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.

back, the Hills had yet to catch a glimpse of Natalie. They were, however, immediately confounded by the sight of Shane sitting on the sofa. “Mr.

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

to the Hills. Affably, he stood up and

her eye lit up

in Mercede. Gesturing to Shane, she announced, “Ms. Mackenzie,

before Natalie could finish her sentence, Mercede had already taken a huge step forward and stood face

Natalie to the Hill's curious

“Dad, she...” Annie gasped.

shook his head violently, indicating for Annie to hold her

hung open as if her question

the Hills' strange behavior. She was watching nervously as Mercede

gave his shoulder a good pat,

momentarily flustered. Whatever judgment he was expecting Mercede

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

asking...” Mercede protested