The staff brought some freshly baked cookies and cake and three cups of coffee. Nathalia went to the bathroom to wash her hands, and when she came back, she was all smiles, back to her cheerful self.

"Let's dig in," she said delightfully.

​​

"Bon appetit!" Sophie exclaimed, pleased to see Nathalia's cheerful look again. The two girls enjoyed the cookies happily, but Lisa seemed uninterested in the food and looked a bit concerned.

"Nathalia, the invitation..." She spoke with hesitation. Though excited that they were invited, she was rather confused. An art exhibition? Why? What is it about?

Nathalia had no idea either. She had a look at the invitation card, but there wasn't much information about it except the date, time, and venue. The exhibition would last three days.

"Don't worry much about it. We can just go and see. It can be fun." Nathalia said casually. She didn't think about the chances of any sort of cooperation with the Morgans as the Trend wasn't competitive enough.

On hearing so, Lisa felt much relieved and enjoyed the cake and coffee more. "This is gorgeous! Surely it will sell well." She exclaimed, surprised by how tasty the cake was.

Nathalia laughed happily. "Thank you. I shall let the staff know!"

"By the way, will you go to the exhibition with me?"

Nathalia didn't seem to care much. "Hmm. Let's see. I will let you know by then." I'm not really interested, and he didn't really invite me anyway.

Lisa knew Nathalia well and didn't intend to persuade her. She had decided to take Sophie along, though, thinking it would be a great experience for Sophie.

It was so busy on an opening day that they didn't close the shop till ten at night. When Nathalia checked the account book, she was delightfully surprised. It way exceeded her expectations. She invited all the staff out for a gathering and a little celebration, and everyone cheered with excitement.

When she said goodbye to the staff, it was almost midnight. Though she was tired, she wanted to see Mrs. Davidson. Zoe had gone home after helping at the café in the day. She opened the door and was surprised to see Nathalia so late.

She was carrying a bunch of flowers and a bag of cookies and desserts. She looked up at the stairs with expectation. "Is mum asleep? I've brought her some flowers and cookies."

Worried about disappointing Nathalia, Zoe looked away and said gently, "Yes, she's asleep."

Nathalia heaved a sigh of disappointment. "I see. Please say thank you to mum for me. And if you need any help, just give me a call." She had expected it would be so, but she still wanted to try her luck.

Zoe felt upset for Nathalia, and she said comfortingly, "Mrs. Nathalia Davidson, you are so thoughtful and loving. I would like to say thank you to you for Mrs. Sue Davidson." She's such a good girl. She's talented, kind, thoughtful, possibly the best daughter or daughter-in-law any mother could wish for. I just don't understand why Mrs. Sue Davidson has to be so stubborn.

Nathalia smiled gratefully. "Thanks, Zoe. We are a family. Mum is always my mum."

"Yes, Mrs. Nathalia Davidson." Zoe nodded.

"Please look after mum." Nathalia left the flowers and the bag on the table and turned to leave. Zoe walked her to the gate. Just as Nathalia was to get into the car, she recalled the visit from Nate and asked, "Did anyone visit today?"

"No." Zoe was a bit taken aback. "Why?"

Zoe wondered if something bad had happened and grew a bit worried. There has been so much going on these days. Luckily Mrs. Sue Davidson prefers some quiet time lately and has been staying home most of the time.

Nathalia thought about it and told Zoe that Nate had mentioned paying a visit. Zoe was surprised at first, then she smiled and said, "Don't worry. I'm sure people know to inform a day in advance before they visit. Surely he won't just show up." It was the unspoken ritual indeed.

"True." Nathalia felt much relieved. "By the way, I'm thinking of having the whole family together for dinner when Spencer returns. What do you think?" Zoe had worked at the Davidsons for years, and she was very close to Sue. The family respected her opinions.

Zoe exclaimed happily, "That will be wonderful! To have the whole family together! It's been such a long time. I've been praying and hoping. Mrs. Nathalia Davidson, it's the best plan." That will be superb if the family gets back together! I know Mrs. Sue Davidson hasn't let go of the past. She still cares about Mr. Curt Davidson very much.

Nathalia felt supported, hearing Zoe's words as she knew that Zoe would help and persuade Sue. "Me too, Zoe. I really hope it will work out with mum and dad, and we will be a happy family."

Zoe couldn't help feeling grateful for Sue for having a daughter-in-law as sweet and considerate as Nathalia. After saying goodbye to Nathalia, Zoe took the flowers and some cookies upstairs, and when she got to Sue's door, she knocked and asked gently, "Mrs. Sue Davidson, are you awake still?"

"Come on in," Sue said briefly.

Zoe went in to see Sue in her pajamas, lying on the bed, reading. But she knew that Sue was only pretending.

"You two seemed to be having a good chat out there. What is it about?" Sue asked, trying to sound indifferent.

Zoe looked at the window, which faced south and looked out to the gate, and smiled. "Did you see us?" She does care but pretends not to.

"I..." Sue muttered, "I happened to see you. What did you talk about?" She was very curious. Zoe had looked after her for a few decades, and she was possibly her best friend. But she realized how Zoe spoke well of Nathalia many times. What is it about that girl? She thought, a bit annoyed and frustrated.

Zoe couldn't help chuckling. "Nothing in particular. Mrs. Nathalia Davidson has brought you flowers and some desserts." 

Sue's face lit up for a second, excited about the presents, but quickly looked away and pretended to be uninterested. "We have plenty of flowers in the garden."

Zoe tried not to chuckle this time. "Ah. If you don't want them, shall I keep them myself?"

"Whatever..."

She's never changed. She likes them, but she's too stubborn to admit. Poor girl. Zoe thought. She took out a pretty vase from the cupboard, placed the flowers in, and put it on the bedside table next to Sue. Sue took a quick glance at the flowers and felt relieved.

"Good night, Mrs. Sue Davidson," Zoe said and turned to leave. Just as she was to close the door behind, she couldn't bear it anymore and said, "By the way, your book is upside down." And she quickly closed the door, chuckled, and went downstairs.