<h4>Chapter 261: Arrival Of A Friend</h4>


    Holding her firmly in his arms, Justin continued to kiss her, making her feelfortable in his embrace. Natalie struggled briefly, but slowly she began to melt, her mind focusing solely on the kiss.


    After a long while, when they finally stopped, Natalie was left breathless, panting heavily as she let her face rest in the crook of his neck, her eyes closed.


    Justin gently caressed her hair with one hand, while the other remained wrapped around her, holding her steady. "Anger isn’t good for your recovery. You need to stay calm and talk things through," he said softly.


    Natalie stayed silent, her breathing slowly evening out, until she heard his voice again. "Are you calm now? Shall we talk?"


    "Hmm," she responded quietly. By now, she understood why he had kissed her and couldn’t help but feel like she was being coaxed like a child.


    Justin began to exin. "There are people trying to harm you. That’s why I don’t want you staying out for too long until we’ve identified them and their purpose."


    Natalie reacted, raising her head to look at him. "Trying to harm me?"


    He hummed, meeting her gaze. "And they’re dangerous people, not random thugs."


    "Why would someone want to harm me?" she asked, her brows furrowed. "Is it my family again?"


    "The people hired are from <i>Dark Shadows</i>. You must have heard about them when you were in Xyros," Justin replied.


    Natalie nodded thoughtfully and said, "The Fords aren’t bold enough to hire them. Their actions are limited to cheap tricks—like sending me to dangerous ces and hoping I die there on my own."


    Justin hummed, feeling bad for her past. The Fords had sent her to a ce like Xyros when she was so young and naive. If not for Caryn Ford asking the Castelo family to protect her daughter, and if not for Vincent, what might have happened to her?


    At that time, Justin wasn’t even aware of her existence—the woman he would one day fall for had been in such a dangerous situation.


    "You have to stay home and can’t go out unless I approve that things are safe," Justin said firmly. Before she could protest, he added, "And it’s just for a few days, until I find out who they are. After that, you’ll be free to go wherever you want."


    Natalie nodded reluctantly. "But I need to prepare for the next round."


    "Have lunch, rest for an hour, and by then I’ll make the arrangements for you to go, once I’m sure everything is safe," Justin offered.


    "So, I can go?" she asked hopefully.


    He hummed in agreement. "Just need some time to prepare."


    She finally smiled lightly. "Thank you."


    Two hourster, Natalie left for Mia’spany. Justin ensured that she had enough security personnel around her, with Ryan and John instructed to stay with her at all times.


    In the absence of Aiden Shaw, Justin also made sure his people were protecting Caryn Shaw.


    -----


    The next day was another round of thepetition, broadcast live just like the previous day.


    In the second round, out of five participants, three advanced to the final round—Natalie, Briena, and another candidate.


    This time, Natalie scored the highest points, while Briena came in second, which clearly angered her.


    After thepetition, Natalie left the venue, but Briena was fuming and couldn’t stop sulking. "Mom, that bitch scored the highest! What if she wins thepetition?"


    ra, however, was unfazed. "Just wait until tomorrow. She’ll see her past being repeated in front of her all over again."


    "Likest time?" Briena asked, her eyes widening.


    ra responded with a sinister smile. "Your grandma already has everything set."


    ----


    That day, Natalie followed the same schedule. She returned home after thepetition, had lunch with Justin, and then went to Mia’spany.


    When Natalie entered Mia’s office, she noticed someone familiar sitting opposite Mia.


    "There she is," Mia said, making the woman turn to look back at the door.


    The young woman, simr in age to them, wore casually stylish clothes. Her long auburn wavy hair framed a small, beautiful face with cheerful expressions.


    "Natalie!" the neer eximed, standing up with a bright smile. She walked over to Natalie and hugged her tightly. "Damn! I missed you, girl."


    Natalie smiled as well, hugging her back, showing her happiness to see her once dear friend.


    Mia, Natalie, and Cathy had been close friends in school. After graduating, they had gone their separate ways and hadn’t seen each other in years.


    "It’s been so long, Cathy," Natalie said as they finally separated.


    "I was out of the country because I needed to work hard to set my career—just like any child from a middle-ss family would do," Cathy replied leaving an exasperated sigh. "But now I’ve returned, and I want to work here and live close to the people I know—my family and my friends."


    "That’s indeed a good decision," Mia said as she stood up. The three of them moved to the couch and sat down.


    "By the way, Nat, I saw the perfumepetition," Cathymented, pride shining in her eyes for her friend. "You’re just amazing."


    "Thank you," Natalie said quietly before asking, "So, where do you n on working?"


    Cathy thought for a moment before replying, "I’ve received offers from variouspanies, but I’m also submitting my resume to thispany."


    "Mypany?" Mia asked.


    "Of course," Cathy said confidently. "Ms. Mia Wilson, if you go through my resume, you’ll see that you won’t find anyone better than me for the position of marketing head. My record is exceptional."


    "Mypany is new—too new to hire someone as incredible as you," Mia countered with a teasing tone.


    "I can overlook that because it’s my friend’spany."


    "You won’t get a hefty sry here," Mia warned.


    "First, you hire me. I know how to raise my sry," Cathy replied confidently. "Eventually, I’ll get what I want."


    "Show-off, and so overconfident," Mia frowned.


    "I’ve always been like this," Cathy replied smugly, then looked at Natalie, who had been quietly listening to their banter. "What do you think, Nat?"


    Natalie nodded. "You’ve always been like this." She nced at her watch and said, "Alright, I need to prepare for tomorrow’s final round. You two talk."


    "You’re going to work instead of catching up with me?" Cathy asked, feigning disappointment. "We’re meeting after so long."


    "After thepetition," Natalie said as she stood up.


    "Can I watch you work?" Cathy asked. "I’d also like to take a look around the R&D department."


    "Sure," Natalie agreed, and Cathy followed her. Not wanting to be left out, Mia also tagged along.