Natalie shot Amber a wary glance. Did this woman notice that her daily dog walks were just a cover to check the guards' shift changes? Lucky, standing by her side, bared her teeth. She never liked Amber. The moment Amber leaned in, Lucky growled low from her throat, sharp and warning. Startled, Amber shrank back behind Natalie. She knew this dog had already taken lives. With a pitiful tone, Amber said, "Sis, your dog doesn't seem to like me much." The message was clear: You better control your dog before she bites me. But Natalie had no intention of scolding Lucky. To her, Lucky was far more precious than this woman. Still, she tugged the dog back a little. Amber worked for Magnus. Before the birthday party started, it wasn't smart to stir up extra trouble. As she pulled Lucky, Natalie asked coldly, "How old are you?" Amber froze. What kind of question was that? Still, she answered, "Twenty-seven." Natalie glanced at her. "I'm 22. Stop calling me sis." Amber's face stiffened. So she was accusing her of acting cutesy and pretending to be younger? Forced to save her pride, Amber muttered awkwardly, "Sorry, Bonnie. I thought you were older than me." Natalie didn't respond. She walked on with Lucky, but Amber trailed after her, trying to make small talk. "Bonnie, I've got this extra cabinet in my room. It takes up too much space. Could you help me move it to the living room tomorrow? I can't lift it alone." Natalie frowned. Was this woman seriously looking for excuses to talk? There was a man as strong as Cassian upstairs, but she came to her instead? "You should ask Kash on the second floor," Natalie said flatly. "He's stronger than me." Amber sighed. "Oh well, he's hard to deal with." Natalie shook her head. "No, he's really kind." To her, Cassian was the most understanding man she'd ever met. She had spread rumors about him and broken his arm, and he still wouldn't get angry. He even comforted Lucky with patience. What a good man! Amber's mouth twitched. Kind? That cold, sharp-tongued man who even hits women? I have never met anyone less friendly in my life! She was about to argue when they suddenly reached the iron gate. Two armed guards stood straight at their posts. They already knew Lucky by sight. Smiling, one of the guards greeted, "Ms. Bonnie, out walking the dog again?"He lifted his head and spotted Amber right behind Natalie. Everyone knew Amber was close to Magnus, the kind of woman who could whisper in his ear at night. The guards straightened up quickly. "Good evening, Ms. Amber!" Amber felt a little taller at their respect. She had been brushed off by Kash and Bonnie these past few days, but now her pride was restored. She gave a pleased nod. "Hello." Then she remembered Magnus's orders—she was supposed to check in with him every so often. Since she was already here, she decided to head inside. She raised her chin. "Open the gate. I'll see Magnus." The guards immediately let her through. Amber glanced back with a polite smile. "Bonnie, I'll catch you later." Natalie nodded. She watched Amber sway her hips as she walked away. Then she nudged Lucky with her foot. Lucky bared her teeth in a goofy grin and waddled over to the guards. When she wasn't growling, she looked harmless and cute, easy to love. The guards knew Natalie and her dog were heroes who had helped take down Ironclaw Base. Seeing her with Amber only confirmed that she was now someone important too. Relaxed, they bent down to pet Lucky. Natalie took the chance to chat."I thought no one was allowed in this courtyard. Looks like Amber gets special treatment." One guard scratched Lucky's ears as he answered, "She's Magnus's woman. Of course she gets special privileges." Natalie nodded thoughtfully. "She's nice, but if you ask me, Magnus's true trust lies with you six." The guards beamed at the compliment, though one waved his hand modestly. "Not really." Natalie smiled. "Still, standing watch every day must be rough. Maybe you'll get a break during the birthday party, right?" Magnus's upcoming birthday was no secret. Most of the base was busy preparing gifts for him. But the guard shook his head. "Not us. We're on duty that night." Natalie quietly noted their names. Then she sighed. "That's tough. But I bet there'll be a lot of good food." The heavier guard swallowed hard. "Of course! You got that right." Natalie gave him a long look but said nothing more. She let Lucky play with the guards for a while before finally calling her back and leaving.