Sebastian rubbed his temples. "No," he said in a low voice. "She brought this on herself."


    She made her bed, now she has to lie in it.


    Sean''s expression turned cold.


    They were married, after all. When Joanna had left, it was Natalie who had stood by Sebastian during his darkest time. He should have known. Men of power were always heartless. The moment Joanna came back, Sebastian forgot everything his wife had done for him.


    Sean felt a surge of indignation on Natalie''s behalf, but there was nothing he could do.


    The Spencer family''s banquet was being held in the most luxurious ballroom at Yaro''s prestigious Taros Club. Everyone had arrived except for the main event: Natalie, the one who was supposed to apologize.


    Marshall Spencer was entertaining his guests of honor: Joanna, Sebastian, and their family. He looked at the beautiful Joanna, a charmingly wicked smile on his face. “Joanna, that dress looks stunning on you."


    Joanna had opted for a look that was both pure and seductive. Her sleek ck dress was modest yet perfectly hugged her subtle curves. She smiled shyly and leaned closer to Sebastian. "Thank you for thepliment, Mr. Spencer."


    Marshall was quite taken with her. She was beautiful and kind-hearted-his favorite type. As a wealthy heir, he had seen every kind of woman, especially women like Natalie: vile, shameless, and cruel.


    "By the way, Joanna," he added, "I heard Natalie even kidnapped you once. You''re too kind for letting her get away with it."


    Joanna and Sebastian''s expressions flickered simultaneously. She had only vaguely mentioned the incident to Marshall during a casual chat, but it had clearly deepened his hatred for Natalie.


    Sebastian''s brow furrowed. "Mr. Spencer, where did you hear that?"


    Joanna tensed. If Sebastian found out she was the source, it would shatter the perfect image he had of her. Before Marshall could answer, she quickly changed the subject with a smile. "Mr. Spencer, where could Natalie be? Do you think she got cold feet and isn''ting?"


    A murmur went through the crowd.


    Marshall frowned, a cold sneer on his lips. "It doesn''t matter. If she doesn''t show, I''ll make sure she regrets it in private."


    Sebastian''s jaw tightened. Had Natalie really been pushed so far that she still wouldn''t humble herself and call him for help? He had been waiting for her call all day. He pursed his lips in frustration.


    Joanna feigned concern, pleading on Natalie''s behalf. "Mr. Spencer, I''m sure Natalie didn''t mean any harm. Please, just let it go this one time."


    Marshall found her sad expression adorable. His eyes lit up. "Joanna, you''re too kind. Let''s not talk about her. After this is over, the Spencer family will sign contracts with both the Griffith and Scott families."


    This was exactly what Joanna had been waiting to hear. Sebastian''s eyes glinted, but he remained silent.


    "But I wonder if Natalie really isn''ting," Joanna said, ncing toward the entrance. "She''s keeping everyone waiting."


    "Who said I wasn''ting?"


    A cool, clear voice cut through the chatter. Every head turned toward the sound. There stood Natalie, draped in a fiery red gown and adorned with dazzling diamonds. The vibrant red against the brilliant sparkle of the gems created a


    stunning visual impact. She carried


    herself with a confident warmth, her


    delicate face luminous and captivating.


    Sebastian was momentarily stunned. He had never seen Natalie look so beautiful. She was like a living me, an absolute vision. It was as if she had walked out of


    a fairy tale, wreathed in thorny roses, and she outshone everyone in the room.


    Joanna was shocked, a bitter wave of jealousy washing over her. She had noticed Natalie''s beauty after she returned and had deliberatel given her outdated, unttering dresses to suppress it. But now, Natalie was no longer under her control.


    Even Marshall was taken aback.


    Was this really Natalie? She looked


    more like a goddess descended


    from the


    the Every-man heavens. Every man in the ballroom was captivated, their eyes fixed on her. She had a maic


    quality; her every move effortlessly


    drew their attention.


    Natalie stopped in front of Joanna. “Joanna, if I didn''t show up, how could I stop


    you from enjoying your moment in the spotlight?"