CEO's Passion: Love by Mistake

Beside her were another two figures, one older and one younger.

When Natalie's gaze shifted to their faces, her eyes widened in shock. “It's them!” she cried out instinctively.

The other two accompanying Mercede, Andre and his daughter Annie, were familiar faces to Natalie. She had previously met them at a wedding Stanley had brought her to, where they were introduced to Natalie as the groom's family members.

Why are they here now? Natalie was puzzled.

Shane had also recognized the Hills and was likewise slightly taken aback by their presence there. However, he was more practiced at concealing his emotions and wiped off the look of surprise on his face as quickly as it appeared.

Alerted by Natalie's cry, Mercede and the Hills turned unanimously in Shane and Natalie's direction.

When Mercede caught sight of Natalie, her dark eyes lit up. Disregarding the two behind her, Mercede extended her arms toward Natalie, exclaiming in delight, “My dear, you've finally come to visit! I've missed you so much!”

Natalie stood up and ran toward Mercede with equal enthusiasm. The two women embraced and air-kissed each other on both cheeks. “Ms. Mackenzie, I'm back! I've missed you too. Happy birthday!”

“Thank you, my dear,” Mercede said earnestly, holding Natalie's hands tightly.

glimpse of Natalie. They were, however, immediately confounded by the sight of

disentangled herself and said, “Ms. Mackenzie, there's someone I want

no heed to the Hills. Affably, he stood

up instantly, and her lips

change in Mercede. Gesturing to Shane, she announced, “Ms. Mackenzie, this is my boyfriend. His

could finish her sentence, Mercede had already taken a huge step forward

Natalie to the Hill's curious

“Dad, she...” Annie gasped.

his head violently, indicating for Annie

her father to Natalie, Annie's mouth hung open as if her question still dangled

Hills' strange behavior. She was

it. Undeterred by Shane's piercing gaze, Mercede gave his shoulder a good pat, saying, “He gets full marks for his physical appearance, that's for sure. Sir, may I ask if you

he was expecting Mercede

Mercede toward her, whispering, “Ms. Mackenzie, what are you

just asking...” Mercede