Natalie asked James, who mentioned he liked basa fish, though he could only eat nd food at the moment.


    She smiled. "Take this pill, and I''ll go prepare some basa for you. I make a delicious poached basa fillet. With your high cholesterol and blood pressure, you can''t have anything too greasy."


    James was deeply moved. "You kind, wonderful girl! Thank you!"


    Natalie turned back to Matthew. "Mr. Monroe, could you have the kitchen prepare a fresh basa fillet? I''ll go cook it right now."


    Matthew looked at her, surprised. "You''re going to cook it yourself, Natalie?"


    She nodded. "Yes. I know what Grandpa James likes. The chefs here might make something he won''t eat." This old man was notoriously picky.


    Matthew had heard the rumors. He was impressed by how thoughtful Natalie was, knowing even the smallest details about Mr. James'' preferences.


    "Alright. I''ll have them prepare everything immediately," Matthew said, pulling out his phone to call the kitchen.


    After a few more words with James, Natalie followed a server to the kitchens.


    Joanna stared in disbelief, her eyes nearly popping out of her head. How could Natalie possibly...?


    Sebastian was just as stunned. He was suddenly realizing he didn''t know his own wife at all.


    Matthew stayed with James, while Sebastian and Joanna sat nearby. Joanna was fidgeting, on pins and needles. She hadpletely botched things tonight. What do I do? I can''t let Natalie outshine me! she thought frantically, sneaking a nce at Sebastian. He satposed, his handsome face an unreadable mask, his presence every bit as powerful as Matthew''s across from him. Matthew was the heir to the Monroe family fortune. How did Natalie even get to know him? Joanna was consumed by a helpless, burning jealousy.


    After a short while, James was sipping a nourishing broth, his stomach slowly starting to settle.


    Half an hourter, Natalie returned carrying a tray.


    "Dinner is served!" she announced, her voice as light and clear as a bell.


    James couldn''t help but smile.


    Natalie ced the dishes on the table in front of him: a delicate poached basa fillet, its meat tender and vorful without a single bone, perfect for an older gentleman She''d also prepared a simple clear vegetable broth to go with it.


    James took a bite of the fish and gave Natalie a hearty thumbs-up.


    Her smile was beautiful, vibrant and soothing all at once. Both Matthew and Sebastian found themselves utterly captivated.


    After another half an hour, James elegantly dabbed his mouth with a napkin.


    Natalie then poured him a cup of tea. “Grandpa, this is an oolong tea. Please, try some."


    James happily took the cup and took a sip. The vor was rich andplex, with a lingering fragrance. He nodded in approval. "Delicious! Beautiful girl, let us begin our talks."


    Natalie nodded and turned to Matthew. "Mr. Monroe, shall we begin?"


    She introduced both Matthew and Sebastian to James, figuring she might as well help Sebastian since James had mentioned him. She had no desire to interact with him, but was a simple courtesy. This diffe she wanted was for the people she cared about to be safe and happy, and maybe, just maybe, to knock the scheming Joanna off her pedestal.


    Sebastian was surprised that Natalie was willing to trante for him.


    With a serious expression, Natalie ryed Matthew''s partnership proposal to James, hernguage fluent and precise. Whatever questions James raised, she tranted them quickly and urately.


    By the time they finished with Matthew''s proposal, two hours had passed Natalie''s throat was dry, but to spare the esteemed entrepreneur any further strain, she decided to trante for Sebastian as well.


    She took a sip of water before turning to him. "Mr. Griffith, would you like me to


    trante your proposal? If not, we can conclude things here."