The assistant blinked, torn between them. She looked at Natalie for guidance. "Whose card should I use?"
The man in the wheelchair claimed to be Natalie's fiance a, but the handsome man standing beside her gave off an air of prestige. He even admitted to leaving a mark on Natalie's neck—implying an intimate relationship.
Just as the assistant reached for Natalie's card, she drew it back and turned to William. "Are you sure you want to pay for this?"
"Of course," William answered, shooting a glance at Logan with a smug smile. It was as if Logan's outstretched card was now hanging in the air, useless.
Natalie nodded. "Alright, let this gentleman pay. Please wrap up every new outfit I can wear in this store."
The assistant blinked in surprise, then quickly recovered and smiled brightly. "Right away, ma'am."
She didn't care who paid. Money was money.
William's brow furrowed. All the new clothes? Natalie, who used to be frugal, now spent like she didn't have a care in the world?
Then he remembered the ten million-dollar breakup fee.
He had to admit—Natalie had changed. And now he was trying desperately to pull her back.
But still, it wasn't a loss. If Logan hadn't offered, would Natalie have let him foot the bill?
The satisfaction from outshining Logan brought a smug look to William's face.
"This way, sir," the assistant said, leading him to the register.
Logan retracted his credit card, his expression cooling. "Didn't you say you were going to make a scene? Then why are you still letting him pay?"
Natalie frowned. "It's not 'letting'—I'm collecting what William owes me."
And she planned to collect everything he owed her—down to the last cent.
"After collecting, what next? Throw the clothes at him like a ball and hope he chokes on them?"
Natalie caught the sarcasm and answered seriously, "That won't kill him. At best, it'll make him uncomfortable."
She added, "But that's all I can do now—create small discomforts and hope they build up until he feels miserable enough to wish he were dead."
Logan's mood visibly lightened.
So she wanted revenge, not romance. That made sense.
"But just spending one or two million—are you sure that's enough to make him feel that way?"
"If I can, I plan to extort a painting from him."
"A painting?"
"'The Spring Art.' I saw the ad when I walked into the mall. It's being auctioned in the basement today."
"You like art?"
Natalie nodded earnestly. "Yes, I really love that one."
Especially since it would be worth a billion in two years.
Logan adjusted his cuff casually.
Natalie's eyes followed his motion—and froze when she noticed the missing cufflink. Her face reddened with guilt.
"Um, Mr. Logan, actually… last night, while you were sleeping, I took your left cufflink."
She confessed, her tone flustered. "Because… if I want to break off my engagement with William, I need the Roberts family to believe I'm involved with you."
"I know I shouldn't have used your name without your permission. It wasn't right. But no one else could help me like you could."
"And I'm really sorry I took it without asking. That was wrong. But… can I borrow it for a few more days? I promise I won't damage or dirty it."
She lowered her head like a scolded child, waiting for his verdict.
After a moment, Logan's calm voice broke the silence. "No need to return it. Keep it."
"Huh? You're giving it to me?" Natalie looked up, astonished.
Was Logan really that generous?
He didn't scold her for stealing—and even gifted her the cufflink?
So much for the rumors of him being vindictive…
"But why?" she asked hesitantly. "It looked important."
"Consider it payment."
"Payment?" Natalie was confused. "Isn't payment something you offer when I ask for help later?"
"The cufflink was my first help."
Natalie's eyes sparkled. The first help—so there could be more?
"Thank you, Lord Logan. You're really a good person!"
Logan's lips twitched slightly. That was the first time anyone had ever called him that.
Off to the side, Dylan's eyes widened. He actually gave away the cufflink?
Then it hit him.
If the cufflinks stayed with their owner, they might draw unwanted attention. But if they were given away—to someone like Natalie—then Garner and Audrey would never suspect a thing.
Dylan chuckled to himself. His master was always three steps ahead.
Meanwhile, William returned from the checkout. As he turned his wheelchair around, he spotted Natalie and Logan standing face to face—her in a flowing starry-blue gown, him in a deep ocean-blue suit. A breeze lifted her dress just slightly, brushing gently against his tailored pants.
For a moment, they looked like they were in their own world.
Excluding him entirely.
William's expression darkened. He wheeled himself forcefully between them.
"Natalie, you've bought your clothes. What more do you want?"
Natalie glanced at Logan. Seeing no objection in his eyes, she said, "When I entered the mall earlier, I saw an ad for an art auction. There's a painting by Master Newborn starting at just five million."
William's face tensed.
Five million? That was just the starting bid!
Still, he looked at Logan, remembered his mission today, and made up his mind.
"Alright. If you like it, I'll buy it.
Natalie glanced at Logan, who stood silently in front of them. He shifted slightly to the side, giving her space. She quietly let out a breath of relief and walked out of the shop first.
Seeing Logan step aside, William felt triumphant. He believed he had won this round and stood a little taller, thinking Logan had no shot at Natalie's heart. William planned to buy the painting and talk to Natalie about taking responsibility for what happened the previous night. That way, Thomas wouldn't be able to press the issue any further. Victory felt within reach. He was almost glad he was in a wheelchair—otherwise, he might have stumbled from excitement.
Logan's face remained unreadable. Meanwhile, Dylan's lips twitched, and he silently concluded that the Parker family's fortune would soon be restored.
When they reached the elevator, William suddenly thought of Hailey. "Natalie, buying the painting can wait. Shouldn't we head to the hospital first?"
Natalie raised an eyebrow. "To give Hailey a blood transfusion?"
"Yes. After all, she's your sister..."
"But I don't want to go. Didn't you see how she schemed against me today?"
Her expression darkened. "If you don't want to buy the painting, just say so. Don't use Hailey to disgust me!"
"You almost made me forget," she added with a cold laugh. "Isn't Hailey the moonlight in your heart?"
William was momentarily embarrassed, but deep down, he was oddly pleased. It seemed Natalie still had feelings for him. He glanced at her—there was no denying she was more beautiful than Hailey.