Nathalia said supportively with a smile, "I used to be even shyer than Sophie." And she looked at Sophie encouragingly. "I am very happy that you two came with me tonight."

She had made an obvious statement to the crowd that Lisa and Sophie were under her protection, and everyone should respect them.

​​

The crowd responded approvingly. They still remembered clearly how Nathalia defeated the Carters, how she exposed the ugly secrets of her step-mother, and how she had suffered and fought to earn what she had today. They showed her unquestionable respect.

"It's a pleasure to meet you both, Mrs. Lisa Watson and Miss Sophie Watson."

"When I was younger, I was even worse. No worries. Miss Sophie Watson, just enjoy yourself."

"Right. And you look lovely tonight. The pink dress suits you perfectly."

"I love the dress on you, too, Mrs. Lisa Watson. You have great taste. No wonder The Trend is so successful."

She walked into the crowd with Sophie and Lisa by her side and soon started mingling with some important guests.

Ben led Katie toward Nathalia. "Nathalia, I was just worrying that you might miss the party tonight and the guests would miss your wonderful speech. That would be such a waste of my hard work for preparing this party." Ben said clearly so people around could also hear him well.

People knew that there had been some conflicts between Nathalia and Ben, but they were rather shocked that Ben would speak so boldly.

Sophie and Lisa were surprised too. They exchanged a look worriedly. However, Nathalia reacted calmly as usual.

A waiter was just walking by, and she picked up a juice from the tray. With a confident smile, she said, "I've said that I would attend, so I do. I'm a person who keeps their word, unlike someone who doesn't and doubts me."

The crowd was very impressed by her comeback. She's a witty one indeed.

A lady couldn't help laughing and commented, "Very well said, Mrs. Nathalia Davidson. I've always enjoyed your witticism."

Katie bit her lips thoughtfully, then smiled and said, "Mrs. Nathalia Davidson, you have arrived quite late, though. Don't you think you owe everyone an apology?" She changed the subject cleverly and saved Ben from feeling embarrassed. Ben looked at her gratefully.

Nathalia now noticed the girl standing next to Ben and found her very familiar looking. Nicolas' daughter? Huh. That's strange. She doesn't seem to like me at all. I wonder why. She couldn't think of a reason, but she looked away from Katie and to the crowd and said sincerely, "Apology to everyone." She raised her glass. "Here's to you, and I hope you have a great time tonight."

They were expecting that Nathalia would be annoyed by Katie, but she acted so gracefully and generously.

Just as Nathalia was about to drink the juice, Katie said boldly, "Juice? Really? That's not very sincere, is it?"

Nathalia was taken aback and looked at Katie thoughtfully. Yep, she doesn't like me at all. What have I done, and when have I upset her, though? I have no idea.

Worried, Nicolas told his daughter off instantly. "Katie, be respectful." He snapped.

Nicolas had known Nathalia well enough to know that she was not someone to displease at all.

Katie pouted her lips, feeling unjust. "Why? Dad, I didn't say anything, disrespectful. If she is really sorry, she should show a bit of sincerity. She's the one being disrespectful to everyone."

The crowd was shocked, and some even gasped at her daring comment. Yet, Nathalia was still as calm as usual. She looked at Katie and Nicolas, then glanced around the crowd and said, "I'm allergic to alcohol. But be it juice or wine, it's the thought that counts, right?"

Lisa heaved a sigh of relief, and only then did she realize that she had been so worried. Nathalia is a clever girl. She knows what to say and how to deal with tricky situations. I need not worry much.

Most people had seen how Nathalia behaved impulsively, and she would normally retort, but this time, she was so amiable and graceful that the crowd even felt flattered.

"Of course, it's the thought that counts." The crowd said approvingly.

"We are just glad that you are here tonight, really. It's alright to be a bit late."

"Exactly."

Nicolas reacted quickly and raised his glass to Nathalia, "Here's to Mrs. Nathalia Davidson. Thanks for your wonderful contribution to the Carter Company and your excellent work. Cheers." He said cheerfully with a grin, hoping to make it up for his daughter.

All the shareholders raised their glasses and said courteously, "To Mrs. Nathalia Davidson!"

The crowd could see that Nathalia was obviously the one in charge of the company, and Ben was just a puppet. It was Nathalia that they obeyed and honored.

Nathalia smiled gracefully and had a sip of the juice. Everyone was soon chatting cheerfully again, except Ben. He cursed silently, feeling extremely unfair, as he stared at Nathalia angrily. Contribution? Excellent work? What has she done for the company? Nothing! I'm the one that's been doing all the work! One day, they will all know that I am the boss!

Nathalia felt like someone was looking at her, and he turned to see Ben's angry stare. "Mr. Johnson, you don't look well. Are you alright?" she asked as if she was concerned.

Ben was even more furious. You know exactly why I'm angry! However, with everyone watching, he had to pretend to be cool. "I'm alright. Thanks for your concern." He said dryly.

"No problem, but you do look dreadful. I hope you are not working too hard and you are taking good care of yourself. We don't want to see you end up in the hospital, do we?" Nathalia pretended to be concerned and turned to ask the shareholders.

"No, we don't. You are so kind and caring, especially to your staff, Mrs. Nathalia Davidson." The shareholders answered cooperatively, and cleverly implied that Nathalia was the real boss, which wasn't wrong.

Though Ben was managing pretty much everything in the company, significant decisions could not be made without Nathalia's consent. It was Ben that refused to accept the truth.

These assholes! How dare they! Even in public! They haven't been very respectful to me in the company, and on such an important occasion, they don't give a shit about me!

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Dearest Lovies,

It's mass release day! As I promised earlier, I will try my best to often give a mass release every Friday to accumulate the privileged purchase benefit. I am reading all your comments mostly those upset ones. One thing I can promise, this couple with have a happy ending with their children!

So just relax and enjoy the ride! Keep on voting and help me reach to top ten ranks. Keep on commenting and reviewing if you have time. Thank you also for all the generous gifts you guys given to this novel.

Spread love and positivity! Stay safe wherever you are!

Love lots,

Anna Shannel Lin