In the evening, Natalie was getting ready to attend her grandparents’ wedding anniversary celebration.
The doorbell rang, and when Natalie opened it, she found Ryan standing outside.
"Ms. Natalie, Mr. Harper will be late and will meet you directly at the venue," Ryan informed her, handing over a beautifully designed shopping bag. "This is the gift he chose for Mr. Ford, and he asked that you bring it with you."
Natalie accepted it and asked, "Any idea where he went or when exactly he’ll arrive?"
Ryan shook his head. "He just said he’d be there for sure."
Natalie nodded thoughtfully, and Ryan took his leave.
She peeked inside the bag at the wooden box nestled within. "No need to check—I’m sure it’s something Grandpa will appreciate."
Just then, her phone buzzed with a message.
Justin: Received the gift?
Natalie: Yes, Ryan handed it over.
Justin: Good. I’ll be there on time. In the meantime, stay safe in the wolf’s den.
Natalie: I’m a tigress.
Justin: I know. The bite on my neck is still fresh to remind me of it.
A wave of embarrassment flooded her at the memory, and she quickly typed a reply before setting her phone aside.
Natalie: I’m running late. See you soon.
She exhaled deeply to calm herself, her thoughts drifting. I didn’t even ask or check on the wound on his neck. He still wears high-neck shirts in this weather because of it. I’m such an ungrateful person—not even bothering to check on him after hurting him.
Meanwhile, Justin, who was en route to a secluded meeting place out of the city to meet his lookalike, couldn’t help but chuckle at Natalie’s reply.
She must be embarrassed. I can imagine her red face already.
"Mr. Harper, we’ll reach our destination in about twenty minutes," Noah informed him.
Justin gave a quiet hum as his gaze turned serious. Finally, he was about to uncover the mystery surrounding Natalie’s marriage.
----
Natalie made her way downstairs, ready to leave in the black car that Ryan was driving. As she approached the building’s entrance, she noticed Ryan wasn’t alone.
Another man in a black suit stood nearby. When he noticed her arrival, he turned to face her—it was John.
"Good evening, Ms. Natalie," both men greeted her in unison.
She acknowledged them with a nod, her gaze resting on John. "Didn’t I tell you to rest?"
"I’m fine, Ms. Natalie," he replied politely.
She narrowed her eyes at him, "I’ve spent time in Xyros and have seen plenty of tough men like you."
Her meaning was clear, and John understood. He couldn’t hide anything from her.
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