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.

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

said, “Ms. Mackenzie, there's someone I want to

no heed to the Hills. Affably, he stood up

him, her eye lit up instantly, and her lips quivered slightly

any change in Mercede. Gesturing to

had already taken a huge step forward and stood face

to the Hill's curious stares, which

“Dad, she...” Annie gasped.

his head violently, indicating for Annie to hold her

if her question still dangled therein. After a while, however, she obediently remained

was watching nervously as Mercede circled Shane,

on pronouncing it. Undeterred by Shane's piercing gaze, Mercede gave his shoulder a good pat, saying, “He gets full marks for his

judgment he was expecting Mercede to

her, whispering, “Ms. Mackenzie, what

was just asking...” Mercede protested