Natalie touched her face. What's going on? I hadn't shown a single expression. How did this man know what I'm thinking? Cassian's eyes shifted just as he was about to say something—when loud laughter broke out. "Hahaha! Today's a good day. Thanks for coming, everyone!" Magnus stepped out of the villa with a big smile, his face flushed with excitement. Right behind him came the burly Kelvin. Natalie and Cassian exchanged a glance. Here they come. The moment those two appeared, the crowd stopped talking and stood up. The whole place went silent except for Magnus's booming voice, "Relax, folks! Please take your seat!" Only then did the people sit back down. Kelvin, grinning from ear to ear, stood beside him. "Magnus, everyone brought birthday gifts. They've been waiting for this moment to present their gifts for you." His smile grew wider, wrinkles spreading around his eyes. "Oh? Really? You've all gone to such trouble." Kelvin waved his hand. One by one, people lined up to present their gifts. "Happy birthday, Magnus! Wishing you success in everything!" "Good health and long life to you, Magnus!" "May fortune and joy always be with you!" Natalie looked at the endless gift line and couldn't help but wonder, what kind of tradition was this? Hundreds of people waiting in line just to hand him gifts? She thought it would be like a wedding back home—people just signing their names and tossing the presents into a big pile. This whole "line up and hand it over" thing was a nightmare for anyone shy. But apparently, nobody here had that problem. They were all loud, confident, and full of energy. Each toast sounded different, and for a moment, their tough, rugged looks even seemed cultured. Natalie turned to the beaming Magnus. So much for celebrating with everyone and making sure all the guests have a good meal. This person was just enjoying his power and collecting gifts while he was at it. The food had been set on the tables long ago, but by the time everyone finished fawning over Magnus, it would all be cold. Cassian, noticing Natalie's gaze fixed on the food, teased, "Hungry?" She shot him a glare. "Do I look crazy to you?" Cassian laughed and let it go. "Don't worry. Let them enjoy themselves for now." After a pause, he added casually, "If you like, when we leave, I'll take all those gifts for you." Natalie looked at him and said, "Well, if you put it that way, suddenly I feel a lot more patient. The more they give, the better." Keep going, folks. The longer the line, the better. Cassian laughed. "You little money-grubber." Natalie ignored him and shifted her attention back to Magnus and Kelvin. She noticed the bulges at their waists."They told us no weapons," she muttered. "Yet look at them—loaded up." Cassian gave them a glance too. "Doesn't matter. We'll take those on the way out as well." Natalie gave him a half-smile. "You're pretty good at this whole robbing thing." Cassian beamed. "Takes one to know one." After a while, Magnus had collected almost all the gifts, and his men returned to their seats. When he glanced down, he caught Bonnie and Kash chatting and laughing together. He frowned and called out, "Bonnie, why are you sitting down there talking instead of coming to me?" Natalie sneered inside. Not long ago, he was calling her "Ms. Bonnie" with fake respect. Now he dared to call her name directly. Did he really think that after tonight she would fall into his arms? She answered him with a straight face, "Magnus, are you asking me for a gift?" That line hit hard; it cornered him. In an instant, he looked like a greedy man begging for handouts. He wanted to scold her but didn't dare push her away, afraid she'd storm off. For a moment he was stuck, unsure what to say. Natalie didn't let him stew for long. She added calmly, "My gift will be delivered to you after the party. It'll be a real surprise." His mood flipped immediately; the storm on his face broke into sunshine. Smiling wide, he slapped the armrest of his chair. "Good! I'll be waiting!" The crowd traded knowing looks. Everyone thought she meant she would give herself to Magnus in exchange for comfort and power. Magnus then turned to Cassian, who was sitting beside her. "Kash, looks like you're in good spirits too?" His thoughts burned. You didn't bring me a gift, but you sat glued to my woman all night—what is that supposed to mean? Cassian stayed calm. "My gift will also come after the party." Magnus was hit again, feeling even more annoyed. Do they think I'm just begging for gifts? No—I just don't want you sitting next to my woman. Ms. Bonnie is supposed to spend the night with me. Why are you sticking around?