A proud smile spread across Mr. Sanders Sr.''s face. "See? I didn''t raise you kids for nothing. Every one of you is a business prodigy. You''re all doing so well, but I still haven''t found a new love. Anyway, I''m off to bed. I''ve got to find my soulmate at the morning dance group at the park tomorrow."


    Wayne just shook his head and smiled. His grandfather had been saying that for years and was still single. What a character.


    He stood up and looked out at the deep darkness of the night. He knew that Natalie truly didn''t love Sebastian anymore. But she had loved him for her entire youth. Could she really let him gopletely this time?


    Anyone but Sebastian. Not that ruthless, cold-hearted man. He was born in darkness; he could never bring anyone light.


    ...


    After a hot shower, Natalie looked around her familiar, luxurious room and smiled softly. The feeling of being alive, truly alive, washed over her again.


    Shey down on therge bed, staring up at the ceiling for a while before sitting up and texting Queena.


    [Queena, are youing back tomorrow?]


    Queena replied quickly: [Not tomorrow, Nat. I''m swamped with something. Justnded a huge project.]


    Natalie smiled as she typed: [Got it. Stay safe.]


    Queena: [I will. You too.]


    Natalie set her phone down, pulled the covers over herself, and closed her eyes.


    She slept soundly, without a single dream.


    Ever since she''d returned home, her sleep had been peaceful. It turned out she didn''t need to wait up for Sebastian toe homete at night


    to get a good rest. She Wouldn''t ''t have to run herself tagged and age prematurely like in herst life.  S


    Now, she had plenty of time to work out in the morning, make breakfast with her family, and just enjoy theirpany.


    When your heart is filled with kindness, every day is a good day.


    Feeling refreshed and energized, Natalie went for her morning workout. An hourter, she was back to have breakfast with her grandfather. Afterward, Wayne left for the office, and Mr. Sanders Sr. headed to the park for his daily chess game. Natalie printed out her proposal and left to meet Matthew. She had arranged a lunch meeting to present her partnership n. She called Keith to join her, waiting for him downstairs at the restaurant.


    A couple of minutester, Keith


    arrived. He was strikingly handsome, with themanding presence of a


    CEO, but his features were gentlene


    and his smile was warm and reassuring. He had a high-bridged nose, and his dark hair fell naturally over his forehead, partially obscuring long, narrow eyes. His thick, darkshes curled upwards, giving his otherwise cool, aloof gaze a captivating, almost seductive quality.


    Natalie''s face lit up when she saw him. "Keith! I haven''t seen you in six months. Have you gotten taller?"


    Keithughed, his voice as smooth as jade. "You must be joking, sis. At my age? I''ve just lost some weight."


    Natalie could see it. "Looks like you''ve been working too hardtely. Now that I''m back, I can help share the load."


    Keith met her smiling eyes and teased, "So, you''re really not going back to the Griffith family? Decided to focus on your career for good?" He hoped she had finally seen that Sebastian was no good for her.


    Natalie''s smile was radiant. "Yep, not going back. Come on, let''s go meet Mr. Monroe."


    As they walked in, they spotted Joanna and her good friend, Yvonne Smith, who was also engaged to Jerome Scott.


    Joanna and Yvonne saw Natalie at the same time. Joanna strolled over, a mocking smile on her face. Her eyes swept over the handsome and gentle Keith standing beside Natalie, and a sh of jealousy crossed her face. Natalie always seemed to have men flocking to her.


    "Well, well, Natalie," Joanna sneered. "Yesterday it was Marshall Spencer. Who''s


    this one today?"