Sebastian looked at her, surprised, his voice colder than the wind and snow outside. "Natalie, were you expecting someone else? Who did you want to see standing here? Matthew?"


    Natalie looked at his displeased expression and nodded. "Yes, actually. I was hoping he''de. He''s kind and gentle, and so considerate. Of course, I''d rather he were here."


    Sebastian''s eyes turned icy. "Natalie, you... Hmph! Found yourself a protector in Matthew, have you? You''ve certainly gotten bold."


    But Matthew was in a difficult position himself. The Monroe family was gued by intense internal power struggles. If she continued to be seen with him, any scandal could seriously harm his current standing.


    Natalie didn''t want to listen to his sarcastic remarks. "How did you get in?" she asked.


    She was sure she had locked the door when she came in.


    Sebastian gave her a half-smile. He had her to thank for that; he''d seen the key code and walked right in.


    "Natalie, surely you know that Matthew is caught in a nasty power struggle within the Monroe family? A scandal would make his situation extremely difficult."


    Natalie faltered. She knew that, but when Matthew had asked to see her, she hadn''t thought twice.


    They were friends. She didn''t have romantic feelings for Matthew, only a desire to partner with him professionally.


    She''d have to be more careful about this in the future.


    "There''s nothing going on between us. But people with dirty minds like you see filth everywhere."


    Natalie red at him, then left the study and locked the door behind her.


    "You should leave. I''m going to bed," Natalie said, heading to the adjacent room.


    Sebastian followed her. Thest time he''d stayed over, they had shared a bed, and he''d slept surprisingly well. He had always thought having someone next to him would disrupt his sleep, but with Natalie, he slept better than ever.


    Reaching her room, Natalie tried to shut the door, but Sebastian was blocking it. She snapped, "Mr. Griffith, we are in the process of getting a divorce. Please keep your distance."


    She tried to close it again.


    Sebastian forcefully blocked her, his gaze heavy. She was getting bolder.


    She used to wish he woulde home every day; now, she just wanted him gone.


    The contrast was a bitter pill for Sebastian to swallow.


    Furious, he pushed his way in,


    wrapping his arms tightly around her


    waist. With a swit


    movement he


    pinned her against the wall and


    kicked the door shut.


    Natalie''s eyes widened in rm. "Sebastian, what are you doing? Let me go! I told


    you not to touch me. I hate it when you touch me."


    He''d been all over Joanna. The thought of it disgusted her.


    Sebastian looked at her terrified expression, her wide eyes like a frightened deer, filled with anxiety.


    Sebastian suddenly found this version of Natalie incredibly endearing.


    "Natalie," he murmured, tilting his head to look at her anxious face. He said her name softly.


    Tense and agitated, Natalie struggled. "Sebastian, let me go! Let me go right now!"


    But the difference in their strength


    was immense. Her struggles were like a mayfly trying to shake a tree; Sebastian didn''t budge, his arms like won bands around her.


    Sebastian lowered his head and gently bit her lip.


    Natalie froze.


    Tears immediately welled up and streamed down her face.


    She truly, deeply hated Sebastian.


    She had left to give him and Joanna their happiness, so why was he still tormenting


    her?


    Seeing her tears, Sebastian''s brow


    furrowed, his deep eyes c Drow


    yel


    with anger. "Natalie, I''m your husband. Is this how you''re going to treat me