Without a moment''s hesitation, Sebastian handed her his proposal. He knew Natalie had never betrayed him; he could trust herpletely.


    "Thank you," he said, his tone detached and polite.


    Natalie gave a faint nod and began reading the document to James, line by line. If James didn''t understand something, she would exin it multiple times until he was clear before moving on.


    Finally, she looked up at Sebastian, her fox-like eyes clear and direct. "Mr. Griffith, Mr. James says that with the high taxes, conceding a single percentage point on your end is a fair deal. He says he''s an honest businessman who prefers to work with people he can trust. If you can concede that point, he''s ready to sign the contract right now."


    Sebastian looked into her transparent gaze. That one point was well within his projected margin. The old man knew his business.


    Joanna, however, objected. "Natalie, what do you know? Do you have any idea how much money one percentage point is?"


    Natalie''s brow furrowed. "I don''t. You do. You tell him."


    Joanna hadn''t understood a word they''d been saying.


    "Natalie, I know you think you''re impressive, but you can''t just sabotage Sebastian''s business like this..."


    "That''s enough, Joanna," Sebastian cut her off coldly. He looked at Natalie, noticing how dry her lips were. "Tell Mr. James I''m willing to concede the point. And I thank him for his trust."


    Natalie ryed the message to James. He was delighted, and after both parties signed the contracts, Matthew arranged for a car to take James back to his hotel to rest.


    Matthew then turned to Natalie, his heart aching for her. He had done his research on her. Seeing how Joanna and Sebastian treated her, he could only imagine how difficult her fife with the Scott family must have been. Joanna was the family''s celebrated princess, and everyone knew she and cebastian were


    childhood sweethearts. No matter what Joanna did, Sebastian always forgave her. It was all true.


    With James gone, Matthew smiled gratefully at Natalie. "Tonight was a huge sess, all thanks to you. Let me take you to dinner to celebrate, and then I''ll drive you home."


    Natalie was exhausted. Four straight hours of tranting had left her drained and sleepy. She nodded, herrge, watery eyes looking clean and alluring. "Mr. Monroe, can I have a whole roast chicken? I''m starving."


    Matthew looked straight into her clear eyes. She was so damn cute. A chord was struck deep inside him, and he couldn''t stop the smile that spread across his face. "I''ll get you two."


    "Thank you!" she beamed, her every movement exuding a lively, infectious energy.


    Joanna had never seen this side of Natalie-she was like a bewitching siren. Where was the dull, boring woman from before? She used to be so prim and proper, like a wooden doll. Was she trying to copy her now?


    "Natalie, I don''t remember you being like this," Joanna said with a sneer.


    imation and


    "You''re just a cheap imitation and frankly, it''s embarrassing You should try to act with a little more dignity in front of Mr. Monroe."


    Natalie was too tired for this. Joanna was just too loud. "Is it impossible for you to live without being the center of attention?" she retorted, fed up. "This is who I am. A cheap imitation? Of you? Are you as vibrant as I am? As smart as I am As beautiful as I am? What exactly


    Tam? As


    would I be copying?"


    "Do you know what it means to y the innocent victim? It looks just like you—


    rotten to the core but still pretending to be a saint."


    Joanna burst into tears. Natalie''s tongue had gotten sharper and sharper. She


    looked at Sebastian, her voice trembling. "Sebastian, you see? This is how she bullies me all the time."