Who should I choose? Joe hesitated, panicked, worried. However, he knew there was no time for him to wait any longer or be the enemy of both parties.

He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, bowed to Anne, and said, "Mrs. Carter, I really appreciate your offer, but I'd like to work for Miss Nathalia Carter." As soon as he said it, he felt like he had lost something yet gained something else at the same time. It was a complicated feeling.

​​

Nathalia was a bit startled. He has chosen me. He has chosen me. Does that mean fate will change? Does that mean in two years...

Anne was more surprised as well as furious. If Spencer wasn't there, she would have let out all her anger. She tried hard to compose herself and finally squeezed one word out of her lips, "Why?"

You are a nobody, an idiot. How dare you choose her over me?!

Her face was frightening-looking. Joe took a timid glance at Anne and quickly looked away. But in a self-assured tone, he answered, "Because I trust her."

That was the answer. So simple. The three listeners were bewildered. That's it? That's the answer?

The answer made Anne even more furious. Losing it to Nathalia for such a reason was unacceptable to her. "You trust her? A girl who betrayed her own father?!" She bellowed.

Spencer was not pleased with what he heard at all. He reminded Anne sharply, "Mrs. Carter, watch your mouth."

Anne looked at Spencer, taken aback, and tried to calm herself down. At the same time, Joe glanced at Nathalia and was surprised to see how calm she looked. Does she really not care how terribly her step-mother spoke of her?

Somehow he felt pity for Nathalia.

"If it's true, I'm sure Miss Nathalia Carter has her own reason. She's the first person who offered to help me, and I'm grateful for that." Joe sounded more assured.

"You will regret it!" Anne said furiously.

"Mrs. Carter, why are you shouting? It's not like the usual Mrs. Carter." Nathalia smiled and said quietly, "Well, I guess everyone knows what you are like now, and there's no point pretending anymore."

Anne clenched her fists tight. Ahhhhh, I want to strangle her! Spencer was staring at her icily as if to say, 'Don't you dare!'

"You think you will last long without the support from your family? Do you think you can be with Spencer Davidson for a long time? Let's see. Good luck." Anne sneered. She narrowed her eyes as if she was plotting something evil in her head.

Nathalia responded with a graceful smile, "Thank you. I won't let you down."

"Huh." Anne glared at Nathalia for one last time and left.

As soon as Anne was out of sight, Joe let out a long and deep sigh, relieved. Then he looked at Nathalia and said warily, "Miss Nathalia Carter, I, er..."

Nathalia interrupted him, "We need to take care of your son as soon as possible. I will have him taken to Europe for treatment. It's better you and your wife go along. I will have everything arranged."

"Thank you." Joe was impressed by Nathalia's decisiveness and had great respect for her. At the same time, he felt fortunate that he had made the right decision.

"But what can I do for you? I've now got a bad reputation. I'm not sure how I can be of any help anymore." Joe said, honestly. Though Nathalia was young, he could sense there was something about her that demanded pure honesty.

"Work for me for ten years." She said straightforwardly. "Then, you are free to leave or stay."

What will happen in ten years? Will I still be alive? Nathalia wondered. If not, there's nothing I can do about it anyway.

Nathalia paused for a few seconds, then looked at Joe icily and continued, "Remember, I hate liars and betrayers." Her tone was cold and threatening.

It sent Joe's heart shivering. Cold sweats covered his forehead, and he dared not ask any more questions. "I understand." He said, and left.

Nathalia watched Joe leave, and she bit her lips gently and thoughtfully. I hope he won't let me down.

Spencer had been watching quietly. "What's about him?" He asked curiously. He's got fired and kicked out. There doesn't seem to be anything special in him.

"We will see." Nathalia smiled and put her hand on his. "So, how come you are here?" She looked at him happily.

Spencer patted at her head affectionately and held her hand in his. The softness of her hand touched his heart.

"Catching up with my friends. Come, I will introduce you." He said cheerfully.

In a private room sat several handsome young guys, chatting excitedly. Patrick, who was seated facing the door, spotted Nathalia and Spencer first, and he quickly winked at Steve and James to inform them.

Steve teased Spencer, "I see. That's why you rushed out of the room just then. To protect your lovely girlfriend. I see."

He seemed really concerned then. That was surprising. Does he really love her? Steve doubted. It's probably more out of sympathy because he himself is going through the same thing.

Patrick looked at Nathalia and said half-jokingly, "You know, Nathalia Carter, and Spencer has been so loyal to you. Ever since he met you, he hasn't been out meeting any girls at all."

It just doesn't seem real that these two are getting engaged, but Spencer's our friend, we should at least give him a bit of support.

"Shut up." As soon as Patrick finished his words, Spencer slapped him on his back.

"Ouch," Patrick yelled and giggled. Spencer gave him a warning glare. What kind of friends are you guys?

James joined in, "However, do you think you can handle Spencer? Seriously. I mean, we all know his reputation with girls...Ouch!" Before he could finish, Spencer gave him a hard slap on his head and said, "Shut up!"

The three best friends giggled. It was a good question, indeed. Everyone looked at Nathalia, expecting an answer. To be honest, they didn't really think it would work. They knew very well what Spencer was like with women.

He had had so many gorgeous women, but none of them could last long. Compared to them, Nathalia was too plain-looking and naïve. That Spencer was getting engaged to her was something totally unexpected to them.

Nathalia looked at the three cheeky faces and smiled confidently, "I don't need to handle him. It's totally up to him. There's nothing to worry about."

The cheeky faces now looked shocked and taken aback. Nothing to worry about?! Is she serious? She's not normal. Does she really love Spencer?

Spencer frowned and wasn't very pleased with the answer. Steve was now more curious about this "abnormal" girl, finding her rather interesting. Casually, he passed her a drink and said, "So, pray to tell. What's your secret weapon?"

Nathalia took the drink gracefully and had a few sips. Spencer, seated next to her, watched her lips softly kiss the edge of the cup, her face glow in the dim light, and her eyes sparkle with playfulness. He indulged himself in the observation, enchanted.