Unfortunately, right before the groundbreaking tomorrow, his dreams were going to shatter.

Natalie looked at Marshall, her tone smooth and measured. “Marshall, you can reach out to the authorities now. That plot of land sits right on top of historic ruins and catacombs. It’s a protected cultural heritage site. There is no way the city will let them develop it.”

Marshall chuckled. He had sold that land for a premium price back then.

Thanks to Natalie’s warning, he hadn’t taken a loss.

“Natalie, I’ll go report it right now. Before they even start digging tomorrow, I’ll be in the front row with popcorn to watch the show.” A wicked smirk played on his lips. Marshall looked aloof, but deep down, he was ruthless and fiercely driven.

He had been waiting for this day, too.

Joanna was a master manipulator, but he wasn’t one to sit back and take the hits. Joanna knew how to plot, and he knew how to bide his time.

Natalie looked at the mischievous grin on his handsome face and stayed silent.

Marshall then turned his attention to Queena, his smile brightening. “Queena, are you free tonight? Want to grab dinner?”

Queena was caught off guard, but she had always been blunt. “Just the two of us?”

Marshall rubbed his nose with an awkward chuckle. “No, the three of us. Good things are going to happen tomorrow, so I wanted us to celebrate tonight.”

Queena smiled, suddenly feeling a faint trace of disappointment. She had no idea why she felt let down.

“I’m down, as long as Natalie is free.”

Queena looked over at Natalie.

Natalie winked at her, noticing the faint blush creeping onto Queena’s cheeks.

She shook her head. “I’m meeting Matthew tonight. You two go ahead without me.” She really did have plans.

Marshall’s smile faltered for a second. He had been craving a spicy Mexican feast today.

“Queena, let’s just go, the two of us. I know a fantastic Mexican place that makes the best spicy fajitas. You love spicy food, right?”

Queena did, in fact, love spicy food.

She agreed without hesitation. When she wasn’t working a job, she believed in enjoying life. “Sure!” she replied cheerfully.

Marshall checked his watch, a grin spreading across his face. “I’ll pick you up this afternoon, Queena.”

Over the past year, Marshall had matured immensely, becoming attentive and reliable.

Queena nodded with a bright smile. “Sounds good!”

Marshall happily took off.

Queena pushed Natalie’s wheelchair into the office before asking, “Natalie, are you really falling for Matthew?”

A faint smile touched Natalie’s lips.

“Queena, I’m someone who was given a second chance at life f moet someone I like, of course I’d be interested. Of course I’d want to date. The most important thing is

that I’m a free woman now.

Sitting across from her, Queena suddenly flashed a smile that Natalie couldn’t quite read.

Natalie found it baffling. “Queena, that smile is giving me the creeps.”

Queena was speechless.

Natalie’s fortunes and fate had been constantly shifting, and Queena had no idea how to explain it to her.

“You’re crazy. Who talks about their

best friend like that? But if you’re going to date you need to be absolutely sure. Don’t let yourse get hurt again.”

Natalie knew Queena meant well. She wasn’t desperate to date, but

she thought Matthew had an et

character and most importantly she wanted to secure a powerful ally.

Evening fell, and the city lights flickered to life.

Inside an upscale oceanfront restaurant.

Sitting by the window, Natalie and Matthew faced each other, deeply engaged in a cheerful conversation.

Meanwhile, wearing disguises, Sean and Sebastian walked into the very same restaurant.

When Sean spotted Natalie, he glanced at Sebastian, finally understanding why his boss had insisted on having dinner here.