The truth was, aside from his aging looks and expanding waistline, the only thing Jacob had ever been good at was charming women. But even that ended once the chase was over—once he "won," he never valued what he had, only strutted around, lording his macho ego. So yes, Lillian deeply resented and envied Scarlett, but she had to admit that Jacob had never really been worthy of her. And now, more than ever, she felt he wasn't worthy of her either. Other than sheer dumb luck, the man had nothing that could hold a candle to her. If Lillian had ever been given the chance to really study and marry into money, she was certain she would've done far better than he ever had. Meanwhile, back at home, Natalie returned to find Cassian already setting dinner on the table. "Who rang the doorbell? You were gone a while." Natalie sat down at the table. "It's Rosalie." Cassian paused, then realized who she meant. "Your stepsister?" Natalie lifted her eyes to him. "You know her?" Cassian nodded. "Roderick mentioned her to me once." Natalie let out a flat "Oh," then added, "She's not really my stepsister. She's just Jacob's illegitimate kid." Knowing the subject soured her mood, Cassian didn't push further. Instead, he asked, "The house is pretty much in order now. Is there anything else you want to fix up?" Natalie thought for a moment. "Yeah. Some details. I still want to make a few changes."Cassian asked, "What exactly do you have in mind? I'll help." Natalie replied, "I'm sealing off the doors and windows we don't use. And I've got some security cameras. I'm planning to set them up around the villa." Cassian nodded. "You're right. Safety should come first." After dinner, the two of them got to work. Unused windows were bricked over with cement, the rest replaced with bulletproof glass. The front door was already reinforced steel, so all it needed was a new lock. Cameras went up in the front and back yards, along the main road, and even outside the top-floor windows. By the time night fell, the makeover was finally done. Natalie sat at the computer, checking the new surveillance feed. Every shift of the wind, every shadow, showed up on the screen. Once the work was finished, she got ready to head next door as promised. Cassian needed to swing by his own place first to grab a few personal things, then he'd join her later. Natalie left the pets to watch the house, not forgetting to fill their bowls before leaving. For Lucky and Baron—both die-hard meat lovers—she tossed in a couple of lamb chops to gnaw on. Just as Natalie was about to head out, the usually quiet homebody, Cash, suddenly turned clingy. Flapping his wings, he insisted on following her to the door. Natalie blinked in surprise. Even Baron, normally the one glued to her side, was staying put, happily scarfing down food. So why was Cash so desperate to tag along?A moment later it clicked. Cash wanted to see Snowy, the hen. Natalie hesitated, then gave in. She couldn't exactly spend every day wrapped up with Cassian while keeping Cash apart from his mate. Before leaving, she teased him, "Cash, maybe I should just bring Snowy home for you, huh?" But instead of perking up, Cash bristled, feathers puffing out, glaring at her like he hated the idea. Natalie raised a brow. "What's that supposed to mean? Don't want to take responsibility for her?" Cash ducked his head under a wing, pretending not to hear. Then he strutted over to the door, pecking at it with his beak before glancing back at her—Well? You coming or what? Natalie rolled her eyes. "Fine, fine! Look at you, all worked up." Across the room, Baron had been happily chewing his lamb chop, but the second he saw his rival heading out alone with their owner, he bolted over. He swiped at Cash with a paw—you sneaky one, you're not hogging her all to yourself! Then wagged his tail at Natalie, demanding to come too. Even as he looked up at her, though, his eyes kept drifting back to the half-eaten lamb chop he'd left behind. Natalie couldn't help laughing. "If you just want to eat, then finish your food. No need to tag along." Then she added with a grin, "Cash is heading out on a date. You don't even have a partner. What are you coming for?"Baron froze, staring at her in shock, as if he couldn't believe something so cold could come from his warm-hearted owner. Was she looking down on Baron because he was single? He tilted his head, murmured a few indignant notes, then stomped back to his bowl, still grumbling as he went. Fine! I didn't want to go anyway. Natalie chuckled and tried to soothe him. "Don't be mad." Baron just turned his back on her. "Okay then ... I'm heading out, alright?" she teased. In response, he let out a long, dramatic fart. Natalie burst out laughing. "Little brat—such a temper." With that, she leashed up Cash and stepped out the door. Next door, she found Harold standing in the yard, prying at the gate. When he spotted her, his face lit up and he waved. "Hey, Idol! You're here! Did you get all your cameras set up?" Of course he had noticed that Natalie and Cassian had been all over the property installing surveillance, and from the neighboring villa, Harold had seen everything clear as day.