It was snowing, so the restaurants were bustling with customers.
Sebastian randomly chose one and led Joanna inside.
The high-end restaurant was quiet and well-appointed, with smoke extractors above each table whisking away the scent.
Sebastian and Joanna took a seat by the window.
After they ordered, they overheard Natalie’s cheerful voice coming from behind the decorative pillar next to them.
“Mr. Monroe, I have to go out of town tomorrow. I’ll probably be gone for about two weeks.”
Matthew smiled at her. “Where are you headed, Natalie? I just wrapped up my work overseas.”
“I won’t have to travel this winter, so I’ll be around. I ran into your older brother; he’s handling some things over there and won’t be back for a while. He asked me to look after you. I was planning to ask you to dinner today and start looking after you tomorrow, but now you’re leaving.”
“Yes, I’m visiting a friend. It should only be for about two weeks. Besides, I’m a grown woman. I can take care of myself.”
Natalie knew Matthew was sincere; his gaze was genuine.
His words sent a warm feeling through her.
Matthew smiled gently, his tone soft. “Your brother might not be back all winter. He’s working on a project overseas, and I’m partnering with him on it. But he’s giving his shares to you. He really cares about you.”
“If this project succeeds, I estimate it could make over a billion.”
Natalie beamed. “Yes, he has always been very good to me. I was just too foolish. I thought that if I returned to the Scott family, my other brothers would care for me too, that my parents would value me. I never imagined I’d nearly lose my life there.”
“But I’ve learned my lesson, and my brother doesn’t hold it against me. He’s the best family in the world.”
Natalie knew that her brother truly cared for her.
She would never be so foolish again.

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