To her disappointment again, Spencer didn't even take a glance at her but sat straight down next to Nathalia. He took her coffee and had a few sips casually.

A content smile on his face, he added, "Steve, why do you waste your time talking to her?"

​​

"True. Thanks for reminding me." Steve answered.

Nathalia gazed at Spencer, confused and amazed by how naturally he was acting. When they said goodbye last time, she thought they would not speak to each other again. Now he was here, and he acted as if nothing had happened before. He just walked in, sat next to her, drank her coffee, as if this was how it was supposed to be.

How did he manage to do so?

Steve smiled cheekily at Sophie and sat down next to her. He noticed the big cake on the table and wondered if they ordered a whole cake for themselves?! What are they?

It was obvious that the two handsome faces were on Nathalia's side. Evette couldn't understand why. "Steve, you once flirted with me...�� she said helplessly. It was the only thing she could bring up, the one thing that she was proud of and had bragged about a lot.

Steve was taken aback at first, then remembered the dramatic party when he first met Nathalia. Amongst all the beautiful, elegant girls, he only remembered one girl that stood out, that ignored the charm of his friend, Spencer completely.

He recalled how Nathalia had impressed them the first time and smiled. Then he replied, "Ah, that was just for fun. There are plenty of girls like you. I can have as many as I want."

"Steve! Why?" Evette could feel her head pounding, anger exploding, and she screamed, "Why are you helping her? Why?"

"She's an angel, and you are a piece of shit." Steve lifted his eyebrows and said it casually as if it was an obvious fact.

It sent Evette dashing out of the door, sobbing.

Spencer didn't say anything but watched Nathalia quietly. Nathalia had her head down. She looked confused or in deep thoughts.

Steve was just being Steve, occupying himself with food and drinks. The tension was gradually growing. Sophie looked at Nathalia, then Spencer, then Steve, but didn't know what to say or how to bring some warmth into the somehow awkward zone.

Though with her head down, Nathalia could feel those eyes looking at herself. Why are you staring at me?

She knitted her brows, and after a while, she finally stood up and said to Sophie, "We shall go."

"Nathalia, can I have a birthday present from you, please?" Spencer said uncertainty.

Surprised, Nathalia looked at him and saw the sadness between his eyebrows. "Present?"

Steve let out a sigh silently, but smiled a bright smile and said, "It's Spencer's birthday soon! You have to come to the party, and of course a present will be great..."

It was not how Steve would normally behave, but for his friend, he told himself to comprise this time. These two are just torturing each other, and us!

"I don��t have time," Nathalia said straight away, without a hint of hesitation. Party? We are not lovers or friends. Why am I going to your party? What am I to you?

Spencer bit his lower lip slightly, the expectation in his eyes, "Come over and cook me something? Please?" That was what he asked, simple.

Nathalia refused, "No." She ignored the pain in her heart and gave him the coldest answer.

The word "No" echoed in her head, and his. Nathalia grabbed Sophie's arm and walked out of the door quickly.

To stay away from him, far far away, that was what she could at least do.

Spencer sat silently, sadness on his face. She hasn't changed. Always running away. Always rejecting.

Steve watched the couple and sighed at Spencer, "Go. Chase her."

Just a girl. Why is he so obsessed about her? For her, he's done so much, but he's never told her. Just can't understand him anymore. Is this what they call love? If love hurts so much, I would rather not love it.

Spencer forced a smile and said, "And then what?" She's determined. Once she's decided about something, she won't change her mind. Her pride can't be hurt.

Steve looked at Spencer, not sure what to say. "She's a bit too cruel, isn't she?" He was actually more worried about Spencer, how he had changed from the carefree pleasure-seeker to now a sick lover.

Spencer glared at Steve and snapped, "Don't you talk about her like that! Or you don't talk to me anymore."

Steve rolled his eyes indifferently. What the heck! She doesn't even want to see him, and he's protecting her like she's the princess or something. Has she cast a spell on him? I give up.

They had been friends for over two decades, and this was the first time Steve realized that Spencer loved and cared a lot.

"Spencer..." Evette had been waiting outside the café. It took a lot of luck to meet the guy she admired, and she would, of course, get the best out of every opportunity.

However, before she came closer, Spencer stood up instantly and walked past her without taking a look at her, out of the door.

Evette was about to run after him but stopped by the bodyguard. Frustrated and enraged, she yelled, "Spencer, wait, wait for me."

Steve rarely liked to get involved, but he just couldn't stand Evette so much that he couldn't help leaving a comment or two, "Hey, why don't you take a look at yourself in the mirror first?! You think you are someone that deserves Spencer's attention?"

"Steve! You..." Evette snapped furiously. "Why do you have to be so mean to me? Is it because I refused you the first time, and you are now..."

Steve rolled his eyes again, sighed, "You are truly stupid. No wonder Spencer said it's a waste of time speaking to you."

Outside the courthouse, the reporters and journalists had gathered and been waiting impatiently.

"Here, they are!" A reporter spotted the fancy Bingley pulling over and shouted. Ann, Evette, and Zack stepped out of the car, and all dressed in black as if they were going to a funeral, looking sad, stern and solemn.

"Mrs. Carter, is there anything you would like to tell the public? How do you feel? What are your thoughts?"

"Do you think you will win the case?"

Zack glared at the questioner and snapped, "We will. For sure!"

Ann looked even sterner and threw Zack a warning look. Zack saw it and kept his mouth shut.

I wish he could learn, but he's my only son. What can I do? I've told him so many times to stay calm. However, Evette is much smarter. She's learned a lot.

"The law is just. People will get the punishment they deserve." Ann said seriously.

Though she did not mention a name, everyone knew what and whom she meant.

"Here comes Nathalia Carter." Someone exclaimed. Nathalia walked out of her second-hand car, in a sky blue dress, her hair tied up in a bun, looking refreshed and confident.