Sebastian was steeped in confidence. He voiced exactly what was in his heart. "Natalie can't forget me. I'm the one she dragged out of that burning car when she was eighteen. She'll never forget me. I'm her first love."

On this, Sebastian was absolutely certain.

If Natalie truly wanted something to happen with Matthew, it would have happened by now.

But Matthew's actions infuriated him. The man's relentless, affectionate pursuit could eventually melt even a heart of stone.

Sean stared blankly, taking in his boss's sheer arrogance. Did Sebastian think he was some mythical legend?

Did he honestly believe his charm was utterly invincible?

Sure, he was ridiculously good-looking and could probably bewitch Natalie with his face alone, but his past behavior was completely detached from reality!

"Boss, I think you need to dial back the delusion. The missus had her heart shattered by you. She doesn't want you anymore. You're just living in a fantasy."

Sean just wanted to drag him back to earth. When it came to Natalie, he thoroughly despised how Sebastian had handled things.

He was deliberately poking at Sebastian's sore spots to keep him from drowning in his own vanity and self-deception.

Natalie had ripped her heart out and handed it to him. Her genuine love had been a blazing fire, meant only to keep him warm. But he had been entirely blind to it, callously extinguishing that passionate flame.

Even if his excuse was trying to protect her from Timothy Griffith's cruelty, the damage was already done.

Sebastian's handsome face darkened. He said nothing.

He looked down, silently chewing his food as he waited for Natalie to emerge.

Natalie was brilliant. She already knew he wasn't dead and was single-handedly keeping the company afloat. To him, that proved she still cared.

Inside Matthew's house.

The moment Natalie walked in, Matthew led her straight to the dining room, where a lavish dinner had already been prepared.

It was just the three of them-Natalie, Matthew, and Luna.

Knowing Natalie loved seafood, the table was loaded with it. The colors, aromas, and flavors were absolutely perfect, and Natalie ate with visible delight.

After dinner, Natalie handed Matthew the proposal and concepts for her new Al medical system.

"Matthew, the development for this system is nearing completion, and our company is about to go public. If you're willing to help us secure international partnerships, we'd be happy to offer a two percent profit margin in return."

She had come over for the holiday visit, but she also wanted to squeeze in some business.

Getting this project on track was the only way to pacify her restless shareholders.

Her mentor, Herbert, was constantly tweaking the system to overcome their current technical hurdles. She checked in with him every night. Thanks to Caleb's contributions, the system was no longer a prototype; it was fully realized and mature.

Matthew glanced at the proposal, a soft smile playing on his lips. He reached out and took it, his gaze warm. "Natalie, it's the holidays. Enjoy your break. Even if you hadn't brought this to me, I was planning to come to you after the new year Your technology is solid, and I really want to partner with your firm."

Natalie felt a rush of excitement. She always knew that to secure the best, most lucrative deals, she needed to bring undeniable value and groundbreaking products to the table.

The road ahead was long and riddled with obstacles, but she had burned her bridges. There was nowhere to go but forward.

"Matthew, thank you so much for your support!" she said, her voice bright with enthusiasm.

Matthew gazed deeply at her radiant

smile, his eyes filled with tender

affection. "You don't need to be so

formal, Natalie. It's a highly

profitable venture. Even if you Radn't approached me l would have chased you down. Besides our partnerships are always a win-win."

"Your fashion designs completely secured my standing within the Monroe family. The blueprints you provided brought in millions this year. My parents are ecstatic, and my uncles, who used to constantly undermine my abilities, actually treated me with respectover the holidays. Now, they just smile and sing my praises."