Chapter 6

In the meeting room, several shareholders were chatting noisily about the company going public.

At the center of the table, Daniel sat with his head down, tapping a pen against a folder over and over. No one knew what was going through his mind and no one dared to interrupt.

Lately, everyone could tell he hadn’t been in a good mood.

One shareholder called his name, trying to go over the conclusion they had just reached. But even after calling several times, Daniel didn’t respond.

His assistant, Luke, leaned down to remind him quietly.

Before he could finish a sentence, Daniel suddenly lifted his head. “Luke, did Celeste contact you today?”

Luke froze for a moment, caught off guard. It took him a few seconds before he shook his head.

“No. These past few days, you’ve been busy shopping, eating out and… spending time with Miss Morgan. You didn’t tell me to check on her.”

Daniel nodded slowly.

“No news probably means she finally understands. No matter how hard she fights, it’s pointless. In the end, she’ll stay quiet and keep being Mrs. Sanford. Wealthy, comfortable… many women would kill to live like her. She has no reason to cause trouble anymore.”

Luke smiled awkwardly and glanced at the shareholder who was still waiting for an answer.

“Mr. Sanford… about what we discussed earlier…”

At that moment, Daniel finally seemed to remember where he was. He looked around, shut the folder in his hand and said, “That’s all for today. Luke will write the report and send it to me.”

Then he stood up and walked out, completely ignoring the unhappy faces around the table.

Luke hurried after him, opening the schedule. “Mr. Sanford, tonight you have an important networking dinner with executives from another major company.”

Daniel was about to respond when his phone rang. Natasha.

“Daniel, can you spend tonight with me? Do you know what day it is?” her soft voice came through.

His expression shifted instantly. The coldness vanished, replaced by a gentle smile he hadn’t shown all day.

“Of course, sweetheart. How could I forget your birthday? The cake is already ordered and on its way. I’ll be there soon.”

When he hung up, Luke looked like he wanted to speak and Daniel noticed that.

“What?”

“Sir, you said many important investors would be there tonight. If you skip it for Miss Morgan’s birthday… we might lose valuable opportunities.”

“The Sanford Group is worth hundreds of millions. How many people at that dinner could actually help us? Why are you nagging like Celeste? I almost forgot she’s the one who recommended you.”

Hearing that, Luke lowered his head in silence.

“That’s enough. Prepare the car. I’m going to Natasha’s place. And stop worrying about things that aren’t your job.”

“Yes, Mr. Sanford.”

Later that evening, Daniel drove to the villa where Natasha lived, a place he had gifted her on her eighteenth birthday. He had a spare key, so he could walk in anytime he wanted.

He stepped out of the car with a bouquet of flowers. Before he could knock, Natasha rushed out wearing a thin nightdress.

“Daniel! You’re so slow. I waited so long I almost fell asleep!”

She jumped into his arms, wrapping her arms around his neck and giving him a playful smile.

“Why are you wearing something so thin out here? You’ll catch a cold. Go inside.”

Even though his tone sounded like scolding, his hands moved gently as he took off his suit jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders.

Blushing, Natasha leaned deeper into his chest. Anyone watching would think they were newlyweds.

As soon as they stepped inside, she grabbed his hand excitedly and pulled him toward the dining table with a meaningful gaze.