Watching Ben storm out of the house in a rage, defeated, Nathalia felt rewarded and uplifted. Revenge does make you feel good. I shall do it more often.

She walked to her room while humming a cheery tune, opened the window, and saw, as she expected, Anne Carter and Ben Johnson by the spring in the garden. ​​

They both looked emotional, Ben intending to walk away and Anne trying to stop him. Some words were exchanged, and a few minutes passed till Ben was persuaded as he looked calm and showed a wicked smile. It seemed they were conspiring against her.

Ben walked towards the gate while Anne watched. She stood there for a while as if she was in deep thoughts, then suddenly she turned around and looked towards Nathalia's room. She seemed to have sensed something, but fortunately, Nathalia was quick and made a swift dodge just in time. It had been a good night. She thought—time to relax.

She walked into the bathroom with a cheerful gait, turned on the tap, sprinkled a few drops of rose essential oil into the bathtub, and soon the room was filled with delightful and peaceful fragrance.

She turned on the speakers, and classic jazz was playing. The warm water soothed her as she sat into the bath. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath as if to let go of all the heavy thoughts.

Bang. The door slammed open and in walked the angry Mrs. Carter. "Nathalia, why on earth did you behave like that? You really disappointed me."

Nathalia was prepared. She smiled cheekily, lifted her right hand up, and gave Mrs. Carter a playful salute. "I'm sorry, mum, but you can't really blame me. I mean, look at him. He looks like a rat. I just really don't like his face and the way he talks, so disrespectful. I'm the daughter of the Carter's. He should at least show respect to our family. Don't you think?"

Nathalia was quick and self-assured. Mrs. Carter couldn't find the right words to respond. Like a rat? Disrespectful? Nonsense. What is she talking about? She was dumbfounded.

Nathalia took the chance and continued, "By the way, mum, why are you standing on a stranger's side instead of mine? I'm your daughter, no?" she questioned, almost in a begging tone.

Anne Carter was caught, unguarded. Shit. She can't be suspicious. Or it will ruin the plan. She thought. Immediately, she discarded her anger and tried hard to explain, "Of course you are, my sweet Nathalia. I'm just worried about your study, you know..."

Nathalia replied with a bright smile, "Oh, mum. I know. I know you care about me. How lucky I am to have a mum like you. Thanks, mum."

Relieved, Anne Carter thought She's still just a naïve girl. Dumb and brainless. Good to know that she's not suspicious of anything.

"Aren't you a sweet little thing. But Nathalia, I thought if your dad knows about it, he will be upset.'

Nathalia threw her another cheeky smile "Well, dad doesn't need to know. And dad loves you so much. He never says no to you. You will stand on my side, won't you, mum? Huh? Please?"

Anne Carter didn't expect such cheekiness and had to give in helplessly, "Of course, sweetheart."

I will let you off this time, for now. I need to think of a better plan. A long-term one. Then she suddenly remembered something and said, "By the way, where are the jade necklace and bracelets I bought you? I will keep them safe for you, and you just let me know when you need them."

Twelve billion dollars they cost!

If the money was spent on my own daughter, Evette, it's alright, but on this little bugger! Thinking about it just makes me angry.

Now that people have seen her wear it, it's time to get them back.

"Oh, but er…" Nathalia frowned, "I've put them in the safe in the bank."

You are quick, aren't you?! Anne Carter thought, but she was determined to get them back. "Well, it's safer if I keep them for you."

Nathalia nodded, "Sure, mum. I will take them out soon."

"Good girl." Feeling assured and relieved, Anne Carter patted Nathalia on her head gently and left.

She's just a spoiled girl. What happened today was unexpected, but I have probably just misjudged her. Anyway, I will think of another plan.

As soon as Anne Carter left, Nathalia sneered.

Bring it on. I fear nothing!

Just then, her phone rang. It was Lisa Watson. "Nathalia, I've sold them, but it's not as much as we expected. Ten and a half-billion dollars."

The corners of her lips lifted. "That's enough. Good, we will go as planned."

It was Anne Carter's birthday soon. To show how much he loved his wife, Frank Carter had bought her a diamond ring, a new car, and a villa. "Love me, love my daughter." As someone suggested, he had even got Evette a Porsche, for which Evette was screaming with great excitement and had been showing off to Nathalia.

Nathalia had not received anything, but she didn't care, for she knew one day she would get everything they had taken from her.

Another day was coming to an end as the sun slowly set in the west. The clouds were painted pink in the scattering sunlight. Nathalia stood by the window and gazed, indifferent to the excited mother and daughter who were busying opening presents, talking and laughing. A mysterious smile lit up her face.

Evette glanced at Nathalia and was surprised to find that Nathalia had somehow changed. Though she has the same face, she looks prettier. She has a charm in her.

Then she realized she was almost gazing at Nathalia, and she knitted her brows. "Hey, Nathalia. What presents have you got for your mum? Mum loves the ruby brooch…"

It once belonged to the English royal family. Nathalia's grandpa got it from an auction in Zurich and gave it to his daughter, Nathalia's mother, as a birthday present. It was given to Nathalia, together with the other jewelry, when her mother died.

Anne Carter had been coveting the brooch for years and never had a chance to obtain it yet.

Of course, Nathalia understood what they were plotting and interrupted Evette with a sweet smile "Don't worry, Evette, I've prepared a very special present for mum. It will be a wonderful surprise."