Nathalia pouted her lips and said, "No. She's still upset." However, Nathalia was happy that things were improving, and she had the patience and time.

As a woman and a mother herself, Lisa totally understood how Sue felt. She said encouragingly, "Well, she's compromised. She's got you the best coffee! I'm sure she will get over it soon."

​​

Nathalia smiled and nodded, feeling grateful for having Lisa, who always guided and encouraged her.

"Nathalia, let me work for you here please? I can help look after the flowers, or I can be a waitress." Sophie came over and said with excitement. She was already picturing herself working at the café, surrounded by flowers and books. This is like a secret garden in the middle of the city. I love it so much.

"Huh?" Nathalia was rather taken aback. She thought for a little while and said, "If you want to be an intern and gain some work experience, it's better to work in an established company. This is just a café..." Sophie is too naïve, and it will be better for her self-growth working in a proper company.

"But I really like it here." Sophie pouted her lips. She turned to her mother and pleaded, "Mum, what do you think? It will be great to work here."

Lisa felt uncertain. She would like her daughter to grow stronger, to experience difficulties in life, and learn how to protect herself, yet at the same time, she hoped that Sophie would just live a simple and happy life.

She hesitated for a bit and said, "Alright. But don't neglect your study. Nathalia, it will do her good to meet more people here." It had everything that Sophie loved here, books, flowers, peace, simplicity, and a sense of security.

Nathalia thought Lisa would say no, but she respected her decision. "Sure. It's at least safe here." One's lucky to remain so carefree and innocent.

"Aww, thank you, mum and Nathalia!" Sophie exclaimed and pecked a kiss on her mother's cheek. "Don't you worry, Nathalia, I will take good care of the plants and be a great waitress." She grinned at Nathalia and went exploring in the mini paradise of flowers.

Lisa took a look at Nathalia, then at Sophie, and didn't know what was best to do. Lisa read her thoughts and said gently, "It's really a blessing to be able to stay innocent."

"Sometimes I wish she could be like you, more mature and..." Lisa paused and heaved a sigh.

Nathalia smiled quietly. My life taught me to be. Who doesn't want the love and protection from their mother?

Just then, one of the staff came over and said, "Mrs. Nathalia Davidson, there's someone asking for you."

Hmm. Who could it be? Nathalia wondered and went downstairs. A young boy was standing outside, looking worried. The staff was busy working, going in and out, and couldn't help noticing him.

On seeing Nathalia, Zack's face lit up. "Nathalia!" he exclaimed and ran into the shop.

Nathalia greeted him with a frown and said impatiently, "What do you want?"

"Nathalia, I want to go to school." Zack noticed that Nathalia seemed to be in a good mood today, and he plucked up his courage to speak directly.

"So?" Nathalia appeared calm. Though Nathalia had built an education foundation and had helped thousands of children, she had no intention of helping Zack at all.

"But I have no money. You are my only family, my sister." Zack said pitifully.

The staff pricked up their ears and were shocked to hear the conversation. Really?! They are siblings?! But Mrs. Nathalia Davidson is so generous. She pays us well, gives us lots of bonuses, and often offers help. It's impossible that she would be mean to her own brother.

Nathalia looked away and sneered. "Ha-ha. Go and ask Daniel Brown. He loves you, and he has plenty of money."

Nathalia knew that there would be trouble since Zack came back to the States, and she was right.

Though shocked and disappointed, Zack tried to remain calm and said righteously, "But he's not my family. He doesn't have an obligation to look after me."

Nathalia looked at him, icily for a good while, which made Zack shiver with fear.

"Neither do I." This is getting annoying. Hasn't he learned that I'm not the bullied anymore? What does he really want? Or what do THEY want? She felt that they were plotting something against her, but she wasn't afraid.

Zack's face went pale. He stood there for a while, and an idea came to him. "Where's mum? If you don't look after me, then let me see mum. Mum will look after me." He said sternly. The pitiful look vanished from his face and was replaced by threatening malice.

The staff watched in disbelief. They can't be siblings. They hate each other.

"Ha-ha. How do I know where your mother is?" Nathalia laughed and shrugged her shoulders.

"I've heard that you locked mum up," Zack said emotionally. "Please let me see mum. Please. I, we will never interfere with your life anymore. We just want to live in peace. I want to..." He started sobbing as he pleaded pitifully, making it sound like he was the victim and Nathalia a merciless monster.

Most people might panic and compromise, but not Nathalia. She responded indifferently, "Who told you so?"

"Huh?" Zack was taken aback by her response. With tears in his eyes, he looked at Nathalia. "People. People are saying you have locked mum up."

Nathalia burst out laughing, "Ha-ha. So you came here to ask me about your mother? I have no idea where she is. Goodbye." Nathalia turned around to leave, but Zack stopped her immediately.

"Nathalia, wait! I'm desperate. I need your help. I know you don't like me, but..."

Nathalia started to grow irritated. "What do you want? Straight to the point. I'm losing my patience." Nathalia cut him short.

Zack felt embarrassed. He hesitated for a bit before he requested, "I want you to pay for my study and give me five thousand dollars monthly for living. If you do, I promise I won't come back again."

Nathalia picked up a rose from the vase and smelled it gently. She lifted her brows and looked at Zack, "What if I don't?"

Her indifference angered Zack, but he couldn't show his anger. "You will. You have helped lots of children. You founded the education foundation. I'm sure you will help your own brother."

"Are you really so sure?" Nathalia sneered. "I will think about it. Now please leave."

"Nathalia, I..." Zack intended to stay and beg till he got the money. Nathalia took a look at the bodyguard, and the bodyguard came over instantly. Zack's face went pale, and he retreated.

"Hey, Nathalia, is everything ok?" Sophie asked worriedly. She had been waiting upstairs and started to grow worried, so she came down to check.

Nathalia smiled at her, "Yeah. Come, let's have some more coffee and cake."