They had thought that it would be a great show about Matt taking over, but to their surprise, Nathalia didn't utter a word or make a move. She just left the country and let Matt take everything.

They couldn't help wondering what Nathalia was thinking.

​​

Sophie frowned at the questions and retorted, "Nonsense. Nathalia is..." However, Lisa squeezed Sophie's hand gently and interrupted promptly, "Nathalia has gone abroad for a break. She wants some quiet time for herself. We don't know where she is as we have also been away. But I trust that Mr. Matt Davidson can understand and will take good care of everything."

The journalists looked at each other, unconvinced. "Does her absence at the press conference imply that she disagrees with Mr. Matt Davidson taking over the company?"

Sophie was enraged, but she dared not retort.

"Well, neither Mr. Curt Davidson nor Mrs. Sue Davidson is at the meeting, but it doesn't mean they disagree. But anyway, I know too little to comment, and I wouldn't want to either." Lisa said calmly and clearly. She had learned a great deal on how to deal with the journalists.

However, they were not to give up so easily. "Do you really not know where Mrs. Nathalia Davidson is?"

"No, we don't. I'm sorry." Lisa said patiently with an apologetic look.

"And where have you two just returned from then?" they pursued.

Lisa kept her patience and said politely, "Sophie is going to study abroad soon. I have just taken my annual holiday, and we went to check on some universities abroad."

They seemed to be convinced by Lisa's answer this time. Though they had asked a few more questions, they couldn't get any information about the Davidsons at all.

Lisa spotted the driver and excused herself. The paparazzi finally gave up and let them go.

As soon as they got in the car, Sophie pouted her lips and said, "Mum, why were you so nice to them?! They are such annoying people! The questions they asked were ridiculous!" I hate them. She sulked.

Lisa frowned. When will my daughter grow up if she ever will?

"Sophie, you need to learn to control your emotions. No one can protect you forever. Why cause conflict when it's unnecessary? And what good would it do to you?" She said gently yet seriously, then quietly she added, "Anything can happen. Anything can change. Think about Nathalia."

Sophie turned away and looked out of the window. She nodded without a word. Her heart felt heavy.

As soon as Sophie got home, she showered and went to bed, exhausted from the journey. Lisa, though, had to go back to the company and worked till late. When she got home, she was surprised to see Matt standing outside their house under the street light. He had a cigarette in his hand.

"Lisa, how are you?" He said gently and politely. He looked very different from the confident and serious face she saw on the screen earlier.

"Is there anything I can help you with?" Lisa said plainly, with no affection. Matt sensed that Lisa didn't like him long ago and didn't know why. But he didn't let it bother him. Eagerly he asked, "How's Sophie? I haven't seen her for a while and would like to visit her."

Now Lisa looked displeased. "Mr. Matt Davidson, you are a busy man. We don't want to waste your precious time. Just be direct, please. Don't beat around the bush." She said sternly. She didn't have the intention to invite him in at all but stood there looking at him coldly.

Matt frowned, confused. "Is there some misunderstanding between us?" he asked genuinely. He was, after all, the owner of the Davidson Group now and had no doubt acquired a sense of pride. Now everyone looked up to him; everyone was courteous to him. And, of course, he didn't like Lisa's attitude.

Lisa didn't care about the new identity Matt processed now. It was none of her business. She didn't invite him over. Coldly and clearly, she answered, "No. I just don't like people pretending to care about my daughter, but it is actually after something else. My daughter is very innocent. Please leave her alone." Lisa knew every well that it was Nathalia that Matt was after. He couldn't get in touch with Nathalia, so he had come to ask Sophie.

Lisa didn't like it at all. In fact, she despised him.

Being caught unexpectedly, Matt didn't know how to respond. "I, err, I just..." he muttered.

Lisa said angrily, "Be a man! An honest man! Be real, be true, or I shall always despise you. Whatever you are after, as long as you don't hurt my daughter and Nathalia, I don't care."

Matt felt very awkward, but he had to ask. He couldn't help himself. "How is she?" He said sheepishly. He didn't expect Nathalia to leave without telling him and he couldn't find any news about her. Also, he had been too busy at work.

Lisa narrowed her eyes and thought he's probably not as innocent as he has appeared to be.

"Nathalia is good. Thanks for asking, but please don't come to Sophie or me to ask such questions again. If Nathalia wants to contact you, she will. And if she doesn't then, please don't bother her. She and the baby would like some peace." Lisa replied objectively.

Matt somehow felt insulted and annoyed. "What do you mean? When do I ever bother her or the baby?" He retorted angrily, which startled Lisa.

It's good that Nathalia didn't tell him where she is. Lisa thought. It's better that she stays away from him.

Lisa tried not to show her anger, and she said patiently, "I didn't mean that. Anyway, you must be very busy with work, and this is what you should focus on, the Davidson Group. I'm sure your father has high expectations of you." A man like Matt, who had now got great power and wealth, could do whatever he wanted. Now that he had climbed up the ladder of social status, his attitude towards life and people would surely change.