2025-02-20 16:43:29Taylor’s breath hitched as she stared at the screen. Her eyes widened inch by inch, barely able to contain her own shock. A trillion. Even as the Head Manager, she had never seen such an astronomical balance before.
She immediately schooled her expression and turned to Nathan with renewed respect.
“Mr. Nathan, this is… truly remarkable. You are the highest-level customer in our bank. We are deeply honored to have you trust our services.”
Nathan remained composed, though internally, he was still processing the reality of his newfound wealth.
Taylor continued, her voice laced with admiration. “Our bank has numerous industries and investment projects across the country. If you ever need anything—anything at all—please don’t hesitate to contact me directly. I will personally see to all your needs and demands.”
Nathan arched a brow. “You mean to say I have the Head Manager of Narvo Bank at my beck and call?”
Taylor smiled smoothly. “That’s correct, sir. It would be my pleasure to serve you.”
He nodded slowly. Unbelievable. An hour ago, he was just another man, a total nobody trying to get by, and now…
“Speaking of which, Mr. Nathan. There’s a charity dinner this evening. It’s a relatively relaxed event, and I thought it might be a good opportunity for us to talk further in a less formal setting.”
Nathan tilted his head “A charity dinner?”
Taylor nodded. “Yes. And it includes an auction. Who knows? You might find something interesting.
She pulled out her phone. “Let me show you the item list.” She stepped closer, scrolling through the auction catalog.
However, Nathan wasn’t particularly interested, and he barely glanced at it—until his eyes landed on it.
A ring.
Intricate patterns wrapped around its band—one side was a swirling, ancient design, while the other had sharp, precise engravings. Together, the two patterns formed a complete, mysterious insignia.
His vision blurred. A sharp, stabbing pain lanced through his mind.
Flashes. Broken images. A hand gripping that ring tightly. A name—or was it a voice?—calling out to him.
Nathan clenched his jaw, his fingers slightly trembling.
“Mr. Nathan?” Taylor’s voice cut through his daze, her tone filled with concern. “Are you alright?”
He exhaled, steadying himself. Then he nodded. “I’ll go.”
Taylor’s face lit up. “Wonderful! I’m glad to hear that.” She glanced at her watch. “The dinner is about to begin. I’ll go grab my bag.”
Nathan nodded, still fixated on the ring. He had to get it. Since he had a flickered image of it in his head, he felt it was connected to his amnesia.
When she returned, he asked, “Shall we?”
She smiled but hesitated. “Would you like to change into something, sir?”
Nathan frowned slightly. “Something?”
“Your outfit is rather… simple. I can get you high-quality attire from an exclusive boutique in minutes.”
He waved dismissively. “No. I’m fine like this.”
Taylor nodded. “Alright then. Let’s go.”
When they arrived at the charity dinner venue, Taylor’s phone rang. She stayed in the car to take the call while Nathan stepped out.
The moment his feet touched the pavement, his gaze locked onto a familiar figure stepping out of a sleek black car.
Natalia.
Beside her was James, adjusting the cuff of his pristine designer suit.
As he took a few steps forward, their eyes met.
Nathan’s expression remained unreadable, but Natalia stiffened, her emotions flickering between shock, resentment, and something else—concern?
James smirked, crossing his arms as he surveyed Nathan with disdain. “Well, well. Didn’t expect to see you here,” he drawled, his voice dripping with condescension.
Nathan said nothing, his expression unreadable. He didn’t even acknowledge James, which only fueled the other man’s irritation.
Natalia, on the other hand, was stunned. What is he doing here? Her suspicion flared—was he following her?
James had already heard from Natalia about Nathan’s alleged fraud with the Supreme Gold card.
He chuckled darkly. “You really are pathetic, Nathan. You got the famous Supreme Gold card to fraud Narco Bank, and now you have the nerve to show your face at a high-class event like this? What, did you think you could blend in with the elite? You’re nothing but a scammer playing dress-up.”
Natalia crossed her arms, her frustration spilling over. “I can’t believe you, Nathan. I knew you were reckless, but this?” Her voice was sharp with disbelief. “You’ve actually degenerated to this level—committing fraud—just because of our divorce?”
Nathan scoffed, finally glancing at her. His expression remained indifferent. “Don’t flatter yourself, Natalia. You think too highly of your influence over me.” His tone was cutting. “I did nothing wrong, and I certainly wouldn’t do anything because of you.”
His words stung, and Natalia’s fingers clenched against her arms. She let out a dry, incredulous chuckle. “Really? Then why are you here?”
James smirked. “Obviously to see you, dear.” He tilted his head mockingly. “I mean, come on. He just can’t let you go.”
Nathan chuckled, shaking his head. “Actually, I’m here for the auction. I couldn’t care less about anything else.”
Natalia’s anger flared hotter. She thought he was ungrateful. She was trying to help him, and he acted as if he didn’t deserve the criticism.
James sneered, stepping closer. “An auction? You?” He laughed mockingly. “What could you possibly afford to bid on? This isn’t some street market where you can haggle for scraps. You don’t belong here, Nathan. Do yourself a favor and leave before you humiliate yourself.”
Then he turned to Natalia, his tone gentler. “Come on, Natalia. Stop wasting your breath on him. The more you involve yourself with someone like him, the more you risk being dragged down with him.”
