Natalie knew all too well how ruthless powerful families could be, often devoid of any real warmth.

"I'm just glad I could help, Matthew. Since you're free right now, why don't you take a look at the proposal? If you have any questions, I can answer them right here."

Seeing how eager she was, Matthew could only offer a helpless, fond smile. "Alright, alright. I'll read it now."

He shifted on the couch, resting the document on his lap as he began to read.

Natalie couldn't help but smile as she watched his focused expression. A striking man engrossed in his work was truly a feast for the eyes.

His head was slightly bowed, a few stray locks of hair partially veiling his deep, ocean-like eyes. His long, elegant fingers turned the pages with effortless grace.

The harsh lighting cast sharp, defined shadows across his jawline, highlighting the faint, appealing curve of his lips.

Resting her chin on her hands, Natalie found herself entirely captivated by him. She couldn't tear her gaze away.

Her stare was far too intense for Matthew to ignore.

He suddenly lifted his gaze, his eyes locking directly onto hers.

Caught off guard by the sudden eye contact, Natalie's eyes widened in surprise. Flustered, she quickly looked down, too nervous to meet his stare.

"Heh..." Matthew let out a low, rich chuckle. "Natalie, if you want to look at me, you don't have to hide it."

A furious blush crept up Natalie's neck, turning her cheeks the color of a vibrant sunset. Of course he had caught her.

Beautiful things were naturally intoxicating, and he was exactly her type. It was impossible not to steal a few extra glances.

"Haha..." Natalie laughed awkwardly, pulling out her phone to distract herself, terrified she might inadvertently stare at him again.

Getting caught was just too embarrassing.

Seeing her bury her face in her phone, Matthew instantly regretted calling her out. If he had just pretended not to notice, she would have kept watching his every move.

His lips curved into a subtle smirk. Having her near felt incredibly right.

Natalie wasn't actually slacking off. She was texting her mentor, Herbert, about work.

Herbert: [Natalie, even beggars get to take three days off for the holidays. It's only the day after New Year's. Can you please let me sleep in peace?]

Natalie: [Herbert, you've already slept in for three straight days.]

Herbert: [I've been pulling all-nighters every single day before this! Let my liver recover! You know the only time I sleep is from New Year's Day until the eighth

Natalie knew he was entirely devoted to his patients.

He took full responsibility for everyone under his care, fighting tooth and nail to save them.

Whenever he encountered a family who couldn't afford treatment, he would empty his own savings to pay for their medical bills.

That was Herbert-kind-hearted, gentle, and deeply compassionate.

Natalie: [Alright, fine. Go rest. I'll bother you on the eighth.]

Herbert:

My parents are

the eight come over for dinner on they won't stop talking ab bet

see you. It's been two years, and

you

Natalie: [Sounds good! See you on the eighth.]

She tacked on a playful emoji at the end.

Herbert: [Here's your lucky money, ten million! Be a good girl!] Natalie: [...]

Haha...

She was dying of laughter on the

inside An

goofy mentor

bonus on her every et

forced ten-million-dollar holiday bonus on her every year.

A warm glow spread through her chest. It was wonderful.

This year's holiday had been absolutely perfect.

"Natalie, I'm a bit lost on this section. Could you walk me through it?"

He wasn't an expert in the medical field.

But Natalie's proposal was meticulously organized and crystal clear.

Even a layman like him grasped the core concepts on the first read.

She had thoughtfully added bracketed explanations for the dense technical jargon.

It was, without a doubt, the most well-crafted proposal he had ever seen.