Chapter 35: The Contents of the Safe

Natalie dreamed of him again last night.

This time, he didn't say nonchalant words like he used to in her dreams; instead, he spent the entire night expressionless, lashing her mercilessly with a belt.

In the dream, she wailed and begged for mercy, but he remained unmoved, his movements precise and ruthless.

The harder she cried, the harder he struck.

Natalie woke up with a start early in the morning, her hands and feet ice-cold, her entire body shivering. It took a hot bath for her to barely recover.

The moment she turned on her phone, she gasped.

While she had left with her former husband last night, the boy hadn't been idle; he had entered the penthouse and opened the safe.

The result: it was packed with photos of her.

Every detail of Natalie's life over the past five years, including her return to the country last year.

Her moments of joy and despair had been clearly recorded.

It seemed he had been watching her for a long time.

The boy called and gave a heavy sigh. "My little ancestor, turns out you have so many sides I didn't know about. I truly feel inferior."

Natalie was so embarrassed she wanted to curl into a ball.

Most of the time when she was in a bad mood, she made excuses to hide away; it wasn't strange that the boy didn't know.

"Is he some kind of pervert? What on earth is he trying to do, having people follow you every day?"

"I don't know..." Natalie could only try to look on the bright side. "Maybe he's trying to help us but can't because of his status in his family... After all, he saved me five years ago."

How could someone who risked his life to save her want to harm her?

She had considered this before, but his behavior hadn't matched her theory.

If he wanted to help, he wouldn't have rejected her, threatened her, or tried to use her to seduce the elder brother to achieve his goals.

Currently, Natalie couldn't find a single reason why he would help her.

As for why he had descended from the heavens to help her escape five years ago, she couldn't find a plausible explanation for that either.

She would ask him personally once he returned from his business trip.

The boy said seriously, "Let's hope so. Anyway, the moment anything feels wrong, we're retreating back to the UK immediately. Your brother mentioned in his letters that those people are incredibly sinister, and that surely includes the ones around you now..."

Before he could finish, the voice of the person they were about to gossip about sounded from outside the door: "Nanna, time to get up."

Natalie hurriedly shouted toward the door, "I'm up! I'll be down in a second."

She spent a long time getting ready before heading downstairs.

Her former husband handed over a Porsche key. "A new car. See if you like it later."

Natalie reflexively thought of the Ferrari the other man had given her yesterday. She paused, then took it calmly. "It's just a way to get around; as long as it works, I'm not picky."

He asked, "I had the room decorated like that. Do you like it?"

"I love it," Natalie said without hesitation.

"I'm asking if you like that specific color scheme."

Natalie froze and stole a glance at him. He seemed casual, but it felt like he was listening very intently for her answer.

She gave the same reply: "I like it."

He looked over with an unreadable expression, his gentle eyes hiding a sharp scrutiny—a balance he maintained so well that it wasn't easily detected.

Even Natalie, who was usually high-strung, found herself relaxing.

"We've been together so long, yet I've never asked what you like. I'm used to making decisions for you in everything, big or small. Seeing you accept my gifts happily, I assumed you liked them."

"So, Nanna, do you truly like them?"

Natalie remained composed. "Like most girls, I'm at an age where I love to dream."

"Nanna..."

He reached out, his warm fingertips brushing a stray hair from her forehead.

There was a newly healed wound there; his gaze lingered for a few seconds before returning to her bright face.

"Am I the person in your dreams?"

Natalie deliberately avoided his burning gaze and lowered her head shyly. "You seem very anxious these past two days."

He withdrew his hand and gave a sudden laugh. "There's been a lot going on lately. There are indeed many things to be anxious about."

"Why don't you tell me about it?"

Natalie had already guessed that his urgency in bringing her back meant he needed something from her.

During their six months of marriage, she had been not only a qualified wife but an excellent one.

Whenever he needed her for social engagements, she delivered every time, even helping him secure major projects that seemed impossible to get.

There was a reason he valued her so much.

She had her value; even the night they first met, she had solved a problem that had been troubling him for a long time.

He spoke plainly: "Remember that Mr. Luo from last time? His wife has the same major you had in university. I saw that you two got along well."

Natalie immediately remembered. "Are they going to be at the cocktail party tomorrow night?"

"A private charity auction. It's a good chance to build rapport—maybe even set up a round of golf."

