ather for the kind words.”
Benjamin was all fired up, going on and on, “Grandfather also said, when you’re looking for a girlfriend, aim for someone like you, Ms.. Nathalie…
He paused to swallow before continuing, “He said you would be a blessing to your partner.”
Nathalie chuckled, playing along.
Dinner was served. They had three dishes and a soup. The spread might have been simple, but the ingredients were top–notch.
Sticking to her values of avoiding waste, Nathalie also wanted to make sure she didn’t come off as tight–fisted in front of the big spender across the table. She handled things smoothly, which clearly won Benjamin over.
After all, Benjamin was used to having women around him who were more about showing off than pitching in.
Nathalie, being thoughtful, served Benjamin some food, and his grin showed just how pleased he was. “Nathalie, you mentioned you needed a favor. Go ahead, tell me. As long as it’s something I can do, I’ll do my best to help.”
Nathalie replied, “Mr. Rowland, to be honest, the fashion brand I started with your brother Nathan is my project, even though it’s in his name. I’d appreciate it if you could give it a chance to flourish.”
Benjamin looked a bit uncomfortable. “Nathalie, since the company’s under Nathan’s name, it’s technically his. You see, the Rowland family also has a fashion brand. Ideally, we should focus on just one brand to make it stronger.”
Nathalie played dumb.
Benjamin continued, “The Rowland family’s partners go way back with us. If Nathan and I each run a fashion brand, they’d have to choose sides. While surviving isn’t an issue, thriving would be tough.”
Nathalie got what he was hinting at–he was worried she’d step on his turf.
She played it humble, “Mr. Rowland, you’re giving me too much credit. I’m just trying to make a living. How could I possibly compete with your resources? Just throw us a bone with the orders you don’t want, and we’ll be happy.”
Benjamin, flattered, nodded. “True, how could a girl like you pose a threat? How could you replace the Rowland family’s brand? My grandfather is probably overthinking things…”
Nathalie quickly poured him a drink. “You’re right… Let’s toast.”
She kept clinking glasses with him, and Benjamin, never one to refuse a drink, soon found himself plastered, mumbling, “Nathalie, you know? I liked you the moment I saw you. But your situation is tricky–you’re divorced, and your ex is Cameron. If I were to marry you, I’d be the talk of the town.”
“Nathalie, if you agree to be my lover, I’ll take good care of you. You’ll have plenty of money and plenty of love. Even if you don’t work, you’ll be well taken care of.”
Nathalie looked at him with a cold stare, like a predator eyeing its prey. Yet here he was, boldly suggesting something so indecent.
in a syrupy, sweet voice, Nathalie asked, “You’re drunk. Should I take you home or to a hotel for the night?”
Benjamin, drooling a bit, replied, “Hotel? Yeah. Take me to a hotel.”
He reached out to grab Nathalie, but she smoothly dodged, pretending to be shy, “Alright, let’s get you to the hotel first.”
She waved over a waiter, slipping him some cash. “Could you help me get him up to a room?”
1/1
