Chapter 355
Every dish on the table looked elegant and light, almost too beautiful to eat. Natalie glanced at them, her voice steady. “It was Alexander p>
She ran her hand over the sideboard nearby, checking for dust. Not a speck. He hadn’t just made sure they had dinner. He’d had her whole place cleaned until it practically sparkled.
Natalie knew this was his way of saying sorry, and of showing he still cared.
Arianna raised an eyebrow. “Seems like Alexander Ramirez isn’t giving up any time soon p>
Worried the meal might upset Natalie, Arianna reached to clear the dishes away. Natalie stopped her, calm as ever. “Don’t bother. We shouldn’t waste good food.” She pulled out a chair and sat.
Arianna watched her closely. “Natalie, are you sure you’re okay p>
Natalie gave her a small, reassuring smile. “I’m fine. Let’s eat p>
She spent another week resting at home, doing her best to recharge. The following morning, she got up early, threw on her work clothes, and headed out. As soon as she stepped outside her building, she spotted a black Rolls-Royce idling at the curb.
Alexander stepped out from behind the wheel and walked up to her.
“You’re not fully recovered yet. Let me drive you to work,” he said, his voice quiet and gentle.
Natalie didn’t hesitate. “No, thank you, Mr. Ramirez. I can get a taxi.” Her tone was polite but distant.
Something flickered in Alexander’s eyes, but he quickly pulled himself together. “It’s busy this time of day. Taxis are hard to find. Let me take you. It won’t take long p>
Natalie shook her head, firm and clear. “Really, there’s no need. Thank you p>
Without another word, she walked right past him, signaled a taxi, and got in. She never looked back.
At work, Natalie found herself lost in thought as she rode the elevator up. The doors slid open with a soft chime, snapping her out of it. She looked up to see Ava Thompson and Mary standing there, surrounded by a group of cheerful coworkers. Some of them held colorful party poppers, grinning ear to ear.
“Congratulations, Ms. Watson!” Ava called out, beaming.
With a pop, confetti burst into the air, raining down over Natalie’s hair and shoulders.
Natalie was caught off guard, but then she smiled, warmth touching her eyes. “What’s going on p>
Ava stepped closer, excitement all over her face. “You haven’t heard? Headquarters sent an email this. morning. Mike’s been let go. You’ve been appointed President of Billy‹é Firth’s Asia division p>
“Congratulations, Ms. Watson!” her coworkers chimed in, crowding closer to shower her with genuine smiles and hugs.
Their excitement was contagious. Natalie’s smile grew wider. “Thank you, everyone.
I can’t wait to work with you all and see what we can accomplish together p>
That evening, Arianna showed up at Natalie’s place, arms full of groceries.
“Natalie, today’s a big day. We have to celebrate properly!” she announced, her voice bubbling with excitement.
Natalie glanced at the bags and laughed. Arianna had brought everything they needed for hotpot. ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs, ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ᴠɪsɪᴛ
They got busy in the kitchen, chopping and mixing, and soon the delicious aroma filled every corner of the apartment.
Arianna poured two glasses of juice and lifted hers in a toast. “Congrats on the promotion! I’ll be sticking close to you from now on p>
Natalie clinked her glass against Arianna’s, her laughter coming easy. “Don’t worry, I’ve got you p>
They ate and chatted, letting the
warmth of the food and the comfort of each other’s company fill the evening. Suddenly rain started beating against the windows loud and steady.
Arianna got up to close the window, but paused when she glanced outside. Her
eyes widened. “Natalie, come here, quick p>
Natalie joined her at the window, following Arianna’s gaze. Down
below, standing in the pouring net
without an umbrella was Alexander Ramirez, staring up at her windows