Keith gazed at her stunning face, her eyes filled with playful disappointment, and chuckled. "It's fine. We're not short on cash. As long as you're having fun. You didn't win, but you're definitely in high spirits."

She had spent the entire night laughing and joking, practically giving her money away to them.

Natalie's voice was muffled as she looked at him. "Keith, do I look happy to you? Why can't I ever win? Queena told me I don't have any gambling luck, only business luck."

The other four stared at her in silence.

Wasn't that just a blatant flex?

Keith burst into laughter. "You just wanted an excuse to say that last part, didn't you?"

Under the soft lighting, Keith looked sharp and elegant. Despite his years in the corporate world, his eyes remained clear and his smile genuine.

Natalie suddenly realized how much Keith had grown. He was a capable, commanding presence now.

She wasn't just bragging. "Keith, Tyler, Ethan. We grew up together. We watched each other grow. I never really noticed it before, but tonight, it really hit me. We're all adults now."

"Back then, you all had such big dreams. Keith, you always wanted to be a CEO, and you actually did it."

"Tyler, you wanted to be a cop. Why didn't you pursue that?"

She turned to Ethan. "And Ethan, you wanted to be a designer. When I left, you guys should have gone abroad to study instead of staying in the shadows to protect me. I've told you countless times to chase your dreams. I've always wanted to ask— why didn't you go abroad?"

Tyler smiled warmly. "I wanted to be a cop to protect people. Technically, I am fulfilling that dream. I'm not just your bodyguard; I work in security and protection."

Ethan offered a wry smile. "Your focus was entirely on Sebastian these past three years, so you didn't notice our progress. We actually did achieve our goals. We only came back because you needed us."

Natalie was stunned, followed by a wave of immense relief. She patted her chest with a bright smile. "Thank God I didn't hold you back. Knowing you all made your dreams come true helps me sleep at night.

goodnight

everyone!"

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She stood up cheerfully, but Luna quickly chimed in. "Natty, it's two minutes to midnight! Aren't you going to ring in the New Year with us?"

"Oh!" Natalie laughed softly. "Luna, look at me, I completely forgot. I was playing poker just to stay awake for the countdown. Come on, let's go set off the fireworks and welcome the New Year together."

As Natalie stood there, her eyes glistened with unshed tears.

But her smile was radiant. With her bright eyes and luminous skin, she looked absolutely breathtaking in that moment.

The four of them watched her, their own eyes growing misty.

They knew she had stayed up playing cards just to check in on their futures and dreams.

If they had sacrificed their ambitions for her, she would have carried that guilt forever.

Even though they were orphans taken in by Ceryn Corp., Natalie always wanted them to live their own lives.

Keith and Tyler hurried outside to set up the fireworks.

Luna grabbed a heavy coat for Natalie, wrapping it around her before she hobbled outside.

The world was a frozen wonderland, blanketed in pristine white snow.

In the distance, the brilliant explosions of fireworks began to light up the night sky.