Ben was rather annoyed by the fact that Nathalia had always treated him as if he was a nuisance, yet at the same time, he somehow found her cute and lovely. What's wrong with me? He thought.

He decided just to ignore the bodyguards. Looking at Nathalia closely, he asked tentatively, "Nathalia, you seem tired. How have you been lately?"

​​

Nathalia pouted her lips, thinking, I'm sure I've disguised myself pretty well. How can he tell I'm tired? "Don't beat around the bush. What do you want?" she replied icily.

Ben ignored Nathalia's coldness. He heaved a sigh and said, "Like father, like son. A leopard can't change its spots. Spencer has always been a playboy. I hope you are not too upset. I mean, you can get revenge. I'm sure there are plenty of guys that adore you."

Nathalia glared at Ben, cursing him silently, Bastard! Dumbass! How dare he insult my husband!

Ben was a bit frightened by Nathalia's glare. "Why are you looking at me like that?" he asked timidly. There was apparent disdain in her look.

"I've learned that you are dumb and an asshole, but that's not an excuse for you to insult my husband and me." To revenge? Does he see me as a brainless kid? Is he trying to seduce me?

Ben blushed, knowing that Nathalia had seen through him and guessed his thoughts.

"I was only concerned about you." He tried to defend himself.

"Hahaha." Nathalia laughed, which made Ben blush more. "You are kidding me. Someone like you is never concerned about anyone but yourself. I bet you find plenty of pleasure in others' misery."

Nathalia showed him no respect at all. She despised him, and she made sure he understood that.

"I know you must be feeling bad about what happened. It's understandable that you are angry."She's not calm, which is good. The angrier she is, the better. I don't want her to decide on the proposal with a calm mind. Ben thought to himself.

Nathalia felt better after expressing her anger. She stood up, grabbed her bag, and said, "Time's up. Goodbye."She turned around to leave without taking another look at Ben.

Hurriedly, Ben handed a file of documents to Nathalia, "Wait. Here's a project plan. Take a look."

With her arms folded across her chest, Nathalia stood there looking at him without the intention of taking the file.

Ben had to apologize and plead for a while until Nathalia accepted. Every time! She's never changed. So proud and arrogant. And the worst thing is that I have accepted her as she is!

The project plan was about cooperation with a European company in establishing a new company that specialized in real estate. The two companies would co-own the new company, splitting the shares into halves.

The plan was rather unrealistic, stating that they would make a profit of over ten million annually.

Nathalia read it carefully and quietly. Ben watched her and found her attractive. "I disagree," Nathalia said clearly after reading the whole plan.

Startled, Ben asked, "Why?"

Nathalia frowned and said seriously, "They are making the same amount of investment as us, and they want half the shares?"

Ben sat up straight, alert, and said matter-of-factly, "Which is fair. We provide resources, and they are in charge of investing money. They promise constant investment whenever it's needed. We will assign a representative as the president, and they will have someone as the vice-president..."

It sounded like win-win cooperation and a more beneficial plan for the Carters in general. However, investment was the key factor. Once the investment stopped, the company would soon collapse.

"Constant investment?" Nathalia lifted her brow, and a sneer appeared on her face. "Hahaha. Aren't you naïve? Or are you pretending to be? How can you be sure of that? Even if they are capable of investing, can you guarantee that they will not request anything from us in return?"

They would either ask for more shares later on or request the Carters to put money in. The problem was that at the moment, the Carters were only managing to make ends meet.

Ben was impressed that Nathalia could see it through so easily. He had not expected her to know the business so well. "You are overthinking. Of course, we won't allow them to take advantage of..."

Nathalia threw the file on the table and cut him short, "I don't trust you. This plan should not be carried out." It wasn't a question or negotiation. It was a statement, a decision.

Ben was rather annoyed. He couldn't make the decision himself as it involved an investment of a sum too large. The business had been going well recently, and he considered himself to be the one that should take all the credits.

On hearing so, he retorted proudly, "All the other shareholders have approved. This project will only bring profit, great profit, to the company. Why do you disapprove?"

He sounded threatening, yet Nathalia simply shrugged her shoulders and said casually, "Well, do you still need me to sign it then? If they approve, let them sign it then."

Enraged, Ben snapped, "Do you intend to give up your position as the chairman of the BOD?"If it wasn't the damn agreement, the Carters would have been mine, and I could do whatever I want! I am, after all, the biggest shareholder!

The angrier Ben showed, the more pleased Nathalia felt. "Mind you, you are merely a representative. You don't have the actual right..."

"I beg your pardon! Are you threatening me here?" Ben retorted angrily.

Nathalia looked at him as if she was watching a clown in a circus. She mocked, "I'm merely speaking the truth, Mr. Johnson. I suggest you be calm. If you can't even manage your emotions, it's worrying to think about how you manage the Carters."

"Nathalia!" Ben barked. He was furious. "I demand a meeting with the BOD and propose to dismiss you as the chairman." He meant to discourage Nathalia, threatening her, yet to his disappointment, Nathalia responded calmly and casually.

"Why not? You only have the chance once a year though, you'd better be well prepared." Nathalia replied confidently.