportunity.


    "Natalie gave it to you."


    When Sophia didn''t take it, Marcus ced the contract into her hands and stood up. "I''ll bring her in so you can discuss it."


    "Marcus, I... I can''t ept this," Sophia called after him. "Even if you hand it over, I won''t be able to hold onto it. I don''t have any big dreams. I just want to work for Nat, earn a monthly wage, and support myself and my mom."


    She had decided against marrying in her life, believing she wasn''t worthy of a beautiful romance.


    "You can discuss it with Natalie yourself," Marcus said as he left, not giving Sophia a chance to continue.


    Sophia set the document aside, too afraid to open it. Her eyes filled with tears, and soon they streamed down her face silently. Life had been harsh to her, yet not entirely unkind.


    After leaving the hospital room, Marcus saw Zachary and Natalie deep in conversation. Zachary held a bouquet of sunflowers in one hand and several takeout boxes in the other.


    As Marcus emerged, Zachary gave him a slight nod. "Hello, Mr. Holden." "Hello, Mr. Holt."


    After exchanging pleasantries, Marcus gently tugged Natalie aside. "Sophia is looking for you."


    His action instantly created more space between Natalie and Zachary. However, Marcus released her quickly, maintaining a natural demeanor. The move was so subtle that if Natalie showed any irritation, it would appear as if she was being unreasonable and overly sensitive.


    Before Natalie could respond, she found herself standing further away from Zachary.


    Zachary smiled and said, "I''ll head inside now. Mr. Holden and Ms. Walker, thank you for visiting Sophia. The doctor mentioned she needs ample rest over the next few days, so there''s no need for frequent visits.


    "As Sophia''s psychologist, I don''t have much on my te right now, so I''ll be here to look after her and Ms. ir in the hospital. You both can carry on with your responsibilities without worry."


    "Alright," Marcus agreed without hesitation. "It''s convenient since we''ll be quite upied in theing days. Nat, you heard Mr. Holt. Sophia needs her rest, so we shouldn''t interrupt her."


    "Let''s go."


    "Ah!" Natalie eximed as Marcus led her along. She turned to nce back. "Didn''t you just say that Sophia was looking for me?"


    "With Zachary there, she doesn''t need you anymore," Marcus replied, pausing for a moment before adding, "Besides, aren''t you concerned about Lincoln? Since Zachary''s in the hospital protecting Sophia and Ms. ir, I''ll have Noah stay close to you. He''ll remain unseen, guarding you from the shadows."


    "Lincoln isn''t a child. He can handle his situation on his own. As for Noah..." Natalie hesitated but then refused Marcus'' offer. "I don''t need him. You should keep him with you."


    "Alright, that''s fine," Marcus agreed without insisting.


    Noah would follow her in the shadows anyway. If Natalie noticed, Marcus could either deny Noah''s presence or admit it openly and wait for her reaction.


    Suddenly, her phone rang. Seeing that it was Zane, she answered, "Hello, Zane. What''s going on?"


    "Natalie, Goodwill Pharmacy has been robbed!" Zane''s angry voice shouted through the receiver.


    "Who on earth dared to rob Goodwill Pharmacy? Have you called the cops?" Natalie asked and checked her watch. The chaos Ivan caused at the Walker residence that morning had set them back a bit.


    Goodwill Pharmacy opened exactly at 9:00 am, and it was now 8:50 am. Zane had arrived before anyone else.


    "Not yet. Natalie, I''m going to call right now."


    "Hold on. Don''t involve the authorities yet. We''ll handle this ourselves," Natalie interjected, suddenly feeling inspired. "I''ll be there shortly. Don''t disturb the scene. Put a sign up saying Goodwill Pharmacy is closed for today."


    "Understood, Natalie."


    She ended the call and told Marcus, "Goodwill Pharmacy has been robbed. I need to head over there. Marcus, you don''t have to drive me. Just head to work."


    Right after she spoke, the elevator doors opened to the first floor. She moved swiftly as she exited. Marcus signaled, and Noah appeared from the shadows.


    "Mr. Marcus."


    "Stay with Ms. Walker. Ensure she stays safe."


    "Yes, Mr. Marcus."


    Natalie didn''t wait for Marcus to catch up. She gged down a cab, gave the driver the address for Goodwill Pharmacy, and was there shortly.


    Upon arriving, she noticed that the entire staff had already gathered at Goodwill Pharmacy. The scene was left as it was, awaiting her investigation.


    "Have you reviewed the surveince footage?" Natalie asked, ncing toward the


    counter.


    The area was a mess with various medicinal herbs scattered about, and a few pills and granules missing from each type.


    "We''ve gone through the footage.


    The intruder was dressed entirely in


    ck, with their head covered.


    There''s nothing identifiable," Zane


    said angrily. "When I catch this


    criminal, I''ll definitely make him pay."


    "Helena, bring me the surveince tape," Natalie said as she walked over to a nearby chair and sat down. "Zane, could you get me a cup of tea?"


    "Right away, Natalie." Zane left to make tea while Helena brought the surveince footage to her.


    "The thief broke in at 3:50 amst night. The entrance camera caught their vehicle, but it was also covered and disguised. They clearly came prepared."


    Natalie silently watched the footage from start to finish. Helena was correct. The thieves who targeted Goodwill Pharmacy were indeed well-prepared.


    The disguised vehicle and the fully-covered thief indicated a meticulously nned operation.


    Natalie immediately recognized the person dressed in ck. She smirked. "No need to involve the authorities. I know who it is."


    "Natalie, you know who it is?"


    "Yes."


    "Don''t worry about it." Natalie drummed her fingers on the table. "Zane,e


    over here. Try to arrange a meeting with Ruby."


    Zane, who was preparing tea, responded with surprise. "Why would I meet Ruby? We''ve broken up. I don''t want to deal with her."


    "The thief is the maid working for


    Julia," Natalie stated calmly. "You don''t need to meet Ruby, just inform her that Goodwill Pharmacy was recently robbed, and a batch of poison is missing.


    "This poison can cause blindness, deafness, and muteness at the least, and at worst, it can make someone bleed from all their orifices and die with their eyes open."


    Zane was momentarily shocked, then seemed to catch on. "Natalie, are you


    saying Ruby was the one who robbed us?"


    Natalie was confused.


    Helena smacked Zane on the head. "Eat some walnuts to boost your brainpower.


    Just follow Natalie''s instructions and stop talking so much."


    Zane rubbed his head, looking upset. "Did I guess wrong?"


    Natalie was speechless.