Oh, boy.


    She could barely keep a straight face.


    Marshall continued digging his own grave. "Natalie, I''ve had it with that scumbag Sebastian. He ims to be so head-over-heels in love with Joanna, so why won''t he just divorce you?"


    "Is he trying to have his cake and eat it too? Who does he think he is? A pig like him probably has nightmares about himself."


    Natalie was at a loss for words. Wasn''t Marshall the one who had nightmares?


    Sebastian was furious. Why was he being dragged into their conversation for no reason?


    Always one to retaliate, Sebastian snapped, "Marshall, you say one more word, and you can forget about that partnership with the Spencer family."


    "What the hell, Natalie! That idiot is right there with you? Why didn''t you say so? Getting caught talking trash about someone is so embarrassing."


    Natalie wanted to say it had nothing to do with her.


    Marshall quickly said, "Natalie, gotta go. I''ll call you about dinner tonight. And don''t forget what you said about the stocks. You gotta show me the ropes..."


    Before Natalie could refuse, Marshall hung up.


    Sebastian''s face was grim as he warned Natalie, "Stay away from him from now on. He''s not a good person."


    Natalie rolled her eyes. He, Sebastian, was the one who wasn''t a good person. She told him to hurry up and eat; she had to get to the office soon.


    Seeing her in a rush, Sebastian said, "Why don''t youe work at mypany? I can talk to Mr. Jones. Ourpanies have a partnership. As my wife, you could be the director of the design department. We happen to be looking for one right now." “Please. Thest thing I need is to work at yourpany. Things areplicated enough between us. Working there would only make it worse. I like my current job just fine, and I don''t want any interruptions."


    Sebastian didn''t press the issue. Her office was just across the street from his, so it was close. He could see her if he wanted to.


    Sebastian finished a bowl of the


    pork rib stew. It was the taste he had been craving. He smiled. He loved


    was


    this vor. The root vegetable delicious too, soft and tender. He hated it when it was crunchy.


    flicker of déja vu. He had smiled


    De ornam smile, Natalie felt a


    that


    kike


    eret


    when she was taking


    care


    of him in his wheelchair.


    But that was all just wishful thinking.


    During her years with Sebastian, she had been the one to do all the chasing.


    She would meticulously n for every holiday, but Sebastian never gave her efforts a second nce.


    Lost in thought, Natalie''s movements slowed as she drank her soup.


    After finishing his meal, Sebastian had to return to the office. He asked, "Do you


    want to head back to work together?"


    Natalie shook her head. “No, thanks. Luna ising to pick me up."


    Sebastian didn''t insist. "Okay. I''m heading out then.”


    He had an important meeting at two.


    Natalie said, “Okay. You should go."


    Her gaze drifted to his hand. A month had passed; his wound should be healed by


    now.


    Sebastian looked down at her,


    noticing she wasn''t looking up at him. In the past, whenever he left for work, Natalie would walk him to the door and tell him to be careful on the road.


    Back then, he thought she was just putting on an act. Only now did he understand that her sincerity had been real.


    Now that she didn''t want him anymore, there was no need for those affectionate send-offs.


    Sebastian''s eyes darkened, suppressing a possessive urge that was stirring within him. He said again, "I''m going to work."


    Only then did Natalie look up at his cold, handsome face. "Okay. Drive safe."


    As the words left her mouth, Natalie paused. It was a habitual phrase.