Natalie sat down next to Wayne, looping her arm through his. "He just wanted me to cook dinner for him. I made it, and then I left. If something like this happens again, don''t worry. He might be tough, but I''m not a pushover anymore. For the sake of peace, I won''t burn that bridge just yet."


    When she thought about it, Sebastian''s cruelty toward her had always been fueled by Joanna''s maniptions and his ownck of love for her. The image of him gentlyforting Joanna shed in her mind, and her heart gave a painful squeeze. But she quickly pushed it away. A smart woman knows when to bend and when to break. Until she was strong enough, a head-on collision with Sebastian was out of the question.


    This time, she would use her intelligence to get everything she wanted. All the resources Joanna had in her past life-Natalie would take them all for herself.


    In her previous life, she had lost everyone for Sebastian. In this life, she could once again feel the protective warmth of her grandfather and three brothers. It was a wonderful feeling, being cherished.


    Wayne''s brow was still furrowed, his handsome face clouded with worry. "Natalie, if he dares to force you again, the four of us will stand together. You think we can''t take on Sebastian?" He couldn''t bear to see her hurt again.


    Natalie smiled, twirling a strand of her hair. "There''s no need for an all-out war. We have other ways. We don''t have to reveal our identities yet. From what I know, Joanna has someone else backing her-someone with ambitions to swallow up all the elite families in the city. If we expose ourselves now, we''ll be their primary target."


    "We have to be patient and wait for the right moment."


    This time, she would protect her three brothers and her grandfather. She wouldn''t let them suffer the same miserable, tragic fates as before. They had loved her unconditionally, yet in her past life, she had been so blind, abandoning them for the Scotts. In the end, her death had been their greatest sorrow.


    Wayne''s expression softened into a fond smile. "Alright, we''ll do it your way. Go on up and get some rest. Queena isn''ting back tonight either."


    "Okay. You two should get some sleep as well." She was exhausted.


    As she walked upstairs, Natalie couldn''t help but think of her past life. Only Wayne had been willing to try and cheer her up when she was heartbroken. When she was upset, he would buy her gifts. No matter how much she took her anger out on him, he never got mad, only patientlyforting and advising her.


    With the lessons of her past, she knew she could only truly trust Queena, her grandfather, and her three brothers. Everyone else had to be watched with caution. Her fast life was exhausting; this one she was determined to live happily.


    Wayne and Mr. Sanders Sr. watched her go. Mr. Sanders Sr. frowned. "That girl... she really makes me worry. You three brothers need to work hard, make money, and protect your sister."


    Wayne chuckled. "Don''t worry, Grandpa. We''re prepared. We won''t let anything happen to Natalie."


    Mr. Sanders Sr. sighed. "She has such a kind heart. I''m just afraid her kindness will be taken for weakness. It''s fine to be kind, but you must have thorns to protect yourself."


    Wayne understood his grandfather''s concern, a flicker of pain in his eyes.


    Besides, you know what she''s capable of. The three of us are practically useless in front ofher. I heard shepletely shook up thepany today and is about to sign a contract with the Monroe family."


    "I''ll take good care of he ne