lan’s face flushed with anger. How dare he insult Natalie like that?

Natalie narrowed her eyes and, without a moment’s hesitation, acted. Smack…

A sharp slap landed squarely on Newman’s face.

lan froze in surprise.

Natalie’s eyes were suddenly cold and sharp. “Watch your mouth. If you don’t know how to speak properly, then don’t speak at all. You’ve worked hard to get where you are. Don’t ruin it by acting like a petty gossip.”

“You… you dare hit me? Aren’t you afraid of what I might do? I’m an expert hacker…”

Natalie cut him off with a cold laugh. “Your so-called skills are nothing to me. Try acting like a decent human being.”

“You… you just wait. I’ll remember this.”

Newman stormed off in a huff.

lan looked at Natalie. “Natalie, you should have let me handle that. Did you hurt your hand?”

Natalie shook her head with a small smile. “No! lan, remember this: from now on, I’ve got your back. Don’t let anyone bully you. Holding back only makes you angrier, and backing down only makes you lose more.”

“Remember, if kindness isn’t met with respect, the best response is to draw the line.”

Natalie’s cool voice, carried on the gentle night air, was both deafening and deeply moving to lan.

She looked sweet but acted fierce, her melodious voice a stark contrast to the ferocity of her slap. The visual whiplash was captivating, and he found he couldn’t look away.

“Natalie, I understand. I won’t let anyone bully me again.” His almond-shaped eyes were clear and bright, as if filled with stars.

Natalie gave a casual smile. “Good. Now, go on back. I’ll wait for my ride here.”

lan didn’t move. “I’ll feel better if I see you get in the car safely.”

Natalie smiled. “Alright.”

Seeing her gentle smile, lan blushed and lowered his head, slightly flustered.

Just as she turned, she saw Sean getting out of a luxury car.

She frowned slightly as Sean approached her.

“Sean, what are you doing here?” she asked.

“Ms. Sanders, it’s Mr. Griffith,” Sean said. “He wants to see you.”

Natalie’s expression instantly turned icy. “I don’t want to see him.”

“Ms. Sanders, it’s about Mrs. Griffith Sr. She’s ill and asking for you.”

“Grandma’s sick?” A flicker of worry crossed her eyes.

Whatever else was going on, the matriarch had always been genuinely kind to her.

Few people in this world had treated her well, and she cherished every single one of them.

“Yes. Mr. Griffith came to pick you Use, Ms. Sanders, get in the

car.”

nearby.

glanced at lan standing

Damn, another ridiculously handsome guy.

Ever since Natalie left the CEO, her life had been like a video game on easy mode,

surrounded by attractive men.

This guy’s looks could give Marshall a run for his money.

Absolutely stunning!

Natalie turned to lan. “Ian, I have to go.”

lan’s eyes flickered. “Be safe, Natalie.”

Natalie nodded. “I will.”

She walked toward the car parked by the curb.

lan watched as the door of the multi-million dollar car opened, revealing the proud, imposing man sitting inside.

He clenched his fists, his gaze hardening. Who was he?

Sebastiandooked out at him, and

ret

their eyes met for a brief moment. A

Such

chill ran down lan’s spine Su

cold stare content

In the car.

Sebastian’s eyes were dark as he looked at Natalie, his tone dripping with sarcasm “So, Natalie, found a new mart already? This one looks a little young, though. You’re into

younger guys now?”