Natalie straightened her back gracefully.

He smiled and pulled out a card. "I won't make the choice for you this time. Buy whatever you like."

"Thank you."

After breakfast, Natalie drove her new car to the office. She hadn't been in for nearly a month, and the files on her desk had piled into a small mountain.

Her assistant reported on work in an orderly fashion, eventually complaining, "Boss, I've been working myself to death while you were away."

Natalie signed a document without looking up. "Your bonus for this month is doubled."

This simple and direct approach worked; the assistant was overjoyed. "You're the best! I can finally get that bag I've been eyeing."

Natalie smiled. "Which bag? Send me the link; I'll buy it for you."

"Oh, I couldn't..."

"Don't be shy, just send it." Natalie picked up her phone and saw a missed call from the other man from half an hour ago.

She winced, and after ordering the bag for her assistant, she quickly sent her out.

Just as she was debating whether to call him back, the elder brother called.

Natalie leaned back in her chair, hesitated for a moment, and then answered slowly, "What made the Great Master think of me?"

"I'm back in the city. I'd like to take you to lunch, if I might have that honor?"

"Lunch? When?"

And why?

He couldn't have actually taken the bait, could he?

"At noon today. Is it convenient?"

Before she could answer, he added, "I was also thinking of introducing you to a famous urban planner. I met a Mr. Yang at the airport, and we hit it off."

Natalie raised an eyebrow. "What did you talk about?"

"We talked about your South District redevelopment project. It's a massive undertaking. I wonder if you've found the right urban planning team yet?"

Natalie paused. "Send me the address. I'll be there on time."

He had not only found out she was the project lead but was also being so "helpful." There was likely a scheme, but he had managed to offer exactly the person she needed.

The lunch meeting lasted until the afternoon. Afterward, he took her to his private club, the Nest.

Today he was dressed modestly in a well-tailored dark gray suit, a more casual cut paired with white Gucci sneakers. He looked approachable yet exuded the arrogance of someone in power and the refined air of an old-money heir.

Natalie stood to one side holding a pool cue, tilting her head as she watched him lean over to make a shot.

Chapter 36: The Arrogance of Being Favored

"Why are you being so kind as to help me?"

He picked up a glass nearby and clinked it against hers, saying lightheartedly, "Naturally, I hope to gain some benefits from you."

Natalie expected him to mention project-related benefits.

Instead, he asked, "I hear you've been quite close to my brother lately?"

Natalie shrugged. "Have I?"

He tilted his head back to take a drink and laughed. "Weren't you staying in the same suite as him in the other city? Or am I overthinking it?"

Natalie raised an eyebrow. "Nothing gets past you. It seems you have eyes everywhere. You really are as capable as I thought."

"You flatter me. It just so happens I have shares in that hotel."

He looked at her sideways, his narrow eyes appearing roguish and affectionate. "I don't mean anything by it; I'm just curious about what's going on between you and my brother."

What else could it be? It's obvious.

Natalie met his gaze, her lips curling into a bright smile. "Private matter. I'm not at liberty to say."

That smile was very feminine—sexy without being forced.

"I see~" Since she didn't want to talk, he didn't press her. He only said, "If you're truly on good terms with him, I have a favor to ask as a return for today."

Natalie replied, "Our relationship is just average, but feel free to speak your mind."

He crossed his arms, watched her for a moment, and then suddenly leaned into her ear. "Help me find something of his."

Natalie let out a small cough. "You want me to be a spy and steal his secret files?"

"Exactly."

Natalie broke into a laugh.

"And if I don't help you, will you go and tattle on me to my husband?"

His tone remained light. "Not at all. I don't like threats; I prefer cooperation. I believe you're a smart woman."

While waiting for her to consider, he leaned down and expertly potted a ball.

Natalie was impressed by his skill. She didn't hesitate for long. "I can help you, but I can't guarantee success."

He smiled. "If you put your mind to it, nothing is impossible."

Another ball went into the pocket.

In the evening, just as she returned to the Palace, she received a message from the other man: [I'll be back in the city tomorrow at 6:00 PM.]

Returning so soon?

Unfortunately, she had that cocktail party tomorrow night. His timing was terrible.

Natalie thought quickly: [I'll make you a grand dinner to welcome you home, but I have a business engagement tomorrow night. Have dinner first when you get back, don't wait for me.]

