Natalie smiled, a genuine, unburdened expression of pure joy.

She was finally having the New Year she always wanted.

Her grandfather and her three brothers weren't here, but she was still deeply happy.

Keith and Tyler finished setting up the massive firework display. Luna jumped up and down excitedly. "Hurry, hurry! Thirty seconds left, light it up!"

Keith pulled out his lighter and ignited the fuse.

Boom!

The massive fireworks shot into the sky, shaking the ground with a deafening roar.

The thunderous blasts shattered the stillness of the winter night.

Brilliant streaks of fire soared upward, illuminating the darkness with blinding color.

Each explosion bloomed like a radiant star, showering the sky in a breathtaking display.

Natalie looked up, her face glowing in the colorful light. It was stunning.

"So beautiful," she whispered.

Standing a few feet away, Keith pulled out his phone and snapped a picture of Natalie's radiant, smiling face.

He hadn't seen her look this genuinely happy in a very long time.

"Wow, it's gorgeous!" Luna yelled at the top of her lungs. "Happy New Year to our old friends far away!"

Natalie chuckled, pulled from her thoughts by the young girl's shout.

Who was the old friend? Sean?

Taking a deep breath, an image of Sebastian's handsome face crossed her mind, and she smiled softly. Sebastian, happy New Year in this life, too.

Once the show was over, Natalie ushered them all back inside and handed out the red envelopes she had prepared in advance.

Looking at the four of them, she smiled warmly. "I won't play favorites. This year, each of you gets a check for 1.8 million dollars. Once the banks open, go cash them."

"Whoa!" Keith was ecstatic. She had already bumped his salary by ten million, and now a massive bonus? This was the best New Year ever.

Tyler and Ethan were equally thrilled.

Natalie turned to Luna. "Luna, Cedric and Donna are coming back from studying abroad soon. Their bonuses are the same. I'll let you transfer it to them."

Luna nodded eagerly. "Got it! I'll send it right now."

"I'm so happy today. Everyone, go get some rest."

Natalie practically hummed as she made her way upstairs.

The four of them watched her go, their hearts full of deep gratitude.

...

Meanwhile, in an upscale apartment.

Sean stood by, watching Sebastian sit motionless in his wheelchair.

Sebastian's intense Whine

on his phone, looking at a picture Natalie smiling brightly.

She looked so happy tonight.

But Sean was definitely not happy.

He grumbled in annoyance, "Boss, I've literally risked my life for you, and you don't even give me a New Year's bonus?"

Sebastian finally dragged his

attention away from the screen.

already prepared a ten-million-dollar

check for you. You've worked hard

lately. When you get

When you get married, give

you another gift."

Sean froze.

His handsome face shifted into sheer disbelief. Did he hear that right? Ten million?

He had just been jealous of Luna and the others, but now he was the envy of them

all.

"Hehe..." Sean grinned from ear to ear. Ever since Sebastian learned the truth about Joanna, he had been much easier to deal with.

This was how it should be. A harmonious working environment.

"Thank you, Boss!" Sean practically vibrated with excitement. Hard work paid off, and he loved this kind of payoff.

He noticed Sebastian remained perfectly still. Natalie had already gone into her bedroom, where there were no cameras, yet Sebastian

tear his eyes away from the screen. Feeling mischievous, Sean deliberately asked, "By the way, Boss, what did you get your wife for the New Year?"