Before she could reply, a sweet but authoritative voice cut through the tension.
“I won’t let you talk to Nathan that way.”
All their heads snapped toward the source of the voice.
Taylor.
James’s lips parted slightly as his gaze fell on her. She was breathtaking—elegant, poised, and radiating an aura of effortless confidence. Her dress accentuated her noble beauty, and her presence alone seemed to command the attention of everyone nearby. Even Natalia, beautiful in her own right, seemed dimmer beside Taylor’s striking presence.
What stunned them even more was the way she casually walked up to Nathan and—without hesitation—took his hand in hers.
Natalia’s eyes narrowed as she watched Taylor lace her fingers with Nathan’s, holding onto him with practiced ease, as if they had been together for years.
James blinked, trying to process the situation. “Wait… you know him?”
Taylor smiled sweetly, but her eyes held a sharp glint. “Oh, I’m sorry. Did I not introduce myself properly?” She tilted her head slightly, giving Nathan’s hand a small squeeze. “I’m Taylor. Nathan’s girlfriend.”
Nathan flicked a glance at her, but he caught on quickly.
Natalia’s breath hitched. “What?”
James’s brows furrowed, clearly thrown off. “You’re joking.”
Taylor let out a soft, amused laugh. “I don’t joke about things like this.”
She leaned a little closer to Nathan, deliberately putting distance between him and Natalia. “It’s honestly amusing how some people think they can just belittle someone they barely know.” Her eyes flickered toward James, her expression subtly taunting.
Nathan remained silent, letting Taylor take the lead.
Natalia’s fists tightened at her sides. Boyfriend?
She blinked, unable to mask her shock.
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A dark silence stretched between them.Kacper’s gaze remained piercing, and impenetrable.Finally, he hummed. “Is that so?”James swallowed hard, his head pounding as he struggled to keep himself upright. His entire body ached, sharp pain radiating from every inch of his battered frame. He let out a trembling breath, his face smeared with blood and dirt. His lips quivered as he stammered, “Y…yes, I've got a perfect plan for that.”One of Kacper’s men scoffed. “Capping,” he muttered, spitting on the ground beside James.Kacper let out a low chuckle, turning his back to James. His fingers drummed lazily against his wrist as he mused. "I don’t like being lied to, James," he said smoothly.At his unspoken command, the men surged forward again.James barely had time to scream before fists and boots landed on him. He curled into himself, coughing violently as a solid kick slammed into his ribs. “P—please!” he gasped, spitting blood. "I swear on my family’s name, I have a plan! A real plan
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Natalia’s fingers curled tightly around her clutch as she cast a brief glance at James. A forced smile lifted her lips—polite, detached, yet lacking warmth. James, however, either didn’t notice or chose to ignore it. His usual smirk remained intact, his confidence unshaken.“I booked the best private lounge for us,” he announced smoothly, adjusting the cuff of his tailored suit. “It’s exclusive, quiet, and perfect for—”Natalia cut him off with a small wave of disinterest. “No, James.” Her voice was firm but not unkind. “I appreciate it, but I have to leave. My company just secured a high investment, and I need to handle the related matters immediately.”James’ smirk wavered for the briefest moment before he recovered, masking his displeasure with practiced ease. He exhaled through his nose, a measured breath of someone keeping their emotions in check.“Of course,” he said smoothly, stepping closer. “That’s a huge deal for you. I’ll drive you back to your company.”She remained still
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Nathan didn’t even flinch when he saw Natalia and James. His expression remained impassive, his strides unbroken as he continued supporting Taylor toward the exit. He acted as if they were nothing more than air, his focus solely on Taylor, whose fingers now clung lightly to his arm.But Natalia saw them. And she felt it—a sharp, unwelcome pang in her chest.She had told herself it didn’t matter. That Nathan was free to do whatever he wanted. But the moment she saw Taylor leaning into him, saw the effortless way they stood together, the way Taylor’s fingers lingered on his arm like she belonged there—her stomach twisted.And he hadn’t even responded to her message.Her grip on her clutch tightened as she stepped forward, her voice laced with unrestrained bitterness. “I see now why you were too busy to respond to my message, Nathan. You were with your new love interest.”Nathan finally stopped. His face remained calm, unreadable. “She’s a friend,” he said smoothly. “That’s all.”Taylor,
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Taylor exhaled, relieved, though her face remained red. But the embarrassment wasn’t over yet. The romantic ambiance—the soft glow of candlelight, the roses, the gentle music—it all made her hyper-aware of her surroundings. And she was a little excited about it.“I—uh, can we get a VIP private room instead?” she quickly asked the manager. The manager chuckled but nodded. “Of course. Right this way.”As they walked, Taylor kept her gaze forward, her posture stiff. Nathan, meanwhile, remained as composed as ever.Once they were seated, he finally spoke. “Embarrassed?”Taylor scoffed, crossing her arms. “Of course not. Why would I be?”Nathan’s lips twitched slightly. “If you say so.”She huffed, burying her face behind the menu, trying to will her heart to slow down.Inside the lit VIP room, an air of quiet satisfaction settled between them as they finished their meal. Taylor leaned back against her chair, crossing her legs gracefully as she tapped a finger on the table, eyes gleaming
