It took Sue a little while to understand. She looked at the lines of words and blushed. How embarrassing! What a fool I am!

The next day, Nathalia got a phone call from Zoe right after her last class. She answered immediately, worried, "Hi, Zoe, is everything ok?"

​​

Zoe sounded hurried and anxious, "Mrs. Nathalia Davidson, can you please come over as soon as possible?"

Nathalia's face turned pale. "What happened? Is mum sick?"

Zoe didn't know how to explain the situation, and the first thing she thought of was to have Nathalia there. "No. Err... Mr. Nate Morgan is here..."

"What?" Nathalia was stunned. They were only talking about it last night, thinking that he wouldn't just show up, and now there he was!

Nathalia hastened to the car and asked the driver to hurry. However, they got stuck in a traffic jam unluckily. Nathalia cursed a few times impatiently.

When she finally arrived, Zoe came to the gate to see her and explained what happened. "Mr. Nate Morgan came with Miss Mia Clark and brought a very special present. Strangely, Mrs. Sue Davidson agreed to see them."

Nathalia looked at Zoe with her eyes wide open, "What's this special present?" she asked curiously.

Mum pretty much has everything she wants. I wonder what this present is! It must be something special. Or why would mum agree to see them?

Though Zoe had been with Sue for years and had learned a few of Sue's collections, she was never really interested, and her knowledge was limited. "It looks like some kind of antique. I had a look, but I don't really understand. From what they were saying, it seems to be something very valuable, and Mrs. Sue Davidson seems to like it very much."

Antique? But we have plenty. Nathalia was more puzzled now.

She walked in to see Nate and Sue sitting opposite each other, chatting lively, while Mia sat there like an outsider, having no idea what they were talking about.

Nathalia was really surprised to see Sue so cheerful. How did he do it? He's making mum laugh!

They noticed Nathalia come in. Nate didn't stand up to greet her but waved his hand and said casually, "Hey Nathalia, nice to see you again." Nathalia noticed the proud smile on his face, sensitive as she was.

"What are you doing here?!" she questioned angrily. Whatever game he is playing, he can't get mum involved!

Nate didn't look upset at all. It seemed like he had got used to Nathalia's unwelcoming attitude. Mia wasn't sure if she should retort, but she saw how indifferent Nate was and thought she should just remain quiet.

It won't do me any good to displease her. I mean, look at the Berry family. They are now trying to sell their company!

Sue rolled her eyes at Nathalia and said sternly, "Don't be rude."

Nathalia wasn't annoyed but sat down next to Sue, pouted her lips, and spoke to Sue as she used to when she felt unfair. "Mum, he's only good at talking honey-coated words. Don't let him trick you."

Sue felt annoyed, yet somehow touched at the same time. It was a mixed feeling that she couldn't understand then. "Do you think I can't tell what's real or fake? You think I'm an idiot? Huh?" She sounded irritated.

Mia was startled by Sue's reaction. The rumors are true then. These two don't get along well.

Nathalia was a bit shocked too, but she didn't retreat, and instead, she put her arm around Sue's and pleaded with a smile, "Of course not, mum. You are the cleverest woman I know. I'm just worried that they are here to disturb you."

Sue bit her lips slightly. She seemed upset and touched at the same time. She felt Nathalia's arm in hers and heard the same old pleading voice she was used to.

It suddenly tensed up and became awkward. Zoe's heart was beating fast, worried that Sue would start an argument.

Suddenly, Nate said cheerfully, "Mrs. Davidson, I've been looking forward to dining with you in your beautiful house. I hope you won't change your mind and ask me to leave now."

The awkwardness disappeared, and Sue replied happily, "Of course I won't. It's a great pleasure to have you here." Then she said to Zoe, "Make sure the kitchen prepared the best dinner for our honorable guest."

"But..." Zoe hesitated, worried about leaving Sue. But what is Mr. Nate Morgan doing here? What's his intention?

Nathalia guessed Zoe's thoughts and said to her with an assuring smile, "Don't worry, I'm here." Nathalia was determined to get things sorted tonight. I'm going to fix the problems with mum tonight! She told herself.

Mia was impressed, thinking, wow, she doesn't even feel awkward. If it was me, I would feel so ashamed. But she's Nathalia. I mean, what she has experienced must have made her a strong person. This is probably nothing to her.

Nate took a look at Nathalia with appreciation, then said cheekily, "Mrs. Sue Davidson, do I look like someone that would trick you? And what would I do that for anyway? To get your money?"

Mrs. Davidson chuckled, "Nah, don't take it to heart, what Nathalia said. The Morgans don't lack anything."

Sensing that it was all cheerful again, Zoe left with relief.

Nathalia cut in, "They do lack something."

Nate picked up his tea and had a sip. "What do we lack?" He asked casually while thinking, I've just helped you, ungrateful woman.

Nathalia put her hand on her chest and said in a deliberately serious tone, "Kindness and sympathy."

Nate spat out the tea instantly, and Mia burst out laughing. "Ha-ha."

No wonder Dad told me not to mess up with Nathalia Davidson. Mia thought.

Even Sue couldn't help laughing out. But Nathalia remained calm and nodded thoughtfully.

"Nathalia! That's an insult!" Nate retorted.

Nathalia looked at him into his eyes, innocently. I am insulting you, so what?!

Seeing that Nate was about to stand up, Sue stopped laughing and said cheerfully, "Nate, don't mind her. I've got used to her nonsensical talking."

It might seem like Sue was telling Nathalia off, but everyone could sense that she was actually protecting her. She was her daughter-in-law, after all.

Nate heaved a sigh and calmed himself down. "I respect you, Mrs. Sue Davidson, and for your sake, I forgive Nathalia this time."

Nathalia added proudly, "I don't need your forgiveness because I was only speaking the truth."