Sean rubbed his empty stomach and asked with a hopeful smile, "Are we going to dinner now?"


    Sebastian''s gaze followed the retreating figures of Natalie and Marshall. "Yes," he said softly.


    Sean understood immediately. They were going to "run into" Natalie. He sighed. The man didn''t appreciate what he had when it was offered freely, and now look at him. He was the one who had been moring for a divorce, and now he was the one refusing to let go.


    Marshall led Natalie to a well-regarded hot pot restaurant. The moment they stepped inside, the rich, spicy aroma hit them. Natalie chuckled. "We''re going to smell like this for the rest of the night."


    Marshall was a big fan of hot pot; it was a ritual for him and his friends to grab hot pot and beer after a race. "I''ve been here before, it''s pretty good. I booked a private room, so the smell won''t be as strong."


    With his hands in his pockets, his devil-may-care attitude attracted the attention of a group of young women at a nearby table.


    "He''s so handsome! Like a movie star!" one of them squealed.


    Marshall shot them a yful wink, then casually slung an arm around Natalie''s shoulders, a clear signal that he was taken. The girls sighed in disappointment but waved good-naturedly and returned to their meal.


    Natalie found the simple, open honesty of the world outside her usual circles refreshing. Those girls were so bold, unabashedly admiring someone they found attractive. She really needed to get out more.


    Once they were settled in their second-floor private room, Marshall poured Natalie a ss of water. She took an elegant sip before speaking. "Marshall, if Joanna was behind what happened to you, she''ll send people after me tonight. If things get dangerous, save yourself. Don''t worry about me."


    Marshall, who had been pouring himself some water, froze. His charming eyes darkened. "Why wouldn''t I worry about you? Do you really think I''m that kind of person?"


    Natalie''s reply was deadpan. "I''m worried you''ll slow me down."


    Marshall''s hand trembled. So much for his chivalrous intentions. Apparently, he was unworthy.


    Seeing his crestfallen expression, Natalie couldn''t help but smile. “But I have a second n..."


    Sheid out her strategy for him. By the time she finished, Marshall''s hands were shaking


    Could any woman en more


    really be that vicious? He was underestimating just how cruel Joanna could be.


    They enjoyed their dinner without incident. But as they stepped outside a sweet, cloying fragrance filled the air Before Natalie could w?rn him, Marshall''s legs gave out and he copsed.


    "Marshall, are you okay?" Natalie cried, rushing to his side.


    He looked up at her, his body limp. He tried to push himself up but failed. "Natalie... my legs feel like jelly."


    Just then, four men emerged from a room across the hall, their features obscured


    by silicone masks. One of them strode over and kicked Marshall.


    "You little punk. You managed to escapest time, but you won''t be so lucky tonight," the man sneered.


    Marshall''s voice wasced with fury. "Did Joanna send you?"


    The man shook his head. "Don''t know her. Someone''s paying good money for us


    to take care of you two. Now,e with us."


    Marshall''s eyes widened in


    recognition as he saw the masks Storm Union. He looked at Natalie,


    his valce urgent "Natalie they'' from Storm Union Run!"