He replied: [Being so good?]

Natalie typed out a reply with trepidation: [Of course. I've missed you to death these past few days, hubby~]

He replied: [Really want to get married?]

Natalie bit the tip of her tongue and typed: [I won't stand in the way of your marriage to the second Miss of the other family.]

He acted as if he hadn't received that message: [Then let's pick a day to register.]

While Natalie was racking her brain, the boy sent over the item the elder brother wanted.

It was a major project the younger brother was working on, involving confidential files from a partner. If used maliciously, not only would the partnership end, but the younger brother might face criminal charges.

These two brothers... neither was letting the other off.

The elder brother's methods seemed even more ruthless and decisive.

Just as Natalie reached her room, the boy called.

"Does he think you hate the younger brother?"

"Maybe." She didn't dare mention the forehead wound he had given her.

"So, are we helping the elder brother? This is indeed a good chance to get close to him."

Natalie hesitated. "How about we make a fake set? If he finds out later, we'll just say the younger brother is very vigilant."

She was worried the "secrets" they had found were fake to begin with. She felt that entering his penthouse had been a bit too easy. If his territory were really that simple to invade, he would have been torn to pieces by the wolves long ago.

The only reason she could invade his space was because he allowed it.

Perhaps this was a test.

At that thought, a chill ran down Natalie's spine.

The boy said, "Alright, I'll follow your lead. Leave this to me."

After hanging up, Natalie went to shower. As soon as she came out, the younger brother called.

Natalie felt drained. "Aren't you tired after working all day?"

"I don't feel tired when I think of you." His voice was deep and sounded gentle. "Do you want to hear a bedtime story?"

"Sure." Natalie ducked under the covers and put the phone on speaker. "Go ahead."

"I'll start then," he began slowly. "I have a friend who fell for a girl. He wanted to see her every day, so he arranged for people to be around her. Every move she made was under his watch..."

Hearing this, Natalie interrupted him. "You mean your friend spied on her just because he liked her?"

He was silent for a moment before saying, "Not at first. He liked her later."

"Then... why watch her life in the first place?"

As Natalie asked this, her heart was in her throat.

The truth was about to surface, and it was unnerving.

He gave a deep laugh. "I'm a bit tired and want to sleep. Tomorrow night, I'll continue the story about my friend. Be good, I'm hanging up."

"Hey! Wait!"

The call disconnected.

Natalie gritted her teeth. Who stops a story right at the beginning? Not even

One Thousand and One Nights

was this cruel!

She suffered from insomnia that night, tossing and turning until 3:00 AM before finally falling asleep.

The next afternoon, as soon as she finished her work, she rushed to the supermarket.

The younger brother loved seafood, so she specifically bought a hairy crab, planning to make him a lavish Western dinner tonight.

While queuing at the checkout, the elder brother called.

"Is my matter settled?"

"Your matter?" Natalie's tone was exaggerated. "Sir, you only gave the order last night. Even a top secret agent couldn't work that fast."

He tried to negotiate: " I don't mean to rush you, but they're signing the contract tomorrow morning. See if you can... tonight..."

"I'll do my best. Since you look out for me, I'll be sensible. He's coming back tonight. Don't worry, a watched pot never boils. Wait for my good news."

Natalie hung up, paid, and drove to the First Mansion.

The boy came up to help.

"Can he really trust what you give him?"

Natalie hummed as she scrubbed the crab legs.

"He probably has no other choice, so he came to me. It's urgent; I'll send it to him tomorrow morning. He'll definitely take a gamble in front of the old man. Even if he loses, there are plenty of people to back him up. How does the saying go?"

The boy added casually, "The arrogance of being favored. Everyone in the family favors him. If he wanted to kill the younger brother, the old man would only help him clean up the mess."

Natalie sighed. "I wasn't wrong when I said he was pitiful, was I?"

"Yeah, our little miss is never wrong," the boy rolled his eyes. "He's certainly pitiful enough, having to eat the dinner you made."

Natalie ignored his sarcasm, feeling a bit smug. "I heard him say he liked me last night."

And it was a subtle confession. He was so childish.

The boy gave a cold snort. "You're not his only one."

It was like a bucket of ice water poured over her, instantly dousing all of Natalie's happiness.