As it turned out, her premonition was correct. The moment she and Luna stepped inside, she came face-to-face with the very people she wanted to avoid: Joanna, Sebastian, and Nathan. The business conference was hosted by the Monroe family, an event they wouldn''t dare miss.


    "Natalie, what are you doing here?" Joanna demanded, her voice sharp. How did she get into an event this exclusive? And how was she wearing thetest dress from the cover of a magazine, a dress even Joanna couldn''t get her hands on?


    Sebastian''s eyesnded on Natalie, and he was struck by her appearance. She wore a simple ck strapless gown, the neckline trimmed with a row of diamonds that entuated her fair, delicate skin. Her long hair was swept up in an elegant chignon, giving her an air of cool sophistication. She wasn''t shy, but she possessed a breathtaking, luxurious beauty. A flicker of awe crossed his face. She had truly changed.


    Joanna saw the way Sebastian was looking at Natalie and felt a surge of rabid jealousy. She had been feeling down ever since the incident with Marshall, and she was still terrified the Spencer family would trace the bodyguard''s ident back to her.


    Natalie raised an eyebrow and smiled brightly. "If you can be here, why can''t I?"


    Joanna''s disdain was palpable. "Natalie, do you even know what this ce is? It''s a banquet hosted by Mr. Monroe for his returning grandson, a major business conference."


    "I know you want to cling to Sebastian like you used to, but you need to pick your moments. He has a very important deal to close tonight, and he can''t afford you messing it up. Have some decency, even if youckmon sense."


    The usation stung. Sebastian, remembering Natalie''s past obsessive behavior, shot her a look of disgust. Natalie caught it, and despite herself, she felt a sharp pang in her chest. So that''s how he saw all her past devotion-as something disgusting.


    "Pfft..." Natalie couldn''t help it; she burst outughing, her eyes dancing with amusement. "Joanna, I haven''t even nced at Sebastian. Who are you putting on this little show for? In my opinion, anything someone else can stealss garbage. If you enjoy recycling trash; don''t let me stop you."


    "Sebastian adores you; you can act as spoiled as you want with his permission. But why drag me into it? We''re divorced. If you ever try to tie me to him again, I''ll make sure all of your dirty little secrets see the light of day." She smiled as she delivered the warning, knowing her happiness would drive Joanna insane.


    This life was already diverging from thest. There had been a conference then, too, but she hadn''t attended. Sebastian and Joanna had gone together, and after that night, everyone knew Joanna was the one he cherished. The story that Natalie was the third wheel who had broken them up soon followed. And wasn''t it true? The one who isn''t loved is always the other woman.


    But this time, she had met Matthew first, changing the course of events. She wondered what else tonight had in store. A small smile yed on her lips. She was looking forward to it.


    Sebastian stood under the lights, radiating power and prestige, his eyes fixed on her. Natalie didn''t even bother to look his way.


    Joanna''s face tightened. She turned to Sebastian, her voice trembling. "Sebastian, Natalie is trying to frame me again."


    Natalie''s eyes sparkled as she blinked innocently, a yful, lively expression on her face that Sebastian had never seen before. "Frame you? You have some nerve. Do you even need framing? Your very existence is a disaster."


    She strolled closer, a sweet smile on her face as she looked at Joanna''s panicked expression. "Joanna, we''re just getting started. Are you scared already? You and your father know exactly what you did to me. Don''t think I''m a fool just because I kept quiet."