Chapter 34
Three years later, outside the bustling terminal of Cabinda International Airport, Natalie Watson stood waiting for her car, her face mostly hidden behind a pair of large, dark sunglasses.
She wore a tailored black suit made from a high-quality, flowing fabric that was impeccably crisp, without a single wrinkle.
Her long, wavy hair was tied back in a low ponytail, giving her a polished and commanding aura. A black executive car pulled up in front of her. A white-gloved driver got out, took her luggage, and opened the door.
Once inside, Natalie leaned back and closed her eyes, exhausted from the long flight.
“To the hotel, ma’am?” the driver asked after getting in.
Still with her eyes closed, she replied softly, “No, straight to the office p>
The car merged onto the main road. Natalie slowly opened her eyes, taking in the familiar sights of the bustling city and its towering skyscrapers.
Nothing had changed in the three years she’d been away.
Memories of people and events from her past flooded her mind until the driver announced their arrival.
Natalie shook off her thoughts.
“Nora, all the auction item files are on your desk.” As the elevator doors opened on the ninth floor of Pinnacle Place, her assistant, Ava Thompson, was already waiting.
She fell into step beside Natalie as they walked.
Employees they passed greeted her respectfully.
Entering her corner office, which boasted floor-to-ceiling glass walls and an impressive view, Natalie said, “The Billy Firth inaugural auction in Cabinda is next week. Inform all relevant departments we’ll have a meeting in thirty minutes p>
Three years ago, Natalie had joined Billy Firth Headquarters. The source of thɪs content is.net
Her exceptional talent had led to a rapid rise, and she was now their chief auctioneer.
This year, Billy Firth had established its Asia-Pacific division to expand its market, with the headquarters set right here in Cabinda.
Madelyn had married and started a family the year after Natalie moved to London, leaving Natalie as the most capable and suitable person to serve as Vice President of the new headquarters.
She never thought she would return to Cabinda, but her career had brought her back.
To successfully launch Billy Firth in the Asia-Pacific market, the first auction in Cabinda had to be a resounding success.
Natalie was back, and she was under immense pressure.
Before she knew it, the sky had darkened.
Just as she finished her work, her phone rang. “My dearest Ms. Watson, are you done with work? Ready for dinner p>
It was Arianna Mitchell’s cheerful voice.
Natalie had gotten a new phone and number after moving to London, and only Arianna had it. She had told her in advance about her return. “Where are you? I’m on my way down, Natalie said, realizing she was starving after a long day.
Arianna sent her location; she was already at the restaurant.
Natalie shut down her computer and left the office.
On the ground floor of Pinnacle
Place, Alexander Ramirez had just
entered
nd was being greeted
deferentially by several men in suits.
“This way, Mr. Ramirez.” Alexander walked with them toward the elevators.
As the doors were closing, he caught a glimpse of a woman in a black suit walking past.
The familiar profile sent a jolt through him.
He frantically pressed the open button, and the doors slowly parted. Before they were fully open, he rushed out.
It was quitting time, and the lobby was crowded with people heading home.
Alexander scanned the crowd, but he couldn’t find her.
Three
con, he had used all his
to find out where
Natalie had gone, eventually tracing
at to Paris.
He then sent people to search for her there, but they found nothing.
He didn’t give up, flying to Paris himself several times that year, but his efforts were fruitless.
No one knew where she was.
All her contacts had been deactivated.
It was as if she had vanished from the face of the earth.
Gradually, he stopped looking. He hated how cleanly she had left, without a single word. She really never loved him.
“Mr. Ramirez, is something wrong?” one of the men from the elevator asked, having followed him out.
Alexander’s expression was cool as he drew his gaze back.
“It’s nothing,” he said flatly, stepping back into the elevator.
Natalie, meanwhile, had stopped at a sofa in the lobby to swap her heels for a pair
of flats.
Her feet were aching after a long day.
By the time she was done, the car she’d ordered had arrived.
As Natalie was led to a table, Arianna waved at her from across the restaurant.
“I’ve missed you so much p>