For the next several hours, they worked side by side. Natalie examined the technical structure of Hawthorn Group's security system while Marcus traced the financial transactions through the available company records. Neither could complete the investigation alone.Natalie needed someone who understood corporate ownership and financial documentation, while Marcus needed her technical knowledge to identify which records might contain the missing information. Their first disagreement came before noon. “This transfer doesn't make sense,” Natalie said, pointing at a transaction on the screen. “The company received the money three days before the ownership change was officially recorded.” Marcus leaned closer to examine the figures. “The payment may have been an advance under a preliminary agreement. We need to check whether a contract existed before the transfer.&rdquo

Her gaze moved from his shoulders to his abdomen before she abruptly realized what she was doing. She snapped her eyes upward. Unfortunately, that only made her look directly into Marcus's face. He was staring at her with visible confusion. “Miss Natalie? Could you pass me the clean towel?” "Miss? Hello?" Natalie looked at the towel in her hand as though she had never seen one before. “Oh! Yes. Of course!” She practically threw it at him. Marcus caught it, completely baffled by her behavior. Meanwhile, Natalie stood beside the table, her face burning as she struggled to reconcile the man before her with the image she had carried in her mind for years. Her handsome neighbor suddenly seemed far less interesting. A

“Not yet. The current security system blocks access to the relevant records, and I'm not going to force my way through without understanding the consequences.” Natalie tapped a few keys. “But I found something in the publicly available corporate filings. One of the intermediary companies was registered shortly before Hawthorn Group began experiencing financial difficulties.” Marcus pulled a document from the stack. “Here. The registration date is listed in the company's old legal correspondence. The initial investor was a private holding company, but its ownership changed twice before the acquisition.” Damian examined the name. “Who owns it now?” “The public records list a different investment firm,” Marcus answered. “However, the firm appears to have connections to several businesses associated with Celine's netwo

The shopping mall was one of the most prestigious commercial centers in City V, filled with designer boutiques, jewelry stores, and exclusive restaurants that catered to wealthy customers. Its polished marble floors reflected the golden lights hanging from the ceiling, while shoppers moved between the stores carrying bags that cost more than some people's monthly salaries. Angelic had visited places like this countless times before her family's downfall. Back then, buying a handbag had never required careful consideration. Her father would occasionally purchase one for her birthday, while her mother preferred taking her shopping whenever they needed an excuse to spend time together. Those memories had once been a source of comfort. After losing her parents and watching her uncle dismantle their company, however, even the simplest reminder of her former life had become painful. Now, things were finally beginning to change

Natalie smiled. "As many as she wants to visit. Shop until drop!" "You know she's going to spend a fortune." "She seems determined to do that without any assistance from me." Angelic pressed her lips together to keep from laughing. Celine, who had overheard the last sentence, spun around. "And what exactly are you two whispering about? Feel sad huh? Beg me, I might give one of that luxury bag." "Nothing important," Natalie replied. "I was just telling Angelic that the luxury accessories floor has several more boutiques. Some of them carry collections that are much harder to find elsewhere. But, you might run out of money, maybe?" Celine's eyes sharpened. "Then why are we standing here?" She marched toward the escalator before either woman could answer. The next store specialized in luxury travel bags and designer acce