It was Sebastian and Joanna.


    Joanna was clinging to Sebastian''s arm with an intimacy that, to any outsider, would make them look like the perfect, deeply-in-love couple.


    She shot Natalie a triumphant, provocative smirk.


    "Natalie, you came too," Joanna said, her smile unsettling.


    Natalie rolled her eyes. Joanna knew exactly why she was here. But tonight, she suspected she''d be the one enjoying the show.


    "That''s right, I''m here. And congrattions on finally bing someone''s mistress. Should I bang a gong and announce to everyone how you stole another woman''s husband?"


    "You..." Joanna instinctively let go of Sebastian''s arm.


    Only then did she notice Sebastian''s gaze fixed on Natalie, his eyes filled with sheer astonishment. Natalie was a vision tonight. Her ck gown, held up by diamond straps, made her shine like a star. She was breathtakingly beautiful.


    Where did Natalie get so much money? Joanna wondered. That outfit had to be worth a fortune.


    Sebastian noticed too. It suddenly made sense why she never asked him for money; she clearly didn''t need it.


    “Natalie, are you bullying Joanna again?" Nathan''s furious voice boomed from nearby.


    Natalie turned to see him approaching with Wendy. Wendy looked much thinner, herplexion pale. The drugs must be taking their toll. But looking at Nathan, why did he seem even more haggard than his wife?


    Natalie frowned, studying his face. Something was very wrong. Then she saw it. Ah. Nathan looked utterly drained, the kind of exhaustion thates from debauchery. He probably wouldn''t be capable of any more shameless escapades for a while.


    "How could possibly bully her?" Natalie retorted coolly. "Your daughter is proudly unting her role as a mistress. Aren''t you afraid your shouting will just advertise the family shame?"


    Nathan''s face turned beet red. "You wretched girl! What nonsense are you spouting? Are you trying to ruin Joanna?"


    "If I could ruin her, I suppose that would make me quite powerful indeed."


    Luna stifled augh. Natalie shot her a look. What are youughing at? This woman is a handful; fighting her is exhausting.


    Wendy watched Natalie with a pang of guilt. This was how they had always been, ming Natalie


    without ever listening to her siden et


    Her daughter had endured so much suffering, and it was all her fault. If only she had seen through Nathan''s schemes sooner, her five children wouldn''t be in this mess. After years of loving him, all that remained was hatred.


    "Enough. Let''s just go inside," Sebastian said, his voice t.


    Natalie and Luna walked ahead. She wasn''t going to get into a catfight with Joanna over a man. Making money was her priority. Who needed a cheater anyway?


    Inside the grand ballroom, guests were already mingling. Mr. Wilson, dressed in a custom-tailored suit, stood with his granddaughter, greeting arrivals.


    When he saw Joanna''s family, his face lit up with a grandfatherly smile. "Joanna, my dear! You''re finally here."


    Joanna walked over with Sebastian, beaming. “Mr. Wilson, I hope we didn''t keep you waiting. This is my father and mother, and this is Sebastian Griffith."


    Nathan and Wendy stepped forward to offer their greetings.


    "Mr. Wilson, it is a true honor to meet you, Nathan gushed,


    overjoyed. His daughter really was something special, earning the


    admiration of a man of Mr. Wilson''s stature.


    Mr. Wilson smiled warmly. "Our families were destined to cross paths. In the future, if the Scott family ever needs anything from the Wilsons, don''t hesitate to ask."


    Nathan could barely contain his glee. "Wonderful, wonderful! Thank you, Mr. Wilson, for your kindness to our Joanna."