Chapter 10
“Mom, cut it out.” Josh cut in
Dianna chuckled and said, “Fine. If you can get her to marry you. I won’t mind.”
Josh smiled, “That’s a deal”
Then Josh and Diama returned to the couch. Dianna continued her conversation with Natale, “Nat, did you finish school? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time!”
“I studied dance in college, but now… I’m a jewelry designer, Natalie informed her.
“Designer! You’re so talented, Dianna praised.
“Thank you.”
Natalie and Dianna had a nice chat. Sitting nearby, Josh picked up an orange from the table and started to peel it with smooth, precise movements. Even Dianna was surprised to see Josh peeling an orange all by himself.
Then Josh offered the orange to Natalie, saying, Try this”
Natalie was pleasantly surprised. Dianna encouraged her with a smile, “Go ahead.” Natalie accepted the orange and took a slice.
Josh whispered, “Is it sweet?”
Natalie nodded and answered. “Yes.”
Dianna smiled, amused by her son’s newfound ability to charm women.
After the snack. Dianna and Natalie kept talking for a while longer. Later, Dianna took Natalie for a tour around the villa’s garden.
Meanwhile, the servants clustered around Annabel and began to chat.
“How could Mr. President like her?”
“Olivia has known him for years. I can’t believe he’d choose someone else while she’s away.”
“Yes, Olivia should be Mr. Franco’s wife.”
“Hey, did you notice that her profile looks a bit like Olivia’s Maybe he’s with her because Olivia is not here and he needs someone to keep him company?”
Upon hearing this, Annabel telt a bit better. A hint of a smile appeared on her usually stern face. “Don’t spread rumors about the boss, Annabel instructed firmly.
“Yes” the servants replied.
It was soon midday, and Dianna returned inside with Natalie. After the maid brought our some fruit, Dianna, Natalie, and Josh settled on the couch and turned on the TV.
The news was on, featuring the Secretary of State and the Department of Foreign Affairs, who recently had a meeting with the Prime Minister of Yeka.
Natalie, feeling more comfortable after a lengthy chat, said, “Tve heard that we elected a new president of Solterra. It’s unexpected that he didn’t attend the foreign affairs meeting this time. I’m curious about what he looks like.”
Upon hearing this, everyone in the room, including Dianna, Josh, and the servants, turned to look at Natalie. There was an awkward silence.
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Feeling anxious, Natalie stammered, “Did I say something wrong?”
No one answered. Dianna simply blinked Josh’s expression grew awkward. The servants were puzzled and exchanged glances.
Finally, Dianna faced Natalie and then gave Josh a knowing look. She broke the quiet, “Not at all. Everyone’s free to speak their mind.” Dianna then gave Josh another wink.
A resigned Josh stepped aside with Dianna, who whispered, “Doesn’t Nat know who you are!”
Chapter 10
Josh replied, “Mom, I need to keep it a secret for now. Please back me up.”
Dianna considered this. If Natalie knew Josh’s status, it could scare her away. Returning to the couch, Dianna asked Natalie cheerfully. “What do you imagine our leader is like?”
Natalie, puzzled, said, “1. I’ve never seen him.”
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take a guess at his age Dianna glanced at Josh and snickered.
Thinking typical leaders were older, Natalie guessed, “Maybe sixty?”
Dianna couldn’t help but laugh.
Josh changed the topic and asked the servant, s lunch ready?”
The servant nodded and replied, “Yes,”
“We should eat,” Josh suggested. Then they all moved to the dining table to have lunch.
During the meal, Dianna paid close attention to Natalie and said, “Nat, Josh’s dad died when he was young. So I had to raise both Josh and Jensen myself. Jensen didn’t know you were coming today, so he’s not here to meet you. I hope you’re not upset with him.”
Natalie was taken aback
Dianna went on, “Josh is involved in politics and Jensen is in the business sector. They’re siblings”
Natalie nodded in understanding
After they finished eating, they spent some time talking together. Then it was time for Josh to leave.
Dianna was reluctant to say goodbye, She had Annabel get a sparkling diamond bracelet from the safe and tried to put it on Natalie’s wrist.
Seeing this, Natalie tried to decline. Thank you, but I can’t accept this” It was too much of a gift. Her relationship with Josh wasn’t that deep
“Nat, please, it’s a gift from me,” insisted Dianna. She added persuasively, “I really hope you’ll appreciate it”
Natalie looked over at Jesh for guidance. He gave her a reassuring bod. So Natalie allowed
Dianna fastened the bracelet on Natalie’s wrist and smiled, “It looks like it was made for you. Indeed, this bracelet belongs on you. Natalie smiled and expressed her gratitude to Dianna once again
On the drive back, nenher Natalie nor Josh spoke much. After a while, Natalie asked, “Can Last what your job is?”
“Me?” Josh replied, slightly amused. “I work with the President.”
Seeing her surprise, Josh explained further. I’m not high up or anything, but I’m fortunate to assist him with his work.”
Natalie was skeptical that someone who was only working for the President could own such an impressive home. “Are you involved in anything dishonest?” she asked, half–joking
“Ahem!” Martin was visibly shocked when he heard Natalie’s words.
Josh flashed a mischievous grin and said, “Not at all. I’m committed to my v
work, and the manor was a bonus.”
This explanation seemed to make sense to Natalie. She realized that with a brother in business, it wasn’t surprising that Josh was wealthy.
“Don’t worry. Thave a job I can take care of myself and won’t depend on you,” Natalie assured him.
Josh looked at her and smiled. “Don’t be concerned. I’m able to take care of you.”
For some reason, Natalie felt her cheeks warm up. She ran her fingers over the bracelet on her wrist and began to remove it. I should give this diamond bracelet back to you,” she said. The bracelet was bright and solid, the diamonds obviously valuable.
However, Josh said, “Just keep it. It’s yours.”
“But it’s way too expensive,” Natalie protested.
Josh replied calmly. “It’s fine.”
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Chapter 10
“Really?” asked Natalie in disbelief.
“Yes,” said Josh calmly. The diamond bracelet, crafted with an exceptionally rare diamond, was unique in the world and valued at 40 million dollars. It was intended as a special gift for Josh’s future wife, and also symbolized the standing of the potential next First Lady of Solterra.
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