To be honest, a lot of the guests had come to the party tonight in the hope of meeting Nathalia in person. The shareholders looked at each other, and all seemed to understand and agree silently that Nathalia was, after all, the real host, the real owner of the company.

Ben's face suddenly turned stern. A feeling of bitterness filled his heart. I've been working so hard for this party, and no one paid me gratitude as if I am supposed to do all the work. Nathalia Davidson has made no contribution at all. Not a tiny bit! But everyone looked up to her; everyone asked about her! It's so unfair!

​​

However, he couldn't show his true feelings. He smiled awkwardly and replied, "Yes, she is. She's probably on the way."

He had worked hard since he was little, and he had to earn what he had today. I won't let anyone take it away from me. No way. He told himself.

Katie smiled and looked at him with admiration, "Mr. Johnson, you have done so much for the company. I'm sure everyone could tell and is proud to have you as the CEO." She said proudly.

Some guests chorused and joined in to pay Ben compliments, which pleased him very much. He raised his glass to say thank you and started a little speech. "Thank you. I'm flattered. I have to say the shareholders have been very supportive, and I'm very..."

Just then, there was a commotion at the door, and everyone turned to look. Someone exclaimed, "It's Mrs. Nathalia Davidson."

Ben was again completely forgotten as everyone went to greet Nathalia enthusiastically, especially the shareholders. Ben heaved a sigh and put his hand down, looking disappointed.

Just a few seconds ago, he had everyone's attention and was happily soaked in their compliment, and now he was completely ignored.

Katie noticed and felt pitiful for him. These people are so ungrateful. He has done so much for them, but they just ignore him. Awful.

"Mr. Johnson, I just want you to know that you are the best. Really. Believe in yourself." She said encouragingly, looking at him with an assuring smile.

Ben's face lit up, and there's affection as well as gratitude in his eyes. "Do you really think so?"

With Ben looking at her affectionately, with expectation, Katie blushed bashfully. "Yes, I do. You are managing the company very well. My dad told me that you are very smart and a great manager."

As if she was worried that he didn't believe her, she added, "Really."

Feeling comforted and much better, Ben smiled and said gratefully, "Thank you, Katie. I'm so happy that I have your company tonight."

Being shy, Katie lowered her head and said gently, "Mr. Johnson,"

"Call me Ben, please." The affection grew thicker in his tone.

"Ben." Katie looked up at him with a smile. "Shall we go out for some fresh air? I don't really want to be talked about and compared to Mrs. Nathalia Davidson if you see what I mean." She suggested.

As the only child in the Ford's family, Katie had been very well educated since she was little. She was more mature than she appeared. In fact, she was more considerate about how Ben felt.

"I know that people think that I'm nothing compared with Nathalia. She doesn't even need to do anything, and everyone looks up at her." Ben admitted.

Katie squeezed his hand and said, "It's only because she's lucky to have married Spencer Davidson. Come, let's go and get some fresh air."

People had gathered at the gate, awaiting Nathalia. She got out of the car slowly, smiled at the crowd, and walked in with Sophie and Lisa.

Her presence was so pleasant to the eyes that everyone gazed with admiration, stunned by her beauty.

"It's such a pleasure to see you here, Mrs. Nathalia Davidson. We have been expecting you."

"Yeah, I was getting worried that you might not attend. I'd be so disappointed."

Nathalia smiled gracefully and said, "Sorry for keeping you waiting."

"No problem at all. You've arrived just at the perfect time."

"Right!"

Everyone was eager to pay Nathalia compliments and hoped to speak to her in person. Nathalia nodded to them with a smile, and when their excitement died down a little bit after some time, she said cheerfully yet formally, "May I introduce my two good friends? This is Lisa Watson, the president, and manager of The Trend, and this is her beautiful daughter, Sophie Watson."

The formality in her tone got people's attention. The president of The Trend? So she's Mrs. Lisa Davidson's partner. She's someone important then.

Lisa presented herself gracefully. She was a bit nervous at first, but she took a look at Nathalia and saw the encouragement and calmness in her eyes, and she felt more assured.

However, Sophie stood behind them, too shy to meet the crowd. "Nathalia, can I just stand behind you?" she whispered nervously. This is crazy. So many people!

Nathalia understood her nervousness. She assured her gently, "There's nothing to be nervous about. Come, just stand beside me."

"But, but, I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything. Just smile and be yourself." Nathalia said to her encouragingly. "Come, or I will drag you forward." She teased.

"No." Sophie defended quietly and slowly stepped forward. She couldn't think of anything. Her mind went blank, but she remembered what Nathalia said, so she smiled.

"Mrs. Watson, your daughter, looks lovely." Someone commented kindly. Everyone could tell that Sophie was new to such occasions. And with her standing next to Nathalia, it was even more obvious to tell.

"Thank you. Sophie is a bit shy, but she's learning, and attending events as such will be great for her. We are very pleased to be invited tonight." Lisa said gracefully. Seeing the huge contract between her daughter and Nathalia, Lisa was more convinced that she should take Sophie out more often and help her build up her confidence.