What infuriated Sebastian was that Matthew was with them.


    Natalie''s meeting with Matthew had been aplete coincidence. A friend had rmended the restaurant to him, and he had run into her at the entrance. The three of them decided to eat together.


    They were deep in a lively conversation and didn''t notice Sebastian''s party take a table behind a nearby pir, perfectly positioned to overhear them.


    Matthew watched Natalie eat with genuine delight. Every movement was natural, every word a pleasure to hear.


    "Natalie, I heard you''re the new design director at Q&N Collective. Your talent is truly impressive." He could see a new light of confidence in her. It felt like wherever she went, she was destined to shine.


    Natalie put down her fork and smiled, her brows like crescent moons and her smile like a blossoming flower. "Oh, I was basically thrown into the deep end. The Griffith Group poached our old director."


    "If we''re talking about impressive, you''re the most impressive person I know, Mr. Monroe. You keep shining, and I''ll do my best to keep up and ride your coattails. The moon and stars may flock to you, but so will I."


    Matthew was taken aback. That''s what she thought of him?


    His voice was gentle as he probed, "Natalie, do you really mean that? You think I''m the most impressive?"


    Natalie nodded eagerly. He was the future king of wealth, a man even Sebastian couldn''t beat. And he was a decent person. Of course, he was the most impressive. A rich, self-respecting man was a rare find, and she was sitting right in front of one.


    The ttery poured out of her. "Of course, Mr. Monroe! I''d build a castle in my heart, and you''d be the only one living in it. Looking at your handsome face, I suddenly understand that all the art andndscapes in the world were just a prelude to a masterpiece like you."


    "Haha!” Matthew burst outughing, thoroughly charmed. "Natalie, it''s always so much fun talking to you. How are you so sweet?"


    Natalie grinned. "My words are sweet because my heart is sweet. And my heart is sweet because you''re in it... as a dear friend, of course!"


    Being friends with a tycoon of his stature meant she could ride his wave to sess. How could her heart not be sweet? It was overflowing.


    Matthew''s smile faltered slightly. Thatst part changed the tonepletely.


    Luna just sat there, thinking her boss had no romantic sense whatsoever. For a moment, she had felt lik


    third wheel. Now like the rust f she was at the table.


    Matthew''s smile was a little more restrained "Natalie, their steamed beef and fish are excellent. You should have some more. His sparkled as he watched her


    captivating face.


    "Thank you! I''ve eaten so much already. You should eat too, Mr. Monroe." She turned to Luna. “Luna, you eat up as well."


    "I''m already full, boss. You''ve been talking so much you''ve barely eaten. Hurry


    up."


    In truth, Natalie was full too. She found that she and Matthew had endless things to talk about. Her rtionship with Sebastian had starter in chaos and ended in a messy ision. There was no rea connection, only a toxic bond.


    After finishing thest piece of fish, Natalie said, "I''m full. Let''s head back."


    Matthew found her straightforwardness adorable. He ventured, “Natalie, it''s gettingte. Why don''t I drive you home?"