"You can relax," Magnus said with a grin. "Even if you're not my first wife, you'll always be my main. You're not like the others. Look, I'm ready to put all my wealth in your hands." Natalie almost laughed out loud. What a joke! A warehouse keeper isn't much different from a bank clerk. I could look at the goods, but I couldn't actually use them. Even if he really did hand me all of the stockpile, there's no way I'd ever agree to be with him. Who did this ugly fool think he was, daydreaming of something he couldn't have? Over the last few days, Cassian had told her many things about Magnus. Before the world went under, he was nothing but an ordinary office worker, grinding for over ten years just to land a mid-level manager's chair in a Holland Group branch office. He wasn't even important enough to meet the big boss back at headquarters. Now, with a bit of luck and some borrowed power, he built himself a base and started playing emperor. And being an emperor wasn't enough—he wanted women on every side, keeping a harem. Natalie nearly rolled her eyes so hard that they hit the ceiling. On the outside, she kept her face straight. "I appreciate the offer, Magnus. But it's all a little sudden. I need time to think about it." Magnus lit up at once, mistaking her hesitation for interest. He threw his heavy hand across her shoulder like he already owned her. "Bonnie, how long do you need before giving me an answer?" Natalie glanced at the unwanted hand on her shoulder, her eyes turning sharp. She stepped back quickly, shaking it off. "After your birthday party," she said smoothly.If you're even alive by then. Magnus was overjoyed. His birthday party was right around the corner, so her vague promise was all he needed. It didn't bother him that she had slipped away from his touch. Laughing loudly, he said, "Great! I'll be waiting for your good news." Natalie put on a polite smile, excused herself, and was ready to leave. As she walked out, her mind wandered back to her shoulder. Which hand had he touched her with? Probably his right hand. And wasn't the warehouse scanner tied to that handprint on his right hand? She gave a quiet, cold snort and hurried out of the villa. Past the iron gate, she stopped short. A tall figure stood not far ahead, sunlight filtering through the trees, breaking across his face in shifting shadows. She couldn't see his face clearly. Her heart stirred. Natalie picked up her pace. Cassian was standing by the roadside, still as a statue, holding Lucky's leash. The dog wagged her tail lazily, tongue hanging out in the sweltering heat. It had to be at least 130 degrees. Sweat beaded Cassian's forehead, shining under the sun. He hadn't sought shade. He had just stood there, waiting. Natalie came closer. "Why are you here?" Cassian didn't answer. Instead, his eyes searched hers. "Are you okay?" "I'm fine," she replied without hesitation. She then repeated the question, softer but insistent, "Why are you here?" His lips pressed into a thin line. He said nothing.Natalie almost asked, Was it because you were worried about me? But the words caught in her throat. She already knew. There was no need to make him say it. She met his gaze, steady and unflinching. "How long have you been waiting here?" Cassian's answer was quiet and evasive. "Not long." Beside them, Lucky quietly lifted her left front paw, set it down, then lifted her right paw. Hot pavement, Natalie! Natalie smirked and took the leash from Cassian's hand. "Let's head back." He must have been standing out here for a long time. They walked side by side. Cassian's tall frame stayed on the side of the road where the sun beat down hardest, blocking much of the scorching light from her. Natalie glanced up at his sharp profile. "How about we have some lemonade when we get back?" His cheeks were already flushed red from the sun. Cassian lowered his eyes to her, lost for a moment, then nodded. "Sure." Then he asked, "What did Magnus want with you?" Natalie let out a short laugh. "Showing off." Cassian was stunned. "Showing off?" "Didn't see that coming, huh?" she said with a small grin. He had expected Magnus to scheme or threaten, but the guy had simply dragged her over to brag about his wealth.She scoffed. "He showed me his private stash in the house. Then he told me to think it over—whether I'd want to be his wife." She kept the warehouse part to herself. Cassian's eyes narrowed. "Wife?" Natalie said with mocking sweetness, "His real wife. He made sure I knew there'd still be a lover on the side." She paused, then added, "Guess he thinks he's some kind of king." Cassian snorted. "So his way of chasing women is to flash his money?" Natalie couldn't hold back her laughter. Truth was, Magnus had really picked the wrong people to impress—she and Cassian both had more than he did. Still smiling, she teased, "If anyone's rolling in wealth, it's you. Tell me, Mr. Holland, have you ever tried that move to win a girl over?" Cassian's lips parted slightly. "Money isn't much of an advantage. My strengths are somewhere else." "Oh?" Natalie tilted her head, intrigued. "And what strengths would those be, Mr. Holland?" Cassian lowered his gaze to her. "What do you think?" Natalie met his eyes. Suddenly, the sunlight felt too hot, burning across her face. She looked away quickly and picked up her pace. "Come on. Let's get that lemonade." Cassian's lips curved, and he strode after her.