Forget it. Even Sean didn't believe his own pep talk.

How could Natalie ever believe it?

Sigh.

"Boss, just take care of yourself. When you see her, apologize properly and do whatever it takes to make it right. You guys will definitely find your way back to each other."

Sebastian's tone was incredibly hollow. "We'll see."

Natalie hadn't even forgiven Wendy's family. She certainly wasn't going to forgive him. But even if she hated him forever, he only wanted her to be safe and happy.

He was willing to stay single for the rest of his life, guarding her from the shadows. Thinking of Natalie's radiant smile, Sebastian vowed to himself that he would never let a trace of sorrow touch her face again.

...

New Year's Day.

Natalie's bank account was practically overflowing.

Noah: Ten million dollars.

Jared: Ten million dollars.

Colin: Thirty million dollars.

Attached note: [Natalie, this covers the three years you missed.]

Natalie beamed at the screen, her heart swelling with warmth. "Aww, Colin is the best!"

She was ecstatic. This was the perfect start to a prosperous new year.

"Happy New Year! Bring in the wealth, bring in the treasure..." she hummed happily as she hopped down the stairs, her slight limp making the movement endearingly clumsy.

Standing on the landing, she

shouted into the house, "Luna! We're

feasting today! Call the premium

grocers they deliver all year round.

Tell them to bring a fresh bluefin tuna, a premium roast, and half dozen lobsters for a massive feast."

"Throw in an endless supply of shellfish and fresh catches. We're eating like royalty this morning. It's New Year's Day, the sun is shining, and the vibes are immaculate. It's a sign of good luck!"

Luna giggled. "Yes, yes! I'll have Keith make the call right now."

"Hehe," Natalie skipped back to her room, settling into bed to binge-watch her shows.

Shortly after, Grandpa transferred her ten million dollars, and both Mrs. Griffith Sr. and Mr. Griffith Sr. sent her massive red envelopes, all in the tens of millions.

As she was relaxing on her bed, a notification popped up from Sebastian's mother. Natalie froze in absolute shock.

She had finally resurfaced.

Mrs. Griffith: [Natalie, Happy New Year! Here's a little red envelope from Mom.] Natalie dialed her number immediately, her heart pounding.

"Hello, Natalie."

"Um... Mom, are you okay?" Natalie hesitated before calling her Mom. It was the holidays, and she didn't want to cause any unnecessary tension.

They hadn't spent much time together, but Natalie always knew she was an incredibly devoted mother.

"The fact that you're still willing to call me Mom tells me you know the truth, don't you?"

"Is that why you reached out?" Natalie asked quietly.

"There are too many dark secrets buried here going all the way back to your grandfather's generation," Mrs. Griffith sighed. "Sebastian was completely blinded by Joanna for years, but he's finally woken up. You're the one who made that happen. If you want to know the whole truth, meet me at the address"

I send you on the eighth day of the

New Year. I'll tell you exactly why I had to disappear."

Natalie always knew she had a compelling reason for vanishing. Before leaving, Mrs Griffith had simply told her not to worry and that she would handle everything. After that, she fell completely off the grid for years.

Two years later, she was finally reaching out.

Nervously, Natalie asked, "Where am I meeting you?"