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

herself and said,

heed to the Hills. Affably, he stood up and walked over to Natalie's

her eye lit up instantly, and her lips quivered

was too exuberant to detect any change in Mercede. Gesturing to Shane, she announced,

already taken a huge step forward and stood face

movement had simultaneously exposed Natalie to the Hill's curious

“Dad, she...” Annie gasped.

indicating for

as if her question

was watching

piercing gaze, Mercede gave his shoulder a good pat, saying, “He gets full marks for his physical appearance,

momentarily flustered. Whatever judgment he was expecting Mercede to issue, that

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

was just asking...” Mercede protested