“Natalie, you’re amazing! First place in the International Math Competition. The Cross family used to look down on you and treat you like a maid. They must have been blind!”
Mrs. Lockwood was stunned by Natalie’s talent. She knew Natalie wasn’t an ordinary girl, but she never imagined she was this brilliant. Not only was she a skilled physician, but she had also clinched first place in the preliminary round of an international math competition.
To think a girl like her could be so humble, even after being oppressed for so long—it made Mrs. Lockwood’s blood boil.
Despite Mrs. Lockwood’s shock, Natalie remained calm as she prepared her medications.
“Natalie, how can you be so composed? The news is all about you! You’re the talk of Aurelis right now. Why aren’t you doing any interviews? Let me do your makeup, a lot of people are waiting to talk to you.”
“Thank you, ma’am, but it was just the preliminaries. The finals are still to come.”
Natalie didn’t want to be put on a pedestal. The higher you stood, the greater the risk.
“You’re being far too modest. If I were you, I’d be strutting around like I owned the place.”
Mrs. Lockwood did a little strut to demonstrate, and Natalie almost burst out laughing. Terence’s mother was certainly an interesting person.
Seeing Natalie smile, Mrs. Lockwood leaned in. “Even if you don’t want to be flashy, we should at least celebrate. You took first place, after all.”
“That’s not necessary.”
Natalie felt a little shy, but Mrs. Lockwood grabbed her arm excitedly. “What do you mean, not necessary? A celebration is a must.
Let’s go shopping! We’ll buy everything in sight and experience some real girl-time fun. Let’s go.”
Mrs. Lockwood held onto Natalie’s wrist, giving her no chance to refuse.
***
At a top international luxury brand store.
The sales associates stood in two neat lines, bowing in unison as they entered.

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