Though she wasn't an ambitious person, she understood that many hopes and lives were dependent on Carter's Company, and she didn't want the company just to go bankrupt.

Now her whole plan had been ruined, and no wonder she was frustrated.

​​

"Don't worry. I will get someone to find out." Spencer comforted. Just then, his phone rang as well. He pulled over and answered the call.

"What? Frank Carter has gone missing?"

On hearing so, Nathalia sat up straight, stared at Spencer in disbelief. One strange incident after another. What's happening? It must be connected. Nathalia wondered.

On the other side of the phone, the bodyguard said timidly, "Yes. I've been following him closely, then he went into the bathroom in a department store, and I lost him."

Spencer demanded furiously, "Keep looking. Find him!"

After he hung up, he turned to Nathalia and assured her, "My man lost him, but don't worry. We will find him." Spencer had had a bodyguard follow and watch Frank just in case he would do something harmful to Nathalia. It was strange timing that he escaped now.

Nathalia had mixed feelings about the whole incident.

It was expected that Frank had come to an end with no hope of coming back to his feet. It was a chapter closed.

Spencer put an arm around Nathalia's shoulder and drew her close. She rested her head on his shoulder. "Don't worry about it, babe. They have got their punishment. They've lost fame, power, money, everything."

In his embrace, Nathalia found comfort. "Am I too cruel?" She asked uncertainly. He stroked her hair gently and said softly, "Don't be silly, babe. You've done nothing wrong. And what's most important is that you've still kept your innocence."

"You always know what to say." Nathalia felt much better hearing Spencer's reassurance. Yet somehow, she couldn't help feeling a sense of emptiness. She had succeeded in revenge, and she was supposed to feel delighted, but instead, she felt lost, like in a pit of bottomless loneliness.

She felt so alone, with no parents, no siblings. She didn't have a home.

And Spencer could feel the suffering she was feeling. "Nathalia, will you marry me?" He had wanted to ask her, and now it just came out naturally.

Nathalia sat up straight, gazed at him, and said, "Huh? Pardon?"

He smiled at her surprised and silly look and said gently and sincerely, "Let's get married after your twentieth birthday. We will have the best wedding and invite the whole world to witness our love.

His heart ached as he felt her loneliness. She's carrying too much on her, alone. I wish I could share the weight she carries.

He understood that she was proud, and she would insist on depending on herself. To be her partner, her family, is the only way to have her accept me completely, and I will be able to share her joy and pain, through thick and thin.

"I...I need to think about it." Nathalia's heart was racing fast as thoughts knocked at the door of her mind, and emotions filled her heart.

Spencer felt a sense of disappointment. He reasoned, "You have revenge, and you can start a new life now. After we get married, you can still follow your dreams, pursue what you love, and have my 100% support."

They were words of sincerity and love.

Tears filled Nathalia's eyes as she listened, and she knew he meant every word he said, but she couldn't say yes to him yet. "It's so sudden, I..."

Spencer found it difficult to guess what was in Nathalia's mind. Perhaps she's thinking I'm too old for her, or she's still too young? Spencer wondered and lost his usual confidence.

"Nathalia, I love you. Do you love me?" He asked bravely.

Looking at Spencer into his eyes, Nathalia nodded and said without hesitation, "I do." She had always been true to her feelings, love, or hate. She never pretended.

Spencer heaved a sigh of relief. Now feeling assured, he said with a smile, "So, why don't we get married now that we love each other? My mum has accepted you, and my dad doesn't have a say anyway. There's nothing in our way now. Marry me, will you?"

Nathalia felt touched and worried. There was as much pain as joy. She pondered for a while and finally said, "As I said before, let's wait till after my birthday. Very soon. Can you please wait?" She gave him an assuring smile.

Though a bit disappointed and confused, Spencer felt hope and excitement. "Aren't you a cheeky one? You are making me wait and suffer, aren't you?" He teased. He was willing to wait, however long it would take.

As time went by, Mrs. Davidson had grown more outgoing and happier. She enjoyed going out and shopping. Very often, she would go out in the morning with the company of a bodyguard and come home in the evening with bags of shopping.

Spencer was relieved and pleased to see how his mother had changed.

Nathalia had just got home when the bell rang. It was Mrs. Davidson, looking bright and cheerful. "Nathalia, go get changed. Spencer is taking us out for dinner." She said with a grin.

Nathalia found her childlike and carefree spirit rather likable. She's enjoying a simple life with no worries, like an innocent girl with everything she wants and needs.

"Why? Something special about today?" A bit surprised, Nathalia asked. He didn't mention anything before.

Mrs. Davidson rolled her eyes impatiently and said, "Every day is special. Are you coming or not?"

Nathalia gave Spencer a quick call to confirm. The secretary answered, saying he was in a meeting, but dinner was on.

Nathalia got changed, put her hair down, and dressed herself up, while Mrs. Davidson stood behind her, hurrying, "You are so slow. Come on, hurry up."

Just like a spoiled little kid. Nathalia thought but didn't find her annoying at all.

The well-dressed, rather delicate-looking lady smiled back at the young girl, "Oh, Amy, you are such a sweet girl."

Nathalia then recognized the face, and instantly, she stepped forward and stood between Mrs. Davidson and Nancy so that they wouldn't see each other. What the hell is she doing here? Shit. I can't let them see each other.