Matthew and Keith were in the middle of signing the contract when they saw Sebastian''s imposing figure stride into the room. The expressions on all three of their faces shifted.


    Natalie was furious. What was he doing here again? Why did she keep running into himtely? Before the divorce, she had dreamed of himing home, but her dreams had always remained just that.


    Matthew finished signing his name and handed the contract to Keith. "Mr. Jones, it''s signed. A pleasure doing business with you."


    Keith smiled warmly, his voice as gentle as a spring rain. “Thank you for your trust, Mr. Monroe. The pleasure is all mine."


    Joanna and Yvonne, who had followed Sebastian in, were stunned. Matthew was here too? And they were talking about a sessful coboration? Joanna''s face fell. Damn it, Natalie. So, she was here to sign a deal. How could a country bumpkin like her be in a ce like this? Joanna had no idea Natalie was now a fashion designer.


    Sebastian walked over and sat down next to Natalie, his powerful presence filling the space.


    Natalie looked at him and asked, "Mr. Griffith, can I help you?"


    His eyes were cold as they met hers. "No. I was just passing by and saw you, so I came to say hello."


    Natalie was speechless. Just passing by? They were in a private room, not on the street. What a terrible excuse.


    Joanna frowned. Was Sebastian actually trying to be considerate of Natalie''s feelings?


    Natalie spoke again, her tone apologetic but firm. "I''m sorry, Mr. Griffith, but we''re about to have lunch. Please don''t disturb us."


    She was clearly telling him to leave.


    Sebastian''s eyes darkened, and he fought to control his anger. "When are youing home? I''ll pick you up."


    All he wanted was for her toe back. Her hard-to-get act was surprisingly effective. The house felt empty and unbearable without her.


    Natalie nced at Joanna. "Mr. Griffith, didn''t you have Joanna stay to take care of you? I think my presence would just interrupt your little world for two."


    Joanna froze, her lie exposed on the spot.


    "Who said she''s taking care of me?" Sebastian demanded, not understanding why Natalie kept bringing it up.


    Natalie turned her gaze to Joanna,


    noting her evasive eyes.


    "Downstairs, Ms. Scott told me you kept her at the vi to take care of you. She even praised how...


    vigorous you werest night Sounds like you two had quite a time. I wouldn''t want to get in the way. I wish you both a long and happy life together. Now, can you please leave?"


    Sebastian''s icy re shot to Joanna. "Is that what you


    told my


    wife?"


    Joanna was aghast. "Wife? Sebastian, what did you just call her? Wife? Have you forgotten what you did to mest night? How can you call her your wife now? What does that make me?"


    "Joanna, shut your mouth. I was at the office all night. What do you mean you were in my bed?"


    Joanna was stunned. "You... you weren''t at home? You were at the office?"


    Natalie arched an eyebrow at the flustered Joanna. "Have you ever heard the story of the boy who cried wolf Joanna? People might belleve you once or twice, but ten times? I told you the other day that if you provoked me again, I would expose everyst one of your lies."


    Joanna stomped her foot in fury.


    Natalie just smiled sweetly. Annoying Joanna was her new favorite pastime. Unmasking her vicious nature was, after all, her main goal in this new life.


    "Oh, let me guess," Natalie


    continued, her voice dripping with


    sarcasm. You called Sebastian here by telling him what? That I''m


    promiscuous? That I have me fawning all over me? That m constantly seducing men for money?"