Marshall looked at Sebastian. He suspected the man was in on it with Joanna, that this was all about securing the partnership.


    "Fine, Sebastian. But let me be clear," Marshall warned, his voice low. "My grandmother was set up, and her bodyguard was in an ident. This had better have nothing to do with either of you. If I find out it does, I have ways of making you wish you were never born." He then turned to his grandmother. "Grandma, let me take you home to rest."


    Mrs. Spencer Sr. gave Joanna a sharp look. "Joanna, while I may not have concrete proof, there is a video that shows you going to the pool area after you and Sebastian separated. We can only see your back, but you drop something into the water. Without better evidence, you got lucky this time. You won''t be so lucky again."


    Then she looked at her wayward grandson. "Marshall, Ms. Sanders is an exceptional and kind young woman. You should spend more time getting to know her. I only spent an hour with her, but I can already tell she is genuine and unpretentious."


    Marshall thought of the woman''s swift, decisive actions and felt a pang of admiration. He managed a weak smile. "Ouch... that hurts." Natalie hadn''t held back.


    "Are your hands okay?" Mrs. Spencer Sr. asked with concern.


    Marshall shook them out. "They''re fine, just a little sore."


    Sebastian frowned. Natalie knew medicine? Then what about his eyes all those years ago...? He quickly dismissed the thought. Impossible. His grandmother had found the doctor. But her technique for setting bones... A wave of irritation washed over him. He turned to Joanna. "You should go home and rest. I have something to take care of."


    Joanna grabbed his arm, her eyes pleading. "Sebastian, aren''t you going to stay with me? I''m so upset right now."


    But Sebastian was too agitated. Without another word, he turned and left. Mrs. Spencer Sr.''s words echoed in his mind. Joanna had left his side for a little while after they entered the banquet hall. But the Joanna he knew was gentle and kind; she wouldn''t do something like that. He concluded that Natalie must have poisoned Mrs. Spencer Sr.''s mind against her. The thought brought him a small measure offort. Natalie had a long history of malicious behavior...


    But then, her words from the elevator surfaced again. Every time, it was Joanna framing her... He shook his head. Impossible. He had seen her antics with his own eyes on several asions.


    Joanna watched Sebastian''s retreating back, and tears of frustration welled in her eyes. Sebastian never just left her like this.


    Wendy put aforting arm around her. "Let''s go home, Joanna.”


    Joanna nodded meekly. "Okay."


    The party continued, with the Spencer family staff ensuring the remaining guests were well-fed and entertained.


    Once in his car, Sebastian asked Sean, "Find out where Natalie is."


    Sean pointed to a restaurant across the street. "Ms. Sanders is on a blind date over there. I saw her when Iè went to grab dinner. The gentleman she''s with is quite handsome and has a good demeanor. Ms. Sanders seemed to be having a very pleasant conversation with him."


    Sebastian threw open the car door and strode across the street.


    Inside the restaurant, soft music yed. Natalie was enjoying a steak, chatting happily with the man across from her. It was Matthew Monroe. Young and sessful, he had built his career abroad and had now moved his operations back to the country a few years, Natalie khew, he would be one of the wealthiest men in the nation. In her past life, she had only met him briefly at a wee-home party. This time, thanks to her grandfather, they were meeting much sooner.


    Natalie couldn''t believe her blind date was with Matthew Monroe, the future tycoon she had once admired from afar. They got along wonderfully. Natalie had studied in Rivia, and when she brought it up they found they had much to talk about.


    Sebastian saw them the moment he walked in. As he moved to enter, a force


    pulled him back.